Inching My Way Closer to the Castle Final thoughts/future trips 4/2p90 The End 4/4p92

[rndmr2]

Great update and Pictures! Love that view from your balcony.

I'll admit I can't see that hidden Mickey either.

Sorry about your son's soccer game.

I can't believe you had no wait on Soarin' ! I loved that ride, love the scene with the oranges, it reminds me of Horizons.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

My favorite thing about Soarin' is the smell of the pine trees and the smell of the oranges!

Least favorite- when the scene changes abruptly. I have to close my eyes for a moment sometimes.
Otherwise it would be - The End of the ride!

Jen - I completely agree with your comments about BLT. I could be any place. It does not shout "DISNEY" at all. I understand that it is supposed to coordinate with the Contemporary, but still.

I like the smells too, but they always seem to be working. My least favorite is the surfing scene that MEK loves. I'm a bit of a water-phobe and that scene gets too close to the water for me!

MEK said it best when talking about VWL and how she didn't love it. The pacific northwest theme seems out of place in the tropical Florida location and it feels forced to her, but atleast it transports her somewhere! BLT doesn't say anything to me, it doesn't take me anywhere. Except for the walking path to MK, that takes me somewhere!

Great updates
I must admit the pool does seem to look much cooler from above...it doesn't seem very big and I like the zero entry (am I that old now?!!) that many of the other pools have. That being said, the slide looks cool and I am always good for a few rides
Those vultures again!! They were so many on the safari....around the hippo and pelican area. Like A LOT!!! I really wonder if they have a problem with them...if not now then they will.
Soarnin: favorite part going over the ocean...or kicking the rafter in the head
least favorite would be the location....I don't head in that direction of the park except for this ride so it is not always a must do for me I know, I know

Tracy

The pool wasn't very big, or deep. No, no, I love the zero entry too! That's not an old-person thing! What's up with you people kicking the rafters in the head? I had never heard of that until I was riding it with MEK! And when she mentioned when to do it we kicked in unison, like Rockettes! I can't imagine *not* heading in that direction!

We ate at GG in 2006 and really enjoyed it, probably the best character interaction we've ever had.

I have to admit, I can't find the hidden Mickey in the pic.....

No wait on Soarin'?! That's awesome, and for getting the 'good seats'. As for my favorite part, I'm not sure I can pick one. I love the river scene, and skiing in the mountain, and the orange grove, the ocean, and DL - I could go on and on. I can tell you my least favorite part though, I don't like when it jumps to downtown LA at night, I have to close my eyes for a minute there or I start to feel queazy.

That's one of the reasons we love GG, great characer interaction!

The hidden Mickey is, well... hidden. Ill see if I can highlight him and repost later.

It was EERIE walking all the way down the hall, up the ramp, past the wall, through the inner-turnstyle, then down to the concourse with not one other soul in sight! I like the whole ride experience too, though some parts are better than others for me (not a fan of water). Something I've alwas thought was a brilliant aspect of Soarin' is its flexibility. They can change the ride! Why don't they? Wouldn't it be cool if it was Soarin' Over the USA? They've changed TOT several times, why not this one?

Yay! I finally caught up! Such BEAUTIFUL pictures ... I loved going from page to page wondering what will be next! Hope soccer goes well tonight!

We're just starting the end of Day 3 - more to come!

D4D

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Great updates! Love that you tried the slide at BLT! We'll see if you can get me to try the slide at Stormalong Bay. That is something I haven't tried in ~4 stays. Maybe after a margarita.

Garden Grill looks like fun.

Holy empty Soarin' queue!!

I agree with Tracy...kicking the rafter in the head may be a favorite. Not sure I have a least favorite in the ride but just the whole hassle of getting there can be a pain.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

I admit, I feel the same way about the BLT pool! It looks a lot cooler from above then pool level. Not that it's not nice, it's lovely! Any pool that has zero entry it fab to me and the sheer fact that it's a WDW pool makes it great. But really, considering other pools it's a little stark!

I'll also admit that apparently I'm a geezer!! LOL!!! I ALWAYS go down sitting up! I guess it's because I'm a chicken!

I know all about that balcony calling your name! I may have taken a nap on ours!

 

[Ducky4Disney]

I keep waiting and waiting for MEK to update but she's not here! I'm looking at my pics and trying to remember what we did next and mine go right to Illuminations, but I know we did something in between.

I know this because I checked the times on my pics! I took the last one at Soarin' at 7:24 pm and the first Illuminations pic at 9:00 pm; we must've done someting in between. :

Oh yeah! We went over to TT and M:S! We rode M:S first; I went orange and MEK went green. No probem, we're big kids and we can ride alone. See ya on the other side! Did anyone ride M:S when it opened? How fast did it go then? I know they've slowed it down quite a bit. I think I heard that it spins at 35 mph now. I'd like to try it FULL SPEED!

After we meet up, MEK mentions that I "sure was talking a lot over there". Huh? I wasn't talking. What makes you think it was me?! (Ok, I talk a lot, and loudly usually, so I understand; but still) Then she says, "Well, it was either you or someone else" - really? Ya don't say? It was either me or someone else; way to narrow it down!

After that I remember a phone call... not for me, but MEK. It was one of her boys. Sometihng was awry and I felt bad for MEK. It's tough to be on vaca and try to solve home problems.

On to TT! I have a particular love for TT. My dad is a retired GM employee so I've spent time up in the VIP lounge. Walking through the que reminds me of when I got to visit the plant and see all the robots in action. Speaking of que, we walked and walked and walked through a very long, but empty, que. There was so much to see! And take pictures of! MEK, might have taken a few (and by "a few" I mean like, 30 ) but I didn't get out my camera. I just wanted to enjoy a ride and get outside to see Illuminations!

There was a large group of people being escorted ahead of us. I think they were there for a pre-party thing for F&W. We got a back row seat for TT and the CM assigned a third person to ride with us. Ok, we don't mind, the backseat it built for 3 and they need to run it at capacity. So I cozy up to MEK expecting the mystery rider to take the seat on my right. He doens't. He stays on the platform and decides to take the next car. Great, now I look like a seat stalker all snuggled up to MEK for no reason. Geesh.

I heard that TT was designed to go 100 mph, but GM wouldn't sponsor it if it did, because it would be condoning wreckless driving, or something to that effect. Anyone else ever heard this? We swiped our FP for a ride pic (of me snuggling up to MEK) and went on our way.

Illuminations! I love Illuminations! BEST! FIREWORKS! EVER!

I like Illuminations because it has fireworks, fire, water, lights, and lasers! I also love the song; I get all teary and I can't help singing it. So if you're in WDW wondering who is sniffling and singing during Illuminations; that'd-be-me.

Wow! Look at all the words up there! I like pic-reports better, so here are a few of mine. Didn't get many good firework pics this time around, but I've never snapped good pics of the globe. This time I did!

This one's ok...

Better...

Boo-yah!

Sweet!

Go me!

Ahh.... I love that show. Back to the mama-rail! Where I took this:

I love these flags. I'm not sure I got a pic of one for each park or not. Best part of that pic is SE peaking in on the bottom.

D4D

 

[Wicket's Mom]

My husband is a GM retiree & we used to visit that loung. It was great, free sodas & a resting place for awhile. When one was ready to ride TT, a secret entrance to the front of the line. GM no longer provides the lounge.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

My husband is a GM retiree & we used to visit that loung. It was great, free sodas & a resting place for awhile. When one was ready to ride TT, a secret entrance to the front of the line. GM no longer provides the lounge.

GASP! They don't have the VIP lounge anymore? That sucks! I'm bummed about that, how sad. I wonder why they got rid of it? Cutbacks, I'm sure.

D4D

 

[KatMark]

Great pics of Illuminations, Jen. Personally, my favorite is Wishes, but we do enjoy Illimuniations when we catch it. Your pictures have made me hungry to see it next eyar (we skipped it this year).

 

[Ducky4Disney]

Great pics of Illuminations, Jen. Personally, my favorite is Wishes, but we do enjoy Illimuniations when we catch it. Your pictures have made me hungry to see it next eyar (we skipped it this year).

Actually, I think Wishes is a better fireworks show than Illuminations, strictly speaking. It's all the extra stuff that makes Illuminations my favorite. I wanted to see fireworks every night because, well, I could; didn't happen that way but I saw more this time than last time. My DS was scared of the fireworks and we had to leave every time they started.

D4D

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Ahh.... I love that show. Back to the mama-rail! Where I took this:

I love these flags. I'm not sure I got a pic of one for each park or not. Best part of that pic is SE peaking in on the bottom.

D4D

Okay, I have been at least twice during this Celebrate promotion and NOT ONCE did I ever notice the signs were specific to each park!!! DOH! Jeez. Now, of course, they will be gone for my next trip. Could you maybe post the ones from the other parks (if you haven't already and I was dumb enough not to notice them)? Pretty Please?

That is cool that SE is in back though!

 

[KathyRN137]

Finally made it!! Don't

I'm on page five.....


Kathy

 

[MaryAz]

Great pics of the globe and Illuminations!!!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Fabulous Illuminations pictures Jen! Those pics of the globe are crazy good!

 

[MEK]

Sorry I got behind this weekend. Without going into detail, it turned out to be a weird weekend witha disappointing piece of news which made me feel less than social. But on a bright note, I scrapped wall paper for 3 hours yesterday and the preliminary stage of my ktchen rennovation is about to begin - the initial painting.

We have this 80's dark wood trim in our kitchen which the contractor, who is doing our remodel, suggested that we paint white. I am talking doors, windows, molding, everything. Then we had to take down our 1980's floral print wall paper for a fresh coat of paint. Imagine what a mess that was since the paper has been up for years and it was placed over builders grade paint that chipped like crazy as the wall paper came off. I am surprised I am not carrying around my arm in a sling today.


I also forget to take pictures of the horrible wall paper. Oops. I wanted to document this project, but I somehow got distracted by all Denny's moaning and groaning. Men! Ugh!


So hopefully I can't update tonight because Jen is way ahead of me. I still need to post dinner pics and Illuminations pics and I have a busy week ahead of me.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

Okay, I have been at least twice during this Celebrate promotion and NOT ONCE did I ever notice the signs were specific to each park!!! DOH! Jeez. Now, of course, they will be gone for my next trip. Could you maybe post the ones from the other parks (if you haven't already and I was dumb enough not to notice them)? Pretty Please?

That is cool that SE is in back though!

I have one from MGM on Day 5, but I didn't get one from AK or MK. I'll have to go through them again to see if I have one I don't know about (with >1000 pics that's always possible). MEK has got to have one from each park! There's also the big sign with all four symbols.

Finally made it!! Don't

I'm on page five.....


Kathy

It's an easy, yet entertaining read with more pics than words!

Great pics of the globe and Illuminations!!!

Fabulous Illuminations pictures Jen! Those pics of the globe are crazy good!

I never thought I'd get such good shots of the globe! It was hard to do because my camera did not want to focus and release the shutter. I could have put it in manual focus and done it that way but it didn't want to mess with it in the dark and lose shots fiddling with it. It gives me hope that I can do it again!


I am so excited to see MEK's little green light on! I feel an update coming on! Yea!

D4D

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Jen, the reason that was given for the closing of the lounge was GM's bankruptcy.

MaryEllen, I havesort of the same problem, all of my woodwork is dark & I'm going to be painting it soon. I just can't decide my color scheme. Our house was built in 1978, so have some of the same issues. I have taken off & replaced wallpaper over the years, but am getting rid of most of the paper. We are getting new french doors on our family so this is a good time to start painting.

Loved the pictures of the globe, they turned out great.

 

[MEK]

Can I just tell you guys that I was half way through my replies and I accidently deleted them all!

I am just too tired to redo them, but I am going to do an update and I promise replies tomorrow. PROMISE!



So My update goes back to our dinner at Garden Grill. I think we may have grabbed Soarin' FP's before we went to dinner, but as you can see from Jen's update we didn't need them.

It's hard to describe the Garden Grill. The first thought that comes to mind is the 80's. The seating is pretty tight because now-a-days everything is bigger and more spread out. I think that's why the seating felt tight. I mean Jen and I had plenty of room but there were little kids at the table next to us and everytime one of them got up the practically stepped on me getting out of the seat.

First the kicking toddler at Nemo, now the child on the bench next to me crawling out of the bench seat with shoes heading towards my white pants.

Oh, whatever. Really wasn't that bad. I'm just trying to create a visual.

So, is this the section with the hidden mickey???? If so, I don't see it all all.....lol!

The murals on the wall were pretty. This was our location when we were first seated.....

It didn't take long before we had company for dinner.....

How cute is he.....?

How cute are they....?

First up was the salad and it was really delish....

In case you were wondering, GG rotates counter clockwise so this was the next icon to come into view (edited pic).....

Oh, look, here's the big cheese himself....

The Big Cheese and Jen.....

The Big Cheese and Yours Truly.....

Next we rotated past living with the land. Quite honestly we did not make it around the whole rotation. Here is a light picture I took.

In case you are wondering what the food looked like, here it is. This is actually our second plate of food. Yeah - we pretty much demolished the first plate. I photographed our half eaten plates, but you probably don't want to see that. This looks much nicer.....

I filled up mostly on the fish (mahi mahi) and the veggies. That fish was sooooooooooooooooooo goooooooooooooood!!!!!! Really good! I loved every bite. The veggies were super yummy too. By the time we got seconds I was ready to burst. Good thing I had a drawstring in my pants.

Next up was......

Is that Chip or is that Dale????? Jen told me the difference, but I don't remember. What kinds of DISer am I? (Don't answer that)

Dessert was next. Take a look at this.....

A little bit closer now......

As tight as my pants felt, I loosened the drawstring again and made some more room.

The Big Cheese came back for a second visit, but by this time we were far too full to stand and mingle. Sorry BC. Maybe next time!

Dinner was really good. For a really satisfying family style meal, I would definitely recommend it. The character interaction was excellent. If you want a tasty meal with great character interaction, do not hesitate. That mahi-mahi ------again Sooooooooooooo Goooooooooooooood!

As you know, next up was Soarin. It was so much fun to walk right on. And, of course, hang gliding is a great way to burn off those extra calories. lol!

After Soarin we still had time before Illuminations so headed over to Mission Space. I took the green side and Jen went orange. Funny thing was the place was so empty that I could hear Jen in the queue next to mine talking to someone. As you know, Jen is not shy when it comes to meeting strangers so it didn't take long until she was yakin' it up. She swears it wasn't her that I heard, but I doubt that two people in MS have the exact same voice. So, yes Jen, I am quite certain the voice I heard was yours.

I ended up seating with two girls who went separately from their mother and father. They were both speaking a foreign language (dont ask me what) and I tried to tell them that I would be fine going by myself if the four of them wanted to stay together. Apparently they either didn't understand me or they really wanted to get away from the folks for 5 minutes. So during the ride the conversed with each other in a language I still have yet to identify.

My ride ended before Jen's, so I sent myself and Tracy a postcard from outer space. It was pretty funny cause it had me walking on the moon and falling on my butt. I didn't have time to send the rest of the "East meet West" girls another postcard before Jen exited the ride.

Next up....TT! Again, we were on that ride in no time. TT at night is the best. I LOVE the feel of the air rushing against my face, especially in the dark. I don't remember who we sat with and I didn't take a red neck ride photo because I scanned it on my photopass. Only thing is, I don't remember it coming up on my pp pictures. I haven't gotten my CD yet to double check, but I'm pretty sure its not there.

So Jen and I basically conquered the BIG 3 in less than 90 minutes and we arrived at Illuminations just in time for the start of the show. We watched it from Norway, which happens to be my favorite "in a pinch" Illuminations spot. I have always been successful in standing there at the last possible moment and still getting a nice view.

I will leave you with a few Illuminations pictures and then finish up tomorrow and finish my replies.......

And with that, I will call it a wrap for tonight.

Again, I apologize for being so tardy with the replies and I promise to post them tomorrow!

To be continued with More Illuminations........

 

[MEK]

Sorry the team lost, MaryEllen. I felt that way a lot of times too...if I just hadn't traveled ALL that way....

I have traveled to that same general location for several different soccers events and the outcome is always the same. No more downstate travel for me!

Ah nutz!! Sorry to hear they lost the game Mary Ellen! Glad to hear they were good sports and played well, though!

Thanks! But, you are so right. The main thing is they played a good game and they were good sports about losing. sometimes that counts more than a win!

Great update and Pictures! Love that view from your balcony.

I'll admit I can't see that hidden Mickey either.

the view from the balcony was so awesome!!!!!

And IMHO - there really isn't a hidden mickey there. It's a trick!

Sorry about your son's soccer game.

Thanks!

I can't believe you had no wait on Soarin' ! I loved that ride, love the scene with the oranges, it reminds me of Horizons.

The oranges do smell soooooo good. It really is refreshing! Having no wait was really pretty amazing and very unexpected!

Great updates! Love that you tried the slide at BLT! We'll see if you can get me to try the slide at Stormalong Bay. That is something I haven't tried in ~4 stays. Maybe after a margarita.

I think I might need two ritas before I go down that slide. Just call me chicken!

Garden Grill looks like fun.

The food and character interaction were really good. If you like "in your face" characters - this is the place.

Holy empty Soarin' queue!!

I'm so glad Jen took a picture! Photographic proof of our solitude!

I agree with Tracy...kicking the rafter in the head may be a favorite. Not sure I have a least favorite in the ride but just the whole hassle of getting there can be a pain.

I keep trying to kick that rafter into the water, but he just won't budge!

I admit, I feel the same way about the BLT pool! It looks a lot cooler from above then pool level. Not that it's not nice, it's lovely! Any pool that has zero entry it fab to me and the sheer fact that it's a WDW pool makes it great. But really, considering other pools it's a little stark!

Very well said Melissa. Stark is a good description. It just lacks something when you get to pool level. And I decided that BEFORE I went to visit the GF pools.

I'll also admit that apparently I'm a geezer!! LOL!!! I ALWAYS go down sitting up! I guess it's because I'm a chicken!

Well, apparently you need TWO RITAS before you go down the slide, too. It will cushion the blow of the slide on the back of your head, geezer!

I know all about that balcony calling your name! I may have taken a nap on ours!

Like a beacon in the night, that balcony just beckons you forward. An irresistable beam dragging you to the light!

 

[MEK]

Did anyone ride M:S when it opened? How fast did it go then? I know they've slowed it down quite a bit. I think I heard that it spins at 35 mph now. I'd like to try it FULL SPEED!



D4D

I rode it several times when it first opened and I remember thinking it was the greatest ride ever. So realistic. Then when that little boy died it made me rethink my love of the ride. After one particular ride I got a little dizzy, so I sat down on one of the benches outside the ride. In 5 seconds flat two CM's were asking me if I was OK. It freaked me out a bit. Now I go green, although I admit that green is a little boring. I did not know they slowed the orange down. Had not heard that.

After we meet up, MEK mentions that I "sure was talking a lot over there". Huh? I wasn't talking. What makes you think it was me?! (Ok, I talk a lot, and loudly usually, so I understand; but still) Then she says, "Well, it was either you or someone else" - really? Ya don't say? It was either me or someone else; way to narrow it down!

Jen - It WAS you! I am sure of it. The queue was empty and it sounded JUST like you! Nuff said!

After that I remember a phone call... not for me, but MEK. It was one of her boys. Sometihng was awry and I felt bad for MEK. It's tough to be on vaca and try to solve home problems.

I don't remember that particular call. The only call that really stands out was when one of my kids called and asked where their soccer uniform was. Really? The same uniform they wore two nights ago when I was already in Disney world? Let me get out my crystal ball!

Kids - Sheesh!

My husband is a GM retiree & we used to visit that loung. It was great, free sodas & a resting place for awhile. When one was ready to ride TT, a secret entrance to the front of the line. GM no longer provides the lounge.

That's too bad. What a nice perk! That would have been a fun place to visit!

Great pics of Illuminations, Jen. Personally, my favorite is Wishes, but we do enjoy Illimuniations when we catch it. Your pictures have made me hungry to see it next eyar (we skipped it this year).

Those pictures DID turn out really well. Just goes to show that the view from Norway is not that shabby!

Okay, I have been at least twice during this Celebrate promotion and NOT ONCE did I ever notice the signs were specific to each park!!! DOH! Jeez. Now, of course, they will be gone for my next trip. Could you maybe post the ones from the other parks (if you haven't already and I was dumb enough not to notice them)? Pretty Please?

That is cool that SE is in back though!

I actually did not notice that either. Thank goodness for pictures to point out all those details. I probably still wouldn't have noticed if you hadn't pointed it out. So Thanks!!!!!!

Finally made it!! Don't

I'm on page five.....


Kathy

Kathy! I have recovered from my fainting! Thanks so much for joining in!

I know the feeling of getting behind. All too well!

Great pics of the globe and Illuminations!!!

Fabulous Illuminations pictures Jen! Those pics of the globe are crazy good!

Thanks guys! Jen really did do an awesome job with pictures on this trip. I love looking at them!

Jen, the reason that was given for the closing of the lounge was GM's bankruptcy.

I figured that was probably the culprit. too bad!

MaryEllen, I havesort of the same problem, all of my woodwork is dark & I'm going to be painting it soon. I just can't decide my color scheme. Our house was built in 1978, so have some of the same issues. I have taken off & replaced wallpaper over the years, but am getting rid of most of the paper. We are getting new french doors on our family so this is a good time to start painting.

.

I am going with tan and white on the ceiling, trim, and soffets (sp?). I hope I like it. I will know today when I get home. The trim looks great, but the tan wasn't up yesterday so it just looked like glaring, white walls!

Loved the pictures of the globe, they turned out great.

They really did - kudos to Jen!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Great pics of Illuminations!

Are we getting close to our meet yet?