It's gonna take a lot to take me away from this view! 7/10 - Finished!

[teekathepony]

Sometimes it's nice and needed to just cancel all of the plans and relax a little on a disney vacation!! Love your slow morning!

Absolutely, we're not used to doing that and it felt a little like Disney blasphemy to not be in a park... but so worth it!!

So you couldn't get refills with your breakfast? That's weird.

You could still use your refill mug, but you used to get one entree and two drinks (not including your refill mug) with breakfast (in lieu of dessert) -- like a coffee and an orange juice. I guess it's because you could get your coffee in your refill mug, and every regular meal plan comes with a mug, but I still missed being able to get a juice and a bottle of water.

I hope it's warming up in Cape Breton!! Enjoy your day!

Thanks! Today was beautiful, lots of snow melted and we had the sun for a whole day! (I'm off to enjoy it now!)

Love all of your pictures from the party! And in my book there can be no such thing as too many pictures or overload but you already knew that!

Thanks!! Hahaha yes, and I agree!

I continue to have this fear of setting up a tripod on Main Street or anywhere in and around the Hub area for MK fireworks which has prevented me from trying it so far. I keep thinking that the crowds will be too much and eventually knock my tripod over or someone will trip over the tripod.

I've found most people to be very respectful when I have my camera on a tripod. I bring my small travel one which doesn't open very wide anyway, but when people see me set up with it they try to duck out of my way and give me lots of room. You should give it a try.

Spending some leisure time at the resorts are awesome and so relaxing after a few days of park tours.

It was wonderful, and soooo necessary!

 

[teekathepony]

I'll be back with more replies in a few hours. The sun is SHINING for once and it's warm! I'm going out to take advantage before it goes down for the day!

 

[teekathepony]

Great update!

Thanks!

Excellent seats at FoTLK! Sadly, I normally get bad seats, but it's mainly because I tend to walk in at the last minute.

We had good luck! We walked in late too and managed to get some pretty good seats.

I honestly would love to take a trip without taking many pictures at all. But now because we write our TR's, I feel like I can't do that!

Haha! So true! If I don't write a TR and take no pictures, I disappoint no one, but if I do write a TR and take no pictures, I'll have no readers!

They definitely won't lay out the pricing for you at the DVC booths. You have to actually go and talk to a DVC rep and do the tour, they won't lay out pricing otherwise, because it all varies depending on which resort you buy into.

Yeah I get that, I guess we were hoping for a lowest price scenario, but I understand why they don't do it like that.

I saw your Sanuks. How do you like that pair? I tried them on, but felt like they were going to fly off my feet in the back.

I had a pair on the trip before this, just normal flip flop style and I loved them, these I wasn't too fussy for. I found the fabric was wrapped too tight, which actually bruised my foot, but at the same time if it was looser it would fall off. I didn't like them as much as the others I had.

Oh yes, those seats at Nemo are insanely uncomfortable. Try having a 9 year old little on your lap.

Dear me, no thank you! Yikes!

Being hungry can certainly put a damper on enjoying certain things.

We were so close to "hangry" and didn't even know it!

I would be excited for the cream cheese wontons too. No shame!

No shame is right, I'd still jump through hoops for those things.

We're having similar issues here too. I just can't believe how long this spring is taking to get here.

Ugh I'm going out of my mind! We finally had a really nice day here today, melted a little snow at least!

Yay for your DISmeet!

It was great, I don't get to meet many DISers so I was glad to have that chance.

Your change of plans looks like fun. Sometimes, you really have to slow down so the trip doesn't get the best of you.

And that's exactly what was happening too, it was getting the best of us. We slowed it down and it changed everything!

 

[teekathepony]

You know I definitely have those mornings where I just feel so whooped and I always feel like I just have to "soldier" on. Glad you guys took some time to relax and really enjoy the resort. I do like that you can change your FP's on my disney experience. It really can be a blessing at times like that.

I think that's how we were starting to feel -- like we had to push ourselves to keep going. I'm glad I listened to my subconscious and took a rest. It was wonderful!

Your room is really pretty. I think its interesting how the regular inn rooms are always different from the DVC rooms in every resort. Sometimes I wish they were more similar and other times I think its cools that they are different. It's just a bummer that I will always be DVC so I will always have the one style of room. *sigh*

We loved our room! I would like to see the DVC rooms though, (with my parents' timeshare thing I can now!)

Wow, your photos are just simply too hard to beat!

Thank you!

WOW....that is some snow!

We have found that a change of plans every once in awhile gets us feeling better again at the parks. I've now insisted on more "down" time so we can appreciate our time at the parks more.

I love that pool at AKL...so pretty. Your chicken nuggets look really good (I'll pass on the zebra domes though).

Nice room pictures (and photobombs).

I can't wait to hear what park you go to.

WOW....that is some snow!

Omg we will never be rid of it!

We have found that a change of plans every once in awhile gets us feeling better again at the parks. I've now insisted on more "down" time so we can appreciate our time at the parks more.

It was definitely a recharger. We usually feel like we have to be in the parks, but this was a really nice change.

I love that pool at AKL...so pretty. Your chicken nuggets look really good (I'll pass on the zebra domes though).

Oh we were so excited to get to use that pool
Not a zebra dome fan, Kathy? I think you're the first I've run across!

Nice room pictures (and photobombs).

Hehe thanks!

I can't wait to hear what park you go to.

Coming up soon! (I have it all ready to go!)

 

[teekathepony]

YAY Spring.

I know, right? Ugh. We did have a nice day today... a couple more like this and we might just have some spring!

You know, sometimes you just have to change plans Wendy. And with that lovely resort at your fingertips, it's not exactly like you're compromising anything.

You're so right. We always feel like we're wasting park time... but it was much easier to take it easy while at AKL that's for sure!

HAHAHAHA, Johnny's selfie. Best selfie/photobomb ever? AHHHH you may have surpassed it!

Hahaha! I win the photobomb!
When I look at those silly pictures, it makes me realize that had we not taken the morning off, we wouldn't have been in the mood to do things like that. I remember how rejuvenating that break was!

Mmmm Disney Nugs!!!

So good for something so simple. I could go for some right now...

Crazy weather! Hope you get some sort of spring soon!

Thanks! Today was nice, thank goodness, now if we can keep that up we might be all set!

Great pictures of the resort! Sometimes a little relaxation needs to be PLANNED in to a WDW trip

Thanks! We meant to plan a little relaxation time in... then we added the MVMCP, then we added a few other extras, some extra meals... in the end our scheduled relax time was gone! But it all worked out

 

[natebenma]

I can't believe all the snow and ice you have had to deal with! Enough! I hope you have seen the very last of the white stuff for the season.

I am so glad you made it for your DISmeet at Space Mountain!

That a very festive photopass picture of you two on Main Street- very colorful and busy photo!

What absolutely amazing photos of the castle projection show (love the gingerbread castle) and of the fireworks. Not overboard at all!

Pretty ponies! Have you been over to the ranch at Disney (Wilderness Campground???) where they keep the Main Street Trolley horses? I believe I have read that people are able to go out to see them. Or maybe it is just part of the horseback riding tour.

I was so jealous when I first heard about the Jingle Cruise, and then I started reading reviews. Everyone has been disappointed. Disney really could have done so much with this.

It sounds like you made the perfect call with your change in plans. If you are going to laze around a resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the best places to be.

Glad to hear you have an eventful rest of the day coming up. Can't wait to hear where you go and what happens!

 

[amazingact21]

Sometimes, you just need a good rest at the resort to survive a Disney trip. It's amazing what a slow morning swimming and hanging out in the room can do. Although, since you were getting sick, I'm not sure how much it helped.

Love your room pictures!

 

[teekathepony]

I can't believe all the snow and ice you have had to deal with! Enough! I hope you have seen the very last of the white stuff for the season.

Tell me about it, Dee. It's absolutely beautiful here today -- but tomorrow night back down to the freezing mark and a possibility of freezing rain.

I am so glad you made it for your DISmeet at Space Mountain!

Me too! I don't get to many Dismeets, so it was nice to get one in!

That a very festive photopass picture of you two on Main Street- very colorful and busy photo!

It is very festive isn't it? I love those pictures, they really capture the excitement of the evening!

What absolutely amazing photos of the castle projection show (love the gingerbread castle) and of the fireworks. Not overboard at all!

Thank you! I never want to go too crazy with photos. It's part of my Photographers Anonymous 10-steps.

Pretty ponies! Have you been over to the ranch at Disney (Wilderness Campground???) where they keep the Main Street Trolley horses? I believe I have read that people are able to go out to see them. Or maybe it is just part of the horseback riding tour.

It was on the list for this past trip but we never made it over. I wanted to go see what I could see, if you will! I'd love a little dose of horse kisses while I'm away if I could get it!

I was so jealous when I first heard about the Jingle Cruise, and then I started reading reviews. Everyone has been disappointed. Disney really could have done so much with this.

Yeah, I think the issue was how much it was built up, I expected more and I do think there was more they could have done with little extra effort.

It sounds like you made the perfect call with your change in plans. If you are going to laze around a resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the best places to be.

Absolutely! And that was a big part of our decision too -- we were in the right place to relax and enjoy the resort!

Glad to hear you have an eventful rest of the day coming up. Can't wait to hear where you go and what happens!

Coming up soon! If I ever get some spare time, that is!

Sometimes, you just need a good rest at the resort to survive a Disney trip. It's amazing what a slow morning swimming and hanging out in the room can do. Although, since you were getting sick, I'm not sure how much it helped.

Love your room pictures!

It definitely helped, we had a whole new attitude from then on, it was awesome! Now I'll know for the future -- I'm not a machine!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

The snow really is getting ridiculous, isn't it? We got more again yesterday, but at least most of it melted away.

What a wonderful morning! It is nice to take some time to relax and enjoy the resort sometimes. And AKL is so beautiful

I'm glad you got some rest and were feeling better to head out to a park!

 

[teekathepony]

The snow really is getting ridiculous, isn't it? We got more again yesterday, but at least most of it melted away.

It's nuts! We were supposed to get more last night but we never did. Thankfully I'm watching the banks getting smaller!

What a wonderful morning! It is nice to take some time to relax and enjoy the resort sometimes. And AKL is so beautiful

I'm glad you got some rest and were feeling better to head out to a park!

It was so nice, so relaxing, and so necessary! We felt so much better afterward!

 

[teekathepony]

Hi everyone! How are you all doing today? I'm doing splendidly. It's a beautiful (though chilly) day out, we did NOT get the freezing rain we had forecasted, and I'm off for 5 days.

Yup!

Thursdays are my usual day off, we're closed tomorrow for Good Friday, it's not my Saturday to work (we take turns) and we're always closed Sunday, and we're closed Monday for Easter Monday. Cool! If I had known I would have this much time off I might have tried to sneak in a Disney trip!

Let's continue with my switched up day, shall we?

Friday, November 15th
"A Change of Attitude"

We had just had a wonderfully relaxing morning around the resort and were now on our way to the park we had planned for the morning:

IMG_4710 by teekathepony, on Flickr

We arrived right at 1:00 and were happy to see one benefit to arriving late --

No lines!



We had a few Photopass pics taken:

IMG_4708 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Look at those smiles, can you see how rested we were?

Also of note -- no glasses! It was overcast and threatening to rain and I don't know about any other glasses-wearers out there, but there's nothing worse than when the rain gets on your glasses. So I went with contacts. But still being cautious from the other night, I knew this was a short day and they shouldn't disintegrate on me.

IMG_4707 by teekathepony, on Flickr

My notes suck for this day. I'm trying to piece it together from memory and photos. The funny thing is, this is the very next photo:

IMG_0830 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Cream cheese pretzel. I remember eating it, but don't remember when or where I got it. I didn't think it was that early in our park day! I only remember it was absolutely delicious, as always! Mmmm!

Now we get back on track.

Our first FP+ opened at 1:30 so we headed in that direction first. We passed some of the streetmosphere performers:

IMG_4712 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4713 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4714 by teekathepony, on Flickr

We arrived at our destination. Any guesses? Two headliners in that direction.

If you've read my past reports, you might remember that I HATE ToT. So it was to here we headed:

IMG_4716 by teekathepony, on Flickr

There was no line at all for the FP+ entrance. We were soon in this room:

IMG_4717 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4720 by teekathepony, on Flickr

[Off-topic: Aerosmith is coming to Cape Breton this summer! To my humble little island!! I have a wedding to go to that weekend off the island so I'm not sure if I can make it. I want to try though!]

When the doors opened I held Johnny back a bit. I wanted to be last out of the room so I could try to get this shot:

IMG_4723 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Cool! I was actually pretty pleased with how it turned out! Good thing too because I wouldn't have a second try. The line was moving fast! We got on, I held tight to my camera and away we went!

wdw201331921172375_6885348953 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Ok so maybe I was having too much fun to hang on tight to my camera. It survived though!

IMG_4496 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4727 by teekathepony, on Flickr

After having a blast on one of our favourite rides, we wandered back up toward the park entrance. We stopped to watch these guys for a little while:

IMG_4737 by teekathepony, on Flickr
(The watches!! )

They were hilarious and a lot of fun to watch, but we did get the urge to keep moving. Next?

 

[teekathepony]

Our next FP+ was close but not quite there yet so we walked in that direction taking some pics as we went:

IMG_4742 by teekathepony, on Flickr

I love this statue.

IMG_4744 by teekathepony, on Flickr

And this one, of course.

IMG_4746 by teekathepony, on Flickr

I told Johnny to get his picture taken with the Boss.

IMG_4749 by teekathepony, on Flickr

One more:

IMG_4510 by teekathepony, on Flickr

(I'm a hat fan.)

Then onto our next FP+!

Again, there was no line at all which meant hardly any pictures, but I wasn't complaining.

IMG_4750 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4752 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4517 by teekathepony, on Flickr

... because my notes suck, I have absolutely no idea what scenes we got. Sorry!


Next up on our list was a favourite attraction of some favourite characters.

IMG_4757 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4519 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4518 by teekathepony, on Flickr

I love the Muppets and really get a kick out of this. I've done it many times but there was one thing within it I had never done. I wanted to fix that!

IMG_4754 by teekathepony, on Flickr

The fountain? No, that's not it, I've photographed this fountain many times.

IMG_4756 by teekathepony, on Flickr

It was this:

IMG_4758 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Check for the key!

I was feeling a little silly, which I know you shouldn't do in Disney, but I was anyway. A little shy perhaps. I waited and watched but none of the people going in were looking. I spotted that sign, under it was a mat. I picked up one corner, peeked, no key. Hm.

I backed up a bit and looked at Johnny. We shrugged.



A little kid, about 6 years old, ran by me toward the entrance, lifted up the mat from the other side, and voila! The key!



Darn me and my insecurities!

In we went, laughing at ourselves.

IMG_4760 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4761 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Is this the most under-appreciated queue ever? Maybe. I love it. Every detail so very authentic and Muppety.

IMG_4762 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4763 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4764 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4765 by teekathepony, on Flickr

We eventually followed the crowd (last!) into the theatre and got great seats, loved the show, laughed out loud and had a great time.

We left and went to the gift shop where I got this t-shirt:

Which I am wearing right now ironically. And let me tell you, it's the comfiest t-shirt ever. But you know that worn look? It got even more worn. I can't read the writing anymore.

It was right around this time that Johnny said to me:

"People are being nicer today."

And I considered this for a second. Compared to yesterday, it certainly seemed that way, but then I realized -- it was us!

"No, bud, we're just better rested."

That was the theme of the day summed up right there. We felt great and were anxious to keep going!

Next up? Continuing the greatest afternoon!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Ah see, the rest was clearly a BRILLIANT IDEA.

Aww c'mon Wendy. I thought for sure you were going to jump on ToT since you photographed it so nicely.

It does look pretty good crowd wise too.

Yup, I had heard about the Aerosmith concert. Pretty big news.

HA I knew you were heading to the mat. BUT... I'm dying thinking about you peaking under the mat only to be shown up by a six year old. Sometimes you just have to go for it.

Awww I really like that sentiment. Just goes to show what a different perspective being well rested can bring.

 

[BridgetR3]

Loving your TR! Being well rested does make a BIG difference at Disney!!

I've looked under the mat and never saw the key. I always thought someone must have taken it. Maybe this year I'll look on the other side.

Can't wait to see what else you did!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Woo hoo, off for five days! Nice.

Truth! The arriving later in the afternoon definitely have the benefits of no lines.

Okay, Aerosmith is coming to your town! That's totally awesome.

Awwww, Muppets. Best ever. They are a must for me.

Never be insecure in Disney! It's one of the only places where it's okay to do silly things.

 

[MEK]

5 days off! NICE! I'm so jealous!

Great RnR picture. That is very cool! I want one of those.

You guys do really looks well rested and ready to go!

Love the picture of Johnny with "the boss!"

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

That pretzel does look good!

One of my favorite parts of DHS are the streetmosphere performers! I always get sidetracked and have to stop and watch them

That is a great shot of the start of RNR!

Great pics on Star Tours! I just love that ride!

That muppet t shirt is very cute!

Glad to hear you are both feeling better in this update!

 

[teekathepony]

Ah see, the rest was clearly a BRILLIANT IDEA.

Oh. Em. Gee. We needed it soooo bad and we didn't even know it!

Aww c'mon Wendy. I thought for sure you were going to jump on ToT since you photographed it so nicely.

Hahaha nope! I love to photograph it, it's a very photogenic building. That's about it. Some day I might go through and photograph the queue, which is gorgeous, and then take the chicken exit!

It does look pretty good crowd wise too.

Yep, it was a good day, we had good attitudes and good luck too!

Yup, I had heard about the Aerosmith concert. Pretty big news.

Huge news for us, the whole island talked about nothing else. My MIL got VIP tickets haha

HA I knew you were heading to the mat. BUT... I'm dying thinking about you peaking under the mat only to be shown up by a six year old. Sometimes you just have to go for it.

Oh Rob, I kicked myself afterwards for feeling insecure in Disney of all places, but some things are very ingrained and hard to get out. Would you believe me if I said I'm getting better?

Awww I really like that sentiment. Just goes to show what a different perspective being well rested can bring.

Absolutely, it was amazing the difference it made. All things are relative in Disney -- especially to your rest and food levels!

Loving your TR! Being well rested does make a BIG difference at Disney!!

Thanks! Oh it's amazing. We've never noticed it quite so obviously before, but what a difference that morning made!

I've looked under the mat and never saw the key. I always thought someone must have taken it. Maybe this year I'll look on the other side.

Hahaha yes, pull the whole mat up, that's what the young kid did!

Can't wait to see what else you did!

Oh it just kept getting better!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

It's great that you were feeling so much better! I love the shot you got of RnR - thats one shot I'll never get because I'm such a ride wimp

I love your AKL shirt too, so bright and very comfy looking

 

[teekathepony]

Woo hoo, off for five days! Nice.

I'm not complaining!

Truth! The arriving later in the afternoon definitely have the benefits of no lines.

It was nice to just walk right in, we felt like VIPs or something.

Okay, Aerosmith is coming to your town! That's totally awesome.

Seriously, the whole island is just buzzing, it's the most exciting thing to happen to us in pretty much forever. (Which also indicates the sleepy type of place I live!)

Awwww, Muppets. Best ever. They are a must for me.

Definitely, and for us too!

Never be insecure in Disney! It's one of the only places where it's okay to do silly things.

Ahhh it was a moment of weakness for me for sure! I often do silly things, it's one of the things I love most about Disney -- if I do a "silly" thing, most people around will either smile or join in!

5 days off! NICE! I'm so jealous!

It was kind of unexpected and involved two happy accidents, but I'll take it!

Great RnR picture. That is very cool! I want one of those.

Thanks! I had to balance the lens on the fence and slow my shutter down, but I got it pretty good!

You guys do really looks well rested and ready to go!

Haha I thought maybe it was in my head because I knew how much better we felt!

Love the picture of Johnny with "the boss!"

Hehehe me too Two of my favourite men!

That pretzel does look good!

Mmmm it was! I don't have many treats I get in WDW, but that's one of them!

One of my favorite parts of DHS are the streetmosphere performers! I always get sidetracked and have to stop and watch them

We do too, we always try to watch the acts, unless we need to be somewhere for an ADR or a FP!

That is a great shot of the start of RNR!

Thanks!

Great pics on Star Tours! I just love that ride!

I love it... but I do usually get a little queasy. I can ride any roller coaster no problem but stick me in a motion simulator...

That muppet t shirt is very cute!

Hehe I thought so too!

Glad to hear you are both feeling better in this update!

Ahh thanks, what a difference it made!