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

[Tracy161]

Wendy, as always your pictures are breathtaking. You have such a talent for capturing the pure magic that is Disney.

I absolutely love the story you shared about your dad whistling the iasw song every day for 16 years... that is amazing. What a special connection to the ride and a wonderful memory.

Ugh, so sorry to hear about the impending downturn to the trip. I'm glad at least that it was at the very end of your vacation.

 

[khaleesi]

Ugh. Why are people so rude?? I never understand. Sorry that it wasn't a fantastic experience, but I'm glad you did do it before with good results!! I'm one of those people in the "no such thing as too sweet" camp so I'm kind of drooling over that plate of desserts.

As you know, I share the love for IASM! I have a feeling that those of us who love it probably have similar childhood memories. Your pictures are excellent!

I love seeing the Tangled area all lit up at night! It never occurred to me to go check that out in the dark.

The picture of you reading the Walt Disney sign makes me smile

 

[Angeejoe]

That's a shame how the dessert party went, especially the backpack guy! I've never been to the dessert party, if everyone stayed in their seat, could they still see? I'm not sure of the layout?

 

[JulieODC]

Rude people really stink!!!

But, your fireworks photos are gorgeous....and it looks like you really got some fun riding in at the end of the park day! I really love that photo of the crowds leaving the park under the lights/wreaths...just beautiful!

 

[teekathepony]

Like you, we much preferred our first time at the Dessert party. We probably won't be doing it again.

I won't be doing it again for a while. I would give it another try, but if that one didn't go well then I'd be finished for sure. It was too bad though. We loved it so much the first time!

What a sweet story about your dad and it's a small world!!

He still whistles it often, when the Disney fever hits! It's kind of nice to be so nostalgic about the ride.

Too bad that the dessert party wasn't what you had hoped it would be. When we went the CM's were very clear about everyone moving to the rail so we expected it but it was still rough with lots of pushing and shoving.

Well, the CMs told everyone they were free to go to the rail if they wished, but on our first party only the people from the back moved up and not in any kind of rush. Next time I'd be ready for it, but still, the pushing and shoving I could have done without.

Your upclose photo of the carousel horse is GORGEOUS!!!

Thanks! It was a pic I had wanted to get for a long time so I was glad to get a chance between rides.

 

[teekathepony]

You kind of make me happy I couldn't get a Dessert Party ADR. How rude of that man!

Yeah, we were sort of feeling ripped off I will admit. That guy was so rude and the pushing and shoving was really surprising. You win some, you lose some I guess!

Your firework pictures are spectacular, as are your pictures walking around with no crowds!

Thanks Kathy!

It's a well known fact that I do NOT like IASW; but your story warmed my heart about your dad whistling the tune all those years.

Hehe yeah, and you're not the only one I know, but I definitely have a special place in my heart for it!

I had a bad experience with the Dessert Party too. We lined up to watch the fireworks and a family sat down at our seats even though we weren't done with our food. It's just way too much money and I don't think the view is that great.

Yikes! That's really rude! Yeah it is a lot of money. We like the view and had such a great time the first time... but this one was a big disappointment.

Your pictures continue to be stunning!

Jill in CO

Thanks, Jill!

I am becoming more and more intrigued with this Dessert Party. I've read quite a bit about it in various TR's, but I can't remember... Do you get a prime table based on the ressie, or when you arrive and get in line?

Like Jill said, it's by your ressie. We happened to also be first in line because we were there early with nowhere else to go and it's nice to get in and seated and get to the desserts nice and early!

But then, that was always my other concern. People rushing in front when the show starts making the table location kind of irrelevant anyway. And that REALLY IRRITATES ME!!! I don't mind people with backpacks. I understand their use. I don't even really mind getting smacked (well I do, but I can at least understand how it can happen). But to completely dismiss you like that. NOPE!! That I will not put up with.

At our first dessert party almost no one rushed to the front. One person ran and everyone else meandered, lots of people stayed in their seats. It was awesome! But this time? Everyone stampeded to the front and, like you said, made our prime table irrelevant.
The guy with the backpack was being a total diva about EVERYTHING. He complained loudly for a full 5 minutes while waiting for Wishes. Just about absolutely everything. It was too hot now he was too cold, his feet hurt and his sweater was itchy and he hated his hotel room and.... I could go on and on. Yeah. Just one of those people. I was all willing to forgive him for all that, seeing as how Disney days can be long and exhausting, but don't just roll your eyes at me when I point out that you're smacking me with your backpack. Can't lie, he made the whole experience worse than it really should have been.

I have to really wonder if this would be worth it to me, since I would be mostly in it for Wishes. To have the experience you did (and pay extra for it no less), I may have to think long and hard about it.

An experience like mine would definitely not be worth it. BUT! An experience like my first one was worth it 10x over. So hard to predict what you're going to get. I'd be willing to give it another shot and see how the odds shift.

SCORE on Philharmagic. Walk right in and take any available seat. NICE!!

Being vertically challenged like me, choosing which seat I wanted was really, really nice.

Oh come on... Who in their right mind wouldn't be a fan of iaSW???

No one in their right mind. Kidding. I can see the er... "unappeal" if you will. Slow, repetitive, long, etc. But for me it's got this sort of magic.

Splashed on Pirates, eh? Yeah, I have something to say about that as well.

So I read! Isn't that weird?? I heard that when they did a small refurb they changed something about either the boats or the track that made it splashier.

 

[teekathepony]

I'm sorry to hear that people were so inconsiderate at the dessert party. It seems like guests are becoming ruder and ruder during the nighttime shows. Even the most patient person can get completely fed up with that nonsense.

It was so frustrating. We were hoping for laid back and relaxed, but it was just as rushed and crowded as any place on Main St. You're right, I was trying to be patient but there's only so much you can take!

It only takes one or two families to stand and move to the railing before EVERYONE thinks they need to....

And really, only the people seated in the very back actually need to go stand up, but then they're in front of the people still sitting and God forbid that happen!

It's good to see, though, that you were able to get a lot of attractions in before park closing, though! And I LOVE your carousel pictures. Oh my goodness, they are fantastic.

We did have a great evening after the party, which was nice. I was glad to get so many rides in!
And thanks!

I'm WAY behind on page 15 and reading about your contact lens debacle...I also switch between my glasses and my contacts so I feel your pain! However, I have to tell you, my most favorite vision correction goggles would be my pair of prescription sunglasses--they are SO WORTH the money!!

Ahhh my finest hour. I thought about prescription sunglasses, but my beef is that I then have to carry my normal ones for when I go inside, and I rarely carry any bag or anything but my camera so I'd rather be a little freer -- with the contacts and cheap sunglasses I can stick them on my head when I go inside and I don't have to panic if I leave them somewhere.

Geez Louise, Just have to say it again your pictures are amazing! I know its your profession, but still, so fantastical!

Thank you!

I have gone back and forth about maybe doing the dessert party. I feel less like I am missing out now. I know I know you had a great time before. But for our upcoming trip its just not going to work for us and I feel less guilty now. lol.

Honestly, It takes the pressure off a bit, eh? And same for me, I no longer feel the need to stalk the reservations threads for when it opens. If I decide to give it another try, I'll be a lot more casual about it I think, and if I don't get it, so be it.

So sad that your TR is coming to an end! Yay for PTR though!!

Oh. Yes. About that. Oh man, we might be changing things up quite a bit. I'll post about it in my PTR very soon.

I have never had a big interest in the dessert party and your story makes me glad about that. Ugh to the man with the backpack. How rude and annoying. I am not good at positioning myself and I tend to get shoved out by people constantly.

I'm the same Mary Ellen, I tend to be too passive so I let people push me too much. That guy was probably trying to muscle his way into my space to make more room for his family but I drew the line (and got smacked with a backpack for it!!) Not a fun experience unfortunately.

My last trip I had this lady actually tell me her baby couldn't see Illuminations because of where I was standing. A baby -in a stroller - behind a railing that they could not possibly see over - but somehow I was in their way.

Oh geez, some people get so entitled! It drives me crazy! Imagine, my tiny baby in a stroller can't see.

 

[teekathepony]

I've always found when I've done the dessert party that I've gotten front and center every time we've been a party of two. It's worked out pretty well.

It was exciting to get that seat, and a nice view of the castle while we ate too!

OMG, you're so right with everyone rushing to the wall. I just don't understand why people do that! Like, you can totally see it fine from your seat. I don't even go to the wall anymore. I just stay in my seat. And that guy with the backpack. I would have gone nuclear.

The first time we went, it just didn't happen that way. A few people from the very back moved up and to the side, most people stayed in their seats. Very calm and easy going. This time? Stampede! And that guy. The backpack guy. I would easily have blown up but despite the eye-roll, he didn't actually hit me again.

I totally got splashed on my last trip. Pretty wet actually, because I was sitting in the front.

I've been hearing this more and more! So strange. We were really shocked by it at the time!

We had a very similar experience for our second Wishes Dessert Party where everyone crowded up at the railings while I had taken the kids to the restrooms. We ended up watching from the our table with some partial obstruction of the view. All of this was preceded by a woman who brought in her strobe flashing Mickey balloon and decided to park that balloon right in front of our table hence completely obstructing our view of the Castle. I had to ask her if she wouldn't mind storing her balloon in the stroller parking area just like all of the other guests had done.

It continues to amaze me (though it shouldn't anymore) how rude and self-centered so many people are. I mean, people make mistakes and get in your way accidentally sure, but the pushing and parking things right in your view line like the lady with the balloon, it really boggles my mind sometimes! Sorry to hear your second party was like ours. I know it really felt like a wasted evening for us.

I think it's worth trying once but after our second not-so-great and rather stressful experience I decided that we wouldn't be going back anytime soon. That led to us trying out the Pirates and Pals Cruise which I enjoyed a lot more even with the fireworks being rained out. We may be headed back for the cruise before the dessert party.

Your pirates cruise sounded amazing. I'd definitely do that with kids (but I admit I'd feel a little awkward with just us two adults!)

Way to pack all those attractions in during the final hour of the park time!

Oh it was a great evening to get a bunch done!

Hi Wendy! I'm finally getting caught up. Looks like you are almost ready to wrap this one up.

Hi Brenda!! Yay for being caught up! I am pretty close to finished.

Going way back... sorry about the Sci-Fi dinner. I love the theming but the food isn't anything special. I tend to stick with the burgers which I do enjoy. I hear they have good milkshakes but like you said, it's hard to mess that up.

The theming wins all around, absolutely fantastic, but yea we didn't love the food. I have heard good things about the burgers, but we're not big burger eaters so we skipped them.

Your rainbow pony painting reminded me of your pony! You are creative both behind a camera and in front of a canvas. You've got some talent girl! Congrats on selling your artwork.

You nailed it, my rainbow ponies are based on my own two horses! And thank you very much.

Oh my gosh Osborne Lights!!!! I saw them for the first time last December. Just amazing. Like you I love the Trans Siberian Orchestra's version Carol of the Bells. It is probably the most dramatic of all the dancing light songs. I'm bummed, we didn't see Santa Goofy either time we saw the lights. One night it was raining hard so that would make sense he wasn't there.

I am completely in love with the Osborne lights, they're just so incredibly stunning! And T-SO's Carol of the Bells is a really amazing song for them to dance to!
Aww too bad about missing Santa Goofy! We almost missed him because of the rain too but luckily we got there in time.

What a nice relaxing AKL morning with relaxing in the hot tub in the rain and finding the adorable baby giraffe!

It was great, and that giraffe was the cherry on top. So cute!

Darn! Sorry the Dessert Party wasn't more enjoyable. I've only been once and it was really crowded at the rail too. You would think that someone who has a backpack on would sense that they are smacking into someone or at the very least say, oh, so sorry.

Ahhh well. What can you do? We had such a great time our first time and no one really pushed or crowded.
The guy with the backpack... I mean yes, I thought the same, that he must know he's hitting me... but then I gave him the benefit of the doubt and he just sneered at me. A sorry would have been great.

 

[teekathepony]

Aw, what a bummer about the idiot with the backpack! To pay for that space and then still have to deal with the crowding. Argh. I'm glad you made the best of it, but how frustrating!!!

It was really frustrating for sure. Especially as you said, after paying for the space and still dealing with that sort of thing.

Ah, that's such a shame about your experience at the dessert party not being as great as last time. That person smacking you with the backpack should know better

Oh that guy with the backpack was just in one heck of a bad mood. Ironically, the rest of his family (including young kids) seemed really happy and easy going. Opposites attract?

Love the party pics, especially the desserts! popcorn:

Thanks!! The desserts are all so pretty (and looking very appetizing right now... )

Aaw, I love the memory background associated with IASW

It may be the song that never ends, but it was definitely the song that kept us dreaming so it's really special to us.

Looking forward to reading more!

Hoping to finish it up (or close to it) later this week!

I also was not that impressed with the Dessert Party it stinks that you pay for space and in the end you still get crowded.

Absolutely, that's why we go, for the space so when that's gone, it's not worth it any more.

The man with the backpack would have seriously annoyed me it's just common courtesy to be mindful of those around you!

I agree, and thought the same. It was very annoying coming from a grown man. (He was acting a good deal younger than his kids though!)

We did the dessert party during our July trip. It was our first time watching Wishes, so for that alone, it was special. I am a couple of chapters away from the review on my trip report, but, SPOILER ALERT!

Wet!

Really?? Wow! I can't wait to read about that one. Wet?? Oh no!!

Just lovely pictures of the castle, and the fireworks, and the carousel and pirates and haunted mansion and main street! Going up to the train station for a few shots was an awesome idea.

Thanks, Dee!! I just love the view from Main St., especially with the Christmas lights on.

 

[teekathepony]

Wendy, as always your pictures are breathtaking. You have such a talent for capturing the pure magic that is Disney.

Aww thank you so much!

I absolutely love the story you shared about your dad whistling the iasw song every day for 16 years... that is amazing. What a special connection to the ride and a wonderful memory.

It is a very special connection for me, that song is all about keeping the dream alive, so to speak, for my family!

Ugh, so sorry to hear about the impending downturn to the trip. I'm glad at least that it was at the very end of your vacation.

It could have been so much worse, and I'm so thankful that it wasn't! I can live with being out of commission for only the last day.

Ugh. Why are people so rude?? I never understand. Sorry that it wasn't a fantastic experience, but I'm glad you did do it before with good results!! I'm one of those people in the "no such thing as too sweet" camp so I'm kind of drooling over that plate of desserts.

I know, right? Everyone's in the same boat, paid to have some more room, so let's all just get along? Ugh.
Yes definitely our first time was amazing and I would try it again.

As you know, I share the love for IASM! I have a feeling that those of us who love it probably have similar childhood memories. Your pictures are excellent!

I know, and am so glad that I'm not alone (because sometimes i feel like I am! ) I'd say a childhood memory is a key ingredient.

I love seeing the Tangled area all lit up at night! It never occurred to me to go check that out in the dark.

That area is so beautiful! I knew I had to go see it with the lanterns all lit up.

The picture of you reading the Walt Disney sign makes me smile

I actually like that one too, a good snap by Johnny. It was an honest candid photo and a fun memory.

That's a shame how the dessert party went, especially the backpack guy! I've never been to the dessert party, if everyone stayed in their seat, could they still see? I'm not sure of the layout?

If everyone stayed in their seat, most people could see but those seated at the back wouldn't see much. Last time I went we were in the very back and didn't have much of a view, so when the fireworks started we went way over to the left by the wall so we weren't blocking anyone sitting. It worked well that time!

Rude people really stink!!!

But, your fireworks photos are gorgeous....and it looks like you really got some fun riding in at the end of the park day! I really love that photo of the crowds leaving the park under the lights/wreaths...just beautiful!

I try really hard to let rude people roll off my back... but I'm just no good at that. I'm really too uptight for that but anyway. I keep trying!

Thanks! We did have a great night of photography and rides, it made up for the dessert party.

 

[teekathepony]

Before I get to my update, I want to take a minute to express my deepest condolences and concerns to the entire city of Moncton. There is a gunman at large with several weapons and a hate for authority. He has already shot and killed three RCMP officers and wounded two others. People living in the area have been locked inside their homes since last evening. If you could spare a thought/vibe/prayer for the successful capture of this lunatic (or whatever it takes to stop him!) my next door neighbour province would be very grateful.

And now back to my report.

Sunday, November 17
"The Throw-Away Day"

I won't linger over this last update because there's not much to tell. It was a pretty awful day and no one likes to be sick on vacation, but I am so thankful that it didn't happen until the last day.

Boy did I wake up sick. Aches all over and that heavy head feeling, sore throat and a nauseated stomach. I sat on the balcony for a while.

IMG_0891 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Texted this to my mom, who asked which animals were around that morning:
IMG_0902 by teekathepony, on Flickr

My favourite trio of Somali Wild (Donkeys!)

When Johnny woke up we went to The Mara for breakfast. I had Mickey waffles, I think Johnny had a platter with eggs and bacon.

After breakfast we soaked in the hot tub for a while. Johnny went to the pool but I was soaking.

The view from the hot tub:
DSCF4290 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Really enjoying that hot water:
DSCF4291 by teekathepony, on Flickr

DSCF4292 by teekathepony, on Flickr

We dried off and I went back to bed to see if a quick nap might help. Johnny wandered around the resort a bit.

IMG_0972 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_0974 by teekathepony, on Flickr

When he got back we decided to head over to Kidani because that was the plan for today -- to check out some other resorts!

We took the walking path over which was pleasant. When we got there we saw lots of animals from the viewing areas:

IMG_5178 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5180 by teekathepony, on Flickr

But the best part?

IMG_5186 by teekathepony, on Flickr

The baby zebra.

IMG_5448 by teekathepony, on Flickr

The most adorable thing on the face of the planet? Close if not right on.

IMG_5452 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5455 by teekathepony, on Flickr

What was really cute was how the whole herd of zebras was taking responsibility for him. I couldn't tell for a long time who his mom was because all of the zebras were keeping near him and checking on him.

IMG_5462 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Equine herd dynamics are really fascinating.

IMG_5468 by teekathepony, on Flickr

There were some other animals there too by the way, not just the zebra foal!

IMG_5466 by teekathepony, on Flickr

This was cute. That one wildebeest laid down and the other one kept nudging him.
IMG_5470 by teekathepony, on Flickr

It was a beautiful day!

IMG_5481 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5482 by teekathepony, on Flickr

I got stocked up on Tylenol and cough drops and we decided to continue our tour of the resorts!

We got on the bus to Magic Kingdom but didn't go in the park. Instead we hopped on the monorail and got off at the Contemporary resort.

IMG_5247 by teekathepony, on Flickr

I really wanted to see the Christmas displays and I was not disappointed!

IMG_5489 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5490 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5492 by teekathepony, on Flickr

We got back on the monorail...
IMG_5483 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Continued in next post

 

[teekathepony]

... and got off again at the Grand Floridian!
IMG_5495 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_0895 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5498 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5497 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_5504 by teekathepony, on Flickr

The gingerbread house was more than impressive. It was absolutely incredible!

See what I did there?

IncrEDIBLE?



IMG_5513 by teekathepony, on Flickr

It was very hard to get pictures of because people kept standing in front of it to get their picture with it, so it was a matter of waiting and carefully timing your shot to when people were switching. Assuming they gave the previous person a one second beat of personal space before invading.

IMG_5516 by teekathepony, on Flickr

After this I was just done. Ready to go home. I told Johnny to continue the tour without me and I would find my way back but he wanted to stay with me.

We got back and I went to bed again. Johnny decided to go to Animal Kingdom for a little while to do some Christmas shopping and maybe ride a few things. He took his phone and promised to stay in touch, but I passed out before he closed the door behind him.

He had a grand time on his own in Animal Kingdom!

He rode Expedition Everest:
wdw201332121720005_6885351559 by teekathepony, on Flickr

And despite the evidence to the contrary, he had a great time!

So great, he rode again!

wdw201332121716618_6887857015 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Apparently his rollercoaster face (when he's a single rider at least) is a look of pure boredom.

Then he rode Kali River Rapids and got just a little bit wet. He told me Kali is a lot more fun to ride without me, since I'm the strongest water magnet on the ride every. stinking. time.

He got his Christmas shopping done.

(For the record, it was a shirt for me that I had pointed out earlier in the week. This one, in fact:

As well as a towel he had picked out the year before and regretted not buying. I can't find a picture of it, but it's the Asian design.)

And then he got a few Photopass pictures done:

wdw201332121712705_6885346436 by teekathepony, on Flickr

wdw201332121712707_6885346400 by teekathepony, on Flickr

wdw201332121726630_6885346484 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Then he came back to check on me. His whole outing wasn't more than two hours! When he texted me that he was coming back, I told him not to bother because I was still out of commission, but he said "Disney World just isn't fun without you."

He came back. I slept. We watched some TV (Star Trek according to my notes!) and then just before it was time to get up and go to dinner, I got up and was very sick. Johnny was incredibly concerned, I've never been sick in all the time he has known me. He wanted to cancel dinner, but I actually felt better and it was just downstairs anyway. We had a quick dinner at Boma -- my first dinner there after so many breakfasts! Johnny loved everything, I barely ate but the selection certainly looked good.

Another quick dip in the hot tub, then a shower and I went to bed. Johnny spent some time watching the animals but wouldn't stray too far from me.

And that was my last full day! Not much to talk about for sure, but at least it didn't happen sooner!

Coming up next is my last morning there and my long journey home. I'll wrap that up really soon and then get to the firsts, favourites, and recaps!

 

[jedijill]

Hopefully they capture that lunatic soon!

I'm so sorry you were sick at Disney! The gingerbread house is amazing and it smells so good! That baby zebra is adorable. Looks like Johnny had some fun but he was so sweet to come back and keep you company.

Jill in CO

 

[annegirl]

So scary. I hope they catch the gunman soon and without any more deaths. My prayers will definitely be with the maritimes today.

As for your update, so hard to get sick on vacation. But as you said, at least it was on the last day. Your pictures are great. I love that little baby zebra. So cute.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Before I get to my update, I want to take a minute to express my deepest condolences and concerns to the entire city of Moncton. There is a gunman at large with several weapons and a hate for authority. He has already shot and killed three RCMP officers and wounded two others. People living in the area have been locked inside their homes since last evening. If you could spare a thought/vibe/prayer for the successful capture of this lunatic (or whatever it takes to stop him!) my next door neighbour province would be very grateful.

I think you said it all Wendy.

I am so sad that you were so sick on your last day. I guess the (minor) bright side is that you had such a lovely resort to be sick at. And I'm glad you at least got out for a bit.

Awwwwww Johnny wanted to stay with you...

Nah, I don't think he was bored, I think he was just missing you. So I hauled out that cutting edge technology that's banned in 137 countries I have and...

 

[skywaywaver]

I'm so sorry you got sick on your trip! I'm usually a lurker but had to pop in and compliment you on your gorgeous photos, even the ones from your phone!

 

[MonsterWDWmom]

So sorry you were sick I know how that feels sick at Disney is not much fun but hot tubs are the best when you are not feeling good.

What a beautiful resort to be sick at!

That was so nice of Johnny to want to spend time with you.

 

[JulieODC]

Thoughts are with the people of NS

So sad to be sick on vacation, but it still looks like a nice day. I'd love to spend a day checking out resorts --- there re so many we have never seen in person!

 

[amazingact21]

So sad to hear how sick you were at Disney. That's just awful. Like you said, though, at least it was on your last full day at Disney and not your first. And I guess you got to really take advantage of staying deluxe by spending a lot of time in the room and at the hot tub. Silver linings, I guess.

Those ride photos...single rider spots just bring out the smiles on everyone. I have to agree with Johnny, though. There is something missing when you leave your partner in crime in the room and go to a park solo. Glad he did get a few rides in.

 

[PopArtGal]

awe that's sweet that Johnny didn't want to leave you alone for too long.