"I've got a WICKED magic hangover." Trip Report ***FINISHED 12/7***

[travelmel]

That playground looks fun!

 

[xoktenox]

What a great morning at DHS, even if your DH can't read signs and drive at the same time...multi tasking is hard! And for a DH that was reluctant to liking Disney, he (as well as the kids) look like they're having an amazing time!

 

[julezdisney]

What a great morning at DHS, even if your DH can't read signs and drive at the same time...multi tasking is hard! And for a DH that was reluctant to liking Disney, he (as well as the kids) look like they're having an amazing time!

Yes... signs...

And he did look like he was having fun, huh? Ha! My evil plan is working...

That playground looks fun!

It is fun... but def. one of those "Time Sucks" as Sara likes to say....

Great update! Did you miss the fireworks completely? I've always wanted to see the Boardwalk resort but haven't made it there yet! It looks beautiful!!

Yes, I did! I was in line THAT LONG! Behind ONE COUPLE! And boy did the line grow behind me! At least DH and kids saw it.

Awww, what a nice family photo! OK, I SOOO want to ride one of those surrey bikes! If you don't mind my asking, how much did it cost to rent the bike?
My family and I haven't been to the Boardwalk, yet. We definitely have to go there on our next WDW trip.

Thanks! It was $20 for 1/2-hr or 3 trips around the lake. They sort of indicated that three trips would take 1/2 an hour but if we took longer to do the 3 trips we got the idea they wouldn't stress or charge us again.... I don't know why anyone in their right mind would want to do three trips- I'm telling you- it's HARD! But it would prolly be easier for you w/o 100+ pounds of KIDS in front of you!

Great character interactions at DHS!!! Those pictures with all the characters are just adorable!!!

Thanks! They LOVED it!

Great update Julia! You saw a lot of characters! How funny is it that I am scanning the background of all your pics looking for someone from my group! Count me in as not a fan of the HISTK playground! It turns into the game called "How quickly can I lose track of my 3 children". Just not relaxing at all!

I love the picture of you, your kids, and Chip and Dale! So cute!

Can't wait to hear about 50's!

Sara

Yea, thank goodness, DH played with them. I mostly walked around and then sat down and plotted the times/schedule for the rest of the day so we wouldn't end up in such a predicament again.

Great trip report! I love your kids smiles! DH is being a pretty good sport, I think!! (mine won't even "fake" having fun!). That picture of him by the rock in the playground looks like it could be on an album cover! Very cool !! Lookin' forward to more!
-mary

Thanks! He's such a pain to get to do anything fun but always has a blast once he gets there! The grinch I tell ya!

 

[julezdisney]

I got my Photopass yesterday! WOO HOO!

 

[Poohtigeey]

Ok. All caught up! Not sure where I've been! Great updates. We've done the Dixie Stampede show which seems similar to the Arabian Nights show. Except you EAT WITH YOUR HANDS! You cracked me up!

 

[julezdisney]

We left TSM in a mad dash to get to 50’s Prime Time for lunch. On the way though, we spotted the photo op for Mater and Lightning McQueen and our decision was made. Let’s skip it. We didn’t want to spend the money and we wanted to get everything done that we could this day. We jumped in line for everyone’s favorite “Cars“. I’ll put photo pass pix in to the end of this TR. Here’s some shots playin’ around:

We swung back the other direction and hit up the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. We were the last in the theatre for the last showing of the morning so we were in standing room only at the back of the theater. Well, we had a nice magic moment when a cast member offered us the coveted 2nd row “reserved” seating about 5 minutes into the show, when it became apparent it wouldn’t become filled!

After being duly impressed, we headed to lunch at Backlot Express. BUT FIRST! We saw there was a 10 minute wait posted for Star Tours so we jumped in line. I have to say, I was dreading this, as I couldn’t stand Disneyland’s version. However, WDW’s version is MUCH BETTER. It’s synched, there’s no scratch-lines across the screen, the audio is crisp and clear, and the seats aren’t rickety. I didn’t get nauseas on this version at all, and quite enjoyed it. The kids loved it! And wanted to ride again. However, when we got out, the wait time had increased quite a bit.

NOW we got our lunch. There was Sloppy-Joe on the kids menu, and no hot dog. Rach wanted the hot dog, and I wanted a Sloppy Joe, Slop-Sloppy Joe so we swapped meals. Mine was gross. A really disgusting texture. Don’t get it.

I tried my hand at food porn once again:

We all talked about our plans for the rest of the day. We decided that after lunch, we’d head back towards RnRC to get FP’s for later, and ride ToT. While they did ToT, Rach and I would do The Little Mermaid show. Next, the character meeting to get Minnie’s autograph, the Belle show, and seating for F! would begin.

Sounds like a plan, right? Let’s see how close we stuck to this:

First, we meandered back through Streets of America back towards RnRC, and Dad decided to jump on ahead and meet us near ToT to get Ebin for the ToT ride. The kids and I took our time, and ended up seeing the streetmosphere Plumbers routine. They loved it! They parked w/other kids on the curb and laughed and loved getting squirted w/water. To this day they squeal, “Save the people! Save the people!”

We headed down towards our meeting place with Dad, figuring he was waiting on us by now. When we got there, he was nowhere to be found, and we waited in the nice shady area on benches and next to drinking fountains for him. The kids just played happily. It’s a nice peaceful memory. Jim came wandering back up the street from whence we came and finally we rejoined. Rach and I decided to go w/them towards ToT, since I love the queue area and I wanted to check out the gift shop. They went into the line and we went into the shop. It was SO BEAUTIFUL back there! I wondered how many people actually slow down and look around instead of just coming out of the ride, out of the shop, and heading back towards the street. Simply gorgeous. And great resting area out of the hustle and bustle.

A bad pic of Rachael w/one of those awesome fountains.

I just love ToT. When I went on it in DL, I just giggled the entire time. And since I knew the actual ride was different- that your car moved forward to it’s final destination before the drops, I decided I wanted to see it. I asked Rach, as we’re leaving, “Are you sure you don’t want to ride it?” and she says, “Sure!”

Well, ok then! So off we go walking into the line….. And walking… and walking….and walking…. Finally we reach the end of the line and see….. Dad and Ebin! Turns out that whole time we’d been wandering the gift shop and snooping through the rest area, they’d been standing in a line that had moved ½-way up! So we jumped in with them and waited about another 15-20 to get into the library.

Some pix from queue:

By this time, Rachael was begging to get off and Ebin was starting to whimper. Dad assured Eb he’d love it and I told Rach we’d do a kid swap so she wouldn’t even have to do it. Cuz now I really wanted to ride it! So that’s what we did. They take you down this elevator to where the riders release, and when your party comes out, you ride back up and hop to the front of the line. Well, Rach thought that was neat and the CM traded a pin w/her. We waited almost 10 minutes, I never realized there were so many people riding at once. One after the other, cars would release out of the same two doors. Finally out come Jim- with a great big grin, “That was awesome!” and Ebin- wiping tears away. So I did the “swap” without the kid!
I loved it as usual and here’s my crappy, blurry shot - I knew it was coming so I’m in the top right corner cheesing like a little girl:

So as a family, we were going to head to The Little Mermaid Show and then get Minnie’s autograph for Ebin. Remember, he’d been very upset over this at MK, and he’d been PROMISED as such for today. As we’re passing Beauty & Beast show, we see it’s just about to start. Jim asks the kids if they want to see it, “Since we’re here.” Argh! Fine. But we’ll have to RUN to the hat to see Minnie, I tell DH. He says, “Alright, alright!”

So- did we make it in time? Here’s Belle while you wait on the answer:

 

[mom2mek]

Great update Julia! Leaving us hanging....ugh....getting good at the old trip report cliffhanger now, aren't we?

Love the ToT pics! I've never ventured back there as I won't get on it! I guess I should check it out sometime!

So, Ebin really hated it, huh? Poor thing...

At least you still got on it!

That park is so hard to plan for, so with two ADRs you probably made the right choice at skipping one! (I say one, assuming you made it to the other one... ...guess I'll have to wait and see)!

We missed BaTB this year... next time hopefully!

Sara

 

[travelmel]

After being duly impressed, we headed to lunch at Backlot Express. BUT FIRST! We saw there was a 10 minute wait posted for Star Tours so we jumped in line. I have to say, I was dreading this, as I couldn’t stand Disneyland’s version. However, WDW’s version is MUCH BETTER. It’s synched, there’s no scratch-lines across the screen, the audio is crisp and clear, and the seats aren’t rickety. I didn’t get nauseas on this version at all, and quite enjoyed it. The kids loved it! And wanted to ride again. However, when we got out, the wait time had increased quite a bit.

Interesting : plus the DL doesn't have that great Thingy out front (the name escapes me though when I hear it I will kick myself for not remembering).

 

[Poohtigeey]

Poor Ebin. My DS7 hated it too. No tears. Just frozen w/ fear! Sounds like you made the right choice skipping your ADR. You got alot done it sounds. Good cliffhanger, but I'm pretty sure I know the answer...

 

[julezdisney]

Great update Julia! Leaving us hanging....ugh....getting good at the old trip report cliffhanger now, aren't we?

Love the ToT pics! I've never ventured back there as I won't get on it! I guess I should check it out sometime!

So, Ebin really hated it, huh? Poor thing...

At least you still got on it!

That park is so hard to plan for, so with two ADRs you probably made the right choice at skipping one! (I say one, assuming you made it to the other one... ...guess I'll have to wait and see)!

We missed BaTB this year... next time hopefully!

Sara

Yes, go back there! It's SOOOO beautiful! Perfect rest spot! And yup, I'm getting the hang of the cliffhanger!

Interesting : plus the DL doesn't have that great Thingy out front (the name escapes me though when I hear it I will kick myself for not remembering).

Yea! The Thingy! Really, I did like it better. And I'm totally partial to Disneyland so that's saying a lot.

Poor Ebin. My DS7 hated it too. No tears. Just frozen w/ fear! Sounds like you made the right choice skipping your ADR. You got alot done it sounds. Good cliffhanger, but I'm pretty sure I know the answer...

I guess he started crying as soon as the car went forward- "Through Time and Space"

 

[xoktenox]

Oh man, I wonder if you made it?! I hope you did, for Ebin's sake. Good idea skipping 50's PTC, I'd so much rather be doing stuff around the park then sitting down for a meal that takes and hour and a 1/2. Great pictures too! Poor Ebin didn't like ToT...at least you got to ride it though!

 

[julezdisney]

So BaTB was a cute, condensed show. Great singing. Neat costumes. It captivated DH and the kids’ attention. Meanwhile, I’m trying to enjoy this 4:15 show knowing that we MUST get back to the hat in time to see Minnie before she’s done by 5.

As BaTB wraps up, I check my watch- SNAP! It’s not quite 4:45. We HIGH-TAIL IT over to the hat and who do we see ahead? Not just Minnie and Pluto, but Ariel and Snow White! Wow! Dad throws over to me, “I’m gonna run into that store while you’re in line!” and off he goes!

Wha-wha-wha-wha????!!!!

O.M.G. We have what I now refer to as “The Coke Float Fiasco”.

Rachael REALLY wants to get in line for Snow White and Ariel. For that matter, so does Ebin. HOWEVER, I REMIND them that Ebin hasn’t yet seen Minnie, and we all PROMISED him Minnie would be today and that if we didn’t do it, HE WOULD REGRET IT AND BE UPSET LATER. Wisely, both the kids agreed. In the meantime, as we get into line for Minnie and Pluto, the kids are on the lookout for Dad. If he WOULD JUST GET BACK than he and Rach could jump in line for Snow White and Ariel. I am standing there wondering how crazy people would think I was if I were to give Rach my photo pass and let her go stand in that line on her own, with my Eagle Eye on her the whole time. Quickly, I discard that idea as ludicrous, and realize how crazy Disney can make you. Just then, Jim arrives, with 4 Coke floats. Looking very proud of himself, indeed. And while we all thank him, we also bombard him with “Where WERE you?!” and “Daddy, take me over there!” and I quickly tell him to ask the handler if they’re done and if they’re coming back. He does, and comes back to report to a very disappointed Rachael that the princesses are done, as they have to "go get ready for Fantasmic!"

Dang. So THAT was the Coke Float Fiasco. The lesson: While you want to surprise your family with coke floats, please plan accordingly, Dads, otherwise you end up missing princesses and YOUR princess is not very pleased with you.

Good thing they were so happy to see Minnie & Pluto! Here they are… FINALLY with Minnie:

After this, we dashed over to make seating for The Little Mermaid. Just in time! We got great seats, about 8th row center, slightly stage right, and it was AWESOME! Def. one of my fave shows, after Philharmagic. I just loved it. We all did. Amazing.

From there, we headed to F! Sat in the 3rd from last row up top in Pocahontas. Alright seats. Slightly obstructed. Kept cracking up about the wave. Never had heard anything about that previously. “Those wacky Brazilians.” we said.

I thought F! was great. I do want to see Disneyland’s version so bad though. Everyone’s who’s seen both says it’s so much better and I really want to see it. The kids adored F! Everyone thought it was very exciting and cool.

After that, we made our way out of the theater and Dad and Ebin dashed across the way to RnRC to use their FP’s. Rach and I hung out in the shop waiting. Ebin’s favorite ride of the whole trip was RnRC. Dad’s too, I think. Here’s Rach playin’ in the gift shop, and a snapshot of the ride pic:

Well, after this, we were about 10 minutes late to our 8:45 ADR to Sci-Fi Drive In. Dad loaded the kids into another abandoned stroller and I RAN across the park and checked in at 9. They took my check in- no problem!!! AWESOME! Dad and the kids pulled up, they called our party, and in we went!

We LOVED Sci-Fi. I don’t remember what the kids got. Jim got the Pastrami sandwich. YUM. I tried it and it was AWESOME. We got spinach & artichoke dip for an appetizer and I actually got another appetizer as my entrée- the 7 something-or-other chili. It was SOOOO GOOOOD. The clips were great, the kids were happy and content, DH and I had great convo on the wonderfulness of the entire trip. Just a fantastic memory overall.

After we left, it was almost 10. The park was nearly empty!

The old-time Hollywood music was playing so nice and mellow-like. The kids were chatting so happily in their stroller. Dad was actually walking at a SLOWED PACE! We went into a shop for last-minute souvies and Dad sat outside, looking up & down towards the hat. He told me to take a picture.

It was then he told me that this was a perfect vacation. The best vacation of his life.

With one final shot, we bid farewell to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This one’s for you & Chels, CP:

Once again, the kids fell asleep in the car on the way back to the hotel, and we settled in before are departure the next morning.

 

[Roxychica7]

Awesome update Julez! I'm so glad to see that you loved Sci-Fi too! And I'm glad that Ebin got to finally see Minnie, your kids are too cute!

 

[travelmel]

Your son looks happily petrified on RnR!

 

[mom2mek]

Such a great update Julia! Men can be so oblivious sometimes, can't they? Oh well! Glad your little man got to see Minnie! We missed Fantasmic this year - had to make a judgment call at that point - I'll eventually get to it in my report! I'm glad you all liked it! It is a fabulous show!

Love the pic of Rachael with the rocker wig! Too funny!

Don't ya just love Sci-Fi? I love how quiet it is in there! And the kids are occupied and it's dark and the food is good....ahhh....bliss. It's just so Disney to me! The chili sounds great - I might have to try that next time! I've had the spinach/artichoke dip before and it is yummy!

That's so sweet that your DH said that it was the best vacation ever! He's a keeper!

Sara

 

[Lady Lallie]

Great update. I love Fantasmic, it's such a great show.

 

[xoktenox]

Awww thats so cute that your DH said this was the best vacation of this life! What an amazing afternoon at DHS!

 

[julezdisney]

Ok, so this "update" is a bit of a letdown as I guess when I whipped up the chapter list, I hadn't given much thought to what would be in this "Chptr 11: Oct. 13th- “I wish we could live here forever.”

So, we woke up the morning of Oct. 13th around 9-ish. Packed everything up and loaded the car and waved goodbye to Orlando! As the kids left..... they said,

"I wish we could live here forever."

The ride home was long. Uneventful. I didn't get as much sleep going home as I did getting there, as the kids would NOT go to sleep! So I was exhausted by the time we got to Illinois. Jim took over around 2am when we had about 3 hours left. We got to our driveway about 5:30 EST/4:30 CST. Went to bed and woke up around 11!

How wierd it was to have left 1 day earlier, and be in our beds the next.

Next up will be souvies, but that'll take me a minute, as I don't have TOO many pix... maybe I can scrounge them up online....

 

[julezdisney]

Awesome update Julez! I'm so glad to see that you loved Sci-Fi too! And I'm glad that Ebin got to finally see Minnie, your kids are too cute!

Thanks! Yes, I'm glad they were smart and chose to see Minnie. I know Eb would've been really upset otherwise.

Your son looks happily petrified on RnR!

Oh yes, yet VERY happy w/the results!

Such a great update Julia! Men can be so oblivious sometimes, can't they? Oh well! Glad your little man got to see Minnie! We missed Fantasmic this year - had to make a judgment call at that point - I'll eventually get to it in my report! I'm glad you all liked it! It is a fabulous show!

Love the pic of Rachael with the rocker wig! Too funny!

Don't ya just love Sci-Fi? I love how quiet it is in there! And the kids are occupied and it's dark and the food is good....ahhh....bliss. It's just so Disney to me! The chili sounds great - I might have to try that next time! I've had the spinach/artichoke dip before and it is yummy!

That's so sweet that your DH said that it was the best vacation ever! He's a keeper!

Sara

Oh I DO love Sci-Fi! I want to make it a tradition for every trip for the last night! Or at the very least- the end of any DHS day! Rach loves her 'rock-star' pics as well!

Great update. I love Fantasmic, it's such a great show.

It's awesome, agreed! I'm very happy that was one thing from Disneyland that I got satisfied on this trip! That- and seeing Walt & Mickey in front of the castle!

Awww thats so cute that your DH said this was the best vacation of this life! What an amazing afternoon at DHS!

That was so nice when he said that. I hate that I have to DRAG him anywhere- but love that he has fun once he gets there.

 

[xoktenox]

Ok, so this "update" is a bit of a letdown as I guess when I whipped up the chapter list, I hadn't given much thought to what would be in this "Chptr 11: Oct. 13th- “I wish we could live here forever.”

So, we woke up the morning of Oct. 13th around 9-ish. Packed everything up and loaded the car and waved goodbye to Orlando! As the kids left..... they said,

"I wish we could live here forever."

The ride home was long. Uneventful. I didn't get as much sleep going home as I did getting there, as the kids would NOT go to sleep! So I was exhausted by the time we got to Illinois. Jim took over around 2am when we had about 3 hours left. We got to our driveway about 5:30 EST/4:30 CST. Went to bed and woke up around 11!

How wierd it was to have left 1 day earlier, and be in our beds the next.

Next up will be souvies, but that'll take me a minute, as I don't have TOO many pix... maybe I can scrounge them up online....

Awww soo sad its over , can't wait to see all the souvie picks though!