Jaime's Flower Power Trip! NEW 7/05 CH. 62: The "Really" End **COMPLETED**

[tiggerbell]

CHAPTER 19: TINY WAFFLES AND A TATTOO – DAY 3: Monday, April 30th, 2007

PLANS: Meet Stitch for breakfast, then EPCOT all day!

BREAKFAST: O’Hana’s – 8am (4 OOP)
LUNCH: just the snacks, ma’am, just the snacks.
DINNER: Alfredo’s (TS9,10,11,12)


REALITY: This morning dawned bright and early again – Sandy and I took another tour of the resort. Rhonda joined us today. Rhonda tells us about how they wandered and wandered the resort last night looking for the laundry. They finally gave up and just asked someone.

We had a phone message when we got into the room last night to be sure to go down to concierge and pick up our Hoop-Dee-Doo tickets for Thursday. So, after showing Rhonda a bunch of the resort, we headed over to the Concierge desk. There were 2 people working – one of whom was in back getting an answer for some guy. We get in line (ok, we are the line). There are 3 people over at the Front Desk just standing there.

10 minutes go by, we’re still standing there, the person in the back has still not appeared, and the line behind us is about 8 people long! Rhonda gets fed up and goes over to the Front Desk people too see if they can help – we’re just picking up tickets. Nope. Oh for Pete’s sake!

The woman at the Concierge Desk who is helping someone looks up and says, “They aren’t trained on Concierge.” I thought Rhonda was gonna lunge over the counter! I wasn’t mad, but I did think it was stupid. I’ve had front desk people at Pop Century help me more than this!

And, I forgot to mention, but when we checked in, I asked Carlos for a Hidden Mickey list for the hotel, and he told me only Concierge could hand them out. You need special training to hand someone a sheet of paper???

We finally get help – no apologies for the wait and we have our HDDR tickets – which I put right in the safe.

We had decided to get a cab over to the Polynesian for breakfast at O’Hana’s. Rhonda covers the tab – Sandy starts to argue! I remind her about accepting with grace and we all thank Rhonda. (Meanwhile, my head is trying to figure out how to not pay for anything else the rest of the trip! LOL!!!)

We loved the chairs and the rug in the Polynesian! There were Hidden Mickeys in the rug Rhonda didn’t even notice until after she got the pictures developed!

I’m the only one who has eaten breakfast here – last September with Meg & Ash. I thought the food was good and the character interaction wonderful. This time was no different.

The tiny Mickey waffles are so good here – and I’m not a waffle person! We asked for more –twice, I think! Even the eggs were good – and usually the eggs on a family style skillet aren’t that good…

We enjoy the characters and I tell Rhonda to show Mickey her Mickey Mouse tattoo on her ankle… there’s no picture of it though! Well, Mickey loved it!

After breakfast, we are walking over to the Grand Floridian, hoping that the wedding chapel is open – we tried this last trip (09/2005) and the gates were locked.

This time, they are wide open. A couple cast members are standing outside the chapel and we ask if we can take a look… wanna see???

COMING UP: CHAPTER 20: Three Monorails & a Wedding Chapel [post=18828719]CLICK HERE[/POST]

 

[BONITATIME]

After breakfast, we are walking over to the Grand Floridian, hoping that the wedding chapel is open – we tried this last trip (09/2005) and the gates were locked.

This time, they are wide open. A couple cast members are standing outside the chapel and we ask if we can take a look… wanna see???

Yes please as soon as possible

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

I'm joining in the fun! I'm only on page 12 and I'll have to catch up later.... didn't want to have to search for ya! You are cracking me up!!! Man, I love this place!

 

[DisneyTones913]

Great Trip Report! Just wanted to point out:

On my last time (april 21st to 28th) in disney, they had the Jack Sparrow poster up. As we passed, a man remarked, " Is that poster new or is it from the last movie?" His wife took a look and said, " It must be from the last one. Disney isnt very 'up to date'". Ok then..

And, on our first breakfast in Disney, we went to O'hana and sat at the table next to yours! I KNOW! INCREDIBLE, RIGHT?! sorry, i felt i needed to point that out...

And those mickey waffles are the best! And the sausage in the skillet? not so much....

 

[Kay7979]

NIce cliff hanger ending. You're awfully mean for a nice person!

 

[jcc0621]

Glad to hear that you enjoyed O'Hana. Our last experience there wasn't great. We were with my DDad and DMom (Both in their 70's) The waiter spilled hot coffee on my father and then laughed about it We are giving it another try in August becasue DS LOVES Stitch.

 

[makinorlando]

The trip report continues to be great. I also just read the report from your Sept trip!

We were in MK the same day, and most probably in the Town Center area around the same time if my calculations are right.. you saw the Space Shuttle in Toontown and then took the train to Main St. We had a late breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, and took the monorail to MK..... hmmmm - I'm sure we passed in the "night" that day.

That happens to be the day I left some of Tara's pins on the MONORAIL....in the front and they were never turned in...... most were traders, but a few favs. I was not a happy camper trying to replace those on EBAY!

 

[tiggerbell]

Alot of the villians come out for the Halloween Party.

Malificent is my absolute FAVE! There was her, the Evil Queen, Cruella, and, gosh, quite a few others I cannot remember. The longest line was for Malificent, so I got in it. Unfortunately, it was so late - the party had ended - that I never made it to her. Her handler took her away with LOTS of people still left in line. But, again, it was late, so I understood. But I was really sad!

They may have been there earlier in the evening, b/c there was the evil villians show in front of the castle, but I wasn't there then so I couldn't say for sure.

ArielSRL -

We will be doing a MNSSHP in September, so I will get to meet more of them then - that should be fun! Of course,m we'll have Brooke with us - she's afraid of Dumbo...

What she said...

Mo -

OK, Rhonda and I had lunch yesterday and argued over who you were really agreeing with here!

I'm joining in the fun! I'm only on page 12 and I'll have to catch up later.... didn't want to have to search for ya! You are cracking me up!!! Man, I love this place!

lovebuzzandwoody -
Thank you - glad you're enjoying this! It's a blast to relive and write!

Great Trip Report! Just wanted to point out:

On my last time (april 21st to 28th) in disney, they had the Jack Sparrow poster up. As we passed, a man remarked, " Is that poster new or is it from the last movie?" His wife took a look and said, " It must be from the last one. Disney isnt very 'up to date'". Ok then..

And, on our first breakfast in Disney, we went to O'hana and sat at the table next to yours! I KNOW! INCREDIBLE, RIGHT?! sorry, i felt i needed to point that out...

And those mickey waffles are the best! And the sausage in the skillet? not so much....

DisneyTones -
That's really funny! The stuff that people think cracks me up sometimes!!!

And the sausage wasn't bad - a little spicy, maybe? I thought the sausage at Cindy's was worse.

NIce cliff hanger ending. You're awfully mean for a nice person!

Kay -
Thank you times 2! You really have no one to blame but yourself, you know - I believe I learned something when I read about a magical little twees bag!

Glad to hear that you enjoyed O'Hana. Our last experience there wasn't great. We were with my DDad and DMom (Both in their 70's) The waiter spilled hot coffee on my father and then laughed about it We are giving it another try in August becasue DS LOVES Stitch.

jcc -
That's awful about the coffee! Glad to know you're giving it another shot - Stitch is really big in our house, too! And the food there is pretty good.

The trip report continues to be great. I also just read the report from your Sept trip!

We were in MK the same day, and most probably in the Town Center area around the same time if my calculations are right.. you saw the Space Shuttle in Toontown and then took the train to Main St. We had a late breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, and took the monorail to MK..... hmmmm - I'm sure we passed in the "night" that day.

That happens to be the day I left some of Tara's pins on the MONORAIL....in the front and they were never turned in...... most were traders, but a few favs. I was not a happy camper trying to replace those on EBAY!

Martha -
Awwww.. you got to see Meg & Goosebumps!!!

"It's a Small World..."

Meg would have had a flippy-fit if we had lost pins! She's a tad on the obsessed side...

 

[dddisrunner]

We saw the evil queen too! The boys never would have taken a picture with her, but Bryan would have made a comment to me such as "take a picture with your twin" or something equally sarcastic Glad to hear a good revue of O'hana the boys love Stitch and would like to try this on our next trip!

 

[Maddie2]

I am loving your TR! We were there 4/18-4/28. We went to the O'hana dinner and sat just a table or two down from where you were -- perfect for the MK fireworks! We also sat in the same vicinity for the O'hana breakfast during our last trip. The dinner wasn't great, but the ambiance and location cannot be beat.

We, too, saw the Evil Queen at MGM (same CM/actress). Her line had closed, but I was able to snap a quick photo of her alone. I am amazed at her ability to stay in character. She did not even crack a smile -- even for an extended amount of time.... so, yes, I did say "actress". Alice in Wonderland was another one that was exceptionally good at staying in character.

Can't wait to read more of your trip! Lucky, lucky you to be able to go back so frequently!!

 

[TyRy]

The tiny Mickey waffles are so good here – and I’m not a waffle person! We asked for more –twice, I think! Even the eggs were good – and usually the eggs on a family style skillet aren’t that good…

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO - this sounds sooooooooo good - any pics? I LOVE regular Mickey waffles and had no idea O'Hana had a version. What are they like....Must put this on the list for next time...which I'm still begging to be Sept/October LOL!

After breakfast, we are walking over to the Grand Floridian, hoping that the wedding chapel is open – we tried this last trip (09/2005) and the gates were locked.
This time, they are wide open. A couple cast members are standing outside the chapel and we ask if we can take a look… wanna see???

Awesome cliffhanger. I've always wanted to see inside in person and can't wait for your next installment.

 

[tiggerbell]

OK - stick together - we're going into the chapel...

Please wipe your feet...

 

[tiggerbell]

CHAPTER 20: Three Monorails & a Wedding Chapel – Still DAY 3: Monday, April 30th, 2007

You enter the gate and walk up a path. When you get to the end, you can turn right (Bride’s Room) or left (Groom’s Room & Chapel). The rooms are decorated in the Victorian style you see at the Grand Floridian.

(TURN RIGHT AT END OF PATH - BRIDE'S ROOM. See how the door handles for crossed wedding bands?)

(TURN LEFT AT END OF PATH - ENTER CHAPEL. GROOM'S ROOM IS THE DOORWAYON THE RIGHT, RIGHT BEFORE THE DOUBLE DOORS)

CEILING:

INSIDE CHAPEL:

WINDOW BEHIND ALTER:

SANDY & I - THE CLOSEST WE'LL EVER GET TO GETTING MARRIED IN THIS CHAPEL!

SIDE WINDOW TOWARDS GRAND FLORIDIAN:

LIGHT FIXTURES:

VENTS ON WALLS NEAR CEILING:

TAKEN FROM ALTER - NOTICE RUTH SITTING ON RIGHT SIDE:

MIRRORS IN HALLWAY JUST OUTSIDE CHAPEL:

GROOM'S ROOM:

BRIDE'S ROOM:

TABLE IN VESTIBLE OF BRIDE'S ROOM BUILDING - THERE'S 2 BRIDE'S ROOM IN THAT BUILDING (that's rice in the table!):

After our tour of the chapel, we continued down the path to the Grand Floridian.

We stopped in the store for a few minutes, the hopped on a monorail to the Ticket & Transportation Center (1 monorail). It was on this monorail that I thought I saw a family that might have been dddisrunner and crew. A mom and a dad with 2 adorable little boys, about the right ages… but the more I stared (thank heavens for dark shades!), the more I decided it wasn’t them.

We get to the TTC and trek over to the next monorail platform that will take us to EPCOT. We ask if we can wait for the next monorail, so we can have the front. We get the ok and are sent up to the front. A monorail (monorail #2) shows up and everyone but us gets on it.

It’s only a few minutes before our monorail (monorail #3, as promised) arrives and we climb in the front. When I was a teenager, this was a 15-minute ride – I swear! Did monorails get faster, or did they move EPCOT???

COMING UP: CHAPTER 21: Is that a Turkey Leg in Your Pocket or are You Just Happy to See Me? [post=18846745]CLICK HERE[/POST]

 

[dddisrunner]

Nope we didn't ride on the monorail the whole trip! Thank goodness you had your shades on! Thankfully you didn't "focker" them either! I LOVE the pictures of the chapel! Thanks so much for posting them!

 

[BONITATIME]

I love the photos, it must have been great visiting.

 

[nebo]

Yeah, yeah, I'm still catching up. But Jaime, I can't believe you weren't just blown away when you checked into AKL. I know I was when we stayed there. I wouldn't leave the doorway. I think it was a security guy who finally grabbed me by the arm and led me to the check in. I realize I have a hard time seeing in the dark, and you too, but I can't figure out how people actually work there every day. However, like you, I learned to like it.
The night vision goggles aren't that much. You just end up looking like Rhonda. By the way, my favorite ride in AK is also Dinosaur. And trust me on this, you won't believe how much more you can see in there, when it gets dark out. That's why an Ak day is always an EMH day, the best way is to see it when it gets dark out.
Doin great Jaime, doin Berwyn proud

 

[KathyRN137]

Jaime,

I was so thrilled to see the pictures of the Wedding Chapel; never seen it before and I love seeing new things at WDW!! It just looked so perfect! Hmmmm, perhaps a Vow Renewal Ceremony will be in my future!

(yeah...if I win the lottery...)

Kathy

 

[ang38]

Finally...another floater!!! I thought I was the only one with this odd ability!!! I can even float in the bathtub! Glad to see that I'm not that strange after all

 

[tiggerbell]

CHAPTER 21: Is that a Turkey Leg in Your Pocket or are you Just Happy to See Me?– Still DAY 3: Monday, April 30th, 2007

The first thing we did in EPCOT today was to look at the Leave a Legacy tiles of Rhonda and my girls… I had printed the directions to find them in my little itinerary book. I believe the next step was Journey into Imagination. We missed the next Honey, I Shrunk the Audience show and didn’t want to stand and wait, so we got Fast Passes for it (I know… lame).

I have managed to avoid this show for years!!! We either have a little kid or Meghan (who hates all 3-D) with us.

On the way past there, I spotted the door to Figment’s World was open, so I veered in that direction. I know there are some of you like me who felt like you grew up with Figment (well, as much as Figment – or me, for that matter – could grow up!)

As I get to the door, who should appear in the doorway – Figment!!! Well, I just got so excited. I told him I had waited my whole life to meet him! He just ate it up. He spent a lot of time with me and had me do all kinds of crazy poses. Figment ROCKS!

We had a while before we could use our HISTA FPs, so we did the rose walk, Tinkerbell’s Fairy Garden, and the water landscaping displays. That landed us out by the World Showcase.

It was super, super hot today, and my feet are starting to complain. I was sitting on a bench, just outside of Canada, when we spotted more bad shoes…

We went back and got right into HISTA. Didn’t even need the FPs! Just walked right in. Jeez. (Or “geesh” for those of you who speak Nebo. I don’t. But I do speak whale!)

Afterwards, we walked the sculpture garden – Louie was back, this is the 3rd year I’ve taken Louie’s picture!

Let’s take Ruth and Sandy into Ice Cool Station! Try the Beverly!

RUTH BEFORE SIPPING BEVERLY:

RUTH AFTER SIPPING BEVERLY:

Hmmm..............



SIPPING BEVERLY SANDY:

Then we’ll walk through the butterfly garden.

Today, we just plan on snacking through the day and then have a 7:30 dinner at Alfredo’s… enough time has gone by since breakfast that we’re starting to get hungry. Rhonda has been talking about getting a turkey leg for… I don’t know… months?

So we sat on our bench outside M:S and Test Track and Rhonda got her turkey leg, I got a pretzel (the last few inches of which I put in a zip lock bag for later – I would find the pretzel in the hotel closet, in the purse I hadn’t used since this day, about 4 days later – ewwwwww!), and Sandy and Ruth each got apple slices and caramel.

Time for Universe of Energy! This one is another favorite of mine – first, the pre-show is hysterical, second – they let you sit in the A/C for 30 minutes!!! Totally rocks!


COMING UP: CHAPTER 22: I Get “Goosed” in France [post=18862448]CLICK HERE[/POST]

 

[puggymom]

Love the wedding chapel pics!

So did Ruth like the Beverly????

Those pics of you and Figment are awesome!

BTW, has Rhonda found Japan yet?