July 2009 Trip Report - DVC really is the best kept Disney secret! With pictures!

[courtneylauren]

Well I guess it's about time I get this up here!

TRIP DETAILS:
Leaving Houston on July 11, returning on July 21.
Staying at Port Orleans Riverside
My parent's 19th anniversary is on July 14.
We're on the dining plan.

BACKGROUND:
This was our 9th family vacation to WDW. We've gone every summer since 2000 (except 2001). People constantly ask us why we go back every summer, instead of trying something else.

CAST:
My mom, Bonnie (46) - Loves the magic of Disney! Would love to go somewhere else on vacation but no one else wants to. Now that we have DVC (as of this trip) maybe we will!
My dad, Neil (45) - As much of a kid as we are when it comes to WDW! Put together a website in 2003 to put all of our WDW pictures on.
Me, Courtney (15) - Complete Disney fanatic. I'm the one that keeps my family updated with the latest WDW news, rumors, and tips.
My sister, Megan (11 (turned 12 a few days after we got back)) - Loves Disney but hates reading all the many emails I send my family daily about WDW! The comedian in our family.

 

[courtneylauren]

7/11/09 - Day One

Today we started our 9th vacation to Disney World! We woke up early to catch our 7:45 flight, and arrived in Orlando at 11:00.

On the airplane!

Disney's Magical Express picked us up at the airport and brought us to our beautiful hotel, The Port Orlean's Riverside.

Checking in to POR.

Our room wasn't ready, so we ate lunch at the food court, pin traded with cast members, walked around outside and took pictures, and looked in the gift shop.

Walking around POR.

Once our room was ready, we unpacked, and headed to the Magic Kingdom! We did alot today at MK in only four hours and had a great time!

When we arrived at the Magic Kingdom, we walked around in the Main Street shops and bakery, took some pictures, and just enjoyed being "home" again.

Glad to be back home.

We headed over to Frontierland, and we were surprised to see Cowboy Goofy, as we have NEVER seen him before doing meet and greets!

Cowboy Goofy

After a Texas howdy to Goofy, we went over to Adventureland to take a ride on Aladdin's Magic Carpets. It started to rain, so we went inside for a meal that all four of us love, taco salads! We found these a few years ago and have made them at home, but it was nice to have the "original" again! The rain let up, so we went back to Frontierland, and had another character first! We met Donald Duck dressed as Davy Crockett!

Liberty Square

After autographs and pictures, we went over to Tomorrowland for one of our favorites, The Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club. One of the acts included a monster telling a story using guests as characters from the Monster's Inc movie. All of a sudden, we saw Dad's face up on the screen - and he was the character of Mike Wazowski, who is his favorite Monster's Inc. character! Since Mike only has one eye, Dad had to cover up one of his eyes with his hand. It was really cool to see Daddy up on the screen!

Dad as Mike

After the show, we went over to use our fastpasses for Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin that we had picked up before Monster's Inc. We saved the galaxy with Buzz, and decided to head to Fantasyland. On the way over, it started to rain again, so Courtney and Megan got ice cream and we went inside to eat it. By the time the ice cream was gone, the rain had let up and we headed out.

Faint rainbow.

Our plan was to get fastpasses for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and then watch Mickey's Philharmagic. As we were getting our Pooh fastpasses, we got surprise fastpasses for Mickey's Philharmagic that were immediately valid.

Mickey's Philharmagic

We enjoyed the show, and after taking a ride through the 100 Acre Woods, we decided to head back to the Riverside. We pin traded our way down Main Street and made some good trades. Our bus was waiting for us when we got to the stop, so we got on and enjoyed the ride back. Our driver even pointed out a "Bambi" on the side of the road! Tonight was the night we chose to not eat at a sit down restaurant, since we were eating at Yachtsman's later in the week, so we had a quick bite in the food court. Courtney and Megan put on their swimsuits and enjoyed a swim at the pool by our room.

First of many swims!

Everyone showered and was exhausted from the long day!

Up next: Wave pools, water slides, helping Kim Possible, Japanese dinner, and characters!

 

[courtneylauren]

I can continue if people want me to but if I have no readers then I won't

 

[Melknor]

Please continue. I love reading trip reports!!

 

[courtneylauren]

Please continue. I love reading trip reports!!

thanks for writing. i will continue- just wanted to make sure someone was reading it!

 

[praisehisname]

I'm reading!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Great so far, I'm subbing!!!

 

[courtneylauren]

7/12/09 - Day Two

Today was our second day, and we decided to head to Typhoon Lagoon water park for some fun in the sun!

Typhoon Lagoon

After saying aloha to Stitch and Lilo, we went to the HUGE wave pool!

Lilo

We all had fun catching some waves.

Wave pool

After that, we went to the family raft ride, Gangplank Falls, where we got in a big inner tube and went down a river.

Gangplank Falls

We went to another tube ride, Keelhaul Falls, that had individual inner tubes. Next, we jumped into the lazy river, Castaway Creek, and rode it around to the front of the park. We got off and grabbed a bite to eat at Leaning Palms. It was nice because we found a large seating area that was completely empty, so we had a private dining shack! The parks have been pretty empty so far this trip, which we have enjoyed. After lunch, Neil and Megan got back in the wave pool again, while Bonnie and Courtney walked around the water park. After 3 hours, we went back to the hotel. Courtney and Megan still wanted to be in the water, so they took a swim in the main pool at the hotel, that has fountains and a water slide.

CSR hot tub

After showers and resting, we headed to Epcot for the rest of the day. When we got there, it started to rain, so we looked around in the Art of Disney store, and then continued on to Innoventions. Courtney and Megan did a 3 part game called the Great Piggy Bank Race.

Great Piggy Bank Race

Next, we picked up a Mission Pass for the new Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. Courtney and Megan got a snack of a lemonade slush and a churro, and Bonnie got a margarita in Mexico. We walked over to Italy where we picked up our Kimmunicator (a special cell phone) for the adventure. Our adventure was in Japan, so we made our way over there. We watched videos on the Kimmunicator that told us the clues and gave us hints, which took us around the Japan pavillion.

Kimmunicator

After completing our mission, it was time for our dinner at Teppan Edo. We enjoyed our salads with ginger dressing, filet mignons, shrimp, rice, vegetables, and ice cream.

Teppan Edo

After we were STUFFED from a wonderful dinner, we went to America and watched Billy Joel perform. We made our way over to the United Kingdom, listened to the Beatles, and took pictures with Pooh, Eeyore, and Tigger. After that, we went to Epcot Character Spot, where Mickey, Pluto, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy were waiting to greet us.

Mickey at ECS

To finish off the night, we took a ride on Spaceship Earth, and headed back to our hotel.


Up next: Expeditions, lions, rapids, shopping, and Ireland.

 

[praisehisname]

Loved the update; you're doing a great job!

 

[kamikazecat]

I am reading as well so please continue. I love the start of your trip.

 

[courtneylauren]

I'm reading!

Great so far, I'm subbing!!!

Loved the update; you're doing a great job!

I am reading as well so please continue. I love the start of your trip.

Thanks! I will try to get another day or two up tonight.

 

[courtneylauren]

7/13/09 - Day Three

Today was our third day and we went to Animal Kingdom for a day in the wild! We got there at 8 when it opened for resort guests, and headed straight back to Expedition Everest! Neil, Courtney, and Megan rode it and Bonnie got fastpasses so they could ride it later.

Expedition Everest

Then, we went to the Tusker House restaurant where we were joined by Mickey, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy!

Tusker House

Mickey

It was a great way to start our day. After breakfast, we headed over to Camp Mickey-Minnie, and said hello to Pocahontas. Then we went and watched The Festival of the Lion King, which was AMAZING!

FOTLK

We took some pictures by the Tree of Life, and then headed to Dinoland. Bonnie got fastpasses for Kali River Rapids, and Neil, Courtney, and Megan rode Dinosaur. Then it was time for us to use our Expedition Everest fastpasses. We rode it once with the fastpasses, and once in the single rider line.

EE

We saw Flik and stopped for some pictures and autographs, and then got a snack of pineapples and pretzels. Then we made our way over to Asia where we rode Kali River Rapids. Since we were wet from the ride, we decided to head back to the hotel and get a bite to eat there. We enjoyed fish, chicken, and hamburgers, and rested before our night at Downtown Disney.

When we got to Downtown Disney, we went to the Art of Disney store, where Bonnie got a neat holographic poster for the living room. Then we went to a new store called Tren-D, that has unique Disney clothes and jewelry for teen girls. Courtney got a pretty bracelet and earrings and Megan got a cute wristlet. Next, we walked around and took some pictures.

Design A Tee Store

Then made our way over to Raglan Road for dinner. We had never been here before, so we were excited to try this Irish restaurant.

Raglan Road

Bonnie, Courtney, and Megan had steak and mashed potatoes, and Neil had fish and chips.

Our meals

Irish Dancer

We enjoyed hearing our waiter’s Irish accent, especially when he said tomato. When it came time for dessert, we decided to order four different ones and share them. They were all delicious! We stopped in some stores along the way after dinner, including the Harley Davidson store, Magnetron, and Disney’s Candy Cauldron.

Harley Davidson Store

After that, we went in to Disney Quest for some indoor fun. Courtney and Megan played a neat virtual pinball game which they liked. Then we went downstairs and all rode the Virtual Jungle Cruise, which made it seem like we were paddling down the river – we even got splashed!

Virtual Jungle Cruise

Then, Courtney and Megan decided to try CyberSpace Mountain, where they built their own roller coast and then rode it. They set it to medium speed and didn’t put any upside downs since it was their first time, but after riding it they decided it was too boring so they made a new one! This one was on the fast speed and went upside down three times. They liked this one a lot better, but next time we go back, they want to make one with all upside downs!

CyberSpace Mountain

After a very fun night, we decided to call it a day and head back to the hotel, because we’re waking up early to get to Epcot when it opens.

Up next: An anniversary, a trip around the world, and some amazing steak.

 

[jgates]

Love all the pictures!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Love the t-shirts from AK....another great update.

Raglan Road is the retaurant we have done the last few trips on our arrival day. We do love it there.

 

[courtneylauren]

Love all the pictures!

Thank you!

Love the t-shirts from AK....another great update.

Raglan Road is the retaurant we have done the last few trips on our arrival day. We do love it there.

Thanks!

We really enjoyed RR. We are considering it again for this upcoming trip.

 

[courtneylauren]

7/14/09 - Day Four

Today was Bonnie and Neil’s 19th wedding anniversary, and we were very happy to be celebrating in Disney World! We got to Epcot right when it opened and headed to the Land pavilion. We got fastpasses for Soarin’ and then rode it in the standby line.

Soarin'

After our flight, Neil, Courtney, and Megan rode Living with the Land, and Bonnie went over to get Test Track fastpasses for later.

Living with the Land

We ate a snack at Sunshine Seasons before using our fastpasses to ride Soarin’ again.

Soarin'

We shopped around in Mouse Gears before riding Test Track.

Test Track

Then, it was time to hit the countries. We started in Mexico and then continued on to Norway and China.

Mexico

China

We stopped in the Africa outpost and then went to Germany. We took pictures with Snow White and got a German pretzel. Then we stopped in Italy and America, and took some pictures.

World Showcase Lagoon

We ate lunch in Japan and had teriyaki chicken, rice, and salads. Courtney and Megan got to help the aquaculturists feed the Koi fish in the pond.

Feeding the Koi

Then we finished our way around the world with stops in Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. We took some pictures in front of Spaceship Earth and headed back to the Port Orleans.

When we got back to the hotel, Bonnie and Neil had an anniversary card and balloons waiting for them from the hotel.

Anniversary surprise from POR

Courtney and Megan put on their swimsuits and took a quick swim. We showered, rested, and got ready for our favorite meal, dinner at Yachtsman’s Steakhouse. We got to the Yacht Club and took some pictures around the beautiful resort.

Yacht Club

Then we got seated at Yachtsman’s and ordered our appetizers, caesar salads. Bonnie got a filet mignon and Neil, Courtney, and Megan had 24 ounce Porterhouses, which is filet and strip.

Courtney and Megan's Porterhouses

We were STUFFED from the steaks, but we ordered our desserts, which we all enjoyed.

Desserts

We headed back and called it a night. Bonnie and Neil had a wonderful 19th anniversary, and they loved spending it in their favorite place with their daughters.

Up next: Idols, Hollywood, and Disney Quest...or not?

 

[courtneylauren]

7/15/09 - Day Five

We had a great 5th day in Disney World. We started out at the Extra Magic Hour for resort guests, and got in to Hollywood Studios an hour before the park opened to the public. Courtney and Megan rode Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster twice in a row since the line was short.

RnR

We got fastpasses for that and Tower of Terror before a quick breakfast at Starring Rolls Café.

Breakfast - yum!

We did some pin trading at Guest Relations and under the hat, picked up fastpasses for Toy Story Mania, and then headed to the American Idol Experience. We were all excited to see this brand new show since we are big fans of American Idol. It was SO neat. Before the show, they did some taping in the waiting area which they used later in the show, and we watched a special edition of American Idol Today. Three park guests that had auditioned for the show producers sang for us and we got to vote for the best one. The winner from each of the shows during the day goes to the Finale at 7 pm. The Finale winner receives a special pass to the front of the line at any American Idol audition. The stage was set up exactly like the real show, and we all enjoyed it a lot.

American Idol Experience

Next, Courtney and Megan used the fastpasses for Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, which they love.

Tower of Terror

We had lunch at a place we’ve never eaten at before, Backlot Express. We took some pictures and then headed to the Animation Courtyard. We saw the Magic of Disney Animation, which was about how Disney characters come to life. Then, Courtney and Megan went to the Animation Academy and got to learn how to draw Donald Duck in a step by step class with a Disney animator.

Animation Academy

After that, we went over to Pixar Place to use our Toy Story Mania fastpasses. This ride opened right before our trip last year, and we really enjoy it. We loved the American Idol Experience so much, that we decided to catch another show. After Idol, we headed back to our hotel for showers and to relax.

Some Photopass Pictures

Our original plans for tonight were to eat in China at Epcot, but we decided to cancel that reservation. We went to Downtown Disney in the evening and had dinner at Earl of Sandwich. We love the one in Houston, but it’s far so we don’t eat it often.

Earl of Sandwich

Next, we went to the Pin Store and made some great trades to complete a lot of our sets.

Pin Trading

We shopped around in Once Upon a Toy and World of Disney. The plan then was for Bonnie to head back to the hotel and do some laundry and relax, and for Neil, Courtney, and Megan to go to Disney Quest. The sky was DARK and there was lots of thunder. Bonnie went to the bus stop and got on the bus, and Neil and the girls went over to Disney Quest even though it looked like it was going to pour any minute. When we saw how long the line was, we changed our minds and went to the bus stop. We ended up getting on the same bus as Bonnie. We relaxed in the room and watched America’s Got Talent.

Up next: Tinkerbell, Eating with Small World, and Idol.