June-11 Trip: Are you Eating, Flying and Sailing Nuts? FINAL UPDATE 9/14

[cj9200]

Sitting at the dock in the Keys waiting for the dive boat to come in. Going out this afternoon with DD and 2 of her friends. 1’s mother came down here for a week and she was kind enough to ask DD to join them. First time I went diving in over a year and I am excited. Limited Internet access so can only check in now. I come back tomorrow and the next update will be up in a day or two.

I have always enjoyed your trip reports - I want to thank you for letting us go along - She is one amazing person - the world is a better place!

I've recently discovered chowhound.com - they have an Orlando board - I cant believe the places that are out there - but I'd get lost for sure, so I appreciate your drive around Orlando - and truly LOL about taking pictures at midnight - I felt the same way when we stayed at BCV - but there were people in the pool (I pointed away from them!) no security on me tho!! GO Len Testa Brilliant!

The Grand Tea - you had TEA? I'm not sure, I hear they have a Princess Blend that is delish! You'll need to go back and try it - seriously!! I have to add my DH is a tea drinker (after coffee of course! ) he had some kind of pot filled with leaves - huge leaves...... but it is an amazing place - and I think you did a great job capturing it for us -

Also, loved your DD response about people "not getting it" its not about lines and hamburgers!! perfect!

I hope you'll always be able to take the time to give trip reports - I love your reports!! Thank you!

Thanks for the kind words on the TR. I will have to take a look at chowhound.com. I am still confident enough to travel offsite (not that confidence is warranted) and not think I will get lost. I don’t think that Len would appreciate his name on a police blotter for verbally taunting a rent a cop and making him cry. So I guess it is better that I didn’t think of it in time. Storm Along Bay is beautiful at night. Got some great pics of it.

Sorry but real men will do tea but they will not drink the Princess blend. The special blend they had was really good and I will have to have it again. Came close to buying some. It is an example of the reason DD thinks that people don’t get it. Where else can you have breakfast with a mouse and High Tea in the afternoon?

You have raised her well! Definitely D'OH!!!! Darn, looks like I lost that bet.

You should have let me know. I would have thrown the bet for a cut. Have to find more creative ways to finance my next trip.

You are such a great dad, and a talented TR writer! Looking forward to more!

Too kind. This one is going to take a while.

You know, I'm suppose to be cleaning my house..the out of work teacher that I am...but you had to put up a new report AND I keep interrupting my youngest DD (who recently graduated and moved home) from cleaning her room. But we are both enjoying your TR. I found your "educational" info on the animals quite interesting.

What no Red River Hogs??! Now my DH isn't really keen on trying out AKV but if I EVER do finally convince him to at least one stay, we better find out which savannah those critters hang out on. He looks for them whenever we visit the AKL gift shop or rather I'm at the gift shop, he's looking for those critters

And my youngest wants to know WHY you took a picture of the life guard? If your DD wasn't with you, was that to tempt her to the pool? Geeze, Dad what are you thinking? Have you noticed how beautiful that daughter of yours is becoming? But then my youngest also wants to know just how tall was that life guard? Now she's asking me when are WE going to WDW again..I'm thinking she's including herself with my DH and me.

Glad I could distract you and your daughter. Tell her congratulations and go clean her room. I gave up on that a long time ago. The Red River Hogs are on a Savanna because they entertained me last time at Kidani. Love to watch them. I will look for the room when I get back. They should be there unless they were a special at Boma. NO, I DIDN’T SAY THAT.

I knew the lifeguard was in the pic but my focus (photography joke) was on getting the other side of the pool. Didn’t realize how prominent he was until I looked at it on the computer. She didn’t see it either until later. Don’t know how tall he was maybe my height 5’10”. Thanks for the comment on DD. She is pretty cute. Luckily the school she goes to is full of smart geeks and she is more interested in conversation vs being boy crazy. Plus dad has a reputation of being a nut case which was cultivated over a long time. I have a feeling that is going to change in her Senior year. Good luck with your youngest on your trip with your DH. Make sure you check the trunk and the bags so she can’t sneak on.

What a great TR so far! I have a long time until my next stay so I'm living vicariously through other's TRs!

Thanks. Sorry to hear your next trip isn’t until later. I know I am lucky to be close and able to get there often.

Two new updates!! Thanks for both of them. We actually really enjoy tea too. My husband doesn't mind it, so he goes along with me. I really like the peace and quiet as a break from the chaos in other parts of the world.

Glad to hear that you were able to sleep in. I know that might have changed your plans, but rest is good! Sounds like your daughter definitely "gets it" and that is wonderful. Many trips for years to come for you two.

Can't wait for Day 2.

Good for DH. I think I was the only male there but it didn’t bother me. Great take on the peace and quiet of the place. It is very refined and a totally different place than the parks.
Sleeping in is good anytime. Well one time on the trip it wasn’t a good thing. She does get it and loves going to Disney. A Senior trip with some of her friends may be in her future. Dad will either stay home or go to a different resort.

Day 2 is in the composing phase.

Great update! It was so nice seeing our home away from home! What a great dad, one that realizes the storage under the sink in the bathroom will be needed for beauty supplies! You rock! The pool pics, I miss the Kadini pool, it's my favorite. AKV is my favorite resort (and our home) but I have to say, sometimes after walking in the heat all day, the walk to Mara is killer. I really wish that Kadini had a QS. Oh, BTW, I don't blame you for putting your signature on the pictures. Using them is a compliment, claiming them as your own is flat out wrong!

Looking forward to your next update. I'm hooked!

Stop. You are making me blush. I agree, Kidani has a great pool. And they do need a quick service place there and at the Boardwalk. I like the one at Beach Club. It is not really in the Villas but is close. They have a few things including made to order salads. There were a lot of places like that when I was in NY and it is a great idea. Needs to be more places like that in WDW.

To clarify why I now have the sig on my photos, I want to be really clear. If you like a pic, I do not mind at all if you copy it. Have at it. It is a pain to do but I want to do at least something to make it harder for someone to use it commercially. It also slows the process down.

Yay! Another TR!

Turns out we were there at the same time, which is why I missed all this until tonight. Darn real life intervening!

Looking forward to the next installment!

I think you will agree that it was HOT while we were there. Even hotter than it was in Miami. Hope you had a great time.

Yes great popcorn!!! Made the old fashion way...on the stove....in oil....and real butter!!!! The only way!!! Love your TR so far

You know how to make popcorn.

Save some for me. I prefer mine plan, no butter.

Surely they missed something in the interpretation.

May have been although I don’t think so. Dads always get the short side.

It seems to be becoming a DIS Dads trend these days.

Inside joke for Dis Dads. Speaking of which, I hope he whom we are talking about is having a good time. If you are a dad reading this, come on over. We have our own sub-forum under the Disney for Families Forum. Just a bunch of Family and Disney fanatics chewing the fat. Or should I say bacon?

That is literary gold right there. (See I'll give you credit for the gold part even if the African proverb won't)

True though isn’t it? Thanks for the precious metal.



It was really nice relaxing at the pool. Can’t beat it.

If I were you, I'd send them an application to be the offical pesto chef.

Don’t get me started. I don’t know if you have ever eaten at Tony’s in the MK. It was terrible. I ordered baked ziti and they gave me basically mac and cheese with some red sauce garbage. DD had to restrain me from going into the kitchen and taking over. Italian food is so simple but they don’t even put the least amount of thought or effort into it over there. If I ever go there again, which is doubtful, and they send me junk like that again, I will embarrass the chef.

Wonderful TR and pictures, and your daughter is just lovely.

Thanks. Although sometimes I say the opposite, I think I will keep her. Don’t tell her, she might get cocky.

Lisa, good of you to join us. It’s about time. What, no trash talk about the Heat? I was looking forward to it. Well-deserved win for the Mavs. I will answer on cinco and your other posts when I get back. Glad you joined in, I was going to send out a search party.

You will next hear from me when I get back on the mainland.

 

[cj9200]

Hands down my favourite line of the TR.

OK?

Oh wait this one's a contender.

Is that a slight dig at the Heat? Come on, I can take it.

OMG, I can't keep my eyes off of it. Heaven on a plate.

Really good, I agree. Glad I ordered that instead of the regular tea. If I do it next time, may drop the sandwiches and add the scones. DD is also a cheese junky.

Hope you're having or had fun Kate.

Me too Kate. Same to Irene.

Well it WAS a dumb question.

Dads have a tendency to ask dumb questions.

Forget explaining to non-Disney types - with her vacation smarts I need her in my back pocket for some discussions right here on this DVC board.

Loved the tea. LOVED it.

Dial 911 anytime to reach her.

Wouldn't it have been funny if Cinco was staring out at you from the bird cage on the way by? You know like a sweet hallucination - those pills are powerful.

How is she by the way?

Funny for you, not me. Cinco is fine but not one of the top five anymore. Things have shifted and if the girls’ trip was repeated she would be replaced. They still get along fine but not as close as they were.

The purple pills are happy pills and would never produce a cinco hallucination.

 

[cj9200]

Day 2, Monday, June 13 Part 1: Animal Kingdom AKA A lion roars and another sleeps tonight

Today was the first park day of the trip. AK had Extra Magic Hours in the morning so we woke up early and at the bus stop for the first bus to AK. Well, I was at least. DD came running a few minutes after the bus left. No big deal because she got ready pretty quickly. And about 15 minutes after the first bus, another pulls up.

Even with waiting in line to get her voucher exchanged for passes and me fumbling around looking for my pass, we made rope drop. I was a little worried about getting around the parks all day but decided to give it a shot without a wheelchair. So she had fast pass duties to Expedition Everest while I waited on the benches by the Safari.

This time she was under orders not to ride EE without me. When we were on the trip with her friends DD and 1 went to get the fast passes for Everest. After getting them they noticed EE was a walk-on so they of course went for a ride. Even sat up front. They left the rest of us hanging at Safari but it was a proud Dis Dad moment. Disney rule number three, “If a major attraction is a walk-on, you walk on.” Not this time however.

Crowds were very light which surprised me. Even waiting for her to go to EE and meet me at Safari, it was a 10 minute wait. While waiting, I watched a family who had the right touring plan idea but it was poorly executed. This dad was proudly standing by the fast pass machines tickets in hand when his family met him. He explained that he got fast passes for Safari and they can ride in 15 minutes.

Once we get up to the CM loading, we requested the last row. I like that spot because you can look around more. While we were waiting for our truck to pull up, the FP family was right behind us. Wasted a fast pass there Chuckles. Our truck pulls up, we board and then they start to board. Mom is first and then her brood. The only way dad could ride is if someone sat on his lap. That or hang off the back. I was about to say something when they decided it would be better to wait for the next bus. Ya think? Barley pulled out of the loading area when we had to wait more than a few minutes for, “The wildebeests’ migration to cross the Serengeti.” I guess they finally moved off to another waterhole and we started our two-week safari.

Every time I go on this ride I say I don’t need to take any pictures but I do anyway. Can’t help myself.

Dad. Do you have to take pictures?

Lined up to go

The nearly extinct black rhino

I am trying something new with the camera. It has a movie feature which I tried to use more on the trip. While I didn’t film the chef at Narcoossees preparing our dinner, I tried some new things. These are unedited and not sure how stable the camera was especially on the safari.

The audio is hard to hear but he is “roaring.” More like barking. Hope you can hear it. The guide said it was rare to hear him do that. Once in the morning, once at night to mark his territory. The only other time I heard him he was really using his vocal cords and sounded like the MGM Lion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJtEuVg6Wdg Still getting used to the camera and it is a bit shaky because well, we were in a truck along rutted roads.

More giraffes pics from our balcony are coming. Aren’t you happy?

Thanks for making us wait

The wooly mammoths smaller and less hairy cousin

The safari had lots of animals and the guide was enthusiastic. Good time as usual. From there it was time to use the fast passes so we headed over to Everest. (In case you were the family behind us, notice this demonstrates the correct uses of FP) The standby line said 20 minutes and we debated to go standby or use the FPs now. Did the FP line and DD asked to sit in front. We only had to wait for one train before we were on.

Another video. This one is definitely moves around a lot. Wonder why? Plus this was a last second idea and it started out with me fumbling to get a good grip on my glasses.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Khy6TE7SHDI

When we got off, the wait time was still 20 minutes. Sure why not? This is the first time I ever went through the regular queue. DD wouldn’t believe me but it was true. Unbelievable theming. Took a few pics. Well, took a bunch of pics but here is a sampling.

Is somebody doing laundry?

Forget about the laundry quip

This room was cool. I could give a cheap shot about DD likeness.

Like, This is her when she can’t find her phone. I could do that but I won’t.

Or this when she wakes up and before makeup is applied. She is not a morning person. But of course, I won’t say that either.

I slay myself sometimes.

Last queue pic. I promise.

This is a small sampling of the bazillion pics I took. I snapped away because there is no telling when I will go through the line again.

Anyway, we quickly get to the train (it was less than 15 minutes). She agreed to my suggestion that we take whatever car they assigned us. As it was, it was the third from the end. Another good ride.

From EE it was for over to our last planned AK ride.

It was a little after 9:00 and still no crowds. Walked on another ride. I was a bit worried about my back but I survived the safari, Everest and this one with flying colors. Also love this ride. Made sure to point out to DD the patricide scene. A side note: She rode this as soon as she was tall enough to ride. Very excited to ride it and not one scream or tear. It was a few years later and probably half a dozen rides before she confessed until then she always rode with her eyes closed. I think it would be scarier riding it with your eyes closed but she thought differently.

Since the crowds were still light, we decided to do stay and do a little shopping before seeing the Lion King. She decided, I went along. I hate shopping. Always have always will. I have become better. Really I have. I even took her clothes shopping before the trip and let her try on shoes and outfits without a peep. It helped that I also bought a couple of things. That and a pretty purple pill. This time I distracted myself people watching. No public meltdowns but it was early.

A good amount of time wasted, I mean spent in the various stores, it was time to line up for the Legend of the Lion King show. Neither of us has seen this in years so why not. It was just a short wait and we were escorted into the theater. We lucked out and were in the giraffe section. And what does a giraffe sound like? Well we did not roar like the lions or trumpet like the elephants or make warthog noises. No we had to bleat like lambs. A real man’s man sound.

When I first saw it, I thought it was the best show on property. After seeing it this time, I still feel that way. Took lots of pics and some videos. Here are a few.

We sat at the end of the row next to the elephant

The person I call the Bird Woman is amazing flying above the stage. I am sure she was a ballerina in an earlier life. She was doing the walking on her toes a lot. Just saying.

The chorus line

Or is it chorus herd?

Is Timon lion down on the job? Sorry about that.

The colors are so vibrant

Some Videos
The intro
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bzJv5jXiBw

Hukuna Matata
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVoP8PcAkOQ

You got to love these guys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udBAL6s6H3w

The finale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-r7QD37Zoc

Really great show and very talented singers and dancers. Only Disney can put on different shows of this quality at multiple locations many times every day. Of course this one is the best of the bunch. We were both glad we decided to see it.

Another thing we have not done for a while was Bugs’ Life. We were still ahead of schedule, so why not. Amazing how intricate the carvings are on the Tree of Life.

My Bug

Hopper is a cool animatronic.

There were a lot of first timers if the number of screams I heard is any indication. Always fun to go on this with first times. DD retold to story how her aunt kept jumping up to get away from the effects. Ahh, funny Disney memories. Another glad we did an attraction we haven’t seen in a long time.

From there it was a little before noon. Hunger pains were starting to hit so we decided to leave the park. A great morning and we did more than we planned because the crowds were so low. Pretty proud of ourselves.

Where to eat? A discussion ensued and we decided on an old standby Kona. Took a bus from the AK to the poly. The place was pretty empty so they were able to seat us relatively quickly. I don’t know why but there are no pictures of the restaurant or the food. Or if I did take any, I can’t find them. What is wrong with me?

This is one of my favorites in all of the WDW. Very good food and reasonably priced. Service can be spotty at times but nothing egregious. I ordered the BBQ Tacos I had on the last trip and DD had Citrus Salad. Very good as usual. $24.99 with tax and tip minus discount.

From there it was over to the MK and a bus to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. OK, here is a complaint. The bus had to stop at Blizzard Beach before going to Kidani. Took a long time to get back because of the detour. I don’t really know how to fix it other than leaving people stranded at BB but it is a pain. At least we were the first stop at the resort.

Some rest, TV watching and a short nap. Another complaint. TV selection at WDW stinks. Nothing really to watch and what is up with all these religious channels. I don’t have a problem with that or religion (and we are not going there) as long as there are other things to watch. Not thinking expanded channels are in the cards for the future unless Disney buys more networks. I really missed the Food Channel while I was there. I became addicted to it when I was in the Hospital and now watch it all the time.

Neither complaint was really a big deal though.

Slept to about 4:00 which was later than I planned to do. Why? Because we needed to use the park hoppers and go to DHS. I was a bit worried that crowds would be bad, fast passes would be gone and we would only get to do a couple of things.

Going to end this installment. Next one will be DHS to see if my fears were warranted.

Up Next: DHS and eating Mom’s Home Cooking AKA Get your elbows off the table.

 

[DizGirl20]

I'm in major Disney withdrawal, thanks for all the YouTube videos! We stayed at Kidani in April and loved it. Thanks for sharing!

 

[kikiq]

Again you are successful in getting me to avoid working around the house, this time out in the yard. My youngest DD had 4 wisdom teeth out 2 days ago and says I am not allowed to share your TR with her until she can laugh without hurting We're going to have to put the Lion King show on our touring plans next time, haven't seen it in ages. BUT my biggest goal is to make rope drop. We've missed 2 times in a row. Wanna share that little purple pill?

 

[Mahusky]

OK i have to ask what camera you are using? Thr EE video was very good and clean indoors.

 

[cj9200]

Here are a few pics that needed to be cut from the previous installment because of picture space

From the Safari
Blurry crocs

The Okapi. Looks like a zebra but related to the giraffe.

The backsides of tamer white rhinos. I didn’t realize there were so many at AK. I am sure there were additions since the park opened.

Expedition Everest
Yes, I was one of the annoying people that played with the bells

This room was also really cool

My college roommate was the model for this sculpture

From the Lion King

 

[rascalmom]

Loving the trip report -especially the recap, pics and videos from The Festival of the Lion King show. I agree; it is the best show on property. Always a must do for us.....sometimes even twice in a trip.

 

[kid-at-heart]

Hope you're having or had fun Kate.

Thanks Lisa and CJ, we are back and it was a good trip. Miss Goofy "discovered" roller-coasters so we spent most of our time flying back and forth between them. The girl-child likes to think she is "goofy" but in reality is very "not goofy", a very calm, controlled (but not overly so) child.

We normally travel off-season, Oct, Nov, Feb... this was our first summer trip when other children are out of school and the place was loaded with young teens. Sarah has decided OKW is the place to stay because there were loads of teen boys there. I did not tell her that the reason so many boys were there is because it is summer, not because it is OKW.

CJ, I really enjoyed the videos, esp. of EE. I cannot ride (fused spine) so it was fun riding it vicariously with you and your daughter.

 

[cj9200]

Happy 4th of July. And a belated Canada Day to all our Canadian friends.

The chicken is brining. Pasta salad is made and the corn is shucked. Still to go, marinate the chicken, make BBQ sauce, chips and salsa, and stuff the mushrooms.

Next update should be Wednesday. Have a fun and safe day.

 

[cj9200]

I'm in major Disney withdrawal, thanks for all the YouTube videos! We stayed at Kidani in April and loved it. Thanks for sharing!

You are welcome. I do this for all of you of course but the main reason is that we have a record of the trips we have taken. Once in a while, when I am having withdrawals, I pull one out to read a bit.

DD and I also like Kidani a lot. Boardwalk is my favorite but how can you beat zebras and giraffes running outside your window?

Again you are successful in getting me to avoid working around the house, this time out in the yard. My youngest DD had 4 wisdom teeth out 2 days ago and says I am not allowed to share your TR with her until she can laugh without hurting We're going to have to put the Lion King show on our touring plans next time, haven't seen it in ages. BUT my biggest goal is to make rope drop. We've missed 2 times in a row. Wanna share that little purple pill?

OUCH! She deserves a purple pill. We both enjoyed Lion King and like you we hadn’t seen it in a long, long time. I have a plan to make rope drops. 1) I am an early riser so making it out on time is not a problem for me and 2) The passes are in my pocket. If she (or anyone else) wants to visit a theme park, they need to be with me when I am at the gate.

OK i have to ask what camera you are using? Thr EE video was very good and clean indoors.

It is a Cannon IS 710. The thing I like about it is that it is compact, has a good amount of extras for a hand held and can go fully manual when you want. Cannon also makes the underwater housing so we can use it diving. Thinking about a DSLR but have to wait until I get a new computer later in the summer. Probably going from a PC to a Mac.

Loving the trip report -especially the recap, pics and videos from The Festival of the Lion King show. I agree; it is the best show on property. Always a must do for us.....sometimes even twice in a trip.

For some reason we have not seen it in years. Really nice production.

Thanks Lisa and CJ, we are back and it was a good trip. Miss Goofy "discovered" roller-coasters so we spent most of our time flying back and forth between them. The girl-child likes to think she is "goofy" but in reality is very "not goofy", a very calm, controlled (but not overly so) child.

We normally travel off-season, Oct, Nov, Feb... this was our first summer trip when other children are out of school and the place was loaded with young teens. Sarah has decided OKW is the place to stay because there were loads of teen boys there. I did not tell her that the reason so many boys were there is because it is summer, not because it is OKW.

CJ, I really enjoyed the videos, esp. of EE. I cannot ride (fused spine) so it was fun riding it vicariously with you and your daughter.

Good for her. DD is a roller coaster junky and has been for as long as she was tall enough to ride them. I used to be able to ride coasters with the best of them but she would often make me cry like a little girl. Glad you liked the video and sorry to hear about your back. Funny story about OKW. Who needs Daytona Beach or Mexico to find boys on break when there is OKW. Glad you had a good time.

 

[lisaviolet]

What, no trash talk about the Heat? I was looking forward to it.

OMG Ummm, I did trash talk.

Either I suck at it (probably) or you're not following your doctor's orders on those pills.

Glad you joined in, I was going to send out a search party.
.

Oh I've been away trying to fix my life because LeBron says I lead a very sad one.

I moved. Don't have internet in my suite. Didn't get it because we have an internet room - and don't really miss the easy access.

OK?



Is that a slight dig at the Heat?No it was a full on dig. Come on, I can take it.
.

On the OK? - well if I have to explain my sarcasm it's no fun. You said, " can't wait for Sunday to come!". I almost choked in glee reading it - read it after the win. Quite fulfilling. I got surpreme pleasure from seeing you innocently wish for the day- THAT DAY - where your boys would go on immediate vacation. Loved that. Did you visit Dirk at the MK? I must catch up and see.

As for the win - it was Carlisle that I was over the moon for - I always felt that he didn't get the respect he deserved. And Bosh crying was a highlight.

I think I will do the tea just for that plate.

 

[lisaviolet]

Kate! Glad to hear. And so funny on OKW.

 

[kikiq]

OUCH! She deserves a purple pill. We both enjoyed Lion King and like you we hadn’t seen it in a long, long time. I have a plan to make rope drops. 1) I am an early riser so making it out on time is not a problem for me and 2) The passes are in my pocket. If she (or anyone else) wants to visit a theme park, they need to be with me when I am at the gate.

My DH wakes up at dark o'thirty no matter where he is. If he wakes up at 7 am, he thinks he's overslept and the day is half gone It would be me that holds up the parade and i hold my own ticket, thank you very much. So you're saying I gotta get up that extra 15 minutes early that would put us on the first bus out that my DH says is always pulling out as he's coming back from his morning walk with his coffee. Hmmm, I don't know about that, my DH might have a heart attack to have me up that early...it might throw off his whole morning routine...heck, he might have to get up even earlier to get into his rhythm for me to be up that early

 

[afwdwfan]

This room was cool. I could give a cheap shot about DD likeness.

Like, This is her when she can’t find her phone. I could do that but I won’t.

Or this when she wakes up and before makeup is applied. She is not a morning person. But of course, I won’t say that either.

Since the crowds were still light, we decided to do stay and do a little shopping before seeing the Lion King. She decided, I went along. I hate shopping. Always have always will. I have become better. Really I have. I even took her clothes shopping before the trip and let her try on shoes and outfits without a peep. It helped that I also bought a couple of things. That and a pretty purple pill. This time I distracted myself people watching. No public meltdowns but it was early.

And that's what makes you a good dad.

Another complaint. TV selection at WDW stinks.

 

[cj9200]

Day 2, Monday, June 13 Part 2: DHS AKA Is that a Wookie on your windshield?

Refreshed after the nap, it was time to hit the Studios. The big draw here was the revamped Star Tours. And Rock and Roller Coaster. And Tower of Terror. And Toy Story Mania. Oh, and mom was cooking dinner for us.

My fear was that all the fast passes would be gone and the lines would be ridiculous. It was partially true. Fast passes were gone but the lines were not too bad. Dinner at 50’s Prime Time was at 7:30 so we had a little time to see a couple of attractions.

First up was

Or was it

Wait time was listed at 20 minutes but it was less than 15 before we were on our elevator to the 13th floor. The ride had many ups and downs. Get it? Ups and downs. Love this attraction and is one of my top five in WDW. From there it was to Star Tours 2 or whatever they now call it. Checked the tip board on the way over and it was only listed as a 10 minute wait. Huh? With it being so new, I thought it would be much longer than that. And yes, it was a walk on.

The queue was somewhat the same but different.

A new ship for R2 and C3 to work on and new dialog

New sign

Actually heard that Tom Morrow was still being paged.

C3PO working on the Star Speeder 1000

Including the new 2011 diagnostic system

Same guy new job. Now he is screening luggage

From above

The new guy. How would you like to be a robot replaced by a robot?

A shot of the new briefing video

Something wrong?

We are in the last seats close to the exit of the second row. Looks pretty much the same except we are now wearing 3-D glasses. The story line is the Empire is after a rebel spy in our craft. Up pops a picture of Princess. Who would have thought she was a rebel spy? We must get her out of there. C3PO was making needed repairs to our speeder and is mistakenly locked in our speeder and has to fly the mission. See you Pee-Wee.

There are multiple locations for the ride and this time we were on planet Wookie. Nice gags and somewhat funny. And yes, we successfully complete our mission. My child, the rebel spy, is safe from the evil Empire.

My thoughts on the new version. Cool. Not out of this world cool but cool. A much needed update. The 3-D effects were good and fit in nicely. The ability to travel to different places will be interesting and keeps the ride fresh.

The updated gift shop

Some interesting items here but I’m not that big a fan of Star Wars paraphernalia.

From there we decided to eat a little early so we headed to Prime Time. Unlike the parks, this place was packed. We were about 15 minutes early and I know the hostess was chuckling on the inside when I asked if we could be seated early. Decide to head for the bar to wait until we were called. Next to us was a family with a very obnoxious kid. Unfortunately after we sat down the kid changed seats and was sitting right next to me.

The family thought it was cute that he was playing with his light up ice cube while I was sure he was going to dump his drink all over me. Hyper excited he was kicking my chair, reaching over to my drink (which now I was sure he was going to spill that) and generally making a nuisance of himself. I gave the mother “the look.” She was at the other end and told little Johnny to be mindful of others. That of course had zero effect so after kicking my seat again, he got a full blast of the look with a, “Don’t do that anymore.” That sufficiently cowered him enough until they were called to their seat.

Well after our ADR time had passed we were still sitting at the bar as families all around us were called. Went to the desk again and was informed that we were second on the list. Sure enough, another 10 minutes goes by and the CJ9200 family was called.

Our long lost cousin came over. She was so long lost, I forgot her name. Another, larger table was just seated before us so she did the spiel for both of us. We made ourselves useful by setting the table. Mom was busy slaving away in the kitchen so we didn’t see her on this trip.

Both of us managed to not get into any real trouble. I had to keep watching myself to make sure my elbows were not on the table. I ordered the meatloaf and Princess had her favorite, the mac and cheese. Both were good but I should have ordered the pot roast or the fried chicken. Much better than the meatloaf.

The presentation wasn’t the best. OK, I forgot to take a picture until it was half eaten. I asked for succotash (limas and corn) instead of string beans. It was just fair. The meatloaf and taters were good.

DD’s Mac and Cheese.

Mmmm, Mmmm good. Total was $26.27 with tax and tip less discount. Not bad.

Fat and happy, we walked around a bit and I took some pics. They put me over the limit on images so the next post finishes the day…

 

[cj9200]

Is this the new cruise line ship?

Love Gertie

Prime Time and H&V at dusk

Moon over DHS

A STAGE BLOCKING THE HAT? AWFUL! This really ruins the sight line.

Still haven’t seen this yet. A must do for the next trip to the Studios.

Pixar Place. DD found the “Angry Eyes” Mr. Potato Head T and had to have it for 1. Actually, I found it. A mere $22 spent.

Sarge and the boys

Next ride was going to be Toy Story. Not with a 70 minute wait and no fast passes available.

So we decided to check into the hotel

And then it was time to go on Rock and Roller Coaster. This was the longest wait of the trip. It was posted 45 but was closer to thirty. Just when we were at the launching area and they are counting down, a thought came into my head. You know, I am too old for this SHEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet… Ended up surviving but it knocked me around a bit. If we had FPs and could ride it again, I would have declined. Once is enough.

From there it was a choice to ride some more or go to the hotel. I was a bit beat so we headed out. I thought they used to have Fast passes restart at the beginning of EMH but it was not case. Maybe they never did it and I was just imagining things.

A good day today. The best was that although I was dead tired I was able to walk everywhere we went without constant breaks. No wheelchair this trip. It also ensured that I would get plenty of exercise.

And I did sleep well.

Up Next: Downtown Disney and the “surprise dinner” AKA Narcoossees means what?

 

[rascalmom]

I think I said that exact same thing on our last ride on R n' R! lol Once is enough these days. Back in the late 90's when we first started taking our girls, we would hit it 9 or 10 times in a row on an early entry morning.

 

[cj9200]

OMG Ummm, I did trash talk.

Either I suck at it (probably) or you're not following your doctor's orders on those pills.

Could be a combination of the two.

:Oh I've been away trying to fix my life because LeBron says I lead a very sad one.

I moved. Don't have internet in my suite. Didn't get it because we have an internet room - and don't really miss the easy access.

No, he said you should bring your talents to South Beach. I wonder if he could do it over, would he have the “announcement” again. Congrats on the move. Hope you are enjoying the new place.

:On the OK? - well if I have to explain my sarcasm it's no fun. You said, " can't wait for Sunday to come!". I almost choked in glee reading it - read it after the win. Quite fulfilling. I got surpreme pleasure from seeing you innocently wish for the day- THAT DAY - where your boys would go on immediate vacation. Loved that. Did you visit Dirk at the MK? I must catch up and see.

As for the win - it was Carlisle that I was over the moon for - I always felt that he didn't get the respect he deserved. And Bosh crying was a highlight.

I used to be a season ticket holder so I care about the Heat a lot. Not enough to let it get in the way of a trip to Disney. The loss was not even a blip on the vacation radar. If we were at the Boardwalk, I probably would have watched it at ESPN.

Missed Dirk if he went to the MK. Did he do the “I’m going to Disney World” thing? I would have clapped if he drove by, they deserved the win. Don’t pick on Bosh. He got abused enough down here for his up and down performance. He was a class act and took the abuse without a peep. Carlisle is underrated.

:I think I will do the tea just for that plate.

No arguments from me. If I do tea again, I would get the plate and the scones.

My DH wakes up at dark o'thirty no matter where he is. If he wakes up at 7 am, he thinks he's overslept and the day is half gone It would be me that holds up the parade and i hold my own ticket, thank you very much. So you're saying I gotta get up that extra 15 minutes early that would put us on the first bus out that my DH says is always pulling out as he's coming back from his morning walk with his coffee. Hmmm, I don't know about that, my DH might have a heart attack to have me up that early...it might throw off his whole morning routine...heck, he might have to get up even earlier to get into his rhythm for me to be up that early

That is a conundrum. You may want to forget about rope drops. It could cause a space/time continuum and end the world as we know it.

When I showed that part to her, she didn’t think it was funny. I did and thought others would. That’s what counts.

And that's what makes you a good dad.

Thanks Andy, I wasn’t always that way.

Unfortunately I doubt that is going to change. We should have hit Community Hall and got a movie but we didn’t.

I think I said that exact same thing on our last ride on R n' R! lol Once is enough these days. Back in the late 90's when we first started taking our girls, we would hit it 9 or 10 times in a row on an early entry morning.

Getting older sucks. Later on, you will see this old dog still has some life in him.

 

[Bellies23]

Just gotta say......"conundrum" is one great word! Love the way it sounds - - going to find a way to use it at work today