Just back - Commando or Romantic? Not Commando . . .

[tinkerbellang]

Now I’m not horsegirl, the happyhaunts, sorulate2?, Twinkiemama, Utahmama, ZZUB, or Disunc but I enjoy reading all of the TR’s on this board. So here’s goes nothing.

For your enjoyment – there’s

Me – 41 – mama of 2, Disneyaholic – DS 10 and DD 13 who are wonderful kids and didn’t get mad that mom took dad to Disney sans kids!

DH – 39 - wonderful hubby who works hard owning his own construction business, hense much needed trip to Disney

Pre-trip

Yep, this trip is without children. Actually I’ve started a new profession on the side trying to build up to full-time and told kiddies that if I sold enough I would take them too. My DD is such a level-headed child – told me ‘no’ she wouldn’t go since she would have to miss 2 ½ days school and that’s too much homework to make up in Jr Hi! (Gets her smarts from her mama, but looks just like her Daddy!)

Originally I was just looking at DIS, Mousesavers, etc getting ideas for August 2007 family vacation for 8 days. But me, being the Disneyaholic that I am, wanted to go again (went in August last year with DH stayed off site, went for work in April 2006 stayed on-site at YC and figured out the difference between off-site and on-site). So, here I am at work, checking out Expedia, SW Dings, etc., but didn’t book in time for free-dining

When what to my wondering eyes do I behold, nope not Rudolph, but a great AA rate that I battled with booking for two days (do I?, do I not?).

I’m going “DH will kill me for spending this money” (business is not bringing US in a lot of money yet, but DH is working himself to death), but I got a raise so I can pay for it without hitting the budget and maybe by that time I can pay it all at once with my on-the-side job!! So, I grit my teeth, close my eyes and hit the “Book it” Button!!

So, now where to stay? Now I’m just dying to take DH on-site, because we’ve only ever stayed off-site both times I’ve taken him (once with family in 2003 including my DM and DF ) and last year just us . I know that ME and Disney transportation will save us rental car charges if we stay on-site, but being the frugal person that I am (and not wanting to get killed when DH eventually finds out) I price it both ways .

I end up making reservations at POR – looks nice and romantic and we can afford it. I originally booked room only, thinking I could add the package later (because I was really afraid I was going to be told to cancel .

Well, then pixey dust – nice little code on Mousesavers that you can apply to packages including dining. Hmmmm, what to do, what to do. I called CRO got the price – the CM told me I could only use the code through a TA. Ok, so I got on-line and went through Small World Vacations. With the code I ended up getting dining for the price I was going to pay for just hotel and tickets – so book that puppy!!

I, of course, made my ADR’s – trying to get nice, romantic spots for DH and I, since you know it’s supposed to be surprise trip.

Let me explain that I am a Commando type person (no, UtahM not sans undies, but this time – who knows? ). In 2003 DH told me he needed to rest – he was more tired when he got back than when we left. So, this trip I will try to reform. Check back later to see if that really happened. . .

Pre-Trip Part 2 - Surprise, Surprise - Page 1, #4

 

[BeautyNBeast]

I like your style of writing. I cannot wait to hear your report

 

[pumba]

fantastic pre trip.......I love it......and pops and I were exhuasted after eleven days at disney without any kiddos......we are going back for a rest one in December....hope you have a great time

 

[tinkerbellang]

Pre-Trip 2 – Surprise, Surprise

Now, I’m still scared, he’s going to have me cancel if I tell him , so I think I’ll just keep it a surprise until a week before we leave. But remember, he owns his own business so I start thinking that’s probably not a good idea since he’ll have to make sure to have things where he can leave.

Me - “Hunny, sweetpie, please don’t kill me, but I’ve spent some money!!”

DH – “What have you spent money on???”

Me – “Well, I booked us a trip.”

DH – “To Where?”

Me – “Disney!”

I then proceeded, in a very fast way before he could get mad, to inform him that I had been able to get a really good deal and that I could pay for it with my raise, so it wouldn’t be coming out of his wallet!

Let me explain one other thing (this is getting pretty lengthy for a pre-trip report) when I told DH this he was working on a job site (took him his supper) that whole week from 7 AM – midnight or 1 AM (employees work 7 – 5:30 4 days a week). He’s tired and we need a vacation. He’s not upset at all – he knows we need it – and Disney wouldn’t be his first choice, but as Twinkiemama has said “when mama ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy” and mama’s happy with going to Disney – mama’s elated at going to Disney – mama has come out of her depression to go to Disney - so Daddy’s happy to go to Disney !!

On the side – DH told me this week that I couldn’t surprise him because I couldn’t contain my excitement – smart aleck man !

Ok, it’s out in the open, but he tells me I have to tell the children. I wait a couple of weeks to tell them too, because you know, I’m chicken – baak, baak, baak!!
But DD impresses me with the homework comment – so we’re good to go!! Just have to bring back souvies – and they’ll give me a list of what they want (imagine that!) with exact pins, etc.

Now, what do I do with my time besides DIS??? Keep reading TR’s and Dining reviews – call back to DDining, change ADR’s and finally get an opening for LeCellier for dinner! Yippee – now I’m really ready.

Still wishing I had a deluxe but have a moderate budget (raise wasn’t THAT good) – so just happen to ask my TA to give me a price for the deluxe’s – WOW – AKL only $100 more – BOOK IT !! Now I’m a happy camper – was happy before – but now I’m REALLY happy and DH really likes it when Mama’s REALLY happy !

Now, it’s just a matter of waiting – and it seems to drag on forever, even though I booked it at 45 days!

The closer it gets, the more excited I get, the more excited DH gets – yep, I’m converting him too (for you Twinkiemama)!! Start listening to Disney radio – that really helps to get me excited (thanks to DIS).

Oh, almost forget – since you know I’m DIS’ing this whole time – I find the cake, birthday, anniversary thread – great ideas. I’m actually using some of the ideas for our trip next year since we will have both kids birthdays while we are gone. But DH’s birthday is the week before we leave – so . . . I email Disney and ask about the tuxedo strawberries .

Now I’m really impressed, because they call me at work, Tony’s can make them right there (we already have an ADR for there) and tell them they are for DH’s birthday. They notate on the reservation (since it wasn’t there) and we’re good to go with a nice little surprise for DH. Now, I’ve got to find a special gift. So I find sterling silver Mickey cuff links – perfect! At least I now have a little surprise for him – and yes, I kept that secret!! (You thought I told him didn’t you???? have to spread a little pixy dust being Tinkerbell , you know.)

So, it’s a week out – time to start packing – got my laminated schedule cards with ADR’s listed, waist pack, bug spray, remember not to pack any liquids, gels, etc in my carryon. We’re good to go! or are we . . .

 

[tinkerbellang]

We got back late last night and it's nice to be home, but it's time to start planning the next trip. Right now it appears I will have to wait almost a year to go back to Disney.

Some quick things before I start the day by day trip report . . .

Dining plan - lots of food, good food - my favorites were:

Counter service - Tusker House at Animal Kingdom - their chocolate cake was wonderful!!

Table Service - Le Cellier! No wonder everyone raves about it!

Dessert - Chocolate Wave at Coral Reef! To die for!!

More to come a little later . . .

 

[sorul82?]

Wow Tinkerbellang! I am honored to be ranked among the best TR writers!!! Thank you! That pressure you are feeling is my head swelling.

I am loving your trippie...and not just because of my honorable mention.

 

[TwinkieMama]

Wow! I am being quoted..... of course they are universal truths... not exactly my quotes but here is one for you

"A trip to Disney is cheaper than the 10 years of therapy I am going to need if I don't get a vacation" TwinkieMama to TwinkieDaddy, 2006

I can't wait to see how this turns out since I too have a hard time surprising the ones I love since I tend to dance like a banana when I am excited.

See?

 

[tinkerbellang]

Poor DH worked his fingers to the bone to get two houses done in the two weeks before we left. He got a lucky break and everything that needed to be done was done before he left.

Kiddies going to my mom's - got them all packed. The house was cleaned, and DH's mom (who lives with us) had food until another son picked her up on Saturday. DH's mom has Alzheimers and is living with us - so it's like having to make arrangements for another kid - almost.

Thursday morning dawned - bag was packed, yep, got everything in one bag for both of us. I had one small carryon - Tinkerbell bag and DH carried the laptop. I had to go to work and teach a computer class, finish up some last minute things and left at noon. DH had to get some materials for his employees, go to Walmart to get new sunglasses (he left his at the golf course the week before) and he was home by noon. When I got home - now mind you I'm ready to GOOOOOOO - he decided I needed to go ahead and file payroll taxes - like "WHAT??"" Can't it wait until we get to Disney at least?? Nope - oh, well, it took my like 5 minutes to file taxes online - which was a really good thing as you will later find out. And we're off.

My sister is picking us up at a friends near the airport so we don't have to park our car in long-term parking, then the friend is picking us up. So, about 1:30 I get a call from my sister - WHY ARE YOU STILL AT WORK, YOU"RE GOING TO BE LATE????

Now you all already know that I'm not at work - I'm about half way to my sisters - what in the world is she talking about?? Well, I had left my computer on at work so that I could log -in, what I had forgotten to do was turn off my AOL IM - so she thought I was still at work! Too funny - it really got her panties all in a wad!!

Sister takes us to the airport - we're there in plenty of time. Check our one bag at self service check in - go through security where I get stopped to examine my 4 oz bottle of contact solution - and then we're ready to board. Flight was very simple - know my way to Magical Express. Get to Magical Express and guess what - they didn't get my change of resorts in the computer?? What - luckily they had told me that if I didn't get a new book to just mark out POR and put AKL - which I did. So, the girl at the desk had to double check that I was actually staying at AKL and they would pull my luggage. Ok, we're off - Yippee!!

I will have to say - since we didn't get in to MCO unti 9:05 we did have to wait to somewhat fill up the bus - so we sat there for close to 30 minutes (we were the first ones on the bus). Unlike the last time, we had multiple stops - Pop Century, All Star Sports, Coronado Springs and then AKL.

My first glimpse - and DH was " WOW". One for me!! We checked in with no waiting, no hassle. Got upgraded from Standard view to Pool View, got all of my requests, kingbed, non-smoking.
I will have to say the room was soooo quiet - it was wonderful. We never heard any noise from the pool area at all and only one time when we heard a kid screaming in the hall - but that was during nap time and easily understandable.

We run down to Mara to use our first Counter Service meal - I was starving!! Taco Bell at noon to 10 p.m. CT - and it's 11 PM ET - that's a long time with just peanuts. The food was good, purchased the refillable mugs and went back to the room to wait for luggage.

DH decided I was waiting for the luggage, so I kept my clothes on and just dosed thinking it should be there by midnight. I woke up at 12:30 AM, 1:30 AM - getting a little worried now - 2:30 AM ok, WHERE IS MY LUGGAGE?????

 

[tinkerbellang]

After my second call to Bell Services - my luggage finally arrives at 3:30 AM and now I am able to rest because all of my "stuff" is with me!

Side note - I will say that I really do like ME - we had a great driver George Anderson - made it a point to remember his name since he was so good. When he got on the bus I asked if he really knew how to get to all of these resorts? He explained he knew how to get to Disney property, but from there we'd have to wing it and hope we didn't get lost. I told him that my last ME driver actually DID get lost. He couldn't believe it! So, then he had a really fun time about getting lost. We talked to him the whole ride. I think I learned a lesson in trying to get an earlier flight out.

Now remember, I'm trying to reform as a Park Commando and DH wants to relax. But, I'm at Disney - I'm rarin' to go

So, what happened - well, let's see I woke up at 7:05 (6:05 CT - which is my normal waking time) - ok, I have to go back to sleep, or something because after waiting up all that time for my luggage I'm going to be really tired by the end of the day.

I did go back to sleep, but only for an hour, at 8:05 I've got to get up - I'm at Disney - I can't sleep - I'm finally on my vacation. Now, DH was not so easy to convince. So being the wonderful Wife that I am - I get up and get ready to go, unpack our bag, hanging up some things and putting some things in the drawers (clean) so that the dirty items can go back in the suitcase (I remember the DIS discussion on this!). Then I go down to Mara fill up our refillable mugs purchased last night (we used our counter service credits and got milk for the AM) and then opened the curtains to wake DH up. Got out his Zone bar (figuring with all of the dining plan food wouldn't need much of a breakfast) and his milk from the refrigerator (wonderful thing that deluxes have) and let him get his eyes opened.

He's flipping through channels and I'm like "we didn't come to Disney to watch TV - get it movin' dude". Maybe I should have borrowed UtahMamas leather whip from S'late???

I really am trying to calm down and not rush poor, poor DH. I had planned to go to AK. I went by the crowd calendar and the adult touring plans from the Unofficial Guide and they worked like a charm.

We went down to the bus stop, and there was no one waiting for AK. There finally came up another 2 couples, then the bus and we were off. We arrived at the park about 10 AM - and there was still a line to get in. I don't know if they were having problems with the one finger scanners or what (Epcot was the only one with the two-fingered scanners), but we made it through. We went directly to Everest - picked up fast passes, but the stand by line was only 20 minutes on the sign, so we decided to chance it. We walked on!!! Yippee - even getting a late start. I really do love Everest. Next we went to Dinosaur and walked on. I'm thinking Wow - this is great. We walked around a little, found some water to drink. I was getting headaches from being dehydrated. I will say it was HOT/Humid and I'm used to hot/humid. DH bought him a hat and I told him he looked like Crocidile Dundee all week!!

Next we walked back by Everest, but still had a little while till time for our FP's, and for the first time I got DH on Kali!! Now, this was fun, even though we got wet, it felt pretty good at the time. We did stop to watch the monkees for a while. Next was Safari - and it too was just walk on the truck!! People with us had used FP's because they said when they first got there the line was SOOO long . We got stuck for a while in Safari, just right after you first start. From the radio that I could hear it seemed like some animal would not move out of the way and it took some man's glasses. Now I don't know if they were glasses glasses or just sun glasses, but the CM was saying they were going to have to get the man a new pair. We got to see a lot of animals, even though it was the heat of the day.

When we got done, it was really clouding up, and we decided we were hungry. From the dining reports I had read how good Tusker House was and the DIS did not let me down. Tusker House was great - I got the turkey wrap, corn chowder and tomato salad. I loved the chowder and tomato salad, but the turkey wrap had something in it that I really didn't care for, but I still ate it ! DH had the rotissiere chicken which was awesome and I will tell you the chocolate cake was the moistest chocolate cake I had except for the chocolate wave at Coral Reef - and I guess that doesn't really count as cake!

While we were in TH - it opened up and poured! People were pouring into the restaurant and they didn't have enough places for them to sit. There was one family that grabbed the table next to us and started gathering chairs from all over the restaurant to get all of their family members - it appeared to be grandma, grandpa, 4 or five kids and mom and dad and maybe aunt and uncle or something like that - at one table for 4! They blocked my poor DH in to where he couldn't get out of his seat! We finally left after enjoying our lunch (really happy to see Light Lemonade which is one of our favorites since we could only get regular Lemonade at Mara or Diet Caffiene Free coke) and the rain had stopped!!

So then we went on the Raffiki train ride to the conservation station. DH loved this part. We watched all of the endangered species film - every one of them. Got that bench and I was ready for my nap - you know the kind - tummy is full, nice and warm/cool as appropriate, and little slip the night before, plus I was bored!! So DH finally gets enough of this one and we're back to civilization. We go to see Lion King, which I love, and we almost walked right in there - we were first in line and only had to wait a few minutes. Just one of the best shows you can see!

We then go see Tough to be a Bag - again walk in just before it's getting ready to start. I'm sorry, I know a lot of people don't like this, but I think it's awesome. I really don't understand though if you're kids are scared when you first walk in why you would subject them and the whole audience to their screaming because they are so scared. I'm sure some of those kids have to have nightmares when they leave. Ok, off soap box.

We're now done with everything we wanted to do at AK, plus we're tired and want a nap before dinner. Our reservations are for Boma at 5:40.

We grab the bus back to the Lodge, head to our room, nap in the lovely darkness and cool. I set the alarm for 5 pm (gives us about an hour nap) and we're back up and ready to go.

I will have to say Boma was different. Loved the atmosphere, and I'm normally good at trying different foods and liking them, but Boma just didn't measure up for me. Not that I wouldn't eat there again - I didn't hate it - it's just not somewhere I would want to make that much effort to eat at again. Zebra Domes where good, but I really fell in love with the Chocolate Wave and that wasn't until the last day!!

After Boma, we catch the bus to Epcot to catch Illuminations. Since our reservation at Le Cellier our day at Epcot was at 8:40 I knew we wouldn't get to see Illuminations then, so it was EMH at Epcot, so we decided to go over there. Well, actually I think DH just decided to follow me - I think his exact words were "you're the one with the plans" I really wanted him to tell me what he wanted to do - besides you know - but he was always the wonderful hubby and said whatever you want to do sweetheart - I'm with you!!

So, first stop is Spaceship Earth - I know you're probably thinking something else, but I haven't done Spaceship Earth for the last two times I was at Epcot, so it was time. I still like the ride, even if it's not really popular. Of course, the end was really depressing but can't wait to see what Siemens puts in there.

Then it was time to Soar!! Wait was 50 minutes, and all of the fast passes were gone - oh, well, we still had time to wait until Illuminations. So we waited the 50 min. This was the longest wait we had the whole time we were there.

After our wonderful ride to Soarin' it was back around the World Showcase to find a good spot for Illuminations. Got my nice Cinnamon covered almonds, found me a good spot just in front of America, and what comes a long . . .

 

[tinkerbellang]

s'late and TM - thanks for reading my trippee. Don't have the great discussion as on your trip reports, but I'm trying!!

Noticed that UM is on her vacation now! Quiet without her, isn't it?

 

[Mischa]

I know what you mean about your dh's mom. My dad lives with us and has been diagnosed with "brain atrophy" and he can't really cook for himself due to the osteo in his back. Unfortunately, I'm an only child and so when we went to WDW in May '06 we put dad in an assisted living place for two weeks (I was so surprised they do respite care!). He loved it (though he told me he hated it), my cousin went to visit him and caught him having a good time.

Anyway - love your trip report so far! Can't wait for the rest...

 

[tinkerbellang]

I understand all too well. Unfortunately, DH has 5 brothers and sisters, but we have to call ask any one of them to take her for the weekend or do something with her. They all don't mind coming to our house to see her once in a while.

Not an easy road to be on - hence needing a vacation! It comes with a lot of extra stress. Thank God, my kids understand and help grandma along, just like if it was a baby brother or sister.

 

[novdisneydreams]

Great TR - Can't wait for the rest

 

[tinkerbellang]

What comes along - in my spot for watching Illuminations? A possee of teenage girls. Yep - first it started out as 3 girls. There was a couple of ladies standing beside us and another couple to the right of us. These 3 girls scooted in between us and the ladies and then climbed over the railing to sit on it. They disregarded all notices of not sitting on the safety rails or climbing over them and talked very loudly. Next thing I know the two ladies are gone, pushed away by the growing possee of girls. Growing, and growing - I'm talking there ended up being 12 - 15 girls on both sides of us. I refused to move!! Although it became apparent that I was not going to be able to hear most of the music. Another girl came up beside me and puts her leg over rail, about to knock me over. DH was looking at me, like come on - I'm not MOVING. I was here first and they are being rude. The other couple to the right of us ended up leaving also, we are surrounded by giggling, loud teenage girls. The girl that was beside me slung her hair in my face twice, and I finally said, excuse me, but would you mind not slinging your hair, you've hit me twice. She put it up in a pony tail holder, but then I guess decided that she didn't look good with up, so climbed over on the "right" side of the fence and took it down. Finally Illuminations started - but either the speakers near America weren't working or we were just in a bad spot, because we couldn't hear what they were saying or really hear the music well. A thing to remember for the next trip.

Illuminations is still a great show!

Next, since it was EMH at Epcot, we went back to Future World, should have done Test Track before EMH because it was only a 10 minute wait, by the time we got back over there it was 70 minutes. Nope, we'll be back - so we head to MS which had a 5 minute wait.

Now I had tried, like a dummy, to ride MS in 2003. I have motion sickness issues and it seems to be getting worse in the last couple of years. Thank God, in 2003 the ride broke 45 seconds in because I was sick for 2 1/2 hours afterwards. A CM found me a place in the University of Energy to lay down to try to get over it.

So, here I am, I'm going to try to ride the less intense version (Green). I loved that one - it didn't spin, so I didn't get sick. DH missed the Orange version, but he'll get another chance at it later.

When we came out, FW was so packed that we decided to go back to the hotel. I really only wanted to see Illuminations tonight anyway - so MS was just an added bonus. I think we did have to stand on the bus ride back, but it wasn't bad.

To the hotel and in bed right about 10pm - what a wonderful first day!!

 

[tinkerbellang]

Oh, how well you sleep when at Disney. I slept wonderfully. Don't wake up at all until 8:30 AM - YIKES - it's 8:30 - oh, no, get up DH, get up we've got to get going - you know we need to be there at opening.

Oops - I forgot, I'm not doing the commando this time - it's supposed to be a romantic, laid back vacation and Disney. Ok, I can't sleep anyway, so I get up, get ready again before DH, leave him getting up to get ready and go to Mara to refill our refillable mugs and take it back up to the room. I'm really trying not to rush DH - come on - we're at Disney! - I sat down on the sofa, walked out to the balcony watched people swimming for while. Tried to get on the computer. I purchased the "high speed internet connection" for $9.95 for a 24 hours period the night before. I couldn't even get my email to come up all of the way. I kept getting this error about transmission is going too slow or something. Anyway, ok, thought I would try again - I was going to try to send the kids pictures everyday. Tried again - nope, still can't get anything to work. What kind of high speed internet connection is this, anyway, especially when it costs $9.95 for a day??? There were a couple of things I wanted to keep up with - one is (don't throw tomatoes) Big Brother - wanted to see who got kicked out since I knew there were supposed to be 2, the other is St. Louis Cardinals baseball. I couldn't even get the local news! So, good thing I filed those taxes before I left home, since I would have never got it accomplished using Disney's internet service. So, folks, I don't recommend paying the $9.95 for internet service, unless someone can tell me they've had better luck than me.

Ok, by this time DH is about ready to go - having eaten his zone bar, drank another bottle of milk, and a diet coke. I only ate half of a zone bar and hot chocolate from Mara (in my wonderful refillable mug). Side note: We did get plenty of use out of the mugs - we would refill them in the morning, when we came back for a nap, and again before we went to bed. I did not carry my mug into the park - didn't want the hassle - so we always went to the room first then one of us went down to refill.

Ok, so it's off to the Magic Kingdom bus. Again virtually no one at the bus stop (ok maybe 10 or 12 people)- but of course, by now it is 10 AM - everyone else got there at rope drop - right??

Now, I will have to say going to Magic Kingdom we got a wonderful bus driver - he told us about how long he'd worked there, loved his job, little tidbits of information about the bus system - and we could actually understand what he was saying over the speakers. Has anyone else noticed that if the air conditioning is going full blast you can't understand what the drivers are saying - or is it just my hearing?

We get to MK - walked in and voila - the Magic!! We headed straight for Tomorrowland, right by Cinderellabration that was starting. Walked by Stitch - with DH's comment - we don't have to do that one. Thank God! And walked right on SpM - yep, maybe 5 minute wait - wonderful. This was also the very first time that I had ridden on the left hand side. Another first!

Next we go to Buzz, and even though I knew where some high point scores were, I couldn't hit them!! I'm such a poor shot - and don't do video games. DH didn't know where they were - thought I would pull one over on him - and he found them anyway!! My score - 2000, DH's score - 420000!!! Gees!

We then rode CP - which I love, and I hadn't been on it since 2003. DH didn't even remember it. We thought we would saving TTA for later - after we ate before Wishes, but we never made it back for that.

We then headed through FL - past the tea cups (can't ride - motion sickness) and DH said, we don't have to ride all of these rides do we? Ok, so on the Mickey's Philharmagic - which I love.

After that show - we were right by Columbia Harbor House, and I had heard the tuna was good, so we stopped and ate there. I had never eaten anywhere in Magic Kingdom but at Pecos Bills - I'm talking in 5 previous times of going to MK - only at Pecos Bills - I really wanted to try something different. I really like CHH - DH got chicken/fish and wished he had got the tuna also. I got the clam chowder and 1/2 tuna - and it was just right.

Next it was on the Haunted Mansion, then another first - I know you will find this hard to believe but I had never seen Country Bear Jamboree. Cute show, not something I would have to see everytime, but it was cute. Next on to Splash Mountain! Now, this is my favorite ride I think in MK. The wait said 40 minutes - so we thought ok, not bad. We waited over an hour to get on Splash. The fast pass line was backup to the entry! What's with that?? are they giving out too many fast passes?? Later - we went on it again (yep with fast passes this time - especially since someone left 5 sitting on top of the fast pass machine) - and there was a line of people trying to get in to Splash - but they were too early and they were just standing in line - for 15 minutes waiting to get in. That is a waste of time - go do something else!

Anyway, half way through Splash stopped! I've never been stuck in splash before, but we had 10 logs all bumped up together. It started back up, but then stopped again just as we got to the bottom of the big drop! Oh, well, I still love Splash. Grabbed fastpasses on the way out, then went on the BTM.

It was walk on!! Yea, since everyone was at Splash waiting to use their fast passes!! LOL

DH then decided he needed to sit down and rest for a while and he also wanted a funnel cake. So we went to the American Adventure place (sorry can't remember the exact name of the funnel cake place) and he got his funnel cake covered in strawberries and whipped cream and I got an Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich - boy was that good!!

We sat and rested from the heat for a while, just enjoying our snacks and watching people and their state of dress or undress as the case may be!! Next we decided to head to FL.

We pretty well walked on Jungle Cruise and got a great tour guide! I always think of UtahMama's jungle cruise speil - if you haven't read it you really must! Anyway, the guy - his name was Robert - was great. He had great jokes and really made the ride fun.

Next we went to Pirates - now we had to wait a little while here, but oh, well, we're not commandos so, we can wait. We talked to two girls in line with us who were on the College Program. They were shocked that I knew about it - YEA DIS!! Also a great CM at pirates took a picture with me and DH, except that one of those girls took the picture and cut off DH - so it's just me with the pirate with his arm around me!!

It had been so long since I'd been on Pirates it was great! Loved the additions of the new POC. We stopped in the inevitable gift shop at the end of the ride since DS had told me the only thing he wanted was a pirate sword! Sword was cheap, so he also got a Capt'n Jack hat and a pirate mickey pin.

We decided not to do Tiki Birds - so decided to go back to Splash. Walked on with our fastpasses, past the line of people waiting to use their passes that it wasn't time for - and on to Splash that didn't break down this time!! Yea!! We still had fastpasses, so we rode it again!! LOL

Did I tell you that I love Splash??

We decided to rest again - see no commando here - so we rode the train around to Main Street. We had about an hour until our ADR at Tony's. So we took our time, I shopped in Emporium for DD - got her a t-shirt (on sale $9.95 - yea me) and 3 other princess pins. She's now down to needing just one I believe. I also got a Minnie golf visor and a pin for myself.

We then went over to the porch in front of Tony's and grabbed us a couple of rocking chairs and rocked 30 minutes away! It was very relaxing and enjoyable. About 20 minutes before our ADR time I walked over to check in at Tony's - reminded them about the special dessert I had ordered for DH for his birthday. We only had to wait maybe 5 minutes and then we were seated. They had decorated the table with confetti and ribbon - so DH knew something was going on. I did have to ask about my special strawberries since the paper the hostess wrote on just said birthday cake! Claude was a wonderful waiter - very attentive - we got the best service of any restaurant at Tony's. When I asked about the strawberries Claude didn't have a clue, so he went to get the Chef. The Chef came out and talked to me about the strawberries and he did have them down, but did we want the cake too?? Of course, so DH picked the chocolate mouse cake. Dh ordered the House Salad for appetizer and I ordered the spinach/artichoke dip with french bread - which was delicious. DH doesn't care for vinegarette but we split the salad and the dip - I thought the salad was very good. We both ordered the New York Strip - and they were both cooked to perfection with wonderful seasoning. The potatoes were great as well. Then Claude brought out DH's cake with the strawberries around the cake and chocolate drizzled on the plate. Talk about presentation!! And then of course, everyone twirled their napkins over their heads and wished DH a happy birthday. Claude asked him if he was 26 and DH said of course - thinking he was fooling with him, but Claude told the whole restaurant that he was 26 - he took him seriously! DH was 39! LOL We couldn't eat all of the strawberries and there was a nice older couple from NC sitting beside us,so we shared the strawberries and took the cake in a to-go box.

We were going to go do TTA, then watch the parade and Wishes, but after eating so much and being there all day without our afternoon nap - we were really tired. So, we left, with DH's promise that we could come back to see Wishes. And folks we were back to AKL and in bed by 8:45!! I went right to sleep and slept all night the sleep of the dead. Woke up the next morning at 9:00 AM - couldn't believe we had slept for 12 hours!!

That's the end of day 2 - the park commando is reforming!

 

[tinkerbellang]

Day 3 - September 3

Day 3 started out again slow - I, of couse, get up first. DH is still ready to stay in bed, but after sleeping for 12 hours - I'm ready to get up and going. So, again, I'm up first, get ready go down to Mara and get drinks. DH decides he again wants breakfast so after he gets ready we go back down for breakfast. It wasn't crowded, so we took our time eating.

We got to the bus stop and again no crowd. Walked in to the Studios and went directly to ToT. It said 20 minute wait, but we walked right on to the pre-show. After the pre-show we walked right on an opening elevator. Since we were a party of 2 it was really easy. I love ToT. So, after we got off, we went again!! Again, the second time we pretty well walked on, it was little longer wait than the first time but no where near 20 minutes.

After my second ride - we went to RR - the wait showed 40 minutes, so we grabbed fast passes and then went through the stand by line. We did have to wait on this one, but I didn't really think it was 40 minutes. Well, on this one my motion sickness really took over, and I kept my eyes closed through most of the ride. The lights along with the motion really made me sick. And the twists really made my neck hurt - so we didn't even use the fast passes to go again. I thought DH would go by himself later, but he didn't.

After RR - we went to wait for Beauty and the Beast. We ended up waiting about 30 minutes for the start of the show, but we got to sit down, anyway. Dh was more into watching the sound guy than watching the show. I loved the show.

We decided to eat after the show and stopped in at Starring Rolls Cafe. I couldn't believe there was no one there eating. When I was there in April we couldn't find a seat because the place was so crowded. I love the food here. I had a wonderful turkey foccacia with chips, for dessert I had the parline cheesecake. DH had the ham foccacio with chips and for dessert had the strawberry parfait. All the food was delicious.

We had plenty of time so we decided to go to Indiana Jones. I got confused and went to Back Lot Tours then figured out we really were going to Indiana Jones, so we walked all the way around the park. Oh, well, we just walked off our lunch!!

Indiana Jones was just about to start, but we go seats on the right hand side about half way up. I don't think there are bad seats for that show. They had changed it since the last time we saw the show. We weren't even sure we ever had seen the whole show. But we really enjoyed it.

On our way to Indiana Jones we had stopped to get DH a fastpass to Star tours. Again another one I can't do due to motion sickness ! By the time we got out of IJ it was time for DH's fastpass. I went to get us lemonades while he went in to ride and I just had to wait a few minutes at the end of the inevitable gift shop for him to come out.

After this we went over to Lights Motor Action - which we had never seen. They weren't letting anyone in to the stadium to sit down yet, so we went back to the rest room and waited outside on a bench for a while. By the time we decided to go back into the stadium it was filling up. We enjoyed watching the cars, Hero (the red car), seeing Herbie, and all the rest.

It was really clouding up when we left, so we decided to go do Backlot Tours. We got through the Pearl Harbor reinactment and got loaded on the tram. We were in the costume section when it opened up and started pouring. Of course there were a couple of trams in front of us so we were getting wet. I was really getting wet since I was on the side. Pulled out the throw away, dollar store ponchos and put them on. Due to the rain, they didn't finish the tour - so we never finished the tour.

The rain set in for the rest of the afternoon.

We still had an hour or so until our ADR - so we went through the Great Movie Ride, and walked right on to it. It was still raining a little, so we thought we'd walk over to Hollywood & Vine, it started pouring down rain. So, we ducked in a shop to wait for a little while. I think everyone had the same idea we did - the shop was quite crowded. We waited about 15 minute in the shop - actually bought DH a Grumpy shirt!! I don't think i've said it, but it's really nice sending stuff back to the Resort and not having to carry it around.

We decided to go check in early at H&V - the lady at the check in was not very nice, but informed us that we wouldn't be getting a table early! That's fine, there were tables outside that at least had umbrellas over them. So, we sat there for about 35 minutes. No, they didn't call us in early, every other restaurant that we were at we got in 10 - 15 minutes early, even Le Cellier, except H&V.

We finally got in, and then it took 5 minutes or more before our waitress even came to the table. We were really disappoined in H&V - the food was ok, but nothing spectacular and the service was not good either. Then we had to sit there even longer when the waitress somehow demagnetized both my card and DH's card. She really wanted me to pay with a credit card, but I told her we would wait for her supervisor to fix it. About 10 minutes later her supervisor came over, she was much nicer than the waitress, but it still took a while, they finally had to call AKL and get the meal manually put into the computer.

It was still raining, so we thought we'd try to get in to Little Mermaid, but it was full, so we went into One Man's Dream and looked through there for a while. The show still hadn't started and we both needed a restroom break, so we left before the movie started. Byt the time we got done it was time to walk into our reserved seating at Fantasmic. It kept raining. We found seats, and it kept raining. So, we sat in the rain for 45 minutes. They kept coming on the sound system saying due to inclement weather it might be delayed or cancelled. Great! We might be sitting in the rain for nothing.

We met and talked to a couple of different people around us and they finally came on saying Fantasmic would be starting in 5 minutes! Yea! Everyone cheered! Our side even started a wave!!

I had never seen Fantasmic in 4 times of going to the Studios. But anyway I finally got to see Fantasmic and it is beautiful!

It was EMH at Magic Kingdom, so I thought we were going to go over there to see Wishes, but it was too late to get there in time, so we just went back to the room and to bed.

The vacation time is getting shorter - only 2 more days!