Just Back - Very Detailed Follow-Up

[civileng68]

Well, sorry to everyone expecting my Live Photo Report. I left my laptop at home this time to dedicate more time to the actual trip. However, just as before I'll be extremely detailed to hopefully let some of you take the trip there while reading and help those others in future planning.

Our trip was from Wednesday to Tuesday. We typically go to Disney each couple of months but took a longer trip this time since the weather was supposed to be cooler.

On Wednesday we left home around 12:00 and expected to get to Disney around 3:00 but, there was a bridge closed on I-75 North which kept us from getting up there until around 5:00. That's a miserable drive considering we're only 3 hours south of Disney.

Anyways, we got to the hotel around 5:00 and checked in. On this trip I was very excited because I was taking a first timer with me (we're 27 years old just as an FYI). I love Disney but have to admit, with going so much, sometimes I have to take more time off to really enjoy the magic and appreciate it. With our last trip in September, I wasn't so looking forward to going until my friend said he wanted to go. He had never been before and was extremely excited.

Because it was later and my wife wasn't feeling too well my friend and I went to Epcot. We got there around 6:00. He was impressed by the view of Spaceship Earth (and believe it or not, was most impressed by the monorail). We went up to guest services so he could buy a seasonal pass. Unfortunately the CM there was quit unfriendly (not rude but just unfriendly which was a bummer after I told my friend how friendly the CM's were and this being his first one he contacted). The CM was a little frustrated because a woman was there trying to get new AP's after she said her others were stolen and just as a warning to everyone, it wasn't so easy for her to get another. In fact the CM told her that while they do give replacements often, it's not a sure thing.

Anyways, after this, we went in and rode Spaceship Earth. My friend really liked this ride (and it ended up being among his favorites). The ride is great as always but man, is that thing bumpy or what? It's getting worse and worse. I dont think it's so much the track as the car wheels themselves because I have noticed a sharp decline in the smoothness and don't think the steel track would be the cause for this. Of course, it may be a little of both.

Afterwards, we rode Spaceship Earth (the easier version) and he really enjoyed that as well but felt a little motion sick but nothing worth worrying about).

Then, we stopped outside of MIssion Space for a soft pretzel and cheese sauce. He loved it and so did I. I can honestly say that in my opinion the soft pretzels are among the tops in snacks at the World.

After that, it was off to Test Track. He LOVED it but, unfortunately it started raining when we got in on the ride and when we got to the outdoor section, it was pouring, and so much so it actually hurt. Of course, just our luck the rain stopped in five minutes but, was enough to shut down the ride just after we got done with it (it only shut down for five minutes).

After this, we headed to World Showcase and went and stood outside of the theatre and saw the Candlelight Processional with John O'Hurley. I must say, while it was neat seeing him, I really thought this was wayyy overrated (and I say that as a Christian). I dont see how ANYONE could stand over 2 hours in those lines to get in it (and yes, the line was there 2 hours before the show started).

We watched Holiday Illuminations and interestingly enough, my friend loved the fireworks in the regular show but, thought the pause with the globe was just rediculous. He felt that the amount of time they took off at one period was completely rediculous. However, he really enjoyed the Holiday Finale.

Afterwards, we hung around the park for about 45 minutes taking pictures. We were about the only people back in the back of WS when we left. We figured we'd come back another night and shoot pics as late as we could (I'm a serious amateur photographer).

Though we showed up late in the evening, the crowds were minimal and we had only a 10 mins standby wait at TT and no wait at MS and no wait at SE.

This concludes Day #1 (Wednesday). Other days to follow.

 

[civileng68]

Thursday started with an early morning trip to the Animal Kingdom. We were among the first ten cars in the guest lot. We then walked to the gates and waited until 8:45 when they allow guests to go to the Tree of Life area for the Opening Ceremony.

Unfortunately, most of this trip was unseasonably hot, so on this day through Sunday it was in the mid 80's in the day and mid 60's in the evenings with high humidity.

The opening ceremony at AK is just great. My friend loved it and even said he got a little emotional (which isn't typical with this guy). We immediately went to Everest. We rode it and loved it (I've ridden it many times and just love it). Aftewards, we went to Dinosaur and rode it twice with no wait.

We then rode Primieval Whirl and while it's a great ride it's so jerky that it's almost painful.

After this we decided not to ride Everest again and instead went to the 3D show It's Tough to Be a Bug. There was no wait for the attraction (remember it's still early in the day). IN fact, when the show was over, we stayed for the next show since it was only about 1/2 full.

After this we did the walk-through part of the park which is nice and VERY well themed.

Then, it was on to the Kilamanjaro Safari. We had a great guide and the animals are really nice to see but, overall it's time for a new story-line. My friend actually loved the ride but I was a little embarassed when we saw the last scene with the landed plane and animatronic elephant in the jeep. It's just a little overdone and old in my opinion. By the way, how did that plane land safely in the middle of the jungle? Hmmmm.

Anyways, moving on, by this time it's about 12:00 noon (we did all of this in less than 3 hours) and went to the Rainforest Cafe for a nice lunch. Let me just say this.......if you go to the rainforest cafe, you MUST get the chocolate cake for dessert. It is the best you'll EVER eat.

After this, we went back to the hotel and chilled out, showered, and napped for a couple of hours. Being that it was so warm we just wanted to make sure we relaxed and took our time since we like to close out the parks.

Later in the day we went to MGM-Studios and immediately went to the LIghts MOtors Action show. It was great as always but the director was VERY annoying on this day. It's typically a different persion everytime I see the show but, wow, this girl was really annoying (sorry but it's just the truth).

After the show, we went down the Streets of America and heard the band out there playing, which was fun (but wow that guy can't sing, which actually makes it fun). We then headed over to the Fantasmic area and with 1 hour before the show, we rode Tower of Terror with only a 10 minute wait.

After this, we went to Fantamic! and with 30 minutes before the show, the theatre was full and it was standing room only.

After Fantasmic! we headed over to the Streets of America for the Osbourne Lights. I was really looking forward to seeing the new Dancing Lights and while they were cool I was slightly disappointed.

I had seen previous video of it and thought it would be slightly better than it was but, none the less it was very good. However, the two men standing in the middle of the street with their tongues down their throats was a bit of a turnoff. Not considering it being two men, I dont want to see ANYONE standing in the street being THAT sexual. A romantic kiss is one thing and seeing two people basically having sex in the middle of the crowd is just obnoxious and they should have been embarassed but, with the way they were looking around laughing, I had a feeling that they wanted to be seen (obviously).

Anyways, we stayed at the show for maybe 20 minutes before leaving..

One thing about the lights is I just feel it's missing something. I go there and enjoy them but after 10 minutes I'm like "it's missing something". I think it's missing a live band. I think they need a stage set up with a band playing Christmas tunes live on it and sort of have a concert atmosphere with the lights. Anyways, that's just my opinion.

COMING NEXT: Friday's Interesting day and MVMCP.

 

[civileng68]

Friday started early with a trip to MGM Studios again, but this time to open the park.

We saw the opening show and to me it gets a grade of "C" while the AK gets a grade of "A+".

Upon the official opening of the park, we were walked (in rope drop fashion) down to Tower of Terror and RnRc. We headed to RnRc and got on. We were seated in the front (upon request, though we've learned the rear is the best). I was very upset by a CM whom I considered reporting but just got over it later on. I have a VERY expensive camera (my camera plus the lense and flash I had on it is at a cost of nearly $3,000). I know the limits with my camera in terms of what I can take it on safely and what I can't. I'm very safe with my camera and so I take it on rides like this but I just make sure it's wrapped around my necked and securely pressed on my body (this camera is actually VERY durable and made of a metal alloy). Anyways, because of my camera's value, I tucked it against my stomach before launch. Then I noticed a CM walk over beside of me at the launch area and they held off on the launch. She never said anything but just stood there looking at me. Then she smiled as if to say "I got you! I caught you" and said "is that a camera?" I said "yes" (by this time I'm getting very embarassed considering there are people watching this and this is holding up the rest of the guests). She responded "you can't take photos on this ride". I responded "what is there to take photos of, it's a dark ride rollercoaster?". She said again "You can't take photos on this ride (she didn't speak much english)" and I responded "maam, this camera is $3,000 and I dont think getting a photo of absolutely nothing is worth risking this investment". She then gave me a nasty look and walked away. I still am a little upset about this as this has NEVER happened to me before with this camera. I didn't mind her telling me there are no photos allowed (which I already know) but, the way she went about it was nearly humiliating and I felt guilty of something I didn't do.

Anyways, after this we went to Tower of Terror and rode with no wait. However, after our ride ended (it was now 9:30) we noticed that the line was ALREADY up to over 20 minutes and ended up at 70 minutes by 11:00.

After this we headed over to the Indy Stunt show and while I haven't been to this show in a while, it was nice to see. It's a nicely done show. Sit front row! It's great, even from the side!

Then it we stopped and got a frozen lemonade (this is another favorite, but dont get the minute maid ones as they are too thick and sweet)(get the ones from the machine, as they are simply awesome! and dont leave you thirsty).

After this we rode Star Tours with NO WAIT and enjoyed that, though again my friend got SLIGHTLY motion sick. Then, it was on to Muppet Vision with yet again, no wait. This is a great show that I just never get tired of.

After this we did the Great Movie Ride, which honestly I'm just tired of, and my friend wasn't impressed at all and was glad to get off of it.

After this, we left the park early to go to the hotel to rest for a long night at MVMCP.

We went to the MK around 3:00 and got to ride in the cockpit in the monorail to the MK from the TTC. We got in and had ADR's at Crystal Palace. That is simply a great meal! We really enjoyed the characters and appreciated how they showed us attention even as adults. However, I now feel bad for the people in those suits (sorry kids). I put my arm around Eor (spelling?) and felt the back of the neck of what seemed to be a girl as you could feel that her hair was pulled up. Her neck was soaking wet. I immediately gained a new respect for those people and knew that was something I never could do.

We took our time at dinner considering we had all night to play, so afterwards, we walked around the castle so my friend could see it. He enjoyed it but was disappointed that you couldn't go in it but simply through it.

The crowds at this time (5:00 ish) were very heavy and wait times were very long at the popular rides. We rode the TTC and got Fast Passes for Space Mountain. We figured we'd just hang around until the party started and then ride some rides after the crowds diminished. We watched Wishes at 6:00 which is a great addition to MVMCP nights along with HOliday Wishes at 9:30. The 6:00 show took place even though a CM at the wristband station was completely sure of herself that there was no 6:00 show on party nights. I corrected her and she said I was wrong (she was telling other guests this incorrect information) and finally admitted she was wrong after another CM walked over to correct her. NO apologies though, hmmmm.

After Wishes we went and rode Haunted Mansion with a 5 minute wait (Im curious when they are going to remove the FP machines since they are no longer in use).

Though I don't normally complain about Disney in my reports I am in this one (as you can tell) and I will continue to do so. I love WDW but, taking someone new to the parks really let me see some unexcusable flaws. The HM is really looking worn down in some areas inside. In the cemetary scene the scrims are really looking bad. In the past they created a hazy effect but now you can actually see the scrim itself. You can see slight tears and lines in it and it really ruins the effect. I never would have noticed it if it were not for my friend mentioning it.

Then it was on to the Country Bears. Unfortunately my friend hated this attraction and we left halfway through it. Also just so you know, not only is the Christmas show not in effect but also there was absolutely no decorations in the theatre which just really seemed poorly done in my opinion (at least some decoration would be nice).

Then it was on to Tomorrowland. All I can say is, they are really trying to weed out those not wearing braceletts but, it's still a lost cause. Anyone on here who really wants to defend the idea that they are controlling it, is simply naive or just such a purist that they are too biased to see it. I'm the biggest purist you'll meet and think the issue is not as much of an issue this year but, there's no controlling it.

Now, they ARE controlling who goes on rides as they were checking but, someone can still freely roam the parks. In all fairness they did have a VERY tight system getting directly into Adventureland from the Hub but, the bridge to Liberty Square was weakly controlled and anyone could pass. Tomorrowland's system was a joke. My wife and I sat and watched guests without braceletts walk right past a CM holding up a checkpoint. They refused to show and kept walking and the CM just stood there sort of shocked. He never called anyone or did anything and really with the heavy numbers going through checkpoints, anyone could stay in the parks.

The MVMCP this night was VERY busy (it was a Friday night). Though I know it was a Friday night, it really showed me that they sell too many tickets to this event. Even at the party there was a 45 minute wait for Peter Pan and over 30 mins for all of the other rides until later in the night. We finally got to ride both Splash, and Big Thunder with 5 minute waits after 11:00.

We then headed over to Pirates and got in just before they closed the doors at 12:00 sharp and got to ride in our own boat.

At the party they are seving Hot Chocolate, cookies, Sweet Apple Slices and Apple Juice.

The party itself was nice but with the heavy crowds I really would not attend again on a weekend. We went again Monday night (last night) and it was 100X better but I'll go into that later.

Again I would say that on a Friday night the crowds are rediculous for a party and it's just not worth the money. However it's MORE than worth it on a normal week night but, again, I"ll go into that day when I get to it.

 

[civileng68]

Along with this report are some photos from this trip. Coming up Next is Saturday but, in the meantime here are some photos:

This is a panoramic of the gates at AK before opening:

Test Track:

 

[civileng68]

Wednesday night at Epcot:

Opening Ceremony at Animal Kingdom:

Couple Everest on Ride Photos (I have a whole section of on-ride photos on my sig link)

 

[civileng68]

Nemo Show Building at AK:

INside Dinosaur (we were the only ones in our car for this flash photo)

It's Tough to Be a Bug Theatre:

 

[aesalsa]

Thanks for your report so far. We will be in WDW Saturday.


Please forgive my ignorance, but what is the "easier version" of Spaceship Earth you mention in your first post?

And even though we visit WDW only every 1-2 years, DH and I notice that HM needs a refurb and maybe an update on some effects. It's still one of my faves, but it nneds a little helps, IMO.

And I love the 4th pic in your 4th post. . .I see the Hidden Mickey

 

[civileng68]

Thanks for your report so far. We will be in WDW Saturday.


Please forgive my ignorance, but what is the "easier version" of Spaceship Earth you mention in your first post?

And even though we visit WDW only every 1-2 years, DH and I notice that HM needs a refurb and maybe an update on some effects. It's still one of my faves, but it nneds a little helps, IMO.

And I love the 4th pic in your 4th post. . .I see the Hidden Mickey

Sorry about that, I meant the easier version of MIssion Space. The Non Spin version. Lets face it, Spaceship Earth can't get much easier.........

Thanks for the correction.

 

[acerunner81469]

still waiting to see the pick u took on rock and roll since i was sitting behind u

 

[civileng68]

still waiting to see the pick u took on rock and roll since i was sitting behind u

LOL, There's no pic to discuss

 

[MomofCKJ]

Great report and love the pictures! Can't wait for more!

Allyson

 

[S.Poppins]

I am so glad you are doing a trip report and posting some of your awesome pictures. Your last thread with the pictures was so great - especially the beautiful panoramic shot of Main St. I still pull that up and show it to people. Did you get a shot like that of the Christmas decorations? Where did you stay this time? Looking forward to more. We are going January 13 - 19, we have only been in November twice and summer twice. Any suggestions? Are we going to freeze? Will the crowds be low?

 

[civileng68]

I am so glad you are doing a trip report and posting some of your awesome pictures. Your last thread with the pictures was so great - especially the beautiful panoramic shot of Main St. I still pull that up and show it to people. Did you get a shot like that of the Christmas decorations? Where did you stay this time? Looking forward to more. We are going January 13 - 19, we have only been in November twice and summer twice. Any suggestions? Are we going to freeze? Will the crowds be low?

Hi there Poppins,

I have quite a few panoramics I'm working with now but they wont be done for a few days. I didn't do one at Main St this time. Honestly I was disappointed with Main St.'s decorations since they didn't put them back up after the filming (at least not right away) so there was no garland or tree on Main St. The tree stayed back at the castle but the garland not being put up was a bummer.

Anyways, we stayed at the Quality Inn on Hwy 192. As I said in past thread reports we try to stay somewhere where our dog can stay with us at night and though it's not "technically" allowed here, they don't say anything. It's a good place for the price but just a bit loud. I still (believe it or not) recommend the Best Western on Hwy 192 for the cheap end of things. It's clean and quiet. Of course for somewhat cheap and great ammenities is the Residence Inn near Downtown Disney.

As for weather, our trip was very warm (actually hot, mid 80's) during this trip but on Monday the high was in the 60's and the lows in the upper 40's. It's unpredictable and honestly I would plan to pack for both types of weather. The days are warm enough for short sleeve shirt and evenings are cool so a locker for extra layers may be a good bet.

More update to come here shortly (possibly tomorrow).

 

[civileng68]

Well after a very late night Friday night at the party, we decided getting up at 7:15 wasn't the best option. So, we slept in until 9:30 and decided to go to Disney Quest. We got there around 10:15 and were amzed that it didn't open until after 11:00. I couldn't believe that something like that opened so late. We hung around for a while and then just realized it wasn't worth it and left. What our plan was, was to go in the morning and then come back that night but, with not opening until 11:00 it wasn't worth nearly $40.00 to play a bunch of video games to us.

So we left and went to grab a bite to eat. We then went to Epcot that afternoon and did some other things.

We started with the new Nemo ride. I know reviews are mixed but honestly I LOVE this ride. It's not normally my type of ride but it's amazing in my opinion. I was amazed at the great job they did with the first part of the queue, which used to be the old queue. Also I was amazed at how much they changed it inside. After the first queue you dont even know you are in the same building. The special effects are simply amazing and the ride itself is just great. While it is somewhat short it is longer than I expected it to be.

After this, it was off to Soarin to get a Fastpass. We got a FP for 6:00 and then went and rode the Land ride. After the recent rehab, The Land no longer has guides on board. Now the boat just goes alone and all talking is automated with speakers. I actually like it better like this as I feel it lets you enjoy it more.

Afterwards we went to eat at the Garden Grill with our ADR's. I really like the menu they have right now but the dessert could be changed. The bread pudding taste well but, it's just not the best dessert they've had. A nice apple crisp would work just fine

Next it was on to Soarin. We used our FP's and got in the ride around 7:00 which at that time there was a 70 minute wait in the standby line.

Afterwards, it was on to Mission Space again (easy version) with no wait.

Then, it was on to Test Track. The standby line was over an hour but the single rider line was at 10 minutes, so we went for it. The line actually took us about 20 minutes to get through but it was better than an hour. In the single rider line they dont make you stand through the pre-show (just FYI).

After this it was on to World Showcase. We hung out and shopped in Italy before watching the fireworks. Again afterwards we walked around World Showcase until around 10:30 before leaving and calling it a night.

Just FYI, from Italy you can see the entire Wishes show at the MK (facing back towards Spaceship Earth and just to the left). It's a great view if you want to see both shows while at one park.

 

[loriandmatt]

Awesome Yetti Pic!!!!!!

 

[The Mick]

Just FYI, from Italy you can see the entire Wishes show at the MK (facing back towards Spaceship Earth and just to the left). It's a great view if you want to see both shows while at one park.

Thanks for the tip! Will definitely use it.

Also, great pics. The Yeti shot and the entrance to epcot/spaceship earth are extraordinary.

 

[S.Poppins]

This is a great report. I am looking forward to more pics!