Let's see what this family does flying solo - the POST trip report!

[nilla]

Wow, Kat, you must be scoping out this TR, hitting "refresh" until I post! Replying within less than a minute of mine! No wonder this TR's view count has been skyrocketing

 

[SoonerGirl]

However, this time, it's only the Cowboy - the Native American girl is missing! It's just an empty pedestal. What happened? Fortunately, we haven't read any of the Kingdom Keepers books yet, so we're no scared; we're just curious.

I just finished reading the first KK book a couple of weeks ago, so when I read that a doll was missing, that was the first thing that came to mind!

 

[KatMark]

Wow, Kat, you must be scoping out this TR, hitting "refresh" until I post! Replying within less than a minute of mine! No wonder this TR's view count has been skyrocketing

It was so weird. I was reading the first part of your latest update and I then started typing to reply. After I hit send, it showed up but there was another update. By then I was too tired to reply "again" and went to bed (I haven't even updated my PTR the last couple of days). Anxiously awaiting dinnertime and Tomorrowland.

 

[nilla]

It was so weird. I was reading the first part of your latest update and I then started typing to reply. After I hit send, it showed up but there was another update.

I had three posts ready to go in Notepad (I type them up first, then copy/paste them here), so it looked like I can type a lot faster than I really do

 

[KatMark]

I had three posts ready to go in Notepad (I type them up first, then copy/paste them here), so it looked like I can type a lot faster than I really do

Aren't you just the sneaky one? So, let's get to the next update.

 

[nilla]

We headed over to Tomorrowland, where Dylan and Kristin cashed in two of our Fast Passes for Space Mountain, while Emily and I rode Buzz Lightyear. We met up again afterward and I tagged in, using our last two FPs to ride SM with Dylan again. On the way in, a kid around 11 or 12, asked his dad why we were able to walk right past them. The dad explained that we had Fast Passes, and probably got them earlier in the day (since they were out of them by that time). Dylan heard this and said, "yeah, we got them earlier today." The kid replied in a smart-**** voice, "thanks for telling us that!" Hey, Dylan wasn't trying to be rude, and it's not our fault your dad didn't come over and grab FPs while you were meeting the Princesses in ToonTown! I bet your mom waited until there was only a month left to get your ADRs, too, right?

AS we continue on through the line, Dylan brings up how many people have commented on his Pokemon shirt today. It's been about four or five. As we pass, a guy in his twenties, hearing this, shouts out, "hey kid, nice shirt!" Dylan politely thanks him

We get to the part of the queue just past the control center which we got to tour during the first Year of a Million Dreams two years ago) where the FP And Standby lines merge, and there's a large, non-English-speaking group in front of us. They all pass through the turnstyle until it gets to the last kid, who does not have a Fast Pass on him. The CM tries to tell the family that he needs one, but half of the group is already gone, and it's just too much of mess to really worry about, so she eventually lets it slide.

We get to the front of the line quickly by virtue of being a party of two, but are still behind some of the ESL group that was in front of us before. The CM lets the next group (including us) onto the platform, and the people in front of me keep switching seats. He tells them they need to stay where they were assigned, but it's still musical chairs with this crew, and he's getting visibly frustrated. He turns to me and says, "I don't think they understand that they need to be next to each other to ride together," and he's got a point, since they're lining up behind the friends they want to ride with. I just don't understand how some people can be so clueless. Did you not just see how the people in front of you boarded?

Finally, it's just about time for us to board. Our rocket is approaching......wait, it's not approaching. It's not moving at all. The ride is stopped. After what was probably the silliest line experience I've ever had in WDW, the ride is stopped.



Time passes by.


Five minutes.


Ten minutes. We overhear a CM telling another that apparently two cars ran a little closer together than you would want them to, so they need to get something straightened out.


Fifteen minutes...and my phone rings. It's Kristin, who tells me the ride is stopped. Yep She knows this because she and Emily just went through their second loop on the TTA, and the lights were on when they passed by SM. She actually got some video of a train riding through with the track lit up. Here are some stills; they're blurry and washed out by the light, but you can sort of make out a car in the second one.

Twenty minutes have now passed, and I tell Dylan we'll leave in five minutes if it's not back up. I really don't want to leave after waiting this long, because I know that will be the moment the ride comes back up. About three minutes pass, and the lights go back down - we're back in bidness! Dylan and I were the 4th and 5th seats in our pair of cars, with English speaking teens in front of us. The girl in seat three reaches up and drags her fingers across the top of the tunnel, which makes me wonder just how much clearance you have when you're ont the wild part of the track. I'm not about to find out, so I tell Dylan to hold on, and do the same. It was a fun ride to cap off a wild queue experience, with our co-riders screaming obsenities through most of the ride. Fortunately, Dylan didn't pick up on it, since he was screaming like a girl at the same time

We all rode Buzz Lightyear one more time together, then headed for the exit. As I mentioned before, tonight is Grad Night (grrrrrrr...), and it's time to close the park off to the rest of us. I hear someone ask a CM how late it stays open, and she says "sometime around 3:00 AM." All I can think is "wow" - a park full of filthy, apathetic teens leaves the park at 3:00 AM, and the clean up crews have it looking pristine by rope drop the next morning? Now THAT's impressive.

Dinner tonight is at Kona Cafe, a perennial favorite of ours. Kristin proposed eating there twice this year, so she could order an old favorite AND try something new, but we opted to try Jiko instead. Ok, we know where we're headed, but how do we get there? Monorail? Bus? Boat? Magic Carpets? Floo Powder? Wait - not a Disney movie. Pixie Dust? World War One-style biplane? Who knows, but I'm getting hungry!

 

[YukiPhnx]

Wow,what a line experience! Sometimes I don't get it either. You're standing in line, and watching more than a couple of people loading in front of you. Unless you decided to IGNORE all that, I don't see how you can just NOT know what to do when it's your turn!!

Yes, Dylan's shirt IS really nice. If I saw him, I would say something too.

Oooh, Kona Cafe. One of the few places that serve REAL coffee in WDW. Can't wait to hear about that!

 

[nilla]

We originally wanted to take the boat from Magic Kingdom to the Polynesian for dinner, but the lines were looking pretty long, so we walked over to the monorail platform instead. Big mistake! The crowd at the monorail had grown so thick that we couldn't get more than halfway up the ramp before we were stopped. We waited there for about 5 minutes, then, looking back over at the boat dock, Kristin suggested that we go by sea instead. When we got over to the dock, the line was back to the pavement, but it seemed a little less ridiculous than the wait for the monorail. Thanks again, grads! Oh, and congratulations. I really do mean that. Best of luck in the future.

We waited about a half hour total, and our ADR time was creeping up fast. As we move up slowly, a couple with a strollerless child creeps up around us. Kristin looks at me like, "uh uh." We're about halfway up the dock when the next boat arrives, and I know I won't be able to beat them out pushing this gigantic stroller. But fear not, because Kristin knows exactly what to do: She pushes up in front of them with the kids and reaches the boat just as it's right below capacity. I quickly fold up the stroller, and with a polite "excuse me", I'm around them and on the boat while the rope gets hooked in front of them. I look back as we float away, feeling victorious as they watch us drift away from the dock. Kristin is never one to get stepped on by anyone, and she reacted perfectly, getting us on the boat in the nick of time.

Moving on from the ugly queue stories, Kristin grabbed a couple of beautiful photos of the resorts we can't afford to stay at.

We arrive at the Poly and remenisce about the time Emily, at age 1, tossed her Croc overboard on this very boat. No one noticed until she pointed at it, saying, "shoe! Shoe!" Luckily, someone on the beach was crazy enough to swim out and get it. Sorry, but I've seen Lake Placid and Alligator too many times to do something like that. I would've just let her go shoeless. Fortunately, though, this guy is braver (or stupider) than me, so she gets to dinner, footwear intact. Thanks!

Kristin put our names in and grabbed a Very Berry Punch. We were seated soon after, and I ordered a Kona Rock Pale Ale. Decent beer, and it goes with the setting. We start with an order of Sticky Wings, which along with the Pot Stickers would be the only reason I can see to go to Ohana. We ate at Ohana the previous three years, and my impression is that the appetizers are great, but the main course (meat kebabs) at just average. I'm usually too full to enjoy them by the time they come out. The kid stuff is fun, but it's certainly not one of my favorite places to eat in WDW.

We do love our Kona Cafe, however, and it's the usual - Tuna Oscar for the both of us. Tuna rare, please. We're both huge sashimi fans, so this is right up our alley. Awesome as usual. For dessert, I get the White Chocolate Cheescake, which I don't even need to tell you is good. White Chocolate + Cheescake is like Vanilla Coke + Vanilla Vodka, a burger + a fried egg, Buzz + Woody, Hogan + Savage, Ozzy + Randy, and whatever other untoppable combination you can think of. I forget what Kristin got for dessert, so she can reply to this post if she so chooses Again, next year, there will be food pics in my TR. I promise! The kids got the build-your-own sundaes.

At one point, Emily decided that the Perrier we're drinking is actually beer, so she poses with the bottle.

Not sure what inspired that face, but it's lovely, isn't it?

After dinner, we asked if we can get a resort bus from the Ticket and Transportation Center back to Coronado Springs, and the answer is "no go". We snap one last pic of the outside, then head downstairs.

We opt to go by cab, like we did from Jiko, and the results are quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive. When we got back to CSR, Dylan decided to practice for his impending spot on "Survivor".

We waste some more snacks at El Centro, stop in to Panchito's to pick up our Light Boxes from the other day, then head back to the room. We call for an 8:00 wakeup, so we can get the most out of our last morning in WDW. Yes, folks, it's all coming to an end. The parks are done, and tomorrow we head back home. I'm tearing up just typing it.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Wow, so crowded on all those transportations! Good for Kristin, knowing just what to do. I woul've shoved my way past them, if they had tried to sneak in front of me too. But then, I don't have a stroller

That face Emily made with Perrier is too funny. My little sister used to make those faces. Maybe she imagines beer to be sour? Or bitter

Awww, it's near the end. I've been having such a great time reading this.

 

[SoonerGirl]

We've eaten at 'Ohana once and we were underwhelmed as well, I'm always shocked at what fabulous reviews it gets here on the DIS, I figure we must have just hit it on an off night or something. I'm sticking with Kona anyway!

 

[nilla]

"I'm waiting in my cold cell, when the bell begins to chime.
Reflecting on my past life and it doesn't have much time.
'Cause at 5 o'clock they take me to the Gallows Pole,
The sands of time for me are running low..."



Ok, so exactly why am I quoting Iron Maiden in a Disney World Trip Report? Could it be that I'm psyched because after 3 months of trying every day to get tickets to their NJ show next month, today I finally succeded? Or could it be that the song "Hallowed Be Thy Name", a first person account of a man being led to his own execution, can actually be interpreted to express what I'm feeling on my last day at Walt Disney World? A little of both, I guess, so let's just run with it!


"When the priest comes to read me the last rites,
I take a look through the bars at the last sights,
Of a world that has gone very wrong for me."

Yes, our time has come. We wake up early, pack a few things up, then head out onto the grounds of Coronado Springs for one final exploration.


"Can it be that there's some sort of error?
Hard to stop the surmounting terror.
Is this really the end, not some crazy dream?"

"As I walk my life drifts before me.
Though the end is near I'm not sorry.
Catch my soul, it's willing to fly away."

"When you know that your time is close at hand,
Maybe then you'll begin to understand
Life down here is just a strange illusion."

Wow, a perfect morning to end a magical vacation, and at the perfect resort. Neither Kristin nor I can imagine staying anywhere else. CSR is a no-brainer for next year. We were just blown away by this resort. Sure, it's our last day, and it's sad, but we won't be seeing this place for another year, so let's just take it all in one last time!

 

[nilla]

As we pass El Centro, we spot a turtle in the water. You can spot him, too, if you look closely! He's right in the middle of the shot:

Kristin returns to the room for some more packing as I take the kids to the Dig Site for one last run at the playground. I grab some more shots.

We didn't see the alligator that's supposedly in the lake on this trip, nor did we see any snakes at the resort, but we did see a pretty nasty looking spider on the playground:

Fortunately, Dylan was quick enough to get away before it could strike. His sister decides to pass by the very same spider, rather than retreating in the other direction. Really smart, Em. We're VERY lucky she made it out ok.

I place them both under arrest for their complete lack of judgement.

Kristin eventually returns to pardon them, and we walk past the pool one final time.

We take another walk around the grounds, grabbing some more shots...

...then headed over to the Pepper Market for lunch. We use our final snacks on some treats for the flight home, then head back to the room for one last look. After that, it's off to wait for the Magical Express.

 

[nilla]

We board the bus, and you can cut the overpowering sense of sorrow with a knife. As I'm sure you'll all agree, this is the worst part of the trip, by far. Nothing to look forward to but travel, unpacking, and returning to work and school. Talk about taking a sewing needle to my giant, Mickey Ears balloon.

The bus starts up, and off we go. Bye, CSR. Bye, Walt Disney World. We'll miss you, but don't worry - we'll be back. 367 more days, that's all. Save us a seat on the monorail.

The bus driver is from New York, his accent being a dead giveaway. He's entertaining and talks the entire trip, offering some great insight into the area and some comedy to go with it. He points out the areas where we may see gators, but in all my trips to Florida, the only gators I've ever seen were in the Kilimanjaro Safaris, Living with the Land, and Peter Pan's Flight. Oh, and I once saw a gator with a sweater on at a U of F game. This trip was no different - no gators. No crocs. Not even a caiman. Let down!

We arrive at Orlando International and approach our terminal. While it's awful to be leaving, it is cool to see the guests who are just arriving, knowing all the magic that awaits them. Hopefully their vacations will be a great as ours was. We board our plane for a nice, uneventful flight home to Lehigh Valley International, where my parents pick us up to take us home. Yes, it's really over...



















The vacation, that is! This Trip Report? Fat chance! I'm not done talking, if you're not done listening! Well, even if you are done listening, I'll just keep typing anyway! I still have some conclusion, epilogue, wrap-up, appendix...whatever it is, or whatever you want to call it, so sit tight! Besides, were still a few views short of 10,000, so stay tuned!

 

[nilla]

Before I get into all of that other nonsense (which I'll probably stretch out a few more days), let me extend a sincere THANK YOU to everyone who followed this Trip Report. Kristin was begging me to write one for a while now, and after my Pre-TR fizzled out due to lack of interest on my part, I wasn't sure I could be inspired enough to pull this off.


When I first started this, my followers were limited to Kristin, my co-worker Flighless Duck and his family, and a small spattering of others here and there. Then, thanks to an unsolicited link placed by MEK on her own Trip Report (which I will be reading next!), this thing just blew up. I am really at a loss for words at the fact that we're near 10,000 views. Sure, about 5000 are from me, and 2000 are from Kristin, but still...wow. THANK YOU all for taking the time to read what I have to say, and thank you even more for not just saying, "what an idiot! Who cares about his trip?" and clicking away. This has been an amazing experience, an outlet for creativity that I don't get as much as I used to, and an opportunity to relive what was the best vacation of my life.

For all of you who have posted on this TR who have TRs of your own, I WILL read yours. I swear on my awesome retro Epcot shirt! It may take me some time, but I'll do it. You can be sure that I'll have some wiseacre things to say there, too.

Wow, what a ride. There's more to come, but again, I really appreciate everyone who made my first TR what it became, and ensuring that I'll be documenting many more trips to come!




Not enough smileys to express how I feel,

nilla

 

[burly]

Fabulous trip report.
Even tho you didn't reply to my post...

just Kidding.....
Was a delightful read and i will follow as long as you chatter, talk, type, quote etc.

KIM

 

[SoonerGirl]

Awwwww, so sad it's over! I'll look forward to your conclusion, epilogue, wrap-up, appendix........

 

[MEK]

OMG....poor Dylan! That look is priceless! Is over his disappointment yet? Someday when you reveal the real secret of the sword he will not be very happy knowing he was scammed. Hopefully he will be able to get a good laugh out of it!


Your last night was so great. I love Kona and the Tuna Oscar is sooooooo good. After my last trip to Ohana I will have to agree with your assessment of it. I love the apps. I love the shrimp, but the time between apps and shrimp is say, oh, 45 mins. So unless I sit on my hands or tie them behind my back for 45 minutes, I am far too full to thoroughly enjoy the shrimp.

I am glad you are going to write an epilogue. I really enjoyed your TR and look forward to next year's TR. How many days away will that be??????

 

[nilla]

Sorry, burly! I wanted to reply to every comment on here, but also wanted to keep the story moving. I did reply this time

MEK, Kristin told Dylan when we got home. He likes knowing the secrets, so he was good with it. Of course, he still thinks privileges are skewed in favor of his little sister, and he's probably not entirely wrong...

312 days. Fortunately, there's Summer and football season to occupy me before then. Then, after Thanksgiving we have the planning stages, but by about February it really starts to get tough.

 

[WannaBeADisMom]

I'm another MEK recruit....spent the entire evening reading your report last night and hope to finish today (the heck with my daughter's dance recital....there's a trip report to read!!). LOVE your sense of humor....LOL funny! Incidentally, I was on the DISMoms Round TWO trip 4/30-5/4 with podsnel so actually got to meet MEK! She's all that and a bag of chips!!!
Additionally, I'm from NW Iowa, which is Viking country. As a kid, the Vikings were THE pro football team ! (Since I moved to NJ and married a Steelers fan, for the sake of my marriage, I have to leave it at that!)

 

[Nettaboo]

Loved the report and your style of writing and humor!! Thanks!!