Live from WDW.....it's puggymom

[puggymom]

Welcome to my first live trip report.

I'm puggymom, gasp 43 years old, and loves Disney, pugs and the NY Jets. I am proud DVC owner and looking forward to another Disney adventure.

This current trip started very early Saturday morning. The alarm went off at 3:30am. I’m getting to old for these early morning flights. I think from now on I’ll take a late flight the night before, no worry of oversleeping either, but that’s next time let’s stick to one trip at a time.

The flight down left on time and arrived early, yes I said early, which is one thing about the first flight out of Newark is they leave on time which results in an early arrival. I made my way down to the luggage and there was my bag, one of the first off. YEAH! I walked over to the garage and headed for the National Emerald aisle and hopped in my car for the week.

I was soon heading out of the North exit, yes I said North, I went to the other place first. I made Hard Rock Hotel my home for the first night.
In no time at all I was pulling up to HRH and pulled into the self parking. My luggage has the 4 spinner wheels so very easy to bring my own luggage inside, except when I rounded the corner I saw this

Ok I’ll just use the elevator, um, where is it. There is none, but then I saw this

So I called bell services and had them carry it up the stairs for me, I tipped the guy and headed into the lobby to check in.

My room was ready and it was only about 10:30. I handed the guy my Visa, you know my Disney Visa, he laughed and said C’MON! Sorry Disney pays me money to go vacation when I use that card.

Some lobby pics

I headed up to my room to settle in before heading to the parks.

reminds me of CR

Nice and clean, so far so good

First up was IOA. I decided to walk which was a good thing as it was raining and I don’t think the water taxi’s run in the rain, at least I didn’t see any. With my lovely plastic poncho.

First up was Hulk., love this coaster. When I got off I realized how hungry I was getting. I decided to walk over to Mythos, a sit down restaurant in IOA. I was able t walk up and get a table with no wait, ahhhh. Remember when Disney was like that, heck I remember eating in an almost empty LeCellier at prime lunch hours recently as 2004. I so wish for those days, in this respect Universal wins hands down. I had a delicious grilled chicken sandwich and for $17 including tip, much better than anything at a counter service place.

With that I walked around a bit, and rode a few more rides, including Dueling Dragons (FIRE side), Jurassic Park, Spiderman and Hulk again.

After riding Jurassic Park and getting rather wet, the weight from the water made my shorts too big, I had to keep pulling them up. LOL!

I realized just how tired I was after getting up so early and decided to go grab a nap. When I got back to the room I could take my shorts off without unbuttoning or unzippering! I think I was asleep before I hit the pillow.


Next up the rest of day one

 

[puggymom]

I slept for about an hour, freshened up and headed back to IOA, snapping a few pics of the hotel on the way out. The sun was now out too, so no more poncho.

I rode the other side or Dragons (ICE), Spiderman and Hulk one more time.

Some pics from IOA

I’m really looking forward to coming back in a few years and checking out the Harry Potter land, but will wait until the initial rush of the first couple of years.

The park closed at 6 so I headed over to City walk to get some dinner and stop at Margaritaville, Mom wanted me to shop for something for my oldest brother, but didn’t see what she wanted. I realized how hungry I was getting and had been craving whopper for some time at home. I decided to check out the BK whopper bar that they have at City walk. Little different from the BK’s you are used to, can design your own whopper. I just wanted the traditional kind. It hit the spot. I was starved.

I slowly made my way back to HRH and settled in for the night.

some HRH pics and pics of the walkway

I work on day 2 later, gotta go get me some Disney Magic and I'm hungry, dinner time!

Just a quick shout out to my Jets who started the season with a WIN!

 

[mrsksomeday]

I'm in!! I will put a link on the Focker thread for you!

I can't believe there was no elevator, that would have upset me greatly . I love that you used a Disney Visa, that was hilarious. The room looked nice .

I have never been to Universal, sounds like you had a good time. I agree with you about waiting until the initial rush has past for Harry Potter, I can't imagine how huge those crowds will be . Why did the park close so early?

I am loving the pictures. I miss WDW so much! I can't wait until I see your pictures from there!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Hi Mo!

Hey, that "other place" looks kinda cool. I may have to check it out next year.

at using your Disney Visa! I can totally hear you giving him some Joisey 'tude!

 

[askelton]

HRH is so cool and now I want to go to Universal! Mitch gets in free with the military so we need to go soon. I'll give you a call so we can decide where to meet.

 

[jcc0621]

I'm here

Jim and jimmy LOVED Universal! I can't wait to go back so I can fo too!

I'm loving the live report!

 

[Sleeping*Beauty]

I loved your last trip report and I can't wait to hear about this one~!

 

[puggymom]

I'm in!! I will put a link on the Focker thread for you!


I am loving the pictures. I miss WDW so much! I can't wait until I see your pictures from there!

thank you and I will get to WDW shortly

Hi Mo!

Hey, that "other place" looks kinda cool. I may have to check it out next year.

at using your Disney Visa! I can totally hear you giving him some Joisey 'tude!

who me 'tude?

HRH is so cool and now I want to go to Universal! Mitch gets in free with the military so we need to go soon. I'll give you a call so we can decide where to meet.

Can't wait to see you!

I'm here

Jim and jimmy LOVED Universal! I can't wait to go back so I can fo too!

I'm loving the live report!

MOre coming soon...

I loved your last trip report and I can't wait to hear about this one~!

Thank you and Welcome!

 

[puggymom]

Sunday morning started around 5:30, which is sleeping late for me. I took my time getting ready and took advantage of having this baby in the room to make a cup of tea. I turned on the local news at 6 and the lead story was Disney's FL annoucement

Breakfast this morning was in the Kitchen, you have a choice of a la carte or buffet. I can’t say no to a good breakfast buffet, other kinds yes, but I love breakfast buffets.

I arrived at 7 which is when they opened and had the place to myself which led to some great service and all the fresh hot food with no one to share or mess it up.

With tip it was about $20 but worth every penny. I stopped and got a newspaper (banner headline being Disney again) and another cup of tea and headed back to the room to pack up and get the bags to bell services.

A little after 8:30 I brought the bags down and walked over to US. I arrived about 8:45 and immediately went in the park and noticed the new ride Rip Ride Rockit was opened. I decided to give a try despite telling fellow Dis’ser Janet (jcc0621) that I wasn’t going to . I put my bag in a locker (required to) and headed over to the line which was posted at 20 minutes (later in the day it was 150 minutes). From entering the line to getting off the ride was exactly 20 minutes. Now my thoughts on the new ride, um, yeah, not impressed. It was eh I love coasters and this is my least favorite at US. The initial lift (which is 90 degrees) isn’t as impressive as it looks.

Glad I only spent 20 minutes on this and my curiosity is satisfied.

On to the Simpsons, which is new for me, was under construction last time.

Now this one is a winner. Absolutely love this one, great ride and great laughs! Rode this one a few times today.

I also rode Mummy a few times, Jaws, MIB . Went to the Horror Make up show, which was a favorite last time and caught the Blues Brothers, loved them, very high energy show.

I had lunch at Lombard’s Landing and again just walked in and was immediately seated at a window seat. If you find yourself at US I highly recommend Lombard’s. Have the calm chowder, it is probably the best I’ve had. Much better the Cape May’s.

About 3 pm I had done everything I wanted to and then some and decided it was time to go home. Stopped at the Publix on Universal Blvd. It was practically empty, I was in and out in a few minutes with water and breakfast for the next week.

Next up, Arriving Home!

 

[puggymom]

I arrived at BW a few minutes before 4 and thought what perfect timing check in is 4. I asked bell services to take my bag and the case of water and I took the other groceries and my tote bag. I had done on line check in and despite the fact on one was on line there was a family at the counter taking forever. So much for the time saver. Finally it was my turn and the room wasn’t ready, 20 minutes. YEAH, if they 20 minutes it usually means 40. I asked for a manager who said let me see what I can do, about 10 minutes later I had my room (which since this is a live report no t too many details). Squeaky wheel got the oil. I did get a refurbed room and even one with a flat panel TV.

I decided to head over to MK to catch Wishes since it was at 8pm and it was already 6pm. For those that know me don’t be shocked, but I took the bus, just didn’t feel like driving and ferry/monorailing over to MK today.

After soaking in the atmosphere on MS, I grabbed a quick dinner at Casey’s. I walked over to favorite MK shop the Christmas one in Liberty Square. I love this store and you know what I don’t think I have ever bought anything in here, definitely the one at DTD, but I don’ t think this one. I do love looking around though.

It was just about time for the next HoP and I was curious about the changes they made. I have to say the new version really got to me emotionally. For those that have seen it, it was during the film part, choked right up.
As HoP ended it was now time for Wishes, walked over and found a perfect spot to the left of the Partners Statue. Yet again I found myself choked up. This is why I go to WDW a couple times a year and US every couple of years. It’s the emotional connection.


With that I grabbed some ice cream and slowly made my way out through the shops just looking for now.

As I got to the busses, BW was just leaving, but Y&BC was still there, well Y&BC is close enough for me, so I hopped on that and walked home from BC.

One thing I forgot from US was a little Irish shop where I got this to hang up at work

Sorry it didn't come out better but it says, I'm Irish what's your excuse.

Well that catches me up to the present.

I will update through out the week.

Night all!

 

[lazydoxy66]

Hi Mo!!

US sounded fun. That was nice being able to ride the rides more than once. HRH looks nice. I was thinking CR too when I saw your pictures.
Oh my! I think I will need some tissues for HoP. You aren't the only one to say that about it.

 

[PrincessV]

Welcome to my first live trip report.

Woo hoo!!!

Ok I’ll just use the elevator, um, where is it. There is none, but then I saw this

Okay, that's just INSANE! Works out nice for bell services, I bet.

Oooo, it looks nice! It also looks big - how does it compare to a WDW room?

Remember when Disney was like that, heck I remember eating in an almost empty LeCellier at prime lunch hours recently as 2004. I so wish for those days

Have the calm chowder, it is probably the best I’ve had. Much better the Cape May’s.

Don't you mean Campbell's?

I did get a refurbed room and even one with a flat panel TV.

Um... it sure is PINK! I'm not so sure about this rehab.

I walked over to favorite MK shop the Christmas one in Liberty Square. I love this store and you know what I don’t think I have ever bought anything in here, definitely the one at DTD, but I don’ t think this one. I do love looking around though.

I do exactly the same thing - I don't think I've ever bought anything in there, but I love going in!


This is great Mo! I just wish it included a note along the way saying "And then I met up with V!"

BUT... Thanksgiving's looking good-ish.

 

[jcc0621]

I'm disappointed about HRRR. It looks so cool.

Jimmy's absolute favorite ride according to Jim was the Simpsons!

 

[puggymom]

Hi Mo!!

US sounded fun. That was nice being able to ride the rides more than once. HRH looks nice. I was thinking CR too when I saw your pictures.
Oh my! I think I will need some tissues for HoP. You aren't the only one to say that about it.

That's one thing I love about US is the on site guests get Front of the LIne, you can get so much done without rushing even on a weekend.

Oooo, it looks nice! It also looks big - how does it compare to a WDW room?

From what I remember (been awhile staying at DVC too much) it was very comparable to a WDW deluxe.

Um... it sure is PINK! I'm not so sure about this rehab.

Not really, more salmony than the pic shows and the rest of the walls are yellow. The rooms are actually very nice. And the looong hallways look good now with the new wallpaper, paint and carpet.

I do exactly the same thing - I don't think I've ever bought anything in there, but I love going in!

Too funny, but I do love walking through there

This is great Mo! I just wish it included a note along the way saying "And then I met up with V!"

BUT... Thanksgiving's looking good-ish.

You can meet Murph! BTW we are at SSR, just sayin'

I'm disappointed about HRRR. It looks so cool.

Jimmy's absolute favorite ride according to Jim was the Simpsons!

I was disappointed too, look like a good thrill ride, but nope!

Simpsons was great, being I have the matuarity of an 8 yo, plus the great ride made it an instant favorite!

 

[puggymom]

COuple of pics from yesterday that I just uploaded

Really blurry pic of new Kouzzina sign

Today started at around 7 am, I couldn't believe I slept so late, I never do. Guess I was tired.

Breakfast in the room and then headed over to IG to go to Epcot for the day. When I arrived it was 8:55 and I fully expected to see the rope like normal at the top of the bridge right before heading to the UK. Not today, have they started dropping it earlier to even out with the guests from the main entrance???

Anyhow, straight to Soarin' grabbed a FP and then rode. SInce no LWTL currently, I headed over to the Seas, skipping the clamshells.

There was a last call for Crush, so I headed in snapping a pic of these guys as I walked past

I headed over to the manatees, I just love them, I think if they could talk they would sound like snuffleloveagus, or however you spell his name from Sesame Street.

Next went over watched the dolphins swim around, I could watch them for hours. I just wandered around for a bit after that

After this I walked over to Art of Disney to see if Jordan was working (she wasn't) and then a ride on SSE.

MY FP was soon to expire so back to the Land for one more ride over California.

I walked over to TT and it was down so I figure a ride MS and I would check back, MS Orange was 40 minutes ( I guess with TT down, everyone headed there). No way was I waiting 40 minutes.

I decided to wander around WS and just soak it in

I did ride Maelstrom, without a FP, and no wait. I realized I was starving after riding witht he Trolls, but didn't want to ruin my appetite for lunch. I ended up with smoothie from the Outpost, which was perfect on a hot day like today. WS was pretty empty, it was nice to just wander slowly around. In and out of the shops and just soaking it in. In Italy I did buy a ring and a necklace (will take pics later) and then wandered in and out of the shops in US, Japan, and Morocco.

I skipped France, don't know why, and walked through England

I had a lunch ADR at Yacht Club Galley and decided to slowly start walking over there.

It was nice and quiet in YC lobby, despite the conventioneers that were milling around. There is always something soothing about the YC lobby.

I had a yummy chicken with Vermont cheese and arugala sandwich and realized how tired I was , this weather just drains you. I walked back to BW, walking past the Swolphin. I uploaded my pics and fell asleep. I was going to hit the pool, but it was looking a bit cloudy, so I did this update instead. Pool is still a ? at this time.

Be back later...

 

[DisneyJo]

Loving your live report Mo, I'm shocked by those stairs at HRH what happens if you're in a wheelchair or have strollers?

Sounds like a lovely lazy day at Epcot and no TT

 

[puggymom]

Loving your live report Mo, I'm shocked by those stairs at HRH what happens if you're in a wheelchair or have strollers?

Sounds like a lovely lazy day at Epcot and no TT

You know I thought of you when TT was down, you and your family would have been devastated!



Well I did go to the pool, yes the scary clown pool. aka IT.

It was pretty empty, I grabbed a lounge chair by the hot tub.

I read for a bit, sat in the hot tub for a bit, read for a bit and now am in need of a shower.

Not sure what dinner is yet, I'll see what inspires me when I am ready, maybe just pizza on the BW or I'll wander to one of the parks, there is no plan tonight!

 

[puggymom]

Before I headed out I noticed the Breathless driving around, why did I think the Breathless wasn't used anymore?

My first thought for dinner was ESPN, love that turkey and brie with cranberry mayo, but then remembered Monday Night Football. Then a PM I got made me think hmmm Chinese so I was going to go over to Epcot to the CS in China, but then I remembered about Sunshine Seasons. I headed over there to get a yummy turkey and muenster sandwich.

I noticed that Soarin only had a 15 minute wait. At 6:30 and still had FP available for 7:15.

Well the sandwich is now turkey and monteray jack, but still very good. They also include a mayo-less potato salad that was delicious! So was the chocolate chip cookie I got.

While walking over to the Land I heard the hum of TT so headed over there and single rider had a 5 minute wait posted, stand by was 20 and this too still had FP available. Single rider was literally a walk on and I would say standby was overstated at 20.

Next up was MS, again orange was a walk on (and so was green)

I wandered through Mousegears to see what new carp, I mean souveniers are out since I was here last. BTW lots of Halloween stuff available here and the resort shops, including t-shirts.

I do like to bring something back for my staff and was scoping out if there was anything new, (I usually end up with candy, but was looking for something original). No purchases, will wait for WoD and use the discount there.

With that I headed back to Soarin and 15 minutes was overstated, it took as long as the previous ride to finish, yes Soarin, was pretty much a walk on!

It was now 8:15 and I just wandered around noticing things. LIke the backdrops at character connection, I guess I never noticed them as when I walk past there is usually characters and people etc. But, I don't get them, they have nothing to do with the characters that pose in front of them.

Electric Umbrella, I gave up eating there a long time ago, but didn't the paint used to be purple? It's now blue, but my memory could be faulty.

There was plenty of great spots around WS lagoon at 8:30 and 8:45. I walked up to a spot near England and Canada enjoyed the show

 

[jcc0621]

Awesome update Mo. Jo's day is now complete that yoou have ridden TT

Wow, Walk on for Soarin and TT. You are mkaing September sound great -- hint hint!

 

[puggymom]

I thought I would post some observations I have made:

-Jeans - how the heck do so many people tour the parks in this weather in jeans

-hairdryer - BWV has a real hair dryer, it's in a bag in the under the sink cabinet

-parents that don't have a clue - no Soarin is not a rollercoaster

-newbies - lots of them and no clue about making ADR's, feel bad for them, I have given out the dining # a few times to folks trying to find someplace to eat.

-CM's not particularly friendly, except Ryan at YCG and the manager that helped get me into my room on Sunday.

-weather - not as oppressive as I had mentally prepared for

Gotta go get ready for the day, bye