Liz's October Trip

[Traveliz]

No cute titles here - I started this earlier and didn't get it transferred over to the boards but here it is now.

It's Liz and Mark (50 somethings) along with Chloe (21)

Chloe is attending UCF and was just rehired at Disney at Epcot in attractions ... she has so far only attended Traditions and is starting her training schedule this weekend so she will be in and out of the report. She prefers I not list where she works but she is working a busy Epcot attraction. Previously she has worked at Mission Space and It's Tough to be a Bug and she really enjoys working attractions.

The original plan was to come and visit her while also attending the Space Launch (son of neighbor). Quite a few in the neighborhood and town were planning on coming for that but it has now been cancelled until February at the earliest so for now that just left us coming and more time to spend with Chloe.

Mark spent the first part of the week in MI at some really boring (but interesting to him) symposium on metallurgic something or other capping off the event by giving a paper (scary to him). He was really anxious for that part of the week to be over and the fun to begin.

Unfortunately he got home about 7 pm on Wednesday night and we needed to leave for the airport about 3:30 am. He was tired and thought since the paper giving was over he would fall right to sleep but no luck there. He tossed and turned and in turn kept me awake. I stayed up too late and I didn't get much sleep either.

We were up before the alarm and on our way as scheduled. We arrived at the airport and got the first spot in long term parking next to the small short term lot and just a hop skip and a jump from the entrance! Inside we had to wait for the counter to open and finally loaded only to have to wait to take off due to heavy traffic in Atlanta.

Atlanta was more hurry up and wait but all in all we arrived in Orlando only about 15 minutes late. This is the first time we have ever paid for exit row seating and with Mark's knees I think we will do that again....although I have to laugh at the fact that we have to pay the airline to sit there yet we also have to promise to open the exit and assist others in the event of an emergency....seems like they should be paying us, but that is sure not the way airlines work!

In all of our trips to Orlando this is the first time we have arrived during the day (versus late night) and used Magical Express. I was a little worried when I saw the line but it moved very quickly. We landed at 11:45 and were on a ME bus by 12:25, arriving at All Star Sports before 1.

Check in was a problem -- for some reason -- the CM must have thought I wanted my room now because she made a call (no one answered but she stayed on the line over two minutes trying), then walked away from me and stood in a line to talk to two different manager types twice. I had no idea what she was doing and I was getting antsy. I was starving and wanted to get out and about.

Eventually she came back to me and told me that there was nothing available now and I would have to call later...really that was fine.

Mark went to check the laptop, his backpack and the carryon we brought while I stopped at the Dining concierge (since there was no line). I asked about a reservation for Boma for breakfast Sunday at 10. Two CMs were looking at the screen and one pointed at the time and the other said "but that is for four and we aren't suppose to do that"...like I was not even there listening. She then offered me a bunch of early times for three but I said no. Chloe has to work from 1-10 on Sunday and I knew she would not want a super early breakfast. So I thanked her, walked away and called dining asking about a table for four at ten...got that. Oh bad me...but the thing is the CM even told me that I would have no trouble walking up and getting a table that morning; she just couldn't reserve one for me. And as a btw we are moving to AKL on Sat so we will be right there.

By now it was almost 1:30 so we went to the food court where Mark had nachos and I had a personal pan pizza.. All very good. They have the cutest Halloween napkins and paper cups now too!

We had decided to go to MGM (sorry can't say Hollywood Studios) and we walked out the front door as the bus was pulling up. Very good! On to MGM where we basically did nothing. We checked out TSM but the wait was 90 minutes. I had heard before that there was a stand near the back lot that had good margaritas and we went to find it. I had a Golden Margarita and Mark had a Strawberry one...we sat down and I got a phone call about something I had to deal with and as I was sitting there I saw Mark holding his head in pain, face turning red, and tears coming down his face. Well lets just say the joy of being in Disney would not bring tears to his face so I leaned over during my call and asked if he was ok. He said yes. I wrapped up my call and by now he seemed a little better...it was the worst brain freeze he had ever had he said.

We then checked out RnR (80 minute wait) and ToT (60 mins) and passed by Block Party Bash -- that looks cute and Chloe says she has a good spot for that one and wants to see it (although with her schedule I am not sure how we will get this all done).

I called and our room was ready so we came back over here just as our luggage was being delivered -- perfect timing!

Chloe called and after her class she is coming over here.

As far as tonight goes -we might take a trip on the monorail line.

Tomorrow is a lot of running around for Chloe but we are stopping at Property Control (yippee) and then tomorrow night is the Halloween Party.

I will really try and keep this updated!

Liz

 

[Traveliz]

It was 6:30 before we got a bus due to a couple of phone calls before we got out of the room -- but we did walk out of the lobby and right onto a MK bus! So far great timing. On the bus we noticed a number of costumed people and come to find out there was a Halloween Party tonight. One couple did question why we were going to MK when it closed at 7 if we weren't going to the party but we assured them we were merely using it as a jumping off point to resort hop.

As we neared the MK we noticed the sky getting cloudy darker but we were in denial...no problem that Mark left the backpack and ponchos back in the room. We walked from MK to the Contemporary (noticing for those who keep track) that few (very few) cars parked in the self lot had parking permits on the dash and nary a sign of a tow truck. Spots left in the lot too.

Not sure I like the looks of the new BLV - but it is coming along nicely.

At the Contemporary we went to the 4th floor to check out the shops. I think their nicer shop there (has initials for a name) has a very nice selection of merchandise. Saw these nice silhouette mugs that Chloe had told me about and an ergonomic mouse pad...but waiting til tomorrow to start shopping.

From there we went to the Poly where we were going to have dinner at Captain Cooks. On our New Years trip I had the BEST Grown Up Grilled Cheese there and the Polynesian Chips are sooooo good. Mark has celiac's so none of that for him and after talking to the cook he settled on the Caesar Salad without croutons. Also at the Poly we noticed the hundreds of people going to the Luau and Mark asked why we had never done that considering I like to stay there so much. Also checked out their Boutiki - usually have some cute women's tops but only saw one today.

After eating and browsing there we were planning on walking to the TTC and taking the monorail to EPCOT and then the bus back to All Stars but it was really raining now and we knew Chloe would be headed to meet us soon. We got soaked coming back but we did not melt.

We are now back and Chloe just called - she is on property and Mark is headed to the Food Court to get her dinner and then its time for Grey's Anatomy and hopefully she won't feel the need to stay up near as late as she does at school.

Will try to update again tomorrow!

 

[Traveliz]

Ok Thursday night - Chloe has come on over, brought her Astronomy to do while we watched Grey's Anatomy...and boy has college homework changed since I went. She does her Astronomy homework on some type of interactive web page where she drags her answers onto a screen.

After Grey's we pretty much all fell dead to the world. And we all seemed to sleep well...finally! I didn't realize until later the next day that our room was on the end -- no wonder we didn't hear other people.

Friday morning we were up and at it early. First stop the Cast Connection behind MK where CMs can shop and guests are allowed. We didn't find as much here as we have some trips but it was fun and I did get a brown quilted jacket with very subtle Mickey's quilted through the fabric that I have had my eye on for some time. Leaving there we didn't turn where we usually do and ended up in new territory but saw a really nice subdivision going up (someday....she dreams) and eventually decided we better get the GPS out to get us back. As it turned out we ended up on the far end (miles away) of Buena Vista Dr and ended up coming in along the back of Saratoga Springs. Once there I knew where I was and we decided to make a quick stop at DTD to Mickey's Pantry as Chloe has found some dinnerware she wants there and wants to make sure I know which it is she wants!

The late morning/early afternoon found us at Walmart (for stuff for Chloe), lunch at Sweet Tomatoes, quick trip into the Disney Outlet at the outlets on International, back to her apt to set up the DVD player she got, drugstore, grocery store, apt again and finally back to All Stars.

It was 4:30 now and we have tickets for Mickey's Halloween Party tonight. I have a Fairy Godmother costume I made ten years ago and it always gets alot of compliments but I was wavering on wearing it...I get so hot. Mark was dressed as a hockey referree (art imitating life) and Chloe was going as a princess (the generic kind - fancy dress with a tiara.) I decided I only get to wear the costume occasionally so I was going for it.

We got to MK about 6 and the skies looked a bit menacing. We had been briefly rained on earlier in the (typically as we were carrying things into Chloe's apt...I don't think we have ever been unloading things into her apt when it hasn't been raining!)

Oh well we forged on and first got our picture taken in front of the Mickey in front of the train station (the face is filled with pumpkins and gourds!). We next did Jungle Cruise (20 minute wait) and had a great skipper (Sarah). Walked on POC at 6:41 and had a boat to ourselves. As we got off they were now checking for bracelets as you moved from land to land and entered attractions and the Trick or Treat stands were open. Splast Mountain was a walk on with a boat to ourselves and so was Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

More candy and a stop at the pin store where a few CMs stopped and talked to us about our costumes. They were really encouraging us to go to the first Halloween Parade as they were afraid of rain. I had wanted to go to the second but they scared Chloe into wanting to go to the first one so we headed to Haunted Mansion (where they were CLOSED due to technical difficulties but try back later). Candy at two more stops ....great touch....one of the candy stations is along the water walkway near the Riverboat is anchored...there was a CM dressed as a ghoul and carrying a lantern back and forth. He was very scary.

We walked up to the Carriage(by way of Haunted Mansion which had reopened but the line was longer than I have ever seen it) because I wanted my picture taken with it but the line was pretty long and Chloe was itching to get to her spot for the parade. It was only 7:45 at this point and the parade started at 8:15 but where she likes to sit is often overlooked (down by the Barbershop). She hurried down to get the seats (no problem) and I cut through the stores to cool down (having to show my bracelet to get in). We saw the headless horseman, had some popcorn and drinks and then enjoyed the parade. While we waited for the parade it was fun to see the "parade" of guests passing by in the costumes. Most notable was a family with an Alice of Wonderland theme, Haunted Mansion characters, Heff (about a 12 year old boy with the signature robe and pajama pants and grey hair) along with his bunnies (most were older women with black leotard type tops and black tights with the bunny tail and ears) and then one much younger 20 something with a blue bunny dress and ears and the blonde hair); a family with the Star Wars them, a young couple dressed as Mary Poppins and Bert (excellent costumes!) and more.

After the parade there was time before the fireworks so we walked down to Toontown and did the candy route on the formerly hidden pathway from Toontown to Tomorrowland. They call it Mad Hatter's Tea Party or something like that and the CMs there are dressed as cards and in addition to candy there were also stops to have photos taken with Alice, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and White Rabbit (two were available).

We like to usually watch the fireworks from the middle of Main Street but it wasn't horribly busy on Main Street so we watched it from the ice cream store area. Afterwards though we did fight the traffic to walk toward Fantasyland. I got in line for a picture with the carriage and Mark and Chloe went to Space Mountain. We met back up at the Trick or Treat station at Carousel of Progress and then went on the People Mover. By now I was pretty warm (understatement) and fading but it was only 10:30 ish. I decided to go sit in my spot off Main Street and people watch and Mark and CHloe went back to Toontown because she decided she wanted her picture taken with Alice.

They got back to me about 11:15 and we sat there awhile and then Chloe did some final pin shopping. We called it a night - Chloe had to be at work at 8am on Sat morning and we all needed showers.

So far today we dropped her off at Epcot and we are packing to move over to AKL. Today's plans include another trip to Walmart and then because Chloe is now 21 she wants to hit the food and wine festival (LOL though - she is a picky eater and drinker -- she wants nachos from Mexico and a glass of wine from somewhere just to say she did it). We might try and get back to MK tonight also for Spectro and Wishes but just depends on the timing.

More later,

Liz

 

[Traveliz]

Ok we have now checked into AKL and here is how the rest of the day has gone so far...

After leaving All Stars Mark and I drove over to AKL and got into line to check in - now I must say I hear alot of complaints about All Stars and their lines and the whole you get what you pay for line of thinking and when I have stayed at the Poly (concierge) check in has always been instant.

So we get into line and notice there are 5 check ins or people with needs ahead of us and the line grows to 7 behind us. Meanwhile there are only three people working the check in area. The adjacent dining reservations/concierge area had a line as well but four people assisting guests and their waits were much shorter since they were all just making reservations/buying tickets.

After a bit a manager type walks past the line and you can see he is concerned...meanwhile one of the check in girls has left and only two people are checking in guests. He goes in the back and then comes out and starts trying to assist people with easy problems but in the check in/out line pretty much everyone needed assistance that involved a computer so it didn't really move the line along. After about 25 minutes we finally are next served and we had a quick easy check in but of course the room is not ready.

Mark checked our bags with bell services and we went down to Mara for drinks, walked around to see the area where our room was located (we were given a range of numbers), and by then it was close to 12 so we drove on over to Cast parking at Epcot to pick up Chloe. She called right as we were turning into the parking lot so it was perfect timing.

She was all dressed up and we didn't have a room available so we went with plan b which was yet another Walmart run (we are done with those now) but first she was hungry. We wanted to eat on the way to Walmart and chose Olive Garden....we don't have one close by and she enjoyed going there some on her CP. It was not the best choice because they really don't have much gluten free but Mark had a salad while Chloe had spaghetti and I had lasagna. Next quick stop at Walmart where after we made all the purchases I realized they was nothing we needed Chloe for and we could have done it this morning but oh well. Off to her apt where the skies looked dark but no rain as we ran in with her stuff. One of her roommates was there with her little brother who was here for the weekend so we got to meet them and talk to them awhile.

Chloe was fading fast and so we called AKL and found our room was ready. She really wanted to sleep a bit so we got back here and walked the miles to the room. I will be honest...we are only staying here because it was the only property available for the weekend and I checked and checked and checked...well except for that Yosemite VP suite at WL. I really didn't want to have to move the three times and we have never stayed here so we are killing several birds with one stone (oh bad me I am pretty sure that is politically incorrect speak for this hotel!).

The room is a Queen with bunk beds (all they had available) and Chloe is not staying with us the whole time but she was laughing that she cannot sit up in bed. I said I bet anything there is some mom out there that tried and tried to get the bunk beds and couldn't == wish I could switch her.

The view is ok but they are painting so there is a temporary green fence along the perimeter of the savannah (ie, right outside the window) with manlifts (some type of machinery) one after another lined up in front of the fence and between the hotel and the fence. Let's just say it does definitely distract from the view.

I don't want to sound like I am here and instantly complaining but in addition the people above us have opened and closed their slider about 150 times -- it took awhile for us to figure out what it was -- at first we though thunder; then maybe someone moving furniture but eventually realized it was the slider. This could make for a long couple of days. We have seen giraffes and zebras and other (unidentifiable to me) animals but we also have a bunch of trees right in our sight view that animals seem to enjoy staying on the other side of. Maybe later.

Chloe had a great Discovery Day at Epcot - each time you work at one of the parks they have a day where you learn about the park -- interesting facts and tidbits -- at Epcot its called Discovery Day and AK calls theirs DAKclamation. Cute names. Anyway Chloe had done the Epcot one before so she expected to be bored but in typical Disney fashion she had great teachers who brought some new information to the table (or as she said maybe stuff she just didn't hear the first time.) For now I will share one - she said as part of her class this morning they were told that there were many versions of Epcot drawn up before the settled on what we know as Epcot - but originally Spaceship Earth was going to be GOLD!

In just a few minutes we are headed out to Epcot - we are pretending we are living here and braving the locals crowd that goes on a Sat night during the food and wine. Chloe got the menu while at Epcot this morning and decided she can do Spectro any time (don't you wish you could say that?) but the food and wine is something she can't always do (fortunately she won't even have one drink and drive) so tonight seems like a good time. She has settled on wanting the Milk Chocolate Creme Brulee from France and some wine (told you she wasn't very adventurous). I suppose we will try some rides too but who knows what we will accomplish.

Tomorrow is breakfast at Boma with the four (oops only three could come) of us and then she trains all day so Mark and I will "stalk" her some and hit the parks.

Until later,

Liz

 

[Traveliz]

Ok back from Epcot - -we headed out about 5:30 and walked onto a waiting Epcot bus -- whoo hooo--- we were entering Epcot before 6 - Chloe says we passed Spaceship Earth at 5:50 pm. We checked the tip board and as expected fast passes were only available at Mission Space with long waits everywhere. We walked over to MS and the green team was listed as a 20 minute wait with Orange team as a 30 minute wait. We decided to do green team (actually that is the only one I will do). As mentioned before Chloe has previously worked here and when we entered the queue we could tell Green would be a walk on (didn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out!) and Chloe said Orange was definitely a 30 minute wait. So quick ride there and on our way.

We walked through the Festival headquarters since it was next door. Saw some nice merchandise but nothing I had to have so to speak.

Next we headed to Epcot and walked around the World starting in Canada - I got cheese soup and maple custard there -- ordered a water but they were out. Chloe and Mark walked ahead and watched Off Kilter (doesn't interest me). Next stop was France where we all got the Milk Chocolate Brulee and found it to be similar to Hunt's pudding with a crispy top (ouch!) --- good but nothing special -- of course keep in mind we are not foodies. Chloe got a Chardonnay and took a few sips and scrunched up her nose. I told her she didn't have to finish it and she seemed surprised -- um t going to make you finish your alcoholic beverage. Mark finished it for her. I had mentioned earlier that I had read online many like the Grey Goose slushies and I thought they were in France. We found that and had one to share. Seems like Mark liked it best of all but would not buy one on his own.

We continued walking through the countries but we are really picky eaters (well Chloe and I are and Mark is really limited by his gluten problem) and we really didn't find anything we wanted.

So we stopped at Mexico where Chloe wanted nachos and I wanted my signature Margarita. Ok...the lines were short compared to what we had seen before...and we found a table and Mark got in line and waited and waited and waited....seriously it was a half an hour before he got the food! Oh my I thought we would see his head explode in the distance.

As we walked through Epcot tonight Chloe shared more of what she had learned today -- one interesting fact is that when Epcot opened the dignitaries of the countries represented in the World Showcase each poured a vial of water from their country into the fountain. Apparently this was a carry over from when Disneyland opened up and the same happed at Disneyland but in Its A Small World. Lillian liked the tradition and wanted to find a way to continue it when Epcot opened.

After Mexico we headed back toward MS to see if Chloe's friend was working - we had gotten a glimpse of him earlier but he disappeared -- but he was not out front and she did not want to do the ride again.

We walked up to the Animal Kinggom bus stop and waited about five minutes for a bus to pull up, we got on and it immediately pulled away.

Another great day here in FL.

Hopefully another update tomorrow.

Liz

 

[Traveliz]

Boma for Breakfast

Slept ok - but gosh these wood frame beds are noisy - every toss and turn and we would hear a creak.

I did wake up in the night and stumbled around to find my glasses to look out onto the savannah but didn't see anything...darn.

This morning though there were about 5 antelope walking though although nothing out there now but a few birds.

Ok so we got up and headed down to Boma for breakfast. We had a 10:00 reservation and checked in a little before - ended up waiting about ten minutes and then were seated. It was no problem that we were a party of three instead of a party of four -- there were tons of available tables.

Breakfast was ok but not a have to do again. The pastry area was particularly good with cinnamon rolls, sticky buns, banana bread, scones, croissants, chocolate croissants, two kinds of bagels. There were four kinds of cereal, fruits, bacon and sausage, ham (or turkey -- the sign said ham, the server said it was turkey and people in line were divided about what it really was), corned beef, bobotie (?), curried something, some different cereal type concoctions (something called Plant protein), oatmeal, pap, scrambled eggs, two kinds of preformed omelets (really looked more like egg roll ups), pancakes, french toast and waffles. Wow I think I remembered it all.

We got Chloe's CM discount (and the server told her she would be getting a coupon for 50% off there so would probably return with that) and the bill with tax was 52 something. Again it was ok but not a have to for us.

Afterwards we went to the gift shop so Chloe could get a snack for work and I picked up a few things (I spent 20.00 to get the Halloween tote bag for 5.00 that is the special there now)

Now we are just killing a bit of time until we drop Chloe off for work - -not really enough time to do anything and she needs to get ready anyway.

I did sit on the balcony for about 15 minutes but no animals

Mark and I are headed to Epcot I think -- who knows what we will end up doing -- I did suggest going to open houses in Celebration but I think his selective hearing set in.

Liz

 

[Traveliz]

We left here about 12:30 and had a detour down the halll (part of this floor is now closed off for refurbishing) so its a bit of a hassle now to access our room -- we have to come in through the lobby and then go up a floor and back down. Got Chloe to Cast Services at Epcot and we then drove around front and parked.

Once inside Mark went after FPs for Soarin and then we met back at Innovations for the Hook and Loop Interactive Comedy Game show -- its something sponsored by Velcro and we had heard several of the former Comedy Warehouse performers were now here. No one we recognized in this short but cute little show.

Next we walked over to Test Track where the tip board said it was a 30 minute wait but their board said 50 minutes. We decided to go ahead and go for it -- it was 46 minutes and we were in our car and off and racing.

Next up was Mission Space Green Team where the wait was maybe 15 minutes.

We then headed to The Land where the wait said ten minutes for the boat ride but it looked longer and we could get a FP for a half an hour later so we opted for that and went to the food court for a drink and a snack.

Got right onto the Boat ride at the Land and had a nice ride...we got into the second greenhouse where the pumpkins are and it sounded like a monorail was overhead. Of course we both realized that the monorail does not pass over there and it was raining. I am not sure how hard it was raining but it was so loud in this building that we could not hear the spiel while in that room. We walked out front and it was wet but not raining so we decided to keep going.

We rode the ride at Imagination and then walked over to the World Showcase. We passed by the Mouse Catch stand where the name escaped me last night -- it offered a trio of cheese. Mark got that for us to share while I got a margarita and a place to sit at Mexico. The cheese was very good but all I can tell you is one was Asiago something and a bit soft, one was from Spain and we can't remember where the other one was from. The Asiago one was our least favorite, I liked the middle one best and Mark liked the other one best....lol I told you we are not foodies.

Kept on going and I am pretty sure Joey Fatone passed us by with a couple of other guys. I pulled Mark aside and he agreed with me. I know he is frequently spotted in the parks and I have seen him at MK previously also.

We were approaching the Eat to the Beat concerts and The Smithereens (means nothing to me were performing). Mark likes hard rock and asked if we could stop. We did and I did not find them as hard as some groups but saw alot of aging baby boomers there.

Next up were the drummers at China...I really don't like them either. I am not much for some of the World Showcase entertainment. We did see Snow White and Dopey and I do like them!

We continued on and gosh I think I am forgetting something here -- I don't think we had anything else to eat - if it comes to me I will insert it later.

Ok next we went to Spaceship Earth. Mark's side did not have a working speaker and I really wanted to rest through the ride but I repeated what I heard over my speaker - made for an interesting ride. When we got off they were lining up people in that whole group of cars to ride again -- as apparently that grouping had this problem. We passed on that though.

We walked through the Coke sampling area and then walked to HISTA where we got in pretty quickly. Joanna called as we were leaving and we talked to her as we were walking over to Soarin for a FP time.

We had about 45 minutes so we got a drink and played cards waiting for our FP time. Got to ride Soarin and then came back to AKL for a bit. Mark has now headed back out to pick her up from work.

Tomorrow I think we are doing AK in the morning (it will never been more than a half day park for us unless we are with first timers) and plans are to eat at RFC. Not sure about afternoon and evening.

More later!

Liz

 

[PNO4TE]

Liz - I am loving your TR! I wish you were enjoying the F&W Festival and AKL a little more, but it sounds like you are relaxing and getting to spend a lot of time with Chloe.

Too bad we hadn't talked more about the foods at F&W... I would have warned you off the creme brulee in France. Blech... I have always said it tastes like watery Jello pudding, but your description of Hunt's is so much better!

Next time Chloe wants to try a wine don't get Chardonnay.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of your report! Are you home yet or doing this at AKL?

 

[Traveliz]

Liz - I am loving your TR! I wish you were enjoying the F&W Festival and AKL a little more, but it sounds like you are relaxing and getting to spend a lot of time with Chloe.

Too bad we hadn't talked more about the foods at F&W... I would have warned you off the creme brulee in France. Blech... I have always said it tastes like watery Jello pudding, but your description of Hunt's is so much better!

Next time Chloe wants to try a wine don't get Chardonnay.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of your report! Are you home yet or doing this at AKL?

Doing this from AKL -- more up in a bit!

Liz

 

[PNO4TE]

Doing this from AKL -- more up in a bit!

Liz

Just you wait till you get home and we chat again... I have been a busy girl for our December trip. I will be doing a TR too, but no time yet! HAVE FUN!!!!

 

[Traveliz]

Monday morning - we were up and out early for Early entry at AK. For resort guests entry is 8am today. Typically I have found AK to be really strict about requiring guests to show resort IDs but I did not see one person asked this morning.

We went straight to Expedition Everest where we got Fast Passes for later and then rode it. Mark rode it a second time in the standby line (not much of a wait at all) and then we walked toward Dinoland. Primeval Whirl is closed and there is a huge crane behind it - I don't know what is going on there. Mark and Chloe did Dinosaur -- I don't do that one anymore - it just is too jerky for my tastes and then we walked up toward the Safari. It was a little after 9 by now and the lines were building. The FP time for the Safari was just after 10 so we got those and then walked the gorilla trail...lots of people now and in typical AK fashion the park was getting hot.

Mark and Chloe then headed off to do Expedition Everest as I had discovered I was having a bit of a problem with some surgery I had done a few weeks ago and I needed to go back to the hotel to take care of it. I was able to get a bus back to AKL really quickly. I walked into the room and noticed all the manlifts were up and spraying -- even though one was not right outside my room it was spraying over the balcony so no going out there for me. It was just a few minutes and I was ready to go back to the park --- as I walked out of the room I noticed the door clicking closed didn't sound like it should -- sure enough I could push the door right open. I tried several things to no avail so called maintenance who said they would send someone right up.

I was suppose to get back to the park but went ahead and had Mark and Chloe do the Safari -- I can watch the fauxfari from my room. The guy came up pretty quickly by AKL standards -- like Mark said if he was at the other end of the "U" its probably a 20 minute walk and then you have to do the up a floor and back down to get here due to the construction.

It took him a bit of time to fix it - but not too bad and then I headed back to AK. I had my longest wait for a bus so far this trip -- probably because Mark and Chloe were all ready at RFC waiting for me but such is life. The bus driver was "interesting." She stood and shouted (not on a microphone) to see if everyone could hear her and then she made us repeat back the number of the stop we were coming back to at the end of the night. She also went through the park hours and talked about having two hours after closing to get to the bus so we didn't have to run out at the buses at the end of the night. The whole spiel was annoying (sorry) and loud. In addition she made this one woman take her stroller to the back telling her it would be easier but her kids were all up toward the front. The mom was looking up at the front asking the kids if there were ok and I told her I would keep an eye on them. They weren't little little but the youngest was 4. Then once at AK they had to get out the front and she had to get out the back of the bus and that is confusing in a crowd.

I called Mark and Chloe and they were sitting at the back entrance of RFC and had them meet me at check in where we immediately were seated. Lunch was unispiring - I had the cheese pizza which I know sounds boring but my friend had it in December and it looked so good. Chloe had plain pasta and Mark had a bunless burger and fries. I looked at the bill and thought this was not that good. I have not been able to find something I really like since they got rid of the buffalo chicken salad a couple of years ago.

We all then headed back to the hotel. The bus driver appeared to be the same woman I had coming over so I was anxious for Mark and Chloe to experience her but she got off at AK and another driver got on.

Mark did some work online, Chloe napped, I puttered about. I did go to sit on the balcony but the exhaust fumes from the 8! manlifts got to me in short order and chased me back inside. Chloe also got on the Hub checking for room discounts for another visit (yippee), we watched our soap and it started to rain.

Soon we are headed out towards MGM for the evening. Chloe is going back to her apt tonight since she has a full day of classes tomorrow so she has to tackle her suitcase too.

Liz

 

[Traveliz]

Just you wait till you get home and we chat again... I have been a busy girl for our December trip. I will be doing a TR too, but no time yet! HAVE FUN!!!!

Of course I am ready to plan again -- I need to call for free dining next year too here before I leave.

Liz

 

[PNO4TE]

Of course I am ready to plan again -- I need to call for free dining next year too here before I leave.

Liz

Well, a little birdie told me that someone booked October 2-8, 2009...

 

[Traveliz]

Monday night

We finally headed towards the Studios around 5:30. Armed with Chloe's suitcase, packages, work costume, Halloween costume and a variety of things she was taking back to her apt it took all three of us to carry it out....something wrong with that picture.

As we walked down the hallway at AKL we noticed it had started sprinkling on the Savannah again. It was a light sprinkle all the way to the car and got heavier and heavier as we reached the Studios.

Once there we were pointed in the direction of a far out parking area by the attendant. We found a spot and the skies let loose. As we sat there we decided we did not really want to keep this spot as it was really far out and down the aisle as well. Chloe would be coming back to the car alone at the end of the night and although I am sure it would be fine it was just a bad spot.

It was pouring down rain so we weren't going to enter the park yet so we decided to drive back up to the front and circle around again...at least getting something closer to the front of a row where the trams drop off. As we came toward the entry this time the parking attendant was directing people to turn into the last lane of the closest lot. So we did...and pulled into the first spot we saw and then leap frogged over the lanes and through parking spots until we got a close up spot in the second row and within walking distance of the front gate. We did see a gorgeous full rainbow at one point.

It was really raining - we ended up sitting almost an hour before going in and thinking of where we could have gone to eat etc but now that we had the good parking spot we were not leaving. We decided to call dining to see if we could get in Sci Fi tonight. First we tried for a party of three and when there was no availability we tried again for a party of four....didn't work this time...still all full.

Ok finally looks likes its clear enough to walk without getting drenched so we entered the park with Mark heading to Star Tours to get FPs (the only ride left with them) and Chloe and I going to Sci Fi to see if we could walk up (we are persistent). We were told nothing that minute but if we came back in an hour there might be but no guarantees. We decided to pass on that and met back with Mark.

Decided to go to the food area down by the Back Lot but got there and found it closed so back up to the counter service by Star Tours. Finally a place to eat...just hot dogs and burgers but we are finally being served. Order was somewhat messed up but we ate it anyway -- well I did take back the Coke they gave me and told them I needed Diet Coke but aside from that we were ok. The buns were those new whole wheat ones and the taste was fine but they did not hold up at all especially on the bottom of the burgers. I was essentially holding the hamburger with my hand and some squishy bread by the end.

Afterwards it was finally time to hit the rides. First up Star Tours (Chloe found an apple under her seat), then Muppets (that is always fun when you have a child by you that is into it). Mark got a call about reffing hockey this weekend so took that when we left there (getting close to going home and the thought of more money in the pocket is sinking in!). We walked through the Christmas shop and past Toy Story Mania where the wait was listed at 90 minutes and on to One Man's Dream. It is apparently now in shortened hours and is only open 9-3.

Great Movie Ride is next ... love that one but I really don't believe that every single CM that narrates it when they say the horror film is their favorite genre of all time. I wish they would let them personalize that a bit. And in other humor ... Chloe giggles at the part where they say no flash photography for the safety of the performers (she says pretty sure its not going to bother Gene Kelly).

Afterwards we split up while Mark and Chloe went to see Mulch Sweat and Tears and then onto TOT and RnR. I browsed the shops and people watched...one of my favorite activities.

I kept in touch with them as by now I had gone over to TSM to wait for them. For anyone keeping track at 10 the line said 80 minutes and ten minutes later they changed it to 40 and about ten minutes later to 60 where they kept it most of the rest of the night regardless of the line. I watched it ebb and flow and when Mark and Chloe got over there it was at 50 minutes. We were on and off in 47 and then rode again with about a 20 minute wait. On the second ride Mark was sitting next to a guy who noticed his work hat and asked him where he worked...he told him specifically where the guy said he was a firefighter in that town as well. My brother is a firefighter too but in our town across the river and Mark mentioned it to the guy and he replied that is where he was from! He didn't recognize my name (Mark is not local) but had I been sitting there I am sure we would have had some common friends or acquaintances. Mark said though the conversation only started because of his work hat (Mark doesn't talk to strangers LOL) so had I sat there I would probably not have even known I was sitting with a local person! You know what they say...It's a Small World!

By now Chloe was tired and our hands were hurting from the game so we called it a night. Good thing too because the park was now closed! Silly me - for some reason I thought it was late hours til 1 but it was only til 12!

We all walked out together and we got a bus pretty quickly and could see Chloe walking to the car. She called as we got to our room.

Our original plan was to be at TSM this morning at rope drop but Mark said he was good with doing it twice last night so I am headed off to DTD in a few while he is going to stay back and read and maybe work ... not sure about this afternoon but tonight we will be in line for T-Rex.

Later,

Liz

 

[PNO4TE]

... not sure about this afternoon but tonight we will be in line for T-Rex.

Later,

Liz

Ooooh! I can't wait to read what you think about it!

 

[pjstevens]

Liz,

Wow, you have done a LOT!!! Sounds like you are having a great time! Glad to hear Chloe is liking her next adventure working for Mickey. Aubre is looking into 'maybe' trying to go in the fall again (CP). Can't wait to read more about your trip. Tell Chloe hi from Aubre and I.

 

[Traveliz]

Tuesday -- Mark stayed behind at the hotel to read and work and sit in the sun and I headed off to DTD about 9:30. I do not like the bus ride from any hotel there since it always tends to go the long way around and there is typically a water park stop involved and today was no different. I was lucky though in that a bus was pulling up as I got to the bus stop so I was right on and then on to Typhoon Lagoon next stopping at DTD. I did get off at the first stop but I ended up walking through the Marketplace and over to West Side first.

I stopped at Virgin Megastore where Chloe had told me about these cute Jonas Bros tshirts she thought a young friend we know might like for Christmas but was unsure of the size...every time she went in to buy it she thought they seemed unusually small. I had the same thoughts once I saw the shirts as well and passed on them.

The main entrance (next to Virgin Megastore) for AMC had a red carpet out front and a few employees standing there next to a sign directing customers to the other entrance as this entrance was closed for a special event from October 13-19...wonder what that would be?

Stopped at the candy shop looking for these Jack Skellington cookies I want to bring back for a friend but none there.

Next I passed through the cemetary of Pleasure Island to see what it looked like. Interestingly there were several kiosks set up on the streets with people selling those big balls and hair wraps...odd. I noticed that the bar next to Comedy Warehouse now had a new listing of specials. The only really interesting thing I noticed was the area between Adventurer's Club along down the way is now blocked off (there used to be quick foods there years ago and shops but I think they have been empty for some time) and it says Foods from the Streets of America coming soon (or something like that)

Walking toward me was a CM manager type who said "hello." Her nametag was upside down...she must have had a rough morning.

Next up was a walk past T-rex. Sign says they are opening tonight at 4 and they are still busy with last minute touches. People working everywhere...someone dropping off what looks like queue lines and fencing going up where the grassy area is. We will be back tonight so I guess we will see what that was about.

I walked through McDonald's and paid too much for a diet coke but was thirsty and can be known to be dangerous without my diet coke so I paid the price for it. A quick walk through WOD to see if the 2009 calendar was out but not yet. Stopped at Goofy's looking for the cookies again and then finally at the Christmas store where I got an assortment of TInk ornaments to give to Chloe for a Thanksgiving present. I figure since we usually get out our Christmas things on Tday that will be a good gift for her.

I then walked over to Port Orleans boat dock to take the boat there -- Chloe had done that a few weeks ago to check on the Treehouse construction and I wanted to do the same. Had a really funny boat captain who had worked for Disney for 19 years.

I walked through Port Orleans and headed for the bus station -- I was going to take the first bus going to either Epcot, AK or DHS to catch a bus to All Stars. I had seen the cookies there last week so I was going back -- should have bought them when I was there to begin with! I walked up and a DHS bus quickly arrived. Perfect.

And then I remembered why I don't like to stay there .... four more stops along the perimeter of the property before we were on our way! I know people complain about the one stop at All Stars but I much prefer seeing the line, knowing where I am in it and going directly to the park (or the other two All Stars). Lots of people were grumbling about the long ride to all the stops before we were on our way.

Ok once to DHS I just walked over to the All Stars bus area and waited ...well first the vending machine stole my 2.00 as I tried to buy a drink. I had a short wait for a bus but not bad and then off to All Stars where I was able to get my Jack Skellington cookies.

Now to complete my adventure I had to take a bus to AK to transfer to AKL...did that and spent a couple of hours resting before the evening adventure begins.

Liz

 

[Traveliz]

At about 4:00 Mark and I left AKL for DTD to meet Chloe and her roommates at T-Rex for dinner. We didn't know what to expect and two of the girls get out of school at 4:30 and one at 5:45 so we thought we would check things out and see how they were handling seating.

A bus was there as we reached the stop and we were through a very quiet DTD and to T-Rex by 4:40 -- that is where all the people were! The line started out front and wound around the side of the building to the parking lot. We got in line and heard the guy behind us on the phone telling friends he was told from where we were it would be a half an hour wait. We debated getting out of line but decided to stay in it and let people pass ahead of us if need be.

Pretty much everyone in line was holding spaces for others. CMs coming from work, families coming from hotels, local friends meeting and no one in the line was hyper about each person being in line - the line behavior was very laid back.

We talked to Chloe about 5:30 and they were on their way. We were getting closer to the front but not quite there yet. From school its about a 15 minute drive but traffic was little heavier with it being dinner time and she arrived in the parking lot at 5:50. We had to let about 5 groups of people go ahead of us before the found us and we were seated at 6:00. It was perfect timing for the girls.

One of the girls couldn't come so it was just the three of them and that made us a party of 5. As we reached the first stopping point before they allow you to the podium one of the employees wearing a National Training Team polo asked if we were local and we said no...he then said you look familiar and I said - well the girls go to UCF -- he then pointed at Chloe and said -- well actually you look familiar. She told him she worked at Disney and last year worked at Mission Space and Its Tough to be a Bug and he said, "yep that's it - I walked past you everyday on my way to and from Yak n Yeti...you were one of the bug girls." So that was kind of funny. She did ropes at that bridge many a night and not a lot of people pass through so its not surprising he remembered her.

Now to be honest I did not explore the restaurant so you are not getting an in depth review from me - but here is what I can tell you. We were seated in the Ice Room which looked like we were sitting in an igloo or an ice cave. From beneath the ice the colors changed and it was disconcerting. There was one color that lit up the room more than the others and I liked it best then. And it was LOUD...I mean REALLY LOUD...I mean the kind of loud where you come out without a voice from trying to converse with your party. Again I repeat it was LOUD.

Service was very spotty. Sometimes slow, sometimes not. Food was ok but not spectacular. I had the flatbread...it was ok but I had exceptionally good flatbread at a local place recently and nothing has compared to that. Chloe had the tortellini and it was very garlicly. Two roommates had the chicken salad sandwich and the fries and Mark had a burger and chips.

We also all shared the Extinction which is just a volcano dressed up differently.

The pace of the dinner was not well spaced with the server being available sometimes, other times long waits without seeing him but it was fine as we had a great time meeting Chloe's roommates and talking with them. The girls walked around to the other rooms but I did not. We could see the coral reef from our room though and it was really cool.

It was 8:30 when we left there! So the adventure was 2 and a half hours!!! once inside. And it wasn't because we were taking our time - it was just the way it was going.

I would return especially with the younger boys in our family as I don't believe I should judge the restaurant on its opening night performance.

Afterwards the girls headed back to the apt and we took the bus back to AKL. Time to pack up and get ready for our departure tomorrow.

Liz

 

[Traveliz]

We decided to get up and out early on Wednesday morning to enjoy the last little bit of Disney.

Mark went for drinks while I called and booked our bounceback free dining for next year. I booked a ten day span toward the end of September and will refine it later. We are going back to Movies.

I was just finishing up as he arrived back and we then took our luggage to the RAC. I had bought us a luggage scale a few months ago and we were anxious to see how it compared to the airlines scale but unfortunately their scale was not working so they just took our word on how much our luggage weighed.

They were having trouble getting Mark's boarding pass to print off so I stayed there while he went back the 8 miles to the room to get he rest of the luggage were going to check for the day.

We met back up and then headed out to the buses where we were greeted by a Studios bus arriving at the DHS about 15 minutes before opening. Our plan was to FP Toy Story and then ride it standby. Mark was off for the FPs and I was on my way to meet him after the opening ceremony - which btw I think is so very cute at DHS...the guy that does it does a great job of ad libbing with the crowd and acting so much like this is old time Hollywood with all the stars entering.

Ok when I got to Mark he was still back aways in the FP line and the return time was nearing when we wanted to be leaving to go back to the hotel so we decided to only ride it standby and got right in line for that. Really do love that ride.

He then went to RnR and I browsed the shops and people watched. Had a peanut butter cup from the confectionary too and it was just ok and ridiculously costly.

Afterwards there wasn't really time to do anything else so we just wandered around a bit before heading back to get a bus to AKL. We ended up on a bus the dispatcher put together to get groups of people places since he was short of floater buses. So we first stopped at Blizzard Beach for a dad and son going to mini-golf, we were the next stop and then they were going to All Stars -- two of the families on the bus were needing to check out at All Stars and were really not happy as it was after 11 at this point. I don't think I would feel comfortable going to the park before checking out.

Back at AKL we found a spot at the fireplace and sat there, wandered around a bit, I went and got a gift card for the dinnerware Chloe wants (figuring in her holiday discount). I was going to give her that for Christmas but think I will put it in her Halloween package so she can enjoy it now.

Her roommates have really fixed up their apt nice - the way it is laid out their living room window is the window directly above the entrance to the building in the center so they want to put a tall Christmas tree in the window for the holidays. Sounds like it will be really cute.

Ok not much excitement left - got the ME bus, went to airport, struck up a conversation with the people next to us at Nathans (she was wearing a T-rex shirt - they had been there night before too) -- turns out they bought BLV -- so talked about that, hung out waiting for the plane, went through ATL and waited for that plane, blah blah boring boring. Plane arrived home almost 20 minutes early and back home we are.

Hope you enjoyed my report - and I am happy to answer any questions.

Liz

 

[PNO4TE]

I enjoyed your report, Liz! It is always interesting to read differing views on all things Disney. I wish you and Mark had enjoyed AKL as much as Bob and I did last year. Maybe if the construction weren't going on things would have been different.

Thanks for taking the time to write and post this.