Looking for Adventure in the Great Wide Somewhere a PTR

[If U Had Wings]

After hopefully getting a good nights rest at ASSp day 3 the plan is to head off to Epcot for the morning. I have a 8am ADR made for Akerhaus so we can kick back and dine with some princesses. I'm oddly more excited about this than I probably should be, but it's Disney right?

In keeping with the low key tone to this vacation, I'm not making may hard and fast touring plans for Epcot either. We'll be heading to Soarin' first, and getting a few spins around the track in on Test Track, but other than that I'm hoping to just play it by ear. Probably the focus this morning will be on the first half of Epcot, saving World Showcase for later in the week. If my BFF is up to riding Mission Space we'll hit that too. For me, I'll happily pass. The ride itself doesn't really bother me. I've ridden the high test version every time I've gone and never been sick. I'm just very blah about the ride. Really does nothing for me.

Part of my to-do list for this vacation is try to get out and see the Christmas decorations at the various resorts, so for lunch we are going to head back to the buses and head to one of the resorts to have lunch at their food court. It will be one of the ones that we don't have other plans at, but that's all the planning I'm putting into that. I like the idea of just hopping on the first bus that shows up.

After lunch and some resort visiting, it will be off to Hollywood studios for a few rides on ToT and RnR (we both are adrenaline nuts). Maybe a ride on Toy Story Mania if it's not too crazy. I'm a little scared about my BFF on TSM though. She's competitive enough on Buzz. This may push her over the edge.

We'll have plenty of time before our dinner ADR at 6:15 at the Sci-Fi Dine In. Originally I had hoped to make a ressie at the Brown Derby this night, but there were no ADRs to me had at all at HS and had to take a 4:15 ADR at the Sci-Fi. A week or two ago, prime dinner times opened up at all the HS restaurants, so I'm guessing there was a glitch in the system. What a surprise! I had already booked the Derby for another night so I stayed with the Sci-Fi, but was happily able to get a better dinner time.

After dinner maybe we'll head back to Epcot for Illuminations, or just back to the room for some relaxation. We'll just see what we feel like.

And my 3 Things to Try or Do for Day 3 -

1) Really Explore Epcot - Like our Animal Kingdom day, just soak up the details and the atmosphere. Here are some "vintage" picks from Epcot over the years.

The entrance circa 1988. No tombstones in the plaza area.

Also various extinct rides and areas circa 1988

Me, my father and brother outside of the World of Motion -

Mom, me and my brother on the upper level of the Imagination Pavillion. I think this is what I miss most of all. I used to love that whole play area. What they have now is just a small taste of what they used to have.

Also from the upper level of the Imagination pavillion - the color tunnel.

Sadly it won't be flower and garden time, so we won't get to see the beautiful shrubberies I saw back in 2003.

And from 2007, my BFF and I meeting Figment. She loves Figment, and we were thrilled to run across his meet up area as we were leaving the pavillion. Sadly, I think they did away with his meeting area.

2) Get a henna Tattoo - I've wanted to do this for so long. I'm treating myself this year. Although I may wait for this until later in the week. I'll have to see.

My dad and I at the Morocco pavillion back in 1988.

3)Get a photo of the monorail and spaceship earth in the same frame. Makes the photos look so much more interesting that this -

I'm thinking that this pic was of the dancing fountain, but it's covered up as a stage.

 

[MRYPPNS]

The Epcot Tombstones. I'll be happy when those go bye-bye.

 

[skier_pete]

Speaking of the monorail and Epcot.

Don't know if you've ever ridden the monorail through Epcot, but it is a lot of fun, and the views of the FW pavillions are excellent for taking pictures.

Also, if you want to ride the front of the monorail...we discover on our last trip...go to Epcot close to opening, but instead of entering the park, go to monorail station...absolutely no-one is taking the monorail from Epcot to the TTC first thing in the morning...you can get a front seat easy. Then on the ride back, you get the great views of Epcot...though they boot you out of that front row seat. It only takes about 15 minutes round trip, but I found it more fun than the MK monorail loop, which is always so crowded!

 

[All7OfUs]

Epcot is my hands-down fav. park. So many details and fun things to see, esp. in WS!

I do love your vintage photos. THere must be so many memories for you there.

I love your idea of getting a henna tatoo. Here's ours from our last trip to Dubai:



They are so fun to get, and I think much more beautiful than a reg. tatoo that is forever.

Love your plan to hop a bus, any one that comes, for lunch at a resort too! An element of surprise thrown in !! Perfect.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am with Heidi -- I would be glad to see the tombstones go away at the entrance -- I think it really ruins the visual impact of entering Epcot!

The color tunnel! I remember that! I used to love the Imagination Pavilion!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I really love the old trip photos included in your plans. They are really neat to look at.

I think a henna tattoo sounds like a lot of fun!

 

[Flossbolna]

Love your plans!! And I love the vintage pictures. Old Epcot is so beautiful!! In 2004 I really did not like Futureworld at all. It looked chaotic to me. It still does, but I appreciate it a bit moer now. If they would just get away with all the weired things on the plaza (tarps in the air, strange metal objects etc) and the tombstones out front and possibly paint it white again, this area would look so much better!!

I can understand your frustation with your BFF. My previous trips have all been with a good friend who never got into planning at all. So I was mainly on my own with the planning. I really missed having someone to discuss things with and also felt like I needed to come up with things she liked to accomodate her in my plans. In the end on our last trip we actually split up quite regularly and that worked out fine as well. I enjoyed doing things on my own and we would meet up for meals. But I am really enjoying it that the next trip will be with my DS who really is into the planning as well. She even became a DISer!

 

[If U Had Wings]

Speaking of the monorail and Epcot.

Don't know if you've ever ridden the monorail through Epcot, but it is a lot of fun, and the views of the FW pavillions are excellent for taking pictures.

Also, if you want to ride the front of the monorail...we discover on our last trip...go to Epcot close to opening, but instead of entering the park, go to monorail station...absolutely no-one is taking the monorail from Epcot to the TTC first thing in the morning...you can get a front seat easy. Then on the ride back, you get the great views of Epcot...though they boot you out of that front row seat. It only takes about 15 minutes round trip, but I found it more fun than the MK monorail loop, which is always so crowded!

Thanks for the tips! I may have to try that. I think I rode the monorail in the front once as a kid, but I don't think that my friend ever has. I think she'd love it.

Epcot is my hands-down fav. park. So many details and fun things to see, esp. in WS!

Epcot has been a favorite of mine since my first visit back in 1988, although I will admit that I miss alot of the things that they've done away from. What can I say? I'm a bit of a geek. I used to love all the educational stuff. I'm hoping that the 25th anniversay exhibit is still up when I go. I could kick myself for not taking photos last year when I checked it out.

I do love your vintage photos. THere must be so many memories for you there.

I had alot of fun going back and checking out all the old photos. It's funny, I always thought we had so many, but compared to how many digital photos I take now, there are really very few.

I love your idea of getting a henna tatoo. Here's ours from our last trip to Dubai:



They are so fun to get, and I think much more beautiful than a reg. tatoo that is forever.

Those are so beautiful. Whenever I go with my family, I usually don't get to check out alot of stuff on my own. Henna tattoos allways seem to be the one thing there was no time for. I'm looking forward to it. I'll be going with a friend of mine next October to get tatoos for our birthdays, so this will give me a taste to see how I like it.

Love your plan to hop a bus, any one that comes, for lunch at a resort too! An element of surprise thrown in !! Perfect.

It seemed the best way to get in some resort visits. I really want to check out as many of them as possible. Since I usually stay at POFQ every time I go, I've really missed out on seeing the other resorts.

I am with Heidi -- I would be glad to see the tombstones go away at the entrance -- I think it really ruins the visual impact of entering Epcot!

The color tunnel! I remember that! I used to love the Imagination Pavilion!

I hate the tombstones, almost as much as I hate the big hat blocking the view of the theater at HS. The tombstones just create such awkward sight lines.

I loved the tunnel at the Imagination Pavillion. I could spend hours in there playing with it, and those pin tables you could run your hands under. Loved those!

I really love the old trip photos included in your plans. They are really neat to look at.

I think a henna tattoo sounds like a lot of fun!

I love the pics of things that are gone/changed. It's like a little trip down memory lane.

I'm thinking a henna tattoo on my ankle. It's were I've always wanted a real tattoo, but am too much of wimp to get one there.

Love your plans!! And I love the vintage pictures. Old Epcot is so beautiful!! In 2004 I really did not like Futureworld at all. It looked chaotic to me. It still does, but I appreciate it a bit moer now. If they would just get away with all the weired things on the plaza (tarps in the air, strange metal objects etc) and the tombstones out front and possibly paint it white again, this area would look so much better!!

I heard somewhere that the tombstones would be going away. It can't happen soon enough for me.

I can understand your frustation with your BFF. My previous trips have all been with a good friend who never got into planning at all. So I was mainly on my own with the planning. I really missed having someone to discuss things with and also felt like I needed to come up with things she liked to accomodate her in my plans. In the end on our last trip we actually split up quite regularly and that worked out fine as well. I enjoyed doing things on my own and we would meet up for meals. But I am really enjoying it that the next trip will be with my DS who really is into the planning as well. She even became a DISer!

My BFF is the complete anti-planner. She has always said that if she gets married, she is just going to let me and another friend do the planning. So it's not really surprising that she has put in practically no input for this trip, it's just a little bit frustrating.

On the one hand it's nice being able to plan the trip anyway I want, but on the other hand it would be nice to have her a bit more involved. I know that she is the most flexible person I know, and really and truly will like anything, I still worry about it.

The Disney trip I took the year after I graduated college I went with a friend who also was happy to let me do all the planning. Maybe I just attract friends like that? It's such a difference between traveling with my family, when my brother and I do a bit of the battle of the planners.

 

[skier_pete]

Just be happy that your non-planning friend doesn't mind letting you make a plan. She *COULD* be one of those people that says "I don't want to have a plan going in, let's just be spontaneous!" Ugh...that would just about kill me.

You always have us folks on the DIS to chat with about your plans! PLus, we'll never complain about you skipping our favorite...whatever.

 

[If U Had Wings]

Just be happy that your non-planning friend doesn't mind letting you make a plan. She *COULD* be one of those people that says "I don't want to have a plan going in, let's just be spontaneous!" Ugh...that would just about kill me.

You always have us folks on the DIS to chat with about your plans! PLus, we'll never complain about you skipping our favorite...whatever.

No, luckily she likes plans, she just has zero interest in making them herself. I just don't understand that concept though.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I had been planning on getting an update posted over the weekend, but I somehow managed to damage my laptop's charging cable so my poor laptop was sitting there dead all weekend. It's amazing how lost I felt without it. Luckily I had a bunch of other distractions - two days with the nieces, work, and a knitting convention. I actually got to sleep in one day too. Bliss! I had to run to the Apple store on my lunch break today to get a new power cord. Nearly had a heart attack when they told me it would be $85 for a new one.

I'm finding it almost hard to believe that it's getting so close to my vacation. I booked it 13 months ago, and I'm finally nearly down to one month out. My younger niece told me yesterday that she's annoyed I'm going without her. Obviously I missed the "no traveling to Disney without your nieces" memo. I will miss them this trip.

Day 4 of my trip is the day that I'm looking forward to most of all. It's the first of my two no-park days. An actually day of rest and relaxation while at Disney. It's an odd concept, true, but I'm really looking forward to it.

My BFF and I will be splitting up this day. She is planning on taking the Behind the Magic 3 park tour this day. Planning being the key term here. She hasn't actually booked anything yet, and I'm trying not to stress myself on her behalf over this. My compulsive planner gets a bit twitchy over the lack of concern, but when it comes down to it if she's not worried enough about it, neither am I. Really...no, really.

Well at any rate I won't be overly concerned that morning. I will be pampering myself a bit at the Grand Floridian spa. In the morning though we first need to check out of All Star Sports, and have our bags sent over to our next resort. Since I'll be heading over to the MK area, I made an ADR for breakfast at Kona so I could sit, relax and try some Tonga Toast before heading to the spa. I made the ADR for two at 8am, but if my friend signs up for the tour I don't think she's going to have enough time for a sit down breakfast. Of course if she doesn't book her tour, I'm not sure what she is going to do that day, but again…I am not going to stress over that.

After breakfast I will be heading over to the Grand Floridan for a morning at the Spa. I am sooooo looking forward to this. My reservation is for one of their signature citrus massages, and I'm toying with the idea of adding on a soak in one of the aromatherapy baths. I love a good soak at home with a Lush bath bomb, but am forever bemoaning the fact that I don't have a large clawfoot tub to soak in. I've never had a massage of any kind, but I think this will be right up my alley. I've never actually been inside of the Grand Floridian either, so I can't wait to check that out either, especially as I've heard so many great things about the Christmas decorations there.

After my morning at the spa, I made an ADR for tea at the Grand Floridan by myself. I'm still unsure if I'm planning on keeping this ADR or not. I'm just not sure if I want to stay longer at the Grand Floridian, or use the time to go and check out the Wilderness Lodge. If my friend takes her tour, I should have plenty of time before I have to meet back up with her, as the Behind the Magic tour runs about 7 hours or so.

Depending on when my friend is done, we will meet up and head over to the Boardwalk Inn to check in for the second half of our stay. I hear it calling out to me already. Originally I was thinking I could head over and check in early, but I forgot that I need to wait for my BFF since I need her to pay for her 1/2 of the stay when we check in. It should be quite the culture shock moving from a value room at All Star Sports to our spiffy concierge room at the Boardwalk Inn. I'm still amazed that it was only $100 more for the concierge room, and was cheaper to book concierge than a standard waterview room. I already put in a request for our concierge room to be a waterview room, but they don't guarantee them. The incredibly nice CM who helped me book it on the phone told me that she doesn't usually get specific room requests for the BWI, so I should have a good shot at it. She was amazed at how little it was to upgrade. She figured that if we each have one class of wine a night we'll have paid for the small upgrade fee. She must of ESP about us or something.

We'll have a little bit of time to settle ourselves in the new resort and to check out our room and the concierge lounge before heading out to our dinner ADR over at Fort Wilderness. We are seeing the Hoop Dee Doo Review. It was one of the few requests of my BFF so I couldn't resist. I've seen the show a few times before, but I always love it. I booked the most inexpensive seats, but I've sat there before and thought the view was fine. After the show it's back to the Boardwalk, and off to Jellyrolls for some night time entertainment.

And my three things to do/see list for Day 4 -

1) Eat Tonga Toast - I've wanted to try this since I was a kid and it went by the simple name of banana stuffed french toast over at the defunct Tangaroa Terrace Restaurant. I remember my father tried it once and was meh about it, but I was never allowed to order it. I love bananas so I'm hopefull that I'll like it.

2) Wander Poly/GF grounds and explore - I want to get to the Poly early so I can take the time to walk around the grounds a bit. I always loved it as a kid, and haven't really been back on the grounds since illegally pool hopping there on my college graduation trip there in 1992. I love the beachy relaxed feel of the resort.

From 1979 a few pics of the Poly beach back when swimming was allowed. You can see the lifeguard tower and the roped off swimming area.

And from my wild trip in 1992 - illegally pool hopping at the Poly pool.

3) Visit Jellyrolls - I'd rather be able to still visit the Adventurer's Club, but am looking forward to trying out Jellyrolls. Plus it will be nice that it's right downstairs from us.

 

[Flossbolna]

I understand why you are looking forward to that day!! It sounds wonderful.

A few tips: The GF spa is not in the GF itself, but in a seperate building between the Poly and the GF. So walking there from the Poly should not be far at all and might be much more pleasant than the monorail. If you want to hop from the GF to WL, don't forget about the boats: the boat going MK-GF-Poly-MK, the boat ging MK-WL as well as the boat CR-WL. I think a lot of people only thing about the monorail and the busses in terms of Disney transportation.

I hope you keep your GF tea. I think it sounds wonderful. My DS and I will be doing it for her birthday in February (if our TA gets the reservation tomorrow!).

 

[Lady Lallie]

This day seems so relaxing. I feel all peaceful just reading about it.

You are right though, as hard as it is, you CAN NOT worry about your friend's plans. I know it's hard. Believe me, I've been there but you just take care of yourself on this relaxing day.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I understand why you are looking forward to that day!! It sounds wonderful.

A few tips: The GF spa is not in the GF itself, but in a seperate building between the Poly and the GF. So walking there from the Poly should not be far at all and might be much more pleasant than the monorail. If you want to hop from the GF to WL, don't forget about the boats: the boat going MK-GF-Poly-MK, the boat ging MK-WL as well as the boat CR-WL. I think a lot of people only thing about the monorail and the busses in terms of Disney transportation.

I hope you keep your GF tea. I think it sounds wonderful. My DS and I will be doing it for her birthday in February (if our TA gets the reservation tomorrow!).

A walk from the Poly to GF sounds like a wonderful idea. A perfect way to enjoy the surroundings.

This day seems so relaxing. I feel all peaceful just reading about it.

You are right though, as hard as it is, you CAN NOT worry about your friend's plans. I know it's hard. Believe me, I've been there but you just take care of yourself on this relaxing day.

I can't wait for it. It was the one day I wasn't caving in for when I gave up my solo trip.

I keep telling myself if my friend isn't concerned enough to make her ressies why should I worry what she'll do if it fills.

 

[All7OfUs]

First off, I have to say that your day off the parks looks almost identical to mine (seriously, almost to the T), and has several other elements in it that are mixed into my trip at one point or another.

Kona breakfast- Ditto! Will likely split the Big Kahuna with ThePreacher'sWife. and pressed pot, watch out!

GF spa time- Ditto! massage, a little soak, although, I may go for a peddie instead, as I'll likely pick up some fun things at Basin to use at the Poly.?

GF tea time- Ditto!! Long post about that in my PTR! Can. NOT. WAIT! I hope you keep it. think it will be a lovely, very relaxing thing to do!

Hoop- Ditto- Although not on no parks day. We'll go to the latest show and use credits on another night. But again, pretty psyched for this one.

Hmmmm... Not sure what to say about BFF not taking decisive action on her part. I think you'll want this day alone, and yet, what will she do if she doesn't make it? will she still split off from you??

You are going to adore your concierge time!! Free wine.... ahhhh!!! well, ok, not free, but pre-paid? Gotta love that!

Never thought of trying Jellyrolls. For this trip I'll stick with Yeehaw Bob. Maybe next time.

 

[If U Had Wings]

First off, I have to say that your day off the parks looks almost identical to mine (seriously, almost to the T), and has several other elements in it that are mixed into my trip at one point or another.

Brilliant minds, right?

GF tea time- Ditto!! Long post about that in my PTR! Can. NOT. WAIT! I hope you keep it. think it will be a lovely, very relaxing thing to do!

That's what I keep telling myself. I think it will be really be keeping with the theme of the day. I'm not a huge fan of some of the sandwich offerings (I don't eat mayo), but I'm thinking of trying something like the Sally Lunn tea.

Hoop- Ditto- Although not on no parks day. We'll go to the latest show and use credits on another night. But again, pretty psyched for this one.

Hmmmm... Not sure what to say about BFF not taking decisive action on her part. I think you'll want this day alone, and yet, what will she do if she doesn't make it? will she still split off from you??

Seriously, if she was booking a smaller tour, I would have gone ahead booked it for her, and just subtracted the amount off of my amount due and added it to hers. The Behind the Magic tour is a one of the more expensive tours since it includes park admission, bus service between the 3 parks, and lunch at Mama Melrose's. She's on her own for this one. She really has no interest in going to the spa, so I'm guessing she might just head to a park.

You are going to adore your concierge time!! Free wine.... ahhhh!!! well, ok, not free, but pre-paid? Gotta love that!

Never thought of trying Jellyrolls. For this trip I'll stick with Yeehaw Bob. Maybe next time.

I never thought I'd ever be able to stay concierge. Heck I never thought I'd be able to afford staying at the Boardwalk. I think this stay is going to spoil me for all future trips.

I never really thought of trying Jellyrolls either. It was another request from my BFF. A friend of hers went and really loved it. Can't hurt to try it out right?

 

[All7OfUs]

Replies in red. Still don't know how to break up a quote like you do.

Brilliant minds, right?




That's what I keep telling myself. I think it will be really be keeping with the theme of the day. I'm not a huge fan of some of the sandwich offerings (I don't eat mayo), but I'm thinking of trying something like the Sally Lunn tea.

I think they do have other sandwiches they can sub in for the non-mayo lovers. You can ask!

Hoop- Ditto- Although not on no parks day. We'll go to the latest show and use credits on another night. But again, pretty psyched for this one.

We'll be doing the late show thing too. Fewer kids in melt down mode, more time for other stuff.

Seriously, if she was booking a smaller tour, I would have gone ahead booked it for her, and just subtracted the amount off of my amount due and added it to hers. The Behind the Magic tour is a one of the more expensive tours since it includes park admission, bus service between the 3 parks, and lunch at Mama Melrose's. She's on her own for this one. She really has no interest in going to the spa, so I'm guessing she might just head to a park.

I think this break from her will be a good thing. And honestly, I think she's really going to enjoy her tour. Someday....

I never thought I'd ever be able to stay concierge. Heck I never thought I'd be able to afford staying at the Boardwalk. I think this stay is going to spoil me for all future trips

Same for our Poly portion... NEVER in my wildest dreams, EVER!!

I never really thought of trying Jellyrolls either. It was another request from my BFF. A friend of hers went and really loved it. Can't hurt to try it out right?

I wish the Adventurer's club was still alive!! I'd be there in a minute! That sounded like so "me". Ah well, will be so happy with lots of other things, too!

 

[TarzansKat]

I love that you're including photos from past trips in your updates! Keep 'em coming, you're bringing back some fond memories for me.

And even though I don't have a Disney trip planned in the future, I am seriously lusting after some beignets from POFQ. I love that resort.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I love that you're including photos from past trips in your updates! Keep 'em coming, you're bringing back some fond memories for me.

And even though I don't have a Disney trip planned in the future, I am seriously lusting after some beignets from POFQ. I love that resort.

I love looking through the old pictures. I get a kick out of seeing things that are gone or changed. My favorite so far is the one of main street where there is a sign for a tobacco store, and there is no stage in front of the castle so you could walk straight through. I miss being able to walk straight through the castle.

I adore POFQ. I'm scheduling a beignet stop just so I can go back and visit. While I'm thrilled to be staying at the Boardwalk, part of me is a bit sad that I'll be missing POFQ.

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Hey there MVMCP & O'Hana buddy!

I'm all caught up! I went through a lot of the drama you did. Wanting to switch hotels, expanding days, etc...

Everything looks great - and better yet - we are SO close to December!!!

(Thanks for the links in your first post. If you venture over to my PTR I have not yet done this, but you can just look for the larger, colored font; as they indicate PTR info/updates!)