Mingos in the Watah! What in the Wuhld?

[PlutosRHM55]

Oh I guess I missed a second round of pictures, I'll just highlight my favorite villains...

Do you believe Mickey can defeat the evil that has taken over his dreams?

Yeah, Maleficent, Scar and Frollo!! WOOT! Hehehe

And I just love that ending, it's so... FANTASMIC! Where are you going to find a boat filled with all Disney characters than see THE, emphasis on THE, Sorcerer Mickey perform actually sorcery!

 

[Nicole786]

In response to the talk of values- I've stayed at every kind of disney resort, and most of the time I enjoy the deluxe hotels, mostly for the ambience and the feeling of "wow I can't believe I get to stay here, and call this place home!" but without a doubt, I've received the most CONSISTENT and AMAZING service at Pop Century. As a matter of fact, my last trip there, I asked for a manager to compliment the service I had received there. I had explained that my last trip before that one was at the Polynesian, and the CMs at Pop century made the atmosphere happy with their constant smiling and willingness to help, more so than at Poly. Being well versed in Disney resorts, I have encountered rude and nasty people all over the place, but mostly at the parks, not really at the hotels. I don't find "a different class" of people staying at Pop. But also, I don't think most people stay at a Deluxe resort because of the status it gives you. If you think that, its just as bad as saying that the lower class stay at the values. And honestly, as a guest of both, the comments are equally offensive and hurtful. *off my soap box*


Love the fantasmic pics!! They are great, I don't know what you're talking about! It's gonna be really hard this upcoming trip to be the video/photographer. I want to take mostly video of my friends daughter, but I need pictures too!

David and I had to split our upcoming October trip because of the way the discounts work: October 1-3rd at Pop and 3-9 at BWI. We really want to see whats its like during the "mass exodus" after Fantasmic to just walk back to our hotel or take the boat, but we already have the F! Dinner package for the 2nd and we'll be at Pop! I'm trying to switch things around but with MNSSHP its proving difficult! Theres always another trip!

 

[Happy Elf]

Great Fantasmic pictures! We didn't stay for it this trip as the weather didn't cooperate that day!

 

[MeMom]

Oh I guess I missed a second round of pictures, I'll just highlight my favorite villains...



Yeah, Maleficent, Scar and Frollo!! WOOT! Hehehe

And I just love that ending, it's so... FANTASMIC! Where are you going to find a boat filled with all Disney characters than see THE, emphasis on THE, Sorcerer Mickey perform actually sorcery!

The boat full of characters and the music and seeing the girls' faces light up - it is one of those magic moments of a trip for me!

In response to the talk of values- I've stayed at every kind of disney resort, and most of the time I enjoy the deluxe hotels, mostly for the ambience and the feeling of "wow I can't believe I get to stay here, and call this place home!" but without a doubt, I've received the most CONSISTENT and AMAZING service at Pop Century. As a matter of fact, my last trip there, I asked for a manager to compliment the service I had received there. I had explained that my last trip before that one was at the Polynesian, and the CMs at Pop century made the atmosphere happy with their constant smiling and willingness to help, more so than at Poly. Being well versed in Disney resorts, I have encountered rude and nasty people all over the place, but mostly at the parks, not really at the hotels. I don't find "a different class" of people staying at Pop. But also, I don't think most people stay at a Deluxe resort because of the status it gives you. If you think that, its just as bad as saying that the lower class stay at the values. And honestly, as a guest of both, the comments are equally offensive and hurtful. *off my soap box*


Love the fantasmic pics!! They are great, I don't know what you're talking about! It's gonna be really hard this upcoming trip to be the video/photographer. I want to take mostly video of my friends daughter, but I need pictures too!

David and I had to split our upcoming October trip because of the way the discounts work: October 1-3rd at Pop and 3-9 at BWI. We really want to see whats its like during the "mass exodus" after Fantasmic to just walk back to our hotel or take the boat, but we already have the F! Dinner package for the 2nd and we'll be at Pop! I'm trying to switch things around but with MNSSHP its proving difficult! Theres always another trip!

You have checked a lot of resorts off of your list, as we have. I have a lot more to go, though. I want to stay at all of them at least 1-2 nights. I used to think I wouldn't want to stay at Grand Floridian, but after having visited it so often, I do want to stay there for at least one night sometime. It's probably be on a girls' trip or for some special occasion.

I don't think we'll be doing MNSSHP this year. My friend won't have much money to play with, since we missed out on free dining. I was hoping we could have gotten that to free up some money for MNSSHP or for hoppers for her and her granddaughter.

There are a lot of people from this report who will be down for the 40th anniversary day. Maybe you can all arrange a place to meet and say hello and take a group picture.

I'm pretty sure there is video of Fantasmic, but Jill will have to put that on when she gets a chance.

 

[Poolrat]

MeMom your F! are great!!!! All I ever get is a blurry mess. Next time I try F! I will probably bring the monopod I bought so I can keep things a bit steady.

I have to chime in on this one. We have never stayed in anything but a deluxe resort or off property house on all of our Disney trips. This time around I have chosen to stay at POP because of your TR's and Poolrats TR's. We could have stayed deluxe again, but I wanted to try something different. It looks like a fun resort for the kids. I honest think my only complaint is going to be full size beds and maybe noise, but I know that going into it. Disney is not about how much money you have, it's about family...and enjoying your family. If people can't do that, then don't come to Disney. Stay home and be miserable. Deluxe or value, it doesn't matter. Grumpy has no value, it's just an unfortunate state of mind.

funny pic to come of how I chose to pay for this upcoming trip too. gotta switch computers.

I booked a stay at POP due to Memom's TR's When we went as a family we needed to stay deluxe to the bed size. Sleeping in a double/full vs the king I have at home was hard. I figured it out years ago that we were always grumpy on vacations because we would wake each other up due to the smaller bed. Once I started booking only Queens things got a bit better.

How I paid for our next Disney trip.

I wouls save all my quarters and any rebates I would get. I used to get alot with diapers and formula. All that went into a special savings account and i paid for a few trips that way. That and Frequent flyer miles helped us out once or twice.



I echo everyone else that value does not mean poor or trash in any way.
I also agree that you may bump into those people in any resort, Value, Moderate or deluxe. Some people trying to do everything and those who may only come once really stress themselves out and are most like working on little sleep in order to "get it all in". Some families are stressed out, some are travelling with family and well sometimes that creates drama, and some just have no business ever leaving the house. I see it at work every day. They leave their brain and manners at home and how they react when they have to communicate with others is eye opening.
It is almost sad when people cannot behave in public.

 

[declansdad]

I love Fantasmic and I am happy to say we have never stood in a line like that.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oh, you really make me want to put Fantasmic in my plans for January. Marc & I have only seen it once but we really did love it. Hmmm. Good thing I have lots of time to re-work my plans while I'm home recovering! Gotta look at the bright side of things.

I meant to say that I was very much a little kid like Brooklynn in school. If I couldn't do something perfectly I didn't want to try at all. I think it's great that she is still involved in different activities like dance and such. I never tried any of that because I was too scared to fail and I still regret it to this day. The one thing I did join was drama in Middle School and some of my best memories from middle school and high school are from being on stage. I didn't have to be myself or be perfect while I was on stage, I could be someone completely different.

 

[xoktenox]

How were Brooklynn's first days of school?! I'm sure she had a great time learning new things and meeting some new friends.

I really can't wait to see Fantasmic again so thank you for the pictures! They're much better than I've ever gotten. That is a must-do for our honeymoon, no matter what! haha

How has your weekend been? I see many of the Southern kiddies have started school but we still have another month up here which goes for me, too. When do you start again, MeMom? In exciting news from my neck of the woods, I bought a wedding dress today!!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I think your Fantasmic pictures are great! I don't think I have ever gotten a decent pic from that show, but we do love it! I hope we get to see it again this time. I especially love the projections on the water walls! You did great photographing those.

 

[photographymom517]

Nobody who hangs around here is concerned with 'class', but I have read several threads throughout the years that have sort of pitted 'deluxe resort snobs' against 'value resort trash', and they weren't just using those terms in fun - they really meant them.

As for us, we enjoy all the resorts and have met nice people at all levels. We know we're above our heads in some, and we are a better fit for others. That's just like any of us in any outside of Disney event - some feel at home in dress clothes and heels, and others are at home in sweats and t-shirts. No matter what our income or comfort zone in high (or low ) society, common courtesy is a nice thing. Brooklynn came home talking about the Golden Rule on Friday. It would be nice if we would all just carry that little 'golden ruler' around with us all the time.

I couldn't agree with you more, MeMom!!!

I just had to reply to this quote before responding to your latest update! You are completely right about people -- you will find good apples & bad apples no matter which resort category you stay at!

I think its sooo sad that people actually feel that way & will classify people based upon value/moderate/deluxe

Normally when I'm talking to people & they make a comment similar to that, I just simply remind them that if everyone thought exactly like them & had the same exact tastes in resorts, then EVERYONE would be at THEIR resort & they would be complaining that there were way too many people there!

Usually after I say that, they think for a minute or two -- and then quickly agree with me!

Funny little side story -- I used to work at a bank. This one lady came in every single day. She always wore sweats & no make-up. I often overheard other customers & co-workers talking about her & how she must be poor, etc. Well, she came to my line everyday & guess what? She took out $4,000 a day (I'm not even joking!!!) She would fold it up casually & put it into her pocket & out the door she went!!! It just goes to show that it isn't fair to judge people! It made me sad that my co-workers were judging her -- and why? Because she wasn't all dressed up to do her banking??? Sheesh people!!!

Ok, rant over! Sorry, that always hits a nerve with me. I see every person equally, no matter where I meet them, and always give everyone a chance. And when other people don't, its very frustrating & sad to me.

I really couldn't agree more with both you & Anita!!!

Moving on to your update! Thanks for posting the Fantasmic pictures! I've never seen it, can you believe that??? Unfortunately, its not on the schedule for our September trip either as Luke is terrified of the YouTube videos!

I bet Brooklyn is really enjoying school! Our schools go back right before Labor Day and then get a 4-day break. I've never understood why they don't go back a week earlier or later

Also, sorry it took so long, but I finally posted more garden pics for you on my PTR!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

That's fine - you can buy us all Cracker Barrel, too. I'll have chicken and dumplings, please, with green beans and fried apples.

No, make that corn instead of apples.

No, oh....just skip me and go on to someone else while I think a minute.


P.S. Those papers are not going to write themselves.
Just so you know.

We could have split "The Sampler" I had the chicken and dumplings, ham, green beans, hashbrown casserole and corn. Then there was the plate of biscuits and corn muffins...
Plenty for both of us!

The papers you say? Everything is done but one. I'll either get to it before bed or tomorrow before I go to class. Baylor came in and turned on the Red Sox and the Yankees game and it's really hard to think. Besides I've been listening to "Ganster Rap" and deciphering my gang graffiti photos for one project and pulling clips out of "Gangland" for the other project. Man, this is one crazy class!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

We could have split "The Sampler" I had the chicken and dumplings, ham, green beans, hashbrown casserole and corn. Then there was the plate of biscuits and corn muffins...
Plenty for both of us!

The papers you say? Everything is done but one. I'll either get to it before bed or tomorrow before I go to class. Baylor came in and turned on the Red Sox and the Yankees game and it's really hard to think. Besides I've been listening to "Ganster Rap" and deciphering my gang graffiti photos for one project and pulling clips out of "Gangland" for the other project. Man, this is one crazy class!

Just wanted to say, just finished the last paper and I'm going to bed!

 

[*dreamit*doit*]

I am getting my pictures loaded and trying to load some video to catch us up. My photopass cd is at my sister-in-law's house and will hopefully be headed my way soon. Then I will add those pics as well.

It has been a very exciting week around here. Brooklynn had a great time in Kindergarten. The only person who was upset about her new school adventure was Bella. Bella was at already at her school on Wednesday and Thursday when Brooklynn was dropped off so she didn't know any different, however, on Friday she was with me when I dropped Brooklynn off. As we walked out of the building Bella started crying and pouting "I not like kinagaden!"

Also, in Brooklynn growing up news. The tooth fairy will be visiting our house tonight. Brooklynn lost her first tooth this afternoon (with lots of drama. Really you would of thought I was amputating her foot without anesthesia). We are preparing for her 5th birthday in just 10 days add to all that gymnastics, soccer, and dance starts at the end of the month and I don't know whether I am coming or going half the time.

Oh my, you know I was wondering about how Bella would take it. We had the same situation with Nerea when Miren started Kindergarten. She was too small to notice when Miren was in preschool, and then got used to spending all day with her the summer before Miren started Kinder. On the first day, we all dropped her off, and when we got back in the car, as I'm closing the door on the van, she just flipped! She started very sentimentally crying for "Mimi!" And saying "no" like not to close the door because we were leaving her behind. It broke my heart...and then I just lost it myself!

for Brooklynn losing her first tooth!! What are you guys doing for her birthday? (Did you already share that and I missed it??)

Thanks for the Fantasmic pics, MeMom! What a nice way to spend a Sunday night! Hope you have a great day back to school tomorrow, and I do hope the secretary kept her word and put together a sweet little group for you this year.

 

[DisneyJoo2008]

Just thought I would pop in and say a little farewell - not sure how much DISing I'll get to do when we're away but hopefully some as our villa has free internet / wifi.

I shall really miss your updates and hope I have tonnes and tonnes to catch up on when I am back!

In the meantime I will enjoy my VERY long-awaited 3 WEEKS in Disney with my wonderful husband, fantastic little boy and our new PRINCESS - yes baby number 2 is a little girl!!!!!!!!

Also - if I can return the favour postcard wise, please please please give me a yell on facebook!!!!! Thanks to your postcard Toby knows exactly who were are going on holiday with... no, not Mummy and Daddy but "Mickey Mouse and Minnie and Goofy and Pluto and Donald Duck"!

Much love, Julie xxx

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I haven't seen Fantasmic in years...that is some crowd waiting!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

The mom went into the 'I brung you to Disney World and all you want to do is play with the d--- chairs. Let's go!"

That is awful!

Please don't lump me in with a Deluxe snob either! I love the Deluxe resorts, but our current budget is barely Value! I keep looking at the numbers for this coming trip, staying at Pop for 5 nights (the rest is DVC) and taking a deep breath. Disney is not cheap no matter where you stay, even with a discount! I'm thankful to DVC which allows us to take more than 1 trip a year.

I really enjoyed Movies in May. It took a day to get used to, but by the end of the trip, the vibrancy of the resort made me smile. I am VERY much looking forward to Pop this trip, Henry had a BLAST running around there in March. He's most excited about the giant Mr. & Mrs. Potato Heads and the computer pool.

And you are right, you can find yucky people at every level of resort. Common courtesy and kindness don't have a price tag. Hopefully it was just one of those Mommy Meltdown moments for that family and she soon corrected herself.

Dawn-LOVED your coins picture! We do the same! We didn't have much this time, but it's something!

Congratulations to Brooklynn for losing her first tooth!

Wonderful Fantastmic pictures MeMom! We only saw the show once, but I very much remember that awesome character boat. Have you heard the rumor of the big Fantasmic refurb? It might be one of the things announced at the D23 event.

 

[pinkxray]

I am so jealous of the amazing pictures you took of Fantasmic. I was so proud of the few okay pics I got this year and now they don't seem so great. What kind of camera do you have? I am thinking of upgrading soon and maybe looking to take a basic photography class in the fall.

I love the pictures of Brooklynn through the years. She was so tiny. Amazing how quickly they go from being so small to starting Kindergarten.

 

[momof2TNboys]

Finally catching up this morning! Great pictures of Fantasmic. I really want to go back this year. Yay for Brooklynn and the tooth fairy!! That is awfully young!
I just had to comment on he family at Pop too. Unfortunately, I see that behavior often at Dollywood and Splash Country. For some reason, there is a large amount of disrespectful people that vacation here. Not to discourage you from going sometime. The majority of people are fine, but I seem to have more encounters with horrible people cursing in front of my children here than anywhere. It has nothing to do with income either. Like I have said before, I love the GF for the staff, but a lot of people that stay there have a very pretentious attitude. I just ignore them and go on.
Funny story about strange encounters at Disney. I was second in line for Turtle Talk with Crush. There was an elderly couple in front of me. We started to converse a little and the woman said that she hoped to ask Crush a question. She was interested in sea turtles and had an important question to ask. She started complaining how Crush always ignores her and gets the questions from kids instead. I was a little stunned because she was dead serious. I am not sure if she had a little dementia or was just strange. She really thought Crush would know the answers to her sea turtle questions and was mad that pesky kids had priority.
On a different note, it is official!! We are going to buy DVC in October or November. I am starting to look at resale contracts and have almost decided to have BWV as my home resort. We are going to check out SSR and OKW in September though. Can't wait!!!

 

[DWGal210]

Awesome Fantasmic pictures!! I love love love that show - Sorcerer Mickey is my favorite Mickey incarnation. . I am hoping they'll start doing every night through at least February - I'd like to cap off my birthday with Fantasmic!

I hope Brooklyn has another great day at school!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

On a different note, it is official!! We are going to buy DVC in October or November. I am starting to look at resale contracts and have almost decided to have BWV as my home resort. We are going to check out SSR and OKW in September though. Can't wait!!!

How exciting!! I just know you will love being a member!! I can't wait to officially welcome you home!!!
Do you think you could possibly find a cure for this addonitits that plagues us all?

BWV is a great choice if you are thinking a F&W trip! That 11 month window will come in very handy and the refurb there is gorgeous!