marciemi
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 29, 1999
- Messages
- 4,842
Day 7
Well, were almost at the end! Today is the last day and our only day at DHS. And once again (like losing the key card yesterday), the day didnt start off on a good note. I had seen the doors with their check out information hanging from them on various other mornings when we left, and was expecting ours this morning. But when I looked, after we were up and ready by around 6:50am, it still wasnt there. I read the information Id been given back in the beginning, and it said the envelope would be there before 8. Well, since we wanted to be over at DHS by around 7:30, this wasnt going to work (and yes, in retrospect, that was WAY too early, but we hadnt done TSM before, had read bad things, and were concerned!).
So I called down to the front desk and said I hadnt received it and just wanted to make sure we didnt have a balance before we checked out. Although Id put a credit card on my account, wed been careful to use either dining credits or cash for everything wed purchased (or my regular credit card for a couple of the larger purchases in DD). She said she could check for me and came back and told me all I had on it was a charge for $50ish from the Garden Grill our first night!? Well, I know I used TS credits and paid my tip in cash, so I had no clue what that was for. She told me I needed to come clear it up at the desk in person. And of course all my receipts are stuffed in various locations that are either in the car already or packed away in our carryons. I try to look quickly through everything to find that receipt, but of course cant (and incidentally, even though I tried really hard to save all my receipts just in case something like this happened, I never found that one, even when I got home and went through everything carefully).
So of course Im totally stressed out at this point. I tell Stephen to finish packing up (so much for a relaxing morning getting out of there) and rushed down. Actually got there a minute or two before 7, and they werent even open yet to help customers, but when I went up there, one CM flipped over her sign for me so she could help me. I explained the situation and she looked into it and said it was a gratuity. Now, I realize there were 6 of us at that dinner, and they have the automatic gratuities, but wed explained to the waitress that wed all be paying for it separate. Plus, even with 4 adults and 2 kids, there was no way an 18 percent gratuity would be $50, since it was buffet and there were no real extras to calculate in. The CM told me she would take it off, and said to come back on my way out. Well, since we were pretty much on our way out, I asked if I could just wait while she did it. No problem, and it was all cleared up. She did tell me that my card had already been charged, but that there would be a credit for the same amount. Whew.
So...where were we? Everything back into suitcases, fill water bottles, grab my muffin and try to choke down a few bites (Im too rushed and stressed to eat at this point), everything in the car, and were off to DHS. Since its about 7:35 by this point, Im really concerned were going to be late as we pull in the parking lot. (And no, its not an EMH morning, were just early to beat the TSM crowd!). So I tell Stephen as soon as we pull in, he can run ahead and get in line and Ill get everything out of the car, etc. and meet him there. Only to find that we are the FIRST car in the parking lot. Just in case, we rush over to the turnstile to be the FIRST people at the turnstile. And the ONLY people for about the next 20 minutes. And even then, anyone arriving is heading to an early ADR at Hollywood & Vine. Heres us and the (very empty) entrance area:
Well, this was a bit more interesting while waiting at least (once some other folks got there!) since they were trying to drum up interest for American Idol, so they had people walking around as film crews, filming wanna-bes and having them show off for the crowd. Many of them were younger kids who wouldnt meet the age requirements, but had fun singing for a group. Stephen enjoyed watching them all, but wasnt motivated to get up and sing anything, or consider auditioning for American Idol (or even watching it for that matter, although if wed had a full day we might have considered it).
For a change, I was at an organized turnstile. Pretty much with no warning, the CM told me to put my ticket in, and I was through the gate. Stephen was still standing there watching the film crew and finally saw me on my way down the street and reacted! The view up ahead:
We were right where we wanted to be at the rope, on the left, but still near the middle. Stephen took both tickets, but we decided to both head to a FP machine, just in case one of us had trouble. A photopass photographer came around and got a pic of us waiting in the front of the crowd (still dont have those pics yet). Next we got to watch a cute preshow. I dont remember this one from 2007, but it was funny this time. Each time the director gave the instructions, he would say something like Now when the rope is dropped, you will all WALK (this word said in a much louder, deeper voice).... He repeated it several times during his instructions for the extras (us). Good way to get the point across and have it be humorous.
After all our stress (I actually had dreams about this the night before because I was so worried about how bad this would be), it didnt seem any different to us than the many rope drops wed done heading to Soarin or Dumbo or Space or Everest or wherever. I can understand how it could be a bit scary if you had young kids or a stroller, but I didnt think there was more of a crowd or that anyone was more assertive/obnoxious/aggressive than at any of the other biggies at rope drop. Stephen had no trouble staying with the CMs at the front, I stayed near him just in case, and he was one of the very first at the FP machine. He got a return for 10am, so thats obviously where they were starting at this morning. We made it into the regular line very quickly as well probably 20 people back or so. Near enough to the front that we never slowed down. The CMs led the crowd through the line queue, singing and clapping as they went, and we moved pretty much up to where the loading platform was before we slowed down. It was hard enough for me to grab a couple very quick pics of some of the cute things in the queue area, so I really dont see how anyone would be able to catch up to someone further up in line (without running or jumping over rails, which I think the CMs would have stopped them for). Just a few pics (including the lead CM!):
Okay, I dont want to sound negative about the ride, but honestly, after all the excitement and hype over the last couple years, I was a bit disappointed. I had heard how much better it was than Buzz Lightyear, and I guess I was thinking it would be more like that ride, where you were actually shooting at real things, not just pretty much completely a video game. I dont know, I mean I guess I thought you really shot at things and knocked down targets and popped balloons. I feel somewhat now that since its out for Wii, I can do all of that at home on my TV without having to rush and stand in line. I dont know how I missed for two years that it was all video game, but I did. It was still fun, and Im glad we had the FPs and got to do it a second time, but I really dont feel it compares to ToT as my favorite ride at DHS! Stephen enjoyed it, and was also glad we did it again, but wasnt like oh, I wish we had more days here to do this again or anything.
So...we finished up our ride here and zipped over to ToT. We werent yet close to our window for FPs so we decided wed try to ride both of these without getting a FP. We rode ToT first, since this was our priority, and literally walked on. For whatever reason, I really enjoyed the ride part of this much more than normal this time. Seems like usually Im impressed with the show, and the ride is much more just like any drop type ride at a regular amusement park. This time it seemed much more thrilling and fun. We came off and headed over to RnRC. Decided to ride single rider, so wed have more time throughout the day, but based on the line at this point (it said 20 minutes, but it didnt seem to be near that), we probably waited nearly as long as we would have had we just rode together. It was a fun ride though, although once was enough for me. Got a quick pic of Stephens ride pic:
Since by now it was right after 10, we decided to grab another ToT FP for later in the day. We discussed riding one of those again, but decided to go try the Great Movie Ride instead. Okay, the main reason we did it was because one of the pieces of trivia I had for my calendar was that they used the same airplane in Jungle Cruise (back half) and Casablanca scene (front half) in GMR, so we wanted to see that! We headed there, only to find ourselves blockaded a bit by the High School Musical 3 show. Cut through some of the shop areas to get around it and finally got to GMR. Again, virtually no wait. We walked all the way into the room where they were showing the movie clips, and about 5 minutes later were loaded onto trams. Yes, the gangster scene this time, but I think thats always the case for us. Stephen in the land of Oz:
Well, our next objective was Muppetvision. We headed over there, only getting mildly lost on the way for whatever reason, DHS is by far the most confusing park to me and I never had a real sense of where anything is in relation to anywhere else. We went in and watched the show, probably waiting about 10 minutes in the preshow area. We definitely enjoy this show, and the bubbles were working, despite some reports Id read on the boards to the contrary. Their reflective captioning was also working, which was good as well.
We left here and attempted to work our way back to TSM to use our FPs. But needed a bathroom break, and got lost a few times, and ended up in the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground. I tried to convince Stephen to reenact a few of the scenes from pics we have at home here from when he was little, but he refused to go on the slides (I wonder why?). Him this trip:
Back in 1998 he doesnt look THAT much different, does he?
Anyways, we left here and by the time we finally found TSM again, it was about 10:50. We asked the CM at the entrance how long it normally took to get through the line with a FP and she said at least 15 minutes, including ride time. Since we werent optimistic about finding 50s Prime Time, and had an ADR there at 11:20, we decided to head there first, especially since we normally didnt seem to have trouble being seated ahead of our ADR times. So we worked our way back towards the Sorcerers Hat, through the main area...only to get quickly shood back by a CM. Yes, it was now 11am, and time for the next High School Musical 3 show. Auggghhh!!
Okay, we worked our way all the way around again, and made it over to Prime Time by about 11:05. Took our name (yes, it was on their computer, which was a relief), and we sat down in the lounge area, only to have our name called about 30 seconds later. We were taken into one of the back rooms. No TV at our table for 2, but certainly others we could see in the room. There was already another family of 3 seated across from us, and the waitress was with them. She left and came over to our table, asking where we kids were from. When we told her Wisconsin, she pointed to the other table and told us those kids were from Wisconsin too! Unfortunately, weve only lived here 3 years and asking them where they were from and them naming several small cities wed never heard of, we decided we must be from a different part of the state! But they were friendly, and we discussed school starting for both their and our kids in just 2 days time.
I decided to try the Pot Roast and Stephen went for the sandwich not sure of the name but it was like a stacked turkey and ham club type. Our waitress was a bit fun without being overly pushy about it harassed me a couple times for playing with my toys at the table (really, I was trying to use my cell to take a pic of my son to send my husband) and telling me it was family time. Also, when I got my pot roast, I ate most of it, but probably left a quarter or so. Before taking the plate, she picked out the remaining tiny carrot slice and told me I had to finish my veggies. She couldnt harass Stephen since there was nothing left on his plate!
Next we ordered dessert. Stephen ordered the Smores, which was about the only thing I remembered from the one other time DH and I had eaten here, back in the early 90s. I went with the sugarfree cheesecake, which I thought was fairly good.
We finished up and headed out. After the heavy meal, we decided that perhaps heading to TSM first would be better for our stomachs than ToT would be so we decided to work that way. But whats this? Yes, as we head toward the sorcerers hat, were right on time for attempting to avoid our THIRD HSM3 show of the day! Boy, too bad we didnt want to see this show. Again, we maneuver around the people and make it back to TSM:
We both do better this time, but we find out that consistently Stephen scores well better than I do, but his accuracy is way lower than mine. Meaning of course that hes younger and can pull his cannon much more quickly than I can. And goes with quantity over quality! But I at least figure out this time to shoot at the higher point targets (yes, I realize this is obvious, but at least figuring out what ARE the higher point targets in each scene!). A quick shot of Stephen:
We leave TSM, and begin working our way back to the ToT area. A bit longer of a wait this time, even with a FP, but were on fairly quickly. We go up in our elevator and are moving through the hotel and watching the scenes, when another person in the elevator takes a flash photo. And another, and another, as were getting to the point of the actual drop (I mean, honestly, what ARE you trying to get a picture of?). As Im sure you can imagine, this is both distracting and annoying. Finally, I cant stand it and say No flash photography, moron! (okay, Im not very tactful) in a loud voice. Several other people laugh, but I think they appreciate it. They didnt take any more pictures, which achieved the objective at least!
We leave and as we work our way back up the street, stop and do a bit of window shopping. Stephen gets another one of those Itzakadoozies to use up our last snack credit. Strangely enough when he uses it, it doesnt just show our snack credit as now being at zero (as it did for our TS and CS credits), instead it says see front desk for assistance. Since were not going back to the front desk, I know we had the credit, and he got his popsicle, we decide not to worry about it. We still have several pins left, so we walk around for a bit looking for kids with lanyards to give the last few away to. Finally, we only have one CS credit left, so we head over to Starring Roles to get a meal to go to take to the airport with us, since of course were not hungry right now barely an hour after lunch!
We pick out the stacked ham sandwich, which is huge, and a white chocolate cupcake, which weve been waiting for all week. We also get a bag of salt and vinegar potato chips, and a large Sprite to take with us. This rings up at somewhere near $16, so definitely a good deal for a CS credit. We get little plastic storage containers to put our cupcake (okay, it got squashed a bit) and sandwich in, put it all in a plastic grocery-type bag, and were ready to head out. Oh, wait, its right at 1pm time for, yes, you guessed it! Our 4th encounter with HSM3! Okay, it REALLY must be time to go! But one quick picture for Stephen, to show (sadly), where were now on our way back to:
We get to the car, and I need to top off the car with gas before heading to the airport. We left out yet another change of clothes so we can arrive at the airport not all sweaty at least. Stephen changes his shirt in the car (once its cooled down some) and when we get to the gas station, I quickly do some packing and organizing, fill the tank, and then head in to the bathroom to change as well. Of course by the time I come back out, pack away my clothes and get everything back in the car one last time, Im sweaty anyways in the heat, but hey, it was worth a shot!
We head to the airport and quickly realize it would have been a good idea to have an idea of where were going. The maps are packed, so again Stephen is pulling it up on his phone, but Im driving simultaneously (déjà vu anyone?). We decide to follow a ME bus in front of us, deciding theyre probably heading to the airport too. Coming as not a huge surprise, that plan doesnt work, but at least by then Stephens found the airport on the map and Ive found a freeway with signs leading me there. We dont get hopelessly lost, but probably dont go the most direct way either.
Once were there, we quickly follow the signs to the rental car turn in. We meet some confusion as to where were going to go since different people are directing us different places, but after moving the car once, end up in the right location. Take everything out, get the receipt and were into the airport. Wed seen some real backups for security on our way in, so were here a bit early this time. We get in line to check our baggage (which I paid for online using my cell phone already). Evidently we get in the wrong line, but they help us anyways, and we take our bag where requested and head to security.
Not as bad as we were expecting. We probably wait 10 minutes, but its fairly hassle-free. So now its about 2:45 and our flight isnt until after 5 and we have nothing really to do. We just stop at the first gate and sit and rest a bit. Stephen stays with the stuff while I do a bit of shopping and hit the restrooms and then vice versa. We decide its time to eat our lunch, which he has in his backpack, from Starring Roles. The ham sandwich is huge, and definitely enough food for both of us, but it does come with a mustardy sauce, that from what I understand from reading the boards isnt an option to not get it with. Basically I take the two top halves of the sandwich and make it into a sandwich for Stephen (without mustard) and I eat the bottom halves. But this wouldnt work if you went with someone who really didnt want it and werent sharing.
We ate the chips as well and then went on to the dessert. Hm, it didnt hold up that well in the heat of the car I guess since the pretty chocolate (all white) was kind of melted and squishy. But it still tasted good, so we split that too. I talk to my husband, and before too long were boarding the plane. No problems, and this time we have a non stop to Milwaukee. We wait for our luggage there without issue, and actually meet another TGMer (Tasha04) in the airport and get a chance to chat. My husband is there to pick us up, and we begin the 2 hour drive home. All the way home we share our stories from the trip, and Stephen and I look over our pictures on the camera. Yep, its over!
Coming up: A summary of some of our good and bad things, suggestions, recommendations, thoughts, etc. Also hopefully, at some point, my photopass pics to be added! Thanks for hanging in!
Well, were almost at the end! Today is the last day and our only day at DHS. And once again (like losing the key card yesterday), the day didnt start off on a good note. I had seen the doors with their check out information hanging from them on various other mornings when we left, and was expecting ours this morning. But when I looked, after we were up and ready by around 6:50am, it still wasnt there. I read the information Id been given back in the beginning, and it said the envelope would be there before 8. Well, since we wanted to be over at DHS by around 7:30, this wasnt going to work (and yes, in retrospect, that was WAY too early, but we hadnt done TSM before, had read bad things, and were concerned!).
So I called down to the front desk and said I hadnt received it and just wanted to make sure we didnt have a balance before we checked out. Although Id put a credit card on my account, wed been careful to use either dining credits or cash for everything wed purchased (or my regular credit card for a couple of the larger purchases in DD). She said she could check for me and came back and told me all I had on it was a charge for $50ish from the Garden Grill our first night!? Well, I know I used TS credits and paid my tip in cash, so I had no clue what that was for. She told me I needed to come clear it up at the desk in person. And of course all my receipts are stuffed in various locations that are either in the car already or packed away in our carryons. I try to look quickly through everything to find that receipt, but of course cant (and incidentally, even though I tried really hard to save all my receipts just in case something like this happened, I never found that one, even when I got home and went through everything carefully).
So of course Im totally stressed out at this point. I tell Stephen to finish packing up (so much for a relaxing morning getting out of there) and rushed down. Actually got there a minute or two before 7, and they werent even open yet to help customers, but when I went up there, one CM flipped over her sign for me so she could help me. I explained the situation and she looked into it and said it was a gratuity. Now, I realize there were 6 of us at that dinner, and they have the automatic gratuities, but wed explained to the waitress that wed all be paying for it separate. Plus, even with 4 adults and 2 kids, there was no way an 18 percent gratuity would be $50, since it was buffet and there were no real extras to calculate in. The CM told me she would take it off, and said to come back on my way out. Well, since we were pretty much on our way out, I asked if I could just wait while she did it. No problem, and it was all cleared up. She did tell me that my card had already been charged, but that there would be a credit for the same amount. Whew.
So...where were we? Everything back into suitcases, fill water bottles, grab my muffin and try to choke down a few bites (Im too rushed and stressed to eat at this point), everything in the car, and were off to DHS. Since its about 7:35 by this point, Im really concerned were going to be late as we pull in the parking lot. (And no, its not an EMH morning, were just early to beat the TSM crowd!). So I tell Stephen as soon as we pull in, he can run ahead and get in line and Ill get everything out of the car, etc. and meet him there. Only to find that we are the FIRST car in the parking lot. Just in case, we rush over to the turnstile to be the FIRST people at the turnstile. And the ONLY people for about the next 20 minutes. And even then, anyone arriving is heading to an early ADR at Hollywood & Vine. Heres us and the (very empty) entrance area:
Well, this was a bit more interesting while waiting at least (once some other folks got there!) since they were trying to drum up interest for American Idol, so they had people walking around as film crews, filming wanna-bes and having them show off for the crowd. Many of them were younger kids who wouldnt meet the age requirements, but had fun singing for a group. Stephen enjoyed watching them all, but wasnt motivated to get up and sing anything, or consider auditioning for American Idol (or even watching it for that matter, although if wed had a full day we might have considered it).
For a change, I was at an organized turnstile. Pretty much with no warning, the CM told me to put my ticket in, and I was through the gate. Stephen was still standing there watching the film crew and finally saw me on my way down the street and reacted! The view up ahead:
We were right where we wanted to be at the rope, on the left, but still near the middle. Stephen took both tickets, but we decided to both head to a FP machine, just in case one of us had trouble. A photopass photographer came around and got a pic of us waiting in the front of the crowd (still dont have those pics yet). Next we got to watch a cute preshow. I dont remember this one from 2007, but it was funny this time. Each time the director gave the instructions, he would say something like Now when the rope is dropped, you will all WALK (this word said in a much louder, deeper voice).... He repeated it several times during his instructions for the extras (us). Good way to get the point across and have it be humorous.
After all our stress (I actually had dreams about this the night before because I was so worried about how bad this would be), it didnt seem any different to us than the many rope drops wed done heading to Soarin or Dumbo or Space or Everest or wherever. I can understand how it could be a bit scary if you had young kids or a stroller, but I didnt think there was more of a crowd or that anyone was more assertive/obnoxious/aggressive than at any of the other biggies at rope drop. Stephen had no trouble staying with the CMs at the front, I stayed near him just in case, and he was one of the very first at the FP machine. He got a return for 10am, so thats obviously where they were starting at this morning. We made it into the regular line very quickly as well probably 20 people back or so. Near enough to the front that we never slowed down. The CMs led the crowd through the line queue, singing and clapping as they went, and we moved pretty much up to where the loading platform was before we slowed down. It was hard enough for me to grab a couple very quick pics of some of the cute things in the queue area, so I really dont see how anyone would be able to catch up to someone further up in line (without running or jumping over rails, which I think the CMs would have stopped them for). Just a few pics (including the lead CM!):
Okay, I dont want to sound negative about the ride, but honestly, after all the excitement and hype over the last couple years, I was a bit disappointed. I had heard how much better it was than Buzz Lightyear, and I guess I was thinking it would be more like that ride, where you were actually shooting at real things, not just pretty much completely a video game. I dont know, I mean I guess I thought you really shot at things and knocked down targets and popped balloons. I feel somewhat now that since its out for Wii, I can do all of that at home on my TV without having to rush and stand in line. I dont know how I missed for two years that it was all video game, but I did. It was still fun, and Im glad we had the FPs and got to do it a second time, but I really dont feel it compares to ToT as my favorite ride at DHS! Stephen enjoyed it, and was also glad we did it again, but wasnt like oh, I wish we had more days here to do this again or anything.
So...we finished up our ride here and zipped over to ToT. We werent yet close to our window for FPs so we decided wed try to ride both of these without getting a FP. We rode ToT first, since this was our priority, and literally walked on. For whatever reason, I really enjoyed the ride part of this much more than normal this time. Seems like usually Im impressed with the show, and the ride is much more just like any drop type ride at a regular amusement park. This time it seemed much more thrilling and fun. We came off and headed over to RnRC. Decided to ride single rider, so wed have more time throughout the day, but based on the line at this point (it said 20 minutes, but it didnt seem to be near that), we probably waited nearly as long as we would have had we just rode together. It was a fun ride though, although once was enough for me. Got a quick pic of Stephens ride pic:
Since by now it was right after 10, we decided to grab another ToT FP for later in the day. We discussed riding one of those again, but decided to go try the Great Movie Ride instead. Okay, the main reason we did it was because one of the pieces of trivia I had for my calendar was that they used the same airplane in Jungle Cruise (back half) and Casablanca scene (front half) in GMR, so we wanted to see that! We headed there, only to find ourselves blockaded a bit by the High School Musical 3 show. Cut through some of the shop areas to get around it and finally got to GMR. Again, virtually no wait. We walked all the way into the room where they were showing the movie clips, and about 5 minutes later were loaded onto trams. Yes, the gangster scene this time, but I think thats always the case for us. Stephen in the land of Oz:
Well, our next objective was Muppetvision. We headed over there, only getting mildly lost on the way for whatever reason, DHS is by far the most confusing park to me and I never had a real sense of where anything is in relation to anywhere else. We went in and watched the show, probably waiting about 10 minutes in the preshow area. We definitely enjoy this show, and the bubbles were working, despite some reports Id read on the boards to the contrary. Their reflective captioning was also working, which was good as well.
We left here and attempted to work our way back to TSM to use our FPs. But needed a bathroom break, and got lost a few times, and ended up in the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground. I tried to convince Stephen to reenact a few of the scenes from pics we have at home here from when he was little, but he refused to go on the slides (I wonder why?). Him this trip:
Back in 1998 he doesnt look THAT much different, does he?
Anyways, we left here and by the time we finally found TSM again, it was about 10:50. We asked the CM at the entrance how long it normally took to get through the line with a FP and she said at least 15 minutes, including ride time. Since we werent optimistic about finding 50s Prime Time, and had an ADR there at 11:20, we decided to head there first, especially since we normally didnt seem to have trouble being seated ahead of our ADR times. So we worked our way back towards the Sorcerers Hat, through the main area...only to get quickly shood back by a CM. Yes, it was now 11am, and time for the next High School Musical 3 show. Auggghhh!!
Okay, we worked our way all the way around again, and made it over to Prime Time by about 11:05. Took our name (yes, it was on their computer, which was a relief), and we sat down in the lounge area, only to have our name called about 30 seconds later. We were taken into one of the back rooms. No TV at our table for 2, but certainly others we could see in the room. There was already another family of 3 seated across from us, and the waitress was with them. She left and came over to our table, asking where we kids were from. When we told her Wisconsin, she pointed to the other table and told us those kids were from Wisconsin too! Unfortunately, weve only lived here 3 years and asking them where they were from and them naming several small cities wed never heard of, we decided we must be from a different part of the state! But they were friendly, and we discussed school starting for both their and our kids in just 2 days time.
I decided to try the Pot Roast and Stephen went for the sandwich not sure of the name but it was like a stacked turkey and ham club type. Our waitress was a bit fun without being overly pushy about it harassed me a couple times for playing with my toys at the table (really, I was trying to use my cell to take a pic of my son to send my husband) and telling me it was family time. Also, when I got my pot roast, I ate most of it, but probably left a quarter or so. Before taking the plate, she picked out the remaining tiny carrot slice and told me I had to finish my veggies. She couldnt harass Stephen since there was nothing left on his plate!
Next we ordered dessert. Stephen ordered the Smores, which was about the only thing I remembered from the one other time DH and I had eaten here, back in the early 90s. I went with the sugarfree cheesecake, which I thought was fairly good.
We finished up and headed out. After the heavy meal, we decided that perhaps heading to TSM first would be better for our stomachs than ToT would be so we decided to work that way. But whats this? Yes, as we head toward the sorcerers hat, were right on time for attempting to avoid our THIRD HSM3 show of the day! Boy, too bad we didnt want to see this show. Again, we maneuver around the people and make it back to TSM:
We both do better this time, but we find out that consistently Stephen scores well better than I do, but his accuracy is way lower than mine. Meaning of course that hes younger and can pull his cannon much more quickly than I can. And goes with quantity over quality! But I at least figure out this time to shoot at the higher point targets (yes, I realize this is obvious, but at least figuring out what ARE the higher point targets in each scene!). A quick shot of Stephen:
We leave TSM, and begin working our way back to the ToT area. A bit longer of a wait this time, even with a FP, but were on fairly quickly. We go up in our elevator and are moving through the hotel and watching the scenes, when another person in the elevator takes a flash photo. And another, and another, as were getting to the point of the actual drop (I mean, honestly, what ARE you trying to get a picture of?). As Im sure you can imagine, this is both distracting and annoying. Finally, I cant stand it and say No flash photography, moron! (okay, Im not very tactful) in a loud voice. Several other people laugh, but I think they appreciate it. They didnt take any more pictures, which achieved the objective at least!
We leave and as we work our way back up the street, stop and do a bit of window shopping. Stephen gets another one of those Itzakadoozies to use up our last snack credit. Strangely enough when he uses it, it doesnt just show our snack credit as now being at zero (as it did for our TS and CS credits), instead it says see front desk for assistance. Since were not going back to the front desk, I know we had the credit, and he got his popsicle, we decide not to worry about it. We still have several pins left, so we walk around for a bit looking for kids with lanyards to give the last few away to. Finally, we only have one CS credit left, so we head over to Starring Roles to get a meal to go to take to the airport with us, since of course were not hungry right now barely an hour after lunch!
We pick out the stacked ham sandwich, which is huge, and a white chocolate cupcake, which weve been waiting for all week. We also get a bag of salt and vinegar potato chips, and a large Sprite to take with us. This rings up at somewhere near $16, so definitely a good deal for a CS credit. We get little plastic storage containers to put our cupcake (okay, it got squashed a bit) and sandwich in, put it all in a plastic grocery-type bag, and were ready to head out. Oh, wait, its right at 1pm time for, yes, you guessed it! Our 4th encounter with HSM3! Okay, it REALLY must be time to go! But one quick picture for Stephen, to show (sadly), where were now on our way back to:
We get to the car, and I need to top off the car with gas before heading to the airport. We left out yet another change of clothes so we can arrive at the airport not all sweaty at least. Stephen changes his shirt in the car (once its cooled down some) and when we get to the gas station, I quickly do some packing and organizing, fill the tank, and then head in to the bathroom to change as well. Of course by the time I come back out, pack away my clothes and get everything back in the car one last time, Im sweaty anyways in the heat, but hey, it was worth a shot!
We head to the airport and quickly realize it would have been a good idea to have an idea of where were going. The maps are packed, so again Stephen is pulling it up on his phone, but Im driving simultaneously (déjà vu anyone?). We decide to follow a ME bus in front of us, deciding theyre probably heading to the airport too. Coming as not a huge surprise, that plan doesnt work, but at least by then Stephens found the airport on the map and Ive found a freeway with signs leading me there. We dont get hopelessly lost, but probably dont go the most direct way either.
Once were there, we quickly follow the signs to the rental car turn in. We meet some confusion as to where were going to go since different people are directing us different places, but after moving the car once, end up in the right location. Take everything out, get the receipt and were into the airport. Wed seen some real backups for security on our way in, so were here a bit early this time. We get in line to check our baggage (which I paid for online using my cell phone already). Evidently we get in the wrong line, but they help us anyways, and we take our bag where requested and head to security.
Not as bad as we were expecting. We probably wait 10 minutes, but its fairly hassle-free. So now its about 2:45 and our flight isnt until after 5 and we have nothing really to do. We just stop at the first gate and sit and rest a bit. Stephen stays with the stuff while I do a bit of shopping and hit the restrooms and then vice versa. We decide its time to eat our lunch, which he has in his backpack, from Starring Roles. The ham sandwich is huge, and definitely enough food for both of us, but it does come with a mustardy sauce, that from what I understand from reading the boards isnt an option to not get it with. Basically I take the two top halves of the sandwich and make it into a sandwich for Stephen (without mustard) and I eat the bottom halves. But this wouldnt work if you went with someone who really didnt want it and werent sharing.
We ate the chips as well and then went on to the dessert. Hm, it didnt hold up that well in the heat of the car I guess since the pretty chocolate (all white) was kind of melted and squishy. But it still tasted good, so we split that too. I talk to my husband, and before too long were boarding the plane. No problems, and this time we have a non stop to Milwaukee. We wait for our luggage there without issue, and actually meet another TGMer (Tasha04) in the airport and get a chance to chat. My husband is there to pick us up, and we begin the 2 hour drive home. All the way home we share our stories from the trip, and Stephen and I look over our pictures on the camera. Yep, its over!
Coming up: A summary of some of our good and bad things, suggestions, recommendations, thoughts, etc. Also hopefully, at some point, my photopass pics to be added! Thanks for hanging in!
Great last day. I so enjoyed reading your report!
i wish they'd go to system u could check on tv in the am
