Mom/Daughter Birthday Celebration: Lots of Firsts and Laughs! (Update 3-18-13)

[jenseib]

I so want a dole whip float right now! MMMM!

What a great day, you did so much and ate some good food too.
I think it's funny you snuck out and didn't meet Cindy!

I love the Magic and Memories castle show. It's one of my new favorites.

 

[mousetravel]

I can't get over all the short wait times, that is always so fabuous!

Just love all the photos

Thanks!

I so want a dole whip float right now! MMMM!

Me too!!

What a great day, you did so much and ate some good food too.
I think it's funny you snuck out and didn't meet Cindy!



I love the Magic and Memories castle show. It's one of my new favorites.
Mine too! I love it!!

 

[mousetravel]

Monday, June 18



Disney's Y.E.S. Program:



We had looked into this program that I had read about on other boards and TR's. They had a few classes within our travel dates and we decided to go with a "Marine Career" type class for DD since she loves dolphins! Not only do you get to take a fun, educational class, you get hugely discounted WDW tickets!


We got up bright and early to get to Epcot for our early meeting time for the Y.E.S. program. The class was scheduled for 8:30am - 11:10am. We arrived around 8am:

Our group met up, then was split into smaller groups of about 8 students and their parent/chapperone.

Here's some of the group:

One of our instructors: We were talking and she said she was from Columbia, SC, which is about 2 hours from us, and I thought that was pretty neat.

We were given those little headphone things and made our way to our learning areas.


Empty park! We were let in about 15 minutes before park opening.

As we entered our meeting area inside (where the aquariums are), we had an introductory meeting, where we all introduced ourselves and where we were from. Then we were instructed that we would be leaving ALL of our belongings in a huge, locked bin (except for what you could fit in your pocket), and no cell phones, which I thought was a great rule!

But, they also had a rule for us parents...NO cameras! because most of our tours, etc. were behind the scenes. She actually told us to lock our cameras up too, but me and this other lady asked if we could keep ours out anyway( I wasn't comfortable leaving my camera, even though it would be locked up, and it's really not small enough to fit in a pocket). She said as long as we promised not to take pics anywhere "behind the scenes". So anytime we went in those areas, she would announce "This is a behind the scenes area."



So, I only have a couple of pics. This area was OK for pics. It was a conference room and we were learning about medical care for the marine animals. Each child/parent group was given an animal and a folder that included some X-Ray pics, symptoms, and other info, and they were supposed to give a diagnosis based on all the info given to them, and present to the class.

Tried to get a close up of the paperwork:

After that activity, we moved on to many behind the scenes areas, which included an "above water" area where they feed the dolphins. They even had one of the dolphins back there doing some training. It was really neat.

We also went to the area where they prepare the food for the different marine animals. It was like a huge chef's kitchen. It was really neat.

We met some of the scuba divers that dive in and do the feedings.

We went to some outside areas which included the huge water filtration tanks, then we headed inside where they control all the water systems for the aquariums. We got an insider’s lesson on how all that works from a CM.

We also got to tour around an area that she said is commonly used for weddings, receptions, and parties. They had recently finished up some kind of event, and it was still partially decorated, which was really neat.


Another activity involved observing an assigned animal and recording it's behavior. We were assigned a shark and had to follow it's patterns and behaviors.

They normally allow one attraction to go on as part of the program, but we were out of time. We were supposed to go to Turtle Talk but as we ran out of time, we headed up to gather all of our stuff. She said we could go ahead and do the Turtle Talk as we finished up, but by this time, it was hot, from all the outdoor touring. So we all parted ways when we got our belongings.

One thing I noticed from reading about previous Y.E.S. info, is that some people got “parting gifts” after the program, such as a Disney Y.E.S. sling bag, pen, pencil, etc. But they didn’t give out anything at all. A little disappointment, though, because it would have been neat to get a little “something”, like a certificate or something!


It was a really neat thing to do though, especially because of the behind the scenes stuff, that we probably never would have seen.



I really wish I had more pics, and was tempted to sneak in a few…..
But I knew I had to follow the rules and just went along and enjoyed it all!!



Coming up: The rest of our day at Epcot!!

 

[Pinkocto]

I applaud your restraint in the photo department. I felt the same way when doing one of the tours.

Sounds like it was a lot of fun

 

[UGAFan0829]

That sounds like a really fun and neat experience. It's always cool when you get to see the behind the scenes stuff. And getting discounted tickets is even better!

 

[jenseib]

great class. I know what you mean about sneaking. I went backstage last year and it was so tempting...but I was good too.

 

[NancyLuvsMickey]

Sounds like a great class... And I would have had to lock up my camera... The temptation would have been to great!!!

 

[mousetravel]

I applaud your restraint in the photo department. I felt the same way when doing one of the tours.

Sounds like it was a lot of fun

That sounds like a really fun and neat experience. It's always cool when you get to see the behind the scenes stuff. And getting discounted tickets is even better!

It was really interesting and fun! It was really hard to not take pics of such neat areas! Especially the dolphin part!!

great class. I know what you mean about sneaking. I went backstage last year and it was so tempting...but I was good too.

I could just picture you finding a way to sneak in a pic!

Sounds like a great class... And I would have had to lock up my camera... The temptation would have been to great!!!

 

[mousetravel]

Sorry for the lack of regular updates!


I'm definately planning on posting an update tonight!! Everything has been hectic with getting ready for back to school. My fall semester actually started last week, and DD started this week.

And with babysitting, I don't get much of a break there!

 

[Pinkocto]

No worries, we'll be here when you have time. Take care of yourself

 

[mousetravel]

After we finished up with the Y.E.S. program, we were ready to venture out on our own.

We were kinda excited to be there anyway because we have only been one time, back in 2008, and we were with my aunt & her 3 kids, so we were ready to explore on our own.

First time on Spaceship Earth, with a 20 minute wait. We thought it was pretty neat:

We went & sampled a few drinks. Much needed on this hot day!

Browsed around a little bit:

Another first: Metting Duffy the Bear!

I thought the set-up at the waiting line was really cute, with these picture book things:

Then on to the boat ride in Mexico, with no line, so we walked right on.

As we finished, we seen Donald!

More random pics as we walked around the countries.

We stopped at a snack stand that had these snow cone type treats, and the option of adding a milk-type topping. It was sooooo good!!!

We made our way back to the front of the park:

Then we went to have our picture taken for the free Disney Visa pic:

The Nemo ride was walk on:

Continuing....

 

[mousetravel]

Now for the Mission Space debate!

Now I knew there was no way I would ride this, and I was hesitant about DD riding it, so she said she would ride the green side first, then let me know how it is, and if she thought I could ride it (even though there's no spinning, I think I would get too claustrophobic).

The wait time for green was only 5 minutes, so I told her to go ride it before it got longer. So I took a few pics and browsed the gift shop (mainly to cool off!).

She finally finished up and said she did not like it!! I asked her why, & she said there's just something about it, that she didn't like (prob being closed up in a small space). So I was glad that she wasn't wanting to try the orange side because I'd really be scared myself, not knowing how she'd do (yes, I worry way too much!! )

We went to ride Universe of Energy for the first time, with no lines.

We then wanted to ride Soarin. But every time we checked, the wait times were just too long, and all the fastpasses were gone early in the day.

So we went to Living with the Land, with no wait. I thought it was pretty neat!

After we finished that, we checked on Soarin wait time, it was about 60 minute wait, so we decided to eat and wait around for a little bit.
When we finished eating, the wait time was still 60 minutes, so we went ahead & waited in line.

I LOVED Soarin!!!!!!!



We had planned on staying for the fireworks/light show, but we were so tired, we decided to leave because we still had to make another Wal Mart run.

It seems like I didn't take very many pictures that day, but we were so tired from having to get there early for the Y.E.S. program, and that day seemed like it was the hottest!!!!

But we had a great time!

Coming up next: A planned rest-day, turns into a fun-filled, very busy day, with an unexpected excursion!!!

 

[mnrhannah07]

OMG! I rode mission space one time, and its the last time I would EVER ride it again! I nearly had a panic attack from being in that little locked box! ENOUGHT SAID! lol everytime we go there, my DH still asks me to ride with him, but he is getting used to having to ride it alone!

 

[Pinkocto]

So what did you think of Epcot? Glad you got back, it has a different feeling than the rest of the parks.

 

[mousetravel]

OMG! I rode mission space one time, and its the last time I would EVER ride it again! I nearly had a panic attack from being in that little locked box! ENOUGHT SAID! lol everytime we go there, my DH still asks me to ride with him, but he is getting used to having to ride it alone!

I just don't think I could even ride the gren side! I am way too claustrophoibic for that! And I know I'd have a panic attack, especially knowing I wouldn't have the option of "chicken-ing" out once it got going.

So what did you think of Epcot? Glad you got back, it has a different feeling than the rest of the parks.

It was a different experience than the first time we went, because we were with others and didn't really get to do our own thing. (That's why I love our trips, because we don't have to worry what everybody else wants to do) I wish we would have spent more time in the countries, but it was just too hot! I LOVED the Japan gift shop! I wished we would have stayed for the night time show, but we were so tired!

 

[jenseib]

I can't beleive you have only been to Epcot once other time. You've been living under a rock!

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I have yet to ride mission space too.

 

[mousetravel]

I can't beleive you have only been to Epcot once other time. You've been living under a rock!

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I have yet to ride mission space too.

I know! That's the park we always skipped on our trips! I'd like to go back, when it's not so hot, so we can explore that park even more!

 

[mousetravel]

Tuesday, June 19

Our next day we had planned to check out of Best Western LBV, and into SSR. We had an ADR for Ohana.


We arrived at the Polynesian for our breakfast.

Shortly after being seated, our food arrived! Yummy!!

And the characters came and made their rounds.

After we finished, we walked around the beautiful resort.
I loved the gift shops and art shops.

Continuing:

 

[mousetravel]

Then, we made our way outside and took a few pics.

We noticed this little duck playing around in the water. It was so cute!

We made our way over to the beach area.

Next: More fun at the Polynesian

 

[Pinkocto]

The Polynesian looks beautiful! I havnt explored it for many years. How did you enjoy breakfast?