Well, if ya'll haven't noticed a trend here...we slept in since we didn't have to be anywhere till our 12:30 ADR at Sci-Fi. Yeah, we seem pretty lazy, but hey! We're on our vacation and doing what we want... 
After some light breakfast in the room, a bit of grumbly teenager, we headed by bus to MGM. It was actually turning out to be a nice day...
and sunglasses were needed for a change.
As we headed toward the Sorcerer's Hat, we were approached for the first time this trip by a Photopass CM and since I rarely get shots with me in them, I insisted we take the photos. We have started to notice a trend, based on what we've seen with the photopass CMs...they usually hit up the families with small children or larger groups while we get passed by. Now, this isn't scientific, but since the photopass inception, we've been asked a mere 2 times on our 2 trips in the last year. We were also asked if we had a photopass card at our Donald's breakfast...and that's a whole other story...and when we did the Disney Visa character greeting. I did ask to have my photo taken a bit later on this day by one of the photopass CMs, so I could get one of me wearing the sorcerer's hat.
So after that we walked around the long way toward Sci-Fi, checking out things...passed the new Narnia thing which looked kinda nice, saw JoJo and Goliath by their trailer, came around the backlot area just as the Power Rangers entrance was happening...DS wants to know how they can be saving the universe if they are always at MGM.
Did I mention that he's a teenager... 
We rounded up thru Osborne Lights, which since it was noon, were turned off, but man are there a bunch of lights strung there.... 
It is here where DS would prefer I shut up, but ya know it's funny when ya walk down the street at WDW and see a man wearing a shirt with the local university (not a major one) mascot...Salukis. Well, I have to say something..."you gotta be from southern Illinois?"...yeah, he says....where from I ask...Carterville, he replies. Well, holey moley that is us...and about the time I was getting ready to say so, out steps a young lady from beside the man, points and says..."Nic"...that would be DS. Being the shy guy, he just waves and says "Hey Kelsie"...that would be the young lady's name. Well, we start the inquisition...apparently the nice young lady sits either in front of or behind DS in his algebra class...well, who'd a thunk it? Oh, and BTW, if ya ever meet DS, I'd appreciate it if ya don't mention the embarassing stories mentioned here by his mom...he'd still love me then. 
So we have lunch at Sci-Fi, which was good, but I liked the burger at Le Cellier better. I did like my adult shake though even if I didn't taste any liquor in it...was good and thick. Here we are in our car...
When we sat there and I realized this could be reality in about 2 1/2 years...a teenage boy behind the wheel... I just might need more than a shake to calm my nerves...
And on a not so magical note for me...again I lost a bit of innocence at Sci-Fi when I headed to the ladies room. Sci-Fi shares a bathroom with ABC Commissary...no!
I'm not sure why this very practical thing at MGM makes me feel like a wee bit of the magic is gone, but maybe it's because the experience at Sci-Fi is so unique and shouldn't be tainted with the flow of people from ABC to the bathroom. I felt this way on our last trip when I realized 50's Prime Time shared a restroom with Hollywood & Vine. 
I do see the practicality, but neither of the shard ladies rooms are any bigger than if only one restaurant used it. It's one of those weird things for me...can't explain it, but it affected me...strange I know.
So, the next thing we wanted to do was see Four for a Dollar...Return to Zero...whichever you prefer, so we headed to Beauty and the Beast, waited til they let us in, grabbed great seats in the center about 6 rows up.
We wait for I don't know how long for the show to start...DH keeps checking his watch and finally the lights go down...and no Four for a Dollar!!! WHAT??? We were so disappointed...it honestly was the only reason we'd come...we thought B&B was a great show, but it wasn't what we wanted to watch. As Belle wanders on stage I look at DH...do ya wanna leave?...DS is nodding his head, but DH is not sure...we ended up staying. Yeah, it was a good show, but we were so let down that it didn't matter.
Well, after that I needed a pick-me-up and headed into the shops right outside of the theater...I was still in search of Mickey earrings. I want a pair of white gold or sterling, plain or with gemstones with just the 3 circles...what's that called? the hidden Mickey? or the profile? anyway...I hit pay dirt!!! I found the pair I really want...nice sterling..fine...with clear gemstones about 1/4 carat size for the head and about half that size for each ear...CZ I guessed...maybe Austrian crystal...asked to see them...really nice....sparkly...asked how much... $1200.00!!! Real diamonds apparently...well, this princess has now added them to the wish list...might get them someday...
So, our day at MGM was turning into a bust...did some shopping in the Villian's place and decided to call it a day as folks were lining up for the parade. Don't get me wrong...we really like MGM, but today it just wasn't clickin' for us. The last couple of trips we seem to not go to one park and this time MGM was it...or at least we didn't do much.
So as we exited, DH said he thought he'd pass on the DVC Merry Member Mixer over at the International Gateway and he grabbed the bus back to SSR, while DS and I took the boat to Epcot. Actually, this turned out to be really nice for all of us. DH enjoyed a bit of solitude around the resort and I got some quality time with DS.
He and I talked about our past trips and speculated on the future ones...he's really wanting to bring his best buddy the next one...DH and I understand, but that is a lot of responsibility and expense, so we'll see we've told DS. Or we might bring my Dniece, 2 yrs. younger than DS and they get along great, but then that opens up the "why can't I go with ya" from the rest of the family. Well, simply cause the rest are all too young and wouldn't do well without their parents...we are considering bringing DH's mom or my dad, who are both in their 70s and widowed, or DH's sis who is single...maybe...ah, such things to think about...
Well, after that nice boat ride, DS and I head into the mixer...really nice perk of the DVC if ya ask us. Carolers greeted us and those great big...welcome homes...inside there were crafts for the kids...3D Christmas ornaments, tables set up with more info about the WDW florist, the SSR spa, DVC merchandise, and pins. They had a bar set up where you could buy drinks or you could help yourself to the free hot and cold cider and cookies. These were pretty good. There were many characters to see...Mickey and Minnie were leaving as we arrived, Goofy, Chip and Dale (who happened to be escorted by our friend from back home), and the reindeer playing reindeer games. DS really enjoyed their antics and those of the 2 elves roaming around. There was a DJ and some kids were dancing on the lawn. It was a nice get together, but unfortunately I didn't meet any of the other DIS DVCers who were suppose to be there.
Well, DS & I decided to walk thru Epcot to get a bus instead of taking a boat to one of the resorts for a bus to DTD and then transfer. I was still in search of a few gifts so we stopped at Mousegears and found what I was looking for...a Snow White figurine and Dopey bobblehead for friends who watch our house for us, another set of the Christmas mouseketeer ears for Dsis and a pair of Mickey earrings that were more in my price range.
Once back to the room, we had a little time so I organized our gifts to make sure I had all I wanted to buy...I did. Then we headed to our 7pm ADR at Flying Fish and the Boardwalk by bus.
WOW! We loved Flying Fish!! It was our best meal of the trip! It was so well rounded...quality of food, presentation, ambiance, service, friendly staff, not rushed at all...just all around wonderful! Okay, the price is high, but we absolutely loved this evening at Flying Fish and will go back...just not often probably. If you want to read the details...look for my dining review on the restaurant board.
Okay, so we finished around 9 and decided to check out the Boardwalk...something we've meant to do for a long time. It's really nice and I can see why it's a hot spot to stay here...great location and feel for the area. Here's a shot of it...
DS stopped at the sweet shop and grabbed a few pieces of candy then we walked to the end and headed back to the center just as Epcot's fireworks started. Okay, this is the only negative I could see about staying here and fortunately it doesn't last long, but GEEZ!!! Those fireworks are horribly loud!!! But on the positive side...they are beautiful from the Boardwalk!! We kept on toward Jelly Rolls, stopping in a shop to look and by the DVC model room there...really nice! Then we headed back to SSR for the night since we were getting up early...yeah, I said early...
Day 7 takes us to Animal Kingdom, the Beach Club for a kitchen sink, and an evening at the Grand Floridian
After some light breakfast in the room, a bit of grumbly teenager, we headed by bus to MGM. It was actually turning out to be a nice day...
and sunglasses were needed for a change.As we headed toward the Sorcerer's Hat, we were approached for the first time this trip by a Photopass CM and since I rarely get shots with me in them, I insisted we take the photos. We have started to notice a trend, based on what we've seen with the photopass CMs...they usually hit up the families with small children or larger groups while we get passed by. Now, this isn't scientific, but since the photopass inception, we've been asked a mere 2 times on our 2 trips in the last year. We were also asked if we had a photopass card at our Donald's breakfast...and that's a whole other story...and when we did the Disney Visa character greeting. I did ask to have my photo taken a bit later on this day by one of the photopass CMs, so I could get one of me wearing the sorcerer's hat.
So after that we walked around the long way toward Sci-Fi, checking out things...passed the new Narnia thing which looked kinda nice, saw JoJo and Goliath by their trailer, came around the backlot area just as the Power Rangers entrance was happening...DS wants to know how they can be saving the universe if they are always at MGM.
Did I mention that he's a teenager... We rounded up thru Osborne Lights, which since it was noon, were turned off, but man are there a bunch of lights strung there.... It is here where DS would prefer I shut up, but ya know it's funny when ya walk down the street at WDW and see a man wearing a shirt with the local university (not a major one) mascot...Salukis. Well, I have to say something..."you gotta be from southern Illinois?"...yeah, he says....where from I ask...Carterville, he replies. Well, holey moley that is us...and about the time I was getting ready to say so, out steps a young lady from beside the man, points and says..."Nic"...that would be DS. Being the shy guy, he just waves and says "Hey Kelsie"...that would be the young lady's name. Well, we start the inquisition...apparently the nice young lady sits either in front of or behind DS in his algebra class...well, who'd a thunk it? Oh, and BTW, if ya ever meet DS, I'd appreciate it if ya don't mention the embarassing stories mentioned here by his mom...he'd still love me then. So we have lunch at Sci-Fi, which was good, but I liked the burger at Le Cellier better. I did like my adult shake though even if I didn't taste any liquor in it...was good and thick. Here we are in our car...
When we sat there and I realized this could be reality in about 2 1/2 years...a teenage boy behind the wheel...
I just might need more than a shake to calm my nerves...And on a not so magical note for me...again I lost a bit of innocence at Sci-Fi when I headed to the ladies room. Sci-Fi shares a bathroom with ABC Commissary...no!
I'm not sure why this very practical thing at MGM makes me feel like a wee bit of the magic is gone, but maybe it's because the experience at Sci-Fi is so unique and shouldn't be tainted with the flow of people from ABC to the bathroom. I felt this way on our last trip when I realized 50's Prime Time shared a restroom with Hollywood & Vine. I do see the practicality, but neither of the shard ladies rooms are any bigger than if only one restaurant used it. It's one of those weird things for me...can't explain it, but it affected me...strange I know. So, the next thing we wanted to do was see Four for a Dollar...Return to Zero...whichever you prefer, so we headed to Beauty and the Beast, waited til they let us in, grabbed great seats in the center about 6 rows up.
We wait for I don't know how long for the show to start...DH keeps checking his watch and finally the lights go down...and no Four for a Dollar!!! WHAT??? We were so disappointed...it honestly was the only reason we'd come...we thought B&B was a great show, but it wasn't what we wanted to watch. As Belle wanders on stage I look at DH...do ya wanna leave?...DS is nodding his head, but DH is not sure...we ended up staying. Yeah, it was a good show, but we were so let down that it didn't matter.Well, after that I needed a pick-me-up and headed into the shops right outside of the theater...I was still in search of Mickey earrings. I want a pair of white gold or sterling, plain or with gemstones with just the 3 circles...what's that called? the hidden Mickey? or the profile? anyway...I hit pay dirt!!! I found the pair I really want...nice sterling..fine...with clear gemstones about 1/4 carat size for the head and about half that size for each ear...CZ I guessed...maybe Austrian crystal...asked to see them...really nice....sparkly...asked how much...
$1200.00!!! Real diamonds apparently...well, this princess has now added them to the wish list...might get them someday... So, our day at MGM was turning into a bust...did some shopping in the Villian's place and decided to call it a day as folks were lining up for the parade. Don't get me wrong...we really like MGM, but today it just wasn't clickin' for us.
The last couple of trips we seem to not go to one park and this time MGM was it...or at least we didn't do much.So as we exited, DH said he thought he'd pass on the DVC Merry Member Mixer over at the International Gateway and he grabbed the bus back to SSR, while DS and I took the boat to Epcot. Actually, this turned out to be really nice for all of us. DH enjoyed a bit of solitude around the resort and I got some quality time with DS.
He and I talked about our past trips and speculated on the future ones...he's really wanting to bring his best buddy the next one...DH and I understand, but that is a lot of responsibility and expense, so we'll see we've told DS. Or we might bring my Dniece, 2 yrs. younger than DS and they get along great, but then that opens up the "why can't I go with ya" from the rest of the family. Well, simply cause the rest are all too young and wouldn't do well without their parents...we are considering bringing DH's mom or my dad, who are both in their 70s and widowed, or DH's sis who is single...maybe...ah, such things to think about...Well, after that nice boat ride, DS and I head into the mixer...really nice perk of the DVC if ya ask us. Carolers greeted us and those great big...welcome homes...inside there were crafts for the kids...3D Christmas ornaments, tables set up with more info about the WDW florist, the SSR spa, DVC merchandise, and pins. They had a bar set up where you could buy drinks or you could help yourself to the free hot and cold cider and cookies. These were pretty good. There were many characters to see...Mickey and Minnie were leaving as we arrived, Goofy, Chip and Dale (who happened to be escorted by our friend from back home), and the reindeer playing reindeer games. DS really enjoyed their antics and those of the 2 elves roaming around. There was a DJ and some kids were dancing on the lawn. It was a nice get together, but unfortunately I didn't meet any of the other DIS DVCers who were suppose to be there.
Well, DS & I decided to walk thru Epcot to get a bus instead of taking a boat to one of the resorts for a bus to DTD and then transfer. I was still in search of a few gifts so we stopped at Mousegears and found what I was looking for...a Snow White figurine and Dopey bobblehead for friends who watch our house for us, another set of the Christmas mouseketeer ears for Dsis and a pair of Mickey earrings that were more in my price range.
Once back to the room, we had a little time so I organized our gifts to make sure I had all I wanted to buy...I did. Then we headed to our 7pm ADR at Flying Fish and the Boardwalk by bus.
WOW! We loved Flying Fish!! It was our best meal of the trip! It was so well rounded...quality of food, presentation, ambiance, service, friendly staff, not rushed at all...just all around wonderful! Okay, the price is high, but we absolutely loved this evening at Flying Fish and will go back...just not often probably. If you want to read the details...look for my dining review on the restaurant board.
Okay, so we finished around 9 and decided to check out the Boardwalk...something we've meant to do for a long time. It's really nice and I can see why it's a hot spot to stay here...great location and feel for the area. Here's a shot of it...
DS stopped at the sweet shop and grabbed a few pieces of candy then we walked to the end and headed back to the center just as Epcot's fireworks started. Okay, this is the only negative I could see about staying here and fortunately it doesn't last long, but GEEZ!!! Those fireworks are horribly loud!!! But on the positive side...they are beautiful from the Boardwalk!! We kept on toward Jelly Rolls, stopping in a shop to look and by the DVC model room there...really nice! Then we headed back to SSR for the night since we were getting up early...yeah, I said early...
Day 7 takes us to Animal Kingdom, the Beach Club for a kitchen sink, and an evening at the Grand Floridian
. I can see that having shared bathrooms between two different dining venues might make economic sense, but I've always thought it was rather odd. For quite a while, I didn't even realize that Hollywood & Vine and '50s Prime Time shared bathrooms. We ate at H&V first and didn't realize that was '50s Prime Time just beyond that bathroom corridor...
