My 7 Month Vacation as a WDW Intern: MINI UPDATE 12/10

[Mickeefan]

I just found this report and have been reading it (while at work) during my lunch hour and beyond. I really enjoyed it. I wish I had been "into" Disney the way I am now when I was in college so that I could have done the CP. Your report makes me want to pack my bags and move to Florida and work there. That really is my long-term goal.

I'll subscribe to this thread, so I can keep up with your experiences. Right now I'm off to read your CP experience thread.

Thanks for taking the time to post.

P.S. I'll be at Pop from 9/10-9/14. If I happen to see you at AK, I'll say "hi".

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

HI DIS!!!

Quick question. As you know, my mom is coming to visit and we want to eat steak and seafood places.

We narrowed it down to Capn' Jacks and Captains Grill but I was looking for reviews on either. We need an out of park place to eat and not anything that would be rated as a "2 point" on the ddp (even though we won't have it).

Any advice would be great. I have a dining discount but it only applies to 3 places at DTD: Capn' Jacks, R. Road, and Planet Hollywood.


TIA!!!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

DIS!!!!

So I must apologize for the lack of pictures. I went back through my thread to only find such a small amount of pictures. Sometimes photobucket likes to be a pain so it's easier to put them right on facebook but since it is a rainy yucky day STILL from tropical storm fay, I'll give you a little eye candy for your weekend!!!

These were taken about a month ago at DHS. I'm not sure if I talked about the night or not. Needless to say we rode TOT 7x in an hour...with a little help from the fellow bellhops!

SAD BECAUSE THEY FINALLY CLOSED US OUT AT 10PM...

THE LONELY RIDE OF RNR BEFORE OUR TOT MARATHON!!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

These are from the first few days of work at AK

I guess that is it for now. We've been to the parks but not a lot of picture taking has been done. Most of the time we go to the parks right after work and I do not have my camera with me but I'll have to go through my camera and see if I have anything from Amanda's visit.

Take care, enjoy your Friday! I'll be spending mine indoors bc of the rain

 

[mla1977]

Hi Megan!

I'm not sure if I would recommend Captain's Grill. The DIS Unplugged podcast just did a review of it and they said it was their worst dining experience ever! It was in the podcast that came out this week. You can find it over on the podcast boards.

 

[DisneygirlTeacher]

We just went to Captain's Grille a few weeks ago. The food was actually good, however, when we were seated it was next to the kitchen door. When we politely asked the hostess if we could have a quieter spot (it was DH's birthday) she was so sweet and said of course and led us to a better table. The manager then proceeded to YELL at the poor girl that she just "couldn't sit people anywhere..." He embarrassed her and of course us, too. It could have been handled in a much better way. I got the feeling that customer satisfaction wasn't high on the list there. We were upset the entire meal and I told DH that wasn't his birthday meal after all...and took him to Jiko the next night! It was awesome as always...wonderful food and perfect service! I won't be returning to Captain's Grille. I did speak to the manager's boss (who very nicely listened to me but I dont' know what she did) and I emailed Disney but haven't heard back yet. Should have definitely gone somewhere else that night! Enjoying your report!!!!

 

[mla1977]

Sounds like you had to deal with the same manager that the podcast crew dealt with. Sorry he was so miserable. Sounds like he needs to find somewhere else to work.

 

[DisneygirlTeacher]

Probably so!! I didn't read the other review, but he was truly a very mean man. What was so funny, is that it was exactly the opposite at Jiko!!! The manager even came up to us there and asked how things were and we got in a long conversation with him about everything else!! You can tell that customers really matter there. Sad, because I wanted to try a couple of different places this time and Captain's Grille was very disappointing.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

HI DIS!!!

Its been several days since I've updated so before I crash for the night after my SUPER long day, I thought I would do a mini post (no pics sorry )

Lets see what has been going on.

Work is so-so. We keep getting "audited" as I call it because our core team is always walking around with this big data thingy and taking notes and listening to us. I've been used to seeing it although my feedback is not as great as I would like it to be depending on who the core team member is I wish I could say I was the only one that felt that way but at least I'm not alone!!

Days off have been busy lately because the crowds are starting to die down so I've been getting outside more

In the past week, I've pretty much just been working and going home to crash at night. I went to Kohls with Jenny a few times at night and spent tons of money that I don't have but it's a nice way to get out and escape tourist traps for a good hour

On Wed after work, crazy me after having worked 8 hours in the HOT 97 degree sunshine decided it would be fun to go to MK after work with Meghan since AK had PM EMH and we got tons done!!

We were able to ride jungle cruise, splash, peter pan (with fp), small world, space mt, tta, and buzz so we did get some good rides in in the few hours I had left after work. We were also able to watch Wishes

..the best news of all!!

They are beginning to put the xmas lights on the castle and main street is glowing in bright orange with pumpkins!!!!!! It doesn't seem real that I'll be able to see it all orange and then red/green!!


Today was a super crazy day! It wasn't planned that way but sometimes it's best not to plan (which is not like me lol). It started out with breakfast at Capn' Cooks at Poly with meg, katie, elyse and I. After that, meg headed to work and the rest of us went to Cast Connection (cast store similar to the outlet store off 535) and bought TONS of stuff

After that we headed to CR and for the first time EVER, I WENT PARASAILING!!!!..
...remember that list I have...another one x'ed off!!!!!!!

I was sooo sad bc I was unsure if I was allowed to bring a camera on the boat and it turns out I could have so I didn't get any pics but I'm sure my face was priceless! It was myself, elyse, a wife of a family, and a hubby/wife hispanic couple. The others went before us bc Elyse and I were going together and then the helper of the boat told us the driver is making us go alone bc there isn't a strong wind Of course elyse was like okay u go first haha!!

So after watching the others go first I got all hooked in and sat on the edge of the boat and away I went, 600ft in the air for about 12 mins. All in all the 58 bucks that it was was TOTALLY worth it and I can't wait to do it again! Next time there will be a camera!

After that elyse and I had some lunch. They were having a cast appreciate day at CR so we got to eat for free After lunch we were puzzled what to do so we decided to head to BB for some fun in the sun and some pools/waterslides!!

We got there at 2:30ish and got to ride the family raft, lazy river, wave pool, racing one and the other mat one in the 3 lanes (names?) Around 5:00 we headed over to DHS and rode ToT 4x and saw the Little Mermaid to buy time until the ToT line died down before Fantasimic. After our busy day we left at 8:15 and headed to Steak and Shake for dinner and then rushed home to meet up with the other roomies to go see House Bunny. We got home around 12:30am and now I'm dead, burnt, and happy as can be!!!!


...LOVES days off!!!!!



Another note to add, thanks to all who have come up to me at work and outside of work (yes at the resorts and parks) to say hi! They call me a celebrity at work and at home I hope everyone continues to read. I'm not sure when I will be posting next. My mom is scheduled to come on Thursday next week but depending on the health of my gma (her mom), I might be heading home due to my gma's failing health so we shall see. Other than that, I guess things are busy at home. My parents signed papers to start showing our house. My dad has taken a job in Cincinnati so after 21 yrs in PA, we're heading back to where I was born...eventually depending on the house sale etc. My mom has been going through tons so she deserves this vacation!!

Pre-trip report in some sense:

We're staying at POP for 4 nights (not with free DDP )

We're going to MVSHP on the 5th (first night!!!) We're going to GF spa for the morning with afternoon tea at GF, and dinner at Captains Grill...giving it a chance. We want to eat at Big River Grille at BW but I guess WDW doesn't book ADRs for there? If not we'll try GF Cafe or Shutters I guess? We'll try out our options lol. Other than that it will be pool laying and taking her to see my house I can't wait!!!!!!

If anyone has any other fun suggestions let me know. We don't want to be "overbooked" with fun but relaxation too



Well that is it for now I guess. Thanks for reading and keep looking out for m in the park!!!!!!

 

[klj27]

It sounds like you had a great day off!! I didn't get to see you in the world but maybe I will run into you at home now. We live in Cincinnati also!

 

[k_reile]

have you noticed a lot of crowds due to free dining? We noticed it in the parks when we were there last year (as in a lot of people on the walk-ways) but not with time waits or anythign like that...of course we checked in on the last day of free dining last year too so that may have been part of it. Also Big River Grille...they do not take ADR's but go early 4:30-5pm and you should not have a problem...that is the time DH and I went last year and we were one of the first ones seated.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Great update Megan! I especially love the parasailing part and only wish you had pics! Glad you got to conquer another thing off your list! In about 5 more weeks we'll be a few more of your groupies hailing you like a rock star in the parks!

 

[mistydoodles]

Great update Megan.

I love the parasailing. We have thought about doing this but I think we are going to wait a couple more years for our girls to be a little older. Glad to know it was a lot of fun though.

It must be really exciting knowing that your mom will be there is less than a week. I hope you have a great visit.

Thanks for the update and I can't wait to hear from you again. Have a good day.

 

[Hedy]

Great update! I was staring at every CM on Saturday, but didn't see you

 

[jackdis]

HI! I was the one that met you in line at the POLY - Captain Cook's.
Gotta run...the plane is boarding but just wanted to say hello!!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

HI! I was the one that met you in line at the POLY - Captain Cook's.
Gotta run...the plane is boarding but just wanted to say hello!!!

It was sooo nice to meet you and your family! You're hubby's face was priceless!! I hope you had a safe trip home, I can't wait to hear how your total trip went!

 

[jackdis]

have you noticed a lot of crowds due to free dining? We noticed it in the parks when we were there last year (as in a lot of people on the walk-ways) but not with time waits or anythign like that...of course we checked in on the last day of free dining last year too so that may have been part of it.

Hi again, Megan. I'm still so excited I bumped into you that day! Funny story....Friday night we went to the Spirit of Aloha show at the POLY. (We thought it was just "eh" by the way.) One table over from us was a woman I worked with for years that retired five years ago. I hadn't seen her since. So when I had my husband wave to her from our table, he had the same priceless look on his face again. LOL....

Hope you don't mind. I just wanted to add my two cents to the question above. My husband and I felt that the crowds were the worst we had seen them this time around for this time of year. The first weekend we were there was terrible (8/23) - even in the POLY lobby, you could not move. But then by maybe Monday or Tuesday it started to get much better. Also, we were shocked by the number of rude guests we encountered. Total disregard for other people. Not watching their children at all. Very disrespectful to the CMs. I give you a lot of credit for what you have to put up with at times. I made sure to be extra nice to CMs who were nice to us, and they seemed to really appreciate it. It was a rough crew (guests) while we were there! Not us though!!! LOL....

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Hi again, Megan. I'm still so excited I bumped into you that day! Funny story....Friday night we went to the Spirit of Aloha show at the POLY. (We thought it was just "eh" by the way.) One table over from us was a woman I worked with for years that retired five years ago. I hadn't seen her since. So when I had my husband wave to her from our table, he had the same priceless look on his face again. LOL....

Hope you don't mind. I just wanted to add my two cents to the question above. My husband and I felt that the crowds were the worst we had seen them this time around for this time of year. The first weekend we were there was terrible (8/23) - even in the POLY lobby, you could not move. But then by maybe Monday or Tuesday it started to get much better. Also, we were shocked by the number of rude guests we encountered. Total disregard for other people. Not watching their children at all. Very disrespectful to the CMs. I give you a lot of credit for what you have to put up with at times. I made sure to be extra nice to CMs who were nice to us, and they seemed to really appreciate it. It was a rough crew (guests) while we were there! Not us though!!! LOL....

It's nice to hear you had a good trip. I'm sorry about the crowds, they have been huge in the recent months. Today was the first day at AK where safari and kali had 10 min waits (or less). It was nice to look at the cross ways of Asia and not see tons and tons of people!! Our KDCs were busy but not unmanagable for once which was like a breath of fresh air! I agree though, people have not been very magical lately I really don't deal with that as much as do I observing it. With the KDCs its very vouluntary so it's not like waiting in line for a ride, buying something, or getting food..so I guess on that respect I'm lucky

It was very nice to meet you and your family once again!!!!!! I love meeting new people, as I said before all my friends call me a DIS celeb!! Take care, will you be writing a TR?? If anything, I wanna see some pics!!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

HI DIS!

Sorry I have been absent for a few days. I'm working 6 days this week because I have a 4 day weekend coming up for when my mom comes!

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for continuing to read and follow along with me. I promised in the beginning that I would probably "die" down a bit because of work so I thank you for sticking around and reading my updates when I do get the chance!!

Before the pre-tr, I thought I would update a little bit from my week so far.

Today I had harambe school with our new Travel Trips script. It was a joke. We had one family watch us and the kids were teens and their young one was 3 but he was our bell ringer and got a kid tattoo so he loved that! (our magical moment). The other day I helped another presenter with magical moment. Every morning except AM EMH we do a magical moment in the oasis. We go out around 8:30/8:35ish and we choose a family with around 3 kids or so and have them be presenters and open the park with us by holding a bug box with a scorpion in it. The kids stand there with vests on like us and talk about their scorpion in the box and then are given a special KDC book to get stamped at the KDCs and a Magical Moment certificate along with a tiger finger puppet. We typically pick a family that look like in a "jungle/wild" themed clothes or look like they could be little zoo keepers...so look out for us out by the gates before opening!!!

Work has been going better. I think with the lighter crowds and daily clouds taking away the sun really help a lot but I'm still dead tired when I go home at night. I'm hoping by next week I'll be able to go to the parks after work and not feel like I'm losing sleep by getting home at 10.


Alright, on to business!!!!!


As most if all of you know that my mom is coming to visit!!! In 2 days she will be here so I think that will make me very uplifted and happy!!

Here is our "somewhat" schedule as she has asked to not be tied to a schedule because she wants to relax. Haha, with my family and dad not even being there, there is always some sort of schedule.

Anyways here goes!!

Thursday 9/4

I have to work so I'll be working 8:15-5:15 at AK. After work I'm going to head to POP and check into the hotel. I requested building 10 which is where Amanda and I stayed last month. It was very close to the main building and food so hopefully I got the request in on time.

I'll go to POP and shower and head out to the airport to pick my mom up.

I was going to make this a surprise but I figured she would have to know to now put on her DME tags so I surprised her a few wks ago and told her I'd be there at 8:30pm to pick her up. She was sooo happy and shocked that I would offer to do that. I even bought a FL sunpass so I don't have to pay tolls!!

After I pick her up we will head back to POP and get some dinner there and maybe go swimming.


Friday Sept 5

SLEEP IN!!!

I am unable to sleep in past 9 on my days off so we'll see how that goes.

I made an ADR at Ohana for 11am breakfast. If there are any bad reviews please let me know but I'm willing to try breakfast. Meghan and her mom ate there a few weeks ago and enjoyed it.

After Ohana, depending on the weather we might head back to POP pool or if it's raining we'll go see my house in Kissimmee and shop at DTD.

That night is MNSSHP!!!!!!!

I have never been (her either) so I'm soooo excited! I'm not going to dress up in a costume basically because I did not have time to plan that. I am going to put my hair in the BBB fairytale and wear a crown white tank top with black gaucho pants so I guess I can be like a sporty princess lol.

Any tips or advice would be great. Does anyone know what time you can enter MK w/o a regular park ticket?

We're praying the parade does not get rained out due to Hurricane Hanna but we'll roll with the punches!


Saturday Sept 6

Sleep in again! ...ya right

I tried to think of a good mom/daughter activity so I came up with the GF spa. We sent my mom there May 2007 for her mothers day gift and she loved it.

Her and I will be having the tired/soothing legs treatment at 1pm. I have never been there so she's very excited to show me around!

After that I surprised her with afternoon tea at the GF Garden Tea room at 2:10.

...any reviews on that?

After that we will maybe hit the pool for a bit? That night we want to have dinner at Big River Grille at Boardwalk.

...any tips on that?

Maybe after that we will watch Illuminations. Can you hear the music from BW?

Sunday sept 7

...total relax day!

Pool, maybe more DTD shopping, who knows?!

That night we have dinner ADRs at Captains Grille at YC. I was nervous booking this based on the podcast but mom really liked the menu so we'll try it out and hopefully have a more positive experience.

Monday Sept 8

Take mom to the airport. Her flight is at 10:05 am. After crying from the airport I have made plans with Jenny to go play at AK for the day so that will be nice for me




...well any advice or help would be great to hear!!!

with it being free dining, I felt limited on my dining choices so hopefully I chose well...




Thanks for reading!!


It does not accept ADRs so I'm not sure what time we should go.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

That night is MNSSHP!!!!!!!

I have never been (her either) so I'm soooo excited! I'm not going to dress up in a costume basically because I did not have time to plan that. I am going to put my hair in the BBB fairytale and wear a crown white tank top with black gaucho pants so I guess I can be like a sporty princess lol.

Any tips or advice would be great. Does anyone know what time you can enter MK w/o a regular park ticket?

You can enter MK at 4pm with just your MNSSHP ticket.