My DSD came for a visit & didn't stay for our trip to WDW??? Update 1/13Kadani Villag

[SimmerBaggins]

We met up with Melissa after ST, and she suggested we go check out ToT, I think -- I know I really wanted to ride the Rockin'Rollercoaster, too.

Neither Jordan nor I had been on the ToT in our past Disney trips -- she had been too young to really want to try it, and I'm not a huge fan of dropping rides. But, we swore we'd do it, so off we went...me, with a sense of trepidition which I tried to hide.

Robert didn't want to go, so Jacob stayed with him. The line said 30 min, I think -- but I know it was far more than that.

What I love about Disney is that they attempt to entertain you during your line-stay. Here's a sign that brings in the realism of the fact that this is a hotel you are nearing.

There IS a sense of anticipation...at least, for Jordan, Emily & I. I took this picture of Jordan, while asking her to be serious about the fact that this will be a scary ride. She's standing in front of a fountain that doesn't have any water in it.

I spotted this statuary in the garden -- it feels more like a statue for a cemetery.

This is an old hotel, isn't it? How old? Well....

We've been in line over an hour, now. We are nearing the doorway of the entrance into the hotel. I remember thinking that my DH would be wondering what happened to us, if the wait was only 30 min. Check out the angle of the porch light...a sense of foreboding...

One last look over the terrace, and I notice how high up we are. How did that happen?

...and in we go. What once must have looked lush and inviting, now looks lost and forlorn. What happened??

I haven't been in many old, old hotels, but this one began to look more like a dungeon.

I got a last, close-up photo of the game on the table, and the dusty rose.

Okay, so which is it? Old fancy, international hotel, or a front for a dungeon??

Who would have left his hat and coat so neatly piled?

And, why?

It was at this point that we went into the first little room. A little room where they begin to scare you...with a little pre-show. It was so funny -- I expected my DGD to begin to back out, but she would not. As it was, immediately after the little show was over -- they opened another door -- and a little boy began SCREAMING in abject horror:

"NOOOOO! NOOOOO! Oh, NO! I don't wanna...NOOO!"

...as his mother and father begin hauling him out of the room through the door, he drags his feet as if death awaited him on the other side. All the other children (and adults) stare at him...as the mutual, silent feeling rises in those who've not been on the other side of this door.

My opinion: they should have PAID that little boy, he was so on cue.

They got the boy through the boiler room, and I lost track of him after that.

We got in the ride, and I have to say, I was apprehensive. Not by what we'd see, but by what the ride would be like.

And yes, Jordan and I agree, it was like a huge job that never ended: try to keep your butt in the seat. We held onto the little iron rails on either side and just screamed -- I couldn't pay attention to anything other than "try to stay with this seat!!" Emily buried her head in my side, and I couldn't have done anything for either her or Jordan, anyway!! Jordan loved it. I wasn't so sure I did, but I'd ride it again.

Emily swore up and down she liked it -- I KNOW she really liked the fact that she survived, and that was the reason. Here's the picture of the official picture: note that Melissa is taking our picture.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

I was like that little boy when I went on the ride, but I promised my husband I would go on (when we honeymooned, most of the trip was for me so I had made a few promises to him, and that was one of them), I was terrified the whole time in line, and then when the ride ended I kept saying "it's not over it's not over", and this little girl in front stared at me with a smirk. I will not go on that ride again, I do however love Rock n' Roller Coaster. I'll be anxious to see if you went on and what you thought.

Congrats to your survival and for all being so brave. LOVE the pictures you took, you really captured the feel of that ride.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

JPFamilyMom, I TOTALLY understand what you mean about "it's not over!" That up & down thing seemed to go on forever!!! So, I wasn't sure, and really can't even remember how it ended...that's kind of weird.

But seeing how much my DD loved the ride, I don't think I'll be able to opt out!

 

[jmskinner]

Wow Ladies I'm all caught up and that was after being sick twice and away from DISing playing games on FB with Melissa

Hello, my name is Jessica and I'm a farmville addict.

Ok now back to the "real" stuff here.

Love all your pictures of Italy, both of you. My best friend went there or lived there or something and the pictures she sent were similar to some you all took. I would love some Italian food eating on our trip- but it won't happen, lol.

I can't wait to explore Epcot on our trip.

Your DHS story has me more anxious about our trip and trying to get tickets onto TSM. That is one ride I have to get my boys on. Can't wait to read the rest.

Have a Merry Christmas if I don't talk to you all before then.

Jessica, I think you will be ok getting at least one ride on TSM, can't remember what day of the week you plan on DHS. School will still be in here until the 12th of June so during the week may not be that busy. Oh, and since SWW have been announced, the weekend will be busy at DHS when you are there. Any plans on attending it?

I was like that little boy when I went on the ride, but I promised my husband I would go on (when we honeymooned, most of the trip was for me so I had made a few promises to him, and that was one of them), I was terrified the whole time in line, and then when the ride ended I kept saying "it's not over it's not over", and this little girl in front stared at me with a smirk. I will not go on that ride again, I do however love Rock n' Roller Coaster. I'll be anxious to see if you went on and what you thought.

Congrats to your survival and for all being so brave. LOVE the pictures you took, you really captured the feel of that ride.

Vickie is great at writing, so I knew she would have a great description for you. I just love ToT. After riding things like the Texas Cliffhanger at SFoT, ToT is a kiddie ride for me.

Vickie, I remember you were worried about your bag. The look on your face trying to figure out what to do with it since there wasn't a compartment. The fact that you only have a lap belt and not a shoulder harness shows this ride isn't that bad. It actually pulls you down instead of really dropping you. I just love, love, love it. Ok, let's see what was next.

 

[jmskinner]

So, we survived Tot. We wanted to ride RnRR, but the wait was too long and the FP's were too late for us. I think they were too late for Vickie also. This is where I wondered if we should have ridden TSMM instead of getting the FP's. Thing is, if you get in line before the return time for FP's start, that wait normally isn't that long. Honestly, the only reason some wait times are so long now is because you have to wait for the FP holders to ride.

But here is a pic going to get FP's:


After that we ended up in the Villain store, where there is also treats. I so want one of these:


But, not willing to pay $50 for it. I wonder who has?

Now, Vickie said ToT was scary. This is scarier,



Jonas started dancing. I was apologizing to everyone. Quick pic of Mickey.

After that we decided to do the TGMR, don't they all look thrilled:


Getting pics on this ride are a challenge for me. Of course we stop in the Gangster scene. Jacob and I have ended up in the Western I believe only once. Hadn't seen this CM before:


I had heard about a Hidden Mickey, but hadn't spotted it until now:


A couple of pics of the Alien:




And for some reason, maybe we hadn't been this far back before, I had never noticed this:


Mickey head:


The final scene of the Wizard of Oz is the one I really can't get a good pic of. I have a year and half to get it. Jacob is going to get tired of this ride I'm afraid.

Ok, next up, lunch at one of our favorites, but did Vickie and her family like it?

 

[SimmerBaggins]

I don’t remember if we got the FPs for RnR at that point, but I know we did get them eventually for my family – they were for 9:30pm. But, we were going to be at WDW for the whole day, and the Skinners wouldn’t, so we decided to go ahead and get the FPs.

I forgot that Jonas danced – thanks, Melissa.

We walked through the center of the park and saw a bit of this show:

But my DD wasn’t interested in HSM, and my DGD was too young for it, so we didn’t stay to watch much.

So, here we go into the ride – my pictures won’t be near as clear, of course.

But, ha-hah! I do get a pic of Melissa.

I’m not sure what Emily is trying to see…

My absolutely favorite singing/dancing actor is Gene Kelly. He was really HOT in his younger years, and Singing in the Rain was a good love story.

And WHO could think of Disney without thinking of their childhood and Mary Poppins?? Didn’t we all want a sitter like that?

I’m not sure why I took this picture – I’m neither a fan of James Cagney nor of this film – I guess it’s just the precursor to the gangster we’re about to encounter.

And, here he is! (Gee, he was much closer in Melissa’s photo…)

I love that they’ve immortalized John Wayne here.

“Insist on the Old Reliable – Kitchen Queen Baking Powder”! And what the heck was a Pocahontas Remedy? (yipe!)

Indy!!!

Okay, was this Tarzan’s Jane, or that woman from the Indy movie?

And, phooey – we were at the end of the “bus” and couldn’t hear the witch! I thought she’d come back out, but she didn’t. You can see her standing right in front of the smoke.

The Emerald City – oh, how it shines!

I’m awfully hungry now…can we go eat?

 

[SimmerBaggins]

We were a little early, but all of us were hungry for our dining reservations at the Primetime Diner. We had never been, but the Skinners had -- and they were first in line!

What's cool is that I had no idea what this place was going to be like; it was like stepping into your grandmother's house in its best, most 50ish state.

All the tables had a view of a TV; here's ours. The odd thing was that there was no sound; I was a little disappointed in this.

The waitresses are "designed" to be just like a family member feeding you back in the day, including telling you that your dessert was being fixed in the back by grandma.

The food is like old-fashioned cooking: fried chicken, sandwiches, etc. I forgot after all this time what I had...I just remember I wasn't super-impressed, but Melissa seemed to like her fried chicken.

This is Dad's Old Fashioned Brownie -- it will take TWO people to eat it, but it is definitely worth the dessert portion of your dining plan!!

On full tummies, we left with smiles...I know something happened here, but I don't remember what. Hopefully Melissa can fill in the gaps!!

 

[jmskinner]

And here be my picture from outside,





The front counter area:




One day I will go sit here and enjoy a drink:


Everyone looking over the menu:


Notice Jacob doesn't have one, he never looks at menus:




Jonas and I ended up sitting away from each other, since coming back from Iraq, he has to sit where his back isn't to the door.


And our waitress...oh cousin, that's right. She was very nice, but not as good as one particular waiter I have had there. He was there that day, but we weren't seated in his area. Our cousin did a decent job, she particularly picked on Robert if I remember correctly.

Mickey Heads:


And you can see that Vickie wasn't the only one that got that dessert:


And this was Roberts:


Emily got a sundae:


I didn't get a dessert, but as Vickie stated, I filled up on my chicken. They really do have good fried chicken, just like Grandma use to make.

I figured Vickie would touch upon this, but since she didn't I will. We had all asked for refills on our drinks when the desserts were brought out, but our cousin forgot about them. Actually, we had to borrow ketchup from the family members at the next table because our cousin didn't bring any out and we didn't see her for a long time. One problem with going with such a large group of people, they automatically add a 20% tip. Robert wasn't too happy having to pay that since the drinks weren't even refilled, but he ended up paying it. Now that I look back, I agree with him.

We were off to my favorite ride at DHS, anyone guess which one?

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Oh, man, I do now remember the drink issue -- no, I was not really happy with the "cousin."

And what in the world was Robert's dessert??? It looks like ice cream on Rice Crispies!!

Wow, there were so many things we DID NOT do in this park! I really feel like we rushed it, even though we came back later.

 

[jmskinner]

Now, we had our lunch and sadly it was about time for us to leave and say goodbye to Vickie and her family.

Part of the reason we hit 50's Primetime early was when I finally got the FP's for TSMM, they were for the exact same time as our ADR. The CM that helped me get the FP's, can't remember what issue I had, said we could still use them, just couldn't before the designated time.

I just realized something, I do remember that same CM was helping one of the Braziliian tour groups get FP's by just dispersing FP's instead of making them use each FP. Ok, this is quicker, but I just realized they are then able to get other FP's without waiting the 2 hours like the rest of us. That's not fair!!!!

Ok, back to TSMM. I was able to get a pic of Robert:


And then Jordan:


This is where we said goodbye to Vickie, Robert, Jordan, and Emily. Very sad moment, but I know they still had some fun, can't wait to hear what they did.

 

[Finkelstein's Hubby]

We sat there the last time we were there I refused to eat the collared greens, tried to hide them under what was left of my chicken, so the server made me wear an Ariel bib as punishment. I really tried to eat them but they tasted foul and I almost threw up on the counter. Like the look of the brownie dessert though.....always good to see what I will be devouring when I come over. 50's Prime Time is one of the best restaurants to be in and the styling is fantastic but I was not too big a fan of the main courses......almost dislocated my jaw trying to consume the milk shake.

Gordon

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Well, this is us, headed toward the famous Toy Story ride! I really had no idea what this ride was like; had no idea what the hype was. I mean, it's just a ride, right?

Well, I should have known -- it would be more fun that a (ahem) barrel of monkeys!

I immediately liked the fact that we were now "toy sized" -- jumbo toys just put you in the party mood!

The interesting thing about this (after you've looked at the jumbo toys), is that the line for FPs is about as long as a normal line would be. So...double or triple what the normal line is. It was still a long wait, even with the entertainment value of the line.

When we got to the carts to get in, I liked the different layout immediately, but was unprepared for the rushing start!! It was so much fun -- Robert said it is the one ride he would jump right back in line for. Which, for him, says a lot. I didn't care about my score -- even though it was horrendously bad -- I had a great time.

Here's one more picture of most of us in line:

We said good-bye to the Skinners... ...but at the same time, we were excited to do more.

...And this, my friends, near and far, is the conclusion of our dual-posting. If you will remember, long ago, Melissa started this thread, and now I will finish it...(I'm feeling rather Baggins-ish right now)!

Here we go, back to the other side of the park...the lady with the car had a great "old-movie" voice! She was giving advice, but we didn't stick around for it.

I know I told my DD to pose...just not sure why she struck this pose!

This lady had a "New Orleans" flavor -- !

...and now, I must switch camera cards and come back later -- with the Browns-only continuation -- we're not done with Hollywood Studios!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

We sat there the last time we were there I refused to eat the collared greens, tried to hide them under what was left of my chicken, so the server made me wear an Ariel bib as punishment. I really tried to eat them but they tasted foul and I almost threw up on the counter. Like the look of the brownie dessert though.....always good to see what I will be devouring when I come over. 50's Prime Time is one of the best restaurants to be in and the styling is fantastic but I was not too big a fan of the main courses......almost dislocated my jaw trying to consume the milk shake.

Gordon

Gordon, I just want you to know that I struggled over how someone could dislocate their jaw over a milkshake for the entire day...and just finally got it!! Thanks for sharing!!

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Great pic's ladies. You all have me so excited for TSM- that is like the main ride I know my family has to do at DHS. I think once the boys go on it, it will be all they will want to do in that park.

I'll be interested to see how the rest of the day is spent Vickie.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

And where were we going this fine afternoon? DD, DH and I remember fondly our last time at this park, watching Beauty & the Beast -- we wanted to share this show with Emily. I think we are always pleasantly surprised by the shows -- just because it's a story you've heard many times doesn't mean you won't be entertained!

There were a LOT of people going in to see the show this day, and it was a very hot day. There were several large fans that are connected to the top of the auditorium, but they only blew periodically on us.

The show was wonderful! Emily enjoyed it very much, and she would probably tell you, if you haven't seen it yet, please do!

Along our way back by the stores, I decided to look one more time for a picture of Darkwing Duck...this was the character one of my office mates, Dong Park, wanted to see. He used to watch the show on TV (I remember him, too), but hadn't seen him in a long time. There were no statues of Darkwing Duck, and one of the CMs had made a call for us to discover that he wouldn't be making any appearances in the parks during our time there. So it was to our great relief that my DH discovered, in a book where you could custom order watches, a page with him on it! I gleefully snapped the pic:

Our next ride was the Muppet show...it had a long line that wrapped itself around the building -- I couldn't believe it!! If we hadn't had Emily with us, we might have skipped the show...but again, it was hot, and we wanted her to see it. I didn't get any pics, though. As we came out, we saw the Cars sitting out back, ready for pictures!!

I like this side of the park!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Well, I can't overemphasize how hot and humid it was this day; for my family to cart around an umbrella is a sure sign. We like to just meander around this area and see the "streets and buildings..." always something interesting to see!

Here, you can see how the street looks like they paved over the "old bricks" from "days gone by!"

This was an interesting shot -- you know it's really hot when young girls find themselves a porch to sleep on...I guess the hotel is just too inconvenient at this time.

I know there are people who see this kind of landscape all the time, but I don't, and I just love how it all comes together...the window dressing, the design of the old/new parts of the building...Americana!

City-street life isn't agreeing with my DD today.

So, we sent the Dad to get ice cream -- check that line!!

This is one of my favorite signs of all time -- EAT. Eat what?? I guess it doesn't matter??

Then, out of boredom or plain curiousity, I looked up and saw this bit of naked carving...and what exactly are the lions doing in this picture? I'm not getting this whole picture.

My DH comes back to the rescue with cold refreshment!

Personally, I liked just hanging out on the street, here. This is the best kind of atmosphere...!

Next up, the humongous garden, with DH and DGD!

 

[jmskinner]

We sat there the last time we were there I refused to eat the collared greens, tried to hide them under what was left of my chicken, so the server made me wear an Ariel bib as punishment. I really tried to eat them but they tasted foul and I almost threw up on the counter. Like the look of the brownie dessert though.....always good to see what I will be devouring when I come over. 50's Prime Time is one of the best restaurants to be in and the styling is fantastic but I was not too big a fan of the main courses......almost dislocated my jaw trying to consume the milk shake.

Gordon

Too funny Gordon,was there evidence of the Ariel bib? My friend the Duck made me get a chocolate shake there and I don't think I was able to have half of it.

Ok, the sad thing here is, most of the main courses at 50's Primetime are what we eat regularly, so guess you wouldn't enjoy dinner at our house.

Vickie great updates. Barrel of Monkeys, . I like the picture of everyone sitting down there on the street corner. Nice little memory. Glad you enjoyed TSMM. I think with SWW occuring on our next trip we will have to do DHS together again. Which by the way, a friend was just at DHS on NYE and she said she found the perfect time to ride TSMM, 2:15am. It's amazing that the ride has been open over a year now and still makes that draw.

Looking forward to the rest of your TR. Now I feel like I missed out.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

I consider some of this "the basics!" Emily had never been to the parks, so we kept a lot of the parks a surprise, which was great for us and her! So when we got to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground, she was delighted. I know it doesn't look that way here, but she was!

Unfortunately, part of the frustration was that my DD, Jordan, decided she would rather fry in a frying pan than have any part of this ordeal. So, she sat in a secluded section. You see her twirling the pink umbrella.

Here's my DGD, posing!

I think my DH wants to play!

YES - he did want to play!! (don't tell him this picture is posted)

(just in case you doubted it was really him...)

Emily quickly found out about the musical properties of the little stumps...and Robert had to play along as well.

Have you listened to the giant ant? It really has something to say...

A grand view with my DGD in the middle:

I believe the fly makes a noise, too -- it's just so loud you start to ignore it, or not really realize what it is.

What I don't show is what we did tell Emily about -- the sniffing dog. We really played this up, telling her to be careful, as the dog might take a really big sniff...! She enjoyed playing around, but the bad thing for the adults is that there really isn't a lot of room to sit. The ground and "rocks" are very uncomfortable, unless you are lucky enough to find a place suitable for your hind-end.

Sometime before or during this timeframe, we got a call from Emily's mom, asking us to get a gift for Emily's stepbrother, who she doesn't get to see a lot of. So we made a special stop at the nearby store to find an appropriate gift for a 5 year old.

Well, what do you know -- he likes Star Wars!

And so, we got him a Jedi Mickey.

I always like to look up in this store to see what they've "stored" there...

Next up: heartthrob!!

 

[jmskinner]

Can't believe you posted that pic of Robert. Hmmmm blackmail material.

Jacob loves that playground. Your right though, not a lot of room to sit and it is one of those areas where it can get a little scary when you haven't seen your child for a few minutes. Its fun seeing the park through the eyes of a newbie.

Great pics!!!

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Great pics and I agree with Melissa - you are in trouble when DH sees that pic!!!

Can't wait to hear who the heart throb is! The only one we saw was Prince caspian love:).