(NEW TR LINK) Mickey MMMouse,McDonald Duck& Memo: 12 Days & 13.1 Miles. Nov 2013 TR

[Tinker326]

I should've joined you guys at ToT, at least then I would have someone to ride with instead of all by myself. (Since I prefer the RnRC single rider line - I don't miss you there.) Our DD is like Becca - no way she'll go on that ride! I tell her that its just because it has "Terror" in its name. So, we started renaming it as a running joke. Everytime we talk about it its "Tower of Puppies" or "Tower of Rainbows" or my favorite "Tower of Chocolate". Nope, still doesn't work!

But what's this, you don't LOVE TSMM? What's wrong with you! That'll get you banished from the DIS.

Just Kidding. Our family all love it, I think it's probably in DW top 3 rides. While I wouldn't got that far, I always find myself laughing histerically as it ends rubbing my should from the pain I induced trying desparately to get a high score. The same as Buzz Lightyear - pshaw! I've never dislocated a shoulder on Buzz.

Eek...locked the keys in the house. D'oh! I think we'd be in pretty big panic mode with that one too. Now you make me think we should give spare keys to TWO people when we go away.

You should have come ride ToT with us! Next time, right?

I think one of the reasons I didn't like Toy Story as much as everyone else is that is actaully tiring to ride that ride- pulling that string! Don't get me wrong- I like the ride. It's a fun ride.. it's just not worth the hype & massive waits that everyone makes it out to be- in my humble opinion.

We were seriously calling everyone to see if we had an extra set floating around. We had JUST take one set back from a neighbor and given it to Becca to carry around - we also were starting to look up locksmiths since we had the dogs inside that needed to be fed & let out.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I swear I replied?!?? Must have been in my head. That happens a lot.

Brave, brave, brave children! ToT is one of the only things I have not gone on at WDW and don't plan to. I just can't. I'm a chicken. I HATE drops. It's why I don't like Splash Mountain. Shake me up, roll me upside down, make me go fast...but no dropping me please!

I locked a client's key in the house once! I just called a locksmith, showed them my contract saying I was supposed to be there, paid my $60 (which I ate, b/c it was my fault!) and he opened the door!

Now once I had a client lock me out b/c they locked the glass/screen door and went out a different way without thinking...luckily they had a garage code and I was able to get in that way!

All sorts of craziness happens when people go out of town! Alarms randomly going off, broken water pipes on Christmas Eve...and occasionally sick pups. Just had to take one to the vet yesterday.

OMG, petsitting ramble on your thread! Sorry, I just go off on rambles sometimes.

 

[Tinker326]

I swear I replied?!?? Must have been in my head. That happens a lot.

Brave, brave, brave children! ToT is one of the only things I have not gone on at WDW and don't plan to. I just can't. I'm a chicken. I HATE drops. It's why I don't like Splash Mountain. Shake me up, roll me upside down, make me go fast...but no dropping me please!

I locked a client's key in the house once! I just called a locksmith, showed them my contract saying I was supposed to be there, paid my $60 (which I ate, b/c it was my fault!) and he opened the door!

Now once I had a client lock me out b/c they locked the glass/screen door and went out a different way without thinking...luckily they had a garage code and I was able to get in that way!

All sorts of craziness happens when people go out of town! Alarms randomly going off, broken water pipes on Christmas Eve...and occasionally sick pups. Just had to take one to the vet yesterday.

OMG, petsitting ramble on your thread! Sorry, I just go off on rambles sometimes.

The drop feeling is my favorite- I think because my old, old body can't handle the head banging of the upside down coasters anymore. So drop ones are all I have left! Hahahaha~

Thankfully, no dogs died during the experiencing of this trip for this trip report. Which indeed means, we got our petsitter back into our house.

I often have full conversatsion in my brain and then say "But I told you that" to someone..and they are like.. "um, no you didn't".

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

The drop feeling is my favorite- I think because my old, old body can't handle the head banging of the upside down coasters anymore. So drop ones are all I have left! Hahahaha~

Thankfully, no dogs died during the experiencing of this trip for this trip report. Which indeed means, we got our petsitter back into our house.

I often have full conversatsion in my brain and then say "But I told you that" to someone..and they are like.. "um, no you didn't".

Rey sometimes says to me when we are talking, "If you just said something to me, your mouth did not open."

 

[JulieODC]

I still call it MGM too - old habits die hard!

I'll do ToT, but it isn't my favorite....Rockin' Rollercoaster though, is one of my favorites!!!

 

[Tinker326]

I still call it MGM too - old habits die hard!

I'll do ToT, but it isn't my favorite....Rockin' Rollercoaster though, is one of my favorites!!!

If I wasn't so ooooooold, Rockin' Rollercoaster would be one of my favorites too! My head just can't handle the banging around!

 

[Tinker326]

While we were busy enjoying the Little Mermaid- two things were still going on- First- Hubby was still trying to resolve the 'dogs locked in our house with the keys' situation and Second- the show ran late and we missed our ADR time for our lunch plans!

So after Little Mermaid let out- we hauled on over to this place for our lunch....



We had not eaten here since 2008 and I wanted to give it another go because I thought the kids would think the inside was cool.

We were late & so we got relegated down the list a bit and had a bit of a wait. Oh well.... aside from whining children/hubbies... we survived. First World problems, right?

And soon we were seated in our little pink caddy!



I was right, the kiddos loved it......



However, the food was 'eh'. And overpriced (shocker at Disney, I know!).

Makin' time for a selfie with the one item that was good! Milkshakes!!



I can't even remember what we ordered except none of it was anything to write home about. Hamburgers I think... and maybe kids pasta? I dunno. I do know the milkshakes were good & the kids had fun . And that is what matters.

We headed back out to the park and over towards Star Tours. I had never done the re-imaged ride & was excited to ride! But first we had to stop here- it's mandatory picture shots everytime we are in this park (that once in 10 trips thing).





(PS- this is how her hair looks most everyday. She plays hard, what can I say?)



It is Hubby's secret desire to be a storm trooper.

The ride was cute but we moved fast through the line & so I got very few pictures. Like... actually... only one picture...



But I liked the ride. So thumbs up! We headed into the gift store to explore.
And then back out again to hit the next item on the agenda........... which was.....



We could not get a decent picture to save our lives here. This was the best one of our family.. hubby looking down...

And then Gram wanted a picture and this was the best she got...



With Charlie's famous '***?" look.

From there I tried to get the kids into see Phineus and Ferb..which both girls like... however.... Becca suddently deemed herself 'too cool' for them & Sarah declared the line "too long" (it was 2 people deep). Moving on......

Over to one of my favorites. The Muppets!! Sure the technology is old but who doesn't love Gonzo & the old men in the balcony? It's classic...

We had a bit of a wait.. so.. we played on our phones...



Took pictures of the waiting area...

There's that loveable huggable bear Fonzie...





Again.. ***?



SELFIE.



Anyone else notice a pattern where the only pictures I ever appear in are the ones titled "selfie". You know who the camera holder is in this family! Ha!

We laughed at the show & soon enough, it was time to go.

We had precious little time of our day left at MGM- as it was a 4pm close. We also still had two dogs locked in our house and working on the problem....

On our way out of Muppets, some nice family handed us their Fast Passes for Toy Story. Um, ok. Thanks! Woo! So we went and rode it again. Then moved on to this oldie.......but goodie.......



I love, love, love movies. Old ones, new ones, singing ones, laughing ones, Brittish ones (especially Brittish ones!)... so I really do enjoy this ride. No matter what the reviews...

Here's one of my faves- book & movie... Scarlett's dress from Gone With the Wind...



Frankly my dear, I do give a d#mn. And I love your movie!

We stopped to 'sing in the rain'



All three girls appropriatly hid when the Aliens descended into our tram.

And then came out again once they found themselves over the Rainbow.. in another one of my all time favorites!



By the time this ride ended, we literally had run out of time at this park. We started heading out...and I FINALLY found a photopass person (few and far between).. and insisted on a picture.

What's funny about this picture...



It was almost perfect..almost.. except.. you know.. the phone?!?!?!

What?!

Put it down...

Try again..



Nope, not as good. Sarah's looking off to the side and Charlie's starting her WFT look. Darn it.... foiled again in the quest for a family picture!

I forgave said Hubby for transgression because he was actaully on the phone with our relatives that had an extra set of keys to save our poor dogs from starvation! So you will be happy to know that no dogs died during the experiencing of this trip report. Phew, bet you were worried, right?

We said our goodbyes to MGM and headed out the park. Oh, but not before ONE MORE PHOTO!

And this is actually one of my favorites....



We headed back to the hotel. To refresh & drop off Gram who was meeting some friends. And we were also meeting some friends... for dinner.. DIS FRIENDS!

And that exciting update will be next. Sometime.. later...

 

[STLMickeyMom]

Hollywood studios! my second favorite park! I don't know why I love it so much, but I do! (although I agree, it's still MGM in my head!)

I love the ToT pic with Charlie and Sarah! Charlie was so brave! we haven't ridden it since we've had kids because they were too small. i'm thinking about taking them on in September. i'm actually more worried they"ll be more afraid from the themeing and CMs (really--they really love their jobs, don't they? they creep me out a little!) then from the ride. in your last ride picture, the guy in front on you cracks me up! he looks like he's trying to climb up the wall and get out!!!

LOVE RnR!! another one we haven't done in forever....maybe it'll go on the next visit list too. i'm not sure if our youngest will be tall enough, but we'll have to check it out!

looks like a great start to your day!!

 

[STLMickeyMom]

oops--posting at the same time! more Hollywood!! woohoo!

I was so sad muppets was down when we were there, and we never made it back to do. I love it! especially the old men! why are they so funny?!?

I love the family picture, even if DH is on the phone....Charlie's smile is BEAUTIFUL!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Ah, the quest. Yes, I know that quest and still have rarely found the family photo without some mishap, eye blink, or bizarre face!

We ate at Sci-fi a few years ago and loved the experience but not the food. Once was nice for the memory but I doubt we would go back only because the food just wasn't memorable.

I really cannot believe I will be there in mere days! I'm in complete denial, still thinking something is going to happen.

BTW, you know how sometimes something just strikes you and you can't seem to get it out of your head? I keep running over the race in my head, freaking, relaxing, freaking, calming back down...and every once and a while that image of you crying during your race strikes me. It had such an impact on me! I have no doubt the marathonphoto people will catch me with a similar shot b/c I can barely hold it together without crying BEFORE the race...I think I'm going to be a blubbery mess the whole time!

 

[Tinker326]

Hollywood studios! my second favorite park! I don't know why I love it so much, but I do! (although I agree, it's still MGM in my head!)

I love the ToT pic with Charlie and Sarah! Charlie was so brave! we haven't ridden it since we've had kids because they were too small. i'm thinking about taking them on in September. i'm actually more worried they"ll be more afraid from the themeing and CMs (really--they really love their jobs, don't they? they creep me out a little!) then from the ride. in your last ride picture, the guy in front on you cracks me up! he looks like he's trying to climb up the wall and get out!!!

LOVE RnR!! another one we haven't done in forever....maybe it'll go on the next visit list too. i'm not sure if our youngest will be tall enough, but we'll have to check it out!

looks like a great start to your day!!

oops--posting at the same time! more Hollywood!! woohoo!

I was so sad muppets was down when we were there, and we never made it back to do. I love it! especially the old men! why are they so funny?!?

I love the family picture, even if DH is on the phone....Charlie's smile is BEAUTIFUL!

I tell you- I think it was the line that did Becca in for ToT. She got so scared while waiting that she ultimetly bailed. Where I think had she ridden it and gotten past the 'theming' she would have really liked that ride. Oh well...

And yes, I love that guy trying to climb the wall too! "Get me out of here!!!"

The old men are so, so funny. But that's becasue they are sarcastic and I love me some good sarcasm. I also really like Gonzo for whatever reason. He cracks me up too..... I can't wait for that new Muppet movie to come out in the theaters.

Charlie does have a great smile! When she shows it!

 

[JulieODC]

Looks like you guy had a great day at DHS!

Before I even read your comment on that family picture, I was thinking that it was a GREAT picture, too bad about the phone Maybe you can photoshop it out!!

 

[Tinker326]

Looks like you guy had a great day at DHS!

Before I even read your comment on that family picture, I was thinking that it was a GREAT picture, too bad about the phone Maybe you can photoshop it out!!

I like to call it 'a real life photo'.

 

[Tinker326]

Let's finish this day up!

After we closed out MGM at 4pm- we dropped off Gram at the hotel to go meet up with her friends and headed back to here.......



Ah yes.... back to the big ball!

Tonight was the night we were meeting up with DIS Friends! I met SkierPete right here on these lovely boards. We chatted & introduced our girls via Skype.. and a new DIS friendship was born. So we were very excited to meet them at EPCOT at a restaurant we had never tried before- Garden Grill- for dinner!

After some initial shyness with the girl's.. they soon hit it off. Especially Sarah and Peter's DD. The girls settled into one side of a table and the adults on the other & we enjoyed friends, food & Disney. What could be better?

This dinner was great fun! We had a later dinner & it was not rushed at all and the characters came around several times and interacted well with us-

Those Chippys are some of our favorite characters as well- and they were first around!

Chip



Dale



Peter's DD joins the picture!



Notice Sarah's sporting her new Tower of Terror Tee-Shirt she bought earlier. I think to rub in her sisters face for the rest of the evening. That's just an observant momma's speculation.

The food here was pretty good. It's family fare and comes with Turkey& Salmon & maybe beef? I can't remember I don't like salmon, so I can't vouch for that- but the rest was good for me.. Here's a picture of half eaten food when I remembered to take the picture...

This Turkey, stuffing & mashed potatoes...



Salmon & the beef



The kids got Mac and Cheese and drumsticks. And dessert was a berry thing- I think. Man, I am old. I can't remember.

Somewhere in here I found my absolute FAVORITE hidden Mickey of this trip. It is VERY well hidden and it took a cast member and a laser beam to point it out. It's a profile.. hidden beneath several rows of ferns.. can you see it?



The big Cheese came by.... the only time we saw this dude this trip!

Chattin' up the girls...



There's always time for hugs with the mouse...



And, of course, a group picture!



Pluto came around... and was being the silly dog that he is..

Eyeballin' Becca's soda. She's like 'no way. dog.'



Then she to show him her pin of him..



He is feigning excitement considering his eyeballs are nowhere near that pin for him to actually see it.

And... group picture.....



Aww...cute picture, isn't it?

Chip popped around again-



And then my favorite interaction of the trip- Dale. He's totally silly!

Trying to steal her drink.......



Nope.... so move next door...Success...



Where is Charlie?



Oh, there she is.. ha!



Even adults got their share of teasin'- SkierPete and his wife... and a chipmunk.



Really, this meal was a lot of fun... I'm so glad we did it. And it will probably be on the agenda for next time too!

It was almost 9 by the time we finished and the girls were hitting it off and so they decided to join us for Illuminations.

See, how could they not be fast friends- they even own the same jacket?



And the same footwear- different colors!

While waiting, the children- mainly the two that matched- decided they would the worlds most helpful Disney guests and 'work' the glow booth for the poor Disney worker manning it.

What that meant was they got to play with all the items while claiming to 'help sell' the items. Demonstrate it all.

I'm ever so thankful to said Disney worker who allowed it because it prevented me from buying one. I'm pretty sure it did not help sales.



I had not seen Illuminations in over 10 years- so while not my favorite fireworks show- it was nice to see again.

SkierPete left shortly after the start and we made plans to meet up the next day. And our little family closed out our night with some Disney nighttime magic.









The show ended and we made our way back to our home away from home. It had been a long, good day. Time for some zzzzzz's.

Phew. I did it. Got through another day.

 

[skier_pete]

Geez, you have to send me some of those pictures - you were clearly more prepared with the camera than I was! I go through phases of picture taking, and this trip they're were not a lot of pictures being taken. (And many came out blurry - perhaps I was still drunk from food and wine?) I don't even remember Dale doing that with their drinks at all! And I definitely want the shot of us with Dale - we sure look like we're having fun. (Again looking drunk - what's up with that!) And also with DD and Sarah in the matching jackets. DD will get a kick out of that one.

I don't think the fish was salmon. It was some sort of whitefish (Tilapia?). I am not a huge fish-eater myself, but I really don't like salmon, and I know I tried a small piece of the fish.

Agree the food here is good - and the character interaction is one of the best. I think most of them came around twice, right?

That hidden mickey actually looks worse to me in your in-focus picture, though easier to spot. I know its a profile Mickey, but it just doesn't look the right proportions to me!

That lady at the cart was a saint. We really should have gotten her name to put in for recognition, but she also might've gotten in trouble for it. I told her flat out that she did NOT need to humor our kids, but she didn't seem to mind. I agree the sales from that cart were not above standard for that night.

I'm with you, only half-hearted on Illuminations, we were spoiled the previous trip seeing it from a Illuminations cruise, so when DD wanted to leave I had no problem with it. She was having trouble staying up past 8 most nights anyways.

 

[Tinker326]

Geez, you have to send me some of those pictures - you were clearly more prepared with the camera than I was! I go through phases of picture taking, and this trip they're were not a lot of pictures being taken. (And many came out blurry - perhaps I was still drunk from food and wine?) I don't even remember Dale doing that with their drinks at all! And I definitely want the shot of us with Dale - we sure look like we're having fun. (Again looking drunk - what's up with that!) And also with DD and Sarah in the matching jackets. DD will get a kick out of that one.

I don't think the fish was salmon. It was some sort of whitefish (Tilapia?). I am not a huge fish-eater myself, but I really don't like salmon, and I know I tried a small piece of the fish.

Agree the food here is good - and the character interaction is one of the best. I think most of them came around twice, right?

That hidden mickey actually looks worse to me in your in-focus picture, though easier to spot. I know its a profile Mickey, but it just doesn't look the right proportions to me!

That lady at the cart was a saint. We really should have gotten her name to put in for recognition, but she also might've gotten in trouble for it. I told her flat out that she did NOT need to humor our kids, but she didn't seem to mind. I agree the sales from that cart were not above standard for that night.

I'm with you, only half-hearted on Illuminations, we were spoiled the previous trip seeing it from a Illuminations cruise, so when DD wanted to leave I had no problem with it. She was having trouble staying up past 8 most nights anyways.

SO what you are saying.. is you were drunk that night? (one can never use this icon enough!) Just kidding. I can surely get you those pictures. The files are large though so I wonder if I put them in shutterfly or something? Or drop box? I have some from the next day too!

I think you are right- it was Talipia. Now that you say that, it rings a bell....and yes, those characters all did come around twice except Mickey I think.... I don't if the timing was well (since it was later) but I thought it was great interaction!

I don't care if you don't think it's not a real Mickey- I loved it! It was close enough for me!

That cart picture makes laugh. I'm sure the lady was thinking "I don't get paid enough for this......... " But I surely appreciated it!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Very nice update Nicole! Garden Grill is one of our absolute favorites! And yes, the fish is tilapia! I don't know if you had the same Dale as we did, but what a hoot he was!! That was the best character interaction we had all trip! We are making sure to take Kali in March.

How nice that you got to meet up with Skier Pete! I've only met a few Dis'ers while I was there and I'm not very active in the March group, so I probably won't be meeting anyone this time either. Next year Karen and I are planning to meet up at Playlist 2015. We'll see.

 

[Tinker326]

Very nice update Nicole! Garden Grill is one of our absolute favorites! And yes, the fish is tilapia! I don't know if you had the same Dale as we did, but what a hoot he was!! That was the best character interaction we had all trip! We are making sure to take Kali in March.

How nice that you got to meet up with Skier Pete! I've only met a few Dis'ers while I was there and I'm not very active in the March group, so I probably won't be meeting anyone this time either. Next year Karen and I are planning to meet up at Playlist 2015. We'll see.

I read about your meet up with Karen-- maybe on your PTR? I can't remember. I'm going to crash your party. Just for fun. (Kidding).

 

[STLMickeyMom]

Oh, I like your family photo in front of the golf ball! That's a good one!

Your dinner at garden grill looks fun! And I see another pretty Charlie smile with chip! Chip and dale always seems so fun, but we've never taken the time to meet them yet.

Love those polka dot jackets! Too cute!

 

[Tinker326]

Oh, I like your family photo in front of the golf ball! That's a good one!

Your dinner at garden grill looks fun! And I see another pretty Charlie smile with chip! Chip and dale always seems so fun, but we've never taken the time to meet them yet.

Love those polka dot jackets! Too cute!

Garden Grill was a lot of fun- not sure why we skipped it all these years! Loads better than the more popular Chef Mickey's. (and the food was better too!).

We love those chippies. They are always fun!