No One Does a Trip Report Like Gaston - January 2016 (Updated 4/14)

[blestmom]

Awesome trip report! And your photos are fantastic!!!

Thank you! It was a super fun trip. I was surprised at the amount of tour groups. There were huge South American tour groups there the entire 2 weeks. On top of that one week there were National Dance Team groups, and the next week was the National Cheerleading groups. So just lots and lots of tour groups. For the most part, we were able to zig and zag around them, but at times it did affect our touring.

I would say that one bummer was this incident:

For our very last ride, my son wanted to ride Space Mountain. This was on a Friday night EMH. The app stated a 30 minute wait time. When we got to the attraction, it also stated a 30 minute wait time. This was at 11 pm. So we got into line. About 5 minutes or so in line, all of a sudden up the FP side comes a huge group of cheerleaders (and their families). Then another. And another. And another. And another. They just kept coming. I stopped counting at 200. At this point we'd been in line now about 20 minutes. The stand-by line was now at a standstill. Our only option would have been to get out of the line and skip the ride, but it was our last ride, and now the park was only open for another 30 minutes. So we decided to wait it out. It ended up being a 75 minute wait. I felt so bad for people with little kids in the line, who decided 30 minutes was worth it, but never would have gotten in line if it had stated 75. Huge fail there with the FP+. I don't know what the answer is when huge tour groups come through like that.

 

[tinawv]

Your photos are fantastic! Can't believe the photos you got of an empty park in Epcot; simply beautiful.

 

[blestmom]

Your photos are fantastic! Can't believe the photos you got of an empty park in Epcot; simply beautiful.

Thank you! I don't think I've been to an EMH at Epcot before. After the fireworks at 9:00, it really cleared out. We had been watching Illuminations in the back by Germany, so we walked out one side of the World Showcase. We were able to take some photos of a near empty Future World, then head back into the World Showcase for another go around for photos, and this time hardly anyone was back there at all (except at the pub in England...there's always a party there ) Then back to Future World right at 11 when it closed.

 

[katt789]

Oh my gosh your photos are AMAZING!!! and all those empty nighttime shots! BEAUTIFUL!!! I definitely need to be hanging around for more of that! What camera do you use/what lenses for Fantasmi & the other nighttime shots?!

 

[Glam]

I am curious what camera you use also. Your photos are amazing!!!!

And I like the overview you approach you took with this TR. It's like a highlight reel!

 

[blestmom]

I have a Canon t3i. I used just the kit lenses that came with it...18-55 and 55-200.

 

[blestmom]

Random thoughts about...Astro Obritor.

Oh my gosh, I thought my son was going to kill me. Amazingly, we got on quite well for the entire 2 weeks. I give the kid credit as he's 17 and to hang out with just mom for 2 weeks is pretty commendable. But this ride almost did us in!

We were there on a night when the park was open late. I don't think it was EMH, just late hours. Astro Orbiter isn't one of our favorite rides, but we like it well enough that we thought we'd give it a go. I think the line and queue for this ride is just weird. As best I can remember, there are 2 elevators and 2 'holding' areas where they put guests (one for each elevator). When assigning you to a holding area, the cast member asks "How many?" Now, on most rides, when they ask "How many?," they mean "How many guests are riding together?" So my son said "Two." But the cast member really meant, "How many are going to ride in each vehicle?" But that's not what they said...they just asked "How many?" So when my son said "Two" they gave him 1 little plastic card you need for loading, and then he quickly moved on to the next guest. I realized that meant that he and I were going to be in the same car. He really did not want that, but by this time, the holding cell was full.

In retrospect, I should have said something to the cast member, even if it meant waiting for the next round. Because honestly, the two of us riding together was really not the best thing.

First of all, it was awkward. You just sit kind of straddled one in front of the other. And even though I offered to go in the back, they made a point of stating that the taller rider had to be in back. That would most definitely be my son. So yeah, kind of awkward seating for a 17-year-old boy and his mom. He was already complaining quite a bit at this point. "Just get it over with" I kept telling myself.

Well, I forgot how much those vehicles LEAN to the side when you're in it. So after it started and we went up, I guess I was really squishing him, and he ended up pulling a muscle in his leg. Poor dude. This was not the fun it was supposed to be.

After we got off the ride, it took about 1/2 hour for his leg to stop hurting.

He stated, "Let's not do that one again."

Looking back it was kind of funny. But next time...we will make sure when they ask "How many?" ... we state loudly, "ONE!"

 

[blestmom]

Random thoughts about...Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

This was our first time seeing the new queue. It was nothing spectacular, but anything is good that helps keeps you entertained while you're waiting in line. This attraction (next to 7DMT and Space Mountain) had consistently longer lines. I'm guessing that maybe it had something to do with all the "teen" tour groups in attendance (South American, National Dance Team and National Cheerleader). Teenagers like the "mountains!" Over the course of 2 weeks, we did get to ride it multiple times (sometimes with FP. sometimes in stand-by) but there were many times that we turned around because the wait was just too long.

We saw a nice thing...there was a small group waiting on the other side of the loading area. There was a very elderly woman with, and she was getting special boarding (via the exit). She had a cane and it took her some time to get into the car. She very slowly boarded the train, and she handed the cast member her cane, and placed both hands on the safety bar. And she had the biggest smile on her face! She was SO ready for this!! It was just so sweet.

This ride is really fun at night! Make sure you're ready for a big 'jerk' at the end of the ride, right before you pull back into the station. It's can sneak up on ya'...

 

[blestmom]

Random thoughts about...Country Bear Jamboree.

Yes, it corny. Yes, it's old fashioned. And that's why we love it. I have fond memories of it as a kid, so I was hoping my kids would at least humor me by going with me. But they've ended up enjoying it all on their own. Because it IS so corny. I remember when it used to be sponsored by "Pepsi Cola and Frito Lay" and when the show ended you went to Pecos Bill where you could get...Pepsi Cola and Frito Lay, and we did many times. So now, one of my favorite treats, when I'm feeling Disney deprived, is "Pepsi Cola and Frito Lay." (Except, I often will substitute Diet Dr. Pepper because I like it better... )

 

[DVCDiana]

Beautiful photos, and really loved that you organized by park! Looks like you two had a fun trip

 

[BeckyEsq]

Great trip report and beautiful pictures! I really enjoyed your "3 Adorable Things" for each section. It was so nice to read something positive!!

 

[EmmasGrammy]

Thank you Being a middle school teacher could help me some with teens, that's for sure. The difference between 14 and 17 years has been quite noticeable. I'm seeing solo trips very soon here for me as he's my youngest. It will be weird but kind of nice to take as long as I want taking photos.

I am loving your report! your photos are so crisp and sharp! Lovely! I really enjoy the lay out of your report also. Very easy to read.
Your son is handsome and he kinda reminds me of Flynn Rider from the Tangled Movie, especially when he does he smolder pose in the ride pictures. LOL ! Flynn is my DGD's favorite character [she is 5]. Can't wait to read the rest of your report! Thanks for sharing.

 

[blestmom]

Beautiful photos, and really loved that you organized by park! Looks like you two had a fun trip

Thank you! It was a great trip, and a fun time with my son.

 

[blestmom]

Great trip report and beautiful pictures! I really enjoyed your "3 Adorable Things" for each section. It was so nice to read something positive!!

Thank you! There's so much wonderful times at Disney. I admit that I am one that tends to only see the good at Disney...the place just makes me so happy!! I can't wait to go back.

 

[blestmom]

I am loving your report! your photos are so crisp and sharp! Lovely! I really enjoy the lay out of your report also. Very easy to read.
Your son is handsome and he kinda reminds me of Flynn Rider from the Tangled Movie, especially when he does he smolder pose in the ride pictures. LOL ! Flynn is my DGD's favorite character [she is 5]. Can't wait to read the rest of your report! Thanks for sharing.

Thank you! And oh my...my son is going to love that you think that! The 'smolder pose'...LOL!

Just a little trivia...if you look at the photo in Post #2 (the ride photos from Test Track)...in the last photo, my son is sitting in the back seat. I'm not in that photo. And here's the back story...

Since Soarin' was down for refurbishment, Test Test ALWAYS had a very long wait during our trip. On this visit to Epcot, we had already used our FP for Test Track. Since Andrew loves thrill rides, I told him I'd be happy to shop a bit if he wanted to ride Test Track again in the single rider line. So off he went. When he came off the ride, I asked him how it went. He seemed pretty happy. I asked him who he got to ride with. He told me, "A bunch of girls." As you can see in the photo, I think he had a pretty good time.

For all the talk of tour groups and subsequent longer lines...there is something to be said for a teenage boy being surrounded by 15- and 16-year-old girls from South America AND National Dance Team girls AND National Cheerleaders.

Just saying...

 

[blestmom]

Random thoughts about...Hall of Presidents.

Dang, it we didn't get to HoP on this trip. We like to cheer for President Taft (because of Ponita and President Taft's Pony Brigade )

 

[blestmom]

Random thoughts on...Haunted Mansion

One of our favorite Walt Disney attractions. It's just so well done. My son is a real techno/engineering geek, so this is right up his alley. He has researched and studied how Walt and the Imagineers did so many of the special effects on HM. I can't begin to count how many times we rode it this trip. More than 10, less than 20. On two occasions, it was super crowded in the queue right after the stretching room...like wall to wall people. It was a little bit clausterphobic. I couldn't believe it when the doors kept opening and more and more were let in. I felt bad for parents with little kids because it really was that crazy crowded. On one ride, we got stuck in the haunted bride room for a long time (okay, it was probably no more than 5 minutes, but that seems like a long time on a ride.) I was glad it wasn't on the 'car almost laying down backwards' part...I think that would have been uncomfortable! I love the HM at nighttime.

 

[casnider]

#2. I just love seeing gentlemen give up their seat to those who need it on the buses. This young man was sitting by his girlfriend, but immediately jumped up and offered his seat to a mom who was carrying a small child. Not only did he give up his seat, he then proceeded to play with the young child, and keep him entertained during the ride.

Thank you so much for saying this. This is what I meant in a post on here several weeks ago. When I mentioned that this was a pet peeve of mine, some lady just was so ugly back at me. "Oh don't start with that. I don't need anyone giving up their seat for me".

My meaning was that I saw so many moms and little ones rolling all over the bus when they should have been offered a seat. My opinion only and my southern upbringing but it still bothers me.

By the way, WOW, just WOW at your pictures!

 

[blestmom]

Thank you so much for saying this. This is what I meant in a post on here several weeks ago. When I mentioned that this was a pet peeve of mine, some lady just was so ugly back at me. "Oh don't start with that. I don't need anyone giving up their seat for me".

My meaning was that I saw so many moms and little ones rolling all over the bus when they should have been offered a seat. My opinion only and my southern upbringing but it still bothers me.

I guess I'm old-fashioned. And I raised my 3 boys the same way.

By the way, WOW, just WOW at your pictures!

Thank you so much!

 

[Closet Disney Junkie]

I know you considered it a compromise but I loved the format of this report. You packed 2 weeks of events and observations into 4 park-based posts, and it made for a concise and super interesting read. Also your pics were amazing. Loved the underwater hippo; he must be pretty athletic bc he appears to be sponsored by Nike