Nory Report III: In the Third Person! After 3 Years, the Final Update! NEW 2/6

[norybell]

Oh wow, if you can do it for two years...you're my idol. I lasted 15 months with Patrick, but going back to work really did a number on my milk supply. I miss nursing very much.

Well, we'll see. 15 months is awesome, too!

I really enjoyed your report! I am super picky about reading reports, and I'm happy to say yours makes the cut. You are a very talented writer and photographer.

Aw, thanks.

Patrick is in the first grade. Dan and I are taking Patrick to WDW for his first time next August when he'll be seven. I can't believe I lasted this long. I'm actually going to start one of those silly pre-trip reports that I swore I would NEVER do. But, true to my life, there are lots of interesting things to talk about during the planning process.

I can't believe Patrick is in first grade already. Or that you've survived for so long without a WDW trip! Simba's been there twice already, but I'll admit that the trips were for me, not for him. I've never been a PTR person, either, though I did do a brief one while planning the last trip with Simba...traveling with him just made me feel there was so much more to plan and keep track of than usual. Please send me a link when you start yours, so I don't miss it (since I never check the PTR boards).

Looking forward to the rest of your report. Three years in the making! [/QUOTE]

 

[norybell]

This month has been getting away from me...Simba's morning nap, which was my DIS time, has been in a bit of flux, plus getting ready for the holidays, etc. etc. I'm way behind on all the TRs I'm following, but I'm catching up slowly but surely. I wanted to get an update going here, though -- this TR is going to be finished by the end of this year, no matter what!

------



Sadly, the inevitable moment had arrived: Nory's last day at Disney World. For this trip, anyway. She had originally planned on getting up bright and early for her first-ever breakfast at the Crystal Palace, and the idea of meeting Pooh and Eeyore and Tigger and pigging out on a buffet overflowing with Mickey waffles and made-to-order omelets was almost enough to get her out of bed.

Almost. But not quite.

After her late night of creativity, Nory decided she'd be better off with a bit more rest, and she dutifully snoozed until after nine. The Crystal Palace would always be there next time.

In no rush to leave her perfect room at the perfect resort at the most perfect place in Florida, she took her time packing up and getting ready. She made a few tearful farewells to her amazing view before leaving the Poly at check-out time exactly, 11:00.

She wheeled her suitcase out to the airline check-in desk at the hotel's entrance. There were only a few parties ahead of her in line, but it became immediately apparent that she'd be waiting for quite a while.

Why does it always take them so long to check people in? she wondered. Give me a computer, I can check myself in for a flight in about two minutes. Do people ask really complicated questions, or something? Is it because of all the luggage? She couldn't think of a single reason why it should take so long.

Nory noticed a young family standing in line behind her: a mother and father around her age, and their two daughters. She gave them an exasperated smile, commiserating about the long wait.

"I know, it's ridiculous, isn't it?" said the woman. "How much longer do you think this will take? I'm starting to wonder if we should just take a taxi…do you know how much one is to the airport from here?"

"I don't remember exactly," Nory replied. "But every time I've taken one, it's seemed surprisingly expensive. Maybe around fifty bucks or so."

"Ouch," said the woman, looking at her watch. "Well, I guess we'll just wait it out, then." She looked at Nory's single bag, and asked, "Are you here by yourself?"

Her tone -- its lack of surprise and slight tinge of jealousy -- made Nory wonder if she might belong to the Disney message boards, too.

"Yeah, it's just me. I can't get my husband to come with me...he claims he has absolutely no interest."

"No interest, huh?" the dad piped up, raising his eyebrows. Nory got the feeling that he might have no interest, too.

"It must be nice and relaxing, coming here by yourself," the woman said wistfully. "The people you're with are really what can make Disney stressful."

Nory looked to see if the man would react to this, but he was busy with their girls. "Well, once we have kids, then my husband won't have a choice anymore!" she said, and the woman laughed.

The group in front of Nory finally moved away, and she stepped up to the counter. The CM there checked her in to her flight in two minutes flat.

"Have a good flight back!" she said to the family behind her. Then she dropped off her suitcase with Bell Services and headed back to the Poly monorail station.

She arrived in the Magic Kingdom a little after noon, and rushed straight to Big Thunder for a fastpass, then to Columbia Harbor House in Liberty Square, hoping to beat the main lunch rush. The restaurant was busier than she'd seen it in any of her recent trips, but she still had no problems finding a table upstairs, where she quickly enjoyed a tuna fish sandwich.

Then she was off to one of her favorite Magic Kingdom attractions, which she hadn't visited once in this entire trip: Mickey’s Philharmagic. Nory was thrilled when the park added this 3D movie, a magical trip through many of Disney’s recent(ish) big films. She couldn't wait to be flying through the clouds with Tinkerbell, or whooshing through the bazaar on a flying carpet with Donald Duck.

As she waited in the lobby for the theater doors to open, she overheard a family looking at the park map and trying to decide where to eat.

"Cinderella's Royal Table," the dad said. "Let's go there, that's the one in the castle."

Nory chuckled quietly to herself, and resisted the urge to explain to them that they'd never get a table without a reservation. Then the door opened, and the guests started crowding inside.

Nory did her usual thing, and waited to allow enough people in front of her so she'd get a seat near the middle of the theater. But she waited too long, and ended up on the far left side, in the last seat. And she quickly realized that this would be a problem. Despite Minnie's recorded voice guaranteeing that every seat offered an equal view, Nory saw for herself that this wasn't the case. Because of the angling of the exterior seats, all Nory could see was a head in front of her, blocking the entire center of the screen. A few minutes after the show began, she did the unthinkable: she moved up a few rows.

No one seemed to notice.

The show was still wonderful, though not nearly as wonderful as it is from a better seat. Lesson learned.

***

I've walked the paths of the Magic Kingdom so many times in this trip, I think I could walk them in my sleep, Nory thought as she followed the river back to the mountains of Frontierland. She wound through the Big Thunder fastpass line, and was thrilled to be seated in the front car. Because even though she prefers the speed of the ride from the last car, the first one definitely makes it easier to take pictures.

***

 

[MEK]

Hey Nory. Happy Birthday to Simba! He's adorable and I'm sure he's loving his chocolate cake. Yum!

I'm catching up by phone because I , like you, are very much behind. So I will wait till later to see your fab pictures.

What a wonderful final evening in the world and I don't blame you for waiting until the last second to check out. I can't wait until the day I get to stay at the Poly!

Funny conversation at airline check in. CHH was So crowded for dinner last month but the good old upstairs came through

Ill be back to properly view your pics. Loved this TR and hate to see it end. I can't wait for the next one!

 

[MEK]

Back to see pics! LOVE the BTMRR pics! Just lovely!

 

[norybell]

Hey Nory. Happy Birthday to Simba! He's adorable and I'm sure he's loving his chocolate cake. Yum!

Thanks!

I'm catching up by phone because I , like you, are very much behind. So I will wait till later to see your fab pictures.

It seems like it's been a really busy season for everyone, doesn't it?

What a wonderful final evening in the world and I don't blame you for waiting until the last second to check out. I can't wait until the day I get to stay at the Poly!

It really is my happy place...I'm hoping the DVC changes don't alter that for me!

Funny conversation at airline check in. CHH was So crowded for dinner last month but the good old upstairs came through

It always does, doesn't it?

Ill be back to properly view your pics. Loved this TR and hate to see it end. I can't wait for the next one!

The next one is going to be SO different from this one, I'm kind of excited for something new!

Back to see pics! LOVE the BTMRR pics! Just lovely!

 

[KatMark]

Uh oh...change in nap routine and then having to start your own new routine...difficult time.

I bet it was hard to leave that resort and that view.

It amazes me with the internet and being able to search so many things that people don't research Disney better. I hope that family wasn't too disappointed when they realized they wouldn't be getting to eat in the castle.

Thanks for the heads up on sitting way at the end of the row at Mickey's Philharmagic.

I am so afraid to take pictures on BTMR...one of these days I'll be brave enough to keep the camera out. You got some great shots being in the front car.

 

[norybell]

Uh oh...change in nap routine and then having to start your own new routine...difficult time.

It looks like I have the morning nap back, at least for now...

I bet it was hard to leave that resort and that view.

It really was!

It amazes me with the internet and being able to search so many things that people don't research Disney better. I hope that family wasn't too disappointed when they realized they wouldn't be getting to eat in the castle.

Yeah, it was a little baffling to me. Especially when you're spending so much on a vacation, wouldn't you do a little research?

I am so afraid to take pictures on BTMR...one of these days I'll be brave enough to keep the camera out. You got some great shots being in the front car.

Next time you're sitting in the front, I really recommend it -- it's a much calmer ride up there, just keep the strap around your wrist and you'll be fine!

 

[hucifer]

After her late night of creativity, Nory decided she'd be better off with a bit more rest, and she dutifully snoozed until after nine. The Crystal Palace would always be there next time.

What what say WHAT? Oh no you di'in't. You cannot skip a Crystal Palace breakfast! It's in the Disney Rule Book!

"It must be nice and relaxing, coming here by yourself," the woman said wistfully. "The people you're with are really what can make Disney stressful."

I thought stress and Disney just naturally came together.

Then she was off to one of her favorite Magic Kingdom attractions, which she hadn't visited once in this entire trip: Mickey’s Philharmagic. Nory was thrilled when the park added this 3D movie, a magical trip through many of Disney’s recent(ish) big films. She couldn't wait to be flying through the clouds with Tinkerbell, or whooshing through the bazaar on a flying carpet with Donald Duck.

I loooooove the Peter Pan part. Really feels like I'm flying. [Sigh.]

"Cinderella's Royal Table," the dad said. "Let's go there, that's the one in the castle."

Imagine the disappointment on the family's face when they were laughed out of the castle.

Despite Minnie's recorded voice guaranteeing that every seat offered an equal view, Nory saw for herself that this wasn't the case.

Minnie's voice is RECORDED?
Yes, I found out that the end seats kinda suck.

Because of the angling of the exterior seats, all Nory could see was a head in front of her, blocking the entire center of the screen. A few minutes after the show began, she did the unthinkable: she moved up a few rows.

Brave girl. You even lived to tell about it.

 

[KatMark]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

​

 

[teekathepony]

Happy birthday, Simba! Oh he's just too cute!
LOVE the prophecy! SO cool!
I've never done the resort airline check in, but it sucks that it takes so long. Glad you got through it with enough time to get back to MK.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

The Last Day always stinks. I hear you on the seating situation...Donald's Butt is definitely better if you have a middle seat.

 

[norybell]

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We're just back yesterday from 6 whole days staying with my in-laws. I have never been so happy to be home before.

What what say WHAT? Oh no you di'in't. You cannot skip a Crystal Palace breakfast! It's in the Disney Rule Book!

And yet they've still let me come back. (Though, come to think of it, I've only been able to get an early CP reservation on one trip since then. So maybe they are punishing me, after all.)

I thought stress and Disney just naturally came together.

Now that I've been there with Simba, I can say that yes, you're right, they do...unless you're all by yourself, of course!

Happy birthday, Simba! Oh he's just too cute!
LOVE the prophecy! SO cool!

Thanks!

I've never done the resort airline check in, but it sucks that it takes so long. Glad you got through it with enough time to get back to MK.

I think it's real hit or miss...sometimes it goes really quickly, and sometimes it takes a while. And it probably feels like it takes even longer than it does, because who wants to be stuck in a line with their luggage on their last day at WDW?

The Last Day always stinks. I hear you on the seating situation...Donald's Butt is definitely better if you have a middle seat.

Yeah, I'm not a big fan of the last day! But I suppose it is inevitable. Unless, that is, you live here.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Unless, that is, you live here.

Yeah...I've perused some of the virtual tours. Wow, wow and wow. Definitely not happening in this lifetime.

 

[norybell]

Happy New Year!

We've been in a constant state of either travel, preparation for travel, or recovery from travel for the past two months, but I should be back with an update very soon.

Hope you all had wonderful holidays!

 

[KatMark]

Good to hear from you.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Happy NY Nory! Looking forward to it!

 

[norybell]

Yep, I'm still here! And catching up on my threads at a glacial pace. It's crazy, every time I think things are calming down and I'll have more DIS time (and more time in general), something new comes up (this past few weeks it was four new teeth for Simba and colds for all).

Anyway, with only two posts to go, I figured I'd better finish this thing up before they lock my thread again!


Nory considered getting another Big Thunder fastpass on her way out, but decided she should be content with her ride in the front seat, and let it go at that.

Instead, she wandered over to another of her favorite Magic Kingdom attractions that she hadn’t had time for so far: the Carousel of Progress. She’s always loved seeing some of Walt’s earliest audio-animatronics journey through history, and hearing the catchy song that goes with them.

“There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow…” she hummed to herself as she strolled out of Tomorrowland. She had figured out so much about her novel, she felt free to just relax and enjoy herself on this last morning. She’d ridden everything she’d wanted to ride, she’d seen everything she wanted to see. She’d be back again. So she just strolled around the park, no rush to be anywhere or get anywhere or do anything.

Nory ended up back on Main Street, and she considered looking through the shops for a birthday present for her niece, who was about to turn three. But the stores were busy, and she didn’t feel like fighting any crowds. Instead, she treated herself to an ice cream sandwich at the Main Street Bakery.

Then she stood outside on Main Street, the sounds of Disney music and noisy park guests filling the air, the bright colors of the storefronts surrounding her, the castle graceful in the distance. She was sad to be leaving, but at the same time, she was ready to go: It had been such an amazing few days, she could never ask for anything more.

Goodbye for now, Magic Kingdom! she thought. Then she exited the park, one last time.
***

 

[MEK]

Leaving is the worst. You know it's time to go and you're ready because you've got to get on with life, but it's still so sad.

I'll check back later tonight for pics. Poor Simba - 4 teeth! Yikes!

 

[MEK]

Wait - I can see the ice cream cookie and I want one so bad! Thanks for that!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Yep, I'm still here!

Instead, she wandered over to another of her favorite Magic Kingdom attractions that she hadn’t had time for so far: the Carousel of Progress. She’s always loved seeing some of Walt’s earliest audio-animatronics journey through history, and hearing the catchy song that goes with them.

Cheesy yet satisfying. I haven't missed it yet on a trip.

Goodbye for now, Magic Kingdom! she thought. Then she exited the park, one last time.

But glad you were able to tag the "for now" on there.