On the 1st Day of Christmas Walt Disney Gave to Me.....Final Chapter 5/14/10!

[englishrose47]

Merry Christmas to all the Karajeboos !!!

 

[karajeboo]

Living in Florida, I know how hot and humid it can be in the summer. That's why we opted for the Florida resident season passes which have us blacked out from mid June through mid-August. I can't imagine fighting the crowds AND the heat then! And our weather was very cool and damp the first day. High in the upper 50's which isn't bad but it was so damp that it just chilled us to the bone! Then the next two days were Florida chamber of commerce days. 70's one day and then mid 80's the next but sunny and dry!!!

Actually the crowds weren't bad I was amazingly surprised! For July 5th thru the 12th. I mean even walking in Epcot the walkways were very bare! We knew that about 2pm the rain would hit so we started planning our days to do outside stuff until then. Around 2 we would do inside rides, a nice lunch or the shows. One day we even did a hotel tour! That is all we did...toured all the hotels! It was so fun! It rained off and on all that day tho'. We were never cold just usually wet, which after a while you get crabby especially when your wet and hot from the mugginess. Is that a word? If not it is now Christmas week was definately busier with people, but you learn what parks to stay out of on christmas day. Mainly MK. AK wasn't too busy Christmas day...great day of fun and not bad on the crowds. We did have one day where the wind blew and I had to buy a sweatshirt it was so cold- upper 50's low 60's. Otherwise it stayed in the 74 to 82 degree range the whole time.[/QUOTE]

I'll tell you what else helps to determine which parks to go by - Tour Guide Mike.... I swear by his recommendations!

M went poo alot this year. lol

Very true! But I look forward to them getting stronger - I love the rivalry!

Nice update. WL is one of the few resorts I'd never stay at...the rooms are just not appealing to me at all for some reason. Of course, I also said that about the BoardWalk last year and I just got back from a trip there and loved it so I guess I should never say never!

TOTALLY different from BW! I'm partial to all the Epcot resorts, just because that is my favorite park. But WL did have its benefits too....

Just dropping in to say that I'm subscribing! How nice to be able to just take a two hour drive to WDW for the weekend. I would LOVE that!! We were in WDW that same weekend. That was the weekend it really warmed up and I was wishing I had packed more shorts & t-shirts! Look forward to reading more.

I ended up in a skort with leggings under it on Saturday and shorts on Sunday. I couldn't believe the temperature change between Friday and Sunday!

Merry Christmas to all the Karajeboos !!!

Same to you Rosie!!!

 

[karajeboo]

On the 3rd day of Christmas, Walt Disney gave to me.....

3 Season Passes
2 and a half hours drive time
And a room at the Wilderness Lodge.

When we moved to Florida in late 2007, we already had a grand gathering scheduled for the following May with Jeff's family. His parents picked up the tab for rooms, tickets, and dining plan for the whole trip!

It was while on a bus from the resort that we started talking with some folks from Tampa who suggested we visit Guest Services to check on upgrading our tickets (paid for by my inlaws) into season passes.

Well as luck would have it, we not only upgraded at NO COST but ended up with a $200 Disney gift card!!!

So last year I figured I spent 24 days in WDW, and this year I'm well on my way.

Jeff laughs (well I'm guessing its tears of laughter) when he says that our FREE trip with his parents has cost him a lot of money ever since!

So here we are off to DHS with our passes and not a care in the world.

Well, except I DID care about rain. And the fact that Mr Weatherman was calling for it all day. And I DID care about cold. Well, Florida cold.

And I'll have you know that Florida cold is different from normal cold. It's damp. It's biting. It really goes right through you!

I'm sitting here typing right now and it's 67 outside (yeah, I know you all want to throttle me right through your monitors right now

) and I am freezing!!!

We were all bundled up in sweatshirts and jeans - first time I've EVER been in long pants in WDW! Hmmm, a first!

We hopped off the bus, ponchos at the ready, to marvel at the tree in front of DHS.

See the gray and gloomy skies?

First thing we did was head to TSM to grab fast passes for later in the day. Then off to the two biggies - RNR and ToT.

When we got in line for RnR, there was a HUGE group of high school kids from Argentina. Not really bad, but just so many and singing.... oy vey!

Now let me tell you a bit about my love/hate relationship with Rock n Roller Coaster. I love that it's a fun, smooth ride, with awesome music! I HATE the takeoff and the way it takes my breath away.

So.......

I took the chicken exit and let Jeff and Ally ride together.

Funny, when Jeff got off he said he can feel his age on these thrill rides now....

On to ToT - an attraction I can ride over and over. I just LOVE it!

So as we're in the queue, we are put in our positions to board the elevator. There are two wheelchairs that are in our group. So naturally it takes quite a bit longer to board.

This throws the whole timing out of whack.

The doors close. We go up. We see the "doo doo doo doo" of the Twilight Zone. The doors close.

And we sit there.

In TOTAL darkness. For a while. In all reality, probably 1-2 minutes. Go ahead. Try it.

Go to your closet and turn off all the lights and stay still for 1-2 minutes. I'll be here when you get back.

It's a LONG time to be suspended in an elevator that we all know already has some issues!!!! IN THE DARK!!!

There was a lot of nervous laughter in there, before we finally got moving again.

Finally, we fell. Up, down, repeat. Ride over. Loved it!!!!

By now we had about an hour to kill before our ADRs for a late lunch, so Ally and I checked out the times guide and we were just in time for.....


THIS..... is American Idol!

I actually took some video bursts, but I haven't figured out how to download those yet... I might work on that this weekend so you can see the kind of talent that rolls in here.

Let's just say that Jeff thinks Disney has some ringers on standby - cause the two that did NOT win, were not good at all. The one that DID win, would easily make it on to HOllywood. I don't know. He was awfully jovial, good with the camera, great stage presence. Too polished.

You can decide for yourself. Ringer?

American Idol ringer?

But it was lots of fun again! Love this new attraction!

It was now time to head to Hollywood Brown Derby for lunch. I'll be back with food porn and my review of our meal here!!!

If I'm not back before, I want to wish you all a safe and merry Christmas!!!

 

[emser]

You really AREN'T talking about the "cold" again, are you?!?
I see 40 degrees and get soooooo excited!!
Huh, maybe we should wait and go to HS on Saturday when we meet you...you and Spencer can act like your gonna ride RnR, but chicken out at the end. He can learn how to be "tough" from Aunt KJ!!

 

[MEK]

Loved your last two updates. I enjoyed reading your impressions of the villas vs. the lodge. Since I'm DVC I have no choice but to stay in the villas. I hope I don't feel too far removed from the lodge. I don't think I will. I am an early morning explorer and I will seek out every nook and cranny.

I don't like the idea of the buses going to FW, but what are you going to do? My DH usually likes to rent a car, so I guess it won't be an issue.

I think I would have freaked a bit with a tuck ToT elevator. I have a love - hate relationship with that ride. I love it, but it always makes me a bit nervous!

As far as AI - I definately think they plants ringers in the show. they have to - its a show and the bottom line is they have to keep people entertained.

 

[praisehisname]

And I'll have you know that Florida cold is different from normal cold. It's damp. It's biting. It really goes right through you!

I can vouch for that after watching Illuminations in a cold drizzle in December.

Great update!

 

[nettii]

I hope you had a great Chrismas! Im loving the tr wilderness lodge looks great. Do the villas have a seperate pool?
Anxiously waiting for more

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

Good point about Idol. My mom and I saw two different shows and the first show everyone was terrible and the second show everyone could've made it to the REAL show if they wanted!

 

[celeste.]

i love your TR.
the story about you guys waiting for a DHS bus happened to me almost every morning at the WL. their bus system was really bad this year!
can't wait to read more!! :]

 

[englishrose47]

COLD !!!! It is SNOWING and Freezing cold here !! Cold at 67 Hah!!!

 

[karajeboo]

You really AREN'T talking about the "cold" again, are you?!?
I see 40 degrees and get soooooo excited!!
Huh, maybe we should wait and go to HS on Saturday when we meet you...you and Spencer can act like your gonna ride RnR, but chicken out at the end. He can learn how to be "tough" from Aunt KJ!!

But will he ride ToT with me???? I would even ride RnR with you guys..... just wasn't feeling it last trip....

Loved your last two updates. I enjoyed reading your impressions of the villas vs. the lodge. Since I'm DVC I have no choice but to stay in the villas. I hope I don't feel too far removed from the lodge. I don't think I will. I am an early morning explorer and I will seek out every nook and cranny.

I don't like the idea of the buses going to FW, but what are you going to do? My DH usually likes to rent a car, so I guess it won't be an issue.

I think I would have freaked a bit with a tuck ToT elevator. I have a love - hate relationship with that ride. I love it, but it always makes me a bit nervous!

As far as AI - I definately think they plants ringers in the show. they have to - its a show and the bottom line is they have to keep people entertained.

Don't get me wrong - the villas are still beautiful and decorated just like the lodge. And the bus stop is just outside the main villas entrance, which is nice.

Oh, the ToT elevator - I know what you mean about a love/hate relationship - I get really nervous waiting in line, but I giggle like a school girl when it's bouncing up and down!!!

I can vouch for that after watching Illuminations in a cold drizzle in December.

Great update!

Yes, I'm complaining about the cold again...... High today only in the 50's but keep in mind we are only about 30 miles from the coast and it's ALWAYS breezy here! Great in the summer when it's 98 but not so great when the damp ocean air is blowing around and it's this cool...... Brrrrrr!

I hope you had a great Chrismas! Im loving the tr wilderness lodge looks great. Do the villas have a seperate pool?
Anxiously waiting for more

They do have a separate quiet pool. And it's only a very short walk out by the beach to get to the mail pool. Really, I like the way the villas are set up - they are very convenient to everything since I find the lodge "compact." I guess the CS place, Roaring Forks, is a bit removed, but that's about it..... The gift shop was right inside the lodge doors that face the villas, so my shopping was quite convenient!!!

Good point about Idol. My mom and I saw two different shows and the first show everyone was terrible and the second show everyone could've made it to the REAL show if they wanted!

First time we went, all three were "ok" but wouldn't have really made it to Hollywood. Not even bad enough to make the show. But this time that one guy was REALLY good which surprised me. I need to figure out how to get the video on here.....

i love your TR.
the story about you guys waiting for a DHS bus happened to me almost every morning at the WL. their bus system was really bad this year!
can't wait to read more!! :]

I know that any resort can have bus service on any given day. I'd still rather be waiting at a Disney bus stop than working......

COLD !!!! It is SNOWING and Freezing cold here !! Cold at 67 Hah!!!

Oh, Rosie, are you trying to show me up?????

 

[karajeboo]

We were off to try Hollywood Brown Derby for the first time, and sadly, probably the last. This is a two TS credit if you are on the dining plan, and there is no way I'd waste two credits on this.

The food was good, but nothing you can't get anywhere else in the world. And the theming, while pretty, was what we call a "fern and rail." Basically a bit of an upscale Applebees. You know, the brass rails and hanging plants???

I started off with the Joodie Patootie which was YUMMMMMM!

Jeff ordered the Cobb Salad as an appetizer. Our server mixed it at the table, so it wasn't as pretty once it was mixed, but it was very yummy. And Jeff determined he now likes guacamole. He's a nut case!

Ally ordered the Beefy Macaroni, which to her is fine dining. She thinks if its not a finger food, it's high cotton!!!!

AND it came in a plate NOT shaped like a mouse head!!! Dat girl so classy!!!

I ordered the filet, which is so unlike me to order this at lunch, but nothing else really appealed to me. And I like food so that is rare.....

My filet was cooked just right but wasn't a great cut of meat. A bit too much gristle for a filet.....

Jeff got the tuna, rare, but really did not care for it. It was cold inside and out, which is not right. Should have been cool in the center but seared on the outside.

After dinner I had to try the The Diva. Cause, well, if the shoe fits.....

It was definitely a dessert drink!!!!

Overall, the meal was satisfactory. But WITH our TIW card, we dropped $120 on lunch here. Now usually I don't complain about Disney dining prices. You can get some great food and even greater atmospheres anywhere in the World, but this was just average food in a very average atmosphere that you can find in any retail shopping district in Anytown, USA. To think we could have eaten at Le Cellier for the same price, or even California Grill. I'm glad we tried it, but will not be going back.

After HBD, I was feeling quite "happy" after my two drinks. Whoever says that Disney waters down their drinks did NOT sip mine at lunch! Wooooo! We headed straight for Star Tours, and I was a bit worried about this. I was worried that Joodie Patootie might not like it!!!!

I heard that this attraction is up for a renovation soon - anyone else hear this????

Next was time to use our FPs on TSM. This is just such a fun attraction. I wish people didn't like it so much so the standby line wasn't always over an hour!!!!!!

Since Jeff and Ally rode together, Jeff and I made a pact that we would snap photos of our scores to compare. Not like either of us would LIE about it, would we????

OK, so he beat me. But just barely!!!!! And we left Ally in the dust! Poor kid.

It was still gloomy and chilly out, and I had already gotten my text from WL that our room was ready, so we decided to head back and get into our room.

We got to the bus stop and met a "lovely" family from NJ. Grandpa was the typical grumpy old man. Not happy with anything at Disney. His daughter said he's already been yelled at 3 times THAT DAY by CMs. Seriously? How miserable do you have to be to not enjoy WDW????

And it didn't help that we had bus issues again. Bus after bus after bus stopped at the resort pickup spots all around us. We waited about 30 minutes this time. Wouldn't have been so bad except we were in some sort of wind tunnel. That was the only time all day I was cold. And of course Gramps had to complain the whole time, too......

We got off the bus at WL and grabbed our bags from the car and got right into our room. We stayed all of 5 minutes, just long enough for Jeff to make a "pitstop" and Ally and I to get pics, then we were back out again.

Heading back to DHS to see FINALLY the Osborne lights!!!!

 

[mom2shayleeandlogan]

I also heard that Star Tours was getting an update, it needs it! Thank you for the lunch review, it was very helpful.

 

[Must C Mickey]

I was able to find a lil info on updating the Star Tours ride. Also, Kara you'll be happy to know that they are updating the Soarin' video in the ride!!! Didn't I read in one of your other TR's that you hated to admit it but have become kinda bored w/ Soarin' Here's the link that mentions both.

http://www.disneyorama.com/2008/08/disney-to-update-star-tours-and-soarin-films/

 

[emser]

KJ - Spencer says he will ride ToT! Emma is not too keen on it, so I can, uh, sit with her while you and Boo go on...OK?!?
4 days wil we leave!!!
See you at breakfast in 11 days!!!

Yes...the woman who is at WDW at least every other month will be there for another day next weekend. I guess when family is traveling all the way from Ohio you have to meet them! Right?!?

 

[englishrose47]

Kara Glad you rviewed BD !! I haven't eaten there and now wont !!!Well actually I might do an oop lunch of the Cob Salad and the grapefruit cake !! ut 2 TS NO WAY Jose!!!Oh and Kara I'lllet you know whe we havea Heat Wave here in the North meaning if it hits 67!!!!!

 

[karajeboo]

I also heard that Star Tours was getting an update, it needs it! Thank you for the lunch review, it was very helpful.

Read the link that Must C Mickey posted!!!! Dates are off but looks like it's gonna happen!

I was able to find a lil info on updating the Star Tours ride. Also, Kara you'll be happy to know that they are updating the Soarin' video in the ride!!! Didn't I read in one of your other TR's that you hated to admit it but have become kinda bored w/ Soarin' Here's the link that mentions both.

http://www.disneyorama.com/2008/08/disney-to-update-star-tours-and-soarin-films/

Hmmmm, both to be completed in '09...... I think they are a little late. But the queueing area of Star Tours was getting a facelift while we were there. I would guess that the movie is done somewhere else and it's merely a computer update to get everything to move right, so that can probably be done in a short time. Hopefully by next summer.

Me? Bored with Soarin? Maybe..... but I can't admit that too openly or I'll be forever known as a Soarin hater.....

KJ - Spencer says he will ride ToT! Emma is not too keen on it, so I can, uh, sit with her while you and Boo go on...OK?!?
4 days wil we leave!!!
See you at breakfast in 11 days!!!

Yes...the woman who is at WDW at least every other month will be there for another day next weekend. I guess when family is traveling all the way from Ohio you have to meet them! Right?!?

Y'all are WIMPS!!!! Ally actually finds ToT "boring!" So what park will we be at that day? I vote for DHS or Epcot! Even AK - we haven't been there in several months...... Check out TGM and see what he says for that day, too...

Kara Glad you rviewed BD !! I haven't eaten there and now wont !!!Well actually I might do an oop lunch of the Cob Salad and the grapefruit cake !! ut 2 TS NO WAY Jose!!!Oh and Kara I'lllet you know whe we havea Heat Wave here in the North meaning if it hits 67!!!!!

HBD wasn't "horrible" but $120 for basically an Outback quality meal. I love the food selection at WDW, and I love the theming even more. We did a day in November and at at Biergarten for the first time! Loved it!!!! It was so pretty in there and you really felt like you were eating on the streets of a little village in Germany. Marrakesh, beautiful and yummy. Le Cellier, cozy and double yummy. San Angel Inn, absolutely gorgeous and sorta yummy. Akershus, princesses, what more can I say? Sci Fi, FUN theming you can't find anywhere else, food ok. But when the atmosphere is so awesome, you can overlook mediocre food. When both are average, why pay Disney prices???

Did any of that even make sense????

 

[DizzyErin]

Hmmmm, both to be completed in '09...... I think they are a little late. But the queueing area of Star Tours was getting a facelift while we were there. I would guess that the movie is done somewhere else and it's merely a computer update to get everything to move right, so that can probably be done in a short time. Hopefully by next summer.

Well as long as they leave it till after we have been or get it finished and ready in the next 4 weeks i'm happy hahahah

 

[dvc4life]

Kara - loving your report. You are so funny! Can't wait for more.

 

[karajeboo]

Well as long as they leave it till after we have been or get it finished and ready in the next 4 weeks i'm happy hahahah

Erin, the only thing was a few things covered up in the queue. Otherwise it was the same as ever!

Kara - loving your report. You are so funny! Can't wait for more.

Thank you!!! It's so funny that Jeff and Ally are constantly rolling their eyes at me while we're there, and sometimes when something happens or someone makes a funny comment, they look at each other and say, "that will be in Mommy's trip report!"

Just wait til I get to our meal at Cindy's castle - even a little toilet humor!