Operation Triple S - Land/Sea Trip Report 3/30-4/6! The Conclusion 9/5

[Pryncesa]

Day two began early due to our 9:30 AM reservation at Chef Mickey’s for breakfast. We all got showered and dressed, and made our way to the AKL bus stop. It was a tad bit overcast this morning, and we were hoping it wouldn’t rain. After a brief wait, the bus for the Magic Kingdom pulled in, and we were off. The plan was to hop over to the monorail and catch a ride to the Contemporary. As we were passing the MK, we could see that it was nearing time for rope drop and the opening ceremony was set to begin momentarily. We had some extra time, so we decided to wait for it, and watched from outside the entrance. Once the train with the characters showed up, we left to get to the monorail station so that we wouldn’t be late for breakfast.

As we were waiting for the monorail, the CM at the station gave us some “wings” stickers. They are basically "pilot wings" stickers. PG promptly stuck his new badge of honor on his shirt and PH decided later to stick his on his wallet. I tried to tell him that it would never stick, but he chose to do it anyway. Ah well. Anyway, once the train got there, two of us were invited to sit in the front car. Well, since there are three of us, I offered for the boys to sit up front, but PH declined. PG ditched us rather quickly and hopped aboard the front car. PH and I sat in the second one, and pretty soon we were off. It was a nice, pleasant little ride and quick as a flash, we were pulling into our destination. As we descended the escalator into the resort, we could see the hordes of people that had converged upon the Contemporary. There were a few large groups of young people, and we hoped that they weren’t ALL dining at Chef Mickey’s at that time.

We still had some time to kill, so we decided to check out a couple of shops while we waited. PH and PG took these pictures as we were wasting time, lolly-gagging around.

Grumpy is PH’s favorite.

After this, we decided it was time to check in for our ADR. Shortly after checking in and getting our picture taken, our buzzer went off and we were seated. PH was given his birthday placemat, so that made him smile. Here's our photo.

The food was great as usual, and we had a great time with the characters, once they showed. Mickey and Goofy were there pretty quickly, but for some reason, it took a while for Minnie, Pluto and Donald to make their rounds. We were pretty much done eating by the time they made their way to our side of the room. They eventually came to see us and it was wonderful to see them, as always. Goofy and Mickey gave the birthday boy some extra attention, which was very nice. We just love Chef Mickey’s. Birthday boy LOVES breakfast, and he loves buffet’s. CM’s is his absolute favorite. Here are a few pictures from the morning.

As we were leaving, I heard someone yell my son’s name, so I turned around to look, not thinking they were actually calling him. Turns out I was wrong. It was one of his many football coaches. This will make the second time we’ve seen someone from the boys’ school at Chef Mickey’s. Pretty popular place!!

After we wobbled out of CM’s, we made our way back up to the monorail station so that we could head over to the MK. As we exited the monorail, we could see that the place was completely mobbed with people. Rather than force our way through them, down Main ST, we chose to ride the train to Toon Town. We took the “secret passage” to Tomorrowland, and were met with another huge mob of people. We’ve been to WDW during Spring Break before, but this was the busiest we have ever seen “The World”.

Anyway, we made our way over to Space Mountain to secure fast passes. Once that was done, we headed over to see what the wait time was for Buzz. It was quite literally, out of this world, so we passed on that. We decided, instead, to ride the TTA a few times while we waited for our FP time. We love the TTA. It is so relaxing, and it is truly a people-watcher’s dream. I enjoy watching all of the people, going here and there, imagining where they are from and so forth. The TTA is the perfect ride after a meal, too. It’s certainly our favorite.

Anyway, after a little while, it was time to hop off and head over to SM to get our ride on. Only PH and I enjoy this one, so it was he and I again, while PG waited patiently for us. It was a great ride, as usual, and afterward, we agreed that we didn’t feel up to managing the crowd that day, so we decided to take the train back to Main ST USA, where we would make our exit. Lots of people were still entering the park as we exited, so this pretty much put a stamp on our idea of getting out of there.

A little animal-watching and a trip to the pool would be the order of the afternoon.

Up next: Operation: Mama Melrose, Day Two part 2

 

[BrittBritt]

As we were leaving, I heard someone yell my son’s name, so I turned around to look, not thinking they were actually calling him. Turns out I was wrong. It was one of his many football coaches. This will make the second time we’ve seen someone from the boys’ school at Chef Mickey’s. Pretty popular place!!

I love this picture! It's so funny to see him with this small dessert. The dessert makes him look even bigger/taller!

We've also seen people we knew at the most unexpected places in Disney. DH and I were picked to be the extras in the Backlot Tour. As we were taking our places in the scene, someone from the audience was screaming out DH's name. Who would have thought #1 we'd be picked, and #2 we'd know someone there! Coincidence!

 

[Pryncesa]

We've also seen people we knew at the most unexpected places in Disney. DH and I were picked to be the extras in the Backlot Tour. As we were taking our places in the scene, someone from the audience was screaming out DH's name. Who would have thought #1 we'd be picked, and #2 we'd know someone there! Coincidence!

How cool is that?! I can't wait to see who we run into next time!!

 

[Pryncesa]

When we last left off, the recruits and I were high-tailing it out of the MK with record speed in an effort to escape the huge crowds and the searing sun. Our plan was to head back to the hotel and grab lunch and a swim. The bus arrived fairly quickly, and we were off.

Once we got back to the AKL, we decided to head down to The Mara to grab lunch. We got burgers and nuggets and decided to eat outside since it was a really pleasant afternoon. Lunch was uneventful and we went back up to the room to digest, rest, and animal watch. It was so neat being able to step out onto our balcony and watch our new animal friends. PH was particularly into the giraffe’s. He would get so excited when they came near. I was glad that I’d decided on this hotel for his birthday celebration.

A little while later, we decided we would go down for a swim. We got changed, and took the elevator on down to the neat AKL pool. I wish I had pictures of it, but I can’t be trusted with my digital camera around water for too long. And, I didn’t want to leave it unattended while I was in the water. Anyway, we found a spot for me to hang out when I wasn’t in the pool, and made our way on in. I really like the look of this pool. The boys enjoyed swimming and splashing a while, and I decided I needed a drink . I had been eyeing the pool bar, and this was as good a time as any to head on over there and see what I might like to sample. When it was my turn, I told the bartender to make me a Mango margarita. At least, I think that’s what it was. As he handed it over, I gave him my KTTW card for payment. I took a sip of the drink, and it was good. As I was sipping, I noticed that the bartender had to swipe the card a few times. Hmmm. What was going on here? Finally, he comes over and says that the card wasn’t authorized for charging. I was like, what do you mean? I had authorized PH’s card, as well as mine, so there shouldn’t be an issue. He hands me back the card, and turns out that I was carrying PG’s card. DOH!! I felt like a complete idiot. So, I hand him my license and tell him I’ll be back with the correct card. UGH!! So, I power-walk back to the elevators, and up to the room to get my card, all the while hoping that my yummy drink wasn’t all melted and watery when I got back. When I returned to the bar, there was a line. Luckily, the bartender waved me up to the front, so I could pay and get my drink and license back. All of that all because I had to have a little drinky-poo. Whatever. It was good, and after all that I should have gotten another one.

Anyway, shortly thereafter, it was time to leave the pool and head up to get ready for our evening at DHS. We love this park, if only for RnRC and ToT. PH and I can’t get enough of ToT. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be in the cards for us to be able to ride as much as we wanted this particular evening.The wait for the bus this day was fairly short, so we were on our way in a flash.

Once at the park, we leisurely made our way down the street towards the hat.

PG and I took a seat on the fountain at the corner while PH went to secure FPs for ToT. I took these shots while we waited.

So pretty.

I just love those huge bunches of balloons.

The wait for RnRC was 50 minutes, so it wasn’t looking very promising that we’d be able to ride this one today, since there were no more FPs being given out for that one. Once PH was back, we decided to mosey on over towards the restaurant. We had a bit of time still, so the boys decided to ride Star Tours. They enjoy this one, but me… not so much. I took a seat on a bench and waited (people-watched) while they rode. While I was there, a family came by to take a break. The mom and one of the two little girls went off to the restrooms while the dad stayed behind with the older little girl. It was a really cute family. Well, the dad took a seat on the bench that I was on, and made room for his daughter to sit down. She chose not to, because the seat was next to me. How do I know that the little girl didn’t want to sit next to me? Because the bench next to us became free, and the dad moved over there and the little girl sat next to him. Ah well… anyway, it wasn’t too long after this that the boys showed up and we decided to take a look in the Muppets store.

I picked up a couple of items including a stuffed Kermit and Miss Piggy. I love them. Anyway, after that, it was time to check in for dinner at Mama Melrose.

We had to wait about 20 mintues after our reservation time to be seated. Once we were in, it was nice to be back. We’d been there once before, and it’s one of PH’s favorite places for dinner. We first enjoyed the calamari, and both boys ordered the pizza as an entrée and I enjoyed the chicken parmesan. It was a nice dinner. After that, we decided it was time for our date with the creepy elevator operators over at ToT. As we made our way over, the boys posed for this one.

We got right on ToT and enjoyed our ride as usual. We love this ride. We went up, and I thought we’d go up once more before we dropped, but we went straight back down. WE LOVED IT!! I can’t recall the number of times we dropped, but it was really fun. After that we wanted to ride again, but the wait was really long, and there were no more FPs. We decided to hang out a while, and then get in line for Fantasmic. I believe I have decided that I won’t’ do this ever again. I have seen this show enough times now that I don’t feel the need to get in line to see it again. If I can’t make it into the theater as a “walk-in”, then, I won’t be seeing the show. It was a cool night out, but when you get a group of people lined up (bunched together ) on a path to a theater, it becomes hot and uncomfortable. Nope, won’t be doing that anymore. Nonetheless, when we did make it into the theater, PH went over to grab some snacks while PG and I found some seats. PH came back with some of the stalest popcorn I have ever tasted in my life. Part of me wanted him to take it back, but the other part of me didn’t want to deal with the hassle. Then, it was time for it to begin. I wasn’t ready. I’m never ready. I absolutely hate it. What? No. Not Fantasmic. I hate THE WAVE. I hope upon hope every time we see this show that no one will start the wave, but my hopes are always dashed. At least, this time, it didn’t last as long as I’ve seen it last in the past. Whew!

Fantasmic was great as usual and we left the theater happy! I will never forget the first time we saw Fantasmic and PG had this to say of Mickey once he heard him speak, “He even sounds cuddly.” I swear I will never forget that . After the show it was time to head back to the resort, but PH was bummed. It was EHM at DHS and he wanted to stay. But, unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. We had to get up early the next morning in order to make an Epcot rope drop so that we could accomplish everything we wanted to do that day. So, he dealt with his disappointment and we were on our way.

DHS was great. We love that place, but we don’t really spend all that much time there. We enjoy rides more than just about anything. But, if I ever do a trip without the boys (perish the thought!!) I will take some time and really look around and enjoy more of this park.

Up next: Operation: EP and MK x2, Day 3 Part 1

 

[disneyhockeymad]

heyyy! Great TR! You have me completely hooked, can't wait to read the rest and find out how the rest of the surprises went!!

 

[evildiva]

Great trip report! I love your photos!

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

I'm really enjoying your report! I can't wait to read about the sea portion of your vacation.

And you sure do have a couple of handsome boys there, Mom!

 

[Pryncesa]

heyyy! Great TR! You have me completely hooked, can't wait to read the rest and find out how the rest of the surprises went!!

Thanks you, and thanks so much for reading! Stay tuned!

 

[Pryncesa]

Great trip report! I love your photos!

Thank you, you are too kind.

 

[Pryncesa]

I'm really enjoying your report! I can't wait to read about the sea portion of your vacation.

And you sure do have a couple of handsome boys there, Mom!

I'm so glad to have you. We really enjoyed the sea portion most!! I can't wait to get to that part! I gotta move this "land" part along.

 

[Pryncesa]

Day 3 began with everyone dragging to get out of bed. But, we all got up and ready to go since we had a lot planned for this day. We hopped down to the bus stop to await a ride to Epcot. Our plan was simply to get in a couple of rides, then head over to the MK for the rest of the day.

Once we got to Epcot, we found the same crowds we had seen the previous days. So, it wasn’t clear how much we’d be able to get done. By the time we entered the park, the wait for Soarin was really long. There was even actually a long wait for Mission Space, which we’d never encountered before. So, rather than fight the crowds for FPs for Soarin, we decided to get in line for Test Track, which had a 20min wait at the time. We went through the queue fairly quickly, and hopped in our car for a fun ride. We always enjoy this one.

After TT, PG decided he was hungry, so he ate the breakfast bar that we’d brought along in lieu of stopping for breakfast somewhere. PH wasn’t hungry, and said his stomach “felt funny”. So, with one just eating and the other one with a queasy stomach, MS was out. We sat for a while and contemplated our next course of action, and we decided to go ahead and leave for the MK. By this time, it was still very early, just after 9:30 or so. We exited as the masses entered, and made our way to the monorail station. This time it seemed to take forever for the train to get there. We weren’t really patient, either. Once it did finally come, the ride over to the TTC was uneventful. We thought about switching monorails to head over to the MK, but the line was crazy. So, we decided to take the ferry, since the line wasn’t long at all and the boat was getting ready to load.

The security line was manageable and entry was quick and painless. We took the train over to Frontierland to see what we could do. Turns out that Frontierland was more like a ghost town, which was great for us. We got FPs for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and went ahead and got in line since it was basically nonexistent. It was great! This is one of PG’s favorite rides.

After we rode, we happened upon a couple of characters, so PG and I got in line.

After this, went over to ride Pirates of the Caribbean. It was cool as usual. It is always such a nice, relaxing ride, and I always try to find something that I hadn’t noticed previously. There are so many details in this ride. Anyway, after that, it was time to use our FP for BTMR. It was another great ride. Next, we decided to go ahead and get FPs for Splash Mountain for later. We could tell it was going to be hot and the crowd was going to be descending soon. FPs secured, we headed to the train station. We got off at Toon Town and headed towards Tomorrowland. I kind of wish I’d been able to take the boys to WDW before they got “too big” for Toon Town and Fantasyland. Luckily, however, I have a baby (my great-niece) that I can enjoy those areas with someday.

Anyway, by this time, it was nearing lunch time, and I’d wanted to go to Columbia Harbor House. But, the boys didn’t decide they were hungry until we had made it all the way to the other side of the park. So, we went to Cosmic Ray’s instead. It was good, as usual. After lunch, we got FP’s for Buzz for later. The FP machines for SM were down, so that was out. So, we walked back over to Toon Town and took the train back to Frontierland. PH and I headed to Splash to get our Brer Rabbit on. It was so cool. I love that ride. PG hates drops, so he sat this one out, as well. After Splash, it was time to have a snack, and a Dole Whip was in order, for me, anyway. The boys enjoyed yummy coke floats instead. Snacks consumed, we walked back to Tomorrowland to see how many points we could rack up. PG and I usually ride together so that we can team up against PH, who always wins. It’s an ongoing rivalry. He always gets a huge number of points. This time, was no different, unfortunately.

After being annihilated by my son on Buzz, we left Tomorrowland and headed towards the exit. Before doing so, we grabbed a couple of buckets of popcorn, and some water. That popcorn is sooo good. I love it! We then made our way down Main ST and through the exit. The wait for the bus was short, and we hopped on, happy to escape the heat.

Our plan for the afternoon would be to hit the arcade and relax until time for dinner at Boma!

Up next: Operation: African Dining Experience, Day 3 Part 2

 

[Rebecuberduber]

Just wanted to drop a note to let you know I'm enjoying your report! Your boys seem like loads of fun. Can't wait for the next installment, and of course I'm riveted to hear about the big cruise surprise!

 

[Pryncesa]

Just wanted to drop a note to let you know I'm enjoying your report! Your boys seem like loads of fun. Can't wait for the next installment, and of course I'm riveted to hear about the big cruise surprise!

Hi there. Thanks so much for reading along. I appreciate it!! Next installment coming up!

 

[Pryncesa]

When we last left off, our crew was headed back home to the lovely AKL. We were a bit tired, and ready to relax a bit. After a quick visit with our animal friends, and a little relaxation, we headed down to the arcade for a few games. The boys were on the look-out for racing games and I was on the look-out for Ms. Pac Man. Yes, I know I am old.

The boys found their games of choice and I found mine. Only, mine was occupied, so I lolly-gagged around for a little while trying to find something else to play. I think I played Centipede or Galaga or whatever. I can’t remember. It was old school, so I was familiar. Then, after a short while, my game was free!! I headed over and got my Ms. Pac Man on. I love that game. My sister was the Ms. Pac Man queen when we were growing up and to this day, I still can’t beat her at it. I remember her playing that game, all the while, eating a Jolly Rancher stix. If you’re old enough to remember those, I wonder if you miss them as much as my sister and I do. Our favorites were sour apple, fruit punch, strawberry, and grape. Ah, the good ol’ days.

Anyway, Private Happy and I decided to goof off a bit and take a few silly photos to have as a souvenir. We’d never done that before, so it was cool. Yet another memory for his 16th birthday.

Once we were done at the arcade, we went back up to get ready for dinner at Boma. We had a 5:30 reservation and when we got there, the place was packed. We got our buzzer and had a seat. This seemed to be the longest of any wait we’d had thus far. As we were waiting, we met Ness2289 and her cute daughter, who were also there for dinner. Ness was also going on the cruise following her stay at WDW, and she was about as excited as I was. (The boys would have been excited, as well, had they known about it! LOL) It was great meeting them! I saw them a few times on the ship, as well, but never really had a chance to chit chat.

Shortly after our brief Dis meet, we were seated, and started to fill our plates. I do have to say that the selection was great. Although, there was not necessarily that much that I actually wanted to try. I did try the couscous, which I’d never had before. We tried the Fufu, Potatoes with Afritude, roasted chicken, Zebra domes, a beef dish, bobotie (sp?) and a couple of other little dessert dishes. Everything was good, but not great. I honestly have to say I don’t think we’ll be visiting this place again. Next, I want to try Jiko. Boma is officially scratched off of my list of restaurants to try. However, I do have to say that my cocktail this evening was very yummy. I wish I could recall the name of it because it was so good, I had two. The service was great here, as well as the ambiance. If you’re looking for something different, I’d say give it a try. Here are a few pictures from dinner.

Up next: Operation: Africa, Japan, and Port Orleans, Day 4 part one

 

[froglover2]

Lovin your TR.
We did Boma last time enjoyed the restaurant but will not go back.
You look like you had a great time!

 

[disneyhockeymad]

wow that birthday 'cake' platter looks so yummy I'm almost drooling! Looks like your son loved it!
No shame in liking pac man! My dad still loves it and is always going on about when he used to play it!

 

[Bloodhound]

Hi where is this place?

Boston Lobster Feast. I had heard about this place on the Dis, and if anyone was up for an all you can eat seafood buffet, with lobster no less, it was my boy Private Happy. We chowed down on crab legs, lobster, shrimp, veggies, salad, fish, etc. for a while. PH was in heaven . He loved that place and asked if we could go back on our next trip to Disney. I said sure!! Here he is after chowing down!

 

[froglover2]

Can't wait to hear about the cruise!! We love cruisen and would love to do a Disney one!

 

[Pryncesa]

Lovin your TR.
We did Boma last time enjoyed the restaurant but will not go back.
You look like you had a great time!

We did have a great time!

wow that birthday 'cake' platter looks so yummy I'm almost drooling! Looks like your son loved it!
No shame in liking pac man! My dad still loves it and is always going on about when he used to play it!

Yes, my son did enjoy the birthday platter, and he was kind enough to share. It was good. I will always love the "old school" video games. The new ones are great and so realistic, but I'll always like the ones I grew up with, better.

Hi where is this place?

Boston Lobster Feast.

There are a couple of locations in the Orlando area. I'll PM you some info.

Can't wait to hear about the cruise!! We love cruisen and would love to do a Disney one!

If you love to cruise, you will REALLY love a Disney cruise. They are quite expensive, but I have to tell you that I can't way to go on another one. Even my 16-year-old is quite anxious to go on another Disney cruise.

 

[Bloodhound]

There are a couple of locations in the Orlando area. I'll PM you some info.


Thanks again ...looks great