Our Magical WDW Adventure -24 Days of Food and Fun-Updated 3/8 -Come Join Us

[ariel2007]

... Continued from above.

I unpacked my things and put all the souvenirs we had brought so far out on the spare bed, in the villa we had a whole bedroom just for this as we had to find a use for them. Once unpacked we got ready and then headed down to the outside bar for a drink. It was nice sitting there, there were lounge type seats next to the water, it was a really nice setting and very popular with the conventioneers after their conventions had finished. We had a drink, a Pina Colada for Nick and Mango Margarita for me, it was really nice sitting there in the sun.

We went to the shop and we brought my first Disney teddy, a medium Mickey Mouse to go with the Minnie Nick brought me for my last birthday at Disneyland Paris. We then went and got some refillable mugs from Rix’s. Unfortunately the one Nick got in his gift basket was no longer valid, this really annoyed me as I had specifically asked her if Coronado Springs had their own mug and she said they didn’t they all use the YOAMD’s one, so we had to get one each. We then went to Maya Grill for our 8pm dinner reservation. Again the service was quite slow, we ordered some drinks, a Mojito for Nick and a Margarita for me and were brought some nice bread and a lovely dip (some kind of oil, garlic and something else). We ordered and it was a while before the meals came, which was probably good because Nick had filled up on his Pina Colada from earlier. For mains Nick had the ribs (see a pattern emerging here) with steak fries, he enjoyed them, the fries were lovely and the sauce was really good. I had the chargrilled chicken breast with baked potato, the chicken was good but had fatty skin on and a bone in both which I hate but the baked potato was really good, there potatoes over here are so good. We paid the bill and then headed to Rix’s to fill up our mugs before heading back to the room.

Opp's forgot the food pics again, but heres my Margarita and the bread:

Nick finished unpacking and I wrote my diary and loaded my photos whilst watching Wife Swap and Criminal Minds. Then an early night for us both as we had an early morning and a long day ahead tomorrow.

Some of todays purchases:

 

[stagemomx3]

Oh you are bringing back memories of our stay at CSR and making me miss Disney so much right now. The basket turned out super cute! We had beyond slow service at Maya Grill!!!! Great update, I loved all the pictures.

 

[TracyMN]

LOVE the pictures of CSR! We stayed there last October. Didn't even see all of the resort so I'm realy looking forward to all of your pictures! Terrific pictures and report!

 

[lmillercrew]

I love turning on my computer in the morning and seeing an update from you. I'm excited to read about your Disney adventures. The other reports were good, but I'm ectatic to read about Disney!

 

[retiredkid]

LOOKIT ALL THAT LOOT !!!!!!

Lucky you are planning on the extra bag for souvies.

Another great update. lovin the pics

 

[BellaSwan]

The basket that you got for Nick is great. DH and I are going this September for the first time and I thought of doing something special like that for him. I am still loving your trip report!

 

[ariel2007]

Day 10 ~ The One Where We Had A 'Rootin Tootin' Time

We were up early at 6am and showered, dressed and ready to leave by 7am. We drove to Epcot where we got to park right near the front and went to the gates.

There were quite a lot of people there already despite being only 7.30am, lots of children quite dressed up in smart dresses and suits there with their parents. There was a big sign up saying something about Dreamers and Doers, I don’t know what it was but they all looked really excited.
At 7.45am we were met by the front gates by Larry one of our guides for the Segway tour. We went through the turnstiles and took a few pictures. Epcot looked so pretty with all the displays for the Flower and Garden Festival, just inside the gates there was a really good one with Mickey, Minnie holding shells and Goofy on it surfboard, it was so cool.

Along with 2 other couples we were taken first to guest services to sign a form and then into Innoventions. Here we were fitted with helmets and taken into a small room where we were shown a short video about the segways, how they work, the mechanics of them and how to use them. We were then introduced to our other guide, Jamie Lee, who took us to a small area just outside the room where all the segways were. We were told how to get on and off and some other instructions and then one by one they helped us get on. Getting on was quite scary as I was scared I was going to tip it over or fall off but I was fine, as was everyone else. We were taught some of the basics, going forward, turning round, going in circles, round and in and out of cones, under and over objects and then up and down hills. Once we were all able and confident to do that we were ready to go round the World Showcase. We were taken outside, this is where it would get a little harder as there were lots of workers around (most of world showcase was still roped off) as well as the odd person. We went quickly through Mexico and Norway where lots of people were waiting for the Storybook Breakfast and then on to China and from there WS had been roped off to the public. As we went round each country we manovered through certain objects like the pillars in Italy, work hoses and bridges. Jamie-Lee told us interesting facts about some of the bits in the World Showcase as we went. She pointed out the hidden Mickeys, the imperfection in the architecture of Morocco and about how the King of Morocco sent over his own men to build the Moroccan Pavilion and signed a letter to Bush declaring it a new state and how the tower in Italy represents the tower where they used to hang people and thats why the staff won’t walk through it. Then when we got to Italy we were given some free time by the bridge to play on the segways and take some pictures. It was really nice being able to get some good pictures and to have a bit of fun on the segways, Nick looked like a little kid let loose in a sweet shop, he was having a great time.

One of the girls on the tour managed to fall off her segway when we were weaving through some pillars. We had been told to be really careful that the wheels didn’t take touch anything but she went a bit fast and the wheel touched the pillar unbalancing the segway. It looked quite nasty and the segway whacked onto the floor and kept flipping around, good job it didn’t break, it must cost a bit if they do.
It was really nice going round the World Showcase whilst it was early and quiet, we got to see how the workers set up and work, the preparations for opening and it was nice to see it so empty, it was really pretty. Finally after 2 hours our tour was coming to an end, as we came out of World Showcase Future World was beginning to get busy so we had to be careful not to bump into anyone. We got back to Innoventions where the next group were practicing before heading out to WS. We parked the segways up and then we said goodbye to our guides who gave us both segway pins you can only get on the tour which was cool. Of course Nick was really impressed by the tour and wanted to do it again, he kept asking if there was any time we could fit it in to do it again this holiday, and of course he wanted one of his own. I really enjoyed it too but my feet were absolutely killing afterwards.

After the tour we were pretty hungry so we went over to The Land pavilion. We grabbed some fastpasses for Soarin first which had a 25 minute standby queue and went on The Living Land ride. It was a nice rest for our feet as well as being quite entertaining, and educational, and had no queue. It brought back memories too of when we ate in the Garden Grill with Mum, Dad and Sophie on our last trip and what a great and unique meal it was. And the greenhouse bit is really cool, some of the fruit and vegetables are so huge and the Mickey pumpkins are so sweet, I would love to have one of those for Halloween.

We then went to the Sunshine Seasons foodcourt for some breakfast. Well if you can call strawberry shortcake, crème brulee and coffee breakfast. It was all really tasty, even if it was a little early to be eating cakes but it suitably filled us up.

The yummy cake and pastry counter:

Our 'health concious' breakfast:

When we finished we still had some time till our Soarin fastpass so walked over to the Imagination pavilion and rode Journey Into the Imagination with Figment which was a walk on. This ride is really good, very cheesy but the theme tune is catchy and it’s so clever how it is done, it really makes me smile.
It was then back to Soarin for our fastpass return, however we still waited about 10 minutes after we queued, lined up again then got on and waited to start. Fastpass isn’t quite on the same level as the Universal Front of Line passes, I guess we were really spoiled with them. The ride was really good, its so lovely seeing all the sights and the smells that add to it all. California looks so gorgeous and so varied, especially since we want to go there soon. And of course seeing Disneyland at the end is always great. I think this ride was better than we remembered, I enjoyed it more anyway maybe because I expected too much last time and knew what was coming this time.

After Soarin we wanted to get fastpasses for Test Track but the time was too close to lunch so we spent some time browsing in Mouse Gear. We were quite restrained and didn’t buy anything but managed to waste some time before grabbing some Test Track fastpasses and heading over to ride The Sea’s with Nemo. Unfortunately this and Turtle Talk were down so we went inside the aquarium to pass 20 minutes before lunch. We spent some time looking at the fish and taking pictures, seeing all the colorful fish really makes me want a fish tank like Finding Nemo, it would really brighten up our lounge. We might have brought a few pins, well it was midday and we had been restrained up till now so it was kind of a reward.

Some Living Sea's pictures:

Can you see the fish?:

Manatee:

The cool shark board:

Continued below ...

 

[ariel2007]

... Continued from above.

It was now 12pm so we went to the Coral Reef restaurant to check in for our 12.10 lunch reservation.

We waited about 5 minutes and then were seated, not right next to the tank but on the first level so very close. After waiting for our server to finish chatting for ages to the people on the table next to us we ordered some drinks and of course he asked to see my ID as I ordered a cocktail. A few minutes later our server came back to tell me that they didn’t take UK driving licenses. We told him everywhere else had taken it, after all we had been there 10 days already but he told us that they had a book there telling them what ID they could take and it was only US and Canadian driving licenses and everyone else had to show passports. The manager even came over about 10 minutes later to tell us the same and that apparently employees could go to prison if they didn’t ask for passport ID. This seemed a bit strange as we had used our driving licenses for 10 days in Orlando and twice already in Disney, all without any problems, and funnily enough they took it everywhere else we tried too. Anyway we ordered and were brought bread and butter and shortly after our meals. I had chicken breast with almonds, parsnips and pesto which was really, really good, it had much more flavor than I was expecting. Nick had a pork chop with mash which he really liked and I thought was good too, even though I don’t really like pork. I was surprisingly impressed with the food as I had been worried about not liking anything on the menu and some bad reviews, although the experience as a whole sucked a bit.

Nicks pork chop:

My chicken with almonds, parsnip and pesto:

After lunch we managed to get straight on The Nemo ride which was a first for us both. The ride was great, very cute and I love the song at the end with all the Nemo characters.

The clamobiles:

We then went on Test Track, again it was about 10 minutes before we were on with our fastpasses but this was just watching the video and getting in the final queue. The ride was great as usual, all the tests are good especially the speed one at the end, although I couldn’t see much as all my hair was in my face from the speed.

Once finished we decided to ride Spaceship Earth and then leave and on the way we found our first photopass photographer behind Spaceship Earth so we took the opportunity to get a picture. At Spaceship Earth again there was no wait at all. I was looking forward to seeing the new revamped ride, most of it was the same to me except the talking parts and the really cool bit at the end with the interactive touch screen bits. I think they did a really good job here and really enjoyed it, its so relaxing and interesting.

Some more photo's around Epcot:

The butterfly garden:

On the way out we got another photopass picture and then headed back to Coronado Springs. Back at the resort we went to concierge to pick up our Hoop-dee-doo tickets, book a taxi for the morning and to ask about the whole id thing. The man we spoke to was very knowledgeable and helpful and he had never heard about them not being able to take driving licenses but would double check for us. We went to Rix’s and refilled our mugs, got changed into our swimmers and headed to the Dig Site pool to chill out for a while.
The pool was nice, it was quite large with a big Mayan Pyramid behind and a fun looking water slide. And the water was warm so we were happy. We had a nice relaxing swim and then a yummy cocktail from the pool bar which we had whilst relaxing in the sun next to the pool.

Outside our room:

The Dig Site:

Around Coronado Springs:

The Casita's:

Continued below ...

 

[ariel2007]

... Continued from above.

We saw these cute fella's round a bit:

After a while we went back to the room to get ready for dinner.
We left Coronado Springs at 6pm and drove over to Fort Wilderness.

At Fort Wilderness we had to park in the main car park at the front of the resort and then get a resort bus over to another area with the Trail’s End restaurant, shop, Pioneer Hall, beach and mariner. It was quite a strange system but it was nice to see some of the resort which looked quite nice. We checked in for the 7.30pm Hoop-dee-doo Musical Revue show which was held at Pioneer Hall, had a photo taken and then had 30 minutes or so to kill. We had a look in the shop, it was a really nice little rustic style shop with a wagon outside. We only brought a pin and took some photos and then headed down to look at the beach and marina. The beach was quite pretty, there were lots of trees behind it which gave it a really nice rustic atmosphere.

As you can see I dressed for the part:

Pioneer Hall:

We then walked back up to Pioneer Hall and browsed and brought some pins from a little stall opposite. It was then time to go in for the show, we were a little weary about our seats because when the man at concierge gave them to us he made some remark about us ‘practically being in the show’, uh oh. Sure enough we were seated right in the middle, right at the front on a table for two, it was a little daunting at first to say the least but worked out really well. There was already a metal bucket of salad with vinaigrette on and a big slab of cornbread on a little wooden chopping board already on the table which we were told to help ourselves to (there was also a jug of water and some jam jar glasses).

The salad was really good, as was the bread, really sweet and more like cake. Our server came over and introduced himself and took our drinks order, soft drinks, wine, beer and sangria were all included which was good. The cast then came out and introduced themselves, in musical style of course, there costumes were so bright and fun and we knew instantly that the show was going to be funny. The show was based around 6 characters who performed an old-fashioned music review whilst adding in some witty banter between themselves. It was really good and funny with really catchy songs and some good dancing. Once we met the characters and heard one of their songs we were brought out buckets of chicken and ribs and bowls of mash and bbq beans which was all really, really good.

Continued below ...

 

[ariel2007]

... Continued from above.

We had this during a short break from the show, everyone seemed to be enjoying the food, it was hard not to. The cast came back and sung some songs whilst we finished our food, seconds were offered but we couldn’t eat anymore even though it was so good. The show then started back properly and there was more songs, audience participation and at the end the audience got to wave there napkins and play wash boards which was great fun. We were brought strawberry shortcake for dessert which was really good and regularly offered more drinks though I couldn’t drink much of the sangria as it was very strong and red winey.

The show was very good, Nick and I really enjoyed ourselves and loved our table and it wasn’t at all intimidating like we thought it would be. And we didn’t get picked on. We were definitely glad we watched it and would definitely do it again, we were worried we would feel out of place being adults but didn’t at all. It was also so funny, one woman even flirted with Nick, though this didn’t go down well with her lover.

Some show pictures:
The cast:

The finale:

Once we had finished we had to get the bus back to our car. The bus ride back was quite scary as they turned off all the lights on the bus but it was really cool seeing all the lit up pitches around Fort Wilderness. There were two pitches that were particularly noteworthy, they had so many lights, including palm trees, flamingos and lots more. We then collected our car and drove back to the room. We watched a bit of Without a Trace before going to bed for a good sleep before tomorrow.

Some of todays purchases:

Our segway pins:

 

[retiredkid]

What a great update. You just reminded me of how much we enjoyed the Hoop=Dee-Doo-Review. We did a Segway tour, but around Fort Wilderness. They had 'all terrain tires LOL! My feet were killing me too. Its in my TR, if you care to read.
I love the photo of you 'peeking' out from the tree.

 

[tink1957]

Great pics, as usual. Thanks for the info on the Segway tour, we are considering it for our Sept trip. It sounds like alot of fun.

 

[lmillercrew]

Another great update. You definately don't disappoint. Cute picture of you behind the tree at Hoop-dee-do. My DH would love to do the Segway tour. Actually what man wouldn't want to get on a big scooter and wheel around Disney? He had to use a motorized wheelchair after his accident and he was crazy in that thing. I'd almost hate to see him on a Segway.

 

[OC_stacylace]

Love the updates! Thanks again for all the hard work you do!

I laughed when I saw your pictures of some of the floral displays from Epcot. I have the same ones! Coral Reef looks interesting, and definately on my list to eat at the next time we go, along with Hoop-de-doo. I remember going with my parents as a child to see that show, and now here I am, getting ready to take my children. I love Disney for that!

 

[manntra]

Thanks again for another great update and awesome pics (great ones of you by the tree ) The segway tour looked like great fun and I will have to check that out sometime! I would probably end up in the water though!

 

[manntra]

Thanks again for another great update and awesome pics (great ones of you by the tree ) The segway tour looked like great fun and I will have to check that out sometime! I would probably end up in the water though!

 

[chcmama]

I enjoyed the last update, you guys have some great pics too. The segway tour looks like fun. If dh and I go without kids sometime I may have to look into it.

 

[kafitty]

i'm really enjoying your TR! i'll admit, i'm reading it in my head with an English accent...i think it makes me like it even more, hahah. (my stepmother's entire family is English, so i got the accent down pretty good at this point, lol.)

oh, and i love Piggles! He is approximately the same shade as my Pink Bunny...and yes that's her proper name; apparently i wasn't very creative at age 3, hahah.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Excellent updates! Coronado Springs looks really nice. Oh yes, and I love all your pins you bought.

 

[ariel2007]

What a great update. You just reminded me of how much we enjoyed the Hoop=Dee-Doo-Review. We did a Segway tour, but around Fort Wilderness. They had 'all terrain tires LOL! My feet were killing me too. Its in my TR, if you care to read.
I love the photo of you 'peeking' out from the tree.

Thanks.

Will definitely check out your trip report . I had heard about the Fort Wilderness one, it sounds good too. But I really wanted to see the World Showcase, that is what made me want to do it. If we did it again I think we might do the Fort Wilderness one, just to check out those 'all terrain' tires

Great pics, as usual. Thanks for the info on the Segway tour, we are considering it for our Sept trip. It sounds like alot of fun.

Thanks, glad you liked them . You should do the segway tour if you get chance, it is really cool to try. It is great seeing the World Showcase too.

Another great update. You definately don't disappoint. Cute picture of you behind the tree at Hoop-dee-do. My DH would love to do the Segway tour. Actually what man wouldn't want to get on a big scooter and wheel around Disney? He had to use a motorized wheelchair after his accident and he was crazy in that thing. I'd almost hate to see him on a Segway.

He he thats so funny. Nick loved it, he had such a big grin on his face when we had the free time. I can imagine most men loving it, even I had fun

Love the updates! Thanks again for all the hard work you do!

I laughed when I saw your pictures of some of the floral displays from Epcot. I have the same ones! Coral Reef looks interesting, and definately on my list to eat at the next time we go, along with Hoop-de-doo. I remember going with my parents as a child to see that show, and now here I am, getting ready to take my children. I love Disney for that!

Thank you and your welcome.

The Flower and Garden Festival displays were so pretty didn't you think. Disney are just so creative and clever.
Definitely, definitely go to the Hoop-dee-doo, us as grown-ups had so much fun, I cant imagine any kids that wouldn't love it. If you go try and get seats near the front, they gave us such a good view of the show, and the hall does go back a bit.

I hope you have a lovely time with your children, is this their first time

Thanks again for another great update and awesome pics (great ones of you by the tree ) The segway tour looked like great fun and I will have to check that out sometime! I would probably end up in the water though!

Thanks

He he I'm sure you wouldn't end up in the water... just stay away from the fountains in Paris