Our Not So Merry Disney Vaca

[Stefy]

I don't foresee a Paris trip in my future! You are very well traveled, it seems.

As for Toy Story, I hope you get to go on this. It's really fun!!!! So much better than Buzz IMO. We did standby for it, and it wasn't too bad, as far as the wait. I think this is one of those lines that just moves fast.

Anyway, loving the TR. You guys make a cute couple.

Thank you

Well hopefully by March next year it won't be too bad and we get to go on it It does look like a great ride

The Paris park is great, we have been twice (second time was the best as we knew what we were going to do) and recommend it to anyone, especially stay in the Disneyland Hotel, its Pink and is gorgeous, very Victoriana and it is slap bang right outside the entrance to MK. It is alot smaller than WDW, but they have some rides etc that WDW doesn't have, like a Stitch ride which Dave wants to go and check out at some point. I want to too as Stitch is my fav character, but right now it is just toooo expensive to go, the price for a 4 day weekend is like the price for a week at WDW!

Your photoshoot pictures are great, how sweet is that to have the trip you became engaged on so nicely documented. I switched an ADR today after reading your entry about Ohana. I would like one day to visit DLP my husband is from France so maybe on our next trip to see family I can get him to go for a few days. It looks very pretty from the pictures I have seen on the DIS. Thanks for posting!

Thank you, we had such a blast doing that, would recommend to all

Oh you will love Ohana, you must let us know how it goes and defo try the Pina Colava

I think when you do go to Paris, a vist to DLP is a must, even for a day (you can do it within a day as they only have two parks, well last time I checked they did ).

Congratulations!!! A diamond truly is a girls best friend

and the weather for your trip looked great - a bit chilly but nice and sunny, better than I hear the UK was this winter!

Thanx, I really love my ring, it is an Edwardian style, I think it looks v antique-y I wanted to go for something different then the usual solitaire and fell in love with this as soon as I saw it.

Hey it's Dave, hope everyone is doing great! Not going to hijack Stef's thread but I thought I would add two more pictures from our Polynesian photoshoot. I really would recommend that everyone do this as we had such a blast and it was one of the biggest highlights of the trip. Besides getting engaged of course, but im sure Stef will update you more on everything that happened! I'm glad to see your all enjoying it so far, keep on reading though as there's lots more to come!

Hey you, good choice of pics Feel free to fill in any blanks as you know I have a memory like a sieve

 

[Stefy]

Day 6

Today was AK day and we were looking forward to it, as we had booked to go on the Backstage Safari.

We arrived early and waited for our guide/group to turn up. Once all the formalities were out of the way we headed on over to the Oasis where our guide proceeded to tell us about all the different animals there, why sometimes there aren't any animals there (because the temperature is not right for them) and some hidden Disney tricks (how a boulder dispenses drinking water and food for some of them). We took a few pictures, but after that cameras had to be put well away.

After that, we were herded into minivans and set off to the Rhino enclosure. All along the way our guide (can't remember her name sorry) was very chatty and informative telling us lots along the way. We arrived at the Rhino enclosure where we met with his keeper who told us about his species and what Disney were doing to protect them etc. She took us along to meet him and told us each to line up one by one and come forward to touch him. It was really cool, although the person in front of me spooked the poor guy and he moved further away, so I got to touch him, but barely. He felt very dry but it was amazing. After the Rhino, we went over to the Elephant enclosure where another keeper told us a bit about what she does etc. We had to stand behind a yellow behind a massive fence. We were told that if we step over the line then we were in firing range for what ever the Ellys could throw at us, needless to stay I stayed well behind that line. The Elephants were gorgeous and so big, I couldn't stop watching them. I tell you I can't wait to go to South Africa, is gonna be so awesome to see wild elephants, giraffes and lions up close Maybe we will have our first honeymoon at Disney so I can tell you guys all about South Africa too

After the Ellys, we walked around (I think Dave I think I might need your help here as I know I have or most prob will miss things out) to our next stop, all along the way our guide was pointing out certains things, like the quarantine area and a small cage that was dark, this was where some animals were kept so they weren't stressed out). We were taken over to the Vet Centre, where we were all herded into a room just off to the side of am operating theatre. Our guide proceeded to tell us about what Disney do not just for the surrounding area but also out of the country. For instance they did a project recently in Africa where they came up with a solution to thin the over breeding of (I think) elephants in a certain area that were causing a problem to villagers. As we were about to leave some people came into the theatre with a small box, I think they were about to anaesthatise a small mouselike creature. We were allowed to stay, so we were off to our next stop, where Disney prepare all the food for the animals. We went into this huge warehouse where the back wall was just filled sky high (this room was huge, could have fit a small jet plane) with hay. There were other various foods such as nuts, wheat etc in large quantities. After we walked through the kitchen, where each member of staff had a manual for each animal on how to prepare their food. I saw one white bunny on the cart which upset me a little as it was sooo small

After that we went on over to another building where we were provided with a toilet break and refreshments. We got to keep a cool Backstage Safari refillable mug (which I use for my smoothies in the morning). As we sat and ate we were shown a short video of Disney's work so far and then Megan (hah I remember now!) said that if anyone was interested they could like her sign up for a scholarship/intern placement with Disney. Usually you would start at the bottom i.e. shop work and then work your way up, which is what she did. After the presentation we got into the minivans and headed back to the park, where we came out in Africa. We were about to go onto Kilimanjaro Safari (I was looking forward to this as it would be without the storyline, but with commentary on each animal we pass). We headed towards the ride exit and waited for our vehicle. Me and Dave sat towards the front as I wasn't feeling well enough for the back (the back provides a more bumpy ride). It was pretty cool going through with Megan explaining about each animal. I had to laugh when we came to the poacher bit and she was like now there is a fake baby elephant over there and we have to save it, oh no poachers (sounds lame when reading but they way she did it was funny). Some things I remember her saying was that the massive tree as you come out into the "plains" is not real, but is made of concrete. The lion rocks are cooled and that it why they are always ontop of them (can't remember the other bits, maybe Dave can help me out). After the safari she took us around to another part (behind the Dawa Bar) sat us down and asked us to fill our a short feedback form (me and Dave gave glowing feedback as we had had so much fun) and then she gave us our exclusive can get nowhere else BSS Pin. Its pretty cool, picture of elephants and a dangling banner with BSS on. I clipped mine to my bag but later on realised that I had lost the back clip, but thankfully not the pin. Well thats it for this part of the review, will post pics below and then post part two later.

Wow just realised after previewing that this was a v loooooooooong post to read, is just as well I am doing a part two, don't want you guys to feel like you are reading an essay

Ciao for now

Stef & Dave x

 

[dogodisney]

I would have been would have been upset seeing the little bunny too.

 

[Soopafly]

I would have been would have been upset seeing the little bunny too.

There was also Baby chicks, mice, bugs (i think) on the silver tray. It was incredible hearing about how much preperation goes into feeding those animals. I know times are hard right now, but if anyone does have the chance then you should really do this tour. I think all the proceeds for the tour go straight into the Disney wildlife & conservation group.

 

[MEK]

Stefy:

I love all your updates. I am reading them at work without benefit of the pictures, so you can bet I will be going back this evening to look at your pics.

I love you review of the Backstage Safari. I was thinking about taking this tour in the future, so thank you for the information. I think I would really like it and hope I can fit it in the next time I go the Disney without the kids!

 

[KatMark]

Congratulations on your engagement; and a beautiful ring as well.
I'm sorry CSR was not everything you expected (besides the values and the CBR with the new Nemo rooms) we don't find any of the resorts very Disneyish. I wish you would have gotten a rehabbed room. But I'm glad mousekeeping gave you surprises during your stay.

 

[Stefy]

I would have been would have been upset seeing the little bunny too.

Was sad to look at

There was also Baby chicks, mice, bugs (i think) on the silver tray. It was incredible hearing about how much preperation goes into feeding those animals. I know times are hard right now, but if anyone does have the chance then you should really do this tour. I think all the proceeds for the tour go straight into the Disney wildlife & conservation group.

Oh yeah, forgot about that. The chicks looked weird.

Stefy:

I love all your updates. I am reading them at work without benefit of the pictures, so you can bet I will be going back this evening to look at your pics.

I love you review of the Backstage Safari. I was thinking about taking this tour in the future, so thank you for the information. I think I would really like it and hope I can fit it in the next time I go the Disney without the kids!

Thanx, I hope you got to look at the pictures.

If you get the chance defo do the BSS, was really fun and informative.

Congratulations on your engagement; and a beautiful ring as well.
I'm sorry CSR was not everything you expected (besides the values and the CBR with the new Nemo rooms) we don't find any of the resorts very Disneyish. I wish you would have gotten a rehabbed room. But I'm glad mousekeeping gave you surprises during your stay.

Thanx We are hoping to make next years trip even better to make up for it. We might try out AKL. We feel that there aren't enough moderates, besides AKL the other resorts are quite expensive and whilst we would love to stay in one, the price for the flight just makes it too much.

 

[MEK]

Stefy:

I just viewed your pictures. They are beautiful! I love your photoshoot pictures and your up close animal pics! Can't wait to read more about your magical trip!

 

[Kaler131]

Congrats on your engagement!! You two make an adorable couple!! Great job on the trip report. I am enjoying reading it!!

 

[Stefy]

So on with Day 6. After BSS we went for a spot of lunch at the Flame Tree BBQ, we never got to try it out last year as it was crammed for lunch, but we managed to find a table. Didn't take any pics but the food was great. I had chicken and ribs and Dave had the pork sandwich. Whilst eating we noticed all these ducks waddling around, really close btw, it was cute at first but these little flockers are crazy. They are obviously used to be fed, as I saw one of them go up to this woman and start pecking at her trouser leg I think it just had her hem as she wasn't even feeling it, but still I kept one eye on the ground as I was eating.

After FTB, we headed on over to get some FP's for Everest, went over to the machine to get them, when the CM overseeing distibution came over and gave us some FP's for Everest that were for earlier on in the day. Was really cool as it meant we could go straight onto the ride, we thanked him and headed straight on over to EE. Queued up, but I think the ride broke down because we were in that queue for at least half hour, but they got it working ok again and off we set. I think this is my fav ride in AK (although I always have my eyes closed during the dark parts), Dave's too

After EE we wandered around for a bit and took some pics and PP pics too, so spent rest of the day doing that. Went round to the Tree of Life to take some pics of the tree, Dave took a fair few when all of a sudden these Kangaroos came out of nowhere and just started grazing, was pretty cool and random.

After AK we headed on over to ALK for our ADR at Boma. Took some more PP pics next to the tree in the lobby, which was cool as the photographer made Dave get down on one knee for most of the shots and then went down to dinner.

We were looking forward to Boma as we had ADR's last year but decided not to go at the last minute. The food is awesome, really yummy and the jungle juice was so good (I had about 3 glasses ). I especially liked the beef was v tender and melted in the mouth. Dave tried nearly everything. The desserts were good, I went for Zebra domes and some fruit, Dave tried a Zebra dome, some chocolatey looking mousse and banana bread with rum (think it was banana bread), that was his fav which he went up for seconds The Zebra domes really do live up to their hype, they are soooooo good. After our seconds on dessert our server came back with a plate which had strawberry shaped chocolate covered cakes with Happy Engagement written in chocolate. We were really chuffed as it was a lovely gesture, but being so stuffed we had to get them to go and enjoyed them the next day. The cake was lovely vanilla with strawberry filling. I would say that out of the whole trip so far Boma was my fav (but there is another to come), Dave's too as he would not stop going on about going back (but we couldn't get a reservation for the rest of the trip). If we go next year and we stay at AKL then we will defo do Boma again and hopefully breakfast too.

Well thats it for Day 6. Hope you enjoyed.

TTFN

Dave & Stef

 

[Stefy]

Stefy:

I just viewed your pictures. They are beautiful! I love your photoshoot pictures and your up close animal pics! Can't wait to read more about your magical trip!

Thanx, we had alot of fun with the shoot. The animal pics Dave took (he is getting pretty good with the camera now, think he is getting into practice for South Africa).

Congrats on your engagement!! You two make an adorable couple!! Great job on the trip report. I am enjoying reading it!!

Thank you, I must admit I did enjoy taking the PP pictures

 

[dogodisney]

The pic of you "holding" Simba is so cute. You both look like proud parents.
I love the one of Dave down on his knee and you lovingly looking at him. Very nice.

I think this is my fav ride in AK (although I always have my eyes closed during the dark parts), Dave's too

Do you cover his eyes?

 

[Stefy]

Ooops should have put that bracket sentence afterwards. No Dave is more brave then me

 

[Harters2WDW]

Where did you get this shot done? I didn't see it and my DH would love, love, love it!! Still enjoying the TR!!

 

[Stefy]

Where did you get this shot done? I didn't see it and my DH would love, love, love it!! Still enjoying the TR!!

You can get the shot done after Jedi Training, when it finishes walk to the right of the stage by the steps and wait for the PP photographer to come out. They normally do it on or near the stage, but the sun was not in a good place that day so he took us near the little rock formation behind the trees to the side. Dave had alot of fun doing them and they are pretty awesome. Let us know if your DH gets to have a go

 

[Stefy]

Day 7

We are halfway through our trip now, we have had some bad times and some good times. Tonight was Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, we were looking forward to going, as I have always wanted to visit Disney during the Christmas period (last year we went for Halloween MNSSHP). We decided to go to Epcot in the morning, Dave had previously commissioned a buffalo to be carved near the African Outpost, so we went to pick it up. The guys there are v cool and friendly, they did a great job with the buffalo, v talented. Might get a Lion commissioned next time for me

After we picked up lil Buffy, we headed on over to Norway for a late breakfast. I wanted to try some schoolbread as I had seen a pic on the Dis and it looked sooooo good. Went into the little bakery and was searching and searching for it, when I saw this browny small looking thing. Was ok but not what I expected (pics I had seen were this big white fluffy looking doughnut). Dave had a chicken and salad which was quite yummy so he let me have half

We spent a little more time walking round and then went over to Futureworld to ride Test Track (previously picked up a FP for this before). After that we wondered around Futureworld for a bit and then headed back to the resort.

We got back to the resort and chilled for a bit and then decided to head out to MK before the party started. Had an early dinner at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, ate here last year and I loved it, but again no pics (we were quite bad this year with pics).

After dinner we went on over to the Rose Garden to pick up our wristbands for the party, OMG the line was huge I couldn't believe it.

Wondered around for a little while and took some PP pics, then went on over to Fantasyland to check out some rides. PhilharMagic was empty so we decided to go on that one again (never gets old), then after we sat down and got some yummy Cherry Breeze frozen drinks. Afterwards we wandered around for a bit, the park closed and the party officially started but we couldn't believe how many people without wristbands were walking around, I got quite annoyed because Disney have gotten so lax, its like whats the point of wristbands if you aren't going to enforce them Anywho, decided to go character hunting and found Stitchy with his own lil podium. Didn't find any more characters after that as it was soooo busy, so went on the hunt for those flashy mickey lights, finally found some but half the bulbs wouldn't work, so we went back to another store (all the while fighting crowds) and changed them, I also spotted MVMCP special snowflake lights so grabbed those too. Went outside and put them on and again some of the bulbs weren't working (but better then before) was really annoyed but couldn't be bothered to go back as I was starting to feel a lil icky (again!) so went back to the resort.

Well thats it for Day 7, not the greatest day, but Day 8 is a lil bit better.

Catch y'all later

Stef & Dave x

 

[MEK]

More fabulous pictures and updates! Two weeks at the world must be sooooo great. Looking forward to the second half of your trip!

 

[pezaddict231]

Congrat! I'm really enjoying your trip report. All the photopass pics are great! Did you ask them to do more shots or did the photographers just take more pics on their own? I'm in a photopass share for my June trip so hoping to get some great shots like you guys did!

 

[Stefy]

More fabulous pictures and updates! Two weeks at the world must be sooooo great. Looking forward to the second half of your trip!

Thank you The first time we visited WDW we stayed for 10 nights. Our second trip was for 14 nights which is just enough I think. We are going to go for the same time next year and try and do Seaworld, Universal, IoA and Harry Potter World (if open).

Congrat! I'm really enjoying your trip report. All the photopass pics are great! Did you ask them to do more shots or did the photographers just take more pics on their own? I'm in a photopass share for my June trip so hoping to get some great shots like you guys did!

Thank you The PP photographers were really good and they love their kiss shots. We have loads of those but I didn't want to gross you guys out with all of them. They do take multiple shots, close ups even ones when you aren't looking. I have one pic where I look a little bit clueless, when in fact I was listening to what the CM was telling us. You will have a blast with them, I know we did and I think we will defo do another one again next year

 

[Stefy]

Day 8

Today we were going off property to Universal Studios. We were looking forward to this as we missed the park out last year in favour of Sea World. We arrived just in time for opening and starting walking towards CityWalk, all the while I was thinking that there were quite a few people here and that it was going to be another crowded day. We got to CityWalk and turned right, the majority of people were going over to Island of Adventures so was kinda pleased at that

We printed out our tickets and headed off. I was surprised at how quiet it was, the streets were practically deserted. This was getting better and better Everyone says that you should head on over to The Simpsons first, so thats what we did.

Found our way over and spotted Marge posing for pics, so we queued up as I wanted to get pics with the whole Simpson family. Pictures taken, we headed on over to the ride entrance which looked empty, so we weaved our way through the carnival like barriers and came to a stop. They were a few people there so it wasn't that bad. After a while of going nowhere I was wondering if the ride was open or not, it was. The thing with the Simpson ride is that it is pitstop after pitstop, your first stop is the carnival line, next is entering the buiding and waiting in another line, after that is your pre show/ride video and then finally you get to the ride itself. The ride was good, loved all the action, esp loved when Maggie puts the car in her mouth and it smells like baby powder, oh and you get sprayed with water as well.

After the Simpsons, we wanted to ride Jaws, so we headed on over to that, unfortunately it was closed so we wandered around a little instead, took a few pictures. Bumped into Doc from Back to the Future tinkling with the original Dolorean from the movie. I got a pic of him and Dave together, which Dave was pleased about, he also got to touch the car as well Wandered around a bit more and took some pics with the cars from Grease and turned the corner and saw this massive smoking winnebago parked in the street with Marge and Lisa posing for pics next to it, so we got some shots with them.

We decided to ride Shrek 4D after, so we queued up for this. The line outside wasn't too bad, got inside and waited and waited before the pre show came on (I tell you I was ready to sit on the floor with the little ones, it was that long). Found our seats and waited for the ride to start. These seats are pretty high up and slightly uncomfortable, I can see why though this ride was really bumpy, must admit I wasn't that keen on it. Once that finished we exited into the gift shop and went across to queue for pics with Shrek and Co. Donkey was up first and he is my fav in the movie and at US. He was sooooo funny, he spotted my ring and asked Dave if he proposed on Jaws then proceeded to tell Fiona that my ring was better then hers as it wasn't cubic zirconia Such a character. Fiona was cool, she saw the pic that the photographer took for us and told him to take it again as it was awful (it was, it was all blurry).

After that we headed back on over in the direction of Jaws and bumped into these guys

Dave likes the Beetlejuice movies so we had our picture taken. This guy is true to character burping away, he even offered to swap his girls for the "redhead" (me), to which Dave said no (which was the right answer). It was lunchtime by now so we went for Burger King and had a rest. After eating I spotted a pick a pearl station and had to go on over, ended up buying another pearl with a whale tale to fix the pearl on to. Spotted a candy shop so popped in there quickly, Dave decided to buy the Fast Passes, as he thought that even though it was quiet why not get them anyway so we could go on the ride again straight after. With those purchased I suggested going on the Simpsons again so that we didn't have to go over that way later (it really is in an out of the way spot), so we rode again and then browsed inside the Kwik-e-Mart afterwards. I wanted to get my dad a t-shirt as he is soooo Homer. Didn't really have much of a selection so ended up getting him a Mr Plow tee, was pretty cool as it has a pic of Homer in his Mr Plow gear. Dave spotted Duff so bought one of those (he thought it would have been real beer but turned out to be an orange energy type drink). I spotted a squishy stand so had one of those instead.

After our refreshments, we went on over to Jaws and FP's it. The ride was ok, not as scary as I thought it would have been. Although, I didn't like the shed part when you were closed in.

After Jaws we went to ride The Mummy, was a lil disappointed that the stilt men weren't out. I love the locker system here is soooo cool, Disney could benefit from something like this. After depositing our stuff we went into the normal entrance. It had a 10min wait but it was more like 10min walk, the line walk round is huge! Wasn't keen on the parts that were in the dark, there was a guy there dressed up that I thought was a statue that just decided to jump out at us finally got to the ride and was strapped in. I think this is my fav ride in US (not to mention my fav film) it was awesome!!! Not keen on the scarab part and when the room filled with fire that was pretty , then Imhotep's face materialises and we head straight through it into the fire and then loop over and just speed away. Is sooooo awesome, so much so that we FP's it straight afterwards

We had pretty much done Universal (that we wanted to do) so we decided to head on over to Island of Adventure.

Gonna start another post now, as I have exceeded my max pic upload.

BRB x