Our *outstanding* 8th trip to WDW!! (Photo's Added!!)

[meloneyb21]

subscribing!

 

[BrittBritt]

S
A few seconds later we notice a red boat trailing not to far behind us and it's the water police!! ::cop: We just assume he is out doing his thing but soon notice he remains close behind us wherever we go. We now realize we are being babysat!!

So, we go all the way to MGM...oops...the Disney Hollywood Studios and just put the boat in idle and hang out there taking some pictures and looking around. We also notice a water taxi getting ready to leave DHS so we try and wait it out. Not two seconds later the water police comes over and asks us what we're doing? We explain we are just hanging out and waiting to follow safely behind the taxi. And even though we're at least a few yards from the taxi he says we're right in it's backup path and we need to move. We preceed to just head back the way we came but now another taxi is coming the opposite way from the Boardwalk. So, we again pull over to the side to let both of them pass. A few seconds later the taxi from DHS heads straight for us!! WTH?? So, we head back towards the middle and just book it back to the Boardwalk area. Not more than 5 minutes later the police guy stops us again and tells us our motor is falling off... or something like that. He asks us to pull closer to the wall and he'll fix it. After he does this we are free to go.
We circle around in front of the Boardwalk and realize we just aren't feeling this anymore and decide to head in early. We only end up being out there for less than 25 (somewhat stressful) minutes and the total was around $40 bucks with our DVC discount. Later that day we decided we really enjoyed taking the boat out but just didn't like the area!! Next time will try again from the Wilderness Lodge Marina!

So sorry the water police tried to ruin your boat ride. They probably figured you and Gus looked like trouble makers! You wonder what would have happened if you guys really tried breaking the Disney boating rules...What would they have done?

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Sounds like you guy continued to have a magical time! Can't wait to hear more!

 

[KelBelle2]

Still laughing out loud. Can't wait to hear more! That dessert looks devine! Pepper Market, heh? I will have to check that place out!

 

[MeLaNie9]

I guess the water police didn't have much going on that day? Especially since you were only the 3rd boat rental customer!
Your Mickey cake does look delicious! You are cracking me up with your description of eating him and your seat heater war!
We are considering POFQ (where we were going to stay this last visit but changed to CSR),WL, and AKL. BC sometimes goes on that list too...but we stayed at YC when it was too cold out to use the pool, I wouldn't want to stay there again if the weather is cool - Stormalong Bay is so neat that we would like to use it if we stay there.

 

[Dizneyholic]

Promise I'll be back soon. We toured the Disneyland Dream Suite on Saturday so I've been at Disneyland most of the weekend. Yeah, I know, what a rough weekend!

 

[Krysstn]

BTW, I forgot to add that while we were there we picked up a flyer for Segway tours of Celebration!! How awesome it that? I think it's the perfect way to take a look around there!! In fact, if we make it back in 2009 with our friends, I'm gonna try and talk them into it! Yeah, that's you Kristin & Frank! lol

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Woo hoo! Looking forward to it! (Maybe we'll have to tie Brady's stroller to one of the segways with a rope... then he can keep up!)

 

[Krysstn]

Ok... if I have to read it on here, instead of seeing the pics in person, I will! I can practically hear your conversations, just reading the tr! Loving it, btw... wish we had been there with you guys, and now we're totally geared up to start planning next year's extravaganza!!!!

Seriously... when are we getting together to hear the rest? And how was the Dream Suite????

 

[Dizneyholic]

I know, it's about time already!! So, I'll just jump right into where we left off...

We arrive at Fantasia Mini Golf to play "the hippo-est golf in town" and despite the fact it's been drizzling all day the place is pretty crowded!!

We waited 20 minutes before they would even give us our mini golf gear! Anyhow, wasn't really a big deal since the idea was to kill some time. Plus, I used my pre game time to repeatedly envision putting a perfect game while Gus looked on in adoring admiration!

Hole 1:

Right off the bat, I get a hole in one!!! Yay me!!


Hole 2: Par for me. Not so much for Gusdini. hehe


Hole 3:

This one was kinda rough!! I managed a 3 however, Gus hit all the wrong notes and went two over par with a 5! So far, so good!!


Since Gus was going first again (didn't he learn anything last time!), I had time to relax a bit and check out the whimsical garden...

The rest of the holes went back & forth a bit until we got to this one, where...I rocked it!!! Duh!!! Hole is one...AGAIN!!

Thank you o magical challenger of Yensid!! lol.


18th hole was much of the same and we ended the game with Gus looking something like this....
Yep, I won by one point!! Which is what Gus won by at Winter Summerland. We then vow to have a final golf off at the frightening Fairway Course where the winner will be crowned the WDW Mini Golf Master!!

** Trip Fun Fact: Fortunately for Gus we never made it back there so as it stands we both hold the title but little does he know I have been secretly mini golf training back here at home and can't wait to return to claim my crown! **

We had about a half hour until dinner so we decided to put our little disagreement to the test. If you remember, Gus was clearly confused about the best way to get to Fantasia Gardens and it was time to set the record straight...

Gus resets the trip mileage and off we go... (disclaimer: actual representation of our car). First, we go my way (aka the only way that matters) and the distance clocks in at a short 1.5 miles. We stop right outside Boardwalk and reset the mileage for Gus's turn. This is where things get a bit tricky. You see, while I wasn't looking Gus used his conniving little boy skills to magically warp us back to Fantasia Gardens in only half a mile!! Obviously the only reasonable explanation was there must have been some sort of trickery involved and I'm certain the car was in on it.

After eating much humble pie, I wasn't sure I was gonna be able to get dinner down but we checked in right at 8:00pm sharp at Yachtman's Steakhouse. Neither of us had been here before and since it was on our list of places to try, we decided to get it a shot. However, it was hard to give up the filet at California Grill which is one of my favorite's. It tastes especially good with a side of Wishes.

We are seated about 20 minutes later which we felt was kind of unfair since two couples that got pagers after us were seated first. I realize they probably had ADR's before ours but we checked in first and were on time!!
Anyhow, not a big deal but we were getting hungry and some of the guests passing by were starting to look like game. lol.

So, we are finally seated and let me just say, we had the worst luck with our tables this trip. I swear, every place we went to had plently of tables available and we were always sat at the crampiest (new word!) one in the worst location. I know, we could have asked for a different table but that always makes me feel like such a diva!

We started off sharing the Caesar Salad which was one of the best I've ever had!! We both liked it so much we were sad we had to share it!
BTW, I don't remember our server's name but he was straight out of The Godfather! I kept waiting for him to make us an offer we couldn't refuse!
Next, we were both in the mood for a nice juicy steak and the which one to order debate soon started. We both wanted the 12oz New York but the filet was looking mightly tasty as well. Intense negotiations followed and in the end neither of us could risk the other one having the better meal and called a truce on the New York Strip: 12 oz. strip steak, served with peppercorn brandy sauce and potato gratin with Diamond white cheddar. This was way good and we both practically licked the plate when it was gone! Good thing we each got our own. That could have been ugly! I could just see it now, Gus stabs me with his fork as I lick the entire steak before he can get it off my plate! Thank God he doesn't like chocolate!!

For dessert Gus went with the Creme Brulee with fresh berries and rolled chocolate. Which was a bonus for me since I got the rolled chocolate!! Wooohooo! I ended up getting a chocolate molten cake that's not always on the menu (I was told). It was so heavenly, I dream of it still!

In case you haven't already figured it out, we had an excellent meal here and it definitely gave California Grill a run for it's money. Since I would have a hard time choosing one over the other, I'll just have to put them both in our rotation! I wish I would have taken picture's of everything but I just didn't think about it at the time. Future trip reporting lesson learned!

Both barely able to move we ended up just going back to AKL and turning in for the night. But first, the seat heater score is now 3-2!! I pulled the "hey, look at that over there" move on the way home and toasted Gus's buns!! Sleathy...I know.

Upcoming (by the end of the year) : Day 6 @ the park formally known as MGM Studios!!

 

[BrittBritt]

Gus resets the trip mileage and off we go... (disclaimer: actual representation of our car).

First, we go my way (aka the only way that matters) and the distance clocks in at a short 1.5 miles. We stop right outside Boardwalk and reset the mileage for Gus's turn. This is where things get a bit tricky. You see, while I wasn't looking Gus used his conniving little boy skills to magically warp us back to Fantasia Gardens in only half a mile!! Obviously the only reasonable explanation was there must have been some sort of trickery involved and I'm certain the car was in on it.

That Gus...always so smug. I hope you jolted him with a seat heating shock as he was gloating!

Yum!

 

[PixieintheCity]

I'm really enjoying your trip report! Can't wait for the next installment. Glad you linked it from DisFriends.

 

[Dizneyholic]

Ok... if I have to read it on here, instead of seeing the pics in person, I will! I can practically hear your conversations, just reading the tr! Loving it, btw... wish we had been there with you guys, and now we're totally geared up to start planning next year's extravaganza!!!!

Seriously... when are we getting together to hear the rest? And how was the Dream Suite????

Well, I'm sure we'll get together before I finish this since it seems to be taking me forever!! And the Dream Suite was crowded but very cool!! Can't wait until they pick us to stay there.

 

[PrincessAlways]

Just found this TR. Enjoying it & can't wait for the next update!

 

[Nicole786]

Great TR so far!! I'm planning a trip in August, and thinking of renting AKL DVC points so I enjoyed the pics!

 

[Candice30]

i'm enjoying your report. can't wait to hear more. i too haven't been to yachtsman. can't wait to go!

 

[Dizneyholic]

Just found this TR. Enjoying it & can't wait for the next update!

Welcome! Hopefully, I'll be able to update tomorrow night so check back!!

Great TR so far!! I'm planning a trip in August, and thinking of renting AKL DVC points so I enjoyed the pics!

Thanks! Like I said before, we thought AKL was great and would stay there again in a heartbeat! I'll be looking forward to reading your report when you get back, if you choose to do one that is!!

i'm enjoying your report. can't wait to hear more. i too haven't been to yachtsman. can't wait to go!

Glad to have you! If you like steak, I would give Yachtman's a try!! It's hard when there are so many great places to go!!

 

[MeLaNie9]

BTW, I don't remember our server's name but he was straight out of The Godfather! I kept waiting for him to make us an offer we couldn't refuse!


I ended up getting a chocolate molten cake that's not always on the menu (I was told). It was so heavenly, I dream of it still!

Yum...that does look like an offer I couldn't refuse!

Both barely able to move we ended up just going back to AKL and turning in for the night. But first, the seat heater score is now 3-2!! I pulled the "hey, look at that over there" move on the way home and toasted Gus's buns!! Sleathy...I know.

You're catching up!!! I forsee some more toasty Gus buns in the future

 

[Dizneyholic]

Yeah, I know, it's "Disney's Hollywood Studios" now but it will always be MGM to me.

So, it's already day 6!!!! I automatically wake up in a panic since our vacation is more than half over and I must squeeze out every last bit of magical pleasure possible but what do I see when I get out of the shower...



Silly me, I thought I solved this issue earlier in the trip by hiding the remote but obviously some sort of intervention is needed here. I went with the ever so popular "shower or else" (looked something like this ) approach and we were out the door in less than 30 minutes!!

Originally, the Fun Plan consisted of us going to Typhoon Lagoon today but it was the coldest day so far and we were flexible so we decided to hang out at MGM and do TL the following Wednesday.

We get to the park about 10am. We're a bit scary this early...

The first thing I do is case all the shops to see what kind of tasty snacks we can gobble up today. I have my eye on some chocolate & peanut butter fudge at the Starring Rolls Cafe and the white chocolate covered strawberries at the Beverly Sunset shop.
** Fast Forward: I got hosed!! We never went back for either. Hmmm, could this have something to do with the fact that Gus doesn't like chocolate. **

We then head straight to one of our all time favorite things to do...drawing Disney character's in the Animation Tour Building!! We are the only ones there and wait about 20 minutes to go in. By that time we are overtaken by the 7-15 crowd and we end up drawing Pooh for the gazillionth time! I was sort of bummed cause for the first time ever...the animator actually asked who we wanted to draw and he threw out everyone from Stitch to Jack Skellington. We've done Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Minnie and Pooh about hundred times but never Jack Skellington!! Meep. Not to mention they always give their drawing to some cute little kid who will probably just color on it later. Sometimes it sucks to be an adult!

The Gus in action...

Oh yeah, don't even get me started on what a downer the rest of the Animation Tour Building is!! I was always in such awe seeing the animator's in there doing their thing. They might as well call it the Animation Grave Yard!!!!

After such emotional distress, we decided to medicate by heading back to Sunset for some crispity, crunchity fries at the Fairfax Fry Cart and a nice cold coke.

We spend the next hour or so romping through various stores just daring something to jump out and scream buy me but we already had most of the stuff we really wanted from past trips so no damage done this time!!

We decide to do Star Tours and browse the great Tatooine Traders. Since we also have ST here at Disneyland, I can't wait until they refurb this attraction!! Absolutely think it's time for an update, I do.

One of my most favoritest stores ever is It's a Wonderful Shop and I almost died when we walked up and the windows were all covered up! I'm hoping it was just getting a face lift!!

It was now time to check into our 2:00pm ADR at Sci-Fi. The last few trips we have eaten at 50's Prime Time (which we love) and hadn't been to Sci-Fi for at least 3 years so decided to give it another try! First, I adore the setting this is in but every single time we have been underwhelmed by the food and service. And I have to strongly disagree with those who claim they have the best milkshakes on property.
I'll just keep this simple. Gus had the: Beef & Blue Salad - Sliced butcher-tender steak with a Wedge of Iceberg Lettuce with Blue Cheese Dressing, Tomatoes and Bacon and I had the: Smoked Baby Back Ribs - Basted with barbecue sauce served with cole slaw and a choice of cucumber-melon salad or french fries. We both also had milkshakes as our drinks. Gus was unimpressed with his salad. Claimed it was very bland. My ribs were just ok. There are much better places for ribs on property!! Neither of us were crazy about our milkshakes. For dessert I had the Warm Apple & Pecan Crisp which was good and Gus skipped dessert since he was so turned off by everything else. So, I think we decided this trip that despite the fun atmosphere, the food is just not worth it and our money is better spent elsewhere. I doubt we will go back anytime soon!!

** Flashback Picture from our first trip together in 2001!!! **
Aww, our Pal Mickey was just a newborn...

After lunch, we do the "backlot" tour and then head back towards the Great Movie Ride! This has to be my absolute favorite WDW attraction! I'm a huge movie lover so I'm sure that has sometime to do with it but I just feel so giddy and at home on this attraction. We NEVER skip this one.

We figured it was now or never of Rock-n-Roller Coaster and ToT. However, as we got closer to all that zoom and doom we both felt just looking at it. Now, in the 8 trips we have taken this is the first time this has ever happened!!! I truly love both these attractions and wouldn't normally even consider skipping them but honestly we were both groggy and slug-like and these two attractions back to back would have done us in. Instead, like pathetic 30 year olds we head back to the room for a nap.

2 hours later we are up and heading over to Wilderness Lodge for our first Whispering Canyon Cafe extravaganza!!

Gus had the: All You Care to Eat, Canyon Skillet - Mixed greens with apple vinaigrette dressing, fresh baked cornbread with mashed potatoes,
coleslaw, cowboy beans and seasonal vegetables. Smoked pork ribs, pulled pork, oven-roasted chicken, Peel-n-Eat shrimp
I was a little meated out so I went with the: Western Chicken Pasta - with fresh vegetables tossed with Roasted Garlic Chipotle Cream Sauce.
We both ordered bottomless milkshakes as our drinks. Strawberry for Gus and surprisingly I ditched chocolate and went for vanilla. Everything here was very tasty...including the milkshakes!! I would come back for the pasta alone. I really liked it!! I really, really liked it!! lol. It had such a good flavor to the cream sauce!!! Spicy!!
For dessert I had the: Cinnamon Tortilla with Vanilla Ice Cream - topped with fresh bananas and banana-caramel sauce and Gus got the Apple Caramel Pie - crumb-topped deep dish apple pie with vanilla ice cream to go. Mine was super yum and I couldn't tell you how the other one was because we never got around to eating it. Oops!
Overall, I would definitely go back here again. Not only was the food great but it was amusing and fun. However, we didn't get the full experience as we were both tired and stayed away from all the triggers, like ketcup and straws. lol.

Anyway, that's all I got for tonight. It's 10:30pm and my bed is looking better by the second!!!

Up next: Another magical day in the Magic Kingdom!!

 

[RNtheRN]

Very nice trip report! We (me,DW,DD10,DD8) are going the last week of June. I know it will probably be offensively hot, but we will get by.
This time we are going to hit somethings we haven't done on past trips.(miniature golf, rent a boat at OKW, spend a day just sitting by the pool, et.)
You two look like such a couple and you can tell your having a terrific time.

 

[Loriann70]

Count me in! Great trip report! Keep it coming! Pictures are great!