Parks and Pop Century *And* A Park and Pop Century Christmas! *Plus* Downtown Disney

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Meeko,

All caught up now. The muppet exhibition looks really good, just a shame there was no photos allowed.

The sculptures outside look good as well, it was interesting seeing what Orlando was like before The Mouse arrived!

The sculpture of the alligator looked a little too real for my liking!

I saw on The Daily Show last night (we're a day behind) that there is a bit of a snake infestation in central Florida at the moment! You haven't come across an 18 foot Burmese python lately have you?

Di x

 

[meeko_33785]

Hi Meeko,

All caught up now. The muppet exhibition looks really good, just a shame there was no photos allowed.

The sculptures outside look good as well, it was interesting seeing what Orlando was like before The Mouse arrived!

The sculpture of the alligator looked a little too real for my liking!

I saw on The Daily Show last night (we're a day behind) that there is a bit of a snake infestation in central Florida at the moment! You haven't come across an 18 foot Burmese python lately have you?

Di x

I saw that on the Daily Show too. I think they're still only in Southern Florida, so I haven't seen a snake yet. Hopefully this will stay more of a comedy story than a serious one.

 

[meeko_33785]

Back to Disney! After making our way through the traffic between Orlando and Walt Disney World, we arrive at Downtown Disney.

The T-Rex restaurant is now open. Can’t even remember if we’d been to Downtown Disney since construction stated on this. It looked pretty popular- lots of people waiting to get in. Reminds me a lot of Rainforest Café. That being said, I’ll probably be passing on trying this one.

This little guy was on the menu board.

Welcome to the Marketplace!

The Sea serpent by the Lego store.

Watch out! He’s going to attack Saratoga Springs! Eh, most likely not given his non-menacing grin.

Buzz and I grabbed some lunch at the Earl of Sandwich. I had the Polynesian Sandwich and it was delicious! Buzz had the Original 1762 roast beef and liked his too. After lunch, we headed out to check out the shops and take some pictures.

Genie looks down from the top of Once Upon A Toy. It was so nice to see such a beautiful blue sky at Disney given most of the last two trips have had much more overcast skies.

Mr. Potato Head has apparently stolen the Sorcerer’s Hat too.

Woody.

I’m not sure who “Tommy” is.

For all you Pirates fans- Captain Jack Sparrow made out of “Megablocks” (not Legos since this isn’t the Lego Store)

Peter Pan flies above the store.

Wendy is, of course, not too far behind.

Off to the Pin Tradder’s shop. Mickey and Minnie.

Donald doesn’t seem to even have as much fun shopping here as Daisy does.

I found what appears to be a brand new pin- Ariel in the gown she wears for meet-and-greets when she’s a human. Thought it was a neat find. You don’t see much merchandise of her in that dress, but maybe they’re starting to change that.

Off to Disney Days of Christmas. Mickey’s up in the tree.

A trio of winter fairies fly overhead.

Snowmen Mickey and Donald silently carol outside.


At this point, I checked out the new design-your-own-shirt and design-your-own-Ears sections that got added to the scrapbooking store. Didn’t get any pictures here. It didn’t look like a lot of people were doing much designing. Maybe too expensive? After this, I perused the art store and headed on to see more of the Marketplace.



Next chapter: World of Disney.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oooh, what a great find of Ariel in her blue dress. I might have to pick that one up!

 

[meeko_33785]

Oooh, what a great find of Ariel in her blue dress. I might have to pick that one up!

I thought it was cool. It's nice to see her as a human and not in her wedding dress like they use to always have her.

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Meeko!

My DD would love that Ariel pin - that's her favourite princess, she was buying all Ariel pins when we were there! Hopefully she can get it on our next visit!

DTD looks good - it's a place we've never really spent much time at, but it's definately on the cards for a longer visit next time! Hopefully next year!

Any 18ft snake sightings down your way yet??

Di x

 

[meeko_33785]

Hi Meeko!

My DD would love that Ariel pin - that's her favourite princess, she was buying all Ariel pins when we were there! Hopefully she can get it on our next visit!

DTD looks good - it's a place we've never really spent much time at, but it's definately on the cards for a longer visit next time! Hopefully next year!

Any 18ft snake sightings down your way yet??

Di x

I think the snakes are still in the Everglades or at least were last time I checked. Yet another day safe from deadly giant snakes.

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Please don't tell me I've killed another TR!!!!!
Or have the 18ft killer pythons reached central Florida????!!!!

Di x

 

[meeko_33785]

Please don't tell me I've killed another TR!!!!!
Or have the 18ft killer pythons reached central Florida????!!!!

Di x

No, no. We're not dead yet. I've just been veru busy lately and haven't had time to update. I'm hoping to get the next part up soon but I'm not sure if that will happen before or after Easter this weekend.

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

No, no. We're not dead yet. I've just been veru busy lately and haven't had time to update. I'm hoping to get the next part up soon but I'm not sure if that will happen before or after Easter this weekend.

Am pleased to hear it - TR killing's a nasty habit I appear to have picked up!

Di x

 

[meeko_33785]

The next shop along the Marketplace was Pooh Corner. Don’t know if they’ve been adding theming here or I’d just never noticed it but its actually a pretty cute shop. My favorite was Tigger up in the tree.

On to Team Mickey’s next.

I like how a lot of the shops at Downtown Disney have displays that feature characters that aren’t as popular or as prevalent in the parks. Daisy isn’t too obscure, but it’s nice to see her.

Clarabelle on the other hand is a character you don’t see represented that often.

Even Pete gets a display of his own.

On to World of Disney, probably the largest and most photogenic store of them all! Lumiere greets us. “Be Our Guest!”

Magical characters grace the ceiling of one of the rooms. Flora, Fauna and Merryweather are represented.

As is Pinocchio’s Blue Fairy.

Ariel and Flounder.

Another character you don’t see represented like this very often anymore- John Smith from Pocahontas

Mr. Toad and friends on a mural in the store.

The pirate parrot! I believe this is the one that use to stand at the entrance of the ride that disappeared after the last rehab. It’s nice to see him return.

The Villains room. I wouldn’t try to make a deal with Ursula if I were you.

The Crocodile taking a rest from stalking Captain Hook.

Tinker Bell being held captive.

Another Pocahontas character, Flit, on the ceiling. Wait, we’ve got John Smith and Flit but no Meeko anywhere?

Some of my favorites- Cinderella’s mice friends.

And, of course, to round out the World of Disney visit- The Princesses. Cinderella…

And Aurora.



Next chapter: Pleasure Island, West Side and the end of the day

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Aw no! No Meeko! All the photos are really cute, good update!

Di x

 

[meeko_33785]

Aw no! No Meeko! All the photos are really cute, good update!

Di x

Thanks. Di.

 

[meeko_33785]

After World of Disney, Buzz and I left the Marketplace to spend a little time checking out the rest of Downtown Disney.

A view of Saratoga Springs across the water.

One of the “Celebrate Today” banners that were all around the area. Can’t wait to see these in the parks.

Off to Pleasure Island. Not much to do here besides the few shops and restaurants that are still open so we pretty much breezed through the area taking some pictures along with way.

The Adventurers Club. I’d heard so much about this but never went there while it was open. Thought I’d get a few shots of the outside façade while I still could (not sure if it will be torn down or not).

After our quick visit to Pleasure Island we headed over to the West Side.

We did a little browsing through some of the shops here. Starabilia’s is always a fun one to look through. The memorabilia and autographs they have on sale are always interesting. There’s always a bunch of autographs of celebrities and movie stars. I think the award for most surprising or random autographs I saw has to go to Bonnie and Clyde. Wonder how they managed to get those! We also checked out the Virgin Megastore for what we later found out would be the last time. I’m not too surprised that it’s closing. I remember when it first opened it was amazing to see such a wide variety of music in one place, but now with iTunes and other sites like that, it’s not as impressive.

A balcony at Bongo’s Cuban Café.

A glimpse of some of the theming at the entrance to DisneyQuest.

Cirque du Soliel’s theater. It’s so neat looking I don’t think I could get a picture that really does it justice.

Our visit to Downtown Disney was quickly drawing to a close. I have to say, it was fun to be able to have some time to check it out for once after not visiting for a couple of years. Between that and the Muppet exhibit, it was a really fun day (and probably the cheapest we’ve ever spent in Orlando!).



Well, that completes the third report. I’m hoping to conclude the whole report with some final thoughts from all three trips hopefully by the end of the week. Stay tuned.

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Meeko!

Good photos as always! Sounds like you had a good (and inexpensive day)! Always unusual in WDW! It reminds me of one of Homer's lines on The Simpsons Ride at US "Lisa honey, you know a theme park will never let you leave when there's still a dime left in your pocket!"

I wonder what they will do at Pleasure Island? It's a fairly large area and I'm sure they won't let it lie empty for long. We went in 1999, and to be honest weren't hugely impressed by it, but then I think we just weren't in the mood for clubbing on that holiday, we left that to holidays in the Med! We were all about the theme parks! We went into the Comedy Club (improv isn't really our thing), the 70's club and the Country club (which was a good laugh!) Never saw the adventurers club, I keep hearing it was good.

Any other trips planned?

Di x

 

[meeko_33785]

Hi Meeko!

Good photos as always! Sounds like you had a good (and inexpensive day)! Always unusual in WDW! It reminds me of one of Homer's lines on The Simpsons Ride at US "Lisa honey, you know a theme park will never let you leave when there's still a dime left in your pocket!"

I wonder what they will do at Pleasure Island? It's a fairly large area and I'm sure they won't let it lie empty for long. We went in 1999, and to be honest weren't hugely impressed by it, but then I think we just weren't in the mood for clubbing on that holiday, we left that to holidays in the Med! We were all about the theme parks! We went into the Comedy Club (improv isn't really our thing), the 70's club and the Country club (which was a good laugh!) Never saw the adventurers club, I keep hearing it was good.

Any other trips planned?

Di x

I was wondering what's going to happen to Pleasure Island too. None of us have ever been big fans of it. The only place we ever went there was Raglan Road (which we liked). We're theme park people too.

No trips planned officially, but I think they'll be a couple in the works shortly after. Hoping to go back this summer and probably a few shorter trips after that. Nothing is set in stone though yet.

 

[meeko_33785]

Well, we’ve finally come to the end of this three-for-one trip report. As we end it, I thought it might be fun to take a look back on some of the highlights of the trips, so in pure “Stacy’s Top 7” style, here are my Top 7 Highlights from the “Parks and Pop Century/ A Park and Pop Century Christmas/ Downtown and Downtown Disney” trip report.


#7 Jim Henson’s Fantastic World

Not actually at Walt Disney World but still a part of the trip report, this was a really great experience that I actually enjoyed even more than I had even anticipated. Getting to see many of the Muppets I’ve grown up watching along with a comprehensive look at the life and work of Jim Henson was a real treat. Plus, we got in for free! How can you beat that?


#6 Tom Sawyer’s Island

After 15+ years, returning to Tom Sawyer’s Island and experiencing it anew was a great experience. I’d forgotten how much of an immersive place it is, so far removed from the crowds and craziness of the rest of the park. I’d forgotten how much there was to do and explore here! Hopefully I won’t wait another 15 or more years before coming back again.


#5 Toy Story Midway Mania

We tried this for the first (and later for the second) time over the summer and it was a blast! Exactly the kind of attraction that the Studios has been needing for a long time. It did turn out to be the longest wait of the report (but only 30 minutes since we got there at opening), but there’s so much in the queue to see that it’s still an entertaining wait. Glad we went and waited in the regular queue first and then got FastPasses for later since the FastPass queue skips a lot of the best stuff (including Mr. Potato Head). Overall, best new attraction of the trip.


#4 Castle Dream Lights

Undoubtedly the most beautiful layovers I’ve ever seen on the Castle. The Castle is always beautiful at night but adding in the twinkling lights just adds a bit more magic to it. Absolutely gorgeous!


#3 Character Meet-and-Greets

OK, this may be a cheat clumping all the characters together, but whatever. If I had to pick one stand-out character experience, I’d have to give the honor to Prince Caspian. Great set up and atmosphere, plus Caspian was so awesome and really interactive. I think Magic Kingdom gets the award for best assortment of characters this year. I was really happy to see so many unusual or out-of-the-ordinary ones out- Jiminy Cricket (at last!), Mary Poppins and Bert, Cinderella’s Stepfamily, Scrooge McDuck, etc. Overall, great year for characters.


#2 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

After not getting to ride this over the summer, getting to ride it in December was an undeniable highlight. From it being total walk-on to experiencing it at night to getting a picture-perfect finale complete with Wishes Fireworks, it felt like the ultimate Big Thunder experience. Defiantly worth it!


#1 Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

How could I not give my favorite ride the #1 spot? Still, at least in my opinion, the best ride experience in any of the parks. Everything about it is top-notch. What more can I say?



Well, that’s it. I currently do not have any official next-trip in the planning stages, but I’m hoping to get back there over the summer and then later in the year to take advantage of free birthday admission. When things look a bit more definite, I’ll likely start a pre-trip (that is, if anyone is interested). Hopefully those trips will be able to include some of the things we didn’t get a chance to see on these past few like the Animal Kingdom, Pixie Hollow and maybe even staying at a resort other than Pop Century for the first time in a couple of years.


Also, thanks to all of you who have stuck with the trip report all this time. I really appreciate your taking the time to read it and for all the comments. They truly encouraged me to keep going. Hope you enjoyed it!

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

I was wondering what's going to happen to Pleasure Island too. None of us have ever been big fans of it. The only place we ever went there was Raglan Road (which we liked). We're theme park people too.

No trips planned officially, but I think they'll be a couple in the works shortly after. Hoping to go back this summer and probably a few shorter trips after that. Nothing is set in stone though yet.

I can't see disney letting an area that big lie dormant for too long. It will be interesting to see what is developed there. May not be anything for a while due to the current economic climate though! LOL!

What did you think of Raglan Road, as we're tentatively thinking of that next year for dinner?

Well, that’s it. I currently do not have any official next-trip in the planning stages, but I’m hoping to get back there over the summer and then later in the year to take advantage of free birthday admission. When things look a bit more definite, I’ll likely start a pre-trip (that is, if anyone is interested). Hopefully those trips will be able to include some of the things we didn’t get a chance to see on these past few like the Animal Kingdom, Pixie Hollow and maybe even staying at a resort other than Pop Century for the first time in a couple of years.


Also, thanks to all of you who have stuck with the trip report all this time. I really appreciate your taking the time to read it and for all the comments. They truly encouraged me to keep going. Hope you enjoyed it!

I'm interested!

I love the 'Top 7' list! i should have done that on mine! Have to agree with your list - you've made sure TSI is definately on our to-do list for next year! And the castle dream lights are just stunning!

It would be great to catch up with anymore trips you do! Lucky you're so close to WDW!

Any ideas for resorts? I can highly recommend POFQ - I think you'd like all the photo ops there - it's just lovely.

Hope to see another PTR soon! PM me when you start, as I'm not trawling the boards as much now my TR is done, and no new holiday in sight for us just yet , just in case I miss it!

Thanks again for sharing your photos and TR - it's been great fun to read all about it!

Di x

 

[meeko_33785]

I'm interested!

I love the 'Top 7' list! i should have done that on mine! Have to agree with your list - you've made sure TSI is definately on our to-do list for next year! And the castle dream lights are just stunning!

It would be great to catch up with anymore trips you do! Lucky you're so close to WDW!

Any ideas for resorts? I can highly recommend POFQ - I think you'd like all the photo ops there - it's just lovely.

Hope to see another PTR soon! PM me when you start, as I'm not trawling the boards as much now my TR is done, and no new holiday in sight for us just yet , just in case I miss it!

Thanks again for sharing your photos and TR - it's been great fun to read all about it!

Di x

Awesome. Glad you're interested. Last summer I think I got through the entire Pre-trip and didn't get one response until I got back, and I didn't want to go through that again. I'll let you know when it starts (which will hopefully be sooner than later).

Actually, Port Orleans was at the top of my list of options. I've stayed at FQ and Riverside a bunch of times but haven't been to either for 5 years. I'd love to go back and take some photos since last time I was there I was still in the pre-digital camera age using film. The other resort I was thinking about was All Stars which we've never been too. They look fun and seem to be priced comparably to Pop. We'll probably wait to see what kind of discounts Disney will have over the summer to see which resort we'll end up in.

Thanks so much for being such an awesome reader. I really appreciate it and have enjoyed chatting with you and reading your trip report as well.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I love your top 7! I might have to steal/borrow that idea for my TR coming up!

I have really enjoyed reading about your trips! I hope you do write another one when you go more trips!