Pin Girl's WDW 06 - 3rd Time is Charm Trip Report!/ Page 5- New Added 12/14

[PinGirl]

Ok Per Glendamax Adding:

WDW Trip Participants: Me (Pin Girl) , DH , FIL and TGF (The GirlFriend) - FIL and TGF only there the first 3 days!

Our Travel Dates were: 10/13-10/21

Our Resort: Port Orleans Riverside

3rd Trip to WDW

Day 1 – Arrival @ MCO and Port Orleans Riverside - Friday 10/13

Ok here we go….After the Redeye and a quick look in the Crocs Store and a quick purchase at LUSH (Don’t get me started)…..we made it down to the Magic Express level. I can say finding it and getting to the level it’s on was very well organized. We were directed to a desk where they asked us how many bags we had and they stamped our return vouchers and told us to hold on to them. We were then directed to the Port Orleans bus line. We waited about 10-15 minutes and our bus arrived. I would say we were about half full going to the resort. Here is a Pic of us after the overnight flight.

I can Say Magical Express was Pseudo magical coming in as the bus we were on had no working video and it would have been better if it had. But as far as getting us to the resort – that part worked well.

We arrived at Port Orleans in about 25 Minutes. The Check-in desk was a little crowded but not too bad maybe about a 15 minute wait. We had requested the Alligator Bayou section – but the gentleman checking us in said they had immediate availability at The Mansions Oak Manor Section. We decided to take that since we were expecting a delivery from Garden Grocer and our delivery time frame was coming up. Once we got to the room (Standard as we usually do not spend lots of time there) [Room was cute – double sinks, hidden Mickey’s in the tile – clean]…..I called Garden Grocer to let them know we were in the room. The guy told me the driver had our order on the truck and he would have the driver call me. Less than 10 minutes later the driver called me and told me he would be there in 10 min. He was and the order was perfect. We considered taking a nap – but my father in law had called to say he would be meeting us in about 2 hours. We decided to eat our sandwich stuff - change and head down to Downtown Disney by boat to walk around. Here are some of the pics we took of the boat, Port Orleans FQ and the resort by boat.

 

[pumba]

I love Port Orleans both sides.......thanks for your red eye start of your vacation

 

[happybratpack]

Oooooh, I miss Port Orleans so much after seeing your pics! Looking forward to the rest of the trip!

 

[Kirby]

I look forward to hearing more about your trip!

 

[cxcelica]

looking forward to hearing more!!

 

[PinGirl]

Hi Everyone - thanks for the comments! Here is a little more of Day 1

Now my Father in Law was suppose to be bringing a new girlfriend, however she could not get ready in time to make the drive with him from Naples , (I kid you not) so she was going to take a flight on Saturday. –[ I promise this particular part of the story line gets better with age if you hang in there for the up coming posts…..(LOL)]

Father in Law arrived safe and sound –and we made plans to meet at Boatwright’s for dinner. Let me put a disclaimer in at this point – if there is no pic of the food I am describing it’s because we ate first and remembered about the Photo later……. We ordered Caesar Salads, Salmon and Pot Roast. I also decided to get a blackberry soda as Glendamax had recommended the flavored sodas highly. (And it was Divine) The restaurant was clean the staff was very nice…the Corn Bread was good……. After Dinner we really started to get tired so we bid Father in Law (AL) Goodbye and headed to the room – with plans to meet at 7:00 for breakfast to get to Animal Kingdom nice and early Saturday Morning. We used the DDE Card as we knew Al would want to pay for some meals. Also since we had groceries in the room and would be snacking through EPCOT – we knew we would be skipping some lunches and dinners.

Here is the Pot Roast - it was truly Awesome with Greens and Potatoes and the Pic does not do it Justice

Here is the Salmon - Served on a bed of Arugula tossed in A light italian Dressing - YUM!

Lessons Learned:

Trust your Instincts
1)Originally I had booked Coronado Springs since it was recommended by Mary Waring of Mousesavers. When I thought about how we vacation, I thought closeness to DTD might be more to our liking, so I switched to the French Quarter. When I found out the Boats to DTD left from the Riverside, I switched to the Riverside. This was perfect for us. Think about your travel habits (likes and dislikes) when making your plans even when something else is recommended.

Follow Gut Instincts
2)We arrived on Friday the 13th. Because I read Dizpins, I knew there was going to be a Friday the 13th Pin. When we arrived at DTD Pin Traders I bought one. Well it was a good thing as the next day they were all removed from the shelves (I knew I should have gotten 2) – At least I got 1!

If offered a room different from your original choice but way earlier than check –in * Take It! *
3)We were in our room about 40 minutes after arriving at the resort with check-in line and room finding time added in. It was not Alligator Bayou as requested but it gave us a chance to try the Mansions which we enjoyed. The Oak Manor Location was also a short walk to Dining, Shopping, Buses and Boats. (Bags arrived within 45 min – although we had been told it could be up to 3 hours)

Dissers Suggestions are Good Ones – Ode to Glendamax
4)Glendamax had commented on how yummy the flavored soda’s were. This was perfect - as an alcoholic drink after a red eye flight and staying awake all day would have made me really sleepy – plus the Blackberry soda was superb!

Things that went wrong – 0
Things I would have changed: Maybe another Friday the 13th Pin….maybe…..

 

[PinGirl]

Hi to Pumba, Kirby, Happybratpack and cxcelica - thanks for reading my report! I will try to make it as informative and interesting as possible. It's my first one so hang in there.......

Pingirl

 

[lynn71092]

You're doing a great job so far!
Great pics!!

 

[LoriKay]

Hi PinGirl! LoriKay here...from the bus one day and Soarin' the next day, remember? I just wanted to let you know that I'm reading your trip report and enjoying it so far. Can't wait to read more!

 

[PinGirl]

Hey LoriKay - Yes Fun Riding Soaring - How could I forget - your Pic is coming up - Stay Tuned!

Day 2 – Animal Kingdom/We Run into Our First Disboarder and Dinner at Boma - Saturday 10/14

It was Dark when the Alarm went off. I am pretty sure DH re-set it to sleep just a little longer. We had been up for awhile by the time we finally went to sleep and our bodies were telling us that. However, once the alarm went off - that Disney excitement hit me and I was ready to be up and out! Woo Hoo! Animal Kingdom is one of my favorite parks. I love the theme, the music the way it looks – everything. Also it always seems to be the first park we hit every time we come to WDW.

Al had spent time with us at the parks before but had never been to Animal Kingdom so I was really excited for him to experience it. We headed over to the Food Court at Riverside – having decided this would be one of our mornings to eat out as we did not want Al to eat by himself. Food was tasty – although it was hard for me to eat everything. I had the same problem with the post roast the night before – but my DH and Al were more than happy to help me finish everything. We headed out to the Bus Stop and in about 10 minutes an Animal Kingdom Bus came. Our Goal was to catch the 8:00 bus as when you stay at a DTD Resort AK is pretty far away…..we arrived about 8:40 and there were a few other guests with the same idea…….. they started letting people in about 8:45. We used our Tourguide Mike Secret entrance and made our way to the Rope in time to see the Pre-opening Show. (I cannot reveal any special tips from TGM – as you take a vow when you purchase his info).

When they finally let us go past the ropes – someone came up to me and said, “Are you on the Dis – I am too my name is Krissy2803”. So immediately DH no longer thinks I am totally crazy with these Alien Green Mickey heads. I introduce her to DH and Al and since her poor DH is sick in the room – we head in the direction of Everest and decide to ride together. Woo Hoo!

We ended up riding Dinosaur, the Whirl \ and Everest again together. Then we went our separate ways. {Hey Krissy – I hope you read this you are so Cool and it was very fun meeting you and riding the rides – You Rock!} Here is our Pic after the First Everest I think –

I can’t believe they got me to ride it a 2nd time…….But anything is better than Tower of Terror – my least fav ride….always feel like I am going to die for real.....

Lets see after 2nd Everest we decided to head over to Kali River Rapids which was just opening up. Al decided he did not want to get wet and went off in search of a pretzel while we rode. We brought out our trusty .50c Poncho’s from the bargain bin at Target and wrapped those suckers around us. The ride was very wet (But we stayed dry) so poncho's are an excellent idea.

 

[PinGirl]

I have to say our Crocs were more than ideal for this. We took off our socks and the cold water felt good as it was warm – about 85 that day I think. By the time we walked off the ride and back to where we were meeting Al, our feet and crocs were dry and we just put the socks back on.

We back tracked with Al to his pretzel purchase – as they were just getting them ready when he finally found them. LOL. Al and DH went to get fast passes for the Kilimanjaro Safari and I sat outside of Flights of Wonder to wait for them. They came back speedy quick and we headed in to the show. DH and I had enjoyed this our last time and thought Al would enjoy it to he did and it was a nice break for the feet.

Flights Pic - Eagle

Ok about this time, Al decided to call the girlfriend. She will be referred to as TGF from here on out. She was supposed to catch a flight at 12:45. Al called her (about 10) to make sure she was up and getting ready. DH and I overhear this conversation and give each other “the look”. The look means we both think she is going to miss the flight but neither of us is going to say anything out loud. We try to keep from laughing as we head over to the Maharaja trail to see the Tigers, Bats and Monkeys.

1 More Flights Pic

On our way over to the Kilimanjaro Safari, Al decided to Call TGF again. DH and I overhear that – she is just leaving the house to go the airport to catch a 12:45 flight at 12:00. We are told she lives about 50 minutes from the airport. Al announces that he believes she will miss this flight. DH and I give each other “The Look”, shrug our shoulders and head over to the Safari.

On the way I ask if I should change the Dinner Reservation. Al says yes. I move the 6:00 Reservation at Boma to 8:20. We enjoy the Safari and decide we have had a really full day. Al wants to swing by the Gift shop so we pin trade our way out of the park. By the time we arrive back at POR we are a little hungry. We order a Pizza. They forget to put cook it – so by the time we get the Pizza we get Garlic sticks too. We try to give them away to people around us – but they are also complaining about being full. We head back to our room to rest and find – towel animals – Woo hoo!

Are these Cool or what - we were so delighted to discover them - it totally made an already amazing day that much better! Hat's off to Mousekeeping! You guys Rock!

 

[Glendamax]

YAY!!!!!! You've started your report (yes I'm pretending that I'm NOT late, and I AM the first one here)! Love the tips you're giving!

I love the shot of the 2 of you on the bus! You look sooo excited AND awake! I cracked up when I saw it, because you look the way I felt!

Why am I sitting here waving everytime your picture comes up?! And yes, I did get REALLY excited when you bumped into Krissy! And yes, I excitedly waved at her too Why am I excited? I DON'T KNOW! I don't even know Krissy! HA!

I am sooo glad you got a flavored soda! If I had room, I could've ordered a second one! AND you guys got the salmon too! That's what I ordered! I loved it! Can't wait to read more!

 

[PinGirl]

We get a call from Al that TGF has finally made it - (Well Halleluiah! Finally! ) However the 1 hour flight and the whole ordeal - has tired her out so much and she won’t be joining us for dinner at Boma and neither will he.

Now at this point I am slightly frustrated as we could have kept the 6:00 reservation. However we go on without them (Of Course) because I had been looking forward to this for months and her inability to show up on time was not spoiling my Disney trip! No Siree Bob! Al apologizes and tells us to pick the best restaurant in the place and he is paying for our last nights dinner together on Monday night.

Coincidentally I had scheduled dinner for all 4 of us at Artist Point in Wilderness Lodge. (A signature restaurant costing 2 meal credits per person if you are on the plan) We took the Boat to DTD and caught the Bus to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Because we were delayed by TGF’s floor show – we ran into a lot of traffic in front of DTD West Side going to the La Nouba Cirq du Soleil show. We arrived 5 minutes before our reservation – slightly frazzled – but there – Yay! Al was going to drive us so we were not expecting to have to rush you know?

Anyway the hostess seats us in less than 10 Minutes! (Thank God for ADR’s) They ask us if we are celebrating anything special. We say Yes, our Anniversary. They seat us at a nice table near the window. As we walk through the restaurant all these wonderful and exotic smells greet us - Jambo – welcoming us to a wonderful African themed dinner. Our waitress takes our drink order. We decide to have wines we have never tried. I have white DH has red. We then head up to the buffet – everything looks good! At the Meat station I grab the Pecan Encrusted Salmon and the Ribs, then I move on the Fufu – a mixture of yams and potatoes with spices – some yummy cous cous with veggies cooked in a tomato sauce with mild spices, then I get to the salad station. I get the unusual Tomato, Feta and watermelon salad, The Radish and Orange Salad and the Watermelon Rind salad. All items were very unique and interesting. I probably picked up more things that I don’t remember. DH really liked the Carrot and Ginger soup – he went back for 2nds.

Our Waitress had told us to let her know when we were ready for Dessert. We told her and we received a card signed by all the hostesses wishing us Happy Anniversary in the language of their region and a dessert board that spelled Happy Anniversary in Chocolate with Mickey head Sprinkles and Cookies and Truffles. It was so special and magical. I even shared some of what we were unable to eat with a couple at another table – who turned out to be visiting WDW from South Africa. I have to mention the dessert board in general looks fabulous.

Here is a pic of the Dessert board:

Boma Pic - Dark

DH went back for some banana Pudding I think with vanilla sauce that he still wanted after the yummy stuff on our Anniv. Board….we took a quick tour of the Gift Shop (traded some pins) and headed back to POR. We get a call from Al that TGF won’t be able to make an 8:00 bus to MGM so they will meet us there for lunch. Our Lunch Reservation is 11:30am at Sci Fi Dine in Theatre – but at this point – I know I will probably need to push it back – as I am sure TGF won’t be able to make the original time. (Keep in mind at this point we still have not seen her.) We laugh a little and get ready for bed.

Lessons Learned

Alien Green Mickey Heads do attract Dissers!
1) It meant so much that Krissy came up to us and spent part of the day with us!! It was truly a magical moment for me! Do not forget your Alien Green Mickey heads and display them some where that people can see them. Something truly Magical may happen to you!

I do love the Animal Kingdom!
2) This is still one of my favorite parks. Do not skip it! Pin trading was quite good here. I never knew they had pretzels (which were way better than average and which we would get again) till Al wanted one.

Give yourself Plenty of Travel Time
3) When we left in the morning for Animal Kingdom and when we went to the Animal Kingdom Lodge to eat at Boma we needed to allow for more actual travel time. If you are at a DTD resort you are very far away for AK and AKL.

Towel Animals make a nice magical ending to a day – Leave a daily Mousekeeper Tip!
4) Based on another post from a disser – I brought decorated envelopes which we left every day for our Mousekeeper. We had never seen these cute towel animals in our other stays at WDW. (We never left a daily tip – just one at the end) We thought the Mousekeeper creations were so cute and they really made our day!

**Travel companions may not always be as Magical as you are**
5) Even though a trip with family may sound good when you are planning – it can occasionally turn out to be a little more challenging than you originally bargained for. (LOL) Keep smiling and try to stick with your original itinerary and ADR’s as much as possible letting the unmagical one go their own way while you go yours!

Things that went wrong - 1 - (Sort Of) – almost missed our ADR time at Boma

Things I would have changed – Maybe a new or different Girlfriend for Al - what do you think?

Pic of DH and AL:

 

[Glendamax]

I am soooo glad the end of day 2 went well inspite of TGF - whom we have yet to meet!

When I went to Boma, I also had the Fufu. But, we could not remember what it was called, so we named it "POOP"! For the rest of the trip, anything we really liked that was a bit ugly and unrecognizable, we called it Poop!

Gotta love it

 

[kabbie]

Towel Animals make a nice magical ending to a day – Leave a daily Mousekeeper Tip!
4) Based on another post from a disser – I brought decorated envelopes which we left every day for our Mousekeeper. We had never seen these cute towel animals in our other stays at WDW. (We never left a daily tip – just one at the end) We thought the Mousekeeper creations were so cute and they really made our day!

I think it also depends on your mousekeeper. I stayed at POR Sept 28-Oct3 and left a decorated envelope everyday with $4 and no towel animals.

 

[krissy2803]

Hi guys!
Thanks so much for the kind words! You guys were so nice to let me hang with you for a bit. It was FUN! But I have to tell yall..I am never getting on the Whirl thing again!
Love the trip report! Oh and by the way..How long did it take for Al to find that pretzel???

 

[PrincessV]

Hi Pin Girl Glendamax directed me to your trippie and I'm so glad she did! How on earth did I miss it?

What a great DISer sighting! You give me renewed hope that my LGMH's may, in fact, one day attract the attention of a fellow DISer.

Something tells me TGF is going to be a source of much unraveling of plans in this TR.... but may I say how impressive your handling of it so far has been? Way to let it roll off your back and carry on your fun times in The World!

Looking forward to more

 

[PinGirl]

You're doing a great job so far!
Great pics!!

Thanks for your Comments and for reading the Report - I appreciate it!

I am soooo glad the end of day 2 went well inspite of TGF - whom we have yet to meet!

When I went to Boma, I also had the Fufu. But, we could not remember what it was called, so we named it "POOP"! For the rest of the trip, anything we really liked that was a bit ugly and unrecognizable, we called it Poop!

Gotta love it

OMG! POOP! I was ROFL! =You are too funny! We have to plan our trips at the same time next year! Even if we over lap a day = it would be fun to run into you~!

I think it also depends on your mousekeeper. I stayed at POR Sept 28-Oct3 and left a decorated envelope everyday with $4 and no towel animals.

Hi Kabbie - You are probably right about this. It probably depends on who you get! Thanks for your comments!

Hi guys!
Thanks so much for the kind words! You guys were so nice to let me hang with you for a bit. It was FUN! But I have to tell yall..I am never getting on the Whirl thing again!
Love the trip report! Oh and by the way..How long did it take for Al to find that pretzel???

Hi Krissy - Great to hear from you! The Whirl almost made me Hurl! LOL Thanks for hanging in there for the daily saga. Hope you are enjoying it! It took Al about 20 min to get that Pretzel. Then he put it in a bag because food is not allowed on the Maharaja train LOL.

Hi Pin Girl Glendamax directed me to your trippie and I'm so glad she did! How on earth did I miss it?

What a great DISer sighting! You give me renewed hope that my LGMH's may, in fact, one day attract the attention of a fellow DISer.

Something tells me TGF is going to be a source of much unraveling of plans in this TR.... but may I say how impressive your handling of it so far has been? Way to let it roll off your back and carry on your fun times in The World!

Looking forward to more

Hi Princess V ! Thanks for joining the Party!
Definately take the LGMH! Thanks for the Encouragement with TGF! - hope you enjoy the rest!

 

[Lan]

Hi Pin Girl!

I am enjoying your trip report and pictures. How long have you been collecting pins? My sister and I just started last year. I have never traded them, but just buy the ones that i like.

 

[PinGirl]

Hi Pin Girl!

I am enjoying your trip report and pictures. How long have you been collecting pins? My sister and I just started last year. I have never traded them, but just buy the ones that i like.

Hey Lan - thanks for the Encouragement! I have been collecting since 2001!

Ok on we go....

Day 3 MGM – Lost AP and Sunday Dinner at Artist Point with TGF Sunday 10/15

Ok – so we start the day knowing we may have some issues now that TGF is here. Why does this feel like an episode of Seinfeld to me? DH and I wake, eat breakfast in the room and head over to MGM nice and early arriving about 15 min before opening. This is the only morning we waited awhile for a bus. For some reason they just were not running a lot of MGM busses on Sunday Morning. When DH hands me my AP jacket – we discover my AP is missing. Now – because I have read the info I know all I have to do is go to Guest Services with ID and have another one issued. This works quite well (Literally from start to finish it takes about 10 minutes) although there was someone at the other window that was livid about a room problem at a resort and making sure everyone within a 10 mile radius could hear him.

We get the new AP and head into the park just missing the Pre-show but there as they dropped the rope – Yay! Like everyone else we head over to Rockin’ and Tower. DH gets Fast Passes for 2 (Although as earlier stated this is the one ride that truly freaks me out) but we think perhaps he and Al can ride together later…..then we head over to Rockin’ Rollercoaster – and ride. At opening even though these rides are popular they are walk on’s for like the first 90 minutes…..we ride Rockin’ and receive a call from Al that they are going to eat breakfast at Boatwrights and meet us for lunch. I head over the Guest Services window and ask if 1950”s Prime Time Café has a reservation after 12:00PM. They have one for 12:30. I cancel the Scifi (As we knew I would - right Psychic people) and we head over to the coffee shop on the side of the brown derby – as we both feel like it may be a day we need an extra dash of caffeine to get through this TGF filled day. DH of course has some kind of hobbit style 2nd breakfast with his coffee. We check the times for the Stunt show which we have looked forward to seeing and realize it’s time to head over there. We head back to Rockin’ to pick up another Fast Pass for later and head over to the Stunt Show. Someone Else asks me if we are part of the Dis – but we get separated in the crowd – and I would have liked to talk to them too….we watch the show it’s really fun!

Stunt Show Pics:

Herbie makes an appearance :