Pin Trading, Pineapple Bars, and Italian Wine, OH MY! Sept. 2010 TR UPDATE 8/20 pg 9

[Belle_princess]

Somewhere between us leaving MK and arriving at HS, the weather changed. I know, I know: its Florida, but wow! No clouds at MK and then lots-o-clouds at HS. Oh well. Who cares?!? A bad day at Disney is SOOOOO much better than a good day at home, right!

Will someone PUH-LEASE take that High School Musical sign down from in front of the hat and GMR?? Argh! I don't like it there. . .I seriously don't want it in my pictures! Geez!

Here is another of my favorite pictures from the trip!

We decided to make our way into the park by going through Mickey's of Hollywood! It was a pin hunt, but, shhh, don't tell anyone- they'll never suspect!

We shopped, looked at the pins to trade and to buy, checked out their pin board. Who knows, I can't remember if we traded pins or not. . . However, we did find out that at HS, if a CM has a green lanyard or pin pouch, they will trade will anyone! Score for us 30-something pin traders!

As we made our way through the stores, I saw this:

Look. . .Disney Geeks! OMG! I knew I had to have it! I didn't buy it right away, but I LOVED the tote bag and all the other Geek things they had! Totally awesome (and totally me!!!!)

We popped out of the stores just shy of the "HAT." We were headed that way when Nikki spotted the American Idol theatre. We veered left towards it. We asked a CM when the next show was. . .it was at 4. We had 20 minutes, so we decided to check out the pin store under the HAT.

Us? On a pin hunt?? Nooooo. . .you must be thinking of the other crazed, 30-something year old!

We walked up to the HAT. Thank you, Nikki, for taking a picture of me under the hat. . . Next time, will you tell me to turn around????

Here's my take on the HAT

We checked out the pins (er. . .yeah, those for sale. . .and the trade-able ones the CMs had!)

This was cool (too expensive, but cool!)

We made our way back to American Idol where they were letting people in the theatre. We found a seat and waited for the show to begin. Having never seen this before (and only having a basic knowledge of the actual show), I really didn't know what to expect.

We enjoyed the show, but as musicians, we were slightly critical. First up was a lady- mid thirties and just married. She had attitude and moved around the stage, but boy, was she flat! The judges agreed with our assessment!

Next up was a young man- in his twenties. He was better, but his intonation was still slightly off but better than lady #1. He was a little stiff on stage, too, but he was having fun.

Third, was a man in his late thirties (I'm guessing) with his wife and two daughters there. He was quite good! Nikki and I both liked him. He was loose on stage- no inhibitions at all! He strutted around the stage and sang very well. He was having a blast!

Well, it came time to vote. Nikki and I each had an empty seat beside us. We both voted for Guy #3 and Guy #2 on our arm rest. Why not? There was no one beside us, so we could vote for those empty chairs, right?

Alas, Guy #3 didn't make it. Guy #2 won. He was very excited! It was a good show- enjoyable even if some of the singers were flat!!

We headed out and checked out the gift kiosk (not a shop. . .too small!) We looked at the AI pins and merchandise and cracked up over a onesie that read "Future American Idol!" Then we checked out the plastic awards only to find this:

Shh. . .but to those of you who don't know, Nikki tried out for the REAL American Idol three times. Each time she inched closer and closer, but never made it. At the last audition, she was told that judge never let anyone through and that she should have gone through. She is a fantastic singer, and she would have blown the pop charts away if she'd made it on the show. She'd be famous. . .

At this point, it was time to search for the Sci-Fi. I wasn't exactly sure where it was located. I have a vague idea, but I wanted to be sure we arrived in time for our 5:50 reservations.

We walked past the closed Star Tours. I was bummed. As old as this ride is, it is still cool. Guess I'll have to come back after they reopen it!! We shot a few pictures and as we rounded the corner, we found the SciFi.

We checked in and were given a pager. While we waited, they were turning down walk-ins! Phew, was I glad I made reservations. I've always seen how neat this place is, but I'd never eaten here.

While we waited, I noticed one of the CMs had roller skates on. Actual roller skates (with four wheels like a car)- no inline skates! He was seating the guests as their tables became available. (Um, for those of you who don't know- which is most of you- I've recently become obsessed with women's roller derby. I had gone to a bout (match) the Saturday before we left, and I was totally drawn in! I plan on joining my nearby team! I had no idea roller skates were even still considered cool or in use, so I was totally excited to see this guy on roller skates!)

Coming up. . .Sci-Fi and the craziness called "Fantasmic!"

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Hi, Kristin -- I am totally enjoying your TR. You're telling a great story...your friend Nikki has some great attitude in your shots of her, and you both look like you are having a wonderful time. My BFF and I are going to see each other in Feb at WDW -- without our families!! -- and I am getting some great ideas from your TR.

Thanks for the great story & pics!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Great updates, Kristin!

I've been reading, just haven't had the time to post, sorry about that!

Loving all the stories and pics, you girls are having such a great time! What date are you up to? I've lost track, just wondering if we were still crossing paths or not?

Btw, I think the next trip, i'm going to pin trade, too! By the end of our week and the kids doing it, I decided I wanted my own lanyard, but wasnt' willing to get a 2nd mortgage to do so! We do pin ordering on Ebay, too, beforehand and that's what I'll do my 1st time so I can build my collection, too! What fun!! And WOW, that man you met with the pins, CRAZY and cool!!

 

[Belle_princess]

Hi, Kristin -- I am totally enjoying your TR. You're telling a great story...your friend Nikki has some great attitude in your shots of her, and you both look like you are having a wonderful time. My BFF and I are going to see each other in Feb at WDW -- without our families!! -- and I am getting some great ideas from your TR.

Thanks for the great story & pics!!

I'm so glad you are here, Simmer! Its great to hear you are enjoying my TR! Your trip is February sounds fabulous! You definitely need to spend some time in the World Showcase!!! Nikki and I discovered (too late in our trip) about a Wine around the world. You spend one amount (I'm sorry- I can't remember what), and get to try different wines in like 4 or 5 pavilions! Nikki and I choose wine over beer every time, so we were disappointed that we discovered this too late in our trip to give it a try. However, we did enjoy our Italian Wine!!

Also, if you can, take one of the special tours offered at WDW. We did Keys to the Kingdom, but there are tours at just about every park, I think. Pick one you are interested in that, maybe, your DH or kids wouldn't want to go on. It made our trip that much more enjoyable!

One thing Nikki and I did was to try out things one or both of us had never done before! That made the vacation that much more enjoyable because it was new memories. The best for me: watching Nikki pin trade! I loved it!!!

Great updates, Kristin!

I've been reading, just haven't had the time to post, sorry about that!

Loving all the stories and pics, you girls are having such a great time! What date are you up to? I've lost track, just wondering if we were still crossing paths or not?

Btw, I think the next trip, i'm going to pin trade, too! By the end of our week and the kids doing it, I decided I wanted my own lanyard, but wasnt' willing to get a 2nd mortgage to do so! We do pin ordering on Ebay, too, beforehand and that's what I'll do my 1st time so I can build my collection, too! What fun!! And WOW, that man you met with the pins, CRAZY and cool!!

Hey, Kristen! I know you are busy with three boys and two part time jobs!- I can't even imagine. I'm so glad you are reading and enjoying my updates! Nikki and I had a great trip, and I'm anxious to share with those who love Disney as much as we do!

If you want to see what's available pin wise, go here. You can find out about pin trading events and see what pins are out there. I haven't spent much time on there, but I might today! Enjoy!

ETA: By the way, Kristen, I'm still on Thursday, September 23.

 

[Belle_princess]

We were led to our 'table' at Sci-Fi by the man on roller skates! (A plus in my book!)

We were seated in the back of a 'car.' It appeared to be a '57 Chevy Bel-Air, but I'm not sure.

We were looking over the menu when our waitress came up. She asked about the allergy that was marked on the reservation (Man, they don't miss a beat, do they??) and took our drink orders-two milkshakes, please (especially since they were included in the dinning plan!). She said the chef would be out momentarily to talk to Nikki. Our milkshakes came. . .

and then the chef. He explained to Nikki what she could eat on the menu, but he also told her he had created a special gluten-free flatbread that he would use if she wanted a sandwich. Nikki's eyes grew wide and she tapped the tips of her fingers together in front of her as she does when she is considering something that could have a favorable outcome- I knew what was coming. She looked over the menu again saying she hadn't had a sandwich in 6+ years!! She couldn't decide. The chef insisted he needed to know if she wanted a sandwich, so he could put the bread in the oven. Nikki stared at the menu, debating. The chef offered her an out: he would bring her a sample of the bread while she tried to decide to see if she liked it. She agreed.

Nikki looked at me and said she really wanted the ribs, but that she hadn't had a sandwich in ages. She was torn. I told her I was getting the ribs and she could have some if she wanted to get a sandwich. She grinned.

The chef returned with the flatbread sample. Nikki tried it, and then ordered the Reuben Sandwich. Once the chef left, she handed me a piece of the flatbread to try. It was delicious- a little courser than normal bread, but I was starting to understand that was normal for gluten-free breads!

Nikki and I shot some pictures while we waited for our food. The Sci-Fi is way cool. It is a really fun place to eat!! It really does feel like you are at a drive-in. They play 'previews' for old B-rated movies and old refreshment ads (similar to the ones in the movie Grease.) We decided we had to see "Attack of the 50-foot Woman" (circa 1958) and "The Amazing Colossal Man" (circa 1957)- both so sad and pathetic, they are funny. (we haven't watched them yet!)

Our food came!! Nikki was so excited about her sandwich, I couldn't get a great picture of her with her food!

Despite the blurriness, do you see her excitement??? Here is her food:

and my ribs:

Both were delicious!!! We sampled each others, and it was so good food! After dinner, we were stuffed, but we still had dessert to order. . .um. .. yeah, we SO are not missing out on dessert!

Nikki ordered just some fresh fruit:

and I couldn't resist the Apple Crumble (which, by the way, was to DIE for!!!!!)

We purchased our meal, and set off. We checked to see how the line to get into the first Fantasmic showing was- it was pretty long! Considering it was still early for the show and that there were two shows that day, we decided to do some more shopping, of course!

We checked out the Villians store where they had a whole section of Jack Skelington stuff. He's one of Nikki's favorites. Plus, they had a huge display of Vinylmation- which, of course, I couldn't ignore!

We looked at everything there was in the Villian Store and then headed across the street to the other shops. We shopped in the Planet Hollywood store and then moved on to the other stores with more Disney merchandise. Nikki found a shirt she considered buying because it is so her and she love Maleficent!

The bag she has in this picture is her left over fruit from dinner. No worries- no purchases YET!!

While shopping, I found a shirt and mug I wanted but decided to think about before purchasing!

Umm, keep this mug in mind. . .there is funny (albeit pathetic) story later!

And, of course, a random light fixture for Leslie! These are really cool! I want one!

After shopping, we decided to ride the Rock 'n' Rollercoaster. We made our way through the crazy Fantasmic line and over to the RnRC area. The posted wait time was pretty long (like people were waiting outside the building and into the roped off que), so we decided to ride in the single rider line. We hopped in the que and made our way quickly through the empty line for single riders laughing the whole way as we were shot many dirty looks from the people waiting in the Stand-by line! Ha ha! Eat our shorts- we don't mind if our party doesn't get to ride side-by-side!

We got into the round room right before you line up for the pre-show. We waited there a little while discussing how sad it was that we hadn't heard of most of the bands who had posters up in here! (Mostly teen-aimed bands! Yeah, we're old! ) Here is Nikki ready to go!

We got through the pre-pre show room, watched the pre-show, and followed the flow out of the room into the loading area. These were just cool in the waiting area:

Nikki was sent to her line. She got in the limo before me. I was placed with some kids who were about 14. They hadn't ridden the ride and were asking questions. It was actually kind of cute. I think they were a little nervous. I explained it was awesome. They asked if it went upside down, and I explain it a little, but not so much that it was ruined for them.

We loaded our limo. Umm. . .I had my video camera out to record the ride. I had no idea if it would work, but I figured it was worth a try. We waited a long time for after our limo pulled away from the loading area. I couldn't figure out what the hold up was. Then, I saw a CM come to our car. She told me I had to put my camera away. I was embarrassed and bummed at the same time. I really wanted a copy of the ride. . .ok, ok. I put my camera away. We took off. My ride was slightly dampened by getting in trouble with a CM. Yeah, it was awesome, but the whole time, I felt a little guilty and a little bummed that I couldn't record it. As we pulled into the "concert" at the end, I decided that wouldn't be my last time to ride that ride. I had to have a better experience.

I met Nikki in the gift shop. She had promised to pick up a shirt her brother had regretted not buying during his last trip. She found it, talked to her brother to be sure it was the right one, and stood in line to purchase it.

While she was doing that, I saw a CM with a pin drum. It was like the pin boards I'd seen, but it was on top of an old drum! How stinkin' clever!! I checked the pins. I think here is where I got a round pin with an M and Mickey on it. I know I traded. Then Nikki came up, saw the pin drum and started drooling. I think she traded, too, but I can't remember what for!

After pin trading, we left RnRC. Here it is at night:

We left the RnRC area to see a massive line outside the Fantasmic theatre again! I thought, for sure, the later show would be less crowded! The line went from the entrance to the theatre nearly out to the Hollywood Boulevard- you know, the "Main Street" of Hollywood Studios! The further along the line we walked, the less and less desire I had to see Fantasmic. Nikki agreed. We had breakfast reservations the next morning, so we decided just to call it a night.

We left HS and headed to our bus stop. Look what we were greeted by:

All these people were waiting to return to one of the four value resorts! Yes, folks, that's right: there was one bus stop for ALL the value resorts! Um, whose bright idea was that?? We waited a while. Then, Nikki went to the bus stop area to check to be absolutely sure we were in the right place. She came back saying they were changing the signs on the stops. The All-Star Music stop was now the next one down. We speed walked to the bus stop and got in the que and waited. We were board, so we tried to shoot a picture of us together. We tried several- all with disastrous results until this one:

Not the greatest, but it gave us something to do.

We got back to ASMu, did the habitual stop at the gift shop looking at CM's pins, and then headed back to our room. We did our nightly routine of recording money spent and the events of the day along with my picture of my pins from the day. (I was sending these to my mom each night just because).

Then, we had some of the wine we had each brought with us and went to bed!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

OMGosh, I am so sorry about your RnRC ride being ruined!! that is terrible. I was looking at Nikki's pic of her looking all "rocknroll", thinking -- man, I get SO JAZZED UP right before the ride, I am almost hyperventilating with excitement!! And then to have someone splash/douse your enthusiasm with embarrassment by making you put away your camera??

I was thinking my DH actually got some footage of the ride, but it might have been another ride.

I am seriously thinking about doing the single-rider line, too, if we don't get there in time for a short line...

...and I've never been to the Sci-Fi, and really want to go! I've heard the burger/shake thing is the best thing to do. But I'm torn if I should wait and go with my family, versus my BFF!

 

[pinkxray]

I love that Nerds too bag! I'll be on the look out in May. I must have it.

Great pictures at Sci-fi. I didn't take any when we went since I felt bad using the flash. Next time I'm not going to worry and I'm taking pictures. Everyone else seems to have great pictures.

Those shakes are so good. Next time I want to try the one with Bailey's and Kahula in it. Yummy.

Nikki must have been so excited to finally have a sandwich. I don't know much about a gluten allergy except that a few years ago DH was being tested(dont remember why exactly) and I was doing research since I make all the food in our house. I was freaking out b/c if it came back there was like nothing I could feed him. Everything he eats seems to have gluten in it. It ended up being negative, thank goodness.

Wow. That's a lot of people at the bus stop. We have always had a car, so we haven't really used the buses. We tried taking it back to POR from DTD and it was a nightmare. Thinking of giving it another shot next trip. It seems to be part of the experience.

Too bad about the camera on RnRc. It would have ruined my ride too. I can't wait to ride RNRC next trip. We skipped it last trip b/c DD would have a meltdown when she wasn't big enough to ride, but next trip I think I take a "bathroom break" and hit the single riders line.

 

[Shannon84]

Just getting caught up and I have been enjoying your adventure so far Reading your EPCOT world showcase touring made me jealous we just visited at the end of September, but I really don't feel like we had enough time at EPCOT

 

[Belle_princess]

OMGosh, I am so sorry about your RnRC ride being ruined!! that is terrible. I was looking at Nikki's pic of her looking all "rocknroll", thinking -- man, I get SO JAZZED UP right before the ride, I am almost hyperventilating with excitement!! And then to have someone splash/douse your enthusiasm with embarrassment by making you put away your camera??

I was thinking my DH actually got some footage of the ride, but it might have been another ride.

I am seriously thinking about doing the single-rider line, too, if we don't get there in time for a short line...

...and I've never been to the Sci-Fi, and really want to go! I've heard the burger/shake thing is the best thing to do. But I'm torn if I should wait and go with my family, versus my BFF!

Simmer, my ride wasn't exactly ruined, but I despise getting 'in trouble,' so I felt kinda bad. Oh well.

Do single-rider! It is so worth it. Nikki and I didn't end up on the same ride, but that wasn't a big deal to us (later in the trip, we do ride it together and actually almost buy the photo!)

Sci-Fi is great! Try it with your BFF and then see if you think your family will like it. That's what I'd say! I've wanted to eat there many times, but this was my first time there!

I love that Nerds too bag! I'll be on the look out in May. I must have it.

Great pictures at Sci-fi. I didn't take any when we went since I felt bad using the flash. Next time I'm not going to worry and I'm taking pictures. Everyone else seems to have great pictures.

Those shakes are so good. Next time I want to try the one with Bailey's and Kahula in it. Yummy.

Nikki must have been so excited to finally have a sandwich. I don't know much about a gluten allergy except that a few years ago DH was being tested(dont remember why exactly) and I was doing research since I make all the food in our house. I was freaking out b/c if it came back there was like nothing I could feed him. Everything he eats seems to have gluten in it. It ended up being negative, thank goodness.

Wow. That's a lot of people at the bus stop. We have always had a car, so we haven't really used the buses. We tried taking it back to POR from DTD and it was a nightmare. Thinking of giving it another shot next trip. It seems to be part of the experience.

Too bad about the camera on RnRc. It would have ruined my ride too. I can't wait to ride RNRC next trip. We skipped it last trip b/c DD would have a meltdown when she wasn't big enough to ride, but next trip I think I take a "bathroom break" and hit the single riders line.

Pink, I <3 my nerds bag!

Yeah, Gluten allergy is crazy. Nikki has to be extremely careful of what she eats. That is why the chefs came out and talked to her all the time. Sometimes something as simple as a sauce on meat might be thickened with flour. Well, flour is made from wheat, so it has gluten! It really blew my mind. I knew she had to be picky, but I had no idea just how many foods have gluten in them!

I have never had a car at WDW. I've always done the buses- well, at least the trips I was in charge of. When I went with my family, I don't remember. They aren't too bad- just at the end of the night when everyone is cranky and ready to go 'home.' Otherwise, they aren't horrible!

Just getting caught up and I have been enjoying your adventure so far Reading your EPCOT world showcase touring made me jealous we just visited at the end of September, but I really don't feel like we had enough time at EPCOT

I'm so glad you are here Shannon! I'm glad you are enjoying my TR. Epcot is Nikki's favorite park and my second favorite (sorry. . .I'm still a little princess at heart and I love my castle!!), so we spent a great deal of time there. Plus, half of the restaurants we wanted to eat at were at Epcot. I mean with free dining, we were going to try as many places with as many different foods as possible!!! You definitely need two full days at the very least at Epcot in order to see everything. Then you need another day to REALLY see everything. There is so much in each pavilion- you'd be amazed. Nikki and I found many things in the WS that we had never seen before! AWESOME!

Just a note: don't miss the Restaurant Marrakesh in the Moroccan Pavilion! It is in the back and probably often overlooked! It is phenomenal! The food is really delicious. Nikki and I couldn't go because of her allergy, but anyone who can should try it once, at least! I've eaten there twice, and plan to on many more occasions!

 

[jenjolt]

I'm here!! Late as usual but I'm here!!!

 

[Belle_princess]

I'm here!! Late as usual but I'm here!!!

Hi Jen!!!



I was wondering what happened to you! I hope you are well! I hope you enjoy my TR!

 

[Belle_princess]

Nikki and I had so much planned today! We planned to hit three parks today along with eating breakfast at O'hana! Phew! Here we go.

We get up to an alarm we'd set. We had 9:25am reservations at O'hana for the Best Friends Breakfast! Umm, yes! This was my choice. I was going to meet Stitch on this trip even if I had to corner him at O'hana!!!

We got dressed and headed down to the bus stop. While we waited for the MK bus to arrive, we talked to a CM. He had pins, so Nikki and I beckoned him over. I don't think he had any pins we needed, but he did have a bag over his shoulder. He called it his bag of Magic. I think it had some of the buttons in it along with some other things. He fished around and gave us each a small container of bubbles.

Our bus arrived, we hoped on. We decided it was easier to go to MK from our resort and then grab the monorail to the Poly. That's just what we did. We walked past the entrance to MK and up to the monorail station. We saw a train sitting there, so we took off running. The driver saw us and told us to slow down. He said there was no need to run especially since it was Nikki's birthday. (Which it wasn't, but you know.. . .) We thanked him and got on the train. The monorail headed out to the Contemporary first.

The driver opened all the doors and let the people out. He walked around on the loading area talking to a few other CMs. We could see one CM had pins on. We tried to get him to come over, but we couldn't. The driver also came and talked to Nikki before he got back on the train. We took off from the Contemporary and headed toward the Poly.

The driver came over the intercom and said it was a very special day and he wanted to say Happy Birthday to Nikki. I looked at Nikki and she nodded- you know the nod where you have to acknowledge what someone said because it was accurate, but you really didn't want to acknowledge it. It was kinda funny. I told Nikki I thought the driver was doing a little flirting!

We arrived at the Poly and checked in at O'hana. There were lots of people sitting around. We were given a pager. We decided to shop at the little upstairs shop across the building. We walked in, and guess what Nikki found in the refrigerated case. . .a small bottle of the Rosa Regale (remember? Our Italian wine?) Yep! She was going to buy it and have it sent back to the room, but the CM said they couldn't send back alcohol. Oh well. We checked out the CM's pins and headed over to the next part of the shop when our pager went off.

We got back to the desk at O'hana and gave them the pager. We were ushered into a line for a picture with a tropical background. We were given pink leis and then asked to stand in the background. We got our picture taken. They didn't take our photopass, but they took our receipt from checking in? I was confused.

We were seated, and I was jumping out of my skin! I was so excited.

Nikki and I liked the little flower, so she posed with it:

Our waitress came, and, of course, asked about the allergy noted on the reservation. She said the chef would be out to talk to Nikki. While we waited, another CM came by with our photo from up front. It was in a little folder. She said we could purchase it, keep the 8X10, the 4x6s and get it put on the photopass. It was pricey ($32, I think), but I went for it anyway! Yeah, I'm a sucker. The CM said we needed to stop by the Photopass booth upstairs to get our photos put on the card. (I haven't gotten my CD yet, so I don't have a digital copy of this picture)

The chef came out and talked to Nikki about the food. She advised her not take any of the bread or waffles the CMs were walking around with. She said she had some special gluten-free Mickey waffles for Nikki. She also said she would cook all Nikki's food separately. She said not to eat the sausage because it had wheat in it? What? Ok. . .wouldn't have thought of that!!

Our waitress brought some fruit which we dove into before I remembered to take a picture

Then, they brought my breakfast and Nikki's separately. (Every other table had just one big skillet with lots of food that everyone ate family style)

Here is Nikki with gluten-free *thick* (not flat and frozen) Mickey Waffles. Look at her excitement!

Here is my food. They did bring some Mickey Waffles around for me, too!

Then they started an Aloha parade with the kids. They lined up behind the characters and walked around the restaurant shaking shakers.

After that, the characters started circulating to each table. Nikki caught our waitress and asked her to be sure Stitch came by our table. She said Stitch was my favorite and that I might die if I didn't see him. Oh, Nikki! The CM was cool and said she would be sure I got to see him!

Stitch was actually the first character to come finally come to our table. I was like a little six year old! I was wide eyed and completely excited!

I asked him how his badness level was- this is what I got:

Then Stitch went to Nikki. He twirled her around and she must have said something to him.

I don't remember exactly what was said between Nikki and Stitch, but he told her he'd call her as he walked off to the next table.

Next was Mickey! I love this picture of Nikki because she'd said Mickey wasn't her favorite- she preferred Donald. I think the look on her face is cute!

Then Lilo came. I asked her how Stitch's badness level was and she told me it was kind of in the middle- not too bad; not too good.

. . .too many pictures. . .

 

[Belle_princess]

We finished our breakfast just as they were doing another Aloha Parade:

After we paid, we went downstairs to do some shopping. We went into a gorgeous art store!

anyone notice the castle behind them isn't the Beast's castle from the movie, it is the castle from Disneyland Paris?? I love that.

These things were huge! The stingrays were probably 2.5 or 3 feet across! They were sparkly, too- which you can't quite see in the picture.

This has Ariel and King Triton

Then, of course, we had to take pictures with this guy:

We went into the store and did some shopping. Nikki found some necklaces that were on clearance, so we each bought one. Nikki found some coconut patties there was mickey shaped. We each bought those to take home, and the CMs did send those back to the room. We also found a set of Nightmare Before Christmas Vinylmation pins. Nikki snapped them up in a hurry.

We made our purchases and went back upstairs to find the Photopass booth. We finished looking around the store upstairs, and Nikki found a ton of scrapbook supplies. We didn't buy them yet, but we keep them in mind.

I had to wait a while, but I finally got my pictures loaded on the photopass. While I did, Nikki sat down and organized her pins including the new Nightmare set. Her mystery pin in the set was Zero. She was very excited!

We walked outside to find the bus stop. We waited a while until an HS bus came. The bus went to the Grand Floridian and then over to HS. We jumped off the bus and headed toward the entrance.

I was afraid we wouldn't get to ride TSM because of the time. I didn't know if there would be any fast passes left. I was kind of concerned. However, Nikki and I knew we were making a line straight for TSM. We got through bag check and into HS

As I feared, they were out of Fast Passes. The posted wait time was 60 minutes, so we decided to wait it out. I jumped in line, and Nikki decided to take a few pictures of the area before I got sucked into the building.

Can you see the scrabble letter tiles holding the card up?

We turned the corner and got inside the building. We noticed the little boy in front of us was wearing a Everything's Bigger in Texas shirt. We started talking to him and his parents. We had a nice conversation with them the entire time we waited in line. We found out they were from Houston, and that this was their last day. They wanted to ride TSM one more time before they left. Talking to them really made the hour wait go by quickly!

more pictures on the next update.

 

[Shannon84]

YAY update The breakfast at 'Ohana looked awesome!! I am really impressed by the way that Disney handles food allergies, it is awesome Thats a great picture with Stitch, he is too funny!!

I have never waited in the regular line for TSM...I think next time I would like to try waiting in that line so I can see Mr. Potato Head!!

 

[Belle_princess]

YAY update The breakfast at 'Ohana looked awesome!! I am really impressed by the way that Disney handles food allergies, it is awesome Thats a great picture with Stitch, he is too funny!!

I have never waited in the regular line for TSM...I think next time I would like to try waiting in that line so I can see Mr. Potato Head!!

Hey Shannon! I had never waited in the regular line either until this last time. I have some pictures. I will probably put them up next week. (My weekend is a little busy!)

Thanks for reading!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Wow! Awesome updates. I've spent the last 30 minutes catching up on what I've missed. You're pictures are awesome!!

I love WS. Looks like you had an awesome time there. I started to drool at the school bread.

I can't believe how much you were able to get done each day!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Awww...I miss those Mickey waffles and the sausages! Totally awesome that the chef made Nikki's breakfast to order like that. You got some great pictures, too...it's been 7 years since we've been to that breakfast, and Stitch wasn't there, yet!

I love those pictures that look like windows...really neat!

 

[lindsey]

I love your trip report - a girl's only trip sounds like a great idea. We were at Disney the same time. In fact we were in EPCOT on Wednesday, HS on Thursday (we had also wanted to see Fantasmic, but the lines for both shows were terrible), and Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch on Friday morning. I thought we would have to wait a long time because the lobby was so crowded, but then I found out most people were waiting for Kona. I think I turned my grandson into a "pin-hunter" too. I had bought 7 pins for him and his sister from ebay before the trip. Once he got into the trading, he stopped at almost every CM to check out their pins.

 

[IheartDDuck]

I'm late, but I'm joining!

You two remind me so much of my best friend Farrell and I. We are taking our first trip together next year during the food and wine festival. We're both turning 30 next year, so we figured it would be an appropriate time.

You guys look like you had so much fun.

 

[Belle_princess]

Wow! Awesome updates. I've spent the last 30 minutes catching up on what I've missed. You're pictures are awesome!!

I love WS. Looks like you had an awesome time there. I started to drool at the school bread.

I can't believe how much you were able to get done each day!

Glad to see you're back and enjoying my TR!

Thank you for the compliment of my pictures- I LOVE photography WDW!

School bread is wonderful! You MUST try it! OMG!!

Awww...I miss those Mickey waffles and the sausages! Totally awesome that the chef made Nikki's breakfast to order like that. You got some great pictures, too...it's been 7 years since we've been to that breakfast, and Stitch wasn't there, yet!

I love those pictures that look like windows...really neat!

I Loved the breakfast at O'hana, and I would certainly do it again! Stitch was awesome- one of the major highlights of my trip!

I love your trip report - a girl's only trip sounds like a great idea. We were at Disney the same time. In fact we were in EPCOT on Wednesday, HS on Thursday (we had also wanted to see Fantasmic, but the lines for both shows were terrible), and Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch on Friday morning. I thought we would have to wait a long time because the lobby was so crowded, but then I found out most people were waiting for Kona. I think I turned my grandson into a "pin-hunter" too. I had bought 7 pins for him and his sister from ebay before the trip. Once he got into the trading, he stopped at almost every CM to check out their pins.

Lindsey! I had no idea to even look for you- somehow I missed you as one of the DISers who would be at WDW at the end of September. Of course, my first day, the LGMH I had on my bag fell off. I didn't have one to replace it.

Wasn't the line for Fantasmic crazy? That's why we skipped it! Also, I can't believe you were also at O'hana on the same day! Ha! What time were your reservations? I wonder if we were close to each other.

I'm late, but I'm joining!

You two remind me so much of my best friend Farrell and I. We are taking our first trip together next year during the food and wine festival. We're both turning 30 next year, so we figured it would be an appropriate time.

You guys look like you had so much fun.

I'm so glad you are here. You aren't late; I haven't reached the half-way point! You are right on time!

You and Farrell will have a great time together! Nikki and I did! I think next time we might try the Food and Wine Festival. I think that would be fun!!!