Poor Unfortunate Souls ~ A Spooktacular Trip Back to the World! UPDATE Reality Check

[Stefy]

Great update, Stefy!

I had to because we both posted an update of our R&C days!

We had the Fish and Chips last time and I was not impressed. I was slightly disappointed by the Sticky Toffee Pudding too!
But don't you just love that English Rose, yum drink!

I LOVE your Epcot pp photos and Dave's hook one. I have the same one of Tom!

Now, that Monorail issue is one more reason for us to rely on our own transportation. Just too many issues with buses and monorail.

I can't believe you're going to DLRP tomorrow! Be prepared for some crowds, but enjoy the joy of the snow and the Christmas feeling! You are going to love it!

Can't wait for your little review of DLRP and your new pre-trippie! Maybe I should start mine for summer too!

No parcel yet, but I will be on the lookout! Got your PM and will answer it later!

So behind on posts, so bad!

Yes it was funny that we both posted R&C updates. It was an ok meal, but overall nothing special, like you said the English Rose was the only thing I loved and could have had more of.

Don't worry about responding to my PM have already figured out what we are going to do

Love the Hook PP pic. I had no idea they did that!

Your view of Illimunations was awesome! I'm so jealous.

Our table situation this trip was unbelievable we had so many great tables. We were spoilt.

The Hook pic is a toughy to get if you don't know about it, we had been trying for three whole trips to get it and finally did. The best place I have found that shows you all the special pics for PP is on Stitch Kingdom (hope I can post this link).

http://www.stitchkingdom.com/disneysphotopass/

When I first saw that picture of Dave and that CM, I though, "Oh I didn't know they had family meet them down there!" I thought it was his mom! They are hugging like they're best friends! So cute!

Another wonderful day! (Isn't every day just wonderful in WDW!) Great spot for Illuminations! I've had that English Rose a few times! Taking the long way out of World Showcase is one of my all-time favorite things to do in Disney!!

That CM was super friendly and loved Dave.

It was a nice, if not chilly, stroll. Only downer was the monorail situation when we got to the station.

Hi Stefy! Glad you had a fabulous Christmas! We had a good one too and we loved the special delivery from England! All of the Darling Children thought the chocolate coins were so cool! Thank you!
Great update! My boys noticed all of those Arsenal shirts as well. On our last trip my DH wanted one and they didn't have any, but they are sure well stocked now! DH is watching the game right now and is very excited about how it is going! I love all of the evening Epcot pictures! The WS is so beautiful at night! Have a fabulous time at DLP. Can't wait to hear that report!

Glad the card and chocolates got there ok

That sporting shop is not a bad little one, esp with all the official merchandise.

GRRRR...sooo jealous!!! I really want an SLR but it's just SOOO much money! What kind did you get? I had my eye on the Nikon D3000, as it seemed to be a good 'starter' SLR, and it's not too expensive, as far as these cameras go.

Looking forward to seeing your pics from Disneyland Paris!! Have a safe trip!

Yeah, we don't say "brilliant" in that way here. We just use is as a synonym for really smart! I have to say, I think most Americans like to here people from England speak! I have a student whose parents are from England and I love listening to her whenever we talk.

I am glad he loved his camera, effectively he picked it out, I was just all sneaky saying that a friend wanted to buy one blah blah.

I think my fav accent would be either South African or Irish.

A belated merry xmas stef and dave and happy new year too!

the rose and crown photo just make me want to go back so badly, DBF was looking on and commented that two of the beers are Irish and that he'd love to try it yay, another disney incentive from the disboards!

loved all the photopass pictures!!!

and your jasmine scarf is amazing!!!

hope you enjoy DLRP, we are going to Disney on ice in Dublin tomorro so excited!

Hope you had a great time at Disney on Ice

I love my Jasmine scarf, just not sure if I want to wear it or frame it.

You guys should defo try R&C next trip, it really does have a pub feel to it and gets really busy at the bar too.

Love the recent updates! You got some amazing pictures in the MK! I really love the one with the rose bush in the front right of the shot and the castle behind it!

And wow, what a great spot you got at Rose & Crown! I am also very impressed with your great Illuminations pics. Mine are always so blurry and have others' heads in them.

The monorail from Epcot to the monorail resorts is basically my most hated thing in life. Even when it's running properly, it seems to take SO long to get home from Epcot. I really wish they would also offer buses from Epcot to the Poly, GF, and Contemporary. Such a shame that there were no cabs there for you to take!

Hope you guys are having a great time in Disneyland Paris right now!

Thanks I had fun taking pics in the Rose Garden and smelling them too, so sweet.

Firework pictures are all Dave as he has the patience to sit there and snap away. Me I would take a few and then just watch.

The monorail drama that night was not fun and I could not believe that there were no cabs. Must have been something big going on elsewhere that they were all taken.

Just found your TR and read a bit and it's wonderful!

It sounds like you made the most of every day you were there!

Thanks for joining us. More updates are on the way so stay tuned.

Have a great trip to DLRP!!!!

Thanks

I'm finally all caught up... great updates! Can't wait to hear all about DLRP! I hope you two are having a wonderful time!

I wish we did have a wonderful time, but Dave has posted an update for you all to read.

Awww, that stinks!!! Such a shame that you had a not-so-good time...but like you said, now you'll appreciate Disney World even more! Your pictures are beautiful, though! That castle is so pretty! Crazy to see the frozen water!

It was so horrible I just wanted to come home and it didn't help that I was crazy sick. Started out with a cough that turned into full blown flu and the cold was a killer on my chest. Only just recovering now.

The frozen water was quite cool, as it looked like it was normal flowing water but it was proper clear iced over. Was funny seeing the seagulls and ducks just standing on it.

I am so sorry, Dave, you had such a crappy trip. You know what I was most worried about when Stef posted the dates you were going, was that it would be OVERCROWDED and it seems it was.
I think we have the advantage of having APs and just being able to hop in and out of parks as we like it. (If you follow my trip reports you will see that we do not spend much time at the parks on crowded days.)
To be honest, you should give it another try! Go at a slow time and you will find both parks much more pleasing and you will even encounter friendly CMs. We are all spoiled by WDW, but this IS Europe! Unfortunately NO one here likes to queue up or follow rules and it looks like no one cares, either. Makes for a crap experience.

I expected crowds, but I didn't expect it to be utter chaos and a shambles. Too hard to navigate, too many smokers and too many rude people.

European or not you just don't act that way towards your fellow man and its no wonder the world is what it is today.

I agree that if we had gone on a less busy date it might have been better, but I know now that we will never ever go back. Would rather use the of so expensive price to go towards WDW or somewhere else.

I have to applaud you and Tom though, I don't know how you do it. You must have the patience of a saint.

Sorry to hear your trip wasn't too enjoyable!

the buffet photo's looked good and the castle at night photo's are amazing! but annoying when you compare with what a holiday in WDW could have been like I suppose!

Thanks. At least we know now that WDW is the only one for us and that we don't have to waste our money going again.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Man, that's really rough you guys. So much goes into these trips, and to have it turn out like that, well that just sux. Hopefully you didn't take it out on each other and still found some times to smile here and there.

 

[disneybarbie]

Welcome Home guys! and Happy New Year

So sorry to hear that your DLRP trip didn't go as planned... I've never been there.. friends/colleagues often say to me "why do you keep going to the one in Florida, when there's one in France?!" but I just couldn't imagine how the Disney magic would translate in French/European Culture!

I always enter contests to win a trip to DLRP.. maybe I'll get there, one day! The castle does look beautiful


Emma x

 

[Tracy161]

Happy New Year to you both! Sooo sorry you didn't have the best of times... who would have thought?! On a positive note, Stefy you look so cute in the pictures with your red coat and cute hat!

Like you said, this will just convince you even more of how wonderful WDW is!!!

 

[Stefy]

Man, that's really rough you guys. So much goes into these trips, and to have it turn out like that, well that just sux. Hopefully you didn't take it out on each other and still found some times to smile here and there.

We were ok, I had my man looking after me very well. Only downer was I just didn't seem to be getting better at all

Welcome Home guys! and Happy New Year

So sorry to hear that your DLRP trip didn't go as planned... I've never been there.. friends/colleagues often say to me "why do you keep going to the one in Florida, when there's one in France?!" but I just couldn't imagine how the Disney magic would translate in French/European Culture!

I always enter contests to win a trip to DLRP.. maybe I'll get there, one day! The castle does look beautiful


Emma x

Happy New Year

A few people have said the same thing to me and had friends that didn't have that great a time either. But you live and learn and we learnt that we have satisfied our craving for DLRP for now and may consider going again the far faaaaaaar off future

Fingers crossed you win a trip

Happy New Year to you both! Sooo sorry you didn't have the best of times... who would have thought?! On a positive note, Stefy you look so cute in the pictures with your red coat and cute hat!

Like you said, this will just convince you even more of how wonderful WDW is!!!

Happy New Year

Thank you, that is my favouritest coat and is (sadly) falling apart

We are so excited for WDW next year, am counting down the days til we can make our ADR's

 

[Soopafly]

I am bored at work so I wanted to share my snowman with you I haven't made one since I was like 5 or something, but over the xmas break we had lots of snow in London and I was determined to build one. Took me hours rolling around in the back garden as it's not very big lol. I had to wait for the snow to fall a bit more each time so I could roll another layer onto him.

His name was Bob.....he lasted about a week until he melted away

Obligatory silly hat photo from DLRP

If only I had the money

Think Stef is doing an update tonight for our WDW trip though so stay tuned

 

[oOJulieOo]

I LOVE your snowman! His sunglasses and his tie are fabulous!

 

[Soopafly]

I LOVE your snowman! His sunglasses and his tie are fabulous!

Thanks lol, I had to snap the sides off and pack ice around them to keep them from falling off

The tie is Versace though

 

[Tracy161]

Awesome snowman!!!

 

[Stefy]

Gosh that snow day was crazy, we all got soaked through but still kept going out to play

 

[KatMark]

Stefy, I have NOT deserted you. I am so far behind on reports, etc., and am slowly catching up. The guys made me start a PTR and I've done that and have caught up on all of others. As yours is the longest so I have a lot of catching up to do, but I promise to be back.

 

[Stefy]

Stefy, I have NOT deserted you. I am so far behind on reports, etc., and am slowly catching up. The guys made me start a PTR and I've done that and have caught up on all of others. As yours is the longest so I have a lot of catching up to do, but I promise to be back.

Hey no problem, you guys are most probably thinking I have deserted this TR I subbed to your PTR

Am hoping to do an update v soon, promise

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Hey no problem, you guys are most probably thinking I have deserted this TR I subbed to your PTR

Am hoping to do an update v soon, promise

We're being patient

 

[Stefy]

Hey Guys

Remember me Sorry I've been so neglectful with this TR, things are so hectic, not to mention being sick. But am all better now and things are still hectic but not quite so that I can finally update you all with

Day 8 - Thursday 7th October
Today was DHS day. We were supposed to get there for rope drop, but we left a little later so we could lay in. Ended up leaving at 9:30am. We made it to DHS in good time and Dave went made our way over to Pixar Place to grab some FP's for TSM. Our return time was around 1pm and it was already 9:45am, guess that's what you get for not making rope drop, but we weren't bothered.

After we grabbed our FP's we looked on the schedule and VotLM was starting, so we headed on over to catch the first show of the day. Didn't get any pics I'm afraid, but loved the show. Can't wait for the film to come out on Blu-ray.

After VotLM we decided to head on over to The Magic of Disney Animation. We were naughty and skipped the show and went straight for the character spot.

There was noone lining up for Lotso yet, so we decided to get in line as we were in no huge rush to be anywhere. I love the Sunnyside waiting area, so cute with all the drawings and the "windows" are pretty cool too.

Sorry for the picture overload, you can blame Dave for that

Had to get this picture as Dave is now obsessed with these guys.

After that we got hustled away by a CM because the area wasn't open yet, felt like we were being told off (if you don't want people there you should really rope the area off IMO). Anywho, she came back like 10mins later and opened the line up (I mean jeez what was the point).

Even though he is a villain (and the worst one at that) I still couldn't help being feeling excited to meet him. He's so soft and cuddly and really does smell like strawberries.

Cntd...

 

[Stefy]

We got talking to the family behind us whilst we were in line and the PP photographer either must have been warming up or I don't know but I have no idea why he took this pic

He really is a hugger

After our hugs with Lotso we decided that it was time for something to eat and decided to try out Starring Rolls. At this point, it was starting to get reaaalllllly busy. The line was quite long in SR and it was all over place. There were no tables available so we took our breakfast to go and walked round to Sunset Boulevard to grab a table where the lunch CS's were.

Dave went for a chocolate croissant and I had the apple turnover (delish btw). Dave also got an extra special treat from the CM behind the counter to celebrate his birthday.

Breakfast done we made our way round to RnR to see what the wait time was (we couldn't get a FP as we had to wait 2hrs for our opening time after TSM ones). The line was 50mins!!! We thought no way are we waiting that long and wandered over to ToT, which had broken down (so annoying). So we walked back down Sunset, taking some pics along the way.

I know this pic looks deceiving, but it really was heaving that day.

We headed over towards the hat and spotted Minnie in her new pink dress, the line wasn't too bad so I dragged Dave over as I just had to compliment her. Which she loved and gave me a great big hug for it

Then who should we spot afterwards, but our fav little blue experiment.

Stitch!

Not the greatest pictures as there was no PP with him

We said our goodbyes to Stitch promising to bring him coconut cake next time we came to see him and wandered back over to MoD to see if Animation Academy was open. There was a session going on when we got there, so we lined up to see Mr & Mrs Incredible. Dave has a thing about Mrs Incredible

I love this picture, bless Mr I!

I wasn't gonna get in on the pic, but a nice lady offered to take one for us, so in I got pose and all

It was time to go as AA had just opened, I pried Dave away from Elasta Girl and off we popped to get-a-drawing.

It was lots of fun, but next time we will sit nearer to the front as Dave couldn't really see the screen bless him. We were a little disappointed with the characters that were not chosen, the CM went through a big list before settling on a certain TS character.

We don't have pics of our efforts, as mine was totally craptastic and Dave wasn't too keen on his (but you will get to see it later when we meet said character face to face).

After AA we exited into the art store where we wandered around for a while. We really want some Disney art for our place and we saw the perfect piece by Thomas Kinkade (I so nearly bought it there and then to be shipped home). It was The Princess and the Frog piece and in the frame and size we liked was perfect. I love how Kinkade tells the whole story and this piece is just gorgeous (so gonna get it at some point).

Cntd...

 

[Stefy]

Window shopping done we made our way over to Pixar Place as our FP's were nearly up. We bumped into this guy on the way round.

We still had some time to kill, so we hopped in line to see either Woody or Buzz. I love the queue area here, interactive and lots to look at to keep you occupied.

Suck a dork!

Now earlier we had drawn a certain TS character at AA and as luck would have it our pot luck character was...Buzz!

Dave was v excited to show Buzz his artistic efforts at capturing Mr Space Ranger and Buzz was so excited that he rang over to get his signature stamp to sign Dave's drawing.

This is why I love PP, when you get a great interaction they snap away and you get a storybook of pictures.

He just about made it into this picture, as Buzz went to put his stamp away and the PP was about to take our pic and he came running over just in time

Our FP's were up for TSM and we itching to try it out (first ride ever). I love this ride and can't wait to go back on again this year. So much fun and it made me want to dig out my Wii game to play at home. Only downside is the constant wrist movement, which kiiilllllls after a while These were our scores. Mine was quite pitiful, but its not about the winning right?

We were pretty wiped at this point as it was quite hot and the crowds were really starting to amass, so we decided to call it a day and head back to the resort for a mini siesta.

Dinner was early and close by as tonight was a party night We decided to eat at Kona as it was easy access to the Monorail and MK.

We had a starter of sticky wings, but must have demolished them pretty quick as there's no photo to show

I went for the Teriyaki-style New York Strip, whilst Dave went for the Coconut Almond Chicken.

I must admit that Kona isn't the most amazing when it comes to dining, but it gets the job done and is still pretty tasty.

Don't think we got dessert, but Dave did get his birthday cupcake, lol.

It was party time and we wanted to get to MK early so we could start lining up for the Dwarves.

We monorailed it over in good time.

and made our way to the Dwarves spot. Now we were using a character guide that we had found on the boards/facebook and for the life of us we could not pinpoint the exact location for the Dwarves even the CM's had no clue where we should go. Outside Snow's store, by the ride, next to Dumbo We were starting to get really frustrated and it was getting later and later, but we finally found the line (which at that time was a good hour long) and started our wait. Now this is how long we were in line, we started out during the daytime.

(Finally found my flashy ghost)

and finally got our pic at nightfall.

Can you spot me anywhere in this pic. I don't know why I stood there, I blame Sleepy and Sneezy because they were distracting me. I had Sleepy falling asleep on my shoulder and Sneezy trying hard (but not succeeding) to sneeze all over me. I can't remember what Dave's interaction was like as he was all the way over on the other side

Cntd...

 

[Stefy]

Dwarves down, we headed on over for to HM to get this special pic.

Whilst we were waiting in line this lovely lady was entertaining the crowd.

Then it was on to the next special Halloween PP.

Hitch Hiking Ghosts

I'm glad these pics came out ok as just before we went to take our pic, this little kid from the family before us started playing with the photographers equipment, which apparently if you touch can ruin the whole shot.

I was getting slightly thirsty after this so we stopped off at a popcorn stand to get some water. A CM got chatting to us and said that Johnny Depp might actually be appearing in the first parade (which was going on right there and then). So we legged it over to see if it was true. What do you think?

Wrong! Naughty CM lying to us.

Once the parade had passed we wandered over to Adventureland to check out the next character spot.

Grabbing a quick PP along the way.

Saw this and thought it was really cool.

We went into the room off of Aloha Isle to see who was out, but it was mostly characters you could get during the day, so we skipped out and lined up for Jane and Terk. By the time we got to the front of the line Terk had been swapped out for Tarzan.

Our interaction was pretty cool as he kept playing with my hair and trying to make the "fireflies" come out of my ghost

Bless Tarzan curious little thing isn't he.

We checked our sheet to see who might be out next and it looked like the Hag from Snow White was due out soon. So off we went to Fantasyland.

We went into Snow's dump shop to enquire about the Hag and was told that she would be out and about near the back opposite the ride after the fireworks. So we plonked ourselves down at a nearby table to wait and watch what had become one of our favourite firework displays of the trip.

Dave decided to take his own storybook pics. He said he loved my reactions watching the fireworks.

I love how the finale lights up the whole park.

God I love HalloWishes. Poor unfortunate souls, in pain, in need

Fireworks over the Hag made her appearance. I gotta say she is one scary looking lady, was a bit apprehensive to get in there and take a pic, esp when she tried to offer me her apple

Luckily we survived and got the heck out of there before she succeeded in poisoning one of us

Cntd...

 

[Stefy]

We ended up going to Tomorrowland to check out Stitch's party which was in full swing, cheesy songs and all.

So cute in his alien costume.

Disco boogie-ing done we sat down for a little as I was starting to fade as it was nearing closing time. Dave decided that it was time to go and that it was ok because we were here again tomorrow night. So we made our way back towards Main Street.

I had been wanting to get another balloon, so Dave bought me a Halloween one to end the night. Love my balloons, was a shame I couldn't bring them back with me.

One last castle shot.

Love that we got to see the spooky mist outside the entrance.

Me and my balloon

Mickey saying goodnight to us.

All in all we had a fantastic night. We love Disney during Halloween, is our favourite time of year to visit and will continue to be so for many years to come.

Thats it for our major update, hope you enjoyed and stay tuned for Day 9

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I think this is a great picture! So candid and just nice.

That was an awesome, massive update! I love your night at MNSSHP especially! You really got some fantastic pictures, Tarzan, all 7 dwarfs, the Old Hag??!?! I had no idea! And all the special effect shots are so cool! I'm super jealous and definitely have some picture goals fro my upcoming trip!!

 

[disneybarbie]

what a great day you two had!

I really really want to go to a MNSSHP one day.. still kicking myself that we didn't go to one in October 2008 trip!

Like the photos with Lotso... I wish he wasn't such an evil bear, he is so cute looking!


Emma x