POP and MNSSHP 10/17-10/21 Trip Report

[mkluvsmickey]

Michelle's calling her December trip a solo trip, but really she'll be hangin out w/ me! Better decide soon. It's coming FAST! Are you going to write a trip report for the upcoming trip? I hope so. It'll be interesting comparing trips w/ Eric and w/out!

Waiting for a new update, and just wanted to say "Hi", and miss ya. Haven't been able to "talk" to you lately. Gotta go. I'm SUPER SLEEPY!

I was actually looking at the calendar today trying to pick a date! I have a work project due on December 11 so I figure I could use a day trip after that! I am thinking about either Thursday (12/13) or Friday (12/14). I was also considering Saturday so Sam could come with but I need to go without her. She is asking Santa for the castle toy that they sell there so I thought I could go and get it. I know I could order it from Disney and they would ship it but it's another great excuse to go up! I will let you know as soon as I confirm something - I can't wait to meet you and your family!!

I figure I can write a PTR for the Nov 30 trip when I finish this one. I would be so depressed if I didn't have a report to write! So far Samantha still doesn't know about the trip. Thats why I haven't made a ticker - she likes to come on here with me sometimes and look at all the tickers.

I'm working on the next post - should have up sometime tomorrow.

 

[vermontgirl]

I am thinking about either Thursday (12/13) or Friday (12/14). I was also considering Saturday so Sam could come with but I need to go without her.

Michelle, and Poohtiggey,

I will be arriving at POP on 12/15~ I would love to meet up with you guys if you are there during that time! Poohtiggey, how long are you in Disney?

I went to Home Depot the other night and got my lime green mickey heads to hang in the window!

Talk to you soon,
Jeanette

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Michelle, and Poohtiggey,
I will be arriving at POP on 12/15~ I would love to meet up with you guys if you are there during that time! Poohtiggey, how long are you in Disney?
I went to Home Depot the other night and got my lime green mickey heads to hang in the window!
Talk to you soon,
Jeanette

Hi Jeanette! That sould be cool if we could set up a little DIS meet. I could always come on Saturday with Sam and just order the castle. What time do you get in on Saturday? Are you planning to be at any parks that day?

 

[Poohtigeey]

I was actually looking at the calendar today trying to pick a date! I have a work project due on December 11 so I figure I could use a day trip after that! I am thinking about either Thursday (12/13) or Friday (12/14). I was also considering Saturday so Sam could come with but I need to go without her. She is asking Santa for the castle toy that they sell there so I thought I could go and get it. I know I could order it from Disney and they would ship it but it's another great excuse to go up! I will let you know as soon as I confirm something - I can't wait to meet you and your family!!

I am thinking about either Thursday (12/13) or Friday (12/14). I was also considering Saturday so Sam could come with but I need to go without her.

Michelle, and Poohtiggey,

I will be arriving at POP on 12/15~ I would love to meet up with you guys if you are there during that time! Poohtiggey, how long are you in Disney?

I went to Home Depot the other night and got my lime green mickey heads to hang in the window!

Talk to you soon,
Jeanette

Hey girls! We will be leaving Disney on Sat 12/15, but we can stay as long as we want. (Kind of. We probably need to be on the road by 6pm) We can be flexible in the am. We have ADR at Coral Reef at 1:00. We can be flexible in the afternoon too. We just want to be able to spend a good amount of time at Epcot to see anything we missed on Thurs. Jeanette, what time do you get in? I would love to meet up with you if possible! Michelle, selfishly I want to meet Samantha so Saturday sounds great! However, if you do Thurs we'll be at Epcot, and Fri we'll be bouncing around until Megan's bday dinner at 5. I'm so excited to meet some of my new friends who share my passion for Disney!

Jeanette, do you have a pre trip report?

 

[vermontgirl]

Hey girls! We will be leaving Disney on Sat 12/15, but we can stay as long as we want. (Kind of. We probably need to be on the road by 6pm) We can be flexible in the am. We have ADR at Coral Reef at 1:00. We can be flexible in the afternoon too. We just want to be able to spend a good amount of time at Epcot to see anything we missed on Thurs. Jeanette, what time do you get in? I would love to meet up with you if possible! Michelle, selfishly I want to meet Samantha so Saturday sounds great! However, if you do Thurs we'll be at Epcot, and Fri we'll be bouncing around until Megan's bday dinner at 5. I'm so excited to meet some of my new friends who share my passion for Disney!

Jeanette, do you have a pre trip report?

Michelle, and Poohtiggey,

No pretrip report for me ....I am a fulltime nursing student who will be graduating in May ()stay focused Jeanette), so I am only reading all of your awesome pretrip reports! I would rather spend my time reading and chatting with you guys instead of writing. Make sense? I should post our ADR's and plans though....oh gosh, don't get me started, I'll never study! .
Anyway, we arrive in Orland MCO at 10:10am. Hopping on Magical Express...so I envision us being there by 12:30ish? Is that realistic? I could call on my cell phone once we've checked in at the desk? I left our first day free, just going to be spontaneous! So tell the Leavitt's what were doing on our first day! I can't think of a better way to start our vacation on the first day at the World then meeting up with 2 fellow Dis'ers!!! Bailey & Courtney saw Samantha's pictures at the BBBoutique....I was fishing to see if they had an interest (they're 8, so there in that in between stage), they thought Samantha was pretty...so it would be fun for them to meet her, after seeing her on the DIS board.

Let's make this happen!

Hugs,
Jeanette

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Michelle, and Poohtiggey,

No pretrip report for me ....I am a fulltime nursing student who will be graduating in May ()stay focused Jeanette), so I am only reading all of your awesome pretrip reports! I would rather spend my time reading and chatting with you guys instead of writing. Make sense? I should post our ADR's and plans though....oh gosh, don't get me started, I'll never study! .
Anyway, we arrive in Orland MCO at 10:10am. Hopping on Magical Express...so I envision us being there by 12:30ish? Is that realistic? I could call on my cell phone once we've checked in at the desk? I left our first day free, just going to be spontaneous! So tell the Leavitt's what were doing on our first day! I can't think of a better way to start our vacation on the first day at the World then meeting up with 2 fellow Dis'ers!!! Bailey & Courtney saw Samantha's pictures at the BBBoutique....I was fishing to see if they had an interest (they're 8, so there in that in between stage), they thought Samantha was pretty...so it would be fun for them to meet her, after seeing her on the DIS board.

Let's make this happen!

Hugs,
Jeanette

That sounds good! Do you have tickets that you could go to a park that day or would you need to meet elsewhere? If you can go to a park we should set something up at Epcot. I think Monica (Poohtigeey) was going to be in Epcot that afternoon but I'm sure we could convince her to meet somewhere else if we need to. I already told Samantha that we were planning to go for the day on 12/15 so there is no turning back now!


I have my next post ready to go - just need to upload pictures. We are on our way out but I will update tonight if we're not out too late.

 

[vermontgirl]

I think Monica (Poohtigeey) was going to be in Epcot that afternoon but I'm sure we could convince her to meet somewhere else if we need to. I already told Samantha that we were planning to go for the day on 12/15 so there is no turning back now!


OH yeah!!! I am so glad you told Samantha! We have hopper passes for 10 days, so we were going to the park anyway. We have Ultimate Hopper passes! So we're good to go.... Epcot it is. For some reason, I always go to Epcot on the first day. Usually we do Spaceship Earth.....I understand it's shut down? However, meeting you and Monica will more than makeup for that

Can't wait to read the next installment

Hugs,
Jeanette

 

[Poohtigeey]

Yay! I'm so excited! Like I said, our ADRs are for 1:00 so maybe we can meet around 3:00. I'm putting you guys on my laminated itenerary so no backing out!

 

[vermontgirl]

Yay! I'm so excited! Like I said, our ADRs are for 1:00 so maybe we can meet around 3:00. I'm putting you guys on my laminated itenerary so no backing out!

I love to be laminated!! Monica, just subscribed to your pre-trip! I've got some catching up to do.... I gotta get reading! See, I should be studying for my microbiology lab practical tommorow, however, reading pretrip reports and being on DIS board makes me happy, happy, happy

I'm off to Monica's pretrip report! tah tah!

 

[Poohtigeey]

I love to be laminated!! Monica, just subscribed to your pre-trip! I've got some catching up to do.... I gotta get reading! See, I should be studying for my microbiology lab practical tommorow, however, reading pretrip reports and being on DIS board makes me happy, happy, happy

I'm off to Monica's pretrip report! tah tah!

Yay, I'm more important than germs! However, I am not responsible for your grade! There are many things at my house that do not get finished because of the DIS!

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Day Three, Friday October 19, 2007
Epcot – Part 2

We were all very hungry and ready for our ADR at Garden Grill. Sam and I ate here last year and really enjoyed the character interaction. Sam didn’t eat much of the food but I thought it was great. She did much better this time around. We checked in and were seated right away. Our waitress was great and brought us some bread and our drinks right away. Before we even got our food the characters came around. We saw Chip, Dale, Pluto and Mickey. They really spent a lot of time at each table and were really funny! The characters ended up coming around to our table four times! The food was great too – it is served family style and you can get more of whatever you want. The adult plate had steak, turkey, fried catfish, potatoes and vegetables. The steak was excellent and we had a second serving. Sam’s plate came with chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, french fries and vegetables. She ate almost all of the chicken fingers and fries. For dessert, my mom and I got some sort of apple cobbler type thing. It was ok – my mom didn’t like it at all. I much prefer chocolate in my dessert! That was the only negative about the whole meal – I wish we had a choice for dessert but they only have one thing available. They must switch it up though because I don’t remember the apple cobbler from last time. Sam’s dessert was great though! She got a make your own cupcake with lots of toppings. She sure enjoyed it! Overall this was a great place – very relaxing to sit with the restaurant slowly spinning so you were able to get different views, character interaction was the best I’ve seen, food was great (except for our dessert) and great dessert for Samantha!

Sam's cupcake before assembly:

Sam's cupcake after assembly - yum!

Here is Chip with Samantha:

And Dale - he was really funny!

My favorite - Mickey Mouse!!

Pluto - he was really funny too!

Samantha cracks up when she sees him sign the autograph book on his nose:

My mom took so long taking the picture above that Pluto acted like he was falling over and Samantha had to catch him!

After dinner it was back to World Showcase as I was bound and determined to get through! We went to Japan next which is my absolute favorite! I studied Japanese language and culture in college. I was an accounting major but needed some electives and thought it sounded interesting. I was hooked right away and when I graduated I was one credit away from a minor in Japanese studies. I always joke that I should have stuck with it and I could be working for Disney giving tours to all the tourists from Japan! Anyway, I love this exhibit! My mom must have split from us and gone somewhere else because I don’t remember her being there. Sam and I went to the Kidcot station and then browsed the massive store! I could do some serious damage in there! But, we were on a mission to get a pearl today! I had never walked all the way through the store and didn’t realize the pick a pearl option was even in there. There were about 3 people ahead of us to pick their pearls. We spent our time waiting trying to pick out the ugliest, hairiest oyster we could find. Sam went first and got a 7mm pearl with a pinkish tint. I ended up with the exact same thing! We each chose a setting – Sam got a gold necklace with a birthstone pendant (May) and I got a silver necklace with a cage type of pendant. We had to wait about 20 minutes to pick up our jewelry so we went outside to sit. My mom met up with us outside and took Samantha over to the America pavilion to visit the Kidcot station. I stayed in Japan to listen to Matsuriza – the Japanese drum players. They were really good and it was a nice night to be sitting outside.

This is the pick a pearl area:

The pictures didn't turn out too great but here is Sam's pearl and setting:

And mine:

Mom and Sam came back from America with strawberry shortcake. I was way too stuffed to have any but it sure looked good!

Next up was Italy. We visited the Kidcot stop and looked around in the store. We couldn’t find anything we wanted so Sam got some more pieces of candy. We were starting to get a bit tired and were starting to rush through the pavilions a bit.

Germany – I love the Christmas shop here! Sam picked out an ornament for our tree this year. It is a pink purse with fur on the handle! I got a package of Hit cookies – yum! We then visited the Kidcot station and were off to China.

I enjoy the China pavilion also. We went to the Kidcot station and browsed in the store. Samantha found a little Chinese fan. I wanted to see the Circle Vision movie so we went to wait for it – it was due to start in about 10 minutes. I enjoyed this movie but my mom and Sam didn’t really care for it.

Our last stop was Norway! We actually made it all the way around the world! We wanted to ride the boat but there was a 30 minute ride and we just really didn’t feel like waiting. Samantha went to the Kidcot station and she got a certificate for making it to all the countries. We didn’t buy anything in Norway.

We had talked about going to the Poly from here to watch Wishes. I was really feeling tired and so was Sam. When I plan I seem to think I’ll be able to last longer than I ever do! I think I worked too much the week before we went and got myself worn out before we even got to Disney! Anyway, it was already almost 9:00 and Sam and I really wanted to try and make it to Test Track. My mom decided to head to the Poly herself to watch Wishes. I was hoping she would make it in time! I wanted to stay and watch Illuminations but Sam was ready to go. We walked over to Test Track but the wait was 40 minutes so we just headed for the exit.

We got back to the hotel and got into our pajamas so we could relax a bit. Mousekeeping had left us another towel animal on the bathroom counter – I think it was a bunny. We went through our bags to look at our purchases from the day. Samantha played with her Mr. Potato head for a while and wanted me to take a picture of each new outfit! I changed the batteries in Pal Mickey and he still wouldn’t work properly! I had heard that sometimes he may have to get a “reboot” like a computer. I knew there was a place in MK that did this so I thought I’d try to get there sometime tomorrow.

My mom finally got back from watching Wishes at the Poly. She really enjoyed visiting the Poly as we hadn’t been there since I was a kid. She liked Wishes but thought you’d get the full effect better from being in MK. I still have not seen Wishes – just one more reason to return.

Next up – My sister joins us and we head to MGM/Disney Hollywood Studios

 

[mkluvsmickey]

OH yeah!!! I am so glad you told Samantha! We have hopper passes for 10 days, so we were going to the park anyway. We have Ultimate Hopper passes! So we're good to go.... Epcot it is. For some reason, I always go to Epcot on the first day. Usually we do Spaceship Earth.....I understand it's shut down? However, meeting you and Monica will more than makeup for that

Yay! I'm so excited! Like I said, our ADRs are for 1:00 so maybe we can meet around 3:00. I'm putting you guys on my laminated itenerary so no backing out!

Yay! I'm so excited! We will probably leave as early as possible on Saturday morning to make the most of our day. Monica - maybe we will see in the morning too!

 

[roxannensteve]

Your day at Epcot sounds like it was a breeze. We have eaten at Garden Grill before & I thought it was the best too. Really good food, IMO.

I have to comment on Sam. She still looks like a beautiful princess in her PJ's!! If that is her PJs, that little pink satin ensemble?

I have made a mental note not to work myself too hard the week before our trip.

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Your day at Epcot sounds like it was a breeze. We have eaten at Garden Grill before & I thought it was the best too. Really good food, IMO.

I have to comment on Sam. She still looks like a beautiful princess in her PJ's!! If that is her PJs, that little pink satin ensemble?

I have made a mental note not to work myself too hard the week before our trip.

Hi Roxanne - yes, those are Samanthas PJ's! She only brings her princess ones to Disney.

I always work too hard the week before Disney and pay for it while I'm there. Every time! Don't do it!!!

 

[kaysmommie]

Great update. Love your pearls, my DD got the same thing 7mm pinkish in color. That stinks about Pal Mickey not working properly. Glad you liked the food at GG, I haven't been back there in years since last time was not good. I might have to try it again though since DS loves Chip & Dale. I did book POP for DD's Bday in MArch. DH doesn't understand why we have to go back so soon. He thinks we can wait a year between trips since Disney's not going anywhere. ALso there are some new things opening and there is always more to see and do. I would go once a season like you if I lived close. How did you like ASMU compared to POP? I heard it's quieter, but maybe I shouldn't book preferred at POP and request 50's upper floor instead.

 

[KimAshton]

DD is just adorable. I wish my mom would go with me LOL

 

[roxannensteve]

DD is just adorable. I wish my mom would go with me LOL

Me too - my mom would never even consider it. I bet her smoking like a dragon has something to do with that

 

[tinawv]

Just found your trip report, and I am really enjoying it. Samantha is so beautiful. My granddaugher is 7 also and is into the same things as your daughter. She loves High School Musical, Hannah Montana, and shopping and spending my money at Limited Two. She is not so much into the princesses anymore either, which breaks my heart a little.

Looking forward to reading more.

 

[KimmyDisneyNerd]

Great installment Michelle. I can't believe you have not seen Wishes! It's one of my favs. I wish I was able to join you all, but I will be gone already.

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Great update. Love your pearls, my DD got the same thing 7mm pinkish in color. That stinks about Pal Mickey not working properly. Glad you liked the food at GG, I haven't been back there in years since last time was not good. I might have to try it again though since DS loves Chip & Dale. I did book POP for DD's Bday in MArch. DH doesn't understand why we have to go back so soon. He thinks we can wait a year between trips since Disney's not going anywhere. ALso there are some new things opening and there is always more to see and do. I would go once a season like you if I lived close. How did you like ASMU compared to POP? I heard it's quieter, but maybe I shouldn't book preferred at POP and request 50's upper floor instead.

The 7mm pinkish pearls must be popular! Almost everyone I've read about on here has got the same thing. Though when we were waiting there someone got a bigger one - I guess if it is over a certain size the bang the drum!
I hope you are able to keep your POP reservation for March. My DH would be fine with Disney every five years (or more)! There is no such thing as too much Disney in my mind.
ASMU was nice too but I prefer POP. I've never had trouble with the noise there - the first trip we were in the way farthest building which was a pain at the end of a long day. This time we were in the closest building and it was great!

DD is just adorable. I wish my mom would go with me LOL

It is nice to have mom along. She will often come along if we don't have anyone else coming with us.

Me too - my mom would never even consider it. I bet her smoking like a dragon has something to do with that

Awww! Wouldn't your mom love to see her grandkids enjoying Disney? I guess some people just don't "get" Disney like we do. Did your mom ever take you as a kid?

Just found your trip report, and I am really enjoying it. Samantha is so beautiful. My granddaugher is 7 also and is into the same things as your daughter. She loves High School Musical, Hannah Montana, and shopping and spending my money at Limited Two. She is not so much into the princesses anymore either, which breaks my heart a little.
Looking forward to reading more.

Welcome and thanks for reading! It is kind of sad that they are not into princesses as much now. Whenever she talks about the princesses or plays with her princess dolls I try to encourage her. We have two of the princess figurines that are kind of like the polly pocket dolls. She has been playing with those again lately.

Great installment Michelle. I can't believe you have not seen Wishes! It's one of my favs. I wish I was able to join you all, but I will be gone already.

I know! I can't believe I haven't seen it either! I'm not sure it will work out for our next trip either.
You will just need to extend your vacation by a few days to come meet with us!