Pop, pop, pop!!!!

[tlcoke]

Good Report so far Teresa!

My last couple of solo trips have been less structured and I have enjoyed that immensely. I may have an idea of what park, I think I may be going to that day, but I don't worry if I have to change plans, some times my plan was just to go to the first park in which the bus arrived at the resort first.

 

[mrzrich]

Theresa, I get what you are saying about kids and the dining plan. I really wish they had a "Junior" category for children 8-16. Pay a little more than an child, a little less then an adult and give them a special menu that included some typical kids choices in larger portion then the child menu as well as a few more grown up choices (in smaller portion) as well. I wish for junior pricing at buffets, for those paying OOP too! I will never forget my DH fuming when we went to CP for dinner with my DstepD and her BFF. They were 15 at the time and at 30 bucks a piece, each ate a small portion of Mac and cheese, a roll, and a bowl of Ice Cream.

I am going with free dining on Labor Day weekend. I have been doing Weight Watchers, the last 4 months, and don't want to blow it while at WDW. I have already planned to share my CS meals with my DS6. For TS desert, I plan to order him the fruit cup and order myself whatever he wants. Then we'll switch, although I may have to take a "test" few bites. (For research of course!)

 

[Cherinva]

Great Report T. The important thing is that you are all together and having fun. I just found out yesterday that my best freind (who is not a big fan of Disney) has agreed to travel with me to WDW to celebrate my birthday in October. She told me to plan the whole thing to whatever I want to do and she is there. I'm going to book the POP...can't wait.

Have a great time today.

 

[NWOhioAngela]

Have fun Teresa.
The commando in me was cringing that you didn't make EPCOT ropedrop! I guess it's different when you know you can go back any day.

Sorry about the beds!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I'm glad you guys aren't trying to do "commando touring". The older I get and the more frequently we go to Disney, the slower we are. Yes - I realize the girls aren't to commando age yet, but still. We take our time noticing things and having fun.

I think Nikki finally figured the beauty of that out, after I beat it into her head about Disneyland. Then after hanging with us for 2 whole days, it brought it home!

I've been heading in that direction for the past two years especially since I have an AP to WDW and DVC. I'll let you think it was your influence though.

In all seriousness, it really is the truth. I hate seeing people cram in yet another activity every second of a vacation or totally flip if they don't get into a certain restaurant. It's really silly. There's no reason to pull an early morning until late evening day at WDW or DL. Break in-between and enjoy yourselves; don't get boggled down in the intensity of "making the most out of it" or "seeing everything." It's impossible to see everything, so just relax and have a good time. And, although I'm tempted to fall prey to the commando philosophy once and awhile, I really am avoiding it. I rather move at a slower pace than run myself ragged that I have to crash into bed every night.

While this is more the case about DL than WDW (which is bigger and has more parks to cover), I feel it holds true for both. DL can be done in a few days, but there is absolutely no need whatsoever to pull a long day without a break. Everything is super close and there's no problem going back to a DL hotel or park hopping just for an attraction or two. I think Christine and I succumbed to the commando touring here and there last week (not saying we didn't have a good time at all). We found that we pushed it too hard on certain days when we should have relaxed a bit more and wound up having little left to do on the last day.

I really recommend stopping to just people watch, having a snack from the bakery or a glass of wine, or see some of the live entertainment in a park or DTD. Doing this one a day can make a difference in a trip.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I've been heading in that direction for the past two years especially since I have an AP to WDW and DVC. I'll let you think it was your influence though.

In all seriousness, it really is the truth. I hate seeing people cram in yet another activity every second of a vacation or totally flip if they don't get into a certain restaurant. It's really silly. There's no reason to pull an early morning until late evening day at WDW or DL. Break in-between and enjoy yourselves; don't get boggled down in the intensity of "making the most out of it" or "seeing everything." It's impossible to see everything, so just relax and have a good time.

While this is more true about DL than WDW (which is bigger and has more parks to cover), I feel it holds true for both. And, although I'm tempted to fall prey to the commando philosophy once and awhile, I really am avoiding it. I rather move at a slower pace than run myself ragged that I have to crash into bed every night.

I think it just depends on your personality. I'm a little ADD in that way, but I always need to be doing something. Hanging out at the pool for the afternoon isn't going to do it for me. When we're in WDW, we're up and at 'em before 7am, and crash at 11am, having almost never seen the room during the day.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

That's how I used to be bigtime. I just find I actually enjoy it more if I take a break from the parks even if it is just for an hour (swimming, DTD, people watch at the bakery, nap, etc.). I also find that I thoroughly enjoy going with friends who have young children (did this twice this summer actually) because it forces me to slow down and I get to experience some of the attractions that are intended for a younger audience. I love that!

 

[SusanWasHere]

Glad you're having fun Teresa! My trip is kind of sounding like yours.... I always used to be crazy running around trying to hit every ride. I don't know if it's bc I was just here for 9 days last month and did just about everything - or that fact that DVC and an AP have just mellowed me out lol. But I've been here for 2 full days and besides the train at MK, I haven't been on one ride!! We've been relaxing and just enjoying the surroundings! We love Wilderness Lodge and our Villa is gorgeous! We've been hanging out here a lot, watched the water pageant - first time and we loved it. So nice sitting on the beach with my mom and dad and having them love it! Yesterday we swam for hours (in both pools, lol), watched the geyser, and then had a lazy dinner at Sommerfest. I don't feel like I'm missing out at all! And we're just having breakfast in our room now, in the "old days", I'd already be at a park with a handful of fast passes, lol. Glad you're having a good time! We have no plan yet for today - but know we're going to hang out at Fort Wilderness later on. Have fun today!!

 

[Augustheather97]

I am really enjoying your trip report........

 

[disneyholic family]

Teresa, i am so enjoying your trip report!!!

i've been lying in bed all day in terrible pain, but i dragged myself down to my computer just to read your report!! you always manage to put a smile on my face!!

i agree about the dininig plan....when we've considered purchasing the dining plan in the past, we never did it because we figured it wouldn't pay given that we don't eat that much.....
but i figured that when the dining is "free", it would actually pay to take the package - even though you do have to pay full price for the room as opposed to getting a discounted room and paying for your food..

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Hopping aboard the POP train! We just got back from our trip and I'm anxious to hear how Teresa's trip is going.

I know all too well how little the POP beds are! Hope you are getting a better night's sleep!

How is the weather? The crowds?

 

[cazzie]

Really enjoying your trip reports. Glad you are enjoying it, doesn't matter that you didn't make Epcot I always say planning is just something I do to pass the time before we go once there then it should be do whatever you want you're at Disney.

 

[newmouse2008]

Oh what a fun day we had!!!!! Today was Magic Kingdom Day!!!!! We started our day thinking we would get breakfast here at POP. By the time we arrived in Everything POP dining it was a swarming mass of humanity. We changed gears and headed straight to the Magic Kingdom. We hit everything in Adventureland. Tiki room, Jungle cruise (and we heard the native say "I love disco), Pirates...... It was Hot, hot,hot.... But everything in the morning was almost a walk on. We had a early lunch across from the Haunted Mansion ( Harbour House?) I love to eat upstairs there. It is usually quiet and cool. After lunch we headed to Fantasyland and we found out that Small world is down for rehab. Stella and I were both bummed by this. Kelvin and Grace were both relieved. We used our snack credits to get smoothies before riding on the peoplemover. The girls and I rode 3 times around and I was thrilled to hear "paging Mr. Morrow, Mr Tom Morrow........ I am so happy they brought this back. Now it is inside Space Mountain when you hear it. By three o'clock we started back to POP. We had planned on staying in the park till our res at Trails End at 6pm, but it was way too hot and we all wanted to clean up and cool off before dinner.

Trails End was good as always. Way too much food to eat! Stella ate very little and Grace got her usual chicken. We walked aroung the Settlement for a while and the girls played on the playground.

When we arrived back at POP we found a group of ducks hanging by our door. I know they would have come right in if we would have let them. Fun little encounter with nature. The weather cooled off tonight and it was nice by the pool. I found myself heading to Petals Pool bar for a quick bit of refreshment.

Oh I forgot to tell you all about our shopping on Mainstreet and the neat things we found. Stella was looking for something to spend her $20 on when we came across Collector packs of Mini characters. In each little bag you get 3 Disney Characters or Theme Park icons. Each series contains 18 different pieces. I ended up getting 7 bags. ( mostly the Park series) We came back and opened up the bags like it was Christmas. We got Buzz and Woody, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Daisy. Sally and Jack from Nightmare before Christmas,@ cars from "Cars". Bugs life, Jessica Rabbit, Stitch, 2 different Mickey's, Dalmation, Dumbo, A mouse, Kermit the frog, a small world kid, and A little tower of terror. None are bigger than a quarter. Stella and I are already obsessed. At $5.95 a bag, it is an affordable collectible that takes up a small space.

We are all exhausted and in for the night. I don't know how people stay in the parks all day in this heat.

Today's totals are: 4 snack credits, 4 table service, and 4 counter service.

Shopping $39.92, Petals Pool Bar $6

Tomorrow? Hollywood Studios.... Lunch at 50's Prime Time..'

Good times.......

T.

 

[newmouse2008]

Oh what a fun day we had!!!!! Today was Magic Kingdom Day!!!!! We started our day thinking we would get breakfast here at POP. By the time we arrived in Everything POP dining it was a swarming mass of humanity. We changed gears and headed straight to the Magic Kingdom. We hit everything in Adventureland. Tiki room, Jungle cruise (and we heard the native say "I love disco), Pirates...... It was Hot, hot,hot.... But everything in the morning was almost a walk on. We had a early lunch across from the Haunted Mansion ( Harbour House?) I love to eat upstairs there. It is usually quiet and cool. After lunch we headed to Fantasyland and we found out that Small world is down for rehab. Stella and I were both bummed by this. Kelvin and Grace were both relieved. We used our snack credits to get smoothies before riding on the peoplemover. The girls and I rode 3 times around and I was thrilled to hear "paging Mr. Morrow, Mr Tom Morrow........ I am so happy they brought this back. Now it is inside Space Mountain when you hear it. By three o'clock we started back to POP. We had planned on staying in the park till our res at Trails End at 6pm, but it was way too hot and we all wanted to clean up and cool off before dinner.

Trails End was good as always. Way too much food to eat! Stella ate very little and Grace got her usual chicken. We walked aroung the Settlement for a while and the girls played on the playground.

When we arrived back at POP we found a group of ducks hanging by our door. I know they would have come right in if we would have let them. Fun little encounter with nature. The weather cooled off tonight and it was nice by the pool. I found myself heading to Petals Pool bar for a quick bit of refreshment.

Oh I forgot to tell you all about our shopping on Mainstreet and the neat things we found. Stella was looking for something to spend her $20 on when we came across Collector packs of Mini characters. In each little bag you get 3 Disney Characters or Theme Park icons. Each series contains 18 different pieces. I ended up getting 7 bags. ( mostly the Park series) We came back and opened up the bags like it was Christmas. We got Buzz and Woody, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Daisy. Sally and Jack from Nightmare before Christmas,@ cars from "Cars". Bugs life, Jessica Rabbit, Stitch, 2 different Mickey's, Dalmation, Dumbo, A mouse, Kermit the frog, a small world kid, and A little tower of terror. None are bigger than a quarter. Stella and I are already obsessed. At $5.95 a bag, it is an affordable collectible that takes up a small space.

We are all exhausted and in for the night. I don't know how people stay in the parks all day in this heat.

Today's totals are: 4 snack credits, 4 table service, and 4 counter service.

Shopping $39.92, Petals Pool Bar $6

Tomorrow? Hollywood Studios.... Lunch at 50's Prime Time..'

Good times.......

T.

 

[adsrtw]

Sounds like you are having a great time. I am bummed about IASW too. Oh well! There is always next time, right?

 

[Becx N Gav]

Oh what a fun day we had!!!!! Today was Magic Kingdom Day!!!!! We started our day thinking we would get breakfast here at POP. By the time we arrived in Everything POP dining it was a swarming mass of humanity. We changed gears and headed straight to the Magic Kingdom. We hit everything in Adventureland. Tiki room, Jungle cruise (and we heard the native say "I love disco), Pirates...... It was Hot, hot,hot.... But everything in the morning was almost a walk on. We had a early lunch across from the Haunted Mansion ( Harbour House?) I love to eat upstairs there. It is usually quiet and cool. After lunch we headed to Fantasyland and we found out that Small world is down for rehab. Stella and I were both bummed by this. Kelvin and Grace were both relieved. We used our snack credits to get smoothies before riding on the peoplemover. The girls and I rode 3 times around and I was thrilled to hear "paging Mr. Morrow, Mr Tom Morrow........ I am so happy they brought this back. Now it is inside Space Mountain when you hear it. By three o'clock we started back to POP. We had planned on staying in the park till our res at Trails End at 6pm, but it was way too hot and we all wanted to clean up and cool off before dinner.

Trails End was good as always. Way too much food to eat! Stella ate very little and Grace got her usual chicken. We walked aroung the Settlement for a while and the girls played on the playground.

When we arrived back at POP we found a group of ducks hanging by our door. I know they would have come right in if we would have let them. Fun little encounter with nature. The weather cooled off tonight and it was nice by the pool. I found myself heading to Petals Pool bar for a quick bit of refreshment.

Oh I forgot to tell you all about our shopping on Mainstreet and the neat things we found. Stella was looking for something to spend her $20 on when we came across Collector packs of Mini characters. In each little bag you get 3 Disney Characters or Theme Park icons. Each series contains 18 different pieces. I ended up getting 7 bags. ( mostly the Park series) We came back and opened up the bags like it was Christmas. We got Buzz and Woody, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Daisy. Sally and Jack from Nightmare before Christmas,@ cars from "Cars". Bugs life, Jessica Rabbit, Stitch, 2 different Mickey's, Dalmation, Dumbo, A mouse, Kermit the frog, a small world kid, and A little tower of terror. None are bigger than a quarter. Stella and I are already obsessed. At $5.95 a bag, it is an affordable collectible that takes up a small space.

We are all exhausted and in for the night. I don't know how people stay in the parks all day in this heat.

Today's totals are: 4 snack credits, 4 table service, and 4 counter service.

Shopping $39.92, Petals Pool Bar $6

Tomorrow? Hollywood Studios.... Lunch at 50's Prime Time..'

Good times.......

T.

So much fun you did it twice

Gav and I did the Peoplemover for the first time last Sept so we've not heard the new/old version

Sounds like I'll have something else to collect now - could you take a pic of them so I knw what they look like please?

So cool you met some ducks We had a friendly bunny at the Dolphin, he posed for a couple of pics

 

[suzycute]

I'm loving your trip report - you have a great writing style that makes it fun to read!

Suzycute (Wishspirits mom!)

 

[disneyholic family]

i also don't know how people stay in the parks all day in the summer!!
surface of the sun doesn't even begin to describe it...we find we're usually out of the parks by 2 in the afternoon...

those collectibles sound like a nice relatively inexpensive souvenir type gift....i didn't see them when i was there in june, but i wasn't looking....

oddly the big hit of all the things i bought were those rubberband like bracelets....either Anne or Teresa showed them to me....they cost about $5 for a pack of a bunch of them in various pastel colors (when they're not on your wrist they have the shape of a character)...anyway, that was the big hit....a lot of bang for my souvenir buck...
i'm sure the little bags of mini characters would have been a big hit as well..

another great duck encounter location - at the hesse gas station by the boardwalk....
i took a zillion pictures the 3 times i saw them there....maybe one day i'll post them ....(i'm so bad at picture posting and trip reporting)...

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I love those little collectibles! They've had them for a few years now and keep releasing new series. I have a bunch on my dresser, but have succumbed to the evil Vinylmations. I'm glad you guys are having a great time!!

Here's a few pics from the Net for those curious...

 

[Becx N Gav]

I love those little collectibles! They've had them for a few years now and keep releasing new series. I have a bunch on my dresser, but have succumbed to the evil Vinylmations. I'm glad you guys are having a great time!!

Here's a few pics from the Net for those curious...

How have I never seen these! Thanks Nikki - I think I may be on e-bay as soon as I get home tonight