PamNC
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 19, 1999
- Messages
- 4,597
CAST OF CHARACTERS: me, 42 and my DH, 34. First timers at the Swan.
DAY TWO - Friday, 11/26:
We started out with a Mickey wake-up call at 6:15...NO...wait a minute...it wasn't a Mickey wake-up call, we were at the Swan. It was just a wake up ring with nobody on the other end. :-( Oh well, we still like the Swan. I did miss Mickey telling me that there were big doins' going on. We had PS at Kona Cafe, our favorite breakfast spot, at 7:30. We lollygagged around and didn't leave the room until about 7:20, so needless to say we were late for our PS, but it wasn't a problem. We parked in the MK parking lot since that's where we planned on spending the morning and it's a quick walk to the Poly. I ordered Tonga Toast and my husband got the Magic Kingdom express which is your basic eggs, bacon, hash browns sort of thing. We got an extra plate so we could split. I can't eat an entire tonga toast and I figured I could use a little protien. I love the kona coffee, so we tanked up on it. The service wasn't so great this time. We sat for at least 5 minutes before even being greeted. Kind of slow service throughout the meal, but the food made up for it. Delicious as usual. After a ridiculous amount of food and coffee, we were on our way to the MK. After a stop at the bathroom, of course. We took the monorail to MK. My husband go so upset on the monorail...they changed the spiel. Or at least they changed the guy who delivers the spiel. He was so mad because he didn't know about the change...he wanted to apply for the job. It's his dream to somehow be immortalized at Disney with his voice. He said to me, "why didn't my agent tell me about this?" Of course the answer is so obvious-he's an opera singer so I doubt his agent is concentrating on monorail spiels for him.
We got there in time for the new opening celebration. I don't know exactly how new it is...we saw it in July. I think they did a good thing when they started this opening ceremony. It's so exciting when you hear the train coming and the characters get off and wave - turns me into a little kid. Plus, there's no mad dash after the rope drop to Splash Mountain where you typically get pushed and trompled upon. Anyway, we decided to start our magical journey with a ride on the horse-drawn trolley. Our horse was Fritz (who will show up later) and he did a great job. People were reluctant to get out of his way which blows my mind since Fritz weighs about 1800 pounds. After the ride, I had to get a picture with Fritz, then I kissed him on the face and we were off to Fantasyland. We walked right on Peter Pan, Pooh, and Snow White. I know you are all laughing at us - a childless couple in their 30's (well...he is) riding the kiddie rides. But I can't help it, it's classic Disney. After Snow White I tried to convince my husband to ride the carousel but he said it was too cold. It was cold, I think 46 degrees when we got out of the car. Nonetheless, we had on our shorts and we were determined to pretend it was warm. So, no carousel or dumbo ride...so we watched Philharmagic. We LOVE this attraction. Next, we went to the Haunted Mansion, again NO WAIT. We were lovin' life! After the haunted mansion we noticed that the Country Bears were performing their Christmas show so of course we had to see it. Very cute - loved Liverlips' Elvis outfit. After the show, we toyed with the idea of Splash Mountain, a bit scared of getting wet since it was so chilly. Well, we couldn't resist a 10 minute wait on Splash Mountain so we took our chances. Luckily we were seated in the back and didn't get that wet. This is our favorite MK attraction. We considered Big Thunder Mountain but decided that it would definitely be too cold whipping around the mountain in that open train. So, off to another favorite - Pirates of the Caribbean. This was actually the longest wait - about 15 minutes.
After POC, we couldn't make up our minds, or better yet, I couldn't make up my mind, about what to do next. I thought perhaps now would be a good time to head to Main Street to shop and enjoy the decorations since it was crowded when we first came into the park. Maybe a little Christmas shopping. But, as I started to turn down Main Street, thoughts of the New Stitch Ride entered my head so I made my poor DH turnaround and head for Tomorrowland. It was quite crowded because the "Clang Clang Clang of the Trolley" singers were performing. You know the ones. Now, up until this point, the MK was pretty empty. We walked into Tomorrowland and the gates of &^$# had opened up. It was packed and Stitch was a 50 minute wait. With Fastpass not available until later in the afternoon. So, we passed. Tried for Space Mountain, 45 minute wait, fastpass time around 5:00. NOPE! So we wimped out and rode the TTA which we enjoy although I know it's not a major attraction. At this point, we thought about it and decided that the park was filling up and that was our cue...TO LEAVE. On the way out, a wonderful thing happened. DH was thirsty so we stopped for a coke right as you leave and enter the train station. The CM only asked for $2. We almost fainted..they were $2.50 in July, which is totally ridiculous IMHO. The CM told us the price went down a couple of months ago. What is the world coming to when Disney lowers prices? We were so happy about that 50 cents...you wouldn't believe it. You would think we were the poorest folks at Disney making such a big deal over 50 cents. On the way out, a nice man took our picture together in front of the train station. We took the monorail back to the TTC...with our cheap coke in hand.
Lunchtime!! One of our favorite places to eat is Beaches & Cream. Not just because the Yacht and Beach are our second favorite resorts (Poly is first), but because of the fun atmosphere, the jukebox and the fact that they have the best burgers on property. We've had such good times there and look forward to a good old fashioned juicy burger every trip. Complete with music from Grease and the Beach Boys. DH decided on a hot dog, but I had to have a burger. HUGE MISTAKE. I hate to report this but they have changed the burgers. They are no more than the typical Pecos Bill type of burgers. I couldn't believe it...what a big disappointment. I asked the server about it, and he said that sometimes when they run out they use the burgers from Hannah's which are frozen. I don't know if I believe that because I had a Hannah's burger once and it wasn't this bad. But, believe me, whatever it is, it isn't the same and it is no longer the best burger on property. I almost cried. But, I didn't because I knew a No Way Jose was in my future. It was great, as usual. Thank God they didn't change that. They took $4 off our bill due to our dissatisfaction, but I would have much preferred to pay $8 more and gotten the old burgers. Yuk!! It's not just me, my DH took a bite and he totally agreed it was different. It even looked different...square and pathetic like a Wendy's burger. I'll get off my soap box now, because after this meal we had big fun.
The big fun that I'm referring to was at Fantasia Minature Golf. Did you know that AP holders get 50% off? That's huge! Once again, we were delighted to save $$. The course is so much fun - I love the clues that they give. The weather was nice by this point...probably about 70. It was crowded so we had to wait 30 minutes - they gave us a "tee time." My DH and I got real competitive, we ran neck and neck for most of the game. I hate to admit it - but he beat me by 2 points. 46 to 44. He got 3 hole in one's. I got 1. He was proud as a peacock that he won and announced it to everyone all the way out.
We went back to the room to shower and freshen up. Or I did, DH went to the gym. Then he showered and freshened up. We had an 8:00 ressie for the sleigh ride that departs from WL. Instead of eating dinner first like we orginally planned, we decided to wait and go to Kimono's (at the Swan) for sushi and karoake after the sleigh ride. After that burger the idea of food just wasn't appealing to me. I'll have to say the WL decorations were beautiful. We had some time so we strolled around the resort and enjoyed the view. We also decided to go to guest services to get our CP tickets for the next evening. The CM told us to line up early because we wouldn't be guaranteed a seat under shelter...boy was she ever right. You can read about that in my Day 3 trip report...still to be written. We also made ressies for Spoodles for Sunday night while we were there. We've been going to Disney for 10 years now, but we've never tried Spoodles. The CM at the lodge was very nice and helpful. The sleigh ride was so romantic - the moon wasn't full that night but it was very bright. Guess who was pulling the sleigh...FRTIZ, who I had kissed earlier at the MK. Poor Fritz had a long day. The driver told us that they got him at an auction...he use to work on an Amish farm, so he was use to hard work. We esepcially enjoy the horses at Disney because we have 4 of our own. I always miss them when we're away. I make my DH take me to Fort Wilderness so I can see and smell them...get my horse fix. The sleigh looks like a real sleigh...the wheels are hidden. The ride is 30 minutes. It starts in front of WL and goes through the woods into Fort Wilderness and back. We sang christmas songs along the way and cuddled under the blanket...which they provide for you. Nice touch! After the ride, I snapped DH's pic with Fritz and once again gave him a kiss - this time right on the mouth.
On to Kimonos. We thoroughly enjoyed the sushi although I'm a clutz with chopsticks so I had to ask for a fork. I know, how pathetic. But I had to get the delicious morsels in my mouth somehow. I ordered a champagne cocktail - it was called Chondra Orange Blossom...fresh squeezed oj. It was very strong and so was the Japaneese beer that we split. There were lots of kids there, which was kind of weird feeling because folks were drinking. But the kids were so adorable when they sang. A couple of really little ones sang their ABC's which was cute as could be. Then, here came my DH...BLUE CHRISTMAS!! He did it Elvis style and brought the house down. Folks kept coming to our table to tell him how much they enjoyed it. He likes to pretend he doesn't get a kick out of this, but he does. He and I met at a karaoke bar...he was the host. But that's another story that I won't get into. There was the coolest guy singing - his name was Lewis. He was Japanese and he was really really good. He kept coming to our table to talk to my DH and do a "high five" as he walked past. My DH had a psychic moment...maybe it was the champagne. I don't know. When Lewis was singing his second song he said "I think he's a doctor." I asked him why he thought that, but he didn't know he just said "I just think that man is somebody's doctor." So we asked him what he did for a living and guess what? He's a psychiatrist. DH also sang "I can't help falling in love with you" and "My Way" and again got a roaring applause and plenty of kudos from the audience. He's a ham. I thoroughly enjoyed this...the food, the music, the fun. I wanted to continue or go to Jellyrolls but my DH was tired. I thought I was the older one?? So we haded back to the room...singing all the way through the lobby. A lady stopped us and said "if everyone were as happy as you two, the world would be a better place." I thought that was nice - and so true. You know, you can just decide to be happy. Especially after 2 cocktails and a beer. And when you're at Disneyworld.
Off to bed - stay tuned for Day 3 when we tour Holidays Around the World and get soaked to the bone at the Candlelight Processional.
PamNC
DAY TWO - Friday, 11/26:
We started out with a Mickey wake-up call at 6:15...NO...wait a minute...it wasn't a Mickey wake-up call, we were at the Swan. It was just a wake up ring with nobody on the other end. :-( Oh well, we still like the Swan. I did miss Mickey telling me that there were big doins' going on. We had PS at Kona Cafe, our favorite breakfast spot, at 7:30. We lollygagged around and didn't leave the room until about 7:20, so needless to say we were late for our PS, but it wasn't a problem. We parked in the MK parking lot since that's where we planned on spending the morning and it's a quick walk to the Poly. I ordered Tonga Toast and my husband got the Magic Kingdom express which is your basic eggs, bacon, hash browns sort of thing. We got an extra plate so we could split. I can't eat an entire tonga toast and I figured I could use a little protien. I love the kona coffee, so we tanked up on it. The service wasn't so great this time. We sat for at least 5 minutes before even being greeted. Kind of slow service throughout the meal, but the food made up for it. Delicious as usual. After a ridiculous amount of food and coffee, we were on our way to the MK. After a stop at the bathroom, of course. We took the monorail to MK. My husband go so upset on the monorail...they changed the spiel. Or at least they changed the guy who delivers the spiel. He was so mad because he didn't know about the change...he wanted to apply for the job. It's his dream to somehow be immortalized at Disney with his voice. He said to me, "why didn't my agent tell me about this?" Of course the answer is so obvious-he's an opera singer so I doubt his agent is concentrating on monorail spiels for him.
We got there in time for the new opening celebration. I don't know exactly how new it is...we saw it in July. I think they did a good thing when they started this opening ceremony. It's so exciting when you hear the train coming and the characters get off and wave - turns me into a little kid. Plus, there's no mad dash after the rope drop to Splash Mountain where you typically get pushed and trompled upon. Anyway, we decided to start our magical journey with a ride on the horse-drawn trolley. Our horse was Fritz (who will show up later) and he did a great job. People were reluctant to get out of his way which blows my mind since Fritz weighs about 1800 pounds. After the ride, I had to get a picture with Fritz, then I kissed him on the face and we were off to Fantasyland. We walked right on Peter Pan, Pooh, and Snow White. I know you are all laughing at us - a childless couple in their 30's (well...he is) riding the kiddie rides. But I can't help it, it's classic Disney. After Snow White I tried to convince my husband to ride the carousel but he said it was too cold. It was cold, I think 46 degrees when we got out of the car. Nonetheless, we had on our shorts and we were determined to pretend it was warm. So, no carousel or dumbo ride...so we watched Philharmagic. We LOVE this attraction. Next, we went to the Haunted Mansion, again NO WAIT. We were lovin' life! After the haunted mansion we noticed that the Country Bears were performing their Christmas show so of course we had to see it. Very cute - loved Liverlips' Elvis outfit. After the show, we toyed with the idea of Splash Mountain, a bit scared of getting wet since it was so chilly. Well, we couldn't resist a 10 minute wait on Splash Mountain so we took our chances. Luckily we were seated in the back and didn't get that wet. This is our favorite MK attraction. We considered Big Thunder Mountain but decided that it would definitely be too cold whipping around the mountain in that open train. So, off to another favorite - Pirates of the Caribbean. This was actually the longest wait - about 15 minutes.
After POC, we couldn't make up our minds, or better yet, I couldn't make up my mind, about what to do next. I thought perhaps now would be a good time to head to Main Street to shop and enjoy the decorations since it was crowded when we first came into the park. Maybe a little Christmas shopping. But, as I started to turn down Main Street, thoughts of the New Stitch Ride entered my head so I made my poor DH turnaround and head for Tomorrowland. It was quite crowded because the "Clang Clang Clang of the Trolley" singers were performing. You know the ones. Now, up until this point, the MK was pretty empty. We walked into Tomorrowland and the gates of &^$# had opened up. It was packed and Stitch was a 50 minute wait. With Fastpass not available until later in the afternoon. So, we passed. Tried for Space Mountain, 45 minute wait, fastpass time around 5:00. NOPE! So we wimped out and rode the TTA which we enjoy although I know it's not a major attraction. At this point, we thought about it and decided that the park was filling up and that was our cue...TO LEAVE. On the way out, a wonderful thing happened. DH was thirsty so we stopped for a coke right as you leave and enter the train station. The CM only asked for $2. We almost fainted..they were $2.50 in July, which is totally ridiculous IMHO. The CM told us the price went down a couple of months ago. What is the world coming to when Disney lowers prices? We were so happy about that 50 cents...you wouldn't believe it. You would think we were the poorest folks at Disney making such a big deal over 50 cents. On the way out, a nice man took our picture together in front of the train station. We took the monorail back to the TTC...with our cheap coke in hand.
Lunchtime!! One of our favorite places to eat is Beaches & Cream. Not just because the Yacht and Beach are our second favorite resorts (Poly is first), but because of the fun atmosphere, the jukebox and the fact that they have the best burgers on property. We've had such good times there and look forward to a good old fashioned juicy burger every trip. Complete with music from Grease and the Beach Boys. DH decided on a hot dog, but I had to have a burger. HUGE MISTAKE. I hate to report this but they have changed the burgers. They are no more than the typical Pecos Bill type of burgers. I couldn't believe it...what a big disappointment. I asked the server about it, and he said that sometimes when they run out they use the burgers from Hannah's which are frozen. I don't know if I believe that because I had a Hannah's burger once and it wasn't this bad. But, believe me, whatever it is, it isn't the same and it is no longer the best burger on property. I almost cried. But, I didn't because I knew a No Way Jose was in my future. It was great, as usual. Thank God they didn't change that. They took $4 off our bill due to our dissatisfaction, but I would have much preferred to pay $8 more and gotten the old burgers. Yuk!! It's not just me, my DH took a bite and he totally agreed it was different. It even looked different...square and pathetic like a Wendy's burger. I'll get off my soap box now, because after this meal we had big fun.
The big fun that I'm referring to was at Fantasia Minature Golf. Did you know that AP holders get 50% off? That's huge! Once again, we were delighted to save $$. The course is so much fun - I love the clues that they give. The weather was nice by this point...probably about 70. It was crowded so we had to wait 30 minutes - they gave us a "tee time." My DH and I got real competitive, we ran neck and neck for most of the game. I hate to admit it - but he beat me by 2 points. 46 to 44. He got 3 hole in one's. I got 1. He was proud as a peacock that he won and announced it to everyone all the way out.
We went back to the room to shower and freshen up. Or I did, DH went to the gym. Then he showered and freshened up. We had an 8:00 ressie for the sleigh ride that departs from WL. Instead of eating dinner first like we orginally planned, we decided to wait and go to Kimono's (at the Swan) for sushi and karoake after the sleigh ride. After that burger the idea of food just wasn't appealing to me. I'll have to say the WL decorations were beautiful. We had some time so we strolled around the resort and enjoyed the view. We also decided to go to guest services to get our CP tickets for the next evening. The CM told us to line up early because we wouldn't be guaranteed a seat under shelter...boy was she ever right. You can read about that in my Day 3 trip report...still to be written. We also made ressies for Spoodles for Sunday night while we were there. We've been going to Disney for 10 years now, but we've never tried Spoodles. The CM at the lodge was very nice and helpful. The sleigh ride was so romantic - the moon wasn't full that night but it was very bright. Guess who was pulling the sleigh...FRTIZ, who I had kissed earlier at the MK. Poor Fritz had a long day. The driver told us that they got him at an auction...he use to work on an Amish farm, so he was use to hard work. We esepcially enjoy the horses at Disney because we have 4 of our own. I always miss them when we're away. I make my DH take me to Fort Wilderness so I can see and smell them...get my horse fix. The sleigh looks like a real sleigh...the wheels are hidden. The ride is 30 minutes. It starts in front of WL and goes through the woods into Fort Wilderness and back. We sang christmas songs along the way and cuddled under the blanket...which they provide for you. Nice touch! After the ride, I snapped DH's pic with Fritz and once again gave him a kiss - this time right on the mouth.
On to Kimonos. We thoroughly enjoyed the sushi although I'm a clutz with chopsticks so I had to ask for a fork. I know, how pathetic. But I had to get the delicious morsels in my mouth somehow. I ordered a champagne cocktail - it was called Chondra Orange Blossom...fresh squeezed oj. It was very strong and so was the Japaneese beer that we split. There were lots of kids there, which was kind of weird feeling because folks were drinking. But the kids were so adorable when they sang. A couple of really little ones sang their ABC's which was cute as could be. Then, here came my DH...BLUE CHRISTMAS!! He did it Elvis style and brought the house down. Folks kept coming to our table to tell him how much they enjoyed it. He likes to pretend he doesn't get a kick out of this, but he does. He and I met at a karaoke bar...he was the host. But that's another story that I won't get into. There was the coolest guy singing - his name was Lewis. He was Japanese and he was really really good. He kept coming to our table to talk to my DH and do a "high five" as he walked past. My DH had a psychic moment...maybe it was the champagne. I don't know. When Lewis was singing his second song he said "I think he's a doctor." I asked him why he thought that, but he didn't know he just said "I just think that man is somebody's doctor." So we asked him what he did for a living and guess what? He's a psychiatrist. DH also sang "I can't help falling in love with you" and "My Way" and again got a roaring applause and plenty of kudos from the audience. He's a ham. I thoroughly enjoyed this...the food, the music, the fun. I wanted to continue or go to Jellyrolls but my DH was tired. I thought I was the older one?? So we haded back to the room...singing all the way through the lobby. A lady stopped us and said "if everyone were as happy as you two, the world would be a better place." I thought that was nice - and so true. You know, you can just decide to be happy. Especially after 2 cocktails and a beer. And when you're at Disneyworld.
Off to bed - stay tuned for Day 3 when we tour Holidays Around the World and get soaked to the bone at the Candlelight Processional.
PamNC
