Seriously...You're Going Again?! Yep!! The Final Wrap-Up!!! 12.26.13

[amandaw]

Sounds like the day really was shaping up quite nicely!

And I really want to see that Tangled bathroom area! It just looks so cute!

I had to laugh at the picture of Keith sitting at the fort with an unamused looked upon his face. I have a picture of my dad that is very similar to that one. It's from the first time I went to WDW when my Dad & stepmom took us back in 1987.

 

[TinksThree]

Wow! Two weeks since I have been on! So sorry guys!! I had hoped to update tonight but alas my day has been crazy!! We have been busy, busy these last few weeks with Madison's activities and preparing to send Chris off! He left today for basic training....so it has been a slightly emotional day!

Sounds like the day really was shaping up quite nicely!

And I really want to see that Tangled bathroom area! It just looks so cute!

I had to laugh at the picture of Keith sitting at the fort with an unamused looked upon his face. I have a picture of my dad that is very similar to that one. It's from the first time I went to WDW when my Dad & stepmom took us back in 1987.

It was shaping up much better than it seemed it would! I think Keith was happy to find a place to sit! That is always his #1 goal: to find a bench to plop down on!

 

[mickeystoontown]

"Slightly emotional"....I am betting it was a bit more than slightly. I'm so proud of Chris and know that you and Keith are as well.

 

[TinksThree]

"Slightly emotional"....I am betting it was a bit more than slightly. I'm so proud of Chris and know that you and Keith are as well.

We are very proud of Chris! He called last night! We weren't expecting a call so soon! He is missing his hair! But otherwise said things were "ok" and then the yelling in the background to hangup began...oh the joys!!

 

[TinksThree]

Where have the last few weeks gone?! Seriously!!! I had to go back and see where I had left off!! So it seems that this day began in a not too great fashion with TSMM begin down (This is bad when you consider the fact we made the effort to get up early to make the mad dash!!), the monorail was down (This is bad when you consider the mass number of bodies trying to get to Magic Kingdom!!), the line to Be Our Guest was obscenely long (This is bad until we decided to try Pinocchio's Haus and had a yummy lunch!), we rode Under the Sea (Great!!!), we did a meet and greet with Donald and Goofy (Fun!!), we saw the new Rapunzel bathroom area (Cute!!), and we tried out first time attractions (for us)- Liberty Belle and Tom Sawyer Island (Relaxing!!!). So what is next!?

Madison and Chris had snagged Space Mtn Fastpasses and I chose to skip it this trip. So while they were off flying through the abyss, Keith and I decided to go a little simpler...Mickey Bars!! We make our purchase and stop on the bridge by Splash Mtn. Splash was down for refurb but was to reopen the next week. They had the boats running so we stood on the bridge watching the boats take their plunge and enjoyed our chocolate covered ice cream goodness!

After we finished, Keith decided a break from MK was needed so he made his way back to the resort fora rest. I went to Tomorrowland to wait for the kiddos. Since Keith nor I chose to ride Space, they actually got two turns on the ride using FPs from mine and Keith's tickets as well. I think this is why I chose not to ride this time...to allow them both a double whammy!

Madison and Chris exit and we try to decide what to do. Madison makes a choice and Chris makes a choice. Madison's choice is first:



I am not sure why this was the choice! I do remember we were planning on being in MK later with Keith so maybe we were waiting on some of the other attractions when we all hooked back up!

Madison and I watched with intense anticipation...Chris slept!











This isn't mind blowing but it is a nice place to get off your feet every once in a while! We definitely do not make this an every trip must do, but it is enjoyable enough!!!

Now it was time to make our way to Chris' choice!



While we were in line Keith called...I think he missed us! All I remember was it was loud and I had a bad reception. The stand-by wait was 20-30 minutes. I never have stood in line for POTC that long before!! But soon we were in the land of pirates and Mermaids and Captain Jack Sparrow!!









We make our exit and head to Big Thunder! Our FP time had finally arrived!!



I tried to get a picture or two on the ride...





One of my favorite views!!!







By this time, Keith was making his way back to the Magic Kingdom so we made our way to Main Street to wait for him. A castle picture is a requirement...every time you pass the castle you have to take a picture! Seriously...if you don't...well it is a law so you just have to!!!





We did a little shopping in the Emporium (one of my favorite perks of staying onsite: delivery of your loot to your resort!! ) Chris was graduating in two months so we snagged a picture:



It is hard to believe he has not only graduated but is now off at basic training!! Time really goes too quickly!

Continued in the following post, next page...

 

[TinksThree]

I didn't take many pictures so it looks like we spent 2 seconds here but it was more like 30 minutes and then Keith called to say he was about to enter the ticket area so I went outside to meet him. While I waited, a little window shopping!



As well as some pictures of Main Street:







We then blazed the same path as our last family trip the previous July! Monster's Inc:



I love this!! It is one of my favorites!! We tried to get in a local to be "that guy" but we missed it by one row! Oh well, we will just have to try again!!

It was then getting very close to dinner time! So we began our trek out of the park...BUT WAIT!!!! It is the castle!! So what does THAT mean!?!?! Yep....pictures!!!!!







And then it is down Main Street USA we go!!





Farewell for now!!!



We have two options to get to our dinner local: boat or monorail! Oh wait...we have one option: boat! Because the resort monorail is down (of course!) but the boat line is HUGE!!! And then we hear sweet words from a Cast Member, "There are buses arriving for transportation to the monorail resorts!" We make a mad dash to get a bus and success!! Soon we are signing in at....



We linger around waiting for our 8:15 pm ADR. Since I had two weeks to plan this trip, I had felt lucky getting an ADR for 9:30 pm. This was one of Keith's top choices so I had to make it work. I had been checking my "My Disney Experience" app for several days and managed to snag an earlier ADR. It wasn't earlier than we wished but it worked, plus we got to "see" and hear Wishes at 9 pm!

A picture while we waited:



I did not take any food pictures so I am borrowing from our July 2012 trip. Besides, this really doesn't change much!

Deliciousness!!!



A typical salad but the citrisy, tangy dressing makes this good!



Pot Stickers and Wings!!! More Yumminess!!



We usually eat little of the noodles (they take up too much tummy space and we have meat to eat!! We are carnivores!!)



The meats! We love the shrimp and steak, the pork is good and the chicken ranks last (but still delish!). My main disappointment is in the dipping sauces. There used to be three but on this trip we only had one option--the peanut sauce. While good, I still like the variety!





And of course...dessert!! I adore this bread pudding!!



Overall, the meal was great!! Everything we love about Ohana! Our cousin (server) was very slow (more like non-existent). The family at the table next to us had just arrived from a long flight and had young kids. They became extremely anxious over his disappearance and eventually called the manager. Somehow we got wrapped up in this when the father spoke to the manager. We were slightly upset about the disappearance but we were enjoying the time so it wasn't a huge deal. The manager tried to comp our meal but no, we were just included...although a free meal would have been good, it wasn't right!

Yes, we will most definitely return! Our next trip, Keith wants to skip it. There are so many places to try. I already have a conundrum due to having 4 too many TS credits....

We had just had a very full day and had planned to go back to MK but we were tired! The kids and I had not had a break period! So we rode the now working monorail to MK and onward to the buses!! We were able to enjoy the electrical parade!







Day 2 was in the books!!! And Day 3 was just a few hours away!!!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Wow, Madison picked Hall of Presidents?? That's actually pretty shocking. I don't think I've ever seen a young person pick it, but then I don't think I've seen an older person pick it either.

Now Chris' choice I can get behind.

I have seen people thrown into Disney jail for not taking a castle photo, so good call there.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm betting that Keith really was missing ya'll and...psst....Magic Kingdom too. You're slowly but surely making a Disney man outta him.

Ahhh, Ohana! Like you, though, I think that we're skipping it next year so that we can try something new.

 

[popcenturylover]

Joining late but, enjoying your TR & all of your pictures. Especially the ones of CBR! Staying there in 64 days!!!

 

[amandaw]

Looks like the day @ MK ended well! Sorry the service @ 'Ohana wasn't great but at least the food was yummy! I had to hurry through the food pics though or else I knew they would make me hungry.

 

[TinksThree]

Wow, Madison picked Hall of Presidents?? That's actually pretty shocking. I don't think I've ever seen a young person pick it, but then I don't think I've seen an older person pick it either.

Now Chris' choice I can get behind.

I have seen people thrown into Disney jail for not taking a castle photo, so good call there. EXACTLY!!!

It was an odd choice wasn't it!? I did remember after posting this that Haunted Mansion was our initial destination but the wait was way too long. I suppose we were next to President's...so that was what she chose!

Chris' choice is always a good one!! I love POTC!!

I'm betting that Keith really was missing ya'll and...psst....Magic Kingdom too. You're slowly but surely making a Disney man outta him.

Ahhh, Ohana! Like you, though, I think that we're skipping it next year so that we can try something new.

i think he is definitely coming around...maybe not 110% like me but he is getting there. I think Magic Kingdom is growing him every so slightly...I don't push that one too much!

Ohana is so great but there are just so many options!!

Joining late but, enjoying your TR & all of your pictures. Especially the ones of CBR! Staying there in 64 days!!!

It is never to late to join!! Glad to have you along! I keep hoping to pick up the pace but something in real life always slows me down! Those 64 days will be here before you know it! CBR was really great!

Looks like the day @ MK ended well! Sorry the service @ 'Ohana wasn't great but at least the food was yummy! I had to hurry through the food pics though or else I knew they would make me hungry.

The day did end very well...I was so glad! When you are on a short trip, having one day go bad isn't fun! I lingered over the bread pudding a little too long....

 

[TinksThree]

Friday, March 15, 2013

We awoke on Friday morning and tried a repeat of the previous day. Only we were hoping for much better results! We made our way to the bus stop and soon we were off to Hollywood Studios!

We arrived, went through bag check and walked into the park heading straight for Toy Story Mania! After grabbing Fast Passes, we jump into the stand-by line. We are actually in the building so that is a big improvement from the previous morning!!

The standard "take pictures to combat stand-by line boredom" pictures:





Hidden Mickey!!



And Nemo!!



We are a small toy in Andy's room heading into the magic box (sorry...it is only Tuesday and ready for the weekend! )



The wait really was short and before long we had broke the plates and slung the rings and popped the balloons....And once again Keith rules the family in this game! Madison and my scores...typical for us! But I won this battle!



And then we exit and prepare to not be little toys any longer!



Next up are the thrill rides! So we head down Sunset Blvd and in my sight...ahhhhh.....



But not yet!! First we head to ride:



Keith has never rode Rock-n-Roller and we talk him into attempting it. I think he enjoyed it but I am not sure he will ride it again!! That's just him!!







Now it is time!!!!!



Should we heed the warning???



Nahhh....we are going in!!!!









No regrets!!



And it appears Keith sat this ride out...or was he lost in the elevator????

Continued in the following post....

 

[TinksThree]

By this time our FPsfor TSMM were ready so off we go back to



Very few pics this go around...it is walk-on with FP!!



I had Chris with me this time...and I honestly can't remember who won! Really! It was pretty close too...



But, alas, Keith won the car again:



So what next??? We decide to walk and we run across the Back Lot Tour. It has been a while so why not!?



It was pretty chilly this morning so no volunteers were used. It isn't quiet as fun without volunteers.



These poor two souls had to run around exhibiting the action plus do the narration!



Then we head through the warehouse/storage area.

Tomas from Narnia:



The gun from "Honey I shrunk the Kids" (I think):



Santa's Workshop!!! ("The Santa Clause")



We load the tram...looking so excited!!



The truck from Lights, Motors, Action!:



And the Mouse Towers:







And then we see the costuming area...







And the workshop areas...





Herbie...



Oh No!!! Catastrophe Canyon!!!



Continued in the following post...

 

[TinksThree]

FIRE!!!



It is going to blow!!



Now that's a lot of H2O!!



That disappears just as quickly!!



One tough truck to sustain that!!



Wait!! That was fake!?!?!?





Man!!

Moving along we have planes!!!





Looks like we are happy, happy, happy!!!



And a few more pictures along the way:











We step into the Academy place (the real name escapes me and I am too lazy to look it up!). I don't remember this from before! We spent a little while in here looking at a few things:











And that's a wrap!!!



Next up: We haven't even had lunch yet but we have no time to eat!!!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Okay, I'm getting all caught up! Sorry I was so far behind my friend.

Don't you love it when everyone comments about you going to Disney again. I just chalk it up to the fact that they're jealous.

We're driving in January. We used to drive all the time, but it because so time consuming for us with work. But this time, we can't not drive. It's so much less expensive with my Dad's clean diesel. But we're 19 hours away, so a bit more than you guys. But my Dad loves to drive and I love to sleep, so we're all good.

You were in pirate rooms! That's where I was in November of 2011. I really enjoyed the room, even though I was a little worried about the bed component at first. But you are correct about the distance. I was grateful for our car rental.

Oooohhh, no! You guys didn't get to eat at Fulton's? I would have been a little miffed. I agree with the DDP option though. Takes the thinking out of it if he worries so much.

Okay, so on our trip in July, every time we went on Test Track, Joaquin would freak out about the Chevy's....something us Volkswagon drivers and life fans are very irritated about.

The Oz area looks really cool! I'm stoked to get the last weekend of Flower and Garden in May.

I want everything from the patisserie.....

They had Topolino comics all over Italy when we visited.

I completely agree about the food options at CBR. I've never been disappointed in the meals there. Such a good variety.

Wow, what a morning for you! Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches and go with it. Nothing else you can do.

Hahahaha, oh dear. Keith's face in the picture on the Little Mermaid. Priceless.

We do like to go to the Hall of President's occasionally. It's a good change of pace.

Nice job winning your TSM battle. It's an incredible feeling, isn't it?

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Well it certainly looks like this day is off to a better start. You've already done TSM twice, rode RNRC, TOT and BLT. You were moving along at a steady clip that day!

 

[TinksThree]

Okay, I'm getting all caught up! Sorry I was so far behind my friend.
I am desperately behind on all of my TRs I am following...add to writing one and oy!! So no worries!!!

Don't you love it when everyone comments about you going to Disney again. I just chalk it up to the fact that they're jealous.

I agree!!

We're driving in January. We used to drive all the time, but it because so time consuming for us with work. But this time, we can't not drive. It's so much less expensive with my Dad's clean diesel. But we're 19 hours away, so a bit more than you guys. But my Dad loves to drive and I love to sleep, so we're all good.

We don't mind the drive at all. Our airport is so expensive to fly that I can never justify spending as much on plane tickets as the trip itself! But I love road trips!!!

You were in pirate rooms! That's where I was in November of 2011. I really enjoyed the room, even though I was a little worried about the bed component at first. But you are correct about the distance. I was grateful for our car rental.

The pirate rooms were so cute! The distance...yea, glad for the car!

Oooohhh, no! You guys didn't get to eat at Fulton's? I would have been a little miffed. I agree with the DDP option though. Takes the thinking out of it if he worries so much.

No....

Okay, so on our trip in July, every time we went on Test Track, Joaquin would freak out about the Chevy's....something us Volkswagon drivers and life fans are very irritated about.

Way too funny!!!

The Oz area looks really cool! I'm stoked to get the last weekend of Flower and Garden in May.

I want everything from the patisserie.....

Yes and yes!! I want something from the patisserie right now!!!

They had Topolino comics all over Italy when we visited.

I completely agree about the food options at CBR. I've never been disappointed in the meals there. Such a good variety.

Wow, what a morning for you! Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches and go with it. Nothing else you can do.

Hahahaha, oh dear. Keith's face in the picture on the Little Mermaid. Priceless.

We do like to go to the Hall of President's occasionally. It's a good change of pace.

Nice job winning your TSM battle. It's an incredible feeling, isn't it?

I thought Keith was such a good sport going through Little Mermaid...I may never get him there again though!! I do think he would enjoy Hall of Presidents though..especially in the summer!

Great update!

Thank you!!!

Well it certainly looks like this day is off to a better start. You've already done TSM twice, rode RNRC, TOT and BLT. You were moving along at a steady clip that day!

It was off to a much better start!! Thank goodness! We were cruising for sure!!

 

[TinksThree]

We made our grand exit from the American Institute (or whatever it is called! ) and realized it was time to use a FP! First though I had to snap a picture of this fountain!



Since I got Madison's name from the movie "Splash" I always take a picture of this fountain! I guess it is the little things!

Before long we were back across the park and arriving at Tower of Terror, again!! Oh how I love this ride!!!





And Keith rode this go around!!



By this time we were getting hungry so we decided to find lunch, but first there was a show to see! Keith adores the Citizens of Hollywood. So we stopped and watched a cute little skit:



They were making a commercial and just couldn't get it right!! There were lots of takes!!



Then it was time for food!! Keith and I had eaten at ABC Comissory in October and enjoyed it so that was where we headed to!



We had burgers and the shrimp/fish plate. I only got a picture of the shrimp/fish plate sorry again for food porn failure!) !!



Our food was good and we were very much satisfied! Also we grabbed a cupcake:



It was chocolate and mint flavored. It was alright...not super but good. I do think it was better than the carrot cake cupcake last October. Although I thought it was good also but others found it not good at all!

Now that food had been consumed and our energy was back up and running, we made our way to another of Keith's favorite. (I must say he is not to excited to here this one may be going away.....)

We managed to get pretty decent seats and before long, Indiana Jones was making his appearance!!



And a few show pics...













I am so surprised Disney doesn't get a handle on the stunt girl! She gives some poor, defenseless male tourist a beating every single time!!!





Continued in the following post...

 

[TinksThree]

Before we know it, the show is over! So we make our way to the front of the park. Along the way...









We exit Hollywood Studios and head to the boat launch! Epcot is now in our sights!!





We go through the International Gate and we see Tinkerbell! We have never met her, so Madison and I jump in line!





and then we are on our way! Morocco in the distance:



And looking over the side of the bridge:



And then...more Flower and Garden pictures!! Are you ready???













Off Kilter was performing as we neared Canada, so we stopped for a spell, to listen:





If you're interest in listening, here is a short little video I took for my mom!



Then moving along, a few more F&G pics:









And then we....okay, this is a little strange...but we left for the resort! I suppose riding the boat from DHS to Epcot and a walk-through is an attraction in and of itself for our family!! We made our way back to CBR to rest because we still have a huge night ahead of us!!