Shake Your "Bon-Bon"-Our "Last" Family Trip-PTR July 2011 *UPDATED 7/13*

[cadek]

Excellent Epcot plans! No matter how much we do, it always seems like there is still so much we have yet to see! I love Soarin too! I have the Four Parks cd, and everytime I listen to the Soarin music, it brings a tear to my eye. Crazy! I agree about Le Cellier, it's a must do for us. The best steak!

I'm so glad you enjoyed Tangled! It is such a great movie. I think our favorite quote is "You broke my smolder". The kids love that scene with the frying pan, and the closet... We watch Tangled and Tron at least once a week! We will definately be waiting in the line for Rapunzel so my 4 year old son can see her.

 

[dilligaf212]

every time i read peoples trip reports it amazes me how much i missed on my trips..

 

[aspiringprincess1]

You should definitely try parasailing - my kids love it. The have done it over at the Contemporary.

Kim Possible missions are great - and I am MUCH older than you, and still enjoy them!!!

Epcot it my favorite park too - I love being there.

I'll definitely make sure to try it then! Do you know how much it costs?
I am definitely doing Kim Possible!
Epcot is the best park! I'm glad we agree!

Excellent Epcot plans! No matter how much we do, it always seems like there is still so much we have yet to see! I love Soarin too! I have the Four Parks cd, and everytime I listen to the Soarin music, it brings a tear to my eye. Crazy! I agree about Le Cellier, it's a must do for us. The best steak!

I'm so glad you enjoyed Tangled! It is such a great movie. I think our favorite quote is "You broke my smolder". The kids love that scene with the frying pan, and the closet... We watch Tangled and Tron at least once a week! We will definately be waiting in the line for Rapunzel so my 4 year old son can see her.

I know! I always find things that I want to do that I haven't done before! I need to extend my vacations! And Soarin' music is the best! It's my ringtone on my phone!!!
I absolutely loved Tangled!! I think its one of my new favorites! It was just so well done! Yay Disney! It doesn't hurt that I adore Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi! I will be waiting to see her too!

every time i read peoples trip reports it amazes me how much i missed on my trips..

I know!! It's crazy! I always think to myself that I should try at least one thing in everyone TR and PTRs! I always say...there is ALWAYS something new to do in that wonderful place!

 

[MarieTheCat24]

You should definitely go parasailing. I've never done it because I'm terrified of heights, but my sister and my cousin did it a few years ago and had a blast. They were a bit nervous, but said that the guys running it were hilarious and the view was incredible.

We also always start our vacation off with the Magic Kingdom. Doing it any other way would just seem weird.

Oh my gosh! Mickey's Philharmagic is the only 3D show I can handle too! Taking a trip "through" some of my favorite Disney movies is incredible. I do have to close my eyes during the "A Whole New World" scene though because flying through Agrabah makes me nauseous.

Your dog is adorable!

Epcot is my favorite park as well. I don't know exactly why, but just being there makes me so happy.

Find Aladdin and marry him is also on my list of things to do this July.

The Kim Possible Adventure is a lot of fun. Just try not to do it during the heat of the afternoon. We did that once and were absolutely miserable. The glare from the sun made it nearly impossible to read the "Kimmunicator" and we were drenched in sweat. July heat/humidity can be insane.

 

[miprender]

[
10. FIND ALADDIN AND MARRY HIM. okay, this one's just for me and my childhood fantasies. But in all seriousness I at least want a picture.

2. Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure! I know, Grow up Kayla! But I refuse, so I will hopefully be doing this during our time here!

If you can't find Aladdin at Epcot he is also at MK, but with Jasmine so you might have to fight for him.

I still think Eric from the Little Mermaid is a hottie too (for a cartoon)


KimPossible was really cool. We will definately be doing it again.

 

[aspiringprincess1]

WOW! I've taken forever to update! I'm so sorry! I'm just gunna do replies in this and do an update in the next post. I always confuse myself trying to do too much in one!

You should definitely go parasailing. I've never done it because I'm terrified of heights, but my sister and my cousin did it a few years ago and had a blast. They were a bit nervous, but said that the guys running it were hilarious and the view was incredible.

We also always start our vacation off with the Magic Kingdom. Doing it any other way would just seem weird.

Oh my gosh! Mickey's Philharmagic is the only 3D show I can handle too! Taking a trip "through" some of my favorite Disney movies is incredible. I do have to close my eyes during the "A Whole New World" scene though because flying through Agrabah makes me nauseous.

Your dog is adorable!

Epcot is my favorite park as well. I don't know exactly why, but just being there makes me so happy.

Find Aladdin and marry him is also on my list of things to do this July.

The Kim Possible Adventure is a lot of fun. Just try not to do it during the heat of the afternoon. We did that once and were absolutely miserable. The glare from the sun made it nearly impossible to read the "Kimmunicator" and we were drenched in sweat. July heat/humidity can be insane.

Thanks for the tips on parasailing and kim possible! I definitely want to try both!
My pupster says thanks!
I feel the same way about Epcot. I can't put my finger on it, but it is just my favorite. Man, we are too much alike!
Oh, and I hope things work out with you and Aladdin coughtcoughnotreallycoughcough. Just kidding! May you find your prince charming!

If you can't find Aladdin at Epcot he is also at MK, but with Jasmine so you might have to fight for him.

I still think Eric from the Little Mermaid is a hottie too (for a cartoon)


KimPossible was really cool. We will definately be doing it again.

Ah, thank you! and I think I could take her well, maybe i should just stick with Epcot
Disney knows how to animate their men! I think Prince Eric is definitely right up there with Aladdin, and Flynn Rider from Tangled! Oh, cartoon crushes!
I can't wait to do Kim Possible! I've only heard good things!


Alright! for real PTR update coming shortly! and by shortly, I mean TODAY!

 

[tinkerbell60]

Parasailing costs depend on how high you want to go up and if you are going solo or double. I think it is around $100 - $120 per person. I can't remember exactly.

 

[aspiringprincess1]

Chapter 9: Day 4!


Okay! I'm ready for my close-up! That just seemed appropriate for the start of this update! Of course, it's none other than Hollywood Studios day! TSM Dash and all! Keeping with past updates, I'm giving you our must-dos and never have!

Hollywood Studios Must-dos!
1.TSM. Everyone does the dash. I know. But I think we are going to attempt to get fastpasses! I really enjoyed this ride the first time that we rode it. It was very fun, but I did not know exactly what I was supposed to do at first. This time around it's competition time,

2. Rock'n'Roller Coaster! My favorite roller coaster! It was the first one that i rode with loops, so it hold an even more special place in my heart, It also a favorite among all of the other travelers!

3. Tower of Terror! AHH! I was so nervous for this ride and I still get butterflies!! I don’t know what it is! And the Cast Members! They creep me out too!!! But I still love it!

4. Backlot Tour! Idk why, but I just love this ride. It ‘s just something you have to do! Also, if you get a chance to do the beginning part, DO IT! So fun, and I looked like a fool! I also love seeing the costumes and things that are in the tour. As well as driving through catastrophe canyon!

5. The Great Movie Ride! Ah, such a classic. My sister and I always know that we are in Disney when we see Mary Poppins! This ride will also be on our never done list for a different reason!

6. Muppet Vision! Jon really wants to do this again, it was on his list. I like this show! It isn’t too bad when it comes to my 3D tolerance! Haha. I know, terrible. But it is funny, and I think they might have made some changes? I’m not sure, but its something we will do!

7. Fantasmic! We haven’t seen this is forever! It’s definitely something that we need to do again. I loved it the first time, so I can’t imagine that changing. We are doing the Hollywood and Vine package, so hopefully that works out nicely. Has anyone ever done that before?
I don’t know why, but this park seems to have less on the must-do list! ?? I know that there are other things that we would all like to do, but if we miss them we wouldn’t be too upset.


Alright, so things we’ve never done!

1. Go to Starring Rolls! We have never been here! As you know, my sister and I are into the whole cupcake business and they seem to have a pretty good variety. My sister specifically wants to try the Butterfinger Cupcake!

2. Star Tours! Alright, so this might be cheating because we have all ridden Star Tours before. BUT…it’s all new. Like nothing is the same. So I think it should be considered a new ride, right?! Anyways, we all are. I am really excited about this. My dad’s side of me coming out I suppose!

3. The Writer’s Shop. My sister brought this to my attention, and we are always looking for someplace to eat because we are hammy’s Just kidding, but really..we love food. So we would like to try this out..if it’s still here! Any reviews?

4. Lights, Motor, Action! This is on Jon’s list. He really wants to see it, but I could miss it and not be too upset. Hopefully we make it over there for him! It’s hard to time shows and wait times..but we will have chances to come back and do things we miss the first time!

So that’s that for Hollywood Studios! We may take a break in the afternoon to go to DTD and get lunch. We don’t have many favorite eating spots here (except for Prime Time, which we are skipping out on this trip ). I am getting anxious! Only 9 more Mondays! I think that makes it sound more bearable!!

In other news..I am finished with school for summer! YAY! But this also means that I am moved out of my apartment for good. Not so yay. I am pretty sad! I lived with my best friend for the past 3 years, so it will be strange not doing that anymore. It’s weird that I’ll never be living at college again. I still don’t really believe it!

ANDD! KENNYWOOD’S OPEN! Which means my soul is sold. UGH. I love the money, don’t get me wrong. I’ve just worked there the past 6 summers, and that’s a long time! I am just ready for something new! I did get offered a nanny job for a friend’s friend. It would be awesome, but with everything going on, I don’t know if I can afford a car to use and it just gets complicated. I’m still holding out hope though!
Anyhow, next post will be Animal Kingdom! I’m excited!

See ya real soon!

I wishhhhhh

 

[tinkerbell60]

Great plans for DHS! Starring Rolls is an awesome place. The Butterfinger cupcake is delicious - but soooooo sweet. We have never tried Writer's Stop but it is on my list for this summer too. I have heard about a carrot cake cookie there that I want to try.

Are you done with school except for student teaching? We are visiting Slippery Rock this summer with DD.

Where do you work at Kennywood? - DS is going to be there on Friday May 27 with his middle school band. Then both kids will be there in August for Fall Fantasy with the high school band.

I think we are on the same SW flight out of Pittsburgh except we leave on Tuesday July 12......we were going to drive, but since DH is having trouble with his knee we are now flying, got flights for $84 each way which is cheaper than driving this year with the price of gas.

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Great plans for DHS!

I've never had a cupcake from Starring Rolls either, but I am so excited to try the red velvet one this summer!

I have been to the Writer's Stop, though, and I LOVE the carrot cake cookie.

Muppet Vision is a fave of mine, it's so fun!

Your trip is getting so close! Which means mine is too! I love that whole 9 more Mondays thing!

 

[aspiringprincess1]

Great plans for DHS! Starring Rolls is an awesome place. The Butterfinger cupcake is delicious - but soooooo sweet. We have never tried Writer's Stop but it is on my list for this summer too. I have heard about a carrot cake cookie there that I want to try.

Are you done with school except for student teaching? We are visiting Slippery Rock this summer with DD.

Where do you work at Kennywood? - DS is going to be there on Friday May 27 with his middle school band. Then both kids will be there in August for Fall Fantasy with the high school band.

I think we are on the same SW flight out of Pittsburgh except we leave on Tuesday July 12......we were going to drive, but since DH is having trouble with his knee we are now flying, got flights for $84 each way which is cheaper than driving this year with the price of gas.

My sister definitely wants to try the butterfinger one, but I want to try the red velvet one too! I've heard about those cookies too! That's why we wanted to stop @ the writer's stop too! I guess this might just be a day of desserts!
I have two more semesters, so I'll be student teaching next year in the spring. I am very excited! I moved home though because I will be doing things close to Pittsburgh. I will only have to be @ SRU 2 days a week, so it will be cheaper just to drive up!
I am currently working in the candy store at the front of the park! Fall Fantasy is my favorite time of year! I love watching the parades!
$84!!!!! That is such a good deal! I know we definitely paid more for our flights. I think we are on the 10:30 flight, but I could be wrong!

Great plans for DHS!

I've never had a cupcake from Starring Rolls either, but I am so excited to try the red velvet one this summer!

I have been to the Writer's Stop, though, and I LOVE the carrot cake cookie.

Muppet Vision is a fave of mine, it's so fun!

Your trip is getting so close! Which means mine is too! I love that whole 9 more Mondays thing!

Thanks!!
I want the red velvet one too! So many sweets this day! I have to try that cookie as well!
My dad loves to figure those little short cuts out! I'm not trying to wish away my summer, but I CAN'T WAIT to go to WDW

 

[tinkerbell60]

My sister definitely wants to try the butterfinger one, but I want to try the red velvet one too! I've heard about those cookies too! That's why we wanted to stop @ the writer's stop too! I guess this might just be a day of desserts!
I have two more semesters, so I'll be student teaching next year in the spring. I am very excited! I moved home though because I will be doing things close to Pittsburgh. I will only have to be @ SRU 2 days a week, so it will be cheaper just to drive up!
I am currently working in the candy store at the front of the park! Fall Fantasy is my favorite time of year! I love watching the parades!
$84!!!!! That is such a good deal! I know we definitely paid more for our flights. I think we are on the 10:30 flight, but I could be wrong!

I am putting the red velvet one on my list. We do not have any meals planned for DHS, we like TS Pizza Planet there, so looks like dessert for us too! Your plan for school makes sense, it is hard to move back home but it is the smart thing - I did the same thing my senior year at Pitt many years ago. My daughter would LOVE to work at Kennywood, but living in the North Hills it would be quite a commute. There were still some lower fares if you wanted to try to get the credit from SW - of course that only works if you plan on flying again within 12 months of when you purchased the tickets. We actually prefer the 7am flight, but it was more expensive. If a Ding fare comes out, I may try to rebook it.

 

[aspiringprincess1]

Chapter 10: Day Five!​

Jambo everyone! Welcome to day 5! Animal Kingdom Day! It's been a busy couple weeks, even though schools done, but I have a break here and want to update you all! LESS THAN 2 MONTHS!!! EEEEP!! But, keeping with tradition, and all that jazz, here are the must-dos and never dones for AK!

Note how dreary it was last time we were there!

Animal Kingdom Must-dos
1. Expedition Everest. Love it! It's a really good ride, doncha think?! haha, idk, i really enjoy it, so this will probably be one of the first things that we go for.

2. Kilimanjaro Safari. I LOVE ANIMALS. Therefore, i really like this ride. I always take way toooooo many pictures of the scenery, so I vow to try and cut back. There are a lot of picture opportunities here though, so if one comes up, I'm going to take it!

3. Festival of the Lion King! THE BEST SHOW EVERRR! I absolutely love everything about this show. I know that my family feels the same way. The last time we were here, my sister got to meet some of the characters from the show. That was really cool for her!

the giraffes! BAHHHH!

4. Dinosaur. The scariest ride ever. I have the hardest time keeping my eyes open the whole time.I still love it, and it's a must do for everyone. I'm just saying, dinosaurs scare me. haha.

5. Finding Nemo: The Musical. I love Finding Nemo. I love musicals. Therefore, I LOVE THIS! haha. Honestly, it does a great job, and the songs are fabulous. I love it, and I know that Jon does too..well atleast the one song. So, hopefully we will do it!

Never Done's!
1. Maharajah Jungle Trek! My sister and I really want to see the tigers. Hopefully, if we have time, I will get to stop by! I wouldn't mind skippin out on the bats though

2. It's Tough to be a Bug. I hate bugs. I hate everything about them. So, when I was younger, I basically hid throughout this whole show and remember none of it. So, even though I have done it, as well as my sister, we have never really experienced it! I'm gunna give it a shot!

3. Pizzafari. We can't find this place. I mean, maybe I just have never looked hard enough, but I'm not the only one who can't find it. My sister can't either. I swear, I have looked on multiple occasions. So, hopefully, I'll enjoy some yummy pizza!

So that concludes everything that we want to do this day. Usually, our trips to Animal Kingdom end up being on the hottest day of the trip. Or it just feels that way..haha. Therefore, we may take a break during the day, or just try to get as much done in the morning as we can.

AND! IT'S HOOP DE DOO NIGHT! WOOOOOO! I'm excited. Most likely we will come back and change and then head on over. Probably by boat, but there is also a walking/jogging trail that might be a nice change up. We'll see how it goes! I can't wait for some strawberry shortcake!

Christie and I on our way to the HDDMR last time!

Also, this concluded all of our park visits! We aren't going to any waterparks because...we just aren't. They aren't our favorite things to do..so why pay for that extra cost?! That leaves 4 days to break up between parks and hotels and what not. We want to relax, so maybe we will get some of that in,

That being said, the next few updates will be about some of our FAVORITE counter service places, as well as some that we would like to try, What parks we have planned for the remaining days, and what things we would like to do that we haven't done around the rest of WDW! Also, some packing tips that we have, including outfits. I'm obsessed with shoes, so if anyone has any good (and cheap) sites that sell shoes feel free to leave them!

Hope everyone's doing well! Enjoy your countdowns, but don't wish summer away! I'm looking forward to having a great summer as well as a great vacation! Anyone else have plans other than their Disney Vacation?!

Happy Countdowns! See ya real soon!

DONALD!

 

[aspiringprincess1]

Oh, and I forgot, but tomorrow is my Mom's birthday! Hopefully I can get her a lot of Happy Birthday's! She's a DIS lover too!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST MOM IN THE WORLD! I LOVE YOUUU!

 

[OTBC86]

I feel like we need to pay more attention to Animal Kingdom this time. Felt really rushed last time we were there. The weather wasn't the best and seemed to make my family want to get it over and done with as quickly as possible. I'm sure we missed so much. Reading people's must do lists is proving really helpful.

I have just noticed that I'm 9 and a half weeks away, which for me is a long time but since the football season is finished over here there's really nothing left for me to focus on before then. I've started getting some money ready and working out what clothes and shoes etc that I'm planning to take with me.

Hope everyone has a great time

 

[tinkerbell60]

It took us awhile to get to the Maharajah Jungle Trek too - don't know why that is.....I love the tigers!

I take too many pictures on the safari too - in fact, when I go back through my pictures, the majority are taken on the safari. I need to do better this trip -lol!!

Are you going to see Flights of Wonder? I absolutely love that show!

Pizzafari is right near the bridge where you go back to see Festival of the Lion King (Camp Minnie Mickey). We like Flame Tree BBQ better, but might be trying breakfast at Pizzafari - I just read that they are open for breakfast.

So tomorrow is the big day and you can say "Kennywood's Open!"

 

[dilligaf212]

happy birthday to your mom

 

[hollybearsmom]

Look like good plans for DHD and AK. I always ride the safari twice I love it so much. I have so many photos of animals after our trip though, so I know how you feel.

 

[miprender]

That is too funny about Pizzafari as everytime we want to eat there we can never find it either

And we have never done the the walk with the Tigers. I finally found where it was on our last trip, but everyone was tired and didn't feel like walking through it. But that is on my list this year.

 

[aspiringprincess1]

AH! finally some replies! and a new post!!

I feel like we need to pay more attention to Animal Kingdom this time. Felt really rushed last time we were there. The weather wasn't the best and seemed to make my family want to get it over and done with as quickly as possible. I'm sure we missed so much. Reading people's must do lists is proving really helpful.

I have just noticed that I'm 9 and a half weeks away, which for me is a long time but since the football season is finished over here there's really nothing left for me to focus on before then. I've started getting some money ready and working out what clothes and shoes etc that I'm planning to take with me.

Hope everyone has a great time

I hope that your packing and organizing is going well! You'll have to let me know if you have any good packing tips! I could always use them!

It took us awhile to get to the Maharajah Jungle Trek too - don't know why that is.....I love the tigers!

I take too many pictures on the safari too - in fact, when I go back through my pictures, the majority are taken on the safari. I need to do better this trip -lol!!

Are you going to see Flights of Wonder? I absolutely love that show!

Pizzafari is right near the bridge where you go back to see Festival of the Lion King (Camp Minnie Mickey). We like Flame Tree BBQ better, but might be trying breakfast at Pizzafari - I just read that they are open for breakfast.

So tomorrow is the big day and you can say "Kennywood's Open!"

I am definitely looking forward to the tigers! Have you been to the Pittsburgh Zoo lately? I love their tiger exhibit as well! Nothing like Disney, but cool none the less!
My sister has seen that show and she really enjoyed it! If we have time, I would definitely like to check it out, especially since you recommended it!
I LOVE FLAME TREE. I am going to do a post about our must do quick service places, or where we intend to eat. This will definitely be mentioned!
And Kennywood is open!! Hopefully your DS had fun last Friday!

happy birthday to your mom

She says thank you!

Look like good plans for DHD and AK. I always ride the safari twice I love it so much. I have so many photos of animals after our trip though, so I know how you feel.

Thanks! It's so hard NOT to take pictures!

That is too funny about Pizzafari as everytime we want to eat there we can never find it either

And we have never done the the walk with the Tigers. I finally found where it was on our last trip, but everyone was tired and didn't feel like walking through it. But that is on my list this year.

At least we aren't the only ones!! I will hopefully find it this year, and when I do I'm documenting it! haha
and I know what you mean about the not feeling like walking through it. We may just have to do it first.


Just wanted to thank you all for commenting and following along! I am having fun telling you all about my upcoming trip!