Should I or Shouldn't I....post a trip report? Updated 11/2

[MEK]

I have to work today. I normally don't work weekend. I really wanted to work on my trip report today and post some pics. I am uploading some now.

Here's K&T enjoying the RnR theme:


So with TSM clearly off the radar,we took a spin on the Great Movie Ride before our FP's for ToT. I agree that this ride needs a bit of an update. The first time I did it 6 years ago, I thought it was great. Now it is starting to get a bit old. But K&T liked it, so I think it still has a lot of appeal for first time riders.

Finally - time for ToT.

OK - I gotta tell you. I love this ride, but it scares me at the same time. There is always one drop in the sequence where I don't know whether I am going up or down and I get totally disoriented. This freaks me out a bit, because I am only a thrill ride junkie wanna be. I love rides when they are over, but the anticipation ---- well! So the whole time we are in the boiler room I don't talk at all, because I am nervous. Once those doors close ......the point of no return. And when that elevator hits that hot spot when it leaves the air conditioning - Watch out!

This ride sequence was not bad at all. In fact, to be honest, I haven't been on it with a real scary sequence in awhile. So, if it's true that they calmed the ride down, I believe it. One thing for sure, you would have to pay me a lot of money to go on this ride by myself. Needless to say, I skipped it while I was on my solo trip.

I don't know how well you can see this pic - but I am in the second role with DFT. The boys are in the front row. What I like is that DFK is clearly smiling! It takes a lot to impress him!

OK - there's that smile!

More later - gotta go to work ughhhhh

 

[MEK]

I have to keep shamelessly self promoting my trip report since I only have a few faithful readers. And believe me, I appreciate each one of you!

I forgot to post this pic earlier. It is DS13 and DFT in the gift shop after RnR Coaster.

Here are some more HS pics......

Well ToT was lots of fun, but we still had a few more things to see at HS. It was actually starting to get hot and crowded. It was Stars Wars Weekend and the activities were in full swing....

We went to visit One Man's Dream.

That is a great place to go when it's hot and crowded. I think every disney fan should visit this attraction once. I love the movie about Walt Disney's life. He had such humble beginnings and he went broke more than once, but he really believed in a dream! What a visionary he was. Too bad he smoked himself into an early grave!

Close to One Man's Dream is another attraction I enjoy browsing through. It's........

I got some really cool pictures while in there. Here's a few....

So by now we are getting a bit hungry. We actually packed our lunch and kept it in a locker. I have never done this before, but we had lunch meat left over from yesterday's poolside lunch. I was still hoping to duck into one of the AC counter service places and grab a soda. DFK and DFT suggested that we find a place to sit and eat outside. K and T are "hard core". They live in Florida. They are used to heat. I am not! But I decided a little outdoor lunch in 88 degree weather was not going to kill me.

At least we found shade.

A little post-lunch lethargy, perhaps????

After lunch DH and K & T went to see Indiana Jones. I like IJ, but it is one of those "hot rides" I just had lunch outside, I needed an indoor attraction. Plus, I saw this show less than a year ago, so I declined.

I have a cool pic I took last year....Let's see if I can find it in the archives.

I love this part of the show - classic!

While they folks were watching IJ, DS and I went to the Muppets. I needed a nice cool attraction and the line for Star Wars was 40 minutes. No can do! I only do Star Wars when there is no wait. We walked right into Muppets. Yeah - AC and Miss Piggy.

After Muppets DS and I decided to hit the road. I didn't want to do an outdoor attraction, the line for Star Wars wasn't any shorter, and we couldn't do TSM.

On the way out we stopped in this cool little store than the entrance. They had all kinds of framed pictures, many were photos of celebrities. Near the cash register I found some really cool post cards. One had Walt over his drawing board with a modern day Mickie superimposed on the pic and looking at what Walt had on the paper. The other had Walt superimposed on an old photograph of the Disneyland castle. The post cards are really good quality and I framed one. Very inexpensive souvenior.

Here's a few more HS pics, before I sign off.

My Favorite Place to eat at HS!

Disclaimer: some of these pics are from Jan 2008. I used them to help complete the story. DH was slacking with the photography!

 

[adsrtw]

I enjoy ToT too! The guy that loaded my group had a little jingle to give out our seat numbers ~ got us even more excited about the ride. Looks like you had some fun.

 

[Twingle]

Love all your photos - and thanks so much for including Vero in your TR, I don't know that much about it, and it looks lovely.

Thanks so much for sharing your trip - please don't stop now!

 

[MEK]

I enjoy ToT too! The guy that loaded my group had a little jingle to give out our seat numbers ~ got us even more excited about the ride. Looks like you had some fun.

adsrtw -

I think that would be fun. Of course, I am usually so nervous by that point that I wouldn't be listening clearly.

 

[MEK]

Love all your photos - and thanks so much for including Vero in your TR, I don't know that much about it, and it looks lovely.

Thanks so much for sharing your trip - please don't stop now!

Thanks Twingle! I don't intend to stop trip'in yet! I have a couple more days to go!

 

[MEK]

I will start this post, but I need to end early because I am outside with no AC and not much battery life.

Our plans for this evening were Epcot. Since my friends were only staying two nights, I knew I wanted to show them Wishes and Illuminations. Plus, what better place to find a place to eat but in the World Showcase. When I found out our party size would be 7, we were only about 5 weeks from the trip. So what better place to seat a party of 7 in the World Showcase, but the Biergarten. I had never eaten before, but one coworker, who is also a coDiser, said it was one of her favs. And the surgeon I work with, who has also visited several times, highly recommended it. So biergarten it was to be. We got a decent ADR time (6:30pm) and I was looking forward to the entertainment.

Back soon....technical difficulties

 

[DisneyTiger]

All caught up and subbing! I love everything so far. You had me laughing out loud with your mishap on the slid at DVB! I loved how you made sure you didn't have a spinal cord injury. Too funny.

This is such a great trip. My DH and I joined DVC last November and we're using it for the first time next month. We're staying 8 nights at, drum roll please, Beach Club Villas!!! I know you want to stay there badly so I will have to give you a full report when we get back.

Also, we are sooooo doing a DVB / WDW trip in the future, maybe when the kids get a bit older - they are 3 and 18 months now. Anyway, I love everything, especially how you are so flexible. I am really trying to get out of that "commando" mind set for our trip and just let things happen. You are an inspiration to me Keep on writing. This is such a nice distraction for me since we have a hurricane knocing on our door! I can't wait to read more

I also have a PTR going that many people read but few post. I am happy to post on yours because it looks like you have put a lot of time into it, and it's worth it!!!

 

[adsrtw]

Oh, I can't wait to hear about Biergarten!

 

[wdwnomad]

Great report. Just wanted to let you know that you have another loyal reader. I have been following along since the begining. Keep it up. Can't wait to read more!

 

[MEK]

All caught up and subbing! I love everything so far. You had me laughing out loud with your mishap on the slid at DVB! I loved how you made sure you didn't have a spinal cord injury. Too funny.

This is such a great trip. My DH and I joined DVC last November and we're using it for the first time next month. We're staying 8 nights at, drum roll please, Beach Club Villas!!! I know you want to stay there badly so I will have to give you a full report when we get back.

Also, we are sooooo doing a DVB / WDW trip in the future, maybe when the kids get a bit older - they are 3 and 18 months now. Anyway, I love everything, especially how you are so flexible. I am really trying to get out of that "commando" mind set for our trip and just let things happen. You are an inspiration to me Keep on writing. This is such a nice distraction for me since we have a hurricane knocing on our door! I can't wait to read more

I also have a PTR going that many people read but few post. I am happy to post on yours because it looks like you have put a lot of time into it, and it's worth it!!!

Disney Tiger - Why did you have to remind me about the slide at Vero.....All I can say is....Don't lie flat the first time you do it! Ooooooouuuccchhhhh!

BCVillas - Oh I am so jealous. I hope you have a great trip. I had a work friend who just stayed Beach club and LOVED it! Everyone does. If DH and wanted to go in Jan it was available, but I wanted to go before my AP expires Jan 5th! My kids are at an age where everything revolves around their schedule, but in a few years I know we will make it there off season.

Please post about your trip when you get back! Thanks for reading! and I will look for your pre-trippie!

 

[MEK]

Oh, I can't wait to hear about Biergarten!

Food was good! Beer was probably better. I'll have to ask DFT since it cause her to have a little accident later in the evening!

More to come soon. I actually have to work on a project for our church music ministry today, so I have to get crack'in on that. I have to burn some CD's for a project we recorded. Maybe I'll be able to burn and post at the same time. We'll see!

 

[MEK]

Great report. Just wanted to let you know that you have another loyal reader. I have been following along since the begining. Keep it up. Can't wait to read more!

Thanks Nomad and fellow Delaware Valley Inhabitant. I will definately post more later today! Isn't the weather fabulous here today!!!!! Doesn't get any better than this!

 

[fireworks fan]

Still here We were there for Star Wars Weekend this summer too We liked the Stars Wars parade, but that was the only SWW event we did.

 

[MEK]

Still here We were there for Star Wars Weekend this summer too We liked the Stars Wars parade, but that was the only SWW event we did.

Welcome back. I did not see the Star Wars Parade. I never seem to stay for the parades at HS. I either get too hot or it gets too crowded. A lot of people think AK is the hottest park, but I get the most overheated at HS. I've only seen the Stunt show twice because I hate sitting in the heat. I think I need some more winter trips - Oh yeah - I have one coming in December!

 

[MEK]

OK - I'm outside again - same time as yesterday with little battery life. My AC adapter is starting to fail on my laptop and my battery is only half charged. I bought a refurbed IBM about a year ago (after my expensive HP laptop bit the dust), but I know the guy I bought it from and he should be able to fix this. It's just annoying.

So - we had ADR's at Biergarten. I wish I could remember the exact time, but I can't. I also wish I could remember what I did when I got home from HS. I hope I did a little pool time. I like pool time with an afternoon cocktail. It probably sounds like I'm a lush, but I'm really not. I just like to have an afternoon drink or two while I'm on vacation and when I can leave the driving to someone else.

The older boys decided to take the bus to Epcot and the Dynamic fivesome set off in the rental car. Like I said before, the AAA parking at Epcot is really convenient. DS 15 couldn't quite understand why we made it to the World showcase before him, when we left after him. Duh????? DS 15 is actually pretty bright, but he had these Duh moments.

There was quite a line at Biergarten, but I realized that half the line was actually the outdoor beer line. Duh?????? Biergarten .... not sure what that translates to, but I bet it has something to do with Beer .....lots of beer. I actually split a big beer with DH because I was ready to do some eat'in and I thought a big beer drunk all by myself would fill me up!

I liked the food, it was good. I wish I could remember specifics, but I can't. I would have to look at the menu. All I know is the salmon was good. But I always think the salmon is good, cause I like salmon. BUT MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE WAS THE SNITZEL. Is is venier snitzel or wenier snitzel????? OMG - I really have to check the menu so I can find the correct name. It was breaded, fried pork or some kind of meat. Help me out here! Gosh - I don't know what it was, but it was really good. It was probably the most fattening, least healthy thing on the buffet. But I couldn't stop eating it. The desserts were pretty good, too. Everyone else seemed to enjoy the prime rib, but I am not a huge prime rib fan. All the salads were tasty. Would I eat there again.... Sure! But I still have some other world showcase restaurants I haven't tried yet. Oh, and the entertainment ....very good and fun. I wish I had pics. I think DH left the camera at home.

This was a slow buffet, by the way. This was actually the first time I've seen DH get annoyed in a buffet line. DH was behind some mom who was walking her DD, who could barely reach the buffet table, let alone hold a plate, through the buffet line. The mom was letting this child make all the decisions about what to eat. Do you want to try this? .....pause.....waiting......pause......How about this?.....pause.....waiting...... pause. And so on and so on. Well, I thought DH was going to lose it by the time he got back to the table.

So funny, because DH never gets inpatient. If it was me, I would have just walked right around that mom and gotten my food. Not DH, he would rather suffer! He doesn't want to be rude.

After Biergarten we had time to see the last show of the American Adventure. We just missed the Voices of Liberty. If I didn't already tell you this...I love the Voices of Liberty. They are so awesomely talented. I wish I could do that. I almost think I might be able to, but with a lot of training. I was not a voice or performing arts major, just a solid recreational musician. I can read music and sing parts, but being part of an 8 or 9 piece acapella group - Not sure if I could do that. They are so flawless. I would always be the one in rehearsal they would all turn to look at. "Opps! My bad. Another wrong note" Anyway - if disney ever offered me a dream job for a day, that would be mine - to sing with the Voices of Liberty.

I also like the American Adventure, but it always makes me cry a little. I get really emotional when that folk song about the two brothers comes up..I forget the words, but something about "One wore blue and one wore grey ...all on a beautiful morning". I like that song because I'm really into folk music. I also like the final song... America.....! I write music and if I could write anything close to those two songs, I would be so proud! I think they are both so well written and each one brings a tear or two to my eyes. That is a sign of a well written piece of music!

Well ....next we head to Illuminations...here's where the fun begins (remember DKT has an accident of sorts). But I have to plug in now and then post some Epcot pics with my next installment.

 

[MEK]

More to Come.....

 

[adsrtw]

I'll help you out ~ 7 years of German classes had to have benefited me somehow! Biergarten literally translates to beer garden. Weiner Schnitzel is traditionally made with veal, but many places now use pork instead. It is quite yummy if made right. As far as the diet value ~ it's fried, but you are walking, walking, walking...

Thanks for the review!

 

[MEK]

I'll help you out ~ 7 years of German classes had to have benefited me somehow! Biergarten literally translates to beer garden. Weiner Schnitzel is traditionally made with veal, but many places now use pork instead. It is quite yummy if made right. As far as the diet value ~ it's fried, but you are walking, walking, walking...

Thanks for the review!

Adsrtw:

Thanks! So I wasn't too far off. Beirgarten - Gardens of beer and Weiner Snitzel - Yum!

 

[MEK]

After AA it was time to stake out a spot for Illuminations. We starting walking in the direction of France. I was hoping we could watch near the bridge between France and England. I wanted to stand on that lower level near the bridge, but it was roped off for a special event. There were two cast members guarding the entrance. They said we could sit or stand in front of the white line, but we could not go over it. OK. So I plopped down right in front of the white line and waited for the show. DH was standing off to the side and I had no idea where DS and dear friends were. When I first sat down there was no one near me, but by the time Illuminations started there were lots of other people sitting.

So....I did my good deed for the day. There was a cute little girl, probably 7 or 8 years old, sitting behind me. I knew she couldn't see, so I said, "Would you like to sit in front of me?". Naturally, she said yes. I asked her where her mom was and told her to ask first before she moved. She did and then she got comfortable in front of me. She had a really good view and so did I because I could see right over her head. She thanked me when the show was over and said it was great! It was her first time seeing it.

DH did not take any pics, but I have some good pics from last year. I got passes to a special viewing area last year when my Teppan Edo ADR had to be changed because it hadn't opened yet. I totally did not expect that, but I'm glad I got them.

Here we are right up against the fence in front of the lagoon.

When Illuminations was over DS13 and DFT suddenly show up....laughing....ummhhh ......."what were you up to?", I ask

"Well, you see T got this idea to hop the little fence back there so we could get a better view and everything would have been fine, except when I turned around to see where T was, she got stuck on the fence and ended up rolling down the hill clutching her ankle......There she was, rolling and clutching her ankle. I kept saying...GET UP! So some other people came over to help her, but she just layed there and couldn't get up. That's when the Disney people saw us and said we weren't allowed in there. They asked us to leave. "

OK - you have to know DFT. I could totally see her trying this stunt and I guess DS13 figured he shouldn't leave her alone. Well, when DS told me the story, I laughed so hard. In fact, I laughed straight from France to Spaceship earth. He kept retelling the story with slightly different variations and each time I would laugh harder. I finally had to sit down near Spaceship earth because my side hurt so bad from laughing. Yeah - this was pretty much me. If I could have laid down to laugh, I would have!

So our day ended after our Epcot adventures. It was a fun day and I was quite ready for cloud 9 Up next.....Father's Day at AK!