"So what do you want to do next?" An April '10 TR...final thoughts 8/2 p. 63

[meeko_33785]

Sounds like a good evening at the Magic Kingdom- and with a nice review for Tony's too. I haven't been there in many years, but it looks like a nice place. I know we won't be eating there on our next trip, but maybe someday we'll make it back.

 

[Angies1274]

Great update!!

Oohh...I really want to try Tony's!! Lady and the Tramp is one of my all time favorite movies!! Oh and the food sounds pretty good too!

That painting of Mickey Mouse on the sidewalk is so cool!!

Yup...I'm definitely one of those people that cry at Wishes too!! It looks like you watched it from the same place we did last April. Oh and thanks for posting the videos!! They made my night!!

 

[wisblue]

Tony's!!! I think the Lady and the Tramp fountain is so cute. We were lucky to get a table close to it last June.

Our table was right behind the fountain. You can see me sitting at the table just to the left of the fountain in Sarah's picture.

BTW, in the picture I'm wearing one of my collection of vinatge Disney T-shirts; this one is from the milennium celebration with the year 2000 logo and the slogan "Celebrate The Future Hand in Hand". I have several even older than that, and I only wear the old ones at WDW. I always enjoy it when one of the cast members says "That's an old T-shirt". Then I can respond "Well, I'm an old guy".

 

[wisblue]

I love spending the evening in Magic Kingdom. Just browsing around Main Street and watching people is enough entertainment for me! ::

I'm the same way. On our trip in January, after Spectromagic we sat in the rocking chairs next to Tony's and watched people leaving the park after their big days. At the Christmas party in '08 one of my favorite memories is sitting on the curb on Main Street waiting for the late parade (after the fireworks) with the "snow" falling and watching people leaving the park singing along with the Christmas music playing over the speakers. If that doesn't get you in the holiday spirit nothing will.

 

[Brave teacher]

What a great update! We made sure to spend a bit more time in Toontown since it probably won't be there for our trip next summer.

You are definitely not alone. I cry at Wishes as well.

Need to check out your PTR soon.

 

[RachelNinja]

I'm hungry now; I think I could go for some spaghetti and meatballs!

Ooo, I wonder if you ended up getting the bag! Even though I think the D&B things are cute, I won't ever buy them. I tend to not use expensive bags. There was this brown barrel bag with Mickey heads on them (looked a little bit like Louis Vuitton's style) that was on Disney.com a long time ago. I debated getting it even when it dropped in price! Of course, it disappeared! But then I found a new one on Ebay, so Weird helped me get it. It cost about $40. I really like the bag but because it cost me so much, I think I only used it twice! And to think D&B are way more than that!

Thankfully, even though my Lesportsac cost a LOT, I've still been using it at home! Love that I don't have to worry about it getting dirty. I mean, it lasted through Disney!

Ooo, we didn't have a chance to explore Main Street so I missed looking/listening for the tap dancing. Next time!

I'll have to make sure Weird and I get a good spot for Wishes next time. We were in Tomorrowland in a spot that meant seeing fireworks was virtually impossible! Haha. Whoops. We didn't know any better.

 

[wdwgirl03]

thanks for the update... i showed adrina (my dd) the fireworks video you posted and sge was like ooooh fireworks!! (part of my brain washing scheme, make her see everything and anything disney)

cant wait to read more!!

Aww, glad you both liked the videos!

yay I'm glad you decided to do a TR for in Aug! I of course already joined!

My family and I were in the hater category of Tonys. I think the elements the day we went were just off as well! It was in mid July when we were there and it was soooo stinking hot and we had a lunch there and the heavy food + being on the DDP+ the weather+ our service was not really great = a crappy meal!

We went to Mama Melrose in Dec and LOVED IT and enjoy the Italy one as well!

Bummer you had a bad experience at Tony's. I would probably be the same way though if it was so hot with all that food. When we went in Oct. that one year and were going to MNSSHP we tried to get into Tony's but they said they only had patio seating left. Umm, no thank you, that was the year they had record high temps and it was literally like summer. That wouldn't have been fun at all.

Mama Melrose's is so good.

Great update! I love spending the evening in Magic Kingdom. Just browsing around Main Street and watching people is enough entertainment for me! Sounds like a great night. I'm excited to hear about your tour

I agree! I love people watching.

Count me in as one who sobs at Wishes. I think it's the little voice near the end that sends me over.

I'm not a huge Italian fan and DH doesn't like it at all so I don't see Tony's in my forseeable future, although I did look at it for Christmas. You've given me an idea however.... I've heard sitting outside Tony's to watch the parades is a great spot. With great timing, we just might be able to grab the yummy dessert you mentioned and have some prime viewing!

I cannot wait to hear about your Backstage Safari Tour!

Ahh yes, I think that's what did me in the first time too...those little kids' voices.

That does sound like a fun idea to watch the parade from there!

I can't wait to share what we experienced on the tour.

Sounds like a good evening at the Magic Kingdom- and with a nice review for Tony's too. I haven't been there in many years, but it looks like a nice place. I know we won't be eating there on our next trip, but maybe someday we'll make it back.

We did have a good time at MK.

Great update!!

Oohh...I really want to try Tony's!! Lady and the Tramp is one of my all time favorite movies!! Oh and the food sounds pretty good too!

That painting of Mickey Mouse on the sidewalk is so cool!!

Yup...I'm definitely one of those people that cry at Wishes too!! It looks like you watched it from the same place we did last April. Oh and thanks for posting the videos!! They made my night!!

haha, yes, the food was very good.

Aww, glad you liked the videos! They're two of my favorite parts.

I'm the same way. On our trip in January, after Spectromagic we sat in the rocking chairs next to Tony's and watched people leaving the park after their big days. At the Christmas party in '08 one of my favorite memories is sitting on the curb on Main Street waiting for the late parade (after the fireworks) with the "snow" falling and watching people leaving the park singing along with the Christmas music playing over the speakers. If that doesn't get you in the holiday spirit nothing will.

Ahh, waiting for the Christmas parade was so much fun. We have to get back sometime for another MVMCP.

What a great update! We made sure to spend a bit more time in Toontown since it probably won't be there for our trip next summer.

You are definitely not alone. I cry at Wishes as well.

Need to check out your PTR soon.

I'm excited to see the new stuff for Fantasyland but it stinks they have to pretty much get rid of Toontown.

Thanks for posting on my PTR.

I'm hungry now; I think I could go for some spaghetti and meatballs!

Ooo, I wonder if you ended up getting the bag! Even though I think the D&B things are cute, I won't ever buy them. I tend to not use expensive bags. There was this brown barrel bag with Mickey heads on them (looked a little bit like Louis Vuitton's style) that was on Disney.com a long time ago. I debated getting it even when it dropped in price! Of course, it disappeared! But then I found a new one on Ebay, so Weird helped me get it. It cost about $40. I really like the bag but because it cost me so much, I think I only used it twice! And to think D&B are way more than that!

Thankfully, even though my Lesportsac cost a LOT, I've still been using it at home! Love that I don't have to worry about it getting dirty. I mean, it lasted through Disney!

Ooo, we didn't have a chance to explore Main Street so I missed looking/listening for the tap dancing. Next time!

I'll have to make sure Weird and I get a good spot for Wishes next time. We were in Tomorrowland in a spot that meant seeing fireworks was virtually impossible! Haha. Whoops. We didn't know any better.

I am pretty much the same way with expensive bags. Over the weekend I was at the mall and saw a girl, maybe 8 or 9 years old, carrying a Dooney and Bourke purse. I was like what the heck?! There is no way I would EVER be allowed to have something like that when I was that young. It's scary to think what some of these kids will be like when they're teenagers. OK, rant over...

Aww, bummer about not getting to see the fireworks. We usually find a spot on Main Street so it's easy to get out then afterwards. haha

 

[MHTeacher]

I'm pretty sure that you're not the only one around here who cries during Wishes!

 

[Bridora]

Now I'm all caught up!

You had some great updates...I should have written down all the things I wanted to comment on.

That little side street in MK is one of my favorite places, but I've never heard the tap dancing...probably didn't stay still long enough...or know to listen! I will make sure I do next time, though!

Your giraffe pictures are great! I'm sure that is a peaceful place to stay.

And WooHoo for your new upcoming trips!

 

[OhMari]

Public Service Announcement!

A TV special about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is on NBC right now!

Ya, I remembered to watch it.
My dh asked me "is that new at Disney?" Yep!
I told him to make sure to sign up for his convention next year.
Plus I am going with my sisters in March-what are your dates?

 

[wdwgirl03]

I'm pretty sure that you're not the only one around here who cries during Wishes!

LOL, I know I am not the only one.

Now I'm all caught up!

You had some great updates...I should have written down all the things I wanted to comment on.

That little side street in MK is one of my favorite places, but I've never heard the tap dancing...probably didn't stay still long enough...or know to listen! I will make sure I do next time, though!

Your giraffe pictures are great! I'm sure that is a peaceful place to stay.

And WooHoo for your new upcoming trips!

Hey there! Welcome back, hope you had a great trip.

Glad you liked all the updates. Finally onto day 3! LOL.

AKL is awesome...like I said I could've watched the animals all day.

Ya, I remembered to watch it.
My dh asked me "is that new at Disney?" Yep!
I told him to make sure to sign up for his convention next year.
Plus I am going with my sisters in March-what are your dates?

haha! I was at work the other day and started talking to this lady and her son who were going to WDW. I said how I was going in August and we were going to go to do Harry Potter. The lady almost immediately said, "Yeah, but that's at Universal." Umm she didn't let me finish, like I didn't know that.

Our dates for March as of right now are Mar. 12 (my birthday!!)- Mar. 19.

 

[jwwi]

Sarah,
I enjoyed your MK update. Haven't tried Tony's, we usually eat at CS places, no time to sit down I guess. I love your Wishes videos, I never watch from that far back, I tend to sit down on the sidewalk in the Hub. Do the lights on Main St buildings bother you, or are you just focused on the sky? I am sure it makes it much easier to get out of the park after the fireworks.

I have a question for your Dad. In one of his posts he mentions "On our trip in January I bought a small book with pictures of a lot of the windows at WDW and Disneyland along with the stories behind them, so it was fun looking at the actual windows with this information in mind." What is the name of the book? Sounds like it would be interesting to read. I also enjoyed your comment about the old shirts, I can relate.

 

[RachelNinja]

I am pretty much the same way with expensive bags. Over the weekend I was at the mall and saw a girl, maybe 8 or 9 years old, carrying a Dooney and Bourke purse. I was like what the heck?! There is no way I would EVER be allowed to have something like that when I was that young. It's scary to think what some of these kids will be like when they're teenagers. OK, rant over...

This is so sad yet still so funny! I mean, when did this girl learn the "importance" of having a D&B bag? I think my bags at 9 still had bows on them. And they were made out of denim, cotton, or corduroy.

I love using the money for one expensive bag to get 5 bags instead! That's why I have a TON. I mainly love any big that can fit a ton of stuff; I like having the option of always carrying a book with me.

 

[wisblue]

Sarah,

I have a question for your Dad. In one of his posts he mentions "On our trip in January I bought a small book with pictures of a lot of the windows at WDW and Disneyland along with the stories behind them, so it was fun looking at the actual windows with this information in mind." What is the name of the book? Sounds like it would be interesting to read. I also enjoyed your comment about the old shirts, I can relate.

The book is called "Windows on Main Street". It's a small soft cover book by Disney Editions that's only about 25 pages long. Most of it is pictures of the windows with the stories behind them. There is also a map showing where the windows are located. I got it at the newsstand at the Boardwalk villas (where we were staying on that trip) and with the AP discount it cost me about $5. I think that was the only souvenir I got on that trip.

 

[wisblue]

BTW, here's a link for the "Windows on Main Street" book.

http://www.disneystore.com/disney/s...SingleMatch=true&ddkey=http:DSIProductDisplay

 

[wdwgirl03]

Sarah,
I enjoyed your MK update. Haven't tried Tony's, we usually eat at CS places, no time to sit down I guess. I love your Wishes videos, I never watch from that far back, I tend to sit down on the sidewalk in the Hub. Do the lights on Main St buildings bother you, or are you just focused on the sky? I am sure it makes it much easier to get out of the park after the fireworks.

I have a question for your Dad. In one of his posts he mentions "On our trip in January I bought a small book with pictures of a lot of the windows at WDW and Disneyland along with the stories behind them, so it was fun looking at the actual windows with this information in mind." What is the name of the book? Sounds like it would be interesting to read. I also enjoyed your comment about the old shirts, I can relate.

Glad you liked the update. We don't do a whole lot of sit-down places either. Like my dad says, we don't want to plan our days based on where we're eating. I know some people swear by ADRs but not us. One a trip is enough for us!

This is so sad yet still so funny! I mean, when did this girl learn the "importance" of having a D&B bag? I think my bags at 9 still had bows on them. And they were made out of denim, cotton, or corduroy.

I love using the money for one expensive bag to get 5 bags instead! That's why I have a TON. I mainly love any big that can fit a ton of stuff; I like having the option of always carrying a book with me.

haha, I know. We live in an area where there are a LOT of really spoiled kids...it's ridiculous going to the mall and seeing all these teenagers (and sometimes younger!) with Coach purses, Ugg boots, etc. When I was that age I don't even think I carried a purse, I just shoved everything in my pockets!

I am the same way...hence all my Veras.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Friday April 9, 2010

As I mentioned in the last update, Friday was our Animal Kingdom day since it was the day we had signed up for the Backstage Safari Tour. Our tour wasn’t until 1:00 so the plan was to get to the park for opening and enjoy some of the attractions in the morning. The morning got off to an amusing start. I think we had possibly the best bus driver ever. As we were on our way to the park, he announced how he was one of the few bus drivers who likes to talk/sing or whatever so he told us we were going to be singing “The Wheels on the Bus.” Haha! So some of the smaller kids and their parents started singing along and then when he’d get to certain parts, like the wipers, he’d make the wipers go swish, swish, swish. OMG it was great! It was definitely an entertaining ride. When we were done singing everyone applauded but he wasn’t done yet. He told us as we were arriving at the bus stop at AK that he was going to let the kids get a rare picture opportunity…a picture of them in the driver’s seat of the bus! I should’ve done it, that would’ve been a cool photo.

Normally our plan of attack at AK is to go to Expedition Everest first but we decided to go for a change of pace this time. After the opening show (which was done up near the gate rather than in front of the Tree of Life as it usually is) we headed toward Africa to do the safari. They always say that first thing in the morning is a great time to ride and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Our driver was really good and knew a lot about the different animals. We saw so many animals out and about! LOVE IT. Instead of me rambling I'll let the pictures do the talking.

The Ankole cattle was right by the truck! Look at those horns!

I have a secret about this little island but you'll have to wait until later to hear it...

Some rhinos fighting. haha

This was kind of a treat...the lion is actually sort of sitting up and visible!

Since we were right there we decided to do the Pangani trail, something we don’t often spend a lot of time in due to some certain family members not wanting to…Again, we were able to see a lot of animals!

The highlight of Pangani is the gorillas. I think on past trips when we’ve done it (which isn’t a lot) we’ve maybe seen one or two gorillas. Well, this morning there were a bunch of them!

We even got to see the baby! Honestly, I didn’t even know there was a baby gorilla at AK. I had read a lot of other TRs where people were upset they didn’t get to see the little one. We had no idea we were seeing something special. Pretty cool though.

I wonder what this guy is thinking...LOL!

I loved all the plants so I stopped to get my picture with one of the gorillas.

So our morning was off to a great start. But we still had to get over to see the Yeti on Expedition Everest!

Up next: Was it a bad idea not doing EE first???

 

[Brave teacher]

You are off to a great start! WHat a fun bus driver! I would have definitely jumped in that seat to have my picture taken. We love the Safari first thing in the morning. The boys especially enjoy it. You got some great pics of the animals. How lucky of you to see the baby gorilla. I can't wait to hear more of it, especially about the tour.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

nice update!!!

The opening was out front for us too when we were there in March..so odd huh? I wonder if that is a new change for forever??

I also have that vintage T you were wearing! Mine is green though I love those shirts and they are at a great price! $14.95 or something??

 

[onelilspark]

It's amazing how much we plan and plan and plan, yet some of the best moments can't be planned! (Re: the bus driver.)