SWW, BCR & Technically, we were literally on Mars! New - 8/31 - Final Update

[natebenma]

Caught up on your posts about MK and EPCOT

We have done the riverboat once- it is ok, it is nice that you see a couple of scenes you can't otherwise view. But we prefer the train for that type of thing.

When my boys were younger, they enjoyed Tom Sawyer Island- especially the fort. My 12 year old is probably just north of the age of enjoying it- he can take it or leave it. My 15 year old is out!

For us, it is not worth the heat you put up with there.

It's been awhile for us on the Country Bears. I remember loving them on my first couple of trips, but there is so much more to do now.

The Jungle Cruise experience is definitely influenced by how good your guide is. We had one who was so excellent (Brent) that we mentioned him in aan email we sent to Disney after one of our trips.

Bummer that the rains is starting to impact your plans!

You had a couple of nice experiences in EPCOT though. I love that Disney does some simple, special touches like the Family of the Day. What a nice, random way to spread some

Loved the pictures of Gabriel at Garden Grill! We haven't been there but hear it is one of the better character interactions. Plus, I Chip and Dale!

 

[indimom]

Ahhh, it's almost over. Get on that next vacation, will ya? I'm gonna need more to read.
Sounds like a pretty nice day, even though you rested for half the day. Gotta love weather reports. They are so helpful.
We didn't watch the news once during our trip this year (which is unheard of, Matt likes his news/sports), and we did pretty well just going with the flow until our last Disney day. Then it bit us in the butt. lol.
I'm glad your week turned out so well despite the tropical storm. I would have been stressed about that.

 

[lovethattink]

Sorry for getting behind. I'll have to go back and catch up.

How nice that you got to try a new attraction. That's a great one when you need to take a rest. I like Hall of Presidents better too.

Wow, what a fun sprinkling of pixie dust at the Liberty Inn!

How did Gabriel like the food at the Garden Grill? Do you remember what he ate? JJ would like to eat there, but I don't think he'd like anything. Between being picky and now a restricted diet, it's going to be tough.

 

[elphie101]

Joining in right at the end! I've enjoyed your report! Can't wait for more

 

[lsenquiz]

Caught up on your posts about MK and EPCOT


We have done the riverboat once- it is ok, it is nice that you see a couple of scenes you can't otherwise view. But we prefer the train for that type of thing.

I agree and we actually missed the train this trip. We left it for the last MK day and then TS Andrea messed us up! So glad we are going again before they close it for referb.

When my boys were younger, they enjoyed Tom Sawyer Island- especially the fort. My 12 year old is probably just north of the age of enjoying it- he can take it or leave it. My 15 year old is out!

For us, it is not worth the heat you put up with there.

That place was heaven for Gabriel. He could have spent hours there. I hated it! It was hot and I actually found a bug crawling in my shirt on our way out

It's been awhile for us on the Country Bears. I remember loving them on my first couple of trips, but there is so much more to do now.

Some people have told me that they refurbed it recently and took all the good parts out because they were offensive??? In its current form it is definitely not for us

The Jungle Cruise experience is definitely influenced by how good your guide is. We had one who was so excellent (Brent) that we mentioned him in aan email we sent to Disney after one of our trips.

I completely agree we have had some really good ones and some not so good ones.

Bummer that the rains is starting to impact your plans!

Honestly it was my own fault for listening to the weather reports. They way oversold what it was actually going to be like and never having been in a TS I listened to them

You had a couple of nice experiences in EPCOT though. I love that Disney does some simple, special touches like the Family of the Day. What a nice, random way to spread some

That was a first for us. It was really sweet.

Loved the pictures of Gabriel at Garden Grill! We haven't been there but hear it is one of the better character interactions. Plus, I Chip and Dale!

We are big Chip and Dale fans also. The character interaction was about the same at all the character meals we did this trip. I am glad we did them but do not have any planned for our upcoming trip.

 

[lsenquiz]

Ahhh, it's almost over. Get on that next vacation, will ya? I'm gonna need more to read.

It is coming faster than I would like actually. We hit our 30 day mark yesterday and I am so not ready. Work is ridiculously busy right now. Hoping to get some stuff together this weekend to take some of the stress of feeling behind off.

Sounds like a pretty nice day, even though you rested for half the day. Gotta love weather reports. They are so helpful.

We didn't watch the news once during our trip this year (which is unheard of, Matt likes his news/sports), and we did pretty well just going with the flow until our last Disney day. Then it bit us in the butt. lol.

We actually avoided the news for most of this trip also. Unfortunately I was checking facebook regularly though. I had joined a FB group for people going to Disney in June and lots of us from that group were there at the same time. I was checking that FB feed a couple of times a day because people would post about park hour changes, ride closures etc... Well that is when I realized a TS was actually on its way and decided it would be in our best interest to actually watch a weather report to see what we were in for. Big mistake on my part.

I'm glad your week turned out so well despite the tropical storm. I would have been stressed about that.

It was actually the first time we had ever experienced a TS on one of our trips but it really ended up being nothing but a ton of rain and the occasional gust of wind. Nothing scary at all but I am not sure I would have felt the same if I had been in a tent

 

[lsenquiz]

Sorry for getting behind. I'll have to go back and catch up.

How nice that you got to try a new attraction. That's a great one when you need to take a rest. I like Hall of Presidents better too.

There is just something about Hall of Presidents that leaves you with a really good feeling.

Wow, what a fun sprinkling of pixie dust at the Liberty Inn!

It was very sweet but a little uncomfortable having three people watch us eat. I would have preferred it if they sat down with us and had some food too

How did Gabriel like the food at the Garden Grill? Do you remember what he ate? JJ would like to eat there, but I don't think he'd like anything. Between being picky and now a restricted diet, it's going to be tough.

I honestly can not remember what Gabriel had for sure but think it was mac & cheese. All Gabriel will eat is mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, pizza or a hamburger plain so I feel for you on having a picky eater. I can not image throwing food alergies into the mix.

Joining in right at the end! I've enjoyed your report! Can't wait for more

I should be finishing this TR up soon. We are off to Disney for another two weeks in 29 days and I can only handle one TR at a time

 

[lsenquiz]

Just stopping by to say:

Happy Birthday ​

to the wisest and most unselfish person I will ever know. My Mom . A five minute conversation with her could make me feel better about any problem I might be having. I love and miss her everyday!

One of my mom's favorite songs was "You are my Sunshine". She used to sing it to her children and then her grandchild. She will always be my !!!

 

[lsenquiz]

Today = Friday June 7th

Day 15 DHS​

I had just one goal this day and I wanted to get it taken care of first thing in the morning. Therefore, we were up and out the door by 7am for our last SWW day. We went through the usual routine of the Star Wars morning show and then headed over to Darths Mall. My goal was to get a picture with c3pO and r2d2. Thanks again to Kenny the Pirate I knew that the droids came out at 9:15am. They shared a space with Luke and Leia. Luke came out first at 8:30am. We got in line at 8:30 (mostly because we had to wait in line for quite a while just to get into Darths Mall). When we got in line the CM told us that the current wait was about 60 minutes which was excellent because that would have us getting to the front when the droids were out . However, the closer we got the more I started to worry. The line was moving much faster than I liked.

When we were still about 5 families back I knew it was not looking good because it was only 9am. There was no way it was going to take 15 minutes for 5 families to see Luke. Then the lady in front of us asked us if we wanted to go ahead of them because they were waiting on the droid. I explained that we were waiting on the droids also. She then asked if I would ask the family behind us if they wanted to go ahead. I told her that she was welcome to ask but I simply did not have the energy to go there. I am sure she thought I was crazy so I gave her a brief overview of my last SWW day. So, she asked the family behind us and they gladly went ahead. She worked as many families as she could get in front of us but eventually ran out of takers and we still had 8 minutes before the droids came out and just two families to go before it was her turn. So her husband devised a plan. He did not want a picture with the droids. So if it became their turn and Luke was still out he was simply going to go up and get his picture with Luke and stall until the droids came out. Right or wrong I was totally on board with this plan. They ended up switching out for the droids right before it was their turn so we were second in line to get our picture with them:


Photo0255FourBySix by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


Photo0257FourBySix by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

This guy was right next to the droids so Gabriel got a picture with him also.


DSC04398 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

After that Gabriel wanted to pick out a souvenir. He found something he wanted and then I saw the line to pay. There had to be 100 people in that line. So I told him we would come back later in the day and get it.

Next we headed back over to ride Star Tours for what I was hoping would be one last time. One the way we stopped in front of Beauty and the Beast to get a Magic Shot.


Photo0252FourBySix by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Gabriel might not be too happy with me if he knew I had this picture.

We ended up riding Star Tours twice and getting a FP to ride it again later.



DSC04402 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


After that we headed over to see the 11:50am Lights, Motor, Action Stunt show. Gabriel loves this show and Kenny and I hate it. The seats are uncomfortable and it is so hot. I think every single cloud disappeared from the sky during that show. In fact, it was so hot that Gabriel who hates to get wet when he is in regular cloths stopped for this picture on our way out just so he could try to cool off.


DSC04420 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

The we headed over to do something else that we have never done. We wanted to take a class at the Animation Building. I was looking forward to the class but also to the air conditioning. We got into a class that was starting in 10 minutes so we had a little wait. For some reason they had the back door to the building open and were letting all the heat in . When we got into the class they gave us three characters to vote on to determine what we would draw. The choices were Perry, Dopey and Jiminy Cricket. Dopey got the most votes which really bummed Gabriel out who wanted to draw Perry.


DSC04423 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

Kenny and I really enjoyed the class but Gabriel had serious trouble following along. I will admit that the instructor goes very fast. Gabriel ended up being very ashamed of his drawing and was taking it very hard. He is the type of boy that rarely cries and when he does it is usually quietly to himself.

These were our drawings:


DSC04439 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSC04440 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSC04441 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

I honestly thought Gabriel did a great job and told him so but he was not believing it. On our way out a CM noticed that he was upset. Honestly I was very surprised as Gabriel was trying his best to pull himself together and not draw attention to himself. The CM asked him what was wrong and Gabriel explained that he did not do a good job on his drawing. The CM then asked him who his favorite character was. He of course said Perry since that was fresh on his mind. The CM then took out a scrap of paper and quickly drew this Perry.


DSC04452 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

He then held it up for Gabriel to see and asked Gabriel if he thought the drawing was good. Gabriel didnt know what to say because you could tell that he did not think it was good but did not want to hurt the CMs feelings. The CM told him it was probably the worst Perry drawing he had ever seen. Then the CM said even though the drawing is bad I am still going to sign it. Then he told Gabriel any time he thought he was bad at something he could look at the Perry drawing and realize that there is someone out there that is a worse drawer than he is. This dried Gabriels tears right up. I on the other hand was having trouble keeping tears from flowing as I watched this awesome CM put a big smile on Gabriels face. What an incredible dose of to closeout our trip.

I did remember to get a picture of Gabriel with the CM.


DSC04426 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

The park has gotten seriously crowded so we decided to head back to the room after that. When we were walking to our room I noticed that they were setting up for a party on the beach that night. I asked a CM and it seems that a private company had rented the beach for a private party. I felt really bad for families who were having their last night at Beach Club and had only been there for a week because I think this night might have been the first night in a week when they would have actually shown the movie on the beach.

Kenny and Gabriel headed up to the room to chill out and I decided to walk over to the boardwalk and relax for a while. I grabbed a margarita from one of the Boardwalk kiosks and sat at one of the high red tables by the water across from Boardwalk pizza. I took a few pictures while I was there and just absorbed the peacefulness of the Boardwalk in the afternoon.


DSC04433 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSC04434 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSC04431 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSC04429 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSC04430 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr


DSC04438 by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr

After about an hour I headed back to the room and talked the boys into getting their suits on for one more dip in the pool. We ended up getting in the elevator with a large group on the way down to the pool. As soon as we got off the elevator Kenny informed me that we were just on the elevator with Kurt Warner . I had no idea who that was so Kenny explained to me that he was a famous football player. Okeydokey.

We hung out at the pool until we got hungry and then Gabriel and I headed back to the room and Kenny ran over and got us a pizza from Boardwalk Pizza. We spent the rest of the evening packing up to head home the next morning .

 

[wiigirl]

Awesome update!

 

[elphie101]

That's a supreme dose of pixie dust! Moments like that are what makes all the crazy parts of a Disney trip 1000% worth it, especially when the next update is the dreaded going-home segment

Can't wait for more!

 

[natebenma]

Glad you had a successful photo session! Great pictures with the droids. I love the border too. The one with the monster-thingy (rancor???) is pretty cool too.

Did you ever make it back to get Gabriel's souvenir?

LMA is not our favorite either. Hot, Hot, Hot!

We haven't done Animation Academy either. I would like to someday, the guys have NO interest.

What a great interaction with the CM demonstrating his lack of drawing skill (at least at that moment). How wonderful that he turned a bad situation around!

Sounds like you had a nice relaxing afternoon/evening. Very cool about sharing an elevator with Kurt Warner. Our family loves football!

 

[lsenquiz]

Awesome update!

That's a supreme dose of pixie dust! Moments like that are what makes all the crazy parts of a Disney trip 1000% worth it, especially when the next update is the dreaded going-home segment

Can't wait for more!

I completely agree. This trip was so full of pixie dust that I am almost nervous that our upcoming September trip will be a let down. I just don't know if a trip like this can be beat

 

[lsenquiz]

Glad you had a successful photo session! Great pictures with the droids. I love the border too. The one with the monster-thingy (rancor???) is pretty cool too.

The droids are my favorite. They are really fun to interact with too.

Did you ever make it back to get Gabriel's souvenir?

We did and I should have put it in my update because there were a total of 2 people in line to pay when we went back so my advice is shop in the afternoon if you are going to SWW. Gabriel got a ridiculously overpriced replica of his favorite ride Star tours which he has played with exactly once since we returned from our trip

LMA is not our favorite either. Hot, Hot, Hot!

I am really hoping we can skip this in September. However, I do not have high hopes since Gabriel is going with his cousins who love it.

We haven't done Animation Academy either. I would like to someday, the guys have NO interest.

I really think your boys would love it if for no other reason then a nice chance to sitdown and cool off. It is a very short experience but fun.

What a great interaction with the CM demonstrating his lack of drawing skill (at least at that moment). How wonderful that he turned a bad situation around!

Honestly the CMs were just so amazing this trip. We could not have asked for better interactions.

Sounds like you had a nice relaxing afternoon/evening. Very cool about sharing an elevator with Kurt Warner. Our family loves football!

I have no interest in football and had no idea who he was but googled him later and found out he was in Disney with his family promoting their charity -"First things first" which among other things supports Make-A-Wish and Dream Factory to send sick kids to Disney. They were there for their charities 12th Annual “We’re Going to Disney World!” trip.

 

[Leger13]

Subscribing from our Sept '13 group!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Sorry I'm so late! I somehow missed these updates

Happy belated birthday to your mom.

I'm glad it worked out for you guys to meet the droids. They really need to come up with a better system for those lines where they switch out characters.

AW the magic shot with chip and that border are the cutest!

What a great CM to cheer Gabriel up like that. And a great life lesson too. I think he did an awesome job with the drawing but I remember trying to follow along with drawing things in coloring books as a kid and how frustrating it was when it didn't come out perfect.

So sad your trip is ending!

 

[indimom]

Ahh, I finally made it back, and just in time for the end! Shew. I thought I was going to miss everything. lol.

I have to agree with you on LMA. Just too hot and uncomfortable for me. I didn't miss it at all on this trip.

I love that magic shot. That's the first time I've seen that one. Too cute!

Happy B-Day to your mom. Make sure you include lots of mom stories in your next TR!

I can't believe your next trip is getting so close! You are finishing this TR out just in time!

 

[kennythepirate]

Today = Sunday May 26th

Day 3 SWW @ DHS Part 2​

I have to give a shout out to http://kennythepirate.com/ whose website made our success possible. The information he provided about the character meet and greets at SWW was 100% accurate. This is information that is not released freely by Disney yet critical to have.

Glad I was able to help your day be a little more simple!

 

[lsenquiz]

Subscribing from our Sept '13 group!

 

[lsenquiz]

Sorry I'm so late! I somehow missed these updates

Happy belated birthday to your mom.

Thanks

I'm glad it worked out for you guys to meet the droids. They really need to come up with a better system for those lines where they switch out characters.

I could not agree more and I think everyone else that goes to SWW agrees also. Hope Disney gets the hint some day.

AW the magic shot with chip and that border are the cutest!

I do too. One of my favorite of this trip.

What a great CM to cheer Gabriel up like that. And a great life lesson too. I think he did an awesome job with the drawing but I remember trying to follow along with drawing things in coloring books as a kid and how frustrating it was when it didn't come out perfect.

So sad your trip is ending!

The CM was awesome. One way to keep the blues at bay at the end of a TR is to have another trip starting in less that two weeks. Especially one you are not as prepared for as you should be