That Foo's Boo Is Incredible!!! - Jan 14 TR *THE END 7/19 Pg. 51*

[guinness408]

Boy does your family seem fun! Thoroughly enjoying reading this tr and so glad I stumbled upon it! Looking forward to hearing more!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I just found your trip report and have really enjoyed it. We are from the Chicago area, too, used to drive to WDW all the time with the three kids, and we were at WDW during the tail end of your trip.

What a trip down memory lane to read about your drive down. We used to drive to WDW and we usually stayed two nights on the road so we could save a little money on the resort. Those trips were really long, especially with three kids, and we knew the location of every McDonald's between Illinois and Florida. One trip we ate all three meals there.

I like to unpack completely into the resort room and keep and really clean and uncluttered sink. I like your organization style.

My DH's MB failed at Epcot one time. We have an AP, too, and the CM with the clipboard spent a lot of time trying to figure out why his MB failed. He blamed it on the AP not being connected properly or the expired six day passes from an earlier trip. The CM totally ignored the fact that almost everyone going through that particular touch post was having problems and maybe the real problem was their touch post. Whatever - everything else with the MB's worked great.

 

[IheartDDuck]

This two-trip-report thing you have going is too much for me! I am SO BEHIND on both reports!!!!

No worries at all! I don't want to do the two TR thing anymore either, so I'm trying to be efficient and on schedule so I can wrap them up quickly and before our trip in May!

Blerg - onion bagel blueberry cream cheese - dying……. I’m impressed that your love for DD persisted after that.

Oh...DD would have to do a WHOLE lot to damage my undying love for them.

I was reading your first travel day and got to the part where you were watching Gilmore Girls on the way down. It hit me - Holy COW! It must be awesome to go somewhere and NOT be the only driver!!! And then I get to the second travel day, and you’re dang well sleeping and coloring back there! GAH - I need to teach Willow or the dog to drive…..

My whole family is lucky, because my Dad LOVES to drive. He doesn't ask anyone to switch with him at any time. He just keeps on going. It's one of his favorite things to do, so we just go with it.

I would love to see you teach the dog to drive.

GAHHHHH!!!! I am so excited you were staying at SSR. I recently decided that buying into DVC is the right thing for us (although it’s going to take me a while ), and I know that SSR is a great deal but don’t know a lot about it compared to the places I know I love. Woot!!!!! I’m loving the pictures, and I’m interested to hear how transportation was and such.

The majority of my parents ownership is in SSR, because of the pricing. But the beauty of it all is that it makes no difference where you own. You can stay anywhere. I know it's going to be difficult to get into the Grand Floridian at first, but we're patient. LOL.

We didn't take the transportation a whole lot, but it was pretty good. No major complaints for me. There are five stops I believe at all of SSR. The Springs is one of the last ones on most of the routes, so the possibility for the bus being full when you're picked up is there. But other than that, everything was a-okay.

You and I drink exactly the same things via refillable mugs. I haven’t had soda in years - used to be a Diet Coke addict, so coffee, unsweetened iced tea, and I suppose I would spring for a hot chocolate if it was called for. I’m glad someone else makes such pathetic use of the mug.

I know it's such a sad use of mug! But for myself, if I can get two drinks out of it daily, it's worth it for me. Cause you know, coffee every morning would be like $2.50 etc. So this works perfectly, even if I don't have much else.

And I’m in love with the over-the-door “shoe” holder too! We always use it!

I am always so impressed with your Disney-inspired make-up. I have no concept of being able to do something like that.

Ah, a DHS morning - so lovely. *sigh* I’m interested to hear about your experience with FP+. I guess nothing will really give us a true idea of how it will work though until reports start coming in during the super-busy months. Should be interesting!

The over the door holder is great, right? Just such a great way to stay organized.

Hahaha! I do get inspiration for it off of the internet too.

I'm really curious about super-busy months too, but everything so far seems okay. I really like it. Honestly. I don't mind the three choices at all.

Boy does your family seem fun! Thoroughly enjoying reading this tr and so glad I stumbled upon it! Looking forward to hearing more!

I'm glad you're here! We like to have fun and generally we just act like a bunch of fools.

I just found your trip report and have really enjoyed it. We are from the Chicago area, too, used to drive to WDW all the time with the three kids, and we were at WDW during the tail end of your trip.

I'm glad that you joined!!!!

Driving down was definitely part of our routine growing up. I actually didn't take a plane until the first time until I was 18 years old, so we used to drive everywhere.

What a trip down memory lane to read about your drive down. We used to drive to WDW and we usually stayed two nights on the road so we could save a little money on the resort. Those trips were really long, especially with three kids, and we knew the location of every McDonald's between Illinois and Florida. One trip we ate all three meals there.

We never used to stay two nights on the road! My Dad was always so bound and determined to get where he was going that we just kept on trucking. LOL. That's why we brought food along this time, because I didn't want three meals at McDonald's, because sometimes it feels like that's the only option, right?

I like to unpack completely into the resort room and keep and really clean and uncluttered sink. I like your organization style.

My DH's MB failed at Epcot one time. We have an AP, too, and the CM with the clipboard spent a lot of time trying to figure out why his MB failed. He blamed it on the AP not being connected properly or the expired six day passes from an earlier trip. The CM totally ignored the fact that almost everyone going through that particular touch post was having problems and maybe the real problem was their touch post. Whatever - everything else with the MB's worked great.

The organization just makes me feel so much better. It's my version of OCD.

I was glad that was the only problem we had. I loved how everyone was insistent that it was the finger I was attempting to use to get into the park. LOL. Listen, I know what finger I always use.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Day 3 - Sunday January 19, 2014

"Wait, I Have to Schedule a Return Time for the Legend of Jack Sparrow?!"

When I had left off last, we had just enjoyed our first ride of the trip on Tower of Terror, courtesy of our fancy dancy Magic Bands. I tried to plan out some of my ride photos for this trip. So this time I planned on looking scared as all get out. Fake scream and all. So we went up and scanned Mom's magic band for the photo. And what do I see?



Not my face, that's what! I could only laugh about it. That girl's hand blocking my face and all. If you can peer through her fingers, I think it would have turned out really well, and people maybe would have genuinely believed that I was afraid. As for Pop. Well. He's Pop. Mom you can't see, because she's also blocked by a person, but she's also burrowing into Dad hoping that this will all be over soon. This is her one and done ride.



I was sad. But what can you do, right?

On our way out, I decided to attempt to double dip and get paper FP's for ToT. I took all of our passes. Got one. Got a second one. And the third ticket was a no go. It kept spitting back one of the "not a valid fastpass" tickets. Oh well. I got two of them, so that was a bonus! Plus, Mom wasn't going to ride a second time, so we were all good.

We decided at that point we were going to have an early lunch, because we were kind of hungry and we had a big dinner planned, so the earlier I can eat the better. Saves room in my tummy!

On our way down Sunset Boulevard, we saw this. I know, I take random pictures, but when I see fashion choices that are, how can we say, a little out there, I need documentation.



At least her magic band matched her hair......I actually didn't have a problem with her hair color, other than the fact that she was a little old for it (in my opinion), and think if you're going to rock an unusual hair color, your cut should be just as kickin' as the color! Not just "look, I have pink hair", but "look I have pink hair and my cut is totally awesome!" It's a package people!

Heading down Sunset Boulevard, we got distracted by a store. This happens often. I don't take awesome shopping pictures like MeMom though. But Mom did find a hat she liked.



I don't pose her like this people, she does that all fine on her own.

We thought maybe Dad would like a hat, but I'm still undecided if it suits him.



We were debating where to eat. Actually, were kind of talking back and forth doing the whole "what do you want to eat?" "I don't know, what do you want to eat?" "I don't know."

This could go on for hours! But then, we walked past Min and Bill's Dockside Diner and thought "why not! We've never eaten here before!" They didn't have much, but what they had sounded good to me!

Mom and I had:

Frankfurter in a pretzel bun, with dijon mustard. Chips on the side.



I also had an Orange Blossom Pilsner. It was pretty tasty. Quite hoppy, so if you're not a huge beer fan or drinker, I would not recommend it. However, for experienced beer drinkers like Yeti and myself, it was a-okay!



Dad had the Pork Shank with Potato chips. Look at him being all good posing his chips!



I suppose I had to share mine with Yeti.



I don't normally do ratings, but I'll give it a go for everyone. I'm not a huge foodie, and I feel like me saying "it was good!" won't satisfy most people. But here are my thoughts:

Dad really enjoyed the pork shank. He noted that it was extremely tender, and he was able to just take a fork to it and pull the pieces off. That's convenient for people that don't want to take the neanderthal approach and just bite in!



Mom enjoyed the frankfurter as well, commenting that it wasn't a traditional hot dog, which is what she liked about it. She's not a huge hot dog fan, but if you could get her a German style frankfurter, she's all good.

I enjoyed it, but was overwhelmed by the dijon mustard. What I didn't like is that they put the dijon into the pretzel bun, and then put the frankfurter in. I would have preferred if I could have added it myself. This for me was a little much, as I'm not the biggest fan of dijon. Because of that, I only ate about half of it.

Overall rating: 3/5
Would I return: Yes, but I would get the pork shank instead. Or ask if they had any options before putting the dijon in.

The weather was beautiful, so it was nice sitting outside and enjoying our lunch. By the time we finished eating, it was time for our TSM FP+!

Mom and I were good to go, because I had fully read her in on the Easter Eggs on the last trip, so I gave her a brief reminder. But, she wasn't completely ready, because the day before we left, she cut her finger pretty badly on her right hand. She had bought a new set of salt and pepper shakers that were glass with caps that screwed off. When she took them out of the wrapping and went to unscrew one of them, it was broken, and she subsequently unscrewed her finger right through the broken glass.

So, she was slightly handicapped, as it was her firing hand!

Fine for me though, I'll just take her points. Mwa ha ha.





There was a small line in the FP lane, so we took some pictures just because. You know how I am.



Howdy partner! Apparently, Yeti was confused and thought this was a REAL saloon....



I got the highest score in the vehicle. Scary, but I got EXACTLY 100,000 more points than Mom. Freaky!





TSM...I will return. And I WILL get a better score!

On our way out, we talked about doing another first, which was the Legend of Jack Sparrow.



But...apparently they make you sign up now to return at a later time? We wouldn't have gotten in until close to 2pm and it was only 11:30am at this point. Have they always done this? I was totally confused! Clearly, the Legend of Jack Sparrow is the hottest attraction in town. Who knew?! So we decided, nah, we didn't want to do that.

One Man's Dream was right next door though, and I'm not going to pass that up!



It never gets old in this place for me. I just love wandering through and looking at everything. I was fortunate that the Disney Archives came to Chicago and we went to do that also at the Museum of Science and Industry. That was really cool!



I NEVER noticed this hanging up before, but I loved it! I don't care, I need that rocking horse like yesterday!



I totally get nostalgic at this point, because this is the Epcot of my childhood and my memories. Horizons, World of Motion, Communicore, OG Figment. Like, come on! I love thrill rides. But I mourn some of the old rides from Epcot too.



And, as always I have to get a quick (if not crooked) shot of Tokyo Disney Sea. Our plan is to visit in 2016. I'm so excited about it. I can't even....AAAHHHH!!!!



We did see the movie, and Dad's Packer Division Championship hat was a talking point (Packer gear always seems to be a talking point...it's odd....KATHY LOOK AWAY! LOL).

The man that talked to Dad was from North Carolina, but he retired there. He was originally from Wisconsin and said that he was a die hard Packer fan.

I'm telling you, my Dad come rain or shine just attracts people that just want to chat with him! It cracks me up. It is also inevitable and I should have learned this a long time ago.

We headed into the movie shortly after Dad and this NC man stopped talking. This movie tears me up like no ones business. Just everything about it. I'm a sap!

Up next: Note to teenage girls everywhere: Your "cuteness" WILL NOT WORK AS A FASTPASS!

 

[courtneybelle]

I may or may not own that Beaker hat your dad tried on...I got it at DCA a few years ago. It's my favorite.

I heard that they started doing the Jack Sparrow return times because people got mad they would wait 45 minutes for that little show. I haven't been in there since Prince Caspian did meet and greets.

One Man's Dream!!! I want all the vintage Disney stuff. After seeing Saving Mr. Banks I am just dying for a vintage stuffed Pluto. And the movie makes me tear up too.

 

[lovelygirl1975]

First of all love your makeup! I am am obsessed with eyeshadow. I am always trying new color combinations, I can't wait to see what else you have planned.

Only at Disney does breakfast consist of a huge cupcake from Starring Rolls, isn't it a requirement to eat breakfast twice on vacation. Just sayin...

Your mom is braver than me I am not riding the TOT once. She gets mad props from me.

It is so my secret but I am always people watching and that pink hair would if have stopped me too especially if it's not working out well for that person.

Thanks for the food review of Min and Bills. I am always looking for new restaurants and was wondering about that one.

 

[Wood Nymph]

The weather was beautiful, so it was nice sitting outside and enjoying our lunch. By the time we finished eating, it was time for our TSM FP+!

Mom and I were good to go, because I had fully read her in on the Easter Eggs on the last trip, so I gave her a brief reminder. But, she wasn't completely ready, because the day before we left, she cut her finger pretty badly on her right hand. She had bought a new set of salt and pepper shakers that were glass with caps that screwed off. When she took them out of the wrapping and went to unscrew one of them, it was broken, and she subsequently unscrewed her finger right through the broken glass.

So, she was slightly handicapped, as it was her firing hand!

Fine for me though, I'll just take her points. Mwa ha ha.

What's this about Easter Eggs? I never heard about that about TSMM.

On our way out, we talked about doing another first, which was the Legend of Jack Sparrow.

But...apparently they make you sign up now to return at a later time? We wouldn't have gotten in until close to 2pm and it was only 11:30am at this point. Have they always done this? I was totally confused! Clearly, the Legend of Jack Sparrow is the hottest attraction in town. Who knew?! So we decided, nah, we didn't want to do that.

We were surprised to find that out, too. We'll have to see it on our next trip.

Up next: Note to teenage girls everywhere: Your "cuteness" WILL NOT WORK AS A FASTPASS!

I think I might know what this was about since we arrived a few days after you did. I won't spoil it but I know there were a whole lot of confused people who didn't understand the new fp+ only thing. A lot of them didn't speak English, either, which didn't help.

 

[Poolrat]

Ack 2 updates behind....

Starring rolls is getting to be a usual stop for in DHS. So funny about the TOT picture. I am so short if anyone puts theirs arms up or is even tall in front of me then I get blocked.

MB- have not had a problem but I used my first one for my second trip. I keep all the pass info with me because I know at any time the system could just go berserk.

 

[PopArtGal]

I wish I could paint and draw all day. The money thing gets in the way of that too

 

[DVCWDWMEMBER]

I think with the cut on my finger I did score pretty good. ToT only one time for me per visit...... that ride freaks me out.....

 

[Dugette]

Too bad you got blocked on your ToT picture. Your dad is funny, though!

Nice TSM score! And your mom gets an extra 100k points for playing while injured, right?

Lunch looks good, but I wouldn't like all that dijon mustard either.

That's the Epcot of my childhood too! Wish I could go back there again for a visit!

 

[IheartDDuck]

I may or may not own that Beaker hat your dad tried on...I got it at DCA a few years ago. It's my favorite.

I heard that they started doing the Jack Sparrow return times because people got mad they would wait 45 minutes for that little show. I haven't been in there since Prince Caspian did meet and greets.

One Man's Dream!!! I want all the vintage Disney stuff. After seeing Saving Mr. Banks I am just dying for a vintage stuffed Pluto. And the movie makes me tear up too.

I've totally tossed up whether or not I want to buy that Beaker hat! Because let's be real, Beaker is the most awesome Muppets character OF LIFE! The problem is, I'm a stupid girl that's always like "which color looks best with my hair???" You probably look adorable in it! I have no hair...I would probably look stupid.

That makes sense. The thing is, I don't care enough about Jack Sparrow to schedule a return time. If it was the real Johnny Depp.....in a minute. But it's not.

I was vintage stuff so badly! But sadly, I'm not made of money, and need all of my money to fund my Disney trip obsession.

First of all love your makeup! I am am obsessed with eyeshadow. I am always trying new color combinations, I can't wait to see what else you have planned.

I have so much eyeshadow, it's ridiculous. I actually de-potted all of my individual MAC eyeshadows and put them into palettes. That was an undertaking! It's a sad thing though. I had to buy a piece of furniture just to store my eyeshadows.

Only at Disney does breakfast consist of a huge cupcake from Starring Rolls, isn't it a requirement to eat breakfast twice on vacation. Just sayin...

I believe it IS a requirement to eat breakfast twice on vacation.

Your mom is braver than me I am not riding the TOT once. She gets mad props from me.

My Mom and I are polar opposites. I love the terror of it, and the drops in my stomach. I just can't get enough! But I respect her slight disdain for it, and would never force the issue.

It is so my secret but I am always people watching and that pink hair would if have stopped me too especially if it's not working out well for that person.

Thanks for the food review of Min and Bills. I am always looking for new restaurants and was wondering about that one.

RIGHT?! I just see people sometimes and I go "why?" But it's personal, because on the other side I'm like "rock on with your bad self!", because I know people probably look at me that way sometimes too. LOL.

Min and Bill's was pretty good. Quick and pretty reasonable. It's good if you're tired of the burger options at quick service locations.

What's this about Easter Eggs? I never heard about that about TSMM.

Sometimes I forget that I'm a gamer and use gamer terms and forget my audience. Sorry about that!

An easter egg is video game terms for something that's hidden that you need to unlock. In TSM's case, there are ways to unlock larger value targets by doing certain things. For example:

In the level with the green aliens, if you can clear all of the aliens off of the spaceship "table" without one popping back up, a robot will appear in the background that will give you the ability to shoot rings into his mouth that will get you more points.

There are little "eggs" like this throughout the entire ride.

We were surprised to find that out, too. We'll have to see it on our next trip.

I know, it was just weird. Return time for Jack Sparrow. Who knew?

I think I might know what this was about since we arrived a few days after you did. I won't spoil it but I know there were a whole lot of confused people who didn't understand the new fp+ only thing. A lot of them didn't speak English, either, which didn't help.

Hahaha. Something somewhat similar. Ours spoke English though.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Ack 2 updates behind....

Starring rolls is getting to be a usual stop for in DHS. So funny about the TOT picture. I am so short if anyone puts theirs arms up or is even tall in front of me then I get blocked.

MB- have not had a problem but I used my first one for my second trip. I keep all the pass info with me because I know at any time the system could just go berserk.

I'm actually updating faster than normal on this one. Yay me! I don't want my reputation as "girl with 3,000 simultaneous trip reports" to haunt me. LOL.

It does seem to be the stop now, doesn't it? It's a must do for me. I should make a video of MY must do's. But they'll be pretty different from Stacey's.

I'm always surprised when my face gets blocked, because I'm pretty tall! Like, 5'9"! I must have been slouching that day.

I always keep everything with me. Same way I print out my reservation info for the hotel just in case, etc.

I wish I could paint and draw all day. The money thing gets in the way of that too

Ugh, me too!

I think with the cut on my finger I did score pretty good. ToT only one time for me per visit...... that ride freaks me out.....

You did very well with your gimpy finger.

Too bad you got blocked on your ToT picture. Your dad is funny, though!

Nice TSM score! And your mom gets an extra 100k points for playing while injured, right?

Lunch looks good, but I wouldn't like all that dijon mustard either.

That's the Epcot of my childhood too! Wish I could go back there again for a visit!

I know! We can always leave it to Pop though to take the photo up a notch, so we're all good.

Sure, we'll say she gets 100K more.

I wish I could go back to old Epcot too! I actually bought a vintage Epcot shirt on this trip due to my desire to go back to it.

 

[MEK]

Wait - If I'm not mistaken your TSM was a little lower this ride compared to June. You;re slipping! Must have been the dijon!

Definitely NOT loving the pink hair on that lady. Looks like a giant pink wig.

I can't believe I can't see you AT ALL on TSM. Bummer. You need a do-over picture. Although Popadon's pic almost makes up for it!

 

[amazingact21]

I don't think I've ever heard of your lunch destination before. How I managed that, I don't know. Actually, I rarely eat at DHS, and if I do it's usually 50's. But it's good to know, now, where some good pork is. Perhaps i'll venture there one day.


Good TSMM score. Breaking 200k is always impressive to me. And what're the odds you had have exactly 100,000 more points than your mom??


A sign up for Jack Sparrow?!? That sounds odd.


That rocking horse is amazing! That should be sold in stores; i'd buy one in a heartbeat.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Hahaha, I used to be a "Hands Up" on each and every ride until I realized that I could potentially block out the person behind me, so I try not to do it anymore. Now it drives me CRAZY when others in front do it. Of course if I didn't have the ride photo package I could care less, but if I'm paying for these photos, I kinda, you know, WANT TO BE SEEN IN THEM!! That said, I can still see you a bit and you do indeed look legit terrified!

Ahhhhhh I just want to break 200K on TSM. That's all I want. Until of course I do it, then I'll want 300K, but whatever.

Nope, the Jack Sparrow signing thing is pretty new. I guess to reduce the wait times?

One Man's Dream is a MUCH better option anyway. And that movie...

Ooooohh, I am seriously intrigued for the next update.

 

[DisneyJo]

What a shame you can't see you and your Mum in the ToT photo especially as it was your Mums only ride. Those people in front must have freakishly big hands

Wow that pork looked enormous, did your Dad get anything else with it?

Oh and the pink hair........

 

[englishrose47]

All caught up !!! That Hot Dog in a pretzel roll looks delish, I LOVE DiJon so that wouldn't be a problem. I am hoping for a FP for BOG in May. Have eaten supper there and anxious to try lunch.

 

[PopArtGal]

I feel like the Epcot display in one man's dream was changed a bit. Well from the last time I saw it. I also did not see the Donald rocking thingy.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Wait - If I'm not mistaken your TSM was a little lower this ride compared to June. You;re slipping! Must have been the dijon!

Definitely NOT loving the pink hair on that lady. Looks like a giant pink wig.

I can't believe I can't see you AT ALL on TSM. Bummer. You need a do-over picture. Although Popadon's pic almost makes up for it!

Hahaha! Yes....but just wait until my next ride later in the trip. But yes, we'll blame this instance on the dijon flavor that was just lingering in my mouth. LOL.

The pink hair was just a little bit weird. It look like a big poof.

I know! I did get a do-over picture though, you'll see.

I don't think I've ever heard of your lunch destination before. How I managed that, I don't know. Actually, I rarely eat at DHS, and if I do it's usually 50's. But it's good to know, now, where some good pork is. Perhaps i'll venture there one day.

It's close to the Sorcerer's hat. It's an easy place to pass up, because it looks somewhat like a kiosk. My Dad definitely recommends the pork shank.

Good TSMM score. Breaking 200k is always impressive to me. And what're the odds you had have exactly 100,000 more points than your mom??

It was so funny her being exactly 100,000 points behind me.

A sign up for Jack Sparrow?!? That sounds odd.


That rocking horse is amazing! That should be sold in stores; i'd buy one in a heartbeat.

It was totally weird! Now that I know, I would sign up in the future, but it was just a little on the strange side at first.

I'm obsessed with that rocking horse. I love everything that is Donald of course.

Hahaha, I used to be a "Hands Up" on each and every ride until I realized that I could potentially block out the person behind me, so I try not to do it anymore. Now it drives me CRAZY when others in front do it. Of course if I didn't have the ride photo package I could care less, but if I'm paying for these photos, I kinda, you know, WANT TO BE SEEN IN THEM!! That said, I can still see you a bit and you do indeed look legit terrified!

I put my hands up periodically, but not all crazy high. LOL. I too try to be considerate of the fact that there are other people in the area.

I did look legit terrified, right?! I was so proud.

Ahhhhhh I just want to break 200K on TSM. That's all I want. Until of course I do it, then I'll want 300K, but whatever.

Oh I have lofty aspirations. I want to break 400,000.....

Nope, the Jack Sparrow signing thing is pretty new. I guess to reduce the wait times?

One Man's Dream is a MUCH better option anyway. And that movie...

Ooooohh, I am seriously intrigued for the next update.

I'm guessing it's to reduce the wait times. Just wasn't expecting it, you know?

I agree! It's always a great option at DHS.