That's it, moved to FL to be closer to Mickey! Update 2/4 Kidnapped at WDW 10/03/09

[ScotsMinnie]

I think we must try to go to the WCC as everyone rates it. Will keep the information about the restrooms and ketchup to myself though!!

Loving the trip reports and pictures. I hope one day to see the Osborn Lights. We have never been to the world at Christmas time.

 

[jmskinner]

Really enjoyed the updates and the photos! I usually always manage to delete my updates just before I'm ready to post them so I feel your pain.

WL looks beautiful with all the decorations.

Di x

WL was beautiful. I love Christmas decorations, my goal next year is to check out all the hotels and take pics.

I think we must try to go to the WCC as everyone rates it. Will keep the information about the restrooms and ketchup to myself though!!

Loving the trip reports and pictures. I hope one day to see the Osborn Lights. We have never been to the world at Christmas time.

WCC seems like one everyone either loves or doesn't. And the Lights were wonderful. I wish I had made another trip to see them.

Here's that everyone gets to go see all the Christmas decorations once in their lives, just don't go the week after Christmas!

So, yesterday I was reading about Mother's Day and realized if we want to go, we should make reservations. I also decided that I should not have to do this so I sent JS an email on his personal account with the date to do it and the ADR number. I was in the living room when he read it, here is his comment, "Oh, now that looks like spam!" He did ask where to go. So where should we go? Don't want to do the Mothers Day buffet at Epcot, not willing to spend $50 each. I have two trips to Disney to pay for. Did I also mention we are going to Cocoa Beach for a weekend in April for a gaming convention for the hubby and we have to go to his brothers wedding in NC in May. The dog kennel is going to love us this year.

Sorry, got a little . Mother's Day lunch/dinner. We have eaten at WCC of course, Crystal Palace, Wolfgang Pucks, Boma, 50's Primetime, the Italian restaurant in Epcot (I can never remember the name), Sci-Fi Diner, Liberty Tree Tavern, Chef Mickey's for breakfast, and Biergarten. Any recommendations?

 

[carissanboys]

You got some really great photos Melissa.

My favorite part of The Great Movie Ride is the Wizard of Oz room.

My friend Liz (liznboys) was just at Disney World over the holidays and she sent me a picture of Osbourne lights with her iphone. It was so beautiful. That's the thing I most want to see if I ever get there during the holidays.

 

[jmskinner]

You got some really great photos Melissa.

My favorite part of The Great Movie Ride is the Wizard of Oz room.

My friend Liz (liznboys) was just at Disney World over the holidays and she sent me a picture of Osbourne lights with her iphone. It was so beautiful. That's the thing I most want to see if I ever get there during the holidays.

Thank you. I think I got more pics in the Wizard of Oz room, but chose those.

I really wish we could have stayed and watched the lights more. We got to see one whole song, can't remember which one, but it wasn't Christmas in Sarajevo (spelling?) and that was the song I really wanted to hear and see the dancing lights. I will be there next year, even if it is a solo trip!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Melissa,

You might try the Polynesian (sp?) Luau! It's a bit expensive, but really good food, and it's great entertainment. If they still do it, the kids get to come up on the stage at one point.

I noticed how even 6 Flags FTX got into the light/music thing this year -- nothing to hold a candle to what Disney did, but it's certainly catching on.

 

[scottny]

great update and pics

I loved the Osborne Lights, weren't they gorgeous.

Never been to WCC, not sure if I would like what they do there.

 

[jmskinner]

Melissa,

You might try the Polynesian (sp?) Luau! It's a bit expensive, but really good food, and it's great entertainment. If they still do it, the kids get to come up on the stage at one point.

I noticed how even 6 Flags FTX got into the light/music thing this year -- nothing to hold a candle to what Disney did, but it's certainly catching on.

I'll keep that in mind. Started to do it for our trip in June, but then saw some bad reviews stating it wasn't as good as it use to be, but maybe that has changed again.

Six Flags is really trying to become more family friendly like WDW. I'll have to tell my Mom so she can go next year.

great update and pics

I loved the Osborne Lights, weren't they gorgeous.

Never been to WCC, not sure if I would like what they do there.

Yes, the Osborne Lights were gorgeous. I can understand your feelings about WCC. That is what makes the world great, we are all different and like different things. It would be a boring place if we were all the same.

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Yak & Yeti! Yak & Yeti! My vote would definately be for that! It was our nicest meal of the trip! We also liked Nine Dragons, but we like chinese food. Rose and Crown is meant to be good, and we fancy Raglan Road next trip.

Perhaps for JS, you could consider Akershus, he would have plenty of Princesses then Grumpy especially likes Jasmine.

Coral Reef was a lovely setting, but if you're not a 'fishy' person it might not be for you. As in food, not as in if you have gills...

Di x

 

[jmskinner]

Yak & Yeti! Yak & Yeti! My vote would definately be for that! It was our nicest meal of the trip! We also liked Nine Dragons, but we like chinese food. Rose and Crown is meant to be good, and we fancy Raglan Road next trip.

Perhaps for JS, you could consider Akershus, he would have plenty of Princesses then Grumpy especially likes Jasmine.

Coral Reef was a lovely setting, but if you're not a 'fishy' person it might not be for you. As in food, not as in if you have gills...

Di x

I knew you would recommend Yak & Yeti. JS remembered me telling him how much you enjoyed it, so he recommended it for Mothers Day. He is the Chinese food person though. I do want to try it, just because of your review.

Raglan Road is good, we have eaten there twice. We ate at Coral Reef, but I am just a fish stick type of girl, and JS doesn't eat fish at all.


No, won't be going to Akershus, we can save that for Fathers Day. Or he may prefer the Morrocan restaurant with the belly dancer.

I need to hurry up and choose.

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

I knew you would recommend Yak & Yeti. JS remembered me telling him how much you enjoyed it, so he recommended it for Mothers Day. He is the Chinese food person though. I do want to try it, just because of your review.

Raglan Road is good, we have eaten there twice. We ate at Coral Reef, but I am just a fish stick type of girl, and JS doesn't eat fish at all.


No, won't be going to Akershus, we can save that for Fathers Day. Or he may prefer the Morrocan restaurant with the belly dancer.

I need to hurry up and choose.

It's a difficult choice between the two - though Jasmine's outfit is pretty similar to the belly dancers

Grumpy says he thinks JS wants to be told to go to Marrakesh, but that he was a bit disappointed with the belly dancer! He says 'you can't beat the Princesses' Take from that what you will Plus you now get a photo package at Akershus included in the cost of the meal (but no guarantees of who the princess is - we got Belle). That could be part of his Father's Day gift

Di x

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Man, I SO do not know any of these restaurants -- I need to brush up in my Disney book (although, it's 2006 -- hope things haven't changed too much since then!)!

One thought I had: you could decide what ELSE you really have wanted to do or would like to do before or after dinner, and maybe that will jog your mind to figure out what restaurant would go with the evening. A quiet evening? A night on the town? A day at the beach?

Good LUCK!

 

[jmskinner]

So, now it was Sunday, Dec. 28th. Now, AK was one of the parks having morning EMH every day during the week between Christmas and New Years. So, didn't really have a choice what day to go, but knew we still needed to get there kind of early, so I believe we finally made it by 11:00. Check out the line to hope on the tram from the parking lot:

The arrow is pointing at the tram. I couldn't believe this. We just looked at it as the first line of the day. Since I was the only one with a bag to go through security (second line of the day), I ran ahead of everyone else, got through, found the family, gave out tickets (third line of the day), and then took the tickets back to get FP's for EE. By the way, the second shock of the day was the number of people buying their tickets there at the park. I normally only see one or two windows open and never anyone in line. There was actually a line.

Back to the mad dash for FP's. The park was packed as usual, this is probably the one park that doesn't handle crowds well at all. I tried not to knock small children down on my way, but I had a purpose. So, finally got to the FP machines and what do I see, more lines. So, I waited in line for about 5 minutes for FP's, but got them for about 5:45. Now, JS had to work the next day, so we wouldn't be staying any later than that, so that would be the FP for the day, but I had 'em.

So, I was to meet the family at Dinosaur. On my way I found a restroom and then ran over to meet them. Jacob found a nice CM to speak with:

JS said Jacob actually handed her his Sprite to hold at one point. That's my boy.

So, the wait for Dinosaur was 40 minutes. We got in line thinking it didn't look that bad, but then realized how far back it actually went. Of course we tried to rationalize when we saw there was part of the que that wasn't being used. You know, the 'ol "hey look, it isn't that bad, we could be going through all of those bars!" Dale decided one of the Dinosaurs looked hungry:

(By the way, we didn't even know this part of the line existed and had never seen this dino before.)

We finally make it inside, JS and I get into a deep conversation about this:

What caused the disappearance of the dinosaurs, what if it were all of the above???

Finally we got to ride, not before someone decided to let one loose (if you know what I mean) during the briefing.

And here is what another Diser calls a Rednek pic:

Dale tried to get Jacob to sit up because he knew there had to be a camera somewhere, but Jacob wasn't having it. If you have read this whole TR, you may notice I have the exact same pose as I did before, hands over ears because it is just so loud. I was very proud of myself though. I have always ducked at the very last Dinosaur, but not this time. I faced that big bad boy down!

Jacob headed for the closest store to see what they had and I found this guy:

Then we decided to do KRR. Jacob's favorite ride. Stopped to take some pics of Everest. I love looking at that mountain, it makes you feel like you are in another world.

We decided to grab some food at Yak & Yeti counter service before the rapids. Jacob and I went to look for a table and finally grabbed one. I had to fight for it though as I was standing to one side waiting on a family to leave it, when another lady walked up from the other direction and tried to grab it. I won though. We had a quick lunch and then off to the rapids. It was another 40 minute wait, but what can you do. I occupied my time with pics:

Now, most of you know where this is, and that there is a 3 foot high railing keeping most people from it. You notice I said "most people". This is why I said that:

There were actually 3 kids, I only got the one in my pic. The bad thing was, more people started sending their kids over the railing to get their pic. People blow me away sometimes.

We finally got on the ride

and the folks ended up the wettest, check this out, they had no idea what was about to hit them:

Then it was time for the big drop and guess who was on the bad side:

Here is my poor Mom when she realizes she may get wet one more time:

Dale trying to get us all wet:

Jacob wasn't tall enough yet to reach the stream of water, but he tried:

When we got off the ride, we decided we wanted ice cream. So, JS and Dale got in line and my mother went off in search of something else. I can't remember what it was. Jacob played in the water there at the restrooms. We finally gathered up, except it took us 5 minutes to find Mom. She found a spot in the sun to try to dry off. Ate our ice cream and when I went to throw the wrappers away, I saw something on top of the trash can. What, FP's. Must be old. Nope, they were for that exact moment on KRR. There were only 4, but Mom said she didn't want to go. Dale was all for it and so was JS which shocked me. So off we went. While waiting in line, I felt something touch my rear end. I look back and there is this little boy who looks at me and says, "Will you move?" I was so shocked, all I could do was move and then laugh. It sounded like something Jacob would do, so I just . For some reason, that little boys Dad ended up on our raft without the rest of his family. He ended up in the exact same seat my folks were in earlier and got soaked just like they did. We kept warning him and he didn't believe us the first time, but he sure did after that.

Ok, I'm sure I am at my limit for images, so I will continue ....

 

[jmskinner]

So, we got off of our second ride on KRR within 30 minutes and decided we had time for ITBAB, is that right? It's Tough Being a Bug? That 3D show with the bugs. It was almost time for the parade and we got stuck in the crowd. The CM's were trying to get everyone to stay to their right while walking, but of course people kept trying to go the wrong way. Finally made our way through the crowd and we were off. It was 30 minute wait, so it would be just right for our FP time on EE. Now, we ended up behind this family with this pre-teen that was hungry and wasn't willing to wait in line, so her and her sister took off for food and the mother stayed in line with us. I tried to talk to her and asked "How long have you been here?" I meant Florida, Orlando area. She asked "Do you mean here in the park, or in this line?" Ok, I have been waiting in the same line with you, here is your sign. I didn't say that, but asked how long in the Orlando area. I am normally a shy person and don't start conversations with people, see what happens when I do?

So, I preoccupied myself with pics of the Tree of Life. Let me say, this is only a sample of the pics I took. I probably have pics of every animal you can see from the ride line.

Of course, most waits were spent picking on Jacob:

Then Dale wanted a pic of Mom with one of her relatives:

Finally got into the show and I took this picture:

I didn't use my flash, but JS said "they said no pictures!" Oops, I didn't hear that. After the show my Mom said the guy next to her filmed the whole thing and then was bugging her because he sat with his legs spread apart so she had no room. But she did enjoy the show. I loved watching her reaction when the bugs left the room.

Now it was time for EE. Jacob decided he wasn't riding this one, so right before we got on, we told the CM he wasn't riding and she showed him where to wait for us. He had his DS so he was happy.

When we saw my Mom in the ride photo, we had to purchase it:

I had never purchased the ride photo here before and boy was it confusing. Go to one place and pay for the pic, then go to another window and pick up the print. One poor lady waited in the second line for 5 minutes before being told she had to go to the other window to pay first. She just walked away. Mine was messed up, so they reordered them. Then the printers all ran out of paper, so it took forever, but finally got my pic. I was happy. JS had found Jacob, so we headed out of the park. Now, about this time my Mother asks, "Didn't you say there were animals in this park? Where are they?" I felt so bad. I would have walked them over to the Safari, but JS had to work the next day and if we didn't get him home, he would be a bear. Hopefully they will get to come back at a less crowded time.

Took some more pics on the way out. Had to get the Tree of Life:

Then JS had to get something and told us he would meet us at the gate. I hate when he doesn't tell me what he is doing, so we waited and I took pics of the Christmas tree:

There was a photopass guy by the tree, but no one would get their pic with me.

Finally JS shows up with a coke. Didn't bother to ask the rest of us if we wanted something. The man drives me nuts at times. Back on the tram we went and I guess it has been a good day if the ol folks can still smile:

So, my folks had four day tickets and we had used 3 of those days at Epcot, DHS, and AK, so guess what park we went to next?

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

My guess would be - Magic Kingdom!!! Am I right? What do I win?

Really enjoyed the updates! And the photos, especially of the tree at AK - gorgeous! I've never seen AK so busy! Wow!

Thought that was funny with Jacob chatting to the CM - that's just the sort of thing mine would have done. Chatting away to a complete stranger then saying "can you hold this whilst I climb up a bit higher?"

What did you get at Yak & Yeti, and what did you think of it? I'd be interested to know what the CS food is like there.

Usually I end up meeting the same kind of people who can't make small talk as well, but on our last trip everyone was really nice and friendly, though everyone I was chatting to seemed to be from either Philadelphia or New Joisey!

I always seemed to manage to be in the 'hot spot' on KRR last trip - all our other times on it I avoided the splash zone!

Di x

 

[carissanboys]

Love the updates Melissa!

Yikes on the line for the tram!

How was the food at the Yak and Yeti CS? I really want to try that on this trip.

The pictures of your mom were so great.

It's Tough To Be A Bug - ITTBAB I'm thinking of taking the boys to see it this time. Last trip it was just me, Chuc, and my dad. I wanted to see how scary it was first.

 

[jmskinner]

My guess would be - Magic Kingdom!!! Am I right? What do I win?

Really enjoyed the updates! And the photos, especially of the tree at AK - gorgeous! I've never seen AK so busy! Wow!

Thought that was funny with Jacob chatting to the CM - that's just the sort of thing mine would have done. Chatting away to a complete stranger then saying "can you hold this whilst I climb up a bit higher?"

What did you get at Yak & Yeti, and what did you think of it? I'd be interested to know what the CS food is like there.

Usually I end up meeting the same kind of people who can't make small talk as well, but on our last trip everyone was really nice and friendly, though everyone I was chatting to seemed to be from either Philadelphia or New Joisey!

I always seemed to manage to be in the 'hot spot' on KRR last trip - all our other times on it I avoided the splash zone!

Di x

You are correct. I'll have to figure out a prize.

I think we got the Orange Chicken. For fast food, it is good. I like it a whole lot better than the pizza in the parks. I love how you said New Joisey. Of course, I'm one to talk with my Texan accent.

I never mind getting wet on rides, except when I leave my hair down and have spent two hours straightening it. Jacob loves to get wet.

Love the updates Melissa!

Yikes on the line for the tram!

How was the food at the Yak and Yeti CS? I really want to try that on this trip.

The pictures of your mom were so great.

It's Tough To Be A Bug - ITTBAB I'm thinking of taking the boys to see it this time. Last trip it was just me, Chuc, and my dad. I wanted to see how scary it was first.

Like I said above, Yak and Yetic CS is good. I like it better than the pizza, need to try the BBQ place and see how it compares.

ITTBAB, my brain just wasn't working properly last night and I was being lazy and didn't want to research it. Thanks for helping me out. I think it is probably my favorite 3D show, but I like Mickey's Philharmagic also.

Actually, this was the first time we really had to wait in line for ITTBAB and it was nice to be able to explore the Tree of Life more. Usually we have to zip on by everything.

Since posting about where to eat Mothers Day, I have since decided I would rather spend the day with my boys and maybe have a couple of drinks around the world while I do it. I always end up driving to WDW, so if JS will be my chaffeur that will be a great Mothers Day gift. JS did mention 50's Primetime Cafe though, so maybe we could start there and I could try one of their drinks.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. We are staying home, don't dare go into town with all the Superbowl stuff going on. Do feel like we are missing out though. Rhihanna, Fall Out Boy, Lifehouse, and 3 Doors Down are all holding concerts, plus a whole lot more this weekend.

I sent in the money for my photography class, so will be doing that next Saturday and the following Saturday. It is in a town called Auburndale, only 20 minutes from WDW. So close and I won't get to go to WDW. But the drive to Auburnday is beautiful. You drive through all of the orange groves, oh and on I4 are all of the Strawberry's.

I'll be writing more soon.
Melissa

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Melissa, I fell out on the floor at that pic of your mom! LOL!! She's hilarious -- I guess it's been a while since I've even seen her (not to mention her second-half (not sure if I should say their names)). Anyway, I'm glad you were having a good time with them. I can just see the look on your face when she asked about the animals!!

Anyhoo, the decision about Mom's Day sounds pretty good.

As I said on Facebook, I've been cleaning all day -- we don't have any plans for Superbowl other than home w/popcorn and diet soda -- woo-hoo! Maybe I can convince DH to cook some chicken out on the grill (yum!).

Have a great weekend.

Vickie

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Great update thanks!!! Pics are fabulous - love the one of your Mum on EE!!!!!!

I am guessing you went to MK!!!! Hope so!!! My fave park - can't wait to see the pics!

Hope your weekend is going good too. I have just been out with the mums of emmas friends at school for a few glasses and lots of chat!!! Very good. Might be suffering tomorrow though!!

Can't wait for the next update!
Lx

 

[scottny]

great update and pics.

 

[jmskinner]

Melissa, I fell out on the floor at that pic of your mom! LOL!! She's hilarious -- I guess it's been a while since I've even seen her (not to mention her second-half (not sure if I should say their names)). Anyway, I'm glad you were having a good time with them. I can just see the look on your face when she asked about the animals!!

Anyhoo, the decision about Mom's Day sounds pretty good.

As I said on Facebook, I've been cleaning all day -- we don't have any plans for Superbowl other than home w/popcorn and diet soda -- woo-hoo! Maybe I can convince DH to cook some chicken out on the grill (yum!).

Have a great weekend.

Vickie

Oh, you can say their names, I have. Mom's look was priceless. I had to buy that pic.

So did your DH make some chicken? It was just the three of us for Superbowl and I cooked for a party. JS gave me a hard time about it. We had meatballs, potato balls, and a new dish I found with manwich on top of Fritos with cheese and onions. I just realized I forgot the sour cream. Then made this chocalate cake thing with expresso cream and kahula!

Great update thanks!!! Pics are fabulous - love the one of your Mum on EE!!!!!!

I am guessing you went to MK!!!! Hope so!!! My fave park - can't wait to see the pics!

Hope your weekend is going good too. I have just been out with the mums of emmas friends at school for a few glasses and lots of chat!!! Very good. Might be suffering tomorrow though!!

Can't wait for the next update!
Lx

Yes, you are correct, we did go to MK. It is my favorite park also. It's funny because my Mom kept saying she didn't want to go, but then decided to and I realized there was a lot there they hadn't done.

Sounds like you had a good time with your friends. How ya feelin' today?

great update and pics.

Thank you. By the way, I love all your pics next to your trees in your sig. I need to go check out your TR!