The 5 trips of My "Disney Free Year" - A Mermaid, A Buzz, A Boat and A Steak - 7/8

[not_Joanna_eggs]

***OKAY... Sorry for falling off the planet. That darn life gets in the way. I do plan on finishing my September trip, and starting a TR for my trip next week...***

Oh my, that cookie does look really good! I am going to have to try to get to the Writer's Stop one of these days with everyone talking about it!

It was the first time that I'd been there... but it's definitely worth a trip. So yummy..I can't wait to get one next week!

That cookie does look delicious! Yum!

DF is a big Star Wars person, so we are both looking forward to trying the new version!

Mmmm Coooooookie! The new version of Star tours is awesome!

Gotta appreciate that CM humor!

I love a good memorable Disney snack. Cookies have a tendency to fall into that category pretty easily, I'll admit!

Indeed, especially cookies dipped in chocolate!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

So where were we...oh yeah...clouds looming....

Okay, obviously rain was on the way, a quick glance towards the sunny sunset boulevard proved that….

I hoped that the storm would blow over quickly, but just in case, I wanted to be…. But where did I want to be?

Not there…

I thought about American Idol, but decided on a ride I’d be willing to ride multiple times instead.

Rockin’ Roller Coaster fit the bill perfectly. I figured the Single Rider line would eat up 20 to 30 minutes.

I love this picture, you can really see the “rolling” in of the storm.

As I was ushered into the Artist Entrance, I could hear the rain starting to fall

But I was nice and dry in the parking garage

I don’t even know how to caption this picture, so I’m just going to give it to you straight up – but I’ll give you a minute to swallow your coffee first….

Um, yeah, moving on…

When my ride was finished, it was raining pretty hard, so I decided to jump back in line and rock that roller coaster again!

After the second ride, I knew my equilibrium couldn’t take another hit, and it was just drizzling a bit, so I pulled out my umbrella and went in search of a snack.

I really look a little worse for wear don’t I?

I still had some of my cookie left over, so I ate the ears and got a drink.

once I was hydrated I set out a wandring again… bet you can’t guess where I wandered to?

You can tell where I’m going, can’t you?

How about now?

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

I was in what one would call a rut… because back to Star Wars I went..

I like that they kept Rex, and marked him defective

Soon, I was at my gate, in and waiting to be boarded in the same last seat top row location

Another old-school reference, look at the lady on the far right’s hairdo!

Really the ride never gets old, they did such a good job with it!

Just for Chris, cuz he loves the industrial theming

By this time, I had filled up my 4 gig SD card completely, and had to do an emergency swap of my cameras...which is why this TR is going on forever... I took like 2,000 pictures. I guess that was how I dealt with being solo. I took pictures!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

After remiding the camera situation, I headed over to AI for the finale show.

I really like how realistic they made the set.

The crowd warmer came on, and got the crowd pumped for the show… I know it is cheesy, but it’s really fun and get you into the experience.

Then, the host came on and introduced all of the contestants.

Alright, no more pictures…. I’ m talking to you lady. I’m serious, I’ll index card you!

The contestants came out,

then the judges.

You’re really riveted by this blow-by blow account aren’t you. I can tell. That’s what I’m here for. When you need to know what you already know… at your service.

It came down to the final 2, the guy in the grey didn’t win. He was pretty mad he didn’t win. It wasn’t as fun as the previous show when it was two teenage girls. They were much better sports about it.

Wooo!

After that, I apparently got attacked by an army of Duffys (or is it Duffies?)

It was dark out, and close to park closing time. The evil dinosaurs were waking up and planning their attack.

Watch out family, he’s gonna get ‘cha!

At that point, the fact that I hadn’t had a real meal all day was starting to catch up with me, so considered my options. But most of the in-park restaurants weren’t appealing to me at that moment.

So I headed out in search of yummy food….

Then I was abducted by aliens…

But they just put me on a friendship boat and dropped me off at the Yacht Club.

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Originally, I was thinking beaches and cream, but I decided to try the Captain’s Grille instead

The restaurant was almost empty, so they sat me at a table for 4 (I know you can see an empty table for 2 in the picture above!) in the opposite corner of the restaurant than the other 3 tables that were there.

It really kind of made me feel like I had a disease the “solo” bug that the restaurant wanted to make sure no one else caught.

The waitress also spent a ton of time chatting with the other tables and couldn’t get away from mine fast enough. Thank goodness this wasn’t my first solo dining experience, or I may have gone home!

I got the 3 course “experience”

Clam chowder. Pretty okay. (I can’t remember what that drink was, but it was not good at all – stay away from pink drinks at the Yacht Club!)

For dinner, I got the market fist which that night was Salmon with risotto. AMAZING. I normally don’t order salmon in restaurants because it is always overcooked, but this was super good, and the risotto was pretty tasty too!

For dessert I had the Hazelnut Gianduja Cake. Yummmmm

After dinner, I headed back to the resort.

Ever wonder what a bus seat looks like. It’s this kind of detail, I feel it is my duty to share with you…don’t you feel lucky!

I got off the bus and made the 12 mile trek to my room.

I settled in for another night of wine and Wizards of Waverly Place, and enjoyed my last sleep in Disney

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Great multi updates. I love the pictures of the park when it's almost closing time. Not so many people and you can really just take it in.

 

[Caretames1]

OMG! She back!!! and TRIP NEXT WEEK!?!


You have educated us on very important details, thank-you. Take bus seats.... booty hugging, and oh so colorful!


Nice night shots!

 

[Bethislucy]

Great updates

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Great multi updates. I love the pictures of the park when it's almost closing time. Not so many people and you can really just take it in.

Yeah, Early morning and about 30 minutes to close time is really the best!

OMG! She back!!! and TRIP NEXT WEEK!?!


You have educated us on very important details, thank-you. Take bus seats.... booty hugging, and oh so colorful!


Nice night shots!

Yep... I leave tomorrow... I hope

So glad you see... I know your life would be sadly incomplete without those bus seat pictures

Great updates

Thanks!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Ugh, I'm sorry, I was so hoping that I could get the last day of the September trip up before I left. But stupid life getting in my way of my Dis time!

So, we're supposed to leave tomorrow... and it is almost mid-January and we haven't had a major snow yet. Plus it was almost 50 degrees today... which means there's a HUGE snow storm headed here tomorrow.

it's saying 100% chance of snow - up to 10 inches!! Ugh. Why didn't I stick to the original plan of leaving on Wednesday? I could be sleeping in Disney now instead of worrying about the snow!

So fingers-crossed that we get out tomorrow! Happy Winter everyone.

 

[lovealldisney]

Ugh, I'm sorry, I was so hoping that I could get the last day of the September trip up before I left. But stupid life getting in my way of my Dis time!

So, we're supposed to leave tomorrow... and it is almost mid-January and we haven't had a major snow yet. Plus it was almost 50 degrees today... which means there's a HUGE snow storm headed here tomorrow.

it's saying 100% chance of snow - up to 10 inches!! Ugh. Why didn't I stick to the original plan of leaving on Wednesday? I could be sleeping in Disney now instead of worrying about the snow!

So fingers-crossed that we get out tomorrow! Happy Winter everyone.

Are you leaving in this morning? Snow isn't suppose to start until 9am so hopefully they were wrong and it will start a little bit later? and were only suppose to get 4-7 inches the light and fluffy stuff so it should be easy to plow..... Hope you get out in time!!

 

[Caretames1]

Here's to hoping that you got in the air and are having a wonderful time!!


Here in Mid- WI we got about 4 inches. nothing big.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I hope the snow didn't affect your travels, and you're having a great time!!!

I always feel like we hit that rut in DHS too. Like, we've done this before. And this just now. And that.

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Are you leaving in this morning? Snow isn't suppose to start until 9am so hopefully they were wrong and it will start a little bit later? and were only suppose to get 4-7 inches the light and fluffy stuff so it should be easy to plow..... Hope you get out in time!!

I know this response is months late, but we did get out - We were able to change our flight to an earlier one and made it with no problem.

Here's to hoping that you got in the air and are having a wonderful time!!


Here in Mid- WI we got about 4 inches. nothing big.

We did have a wonderful time. And it's about time I start this TR!

I hope the snow didn't affect your travels, and you're having a great time!!!

I always feel like we hit that rut in DHS too. Like, we've done this before. And this just now. And that.

The snow did effect our travels - but in a positive way. We got an extra 4 hours in Disney!!

I do feel like DHS is kind of a "rut" park - much more than the others.



Okay...well it's about time i finish my September trip, so I can start my January trip, so that I don't get too far behind before my may trip.


So without further ado - I give you the no-so thrilling conclusion of my September trip

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

So when I last left you – like 3 years ago – I was waking up on my last day of my unexpectedly solo trip.

I took my time getting ready, and packed up.

And one last look at my room. (This is the same type of room I’ll have in may – it was great for 1 person, hopefully it will be adequate for 3)

And I took one last hike from my building

To the main building

I dropped my bag off at bell services and found the hidden boat dock. The other resorts have their boat dock front-and-center. SSR’s is hidden by a loading dock – it’s almost like SSR is ashamed of their boat dock.

You can see here, it’s like below the building.

Soon, my chariot arrived…

My noble steed to take me to my final destination….

At first I was just kind of pointlessly wandering, not sure what I was in the mood for.

Hmmm… DTD is kind of cool looking isn’t it..

Eventually, I decided I wanted crab – soft shell crab to be exact

Mmmm seafood

They had a soft shell crab sandwich – so that’s what I ordered.

Unfortunately, the lady at the next table had apparently ordered the last soft shell crab, so I got some weird crab salad instead. (you can see the crab-stealer in the background *shakes fist totally un-angrily)

Boo! It really wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t what I wanted.

After lunch, I still had some time to kill, so I wandered around some more

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

I just love the lego-store’s displays!

To Infinity and Beyond!

I puke on you!

Okay, I have no clue what on earth this is. Maybe I was attacked by a sea anemone or something

Of course I went to WOD, but as usual I was more interested in the rooms than the merchandise.

You poor, unfortunate soul!

I see you!

Whatcha lookin’ at?

Oh good no competition from that girl, I’m still the fairest of the wall

Dobedobedo

I can fly I can fly I can fly!

I really wanted to get this for Chris. It is very true!

And this one for me!

Then I went to go look at the expensive breakable stuff, I am terrified to buy!

We would break into a million pieces if you look at us wrong

Though it makes no sense, apparently I doubled back and went to TrenD

I kind of want this decal in my bedroom. You tell ‘em Edna!

Oh bag… how I want you. I wish I wasn’t so cheap!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Eventually, I made it to my destination.

We try to get an ornament every trip. As a result, our tree is totally Disney-fied!

I always get one with the year on it – that way we will be able to trace them.

Cool – but too big.

I really liked this one, but decided it was too breakable for this trip – because all I had was my backpack.

So I went with this durable little dude instead.

I totally love this transportation set!

Next

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Next I went to the art of Disney.

I love this “vintage” MK stuff.

All too soon, it was time to head back. No missing the ME for this girl!

I was at the Marketplace….

So I decided to take a bus back instead of trudging back to the boat.

By big guy!

See ‘ya real soon!

I forgot that the bus also stops at typhoon lagoon. So it is a pretty inefficient way to get back to SSR.

But I had time to spare, so it was okay.

The sky was sad to see me go, so it started crying since it knew it was time for me to leave.

I returned to SSR, and got a “free gift” for being a DVC member. Not really the most attractive artwork. Is it?

Since I was on time, the ME was not and I waited for a while.

Then, the first ME arrived, and a family got on and I was told it was full, and I’d have to wait for the next one.


UM ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! Seriously?? Again, not that I care even a little – I hate getting to the airport so early. But when I miss the ME I’m given such crap… and I actually show up on time, and it is full. Universe why do you despise me so??

So I waited another 15 or so minutes, and another ME arrived.

This one was not full, and soon we were heading to the airport.

Not sure why – but here’s a picture of my lap. I know you were curious about how I was sitting on the bus!

Even taking the 2nd ME, I still had time to kill.

I spent some time in the Universal Shop.

Hey Hedwig.

It’s the Monster Book of Monsters

Then I went to the Seaworld store

And eventually, went the the Earport to pick up cotton candy for Queenie.

These candy bars are so cute!

Finally I got in the security line,

And then eventually, took the last ride of the trip.

The flight home was uneventful, and I ticked off the days until my next trip.

Fortunately for you… you won’t have to wait as long as I did.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

YOU'RE BACK!!!!!! Literally yesterday, I was like, "where the heck has Joanna been lately???" Glad to see you posting again!

That's too funny that they told you specifically who got the last soft shell crab, so you could secretly hate them. I would totally harbor resentment against the person who got the last something that I wanted.

I hate how early you have to get to the airport too, but that does stink that they made you wait for another ME bus. Like, I thought these things were planned out!

Great conclusion to your trip! Can't wait to hear about the next one!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

It's so sad when the trip ends but it looks like you'll be heading back real soon.