The best/worst trip to WDW ever--New and Improved!!

[harleyquinn]

Day 2, Part 2

So where were we? Fantasyland! We rode Snow White next, b/c it had no wait. Peter Pan didn’t have a wait either, so we rode it too. Here’s a little funny thing about T and C. They were at WDW about 4 or 5 years ago, so they were about 22. They rode ALL of the fantasyland rides (except the teacups and dumbo, cuz they *gasp* spin!) But they DIDN’T ride anything in Tommorowland except Buzz. Not even Space Mountain. At EPCOT they didn’t ride like anything except the Malestrom (which is one of Tom’s favorites) and Del Rio de Tiempo (or whatever) which we jokingly put on Tom’s favorite “attraction” list under the Treehouse line (of course). C is a kid at heart (hence the whole characteraholic thing), but T is more of a Universal guy. Which I won’t condem having never been there, yet. Actually, he’s a big kid too. He’s a big movie buff, so he really liked MGM, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

T was getting really hungry now, but I didn’t want to mess up the round-the-park flow. We were coming back here for EMH night later, so we agreed to skip Toontown for now. We headed to Tomorrowland. We got fast passes for SM (20 minute wait), so we wouldn’t have to wait at all later, and went to Cosmic Rays for lunch. Early on I harped to our friends about the importance of sharing our CS credits, so that they could split breakfast and lunch. So we both split the huge $13.99 roast chicken and ribs meal, which was more than enough food. And it was very good. I thought the chocolate cake was a little gross (dry cake w/ LOTS of frosting), and the carrots had too much pepper, but it was very good.

We finished—ooh I forgot the weird animatronic performer at Cosmic Rays. We had eaten here on a previous trip, and there was nothing on the stage, but this time we were in for a treat! (If by treat you mean something ALMOST as enjoyable as the Horrible Noise fire alarm). We sat down right by him, and quickly figured out why the area we seated in was the only seating around; he was annoying and loud. I’ll post a pic later.

We finished—for real this time—and headed to SM, which is my favorite coaster. The only other indoor coaster I’ve been on is Disaster Transport at Cedar Point. That’s another thing. We are all roller coaster spoiled by Cedar Point. If you like roller coasters and have never been, trust me you have to go! So Disaster Transport is a free rolling roller coaster, it’s like a toboggan run. It’s very tame, and rather boring. So I love SM as long as the lights are turned down enough. Later in the trip they weren’t and it really bugged me. We rode it twice, cuz I love it. And I was in charge. They would have been lost without me, standing in lines and other horrible stuff.

Next we did Stitch, which C loved. She really likes Stitch, really, she bought a hat. It’s not the character one, it’s the winter ski cap, with big Stitch ears and fuzzy hair on top. I was the only hatless one, which is funny cuz I brought three home last time. Never did find one. Almost bought the gold Minnie headband, cuz it matches my wedding ears one (the one I ordered from Disneyland, b/c WDW didn’t sell it anywhere. Only when we got to WDW 2 months later, it was everywhere). But no, I bought two shirts instead. Anyway Stitch…gotta say, I actually liked it. WAY more than Alien Encounter, which was awful. I didn’t think the smell was bad at all, tho I did warn C that she might want to hold her breath at a certain moment (I actually like C…DH and T had no choice J).

So we walk out of the sweetly perfumed ride and who is outside?? You know this one…I’ll give you a couple seconds…Yep! Congrats, you’re right! It was Stitch. We got in line for the best character interaction of the week. He was awesome. The boys still had on their pirate hats and Stitch acted accordingly. He gave me kisses and picked his nose and wiped it on DH J My kind of alien. Stitch went nuts with C, and was mean to T. I can’t remember the exact details…maybe when I get the pictures. While we were walking away, I watched him with a little boy who wanted his autograph. The boy was trying to hand him his book and pen and Stitch was waving…and waving…and waving. The boy finally (after much giggling by the crowd) realized his mistake and waved back. It was much cuter than that description. What can I say? Go find Stitch for yourself!

We browsed the shops and then rode Puppies of Progress (if you haven’t read Zzub’s report, you gotta). I told the group his story, so for the rest of the trip we called COP, PuppiesOP. It was fun. I sang along. I love that ride; it’s so awesome. Buzz was closed, so there wasn’t anything else to do here, we still had time before our reservation at Ohana that evening, so we went to Toontown. T and C were shocked that we hadn’t ridden the Barnstormer, apparently T loves it. Yep
1. Treehouse line “attraction”
2. Del Rio de Tiempo
3. Barnstormer
DH and I thought it was just for kids. I guess it’s for them and really big kids at heart. C loves the busted up barn at the end. I took a picture of them ON the ride at the end. Then we traded cameras over the big open space between the cars, so I they could take one of us. DH was not pleased. It was funny…you had to be there…okay, so handing over a camera on a moving roller coaster 10 feet off the ground isn’t the brightest thing I’ve ever done, but hey I’ve done worse!!

So after that thrilling ride full of danger (for our cameras, and my DH’s respect for me), we headed over to the Tent of Characters and More Things to Spend Your Hard Earned Money On That You Don’t Actually Need. DH talked me into getting in line for Pooh, Tigger, and Eeorye. On the last 2 trips I had gotten their pics at AK at the character greeting there, and both times the pics didn’t come out. So in line we went for about 2 minutes. It was fun, and as we were leaving, DH caught Tigger jumping. It’s a really cool pic. He was excited. DH took all the pictures this trip. I haven’t seen them all yet (400 digital). He had fun.

We noticed that the only long line was for the princesses, which I couldn’t care less about. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the princesses, I LOVE character pics, I just don’t like Faces. I like the Furries, but not the Faces. Anyone see that CSI episode? Classic. Anyway a Face is a character without a mask or head (princesses). Furries have the real people faces covered, which makes things more magical for me. I just don’t like hugging a weird chick who I actually can see. I prefer them to be hidden, so they can make disgusted faces at me without my knowledge. So next we got in line for Minnie, Goofy and DONALD!! OMG Donald!!! I looked everywhere for him last time, never found him. C had tons of fun, and I continued my quest for a goofy-looking hat that I was willing to shell out the cash for. No not a Goofy hat, saw plenty of those. No dice.

We were now getting close to ADR time, so we headed for the train. Why walk when you can ride? To my amazement I see Mary Poppins. My DH LOVES Mary Poppins. We’ve never seen her before. When he was little and his mom had just had a heart attack, he used to sit and watch Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland over and over and over. So I freaked when I saw her…and when he saw what I was hyperventilating about, he joined me. T and C thought we were nuts, so I quickly explained the situation. “Mary…Jay’s favorite…loves…got to go!!” The pirates had much fun posing with Mary. The CM said don’t you want in the pic with DH? And I said I need a normal one with just him first, she’s his favorite. These moments would become very precious later this evening when we got the news. We swear MIL was working her magic even before she passed on. As we were finishing the train pulled up and emptied out, spilling a ton of fans into Mary’s line. We hopped on the train, which was full! Got off at Main Street, and left the park.

 

[babytrees]

Loving your report!!!

Disney and MIL magic working together!!

 

[Tig&Poo]

Sorry for your loss.
Glad that you stayed at WDW your report is very entertaining! RRRRR

 

[BrerRabbit_fan]

Great report so far!

A lot of NYC and NJ schools are on midwinter break around that week. I usually go too but took a break this year.

 

[TLinden16]

Sorry about your MIL. But glad that you were able to stay and celebrate her love for Disney She would have wanted that.

 

[stich626]

I know what you mean about Cedar Point. Once you ride Millenium Force all other coasters seem like train rides. We decided to take a little break from Cedar Point so we wouldn't ruin everything else.

That episode of CSI was one of my favorites. I saw it after we went to WDW. I probably would crack up if I thought of what Tigger was doing in his off time.

I'm looking forward to the rest of your report. Can't wait to see the photos.

 

[Goobergal99]

My pop (who raised me) was burried only three days before my disney vacation in 2000. It also happened to be my graduation from HS trip and the only thing my pop ever wanted to see was his grandaughter graduate from highschool. He was there on my graduation day and passed away from renal complications a few days later


At first we weren't going to go but in the end it was probably the best thing because he loved it there. We ended up having a pretty good time, even though I was sad. So I can totally relate

 

[byoung]

Sorry and thanks for posting.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Sorry to hear about your MIL. I think she would of wanted for you to stay and have fun at WDW which she really loved. I am really enjoying your reports, looking forward to reading the rest.

 

[WDWfan36]

Sorry to hear about you loss. I just wanted to tell you your report is great. I like how you write it. I think it was a good choice to stay.

 

[harleyquinn]

Day 2, Part 3

On to Ohana. None of us have ever eaten at ANY Disney TS restaurant. The dining plan was the highlight of the trip. We decided to ride the boat since we were a little early. I’ve never actually walked around the POLY. I always thought it was my dream resort. After seeing the grounds and the pool, I changed my mind. It’s nice, but no way will I ever spend that much cash to stay there (which just leaves more room for you poly lovers, so no flames!) We stopped in the gift shop so I could scope out the POLY charm. I got a bracelet last year. For the trip I wanted to buy charms for all the resorts we visited. The poly charm was cool so I bought it. Then we went upstairs to check in. There was a huge line, so I sent everyone to sit while I checked us in. After about 15 minutes my “cousin” checked me in and couldn’t find my ADR. What? I know Sue Ellen from DU made them, and double checked. My cousin said no worries. So I sat down, and they called us up a couple minutes later (my pager thingy didn’t work, they had to come find us). We were seated in the back by the windows. Great view of the castle, bad for seeing the action going on up front.

The food was fantastic. Our cousin was okay, not the most efficient, but super sweet. At one point C and I were drafted for the hula. We were the only adults; everyone else was under 10. Yes, 9 and under, true Disney children. Anyway, so we’re going to the hukilau, the huki…whoops flashback. The cute singing cousin (yummy) quickly instructs us on the billion movements we have to do for the hula. Little exaggeration, maybe the million. This was like no hula I’d ever seen on the Travel Channel. I’ve never seen those people make little turtles with their hands. It looked a little like this:

But with a million different movements.
Actually it reminded me of work. I found myself trying to memorize everything so I can use it at my library. Amazingly the kiddies remember all the movements (or are they just copying off of our cute cousin? I know I didn’t take my eyes off him…for fear of making the wrong move…heheheh).

So we eat so more. The food was a big hit. T was in heaven; he really likes good food. He kept telling me I was awesome for picking Ohana (this will continue at all of the TSs). I managed to save room for the dessert. OMG it was soooo good. I can still taste it. C and I managed to eat the whole thing with minimal help from our pirates.

We loved Ohana. I will endeavor to bring someone 9 or under with me next time.

It was dark and chilly when we made our way to the monorail. Someone was smoking in line while we waited. A few people LOUDLY talked about the no smoking rule (umm, me and C and a couple of other people), and the guy actually took the hint. He received a big smile for it. Not a cheer. He can have that when he quits. The monorail was packed. I heard my favorite Spanish announcement. I speak French, but I still love that announcement. I almost cheered, but no.

So we re-enter MK JUST as Spectromagic is starting. There are people everywhere. T and C have never seen it. Crap, bad planner, bad, bad! Attempting to get around the crowd, we head up the train platform, and low and behold we can see the parade pretty well from the stairs. So we sit there and watch. It wasn’t the best seat, but at least we could see! DH and I let a couple of little boys have our spots since we’d seen it before. T and C really enjoyed it.

So we headed over to the castle to try and find a spot to stand. We got a spot a little to the left of the castle, and sat on the curb to people watch and wait. This is when I tell DH to call his mom. He doesn’t want to, but I make him. The rest is in the first post. Actually, it’s not. During wishes there’s a part where they send up heart shaped fireworks. Well for some reason I noticed that there were only four of them. I thought there were always five. And they all were perfectly shaped, not crooked or anything. Keep that in mind for later.

So we all went to bed at about 3am after talking to my DH about our memories of his wonderful mom. It was awesome to see we had such supportive friends. When we first got the news and DH was on the phone with his sister, I started frantically packing. I felt so helpless while he was occupied (that will happen a lot in the weeks to come—not the packing, the helplessness). Then he decided we would stay. It was a rough night, but actually a very healing one. Just the four of us there supporting each other and talking is a memory I will have forever, and it is actually very positive.

I promise tomorrow will be more fun! ...Not a lot, but hey it's a start!

 

[harleyquinn]

Day 3, Part 1

I had planned this to be an Epcot day, but we switched it to an easy DTD/DQ day early yesterday. T and DH LOVE video games and I am rather fond myself. C loves older games and interactive games like Donkey Konga and Mario DDR, so I knew she’d be happy too. We both woke up around 7am, and there was no going back to sleep of course. We held each other and cried for a while. Took our showers and cry some more. Then we put our chins up and got ready for the day. One problem, I woke up with a MAJOR case of the grumps. That’s an understatement. As the day and the week wore on I became downright mean. It was awful! I felt like I was trapped in someone else’s body. We’ll explore that later

So what’s the best thing for a grumpy gal? We did some shopping.! I bought a bunch of stuff at WOD. Love that Disney Visa discount! I was hoping to find a plush Woody for my Assistant’s son who LOVES Woody. I had seen them everywhere at MK, but of course I couldn’t get him with a discount! I got a really cool frame and a Tink T-shirt that actually matched my purple Crocs!!!! I was so excited! I usually grudgingly wear them with any color purple, but this shirt was a perfect match! Yay! As for my Crocs, I brought two pairs with me, and wore them everyday but one. I tried wearing the tennis shoes I wore last time, but my Crocs were sooo much better! No blisters! And my feet were a lot less tired at the end of the day.

Anyway, we did some shopping and were doing okay. Then DH’s Grandma called. Mom wanted to be cremated and they would hold the body for him to see, but it would be “dark” by the time we got back. So he decides to let her go now. We’re sitting in the middle of DTD Marketplace crying and comforting for a bit. He people watched a bit and felt better and at peace with his decision. His mom had told the family many times that when she was gone, she was gone and seeing her shell wasn’t necessary. Leave it to MIL to say the perfect thing well in advance.

We did a little more shopping and decided we needed to get over to DQ so we had enough time. Then we walked past the Lego store. T loves logos, but he didn’t go in the store…too tempting. But he wants to take pictures outside of all the great statue things. There are a lot more than I remember. And a lot more people trying to get pictures. The nasty bug rears it head…big time. Everyone is attempting to get pictures. We get a clear moment so DH poses by one when an older gentlemen walks up and proceeds to pose as well for his wife. Um…sir, did you not see DH standing there? It’ll take me two seconds…we were here first. I growl like a T-rex…in my head. I never actually said anything. I just got very, very upset. T and C are trying to take pics too. I see that this is going to take a LONG time. I’m really worried abut enough time at DQ. We have a late ADR for Cali Grille tonight, but it’s already around 1:30. Things start closing I on me and my wonderful mood.

Time for an aside. I have a bit of a social anxiety issue. I don’t like small places with a lot of people. Say for example, WDW during Peak season. You’re thinking “small place??” Yes, even a large place crammed with people makes me very unhappy. I know most normal people feel this way too, but in my case it’s much worse. I get very nasty, and I don’t normally realize it’s happening. My mom is great to have with me when this happens. She’ll recognize what’s happening and find a quiet place for us to go sit for a few minutes. After that, I’ll be fine. DH doesn’t get it, and I bet most people won’t. I don’t like being mean, and when this happens I honestly don’t see it. I’m too busy being crazy to realize that I’m being crazy. DH makes it worse. The worst thing you can do is tell me to calm down or relax. It makes me freak out. He does that all the time. I’ve actually gotten very good at controlling it. I now see it coming and will remind myself to take it easy. It hadn’t had a problem with it in a very long time.

Unfortunately, too many things helped my anxiety get the best of me. One was medical. I won’t get into too much detail, but I had switched a prescription a month before coming. I was given the wrong medicine (treats the same thing, but has less hormones). I know now that it was because of this more than anything else that I had such a hard time. Unlike the social thing, I knew I was being horrible, but I couldn’t stop myself. It was like being possessed. It was awful.

Enough of that! I just want you to all understand that my behavior and attitude was not normal. I’m on the right meds now, and I feel so much better. I’m working on making it up to DH, T & C.

So happy things!! Well, not yet. J I planned on eating CS at Wolfgang, but didn’t find out til we were over on the West side that they Wolfgang over there doesn’t take the dp. L So we ate at FoodQuest, which was the best CS we had all week! I didn’t even know it was there. I thought the Wonderland Café was the top floor. Whoops!

So we decide to start on the first floor. There is no one else on the first floor except us and some CMs!! This is awesome! So we do the river raft thing, and pirates (of course). We go up and do Aladdin. We’re flying through everything. I’m a little concerned. On our last trips we spent two days here, without running out of things to do. When we make it up to the third floor, we lose each other for a while, which ticks me off, but was probably a very good thing. It was good to get away. We meet up, and everyone is kinda unhappy. We all have headaches from the VR helmets. I always feel a bit weird at DQ. Something about being in a place without windows I think. This adds to my discomfort. We stay and do everything there is to do. I spend some time by myself at the Café to spare the group from my attitude, but I think it was a little catching. I had high hopes for this place. DH loves it, I thought T and C would too. They see the appeal, but admit that their hearts aren’t into it. I think we all know why.

So we leave a little disappointed, but we’re heading to the best dinner of the trip.

I know these last two posts haven't been easy to get through, but I promise it gets better!! Lots of exciting moments to come!!

 

[Vivianne]

Sorry for your loss.

My mother passed a year after DH and I married. DH's mother passed five months after my mother. We honeymooned at DW back in 1986. That was twenty years ago and although the loss remains, the memories stay alive. Glad you were able to incorporate some happy memories into a sad time.

 

[sajetto]

I'm so sorry for you loss and the circumstances but its good to hear you made the best of it.

 

[byoung]

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Thanks for the reports.

 

[Tinkbellfan]

"Puppies of Progress" too funny that you included that in your report. I love Zubb's report. I'll be visiting PuppiesOP next week.

Thank you for sharing your trip report with us.

 

[THE HAT]

i am sooo sorry for your loss! thank you for sharing not only the happy parts but the tough ones too, i am sure just writing it all out for you is a healing process!! one of the best things of the dis is lots of ears that care!!! hugs!!!

looking fwd to the rest of the trip report and the pics too.

 

[harleyquinn]

Day 3, Part 2

Since we blew through DQ, we decide to go back to POP. T and C really wanted to look at the stores at DTD, and I really waned to leave, so I suggested they take their time and meet us at POP later. DH really wanted to go to PI tonight after dinner, and with my mood and the lack of sleep, I knew I HAD to take a nap. So that’s what I did. DH left with a mission to take photos of all the cool icons, and I tried to sleep. Didn’t really happen, but resting helped a bit.

We get together and head to MK to hop the monorail to the Contemporary. Our ADR is for 7:20 and Wishes is at 8. The monorail is full again. I hear my Spanish announcement and smile. No cheering though. We get to CON and I realize I really don’t know where to go to check in. I know that I check in near the bottom of the resort and then get to ride the super special secret elevator to the California Grill. I see elevators on the main floor, but no desk to check in. Hmmm…do I have to go up to go down?? The gift shop beckons. I shrug and head to check out the CON charm for my bracelet. My group follows along thinking I know what I’m doing, and I do…I am shopping! So we browse and notice a rather large group of pin traders hanging out. I find the charm…it’s butt ugly. Really. I want to have a whole collection, but I don’t want to spend $4 on this butt ugly charm. So I don’t. I’m a little sad, but oh well. I have separated from my herd so I sneakily walk up to a CM and say, “I’m here to eat at CG. I know I check in down here somewhere before going up. Do you know where I go?” She says, “Yes, you check in downstairs and then go up.” I thank her and walk away before realizing that she just repeated what I said. I still don’t know where downstairs is.

I walk a little and ask another CM, who is very friendly and shows me the escalators down to the floor I need. Yay! None of my group will be the wiser. So I round up the cattle—little aside…for some reason I find it hilarious to Moo whenever I feel like I’m being herded at WDW. You know, from preshow to ride, from the back of the park post-fireworks to the exit. Anytime I’m surrounded by a huge mass of people all going the same way. So I Moo. Dh gets it and smiles the first couple of times, but it gets tiresome, I suppose. So anyway, next time you’re in this situation give a little “moo” for me, k? If anyone gives you a weird look, you’ve said it too loud and now you know how I feel.

Anyway, I round up the cattle, and we head down to check-in. You see the desk right away; you can’t miss it. I notice the boys are looking elsewhere. Captain Hook and Mr. Smee are off in a section of the floor. My pirates are deliriously happy. I see the Magic Gatherings sign, and say, “Sorry guys that’s not for us.” DH turns into a 6-year-old. “I just want to see-ee.” He whines. So, I check us in, and the wanna-be-pirates go gawk at the real thing. The nice CM takes us on the Super Special Secret Elevator. The boys come dragging their heels. I swear they were 6 year-olds for about 2 minutes. It was very cute. “Sar-ah. What was that? And why can’t we get in?” Dh whines. I tell them I will explain later.

So then nice CM starts to press the button on the elevator, and a spiffy looking older couple begins to get on. “Excuse me, did you check in?” The nice CM with a huge this-happens-all-the-time smile on her face says. The gentleman says, “No we just want to go up for drinks.”
“Do you have a reservation?”
“No.”
“I’m sorry but the restaurant is booked solid, if you try back around ten, you MIGHT be able to get in then.”
“But, we just want to sit at the bar for drinks.”
“I’m sorry, but you must have a reservation for even that.” At this point the gentleman gives us a little look. Not mean at all, but sort of a you’ll-let-THEM-in-but-not-me look. At this point I worry a little about our appearance. I told everyone to bring one nice-ish outfit, but apparently the wires were crossed, b/c T and C didn’t. So we’re all wearing jeans and nice-ish shirts. No tennis shoes, though I am wearing my Crocs (hehe). DH and I wore jeans so T and C wouldn’t feel bad. We looked ok, but I wasn’t super happy about it to begin with. At least we weren’t wearing bathing suits or something.

The couple turns away rather unhappily. And we go on our way. The group is beaming at me. I told them earlier that I knew this would happen at least once on our trip even though it was January. I’m very happy I did all the work planning our dinners now.

We get upstairs and another very nice CM greets us and shows us around after finding out it is our first time. So now we know where the balconies are. We had some wonderful dining experiences on this trip with wonderful servers, but as for a top notch, high-end server this one was the best. He was super-attentive, extremely friendly, and very professional. We were all impressed. We started our fab dinner. Before our dinners were brought out, it was time to go see the fireworks. We went out a little early to get a good spot, which was unnecessary, b/c it was really cold up there!! The view up there is so cool. Not just of the castle, but of everything. So we froze our behinds off, and watched. They didn’t pipe in the music, and the view wasn’t spot on. I was very glad we had seen it at the park the night before. Tink flew, which she didn’t the other night. When the hearts came up I sucked in a breath. There were five poorly formed hearts this time. I knew DH would be choked up about that. He had told everyone he had talked to in his family that he was sure his mom had sent them to us last night. This just was further proof for him.

You never realize how long that show is until you stand on top of the Contemporary freezing to death. About half way through, we all agreed it was almost over. 15 minutes later it was. We giggled about that and made our way inside. I hugged DH who I was worried about. I knew that seeing that show would be hard for us from now on. He said that it was much more comforting than he thought it would have been, and I agreed. About 5 minutes after we came back our server brought out our dinners. As I’ve said it was fabulous. I can’t believe they hold everyone’s food for so long. It’s really cool. The only thing that wasn’t the best for this dinner was the desserts. They were very exotic. Very, very exotic.

So we finished up and headed down to the bus stop to get us over to PI. We got to the bus stop at about 9, and waited...and waited…and waited. One bus pulled up saying DTD at first and then changed at the last minute to Diney VIPs or something. He drove off after unloading. So we waited some more. We were finally picked up at 9:45. I have never waited that long for a bus. Heck I didn’t wait that long for Soarin! I realized later that we should have walked to MK and taken the bus from there. At least we would have been moving. It was really cold.

So we get to PI and head right into the Adventure’s Club. Our favorite place on earth…well DH’s anyway…

 

[harleyquinn]

Does anyone want me to continue? It's gets better from here...

 

[fizz13]

Oh yes please!! It's really hard switching from laughing to crying all the time with this report but it is fantastic and kind of a fitting way to remember your MIL's love for WDW. I will never look at those hearts in Wishes the same way again. Thank you so much for sharing and I will be watching out for the rest,

Claire xx