April 16, 2010
Day 6, Part 2 In Which I Put On Some Elvis & Lace Up My Saddle Shoes
PHEW. Thank God Disney includes instructions on how to wash your hands. Did you know I had never done it correctly before I saw this sign? What magic!
After my awe-inspiring trip on Toy Story Mania, I decided to pay a visit to Dave Coulier at The Magic of Disney Animation. Unfortunately, I didn't find Dave or any other Full House cast member, which I thought was unacceptable. However, I was able to get over it because MooShoo is really cute in that little movie they show.
I really wanted to take the animation class where they teach you to draw a Disney character. I am absolutely terrible at drawing things. I was eager to try this class and see if mine came out as good as those I have seen here on the DIS, or if I would continue to be a complete mess. I guess I'll have to wait for our next trip to find that out, since I ended up skipping it because I was reallyreallyreally dying to get over to Pop and check in, but it is so a MUST DO for next time!
Another must do for next trip: pictures with characters. Do you know that we don't have ONE photo with characters from this trip? Crazy!
One of the things they had on display at The Magic of Disney Animation in April were original concept art and storyboards from Toy Story 3. I actually teared up just looking at them, I was *that* excited to see the film. I don't know why on earth I didn't take pictures, but it was so awesome.
At this point I decided to call my mom because I knew she would be awake by then. She was back at CBR catching some rays on the beach there. Remember WAY BACK in one of the first chapters when we didn't get a rent a car, thus we didn't get to go to a real beach? She wanted to take the time to enjoy the perks of CBR before we moved over to Pop. She told me she was in Heaven, and it sure sounded wonderful... but not more wonderful than another ride on Toy Story Mania! Yeah, I wanted to get over to Pop but it was still early and I figured the room wouldn't be ready. I was gonna just go over and hang out enjoying the resort, but Woody and Buzz were calling my name, big time. I just had to get on that puppy again!
The wait was now 60 minutes. I can't remember the last time I waited more than like 15 minutes for a Disney attraction (besides Fantasmic) but I didn't care AT ALL. I was dying to get back on TSM.
There was a nice woman in front of me on line who was also solo. She had pins and
crocs on so I knew she was the real deal. She even pointed out the Hidden Mickey on the wall to me. I told her I had already taken a photo of it earlier today, and then SHE knew that I was the real deal. Surprisingly, though, she wasn't a disser!
The first time I rode Toy Story Mania that morning, I barely knew what to expect, and like I explained in the previous update... it was total insanity. This time, I meant business. BABY. I was ready to score major pointage. I was focused. I was pre-gaming the entire time in line, trying to remember as much I could about the games so I could visualize the targets in my mind before I even saw them.
All this prep and I have no idea what I scored! Of course I forgot to take a photo. But I remember that I kicked the other solo woman's butt, bigtime.... and really, that's all that matters.
Warning: This ride is TOXIC and ADDICTIVE. I again wanted to just get right back on the line and ride again, but check-in time at Pop was nearing and I was absolutely *dying* to get over there at this point. You see, my love of Pop Century knows no bounds. I can honestly tell you that I will never return to Disney without going there. Even if I don't stay there for at least part of my trip, I will have visit. If I didn't, it would be like not seeing Cinderella Castle at the end of Main Street or something. It just wouldn't make sense. I love everything about this resort. I can't believe there are people who won't stay there because it's a value. I'd rather stay there than most of the other resorts. I mean, I want to try every resort at least once, but it's so hard to get away from my beloved
Pop. I could write a 23 page essay detailing everything I love about it, but we'd be here all day. I think a lot of the reason I'm so obsessed is because It's the first Disney resort I ever stayed at. Walking through those doors feels like coming home after having the worst day ever - you're finally back where you belong and you can just relax and forget your problems. And that's exactly what I felt when I walked in. Also, there is a smell to this place that is as distinct for me as the Poly smell, and the burning smell at SSE, and all those other intoxicating only-at-Disney smells.
I didn't take pictures at this time, so what will follow are a lot of pictures from our first visit to Pop Century in 2006!
This is a seating area located as soon as you walk into the main building. Next to it is a room where children can hang out and watch cartoons while their parents check in. I am always tempted to sit down beside them.
I love that they allow kids to draw on the concrete with chalk here!
Check in was a breeze. I was smiling so big I think I scared the CM, though. I also may have been dancing around. Why not, right?
Two of my favorites from the collages in the lobby:
I was VERY anxious to find out what section we would be staying in. As you probably know, Pop Century is divided into sections themed by decades - 50's through 90's. Prior to this trip, I had stayed in the 60's and 70's. Out of those two, I preferred 60's but still loved 70's! I could have requested the 60's again, but I like leaving it up to chance so I didn't put in any request.
When I found out we were located in the 50's, I was so excited to try a new section. The only problem I had with it was that I like being as close to the Classic Hall (main building) as possible. It didn't end up being as long of a walk as it seemed, though, so no problem.
We were in building 2 of the 50's, room 2194. I know this because I TWEETED IT ON ACCIDENT:
Hi I've checked in. Its in Building 2 of the 50's section, room 2194 3:21 PM Apr 16th via txt
LOL at me. Seriously though. I meant to text it to my mom, but sent it to Twitter instead. I didn't notice that until we got home days later. Thank God psycho killers don't follow me on Twitter, because anyone could have just knocked on our door and been like WHAT UP. Not good!
It was a first floor room, but we experienced almost no noise. The 50's section is really quiet. How funny is it that there isn't much action going on in the 50's, you have to go over to the 60's where everyone is partying? LOL!
I made a severe Trip Report mistake in not taking 57 room pics immediately, but I hope you understand that this was Day SIX. Of non stop Disney mania. The second I saw the beds, my body was pulled toward mine immediately. It was almost magnetic to tell you the truth.
There is always a point on the trip where this happens. On my 2008 solo trip which I call "The Solo Mess", I overdid it so much that on the 5th day I literally just came back to my room, crashed, and didn't move until my body told me I was ready. I slept for like 6 hours and woke up 100% refreshed and ended up having what was probably the best night of the whole trip. I highly, highly recommend knowing your limits while at Disney. If you give up some Disney time to take a breather, the rest of your vacation will be 10x more enjoyable. Trust me on this one, it never fails.
CONTINUED IN NEXT POST.
I'll read it tonight and give a real comment. But sounds fun nonetheless. 2013 is soooo far away!!! 
