The most fantastic, magical things can happen ............... Day 03 Update/July 18

[superme80]

OMG a new one!!! YAY!!! I was just missing your reports!!! I'm here!!! I may not be super vocal, but I'm here!!!!

 

[dizneeat]

OMG a new one!!! YAY!!! I was just missing your reports!!! I'm here!!! I may not be super vocal, but I'm here!!!!

If you missed my reports here is just the remedy for it. An all week WDW adventure with the planning of a 5 1/2 week trip all thrown in.

 

[dizneeat]

Day 2, March 21

Long time no see! - Part 3

That done we texted Teresa and let her know that we were at Beaches and Cream.
And within a very short time we learned that they were on their way. Took about another 10 minutes and then they all arrived. We let them know at the podium and a few minutes later we all sat in a booth.
It was a tight squeeze with 5 adults and a toddler, but it worked out. We had a really nice server and she brought us some water and then we placed our order – a Kitchen Sink, Eight scoops of Ice Cream served with all of the Toppings in the house and a whole can of Whipped Cream, and she informed us that now it was also available as Chocolate Lovers or Neapolitan. We went for the original one. Unfortunately little Otto was too tired to wait for the ice-cream treat and went to sleep before it came to the table. It is always fun to watch them bring it to the table with the lights flickering

and the announcement made while they walk it to the table.

We all did our best to tackle the beast and we did a really good job, there was just a bit of gloopy mess left.

And after we had finished our sweet treat we headed up to our room. Once settled we handed out our presents to Teresa and Tiffany and the chocolate family gifts and then there was still one present for Mick.
Now you need to know that Mick loves his pizza and when we were in Germany to pick up a gift for Tiffany we saw the perfect gift for Mick and got it for him right away. So here we were and there was still that pizza box sitting on the dresser and we handed it to Mick telling him that we had picked up a pizza especially for him and that we hoped that he still liked it even if it was a few days old.
His face was priceless until he opened the box and found out that his pizza was made of gummybears!

We all had a good laugh and sat and chatted for quite some time and all to early they had to leave again and we walked them down to the bus stop. And after waving goodbye we headed back to our room, picked up the car key and went to Publix for some shopping. We stocked up on some staples that we would want to have in the cupboard for the week and around 6.30 we returned to our room. We had a salad and sandwich dinner and around 8 we were on our way back to the bus stop to go to the Magic Kingdom to meet some other friends, who we had originally met on the Disney Dream. This was the first vacation we mostly used the buses and I was really worried we would spend a lot of time at the bus stops, but that day we were really lucky as as soon as we walked up to the Magic Kingdom stop a bus arrived.
We were even lucky enough to find seats and off we went.
When we arrived at the Magic Kingdom we were surprised to still find so many people arriving, but going through bag check was easy and scanning our magic bands was too. We enjoyed walking up Main Street, but we had to hurry as we had a Fastpass for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. So we hotfooted it over there and while we were in line we texted Elaine and her son Scott that we had arrived. They had secured a nice viewing spot for Wishes and we would meet them afterwards. And then we were off on the wildest ride in the Wilderness. Once we got off we thought we might walk back towards Main Street, but when we walked past Splash Mountain Wishes had already started, so we walked along the Rivers of America and found a great spot to watch the fireworks. Fireworks over we texted them again that we were on our way and they had just gone over to Laugh Floor. When we arrived we could not see Elaine anywhere, but there was a young man who looked a lot like Scott.
So we went up and asked if he was Scott and yes it was him. Elaine had seen us by then and came over too and hugs and birthday wishes for Elaine were in order and then we just slipped into Laugh Floor while they were closing the doors. We had not been in quite a while so it was good fun. Once we were out of it again and crowds were still thick we thought about what to do and the peoplemover sounded like a great idea. So off we went to stand in line and soon found ourselves looking down on the crowds of the Magic Kingdom. We chatted the whole time we were on the peoplemover as we had a lot to catch up on. Again, once we got off we strolled through Fantasyland over to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train where Tom and I had a Fast Pass. We chatted in front of the Fast Pass entrance until our window opened, Elaine and Scott waited at the tables opposite and we actually walked onto the ride, even though it had a 90 minute standby line. The ride itself was fun

but unfortunately it’s just too short and soon we found ourselves walking out of the ride again. We sat at the tables for a few minutes while Scott checked what was available and then we decided to head over to Small World, another fun little ride where we could just chat during the ride.
Again, it had a short line, but we were quickly seated and off on the ride.
It was shortly after 11pm when we got off and the long day started to take a toll on us. When we mentioned that to Elaine and Scott they said that they were ready to leave too and we slowly went towards the exit. Scott wanted to have a few photos taken on Main Street

and when asked to we quickly jumped in

and scanned our Magic bands as we had just remembered that we had Photopass with our Annual Passes. They had to say goodbye to the castle, as their vacation was coming to an end and we slowly walked over to the bus stop.
They needed to go to the Boardwalk and our stops were right next to each other. It was a sad goodbye with lots of hugs and then we went to our stops. Their bus was arriving shortly after, and we were considering going to the Boardwalk and just walking over when Tom spotted a Yacht Club bus coming in. So within minutes we left the Magic Kingdom bus stop in a half full bus and arrived back at the resort about 25 minutes later.
We were truly done and our heads hit the pillows a few minutes later for a good night’s sleep.

To be continued ..........​

 

[GoofyFan1515]

What a busy day! You made some good food choices at Epcot, and how cool to have a DISmeet at Beaches & Cream! Still haven't tried the Kitchen Sink, but one of their banana splits is more than enough for Pat and I. The "pizza" gift was really cute.

And then another busy night at MK with another DISmeet. I totally agree about 7DMT...........they could have done so much more with that ride.

Glad you finally got everything worked out with the room! It looks very familiar, and if I am correct that view of the roadway will provide you the opportunity for some better views later in your trip.

Glad that THAT went smoothly. I have had my share of " forgotten" room ready texts, and more recently leaky sinks, wet carpet and a totally forgotten birthday!. Beach Club is needing to step it up a bit.

Yes, too many times lately! We are definitely due for a smooth experience when we get back in October!

 

[dizneeat]

What a busy day! You made some good food choices at Epcot, and how cool to have a DISmeet at Beaches & Cream!

It was busy, but the perfect way to kick off the vacation. And it was great to meet at B&C as Teresa and her family had not been there before.

Still haven't tried the Kitchen Sink, but one of their banana splits is more than enough for Pat and I.

We have had it several times, always together with friends, but it is really huge and we have yet to "really" finish one. The only sundae I can really finish at B&C is the Mickey Mouse sundae, which I am not even sure they still offer.

The "pizza" gift was really cute.

And then another busy night at MK with another DISmeet.

Again, perfect way to start off the trip. We were both tired and I am pretty sure we would not have made it over to the MK had it not been to meet with Elaine and Scott.

It looks very familiar, and if I am correct that view of the roadway will provide you the opportunity for some better views later in your trip.

YES, we were to find out later that that was a really nice view later in the evening.

Yes, too many times lately! We are definitely due for a smooth experience when we get back in October!

Keeping my fingers crossed for you, so check in will be a smooth and easy one for you!

 

[YukiPhnx]

What? I can't believe I missed 3 updates!!

My, what a horrible experience at check-in! Did you leave a comment card about it? Good thing that rough start didn't impact you guys too much

Ok, that food looks GREAT. Is the Tiki Torch sour?

Oh my gosh, that Kitchen Sink is HUGE! I'm thinking of doing it with my family but I don't think we would make a dent in it...I'm glad they now have chocolate lovers though! I'm picky with my ice cream flavours.

DISmeets are the best!!! And that gummy pizza looks really yummy too. Is it the same size as a pizza? Or miniature?

I'm looking forward to more PP pictures. It's so cool that it's included in your AP!

 

[jedijill]

I love Dis meets! What a fun evening!

Jill in CO

 

[dizneeat]

Guess it is time to give you a little preview of what is in store for our summer vacation.


Last summer we could not follow the plans we had made because of personal reasons and had to cancel our summer plans which included back to back Disney Fantasy cruises.
So when we decided we would go to the US in 2016 we made sure a cruise was in our future. I booked back to back DREAM cruises, then we would have had an overnight stay at Port Canaveral followed by a cruise on the Disney Fantasy. But a short time later that was all to change again


And you know


The most fantastic, magical things did happen and it all started with an email from Flossbolna!


Yes, we owe a great deal to Magdalene (Flossbolna) for pointing out the date of the eastbound Panama Canal cruise in the summer of 2016. It fit perfectly inside my school vacation schedule.

We had always dreamed of doing a two week cruise and especially such a special one going through the Panama Canal. So I checked the price and it was just right, so we changed our summer plans again, we booked the Panama Canal crossing and then it started to emerge from here.

(stole this idea from Magdalene)

And here are our plans as far as they are “kind of” put together.


We’ll fly to Orlando on August 3, pick up a rental car and check in to Bay Lake Tower for three nights.

Reason being – we will be in walking distance to the MK which has EMH the day we arrive and we hope to be up to attend.

On August 6 we will move to the Yacht Club for two nights (will pay oop for that stay)

On August 8 we will then move to Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani where we will stay for 4 more nights

From August 12 to 17 we will then head to our real home away from home, OKW. And with shuffling the resorts around a bit we will be able to stay in a 1 bedroom villa.

We will move back to BLT on August 17 for 1 night. Reason being that again this is an EMH night and I know that if we still have some packing to do and have to go through the hassle of parking at the TTC or use a bus we will not go there. Now staying at BLT solved that problem.

We will have about half a day to play at the MK before we need to head to the airport on Aug 18 for our first flight with Southwest

to Las Vegas. We will arrive in the early evening, pick up a rental car and stay at Caesar’s Palace

for two nights in a room with a view of the Las Vegas Strip.

And we hope to eat at one of Gordon Ramsay’s eateries during our stay there as well.

In the morning of August 20 we will pack up again and drive to Anaheim where we will stay at the Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn

which is just across the street from Disneyland.

We failed to score the Grand Californian on points, but saving those points gave us enough to stay in a 1 bedroom villa at WDW, so all is good! I have already bought 5 day tickets (again, before the price went up) and we will spend those full 5 days at Disneyland.

On Aug 25 we will check out of the Best Western and head to San Diego where we will check into the Wyndham Bayside,

right opposite the port. We will return our rental car and explore the city on foot or maybe we’ll just get ourselves a tram ticket.

The next morning we’ll haul our luggage to the port, then check in and get aboard the Disney Wonder

for our 2 week long Panama Canal cruise. There are only 4 ports of call and we have excursions booked for all four of them, but not sure yet, if we will keep them.

We’ll arrive back at Port Canaveral on September 9, pick up another rental car from Hertz and head back to WDW, where we will stay at Pop Century

for the night. And finally in the evening hours of September 10 we will have to return to the airport for our flight home, which will get us home just in time for me to get back to work.

So, there you have it – summer vacation 2016.​

 

[jedijill]

Your summer vacation looks amazing! I'm so jealous of the PC cruise...I really want to do that one some of these days!

Jill in CO

 

[dizneeat]

What? I can't believe I missed 3 updates!!

But you should be all caught up by now.

My, what a horrible experience at check-in! Did you leave a comment card about it? Good thing that rough start didn't impact you guys too much

No, once we were in our room I kind of tried to put it behind us, especially since we were in such a good mood looking forward to meeting our friends again.

Ok, that food looks GREAT. Is the Tiki Torch sour?

No, it wasn't at all, just very cold. I am not used to crashed ice drinks.

Oh my gosh, that Kitchen Sink is HUGE! I'm thinking of doing it with my family but I don't think we would make a dent in it...I'm glad they now have chocolate lovers though! I'm picky with my ice cream flavours.

It IS huge! But it is so fun to share with friends. We tried to let everyone have what they wanted. Once we had dug a hole in it we could then determine who was next to be served.

DISmeets are the best!!! And that gummy pizza looks really yummy too. Is it the same size as a pizza? Or miniature?

We will always remember our first DISmeet, with you Yuki!! So much fun!
The pizza is a regular pizza size and it is a work of art, being put together from individual gummy treats and comes in a real pizza box. I guess this was what got Mick.

I love Dis meets! What a fun evening!

Jill in CO

It was such a great start to our trip, we forgot about all the hiccups.

 

[dizneeat]

Your summer vacation looks amazing! I'm so jealous of the PC cruise...I really want to do that one some of these days!

Jill in CO

We are really looking forward to it. And I think there are still staterooms for rent on that cruise. But I guess you just had a great vacation.

 

[rteetz]

I love the kitchen sink! I've only done it once but it was a great experience.

Looks like you had a nice time at MK. I do agree that mine train is short.

Great pictures in the magic kingdom.

Wow what a summer trip! I've never done a cruise but I desperately want to. I've heard very good things about the Panama Canal cruise. So many different resorts and Disneyland thrown in there I would be in heaven.

 

[Flossbolna]

Your summer vacation plans are crazy - crazy amazing that is!! And I am so happy that I could help you with the little hint!! I knew that we had talked about how a Panama Canal cruise was on your bucket list but had to wait until you were retired because of school holidays. So when I saw the dates I knew that this was your chance!! And what a bad DISer would I be if I would not enable my DIS friends to take their dream trips!!

The only thing that makes me very worried is your crazy resort hopping! That would totally kill me, but if you are up for it, then at least you get to experience a lot of different places. I hope you love Kidani, have you ever stayed there? I am a huge fan of AKL, only ever stayed at Jambo though (hotel and DVC). But Kidani is pretty high on my list as well of places to try!

 

[jedijill]

We are really looking forward to it. And I think there are still staterooms for rent on that cruise. But I guess you just had a great vacation.

I would love to but I'm running a bit short on vacation after my trip Down Under!

Jill in CO

 

[dizneeat]

I love the kitchen sink! I've only done it once but it was a great experience.

Isn't it so much fun to share with others. We have had several, but never really succeed in finishing it.

Looks like you had a nice time at MK. I do agree that mine train is short.

It was great to hop over on our first day. Perfect start to the vacation. Mine train is cute but oh so short. I can't think of having to stand in the standby line for 90 minutes for that short of a ride.

Wow what a summer trip! I've never done a cruise but I desperately want to. I've heard very good things about the Panama Canal cruise. So many different resorts and Disneyland thrown in there I would be in heaven.

You have never gone on a cruise? It is so much fun ... just be aware, it can become very addictive. It's going to be a lot of moving around, but on the other hand it will result in so many different experiences and it has been 10 years since we last were in Disneyland, so this is another thing we are so looking forward to. And imagine what a long TR that is going to be.

Your summer vacation plans are crazy - crazy amazing that is!! And I am so happy that I could help you with the little hint!! I knew that we had talked about how a Panama Canal cruise was on your bucket list but had to wait until you were retired because of school holidays. So when I saw the dates I knew that this was your chance!! And what a bad DISer would I be if I would not enable my DIS friends to take their dream trips!!

The only thing that makes me very worried is your crazy resort hopping! That would totally kill me, but if you are up for it, then at least you get to experience a lot of different places.

You know when I first planned it, there were just OKW and Kidani and it kind of developed from there.
BLT - will mainly have us at the MK, especially since BTM will go down after a few days.
BC - will mainly be used for that awesome pool and a little Epcot snacking around the world
Kidani - guess we will mainly enjoy the balcony and explore AK then
OKW - feels like home and I guess we will need to do a lot of laundry before we head to California
BLT at the end - I KNOW that if we stayed at OKW we would never take advantage of EMH at the MK that evening. But moving there will have everything packed and we will be free to just play at the MK.
I will let Disney do the moving of luggage. We do not mind moving that much if we do not have to haul the luggage ourselves. We used to tour and spent a night or two tops at a place, so we are kind of used to moving around.

I hope you love Kidani, have you ever stayed there? I am a huge fan of AKL, only ever stayed at Jambo though (hotel and DVC). But Kidani is pretty high on my list as well of places to try!

We have only ever stayed at AKL in a regular hotel room (think we stayed there three times) and LOVED it. We have not been there in quite some time, so we are looking forward to exploring Kidani which we only know from our visits to Sanaa. I will take a lot of photos for you!

I would love to but I'm running a bit short on vacation after my trip Down Under!

Jill in CO

I completely understand, but a girl can dream, can't she?

 

[jedijill]

I completely understand, but a girl can dream, can't she?

Well if I win the lottery tomorrow night......

Jill in CO

 

[dizneeat]

Well if I win the lottery tomorrow night......

Jill in CO

Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

 

[MickeyReeds]

That sounds like an amazing trip!!

 

[dizneeat]

That sounds like an amazing trip!!

We are really looking forward to it ... it's going to make a LONG trip report.

 

[heaven2dc]

What a fun amazing vacation you are having and will have on your Summer vacation! Can I say I'm slightly envious?!! The Kitchen Sink is so much fun especially shared with Dis-friends!