The One Where I Go To Disney World for the Tenth Time: Aug '14 TR - COMPLETE 5/21 LIFE U/D 7/7

[ariane37]

We haven't been to Via Napoli in about 4 years but plan to go back in Nov.
Having said that ( and at the risk of making some fellow DiSers mad) it is NOT easy to find decent pizza outside of NY, NJ, and CT

 

[heathsf]

We haven't been to Via Napoli in about 4 years but plan to go back in Nov.
Having said that ( and at the risk of making some fellow DiSers mad) it is NOT easy to find decent pizza outside of NY, NJ, and CT

I do agree. Hopefully no one else reads this and thinks we're snobs

 

[heathsf]

Episode 55

The One Where I Wake Up Sad​

I was awake at 6:30 before my alarm even went off and I was sad. It was our last day. My last wake-up in Disney. For a long time. Since I was ready with some time to spare I decided to take some room photos. What better time to take pictures of the room than on your last day when everything is a mess?

We called bell services for help with our luggage and then did the airline check-in. It was raining and thundering. The weather matched my mood... The check-in took longer than it should have because there was a problem with something, but I don't remember what it was. It was resolved and wasn't a big deal except that we were losing precious park time. We ended up missing a bus to DHS by seconds and had to wait 15 minutes for the next one. We got on that bus at 8:45, arrived at the park at 9, and went straight to RnRC.

As soon as we rounded the corner toward RnRC we could see the line was backed up way past the kiosks and the posted wait was 90 minutes. And it looked like it may really be 90 minutes. I talked to a CM and asked if it was really a 90 minute wait and if there was a reason why it was already so backed up when the park only opened 15 minutes ago. He said yes, and then pointed to the long line and said not-nicely, "Because of all these people." Okay sir, thanks for that very helpful information. Not. I was thinking he might tell me that the posted wait was inflated (like many rides often are in the early mornings, for example when we walked into Test Track in 5 minutes but the posted wait was 30 minutes in anticipation of waits building quickly) or perhaps that they opened a few minutes late and the wait was just very backed up outside but once people moved through the queues inside it would look like a less crazy line. Or perhaps he would say, "Yeah it's a really busy morning and the line got really long really fast." I was so disappointed that he was so bluntly rude which just added insult to the injury of not being able to ride it on our last day. Boo.

Instead we doubled back to ToT which had a posted 13 minute wait and we walked right into the library and then right into a half empty elevator. The ride was fantastic and we dropped so hard and fast I was off my seat first thing. I just love ToT so much. The theme, the music, the special effects.. it's all perfect.

I still don't understand how the crowds could have been so unevenly distributed at RnRC and ToT so early. I suspect that it really wasn't a 90 minute wait. Oh well. It's been 9 months, I suppose I need to get over it.

We walked across the park to Animation Courtyard. It was raining a little bit and we got to Animation Academy at 9:35.

We were on line waiting for the next drawing class when we saw Goofy and Pluto come inside the building. Pluto shook himself off like a wet dog and it was hilarious. Then Donald and Daisy went outside and they were dressed all dapper. I wasn't familiar with their outfits at all but they certainly looked snazzy. While we were waiting we asked a CM if the artists take requests, just out of curiosity. He said it depends on how big the class is and if they can draw that character well. Soon it was our turn and we drew Pluto!

Next it was time to use our Toy Story FP. It felt like 5 minutes ago that we rode this as our first ride of the trip. Why does time speed up in WDW? Are there physicists doing research to try to explain this phenomenon?

The posted wait was 85 minutes. Good thing we had FP

I wasn't able to beat DH but I think this was my personal best!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

Your last day. It always is a bummer.

Speaking of bummers, that's crazy about Rock 'n' Roller Coaster! Given how quiet Tower of Terror was, I bet the line just hadn't fully made it into the building yet and wasn't actually 90 minutes (but what do you do?).

I love Toy Story Midway Mania... I can't wait to do it again and beat my previous best score!

 

[heathsf]

Episode 56

The One with Another Olaf Cupcake​

Next we wanted to hit something we hadn't done yet on this trip: Muppet Vision 3D!

We were photobombed by S

I love how at the end of this it's like looking back in time at WDW in the early 90's
OMG Have you guys seen the trailer for the new Muppets TV show coming to ABC this fall? (Okay, I sound like a promo... )

Also, they're apparently hiring! Okay, back to your regularly scheduled TR...

We were hungry and decided we should eat at the Backlot Express... the place where we'd already eaten twice this trip As we headed in that direction we were blocked off from our lunch by the Frozen Processional rolling by. We had to wait for it to pass completely before we could cross the road.

So speaking of Backlot, it seems like a lot/most of the Backlot stuff is disappearing from DHS. I wonder how different the whole park is going to be the next time I'm there!

Hello, Kristoff. Please move, we're hungry. So close, yet so far...

Once all the floats passed by I realized I didn't see Anna and Elsa. Everyone else thought it was pretty funny that I somehow didn't notice them. I guess I was paying attention to something else? Oh well. Time to eat!

One of the best reasons to eat here. I think I got my money's worth out of the quick service dining plan just from eating these cupcakes. I wonder if they'll have them this summer too?

S and I got our beloved buffalo chicken nuggets. I wish I could eat these so badly right now. Forget the fact that I'm not in WDW, but super-pregnant me cannot handle spicy food without major heartburn. How I miss my buffalo sauce... I'm still staring at this picture torturing myself. Ugh. It was so yummy!

M got a hot dog. I think she liked it. What's not to like? It's a hot dog.

DH got a cheeseburger. It looks like it has a teaspoon of some sort of sauce on it and a few onion rings on the bottom.

Someone made the terrible decision of getting this cupcake:

While I made the right choice and got the SUPER SCRUMPTIOUS AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS BEST-CUPCAKE-ON-THE-PLANET OLAF CUPCAKE!

Have I mentioned how much I enjoy this cupcake? It's pretty good...

It was time to use our FP+ for ToT and we stopped to visit Walt on the way.

Olaf was visiting the stage as we were passing by.

CM Pow Wow?

Hello again, Beautiful. M and S didn't want to ride it again so instead they went to grab us seats at the Beauty and the Beast stage show.

I think I'll let my house get this dirty and then just tell people we're theming the house like Tower of Terror

 

[heathsf]

Your last day. It always is a bummer.

It sure is

Speaking of bummers, that's crazy about Rock 'n' Roller Coaster! Given how quiet Tower of Terror was, I bet the line just hadn't fully made it into the building yet and wasn't actually 90 minutes (but what do you do?).

I think you're right!

I love Toy Story Midway Mania... I can't wait to do it again and beat my previous best score!

And you get to do it SOOOOO soon!!!!

 

[ariane37]

I believe the CM at RnRC had been warned about your behavior and just didn't want you riding his attraction.........

Hope you're feeling OK! I remember those last few days before "birth" day Nervous, excited, uncomfortable and hungry lol!

 

[Leshaface]

We were headed to Epcot this morning and we had just missed a bus at 8:10 and had to wait for the next one, which came about 15 minutes later.

We got to Epcot at 8:35 and the park opened at 8:47.

Well at least you still made it on time before the park opened though!

I took the opportunity to take a quick picture of him and then he high-fived me, and then we got in trouble from a CM

Wow what rule breakers you are!

Oh, I guess DH and S planned to both be sleeping in their cars... How did I not realize this until right now as I'm typing this?

So cool!

Next DH and I rode Mission Space (Orange) with FP+. M and S decided not to ride. The ride was so empty that there was no one else in our shuttle! DH joked that it was going to be a very long ride since there was no Engineer on board to put us into Hyper Sleep
(Is there anything sexier in this world than a man making a good Disney joke? )

That is pretty darn sexy not gonna lie

I love this ride. I know it is supposed to be getting another theater and the screens/projection system are being upgraded, but I also remember hearing a while ago that there was filming happening for new scenes. I wonder if/when all this is happening.

I'm so excited to see what they're going to do with this, i'm sure it will be amazing!

This looks really good actually, but too bad it wasn't.

I'm shocked that your DH got this actually. Didn't think he was into these types of dishes. But it does look really good and light for a hot day!

By the way, if you want to read legitimate food reviews from someone who actually knows what they're talking about and eats better than I do, check out @kastoney 's Dining Report (but don't do it while you're hungry!)

Agreed

I really like the 'parks' case if it didn't have 2014 on it.

Love the balloon one!!!

The only thing I could find that matched what I wanted said 2014 on it. Oh Disney, why must you put the date on everything?

Exactly!

Then it was time for a ride on Spaceship Earth - this time in English!

Disclaimer: I do NOT in any way, shape, or form condone relaxing on one's LAST FULL DAY in Disney

I agree and i'll stand with you on that one

It was time to get this adventure started, and we headed into La Cava del Tequila. Can you tell he's psyched?

Love that he's getting all into it!

Now you may assume he would have gotten a Margarita since we're in Mexico in a bar known for its Tequila. However, DH had an unfortunate incident with a margarita a few years ago at dinner. We shared some food and he had a margarita and then was incredibly sick the next day and I wasn't. He assumes it was the drink, although he may have just had a stomach bug, and he can't get over that association and has not touched a margarita since! So his first drink of the day was a rather uninteresting...

DH is the same way! He had a bbq bacon cheeseburger like 15 years ago from Carls JR and he got sick and threw all that up and still remembers the taste of it crazy2 so he hasn't gone near one since. Me? I got food poisoning from a Burrito Supreme at Taco Bell a while back and still eat it all the time

Oh my those pretzels look bomb.

Anyway, once I finally got my beloved school bread I found DH sitting outside looking chipper.

Ugh, so good!

Love this! And it really does look like your head's about to be chopped off

This sign says that every face on these soldiers is unique. And they really do all look like different, individual people! How crazy!

I know I couldn't believe this either on our very first trip so I took a good 10 minutes really checking out every face that I could make out. So cool.

Check out the warrior in the middle-ish of the frame. He is ready to fight!

Or he tried the Beverly over at Club Cool

DRINK #3: Plum Wine ($5.32)

Did not expect to see this. Thought a beer for sure.

Me: This isn't one of the 11 World Showcase Countries!
DH: Does it serve alcohol?
Me: Yes, but...
DH: Then it counts!
Me: But it's not a country!
DH: Does it serve alcohol?
Me: Yes, BUT...
DH: [Goes and orders a drink]



DRINK #4: Safari Amber ($7.46)

Wow this guy is covering all his bases.

We sat at a table overlooking the water near some rocks that made me feel more like I was on Tatooine than in Africa.

Totally does!

I had this but the Dark Chocolate one and it was perfect.

Oops! We broke the rules AGAIN!

At this point, just put some oversized sunglasses on to blend in Otherwise you may get thrown out of the World indefinitely.

It's probably too small to see. It's in his crown.

Holy Eyesight! I still can't see it. Yes i'm blind

DRINK #6: Songo Chianti ($6.00)

I love a good Chianti.

It was at this point that I realized DH was starting to act a little silly.

We went right to the quick service restaurant where I ordered the Curry Chicken Cutlet. It was absolutely delicious. I still think about this meal from time to time as I haven't found anything just like it around here.

This looks delicious! I'll have to remember htis.

So at 8 drinks deep, DH became reflective and started talking about Disney and all the things he likes about it. This was totally unprompted by the way. He just started talking on his own. He did mention that he doesn't like how expensive the trip was, but then added that you get what you pay for. (Yup, I totally agree. Disney ain't no Six Flags. You won't find buy one get one free admission on a coke can but Disney is a highly superior product.) He also said that World Showcase is his favorite because of all the hard work and planning and detail that clearly went into it. So apparently all I needed to do all this time was just get some drink in him and he'd start pouring his little Disney-loving heart out Unfortunately, even though he clearly has an appreciation for WDW, he definitely isn't desperate to go back anytime soon. He knows that I want to take the baby while she's still free and he's on the fence about her still being too young at 3. I, of course, disagree, and we'll see how things go. But in my head, I'm already started to mull over the possibilities for a late fall trip in 2017 when she's 2 and a half...

Please, please, please encourage him to look at the many TR's that have infants and toddlers. Mine, @Dugette's and so many others out there. The smaller they are the easier that's for sure. But oh my gosh, the money you'll be saving if you take them under 3. It really isn't difficult at all, especially with you being a great planner, you could make the perfect schedule for you guys. Agh, I hope he changes his mind.

Love this.

I got mint chocolate chip ice cream in a waffle cone and it was yummy. Although after seeing pictures of the snack that @Leshaface had in her TR, I am wishing I had been more adventurous and tried it on the Brioche bun. Oh well, must go back!

Yours looks really good though. But the brioche is just fantastic!

And not being very stealthy about it I might add

Uh rubbernecking perhaps?!

DRINK #10: Bourdeaux ($8.50)

Ooh this looks good too.

What I didn't know when I took this picture was that I was capturing the last few moments of this poor little guy's life! A second after I snapped this, DH reached for him and as he tried to hurry away to safety he actually fell into the water! We looked over the railing and actually saw it flailing around in the water (Can salamanders swim? I don't even know!) A moment later we saw one of DH's beloved ducks making a beeline for the lizard and a few moments after that the duck devoured him! It all happened so fast and was so bizarre and kind of sad but also kind of cool to see nature in action like that. Of course, none of this would have happened if DH hadn't drunkenly attacked the salamander. And then once our shock wore off we were both hysterical laughing, like, what just happened!?

OH MY GOSH! So I feel really bad, but I DIED laughing!! DH was in the room so I told him and he thought that was so hilarious! I can actually see how the whole thing went down and i'm still laughing Poor little guy. At least you got a picture of him before he took the plunge.

RIP Epcot Salamander

We were still laughing our butts off when these three guys came over to us and asked us to take their picture. I took the camera and as I'm photographing them I realize that one of them is wearing a t-shirt with his own face on it. There was something written too but I don't remember what it was and didn't write it down, but I do remember it was strange. Then I noticed one of them was holding a doll. So I had to ask what that was about. He showed me the doll up close and I commented that it looked a lot like James Franco. Well, DUH, he explained, that's because it IS James Franco! They told me they have an Instagram account for the doll and the real James Franco follows them. I asked them if this picture would get posted on the account and they said maybe. Well, I checked later and while the account does exist (I linked it above) the picture I took never made it on to the site! Boo!

Okay that is just the weirdest thing ever.

DRINK #11: Guinness (I didn't write down the price! Ugh!!!!! I'm going to guess it was around $8.50)

I can't believe he's drinking a Guinness at this point

He has noooooooooo clue that some of his drink is missing
I mean... may be missing.

I think it was better in the long run. You were just being a good DW at that point

We had just left Canada to trek all the way to the bathrooms at the entrance to WS and were now trekking all the way back so DH could get his final drink. It was still raining and thundering so we hurried to the drink kiosk in front of the pavilion and found the CMs closing up the cart! DH tried to order a beer, even though the cart was almost completely covered up already and the CMs told him that they had to close due to the thunder (Flashback to Norway when they did the same exact thing). We asked where else he could get a drink in Canada and they said... nowhere. Inside Le Cellier was the only other option. Which really wasn't an option.

No freakin' way!!!! I never would have called this at all.

And I had a mix of feelings. On one hand I felt bad for him and was disappointed, but on the other hand, I was okay with him NOT drinking another drink... He was devastated but I told him we could come back later. He wasn't really comforted. (I think I waited a little while before pointing out that if we had skipped the African Outpost like I suggested this wouldn't have happened )

I do feel kind of bad that he wasn't able to complete his mission. Do I see another trip in the future?

DH fed the ducks and fish for a while which seemed to cheer him up (Is he my husband or child? )

Whatever works!

Our server explained that the chicken and the pizza came out of two different kitchens. Well okay... then time it better?

Yeah, that's just strange. And not professional

Gorgeous.

He did have 11 drinks, and there are 11 countries, and he survived without throwing up or passing out, so I'll call that a win

A massive win! I can't believe he drank all that, for reals. But I did have a flashback to your Honeymoon and I remember you saying he was able to have tons to drink there at that resort.

If only we hadn't wasted so much time looking for a bathroom in Canada, if only DH hadn't stopped to feed the ducks, if only we didn't take pictures of the James Franco doll people...

It totally was their fault! And if the Salamander hadn't made an appearance on that post, you maybe wouldn't have gone over to look at it and a life may have been saved

We had a really fun day together and we still tell stories and laugh about it, and to me that's what Disney is all about anyway: making special memories to last a lifetime

Totally, what an awesome day you two had, just the two of you.

**I made a Vine of DH drinking around the world. I'd never really used Vine before so I didn't totally know what I was doing. I think it came out pretty well EXCEPT that I totally forgot we didn't finish it because I was saving time at the end for Canada! So when I realized it the next morning I just filmed DH doing jazz hands as if to say "Look! I survived!" It's a totally ridiculous ending because we're clearly somewhere else (I filmed it at the AoA bus stop) and he's wearing different clothes. I was mad that he ruined my vine by not finishing the challenge! I wonder if there was a way for me to just end it without actually finishing filming, but like I said I really don't know how to use vine. Oh well!

YES!! Love it and the jazz hands is the perfect ending.


Okay wait, how was DH that night and the next morning???

Love the details.

I talked to a CM and asked if it was really a 90 minute wait and if there was a reason why it was already so backed up when the park only opened 15 minutes ago. He said yes, and then pointed to the long line and said not-nicely, "Because of all these people."

nstead we doubled back to ToT which had a posted 13 minute wait and we walked right into the library and then right into a half empty elevator. The ride was fantastic and we dropped so hard and fast I was off my seat first thing. I just love ToT so much. The theme, the music, the special effects.. it's all perfect.

At least ToT made up for that nonsense.

Good work!

OMG Have you guys seen the trailer for the new Muppets TV show coming to ABC this fall? (Okay, I sound like a promo... )

I just watched it now thanks for posting that! I'm pretty excited now! Although I was kind of hoping it was going to be along the lines of the original Muppet Show, but i know it's different times now.

S and I got our beloved buffalo chicken nuggets. I wish I could eat these so badly right now. Forget the fact that I'm not in WDW, but super-pregnant me cannot handle spicy food without major heartburn. How I miss my buffalo sauce... I'm still staring at this picture torturing myself. Ugh. It was so yummy!

Those really do look so yummy!

While I made the right choice and got the SUPER SCRUMPTIOUS AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS BEST-CUPCAKE-ON-THE-PLANET OLAF CUPCAKE!

I think I'll let my house get this dirty and then just tell people we're theming the house like Tower of Terror

Or just stop cleaning in August so it will look super cool by the time Halloween comes

 

[kastoney]

His response was, "Why would we go for food & wine with a baby?" I'm okay with that answer because it wasn't a NO! It's a step in the right direction!!

What he doesn't know is food and wine is perfect for a baby/toddler. Hello nap time in the stroller ; )

He was devastated but I told him we could come back later

So close, yet so far away

I thought the pizza was just okay too. I've had much better Italian food at home. I suppose that's one of the perks of living in this area

We love the via napoli, too bad yours was just ok. Clearly your pizza selections at home trump DC ; )

As we left WS, DH didn't ask to get that last drink from Canada and I certainly wasn't going to suggest it. He did have 11 drinks, and there are 11 countries, and he survived without throwing up or passing out, so I'll call that a win

I made a Vine of DH drinking around the world.

This is cool, gonna have to figure out how to do that. Of course the jazz hands makes it all.

What better time to take pictures of the room than on your last day when everything is a mess?

For 4 people in a room for a week, I think your room was pretty darn clean

Soon it was our turn and we drew Pluto!

These look great.

I love how at the end of this it's like looking back in time at WDW in the early 90's

That is my favorite park. You'd think 25 years later they could update this thing. But of course at this rate, in about another years the fashion should just cycle right back.

OMG Have you guys seen the trailer for the new Muppets TV show coming to ABC this fall? (Okay, I sound like a promo...

My hubby is so excited about this, guess I'll be watching too ; )

S and I got our beloved buffalo chicken nuggets. I wish I could eat these so badly right now.

Mmmmm, I'm a sucker for all things buffalo too. Shouldn't be too long now before you can eat them again.

 

[heathsf]

I believe the CM at RnRC had been warned about your behavior and just didn't want you riding his attraction.........

Hahaha, maybe!

Hope you're feeling OK! I remember those last few days before "birth" day Nervous, excited, uncomfortable and hungry lol!

I'm feeling great. I really can't complain about being uncomfortable...except for the few days last week that were in the 80s. I think I got really lucky with an easy pregnancy. I'm still enjoying it and sort of sad for it to end, but I am so excited to meet baby! My due date is only 6 days away

I'm shocked that your DH got this actually. Didn't think he was into these types of dishes. But it does look really good and light for a hot day!

I would never order it but he's a much more adventurous eater than I am. He just stays away from mushrooms and olives, but anything else, he's game!

DH is the same way! He had a bbq bacon cheeseburger like 15 years ago from Carls JR and he got sick and threw all that up and still remembers the taste of it crazy2 so he hasn't gone near one since. Me? I got food poisoning from a Burrito Supreme at Taco Bell a while back and still eat it all the time

I actually know what Carls Jr is!!!! We don't have any out here but when we went to LA a year and a half ago my friend and her husband took us there for some fast food after our plane landed. I had never heard of it before. It was pretty good but I liked In N Out better Oh wait..what were we talking about? Food poisoning?

Or he tried the Beverly over at Club Cool

That is a total Beverly face!!

I had this but the Dark Chocolate one and it was perfect.

I bet that was amazing too. Yummmm

Please, please, please encourage him to look at the many TR's that have infants and toddlers. Mine, @Dugette's and so many others out there. The smaller they are the easier that's for sure. But oh my gosh, the money you'll be saving if you take them under 3. It really isn't difficult at all, especially with you being a great planner, you could make the perfect schedule for you guys. Agh, I hope he changes his mind.

I think I have a 0% chance of getting him to look at any TRs but I have told him about reading yours and others. I really do think I will be able to convince him when the time gets closer though. He seems to think that the entire trip would be lost on a 2.5 - 3 year old but I'd hope that once future DD is closer to that age he will feel differently. Plus... on our trip in 2011 he declared we wouldn't go back until we had kids and I was still able to squeeze one more trip out of him Also, I heard that when I'm in the throes of labor I can get pretty much whatever I want out of him

OH MY GOSH! So I feel really bad, but I DIED laughing!! DH was in the room so I told him and he thought that was so hilarious! I can actually see how the whole thing went down and i'm still laughing Poor little guy. At least you got a picture of him before he took the plunge.

It really was ridiculously funny. It cracks me up that you read it to Dan and he was laughing too. And we still talk about it all the time.

Okay that is just the weirdest thing ever.

I know!

I can't believe he's drinking a Guinness at this point

I can't believe he was standing! Although...he almost wasn't

I think it was better in the long run. You were just being a good DW at that point

Yup, that's me, a good wife! I'll support my hubby drinking himself into a stupor if it means I get a WDW vacation out of it!

No freakin' way!!!! I never would have called this at all.

It really was an unexpected ending, wasn't it?

I do feel kind of bad that he wasn't able to complete his mission. Do I see another trip in the future?

He actually has said that he wants to do it again and finish it "for real."

A massive win! I can't believe he drank all that, for reals. But I did have a flashback to your Honeymoon and I remember you saying he was able to have tons to drink there at that resort.

Hmm... You may be thinking of our Punta Cana trip a few years back. He came in 2nd place in a drinking contest at the resort, but that was more of a speed thing. And you have an amazing memory if you actually remembered that because it was almost 3 years ago!

YES!! Love it and the jazz hands is the perfect ending.

Okay wait, how was DH that night and the next morning???

Honestly, he was fine the next morning. And we had to get up really early too. There must have been hangover-curing pixie dust in those drinks because I thought for sure he would be miserable but he really wasn't. As for the night before... he was drunk for sure. I actually asked him the other night when I wrote the update if he remembered dinner at Via Napoli, and he remembered it in better detail than I did. He was acting like a fool throughout dinner, but he remembered it He can handle his liquor pretty well and it helped that we did it over so many hours. I honestly think I would be hospitalized if I drank as much as he did.

Or just stop cleaning in August so it will look super cool by the time Halloween comes

Good idea!

What he doesn't know is food and wine is perfect for a baby/toddler. Hello nap time in the stroller ; )

Agreed!

We love the via napoli, too bad yours was just ok. Clearly your pizza selections at home trump DC ; )

I was really disappointed because I had heard so many great things about it. I would try it again.

I showed this to DH and he laughed Then he said he was going to do it again and finish. So maybe there's hope for a F&W trip after all!

This is cool, gonna have to figure out how to do that. Of course the jazz hands makes it all.

The basics of Vine are pretty simple. I just don't know how you can edit or do anything besides take a 6 second video. If you download the app on your phone it basically walks you through the first steps though.

That is my favorite park. You'd think 25 years later they could update this thing. But of course at this rate, in about another years the fashion should just cycle right back.

Neon is totally making a comeback right now!

 

[heathsf]

Episode 57

The One with a First and a Last​

After that last ride on ToT DH and I met up with M and S who were saving us seats at the 1 o'clock Beauty and the Beast Stage Show - which I had NEVER SEEN BEFORE! Yup, pretty crazy right? Since Beauty and the Beast is M's favorite Disney movie, seeing this was a must for her and I was excited to finally see it myself. They grabbed us seats right behind where this guy was controlling the sound or lighting or both (or something else?) so that was pretty cool to see, plus it meant that that there was no one right in front of us which was nice.

Because it was my first time and I was excited, I took many photos. The show was great, although I felt like anyone watching who didn't know the BATB storyline might be confused since they skip so much to make it fit the timeframe. But I'm sure 99% of people who go to Disney have seen the movie or at least know what it's about.

So pretty!

The show must have worked up DH's appetite because he wanted a snack afterwards. I think he had the most snack credits left over out of all of us. He opted for a chocolate covered frozen banana.

M wanted some fruit. I forget what she was looking for but I do remember that she didn't find it.

I don't know why I took a picture of this sign, except maybe to remind myself that I would love to buy in one day

We had time for one last attraction, and what better way to end the trip than with... [cue the water works ]

I've been in here before but in between these last 2 trips I really started reading/watching more about Walt's history and Disneyland and Disney World and I just appreciated everything in here so much more. I was loving looking at everything but I was so overwhelmed with sadness at it being our last day. I was having a seriously hard time with this trip coming to an end, I think I told every CM we talked to this day that I didn't want to leave and could I please stay. I'm a weirdo.

DH, M, and S were miles ahead of me looking at the displays. I was just trying to take it all in. I found them waiting for the movie to start so we went in to watch that all together. The show was wonderful. The only problem was I didn't realize that you exit right from the theater and I wasn't done looking at everything inside yet! I suppose I could have gone back in but the truth was we really didn't have time I'll have to go back and finish another time. It was definitely a fitting last attraction of the trip.

We did a little bit of shopping as I still had to buy a t-shirt for my mom and we went to Sweet Spells to use up the rest of our snack credits.

Here's what I got to take home with me. I wanted to be able to enjoy the Disney magic back in NJ.

Unfortunately, I waited WAY too long to eat the last cookie and rice crispy and they were both disgustingly stale. So don't try to prolong the magic for too long people, it doesn't work!

We left the park at 2:45 since the ME was picking us up at 3:45 and we didn't want to cut it too close. One last time we headed back to AoA.

 

[heathsf]

Episode 58

The One with an Unexpectedly Magical Ending
​

We got back to AoA at 3:00 and had some time to spare. We browsed the Ink and Paint Shop and I bought 2 magnets which are currently on our fridge and make me happy when I look at them

DH bought a shot glass for his collection

After shopping, we walked back into the lobby and discovered a most unexpected, magical thing was happening.
THERE WERE CHARACTERS EVERYWHERE!

I had never seen anything like this before! Stitch, Pluto, Rafiki, Donald, Baloo, and King Louie were greeting and there was hardly anyone around. We were able to just walk up to whoever we wanted and take pictures and chill with them. I was practically jumping up and down with excitement. Even DH was thrilled as his two faves were there. This was absolutely freakin' miraculous and it was happening just minutes before we had to get on the ME and leave. What are the chances of this working out so perfectly? I was starstruck. Was this even real life? Could there have been a better ending to this trip!?

DH and Stitch make a perfect pair, they're both so mischievous. I don't remember what was happening here but Stitch is clearly laughing at him in the second picture.

We hung out in this area until it was time for the characters to leave. They waved good-bye to the very small crowd of guests in the lobby and marched out the front door. I asked a CM if this happens frequently and she told me she'd never seen it before, but apparently sometimes the characters will come to AoA instead of going to Epcot during bad weather. My guess would have been that they were training, but who knows? And who cares? That was the best ending to a trip ever. I honestly couldn't even be sad anymore. Okay that's a lie, I was still sad. But I was less sad.

I took some pictures of the now empty lobby.

Then we went outside to get our bags and wait for the Tragical Express. DH found an easel with instructions for how to draw Nemo. Clearly it was intended for children but that didn't stop him. (Nor should it have! This is WDW after all! )

It actually came out really well I think

We still had a little bit of time to wait so I took more pictures.

I took this intending for it to be the last picture of the trip

But I couldn't resist taking just one more on the bus of DH. Because this to me looks like someone who is sad to be leaving Disney.

Don't worry DH, we'll be back sooner than you think

 

[SimplyGoofy]

That's too bad that you ran out of time at One Man's Dream - there's so many great things to see there.

THAT'S AWESOME about the characters showing up in the lobby! What a treat! I don't believe I've ever seen King Louie out and about before (although I think I have spotted Baloo). What a great way to end the trip!

I'm sure you'll be going back before long.

 

[heathsf]

I can't believe I did it! I somehow managed to finish this trip report before the baby came! (Thank goodness for maternity leave)

Thank you to everyone who has been following along. It's been so much fun reliving this trip and I'm a little sad that it's over. Hopefully you'll see me back in just a couple of years writing another one In the meantime, if you have your own TR that I'm not already following, please make sure that I know about it so I can keep in touch.

I wanted to share some personal updates too. I've pretty much been pregnant throughout writing this entire TR (save for a couple of weeks in the beginning) and it's sort of funny that the TR is ending right around the same time as my pregnancy. I'm only 6 days away from my due date although I have the feeling that baby isn't in a hurry to get here and may not make an appearance until after that.

Side Note: Can someone please let me know if my pictures are rotated in all different directions? They were all right-side-up when I uploaded them. Then in photobucket they looked sideways and upside-down so I rotated them and they all look correct in photobucket, but are posting sideways and upside-down in the TR. I don't know if it's just on my end or if they're rotated for everyone else too. I don't know what to do since in photobucket they all look right!

I took this picture a week ago although not much has changed since then

I can't remember if I mentioned it anywhere else in the TR but M is also pregnant and due 8 days after me. But she is having a scheduled C-Section at 39 weeks, which happens to be the day after my due date! What are the chances!? S swears that we will have our babies on the same day, although I'm not so sure. I think her baby will come first. But we'll see!

I had a baby shower a month ago that was, of course, Winnie the Pooh themed! My mother-in-law threw the shower with the help of my two sister-in-laws (one of whom is also pregnant - with her second!) and my mom took care of the decorations.

I also wanted to share some updated pictures of the baby's room now that it's complete. I had posted the pictures of the painting my mom did a few months ago. At the shower she surprised us with a hand-painted bookcase to match. We had no idea she was working on this and it came out absolutely amazing. I am obsessed with it.

Thanks again to those who are still reading along. I do plan to share the news here when the baby arrives so you can keep an eye out.

 

[SimplyGoofy]

Good luck in your last few days (hopefully!) of pregnancy!

Your nursery is ADORABLE! The bookcase and the wall mural is gorgeous. Your mom does beautiful work!

Thank you so much for sharing your trip report - it was so much fun to read!

 

[heathsf]

That's too bad that you ran out of time at One Man's Dream - there's so many great things to see there.

Oh well Next time!

THAT'S AWESOME about the characters showing up in the lobby! What a treat! I don't believe I've ever seen King Louie out and about before (although I think I have spotted Baloo). What a great way to end the trip!

I know!

I'm sure you'll be going back before long.

It's definitely going to be a couple of years, but I'm sure time will fly with a baby keeping us busy

Good luck in your last few days (hopefully!) of pregnancy!

Thank you!

Your nursery is ADORABLE! The bookcase and the wall mural is gorgeous. Your mom does beautiful work!

Thanks. She is seriously talented.

Thank you so much for sharing your trip report - it was so much fun to read!

Thank you, that means so much to me
I can't wait to read all about your trip in your TR! I'm counting on you to give me the Disney fix I need between trips!

 

[kastoney]

He opted for a chocolate covered frozen banana.

This totally looks like a picture my hubby would take

I was having a seriously hard time with this trip coming to an end, I think I told every CM we talked to this day that I didn't want to leave and could I please stay. I'm a weirdo.

Weirdo? Sounds completely sane to me

Unfortunately, I waited WAY too long to eat the last cookie and rice crispy and they were both disgustingly stale. So don't try to prolong the magic for too long people, it doesn't work!

Been there done that myself. Prolonging magic and rice krispie treats do not mix.

DH bought a shot glass for his collection

Only a WDW lover would really buy a shot glass ; )

THERE WERE CHARACTERS EVERYWHERE!

I've never even heard of this before. What great pixie dust.

But I couldn't resist taking just one more on the bus of DH. Because this to me looks like someone who is sad to be leaving Disney.

He clearly loves the place, he's just in a bit of denial.

Thanks for letting us follow along on your trip and more important your pregnancy. You look great and the babies room is beautiful. As I'm sure everyone has told you life as you know it will never be the same, in only the most amazing ways. And just think your next trip to the world will be as a Mom. Seeing the disney magic through a childs eye will even soften you DH's heart ; ) Keep up posted on the baby.

 

[Indychick]

Love, love, love your trip report! This was great and congrats to you!!!

 

[bama belle]

I have really enjoyed reading your trip report! The nursery is gorgeous! I hope you have a safe and easy labor and delivery and I can't wait to see pics of your sweet baby girl!

 

[BlvInMagic]

GREAT trip report! Lots of fun to follow along on your adventures together. You guys looked like you had an AMAZING TIME! All the best to you as you prepare to welcome your sweet baby to the world