Touring the Tower of Terror and other Ghoulish Delights! Sept 13 TR | FINALx2 4/17!!!

[DisneyKid4Life]

Haha, clearly Matt's alone time was time well spent.

Oh Dani, how cruel posting a picture of Disney nugs. Now I'm drooling. Best nugs EVER!

Awwww that is such a great PP spot there in almost France. Seriously how cute are you two????? Plus you didn't even release the "princess hip" during your smooch. Plus Plus, Matt jumped right into his new shirt.

OMG this is the second Lilo outfit sighting I've seen in a TR in the last couple of days. Were they at Ohana's that day? So cute.

By the look on Matt's face with the American Dream in hand, clearly he didn't get "pooped on". (You see how much I pay attention ).

Yes, I love that little spontaneous meet and greet. It's kind of like Characterpalooza but not.

I think a person has to do Ellen's Energy Adventure at least once, so I'm so glad you finally did. I'd go on it more if it wasn't so darn long.

Haha, that monorail ramp is much worse when there's a monorail waiting that you want to catch.

AHHHH SECOND DRINK!!!! I miss The Office!

A Disney Classic for the first time??? Ooh I'm intrigued.

 

[dreamseeker9]

You and Mickey matched really well!

Where did you find those attraction poster fridge magnets? I've been looking for some great Disney magnets for awhile now to put on my fridge, but I haven't seen those online or in a Disney store. I love the ones you bought!

 

[littlelovebug]

Hi Dani! I read your last TR before going to Disney Sept 18-24, 2013. I'm a little late but I've spent the past two days getting caught up on this TR! I was in Epcot on the day you're currently writing about, and I remember seeing you from a distance!!! I'm pretty sure we were somewhere in Future World because we had dinner at the Garden Grill that day. I immediately texted my friend Amy (tangledwithtwo)who was in AK that day and said, "OMG I just saw Dani!" It was like a real celebrity sighting for sure! Lol. Believe me, if I wouldn't have had to run through the crowd like an idiot, I definitely would have been one of those people who come up to you gushing about how wonderful you are! I can't wait to read more updates! I don't have a new ticker yet (actually I just realized my one from last year is still there...better fix that!) but I'm 99.9876788% sure we're going back at the end of September this year. This is the perfect way to get me pumped up!

 

[emmysmommy]

Wow, wow, wow!!! That TOT tour (and pardon me for being guilty of being one of those who was definitely looking forward to those posts) sounds awesome! I love all the photos and details that you shared. My DD pointed out the seer machine doo-hicky once and sure enough I'd seen that Twilight zone episode. It's odd when a teenager is such a fan of the vintage Twilight Zones that they can spot those props. I'll have to look for the dummy next time. (In CA they have a 'body' under the stairway by some boxes. You can see the legs sticking out from the floor. Most people walk by and don't see it.)

That American Dream looks like something refreshing to add to my snack list for Epcot. Of course your funnel cake from America is also on the list.

Even though Ellen's Universe of Energy is pretty old school I still like the dinosaur scenes. And of course Stupid Judy!

 

[JDUB]

Love the pics with the kids - we caught some characters between UK and IG Bridge. My DW and I was excited to see some many characters without lines.
I also finally rode Ellen this past trip. Love the AC and rest for my feet.

 

[khertz]

Getting caught up on updates...I was a few behind after a long Mardi Gras weekend!

The ToT tour looks absolutely AMAZING!! That's pretty cool that it wasn't just a tour of the attraction, but also lots of info about DHS. I love stuff like that! Even when maybe 75% is stuff you already know, it's so worth it for the other 25% that you didn't.

I always knew they created all of the dust and cobwebs, but I didn't know it was made from hot glue! Very cool. It's so crazy the amount of detail they put in there that guests can't even see from the queue! How lucky that you were there during this LTM and that you won! What a cool experience!

Jen's girls are so adorable in their Lilo dresses! Looks like a fun day with them at Epcot. We have never seen these roving characters in World Showcase. I guess we need to spend more time there!! Those are the ones in training, right?

We haven't done Ellen in a long time because DS is just too wiggly for such a long attraction. But it is good cheesy fun.

 

[oscarsmummy]

I have never been in Ellen's ride, I think have to make it a must do this trip it's the 45 minutes that I find daunting but this time it's happening. I have never seen characters in training is there a time of day they come out usually ? Love the kakagori so much , in fact I just love works showcase full stop . Great updates as usual

 

[cinderellaurora]

Hi Dani!

I'm a long-time lurker on the DisBoards & have so far only posted comments on Lia's/__disneygirl's last 2 trip reports, so I thought it was time to post some comments elsewhere!! I have been slowly making my way through not only this trip report of yours, but also your last "Showboating around the world" report (which I've now finished)!

I'm not sure how I managed to miss your trip reports for so long, but I'm really glad I eventually found them as they are so enjoyable & you & Matt are such an adorable couple!

Obviously there is WAY too much for me to comment on, but I hope you won't mind if I share a few thoughts here for your "Showboating" report as well as for this one...

For starters, Bruce & Amy seem such fun friends! I'm so sorry they both got sick on the trip though...My mum & I both got sick when we were at Disney World last May & it sucks. I could totally sympathise with Amy's tears because I reached that point too Anyhow, I'm glad the sickness didn't spoil the holiday for them.

I LOVE that there are so many photos of the Beach Club in your reports - My family & I stayed there for the 1st time last year & all fell in love with it - SUCH a beautiful resort! In fact all your photos are wonderful - Not just the ones of the Beach Club!

Your ride photos are fab! The Dinosaur one in your last report is an absolute classic! I laughed so hard - You are a star for posting it!

I can't remember if I read it in your last report or this one (penalty of reading the 2 reports simultaneously!) that the Beach Club lobby smell is Bath & Bodyworks' Rainkissed Leaves -That was really interesting! - Particularly because at the end of last year's vacation we spent a few nights at the Florida Hotel & Conference Center (Florida Mall) & the toiletries in the bathrooms there are Bath & Bodyworks' Rainkissed Leaves!! I thought the smell was familiar, & now I know why!!

Sticking with this report now - it's so wonderful that the DisBoards brought you & Matt together with Jenn's family...& what a lovely family they are! I have also started reading Jenn's latest report & plan to comment on there too at some point!

Your Halloween costume was so original & looked really great! Matt made a fab Ralph too!

I really enjoyed reading about the Tower of Terror tour - I agree that the detail Disney adds is just incredible. I must confess that I'm one of those who doesn't ride the ToT...I did ride it (twice!) in 1996 when there were only 2 drops & that was just enough for my nerves (& tummy!) to take! When they started making the drop sequences random, I knew I wouldn't be able to ride it again for fear of getting multiple drops! I'm so glad I did at least get to ride it a couple of times though as it is SO much more than just a drop ride!

Finally (for now!) - I've watched your last 2 videos & you did an amazing job with them!

Thank you for everything you've written so far & I look forward to reading more! (I've made a start on your Jan.2012 report too!)

Very best wishes,
Siân.xx

 

[pirateprincess1976]

I'm was so behind but I finally caught up with your TR. OMG I love that story about how you and Matt met and married. So sweet, you guys are such a cute couple. And your halloween costume was AMAZING! So creative! Ahhhhhhh and a behind the scenes tour of the Tower of Terror!!!!!! I would die that's so unbelievably cool! OMG and that bellhop justin, I've totally had him before on the Tower, he is the BEST!!!!!

 

[lala5176]

Hi there. I just finished reading up to date on your September 2013 trip report. You guys are great. I read your posts and am laughing out loud so much that my kids want to know what I'm reading.
I actually read your very first trip report a few years back and while looking for new reports to read as we are planning a new trip soon I came across yours and remembered you guys from your pictures. Please keep up the good work and I really appreciate your love of all things Disney. We are Disney world addicted!!!! Thanks for all the smiles brought to my day!!!!

 

[Smile_4213]

Hi! I'm usually a lurker and typically pick random trip reports to read between trips to Disney. I've read one of your other trip reports and was excited to read this one once I found it because I realized we were there at the same time! I typically don't post but I had to share something with you that I find totally hilarious. The day you posted about your quick trip into Magic Kingdom on the 13th to get the Haunted Mansion Dooney you posted a pic of your wait in line behind another young woman. I met that young woman through another Disney blog and she was on her way to meet up with us for the first time after she also purchased the Haunted Mansion Dooney. She showed it to me while we waited together to meet and get photos with Tinker Bell to "document" our first meet! Had I not randomly selected to read this trip report, I would've never made that connection...it's amazing how the world works like that! Just thought it was funny and I had to share with you!

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

That TOT tour was so sweet. We were there when Disney was giving away tours of the castle but neither of us won

I'm glad you like the Beach Club, we are staying there in May for SWW and I am pretty excited about the pool.

 

[danimaroo]

Voices of Liberty are SO STUNNINGLY AMAZING and sooo much better than the American Adventure show. Which I mostly slept through, oops. And even though it’s super cheesy I appreciate all of that because Walt was so into Americana, so I think he would really like it. Anyway make sure you see Voices of Liberty sometime! They are breathtaking!

Wow, WHAT @ your funnel cake. I don’t even... I am such a sugar person but like I think that would actually make me sick. I wonder if anyone could actually eat that whole thing without crashing. The slab of ice cream on top is so funny, I’ve never seen anything like that!

I relate to Matt saying “Hello beautiful” to his school bread LOL. I sometimes endearingly talk to my food. I’m in love with it and it should know about all the affection I feel.

Wow, I did not know this tour began at the front of the park! What a bonus on top of the already amazing tour of ToT itself! You are one lucky girl!!!

Honestly, even though it's not literally a working studio, you are getting that on studio experience. There are literally certain places that are close to identical to lots or sound stages I have been on. Like, when I started working on sets I'd be like, "This looks like Disney." LOL Almost every Disney attraction is lit like a film set. A LOT of places within the parks are just built like that in general, but obviously with DHS having the theme it does, it's over abundant there. Besides the fact that it's a working restaurant and there are no cameras, Sci Fi is pretty much exactly a film set! It's SO cool.

AHH this whole thing sounds amazing, I am DYING. It's upsetting that the only backstage tour of Hollywood Studios is The Backstage Magic Tour, which is only partly DHS and costs like $300! All the other parks have a few individual tours each...sigh.

I knew a few of these facts due to my ToT obsession, but I had no idea about those chairs! I need to go look at that next time I'm at the Met!!!

I can't believe they just let you freely roam. I think I would have been crying and passing out on the floor so I would have missed this section of the tour. THANK YOU for covering this tour so well because it is my dream to do something like this so I truly appreciate it!

BUT SERIOUSLY I know the chicken nuggets are perfection. My stomach just growled thinking about them.

I take photos in that spot every trip too. They all look the same but I can't help it! I just want that to be my house.

I also love Ellen's Energy Adventure! I always have! When I was 12 I made my parents go on it twice and my dad was SO mad because he wanted to spend more time in World Showcase, which I didn't fully appreciate at that age. I was just like I LOVE ELLEN AND YOU WILL DEAL. Her animatronic is by far the worst one at Disney World, though. It's comically bad!

I really want to see Voices of Liberty... Hopefully next trip!

Yeah, that funnel cake was intense, but really good. Just never in a million years do I think anyone could actually finish it on their own.

Hahaha, I'm glad you share that with Matt. It was just so funny and out of the blue that it had me cracking up. But sometimes food just needs to be talked to.

Yes, it was pretty darn snazzy! I wasn't sure what it would be like, but definitely appreciated the extra fun facts we learned along the way.

That's kind of awesome to know! It actually makes me appreciate DHS a bit more, honestly. And also, we need to go eat at Sci Fi!

Yeah, honestly, that tour should just be offered in general. I mean, on one hand, YAY for getting to do a tour that not many people do, but on the other hand... So many people would pay for a tour like that!

Please let me know if you find them at the Met. I thought that was SUCH a cool fact about them.

When they told us we were allowed to just walk around, I was like WHAT?! I couldn't believe it. I didn't even know where to start! But of course, I started taking as many photos as I could, and just really tried to take it all in. But I'm glad you enjoyed it so much! I was like whipping out my phone to take little notes, hahaha.

Hahaha, we have so many photos from that spot it's ridiculous, but I love it! I like pretending I'm in France with Matt, ooh la la.

That's so funny about Ellen. I really did enjoy it! It was perfect timing to get out of the sun for a bit, so maybe that helped my appreciation. But still... that animatronic IS terrible.

Lilo dresses?!?!?! I can't even....geeze! Love!

Also, I would like the exact amount of a "crap-ton". Ya know, for accuracy sake.

I know, how cute are those kids, right?!

Hahaha, umm, I am just not sure... IT'S A LOT. LIKE INFINITE AMOUNTS!

Haha, clearly Matt's alone time was time well spent.

Oh Dani, how cruel posting a picture of Disney nugs. Now I'm drooling. Best nugs EVER!

Awwww that is such a great PP spot there in almost France. Seriously how cute are you two????? Plus you didn't even release the "princess hip" during your smooch. Plus Plus, Matt jumped right into his new shirt.

OMG this is the second Lilo outfit sighting I've seen in a TR in the last couple of days. Were they at Ohana's that day? So cute.

By the look on Matt's face with the American Dream in hand, clearly he didn't get "pooped on". (You see how much I pay attention ).

Yes, I love that little spontaneous meet and greet. It's kind of like Characterpalooza but not.

I think a person has to do Ellen's Energy Adventure at least once, so I'm so glad you finally did. I'd go on it more if it wasn't so darn long.

Haha, that monorail ramp is much worse when there's a monorail waiting that you want to catch.

AHHHH SECOND DRINK!!!! I miss The Office!

A Disney Classic for the first time??? Ooh I'm intrigued.

Haha it sure was!!

I know, writing this trip report has at times been TORTUROUS. Oy vey. I look forward to eating chicken nugs again.

Aww thank you! And yes, never lose the princess hip/skinny arm. NEVER! Hahaha. And I'm glad you noticed that Matt wore that shirt, too! Haha.

I think they went that morning! I'm pretty sure of it, going back to Jenn's amazing family video they just finished.

Hahaha, he did NOT get pooped on. I'm glad you remembered that incident SO WELL from my other TR.

I agree, that's my favorite little secret area for meeting characters!

Everyone has to see the worst animatronic of Ellen ever... EVERYONE! I would do it again though on a hot day, no doubt.

Oh my gosh, you're right. You see the monorail leaving and you try to run up the ramp and it's not happening on day 9... The saddest thing.

YES! I'm glad you recall that from The Office, hahaha. It's so true.. and I miss it a lot.

You and Mickey matched really well!

Where did you find those attraction poster fridge magnets? I've been looking for some great Disney magnets for awhile now to put on my fridge, but I haven't seen those online or in a Disney store. I love the ones you bought!

I know, I didn't even plan it, but it was kind of perfect! I was Disneybounding without even trying.

Matt found them at I believe Villains in Vogue? I'm not entirely sure! But they're fantastic little magnets. Hopefully you can find them in the parks!

Hi Dani! I read your last TR before going to Disney Sept 18-24, 2013. I'm a little late but I've spent the past two days getting caught up on this TR! I was in Epcot on the day you're currently writing about, and I remember seeing you from a distance!!! I'm pretty sure we were somewhere in Future World because we had dinner at the Garden Grill that day. I immediately texted my friend Amy (tangledwithtwo)who was in AK that day and said, "OMG I just saw Dani!" It was like a real celebrity sighting for sure! Lol. Believe me, if I wouldn't have had to run through the crowd like an idiot, I definitely would have been one of those people who come up to you gushing about how wonderful you are! I can't wait to read more updates! I don't have a new ticker yet (actually I just realized my one from last year is still there...better fix that!) but I'm 99.9876788% sure we're going back at the end of September this year. This is the perfect way to get me pumped up!

Hello!! I'm so glad you've joined in on my TR and that you read my last one!! That's so funny that you saw me from afar!! Seriously. And oh my gosh, I died at the celebrity sighting comment. I'm clearly just some dork who loves Disney and writing about it, hahaha. But that made my day, seriously. I would have LOVED to meet you though!! Darn crowds.

That would be awesome to go back again in September! If you happen to be around the 10th-21st, and you see us, SAY HELLO!! It'll make my day.

Wow, wow, wow!!! That TOT tour (and pardon me for being guilty of being one of those who was definitely looking forward to those posts) sounds awesome! I love all the photos and details that you shared. My DD pointed out the seer machine doo-hicky once and sure enough I'd seen that Twilight zone episode. It's odd when a teenager is such a fan of the vintage Twilight Zones that they can spot those props. I'll have to look for the dummy next time. (In CA they have a 'body' under the stairway by some boxes. You can see the legs sticking out from the floor. Most people walk by and don't see it.)

That American Dream looks like something refreshing to add to my snack list for Epcot. Of course your funnel cake from America is also on the list.

Even though Ellen's Universe of Energy is pretty old school I still like the dinosaur scenes. And of course Stupid Judy!

Haha, don't pardon yourself, I've been DYING to post the darn tour! But it was fantastic and a total blast to go on. That's awesome that she saw the seer machine from that episode! I thought that was SO neat. The dummy is SO creepy, but definitely try to find it. And I've seen a photo of the legs!! I want to find them, but I'll have to go on ToT by myself in DLR since Matt won't go on it. Wompwomp... maybe I will though in May!

It's a fabulous drink to get! Cool and refreshing and delicious!

Hahaha STUPID JUDY! Oh my gosh, I love Ellen so much, so I guess it's not a surprise that I loved the attraction.

Love the pics with the kids - we caught some characters between UK and IG Bridge. My DW and I was excited to see some many characters without lines.
I also finally rode Ellen this past trip. Love the AC and rest for my feet.

Aww yeah, they were very excited! I met Rapunzel over near the IG Bridge in January and I was so happy. She was fabulous and meeting her without a line was pretty awesome.

I agree, I loved the AC and resting my feet for a bit. I will definitely go on it again in the future!

 

[danimaroo]

Getting caught up on updates...I was a few behind after a long Mardi Gras weekend!

The ToT tour looks absolutely AMAZING!! That's pretty cool that it wasn't just a tour of the attraction, but also lots of info about DHS. I love stuff like that! Even when maybe 75% is stuff you already know, it's so worth it for the other 25% that you didn't.

I always knew they created all of the dust and cobwebs, but I didn't know it was made from hot glue! Very cool. It's so crazy the amount of detail they put in there that guests can't even see from the queue! How lucky that you were there during this LTM and that you won! What a cool experience!

Jen's girls are so adorable in their Lilo dresses! Looks like a fun day with them at Epcot. We have never seen these roving characters in World Showcase. I guess we need to spend more time there!! Those are the ones in training, right?

We haven't done Ellen in a long time because DS is just too wiggly for such a long attraction. But it is good cheesy fun.

I loved all of your photos of Mardi Gras! It looked like so much fun!!

It WAS amazing. Seriously, even though I knew some things, learning all of the new stuff was just too cool. And it made me appreciate DHS a lot more than I did before.

Yeah, the glue gun thing was such a fun little detail! I still can't believe I got to do the tour, it was just fantastic.

They are too cute for words, I love them! I feel like we ALWAYS run into the characters in that area. I must have silly luck or something because we've run into them a lot! And yes, they are all in training. Same with the ones over near UK/Canada and over near the International Gateway.

I'd imagine a young one would have a hard time with Ellen! But it is nice for getting out of the sun.

I have never been in Ellen's ride, I think have to make it a must do this trip it's the 45 minutes that I find daunting but this time it's happening. I have never seen characters in training is there a time of day they come out usually ? Love the kakagori so much , in fact I just love works showcase full stop . Great updates as usual

It's definitely long but when you're stuck in the heat forever, it's a fabulous break! And I'm not sure about the time for the characters. I feel like it's usually in the mid-afternoon though.

Oh I so agree! It's the perfect treat for when you're stuck in the sun.

Hi Dani!

I'm a long-time lurker on the DisBoards & have so far only posted comments on Lia's/__disneygirl's last 2 trip reports, so I thought it was time to post some comments elsewhere!! I have been slowly making my way through not only this trip report of yours, but also your last "Showboating around the world" report (which I've now finished)!

I'm not sure how I managed to miss your trip reports for so long, but I'm really glad I eventually found them as they are so enjoyable & you & Matt are such an adorable couple!

Obviously there is WAY too much for me to comment on, but I hope you won't mind if I share a few thoughts here for your "Showboating" report as well as for this one...

For starters, Bruce & Amy seem such fun friends! I'm so sorry they both got sick on the trip though...My mum & I both got sick when we were at Disney World last May & it sucks. I could totally sympathise with Amy's tears because I reached that point too Anyhow, I'm glad the sickness didn't spoil the holiday for them.

I LOVE that there are so many photos of the Beach Club in your reports - My family & I stayed there for the 1st time last year & all fell in love with it - SUCH a beautiful resort! In fact all your photos are wonderful - Not just the ones of the Beach Club!

Your ride photos are fab! The Dinosaur one in your last report is an absolute classic! I laughed so hard - You are a star for posting it!

I can't remember if I read it in your last report or this one (penalty of reading the 2 reports simultaneously!) that the Beach Club lobby smell is Bath & Bodyworks' Rainkissed Leaves -That was really interesting! - Particularly because at the end of last year's vacation we spent a few nights at the Florida Hotel & Conference Center (Florida Mall) & the toiletries in the bathrooms there are Bath & Bodyworks' Rainkissed Leaves!! I thought the smell was familiar, & now I know why!!

Sticking with this report now - it's so wonderful that the DisBoards brought you & Matt together with Jenn's family...& what a lovely family they are! I have also started reading Jenn's latest report & plan to comment on there too at some point!

Your Halloween costume was so original & looked really great! Matt made a fab Ralph too!

I really enjoyed reading about the Tower of Terror tour - I agree that the detail Disney adds is just incredible. I must confess that I'm one of those who doesn't ride the ToT...I did ride it (twice!) in 1996 when there were only 2 drops & that was just enough for my nerves (& tummy!) to take! When they started making the drop sequences random, I knew I wouldn't be able to ride it again for fear of getting multiple drops! I'm so glad I did at least get to ride it a couple of times though as it is SO much more than just a drop ride!

Finally (for now!) - I've watched your last 2 videos & you did an amazing job with them!

Thank you for everything you've written so far & I look forward to reading more! (I've made a start on your Jan.2012 report too!)

Very best wishes,
Siân.xx

Hey there!! I'm so glad you decided to read my TR and comment on it. I hope you enjoyed my last TR, as well!

Thank you so much for the nice comments, and I love hearing your thoughts on our last TR, too!

Bruce and Amy were SO much fun to go with. We are talking about going with them again at some point, because they had such a good trip, too. I hope next trip they don't get sick though!

Oh my goodness, thank you, we LOVE the Beach Club, if you couldn't tell, haha. It's our favorite resort in the world!

Hahaha, thanks. It's not the best photo of me but I HAD to share it! We have no shame, clearly!

YES! Rainkissed Leaves it totally it! I personally discovered it at the Roosevelt during a work trip to NYC. I was taking a shower and suddenly "OH MY GOSH I SMELL LIKE BEACH CLUB!" I was so happy to have found the scent! I bought a ton of lotion and body wash because of course, I had to. I'm stocked up for years! Hahaha.

Aww yay! We love Jenn's family. They are like family to us now.. it's just too bad we're so far away from them!

Thank you so much. I was pretty proud of my costume, and Matt's, as well!

Oh my gosh, Matt understands the ToT thing. He won't go on it anymore... though I'm hoping I can get him on it in September. It's fun to go on it, but I like going with him, hahaha. Then I can squeeze his arm when I'm freaking out! It's pretty intense though!

I'm so happy you watched the videos, too!! I can't wait to make more, they are so much fun. And thank YOU for the wonderful comment!! I hope to see lots more in this TR and future TRs from you.

I'm was so behind but I finally caught up with your TR. OMG I love that story about how you and Matt met and married. So sweet, you guys are such a cute couple. And your halloween costume was AMAZING! So creative! Ahhhhhhh and a behind the scenes tour of the Tower of Terror!!!!!! I would die that's so unbelievably cool! OMG and that bellhop justin, I've totally had him before on the Tower, he is the BEST!!!!!

Aww thank you so much!! I'm glad you're caught up again! The tour was AMAZING and Justin is seriously the best Bellhop ever. You can tell how much he loves his job and has a passion for it.

Hi there. I just finished reading up to date on your September 2013 trip report. You guys are great. I read your posts and am laughing out loud so much that my kids want to know what I'm reading.
I actually read your very first trip report a few years back and while looking for new reports to read as we are planning a new trip soon I came across yours and remembered you guys from your pictures. Please keep up the good work and I really appreciate your love of all things Disney. We are Disney world addicted!!!! Thanks for all the smiles brought to my day!!!!

Hahaha I love your comment! I'm so glad you decided to start reading my TR!! Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment, and I'm glad my TR makes you laugh. Sometimes I find myself over here just laughing at myself, hahaha.

Hi! I'm usually a lurker and typically pick random trip reports to read between trips to Disney. I've read one of your other trip reports and was excited to read this one once I found it because I realized we were there at the same time! I typically don't post but I had to share something with you that I find totally hilarious. The day you posted about your quick trip into Magic Kingdom on the 13th to get the Haunted Mansion Dooney you posted a pic of your wait in line behind another young woman. I met that young woman through another Disney blog and she was on her way to meet up with us for the first time after she also purchased the Haunted Mansion Dooney. She showed it to me while we waited together to meet and get photos with Tinker Bell to "document" our first meet! Had I not randomly selected to read this trip report, I would've never made that connection...it's amazing how the world works like that! Just thought it was funny and I had to share with you!

Ohhh my gosh, HOW CRAZY IS THAT?! Seriously!! I've been waiting for SOMEONE to recognize either themselves or a person in one of my photos, but that is too funny! Like, what are the chances?! I'm glad you commented because I totally read your comment to Matt and he thought that was pretty awesome. It really is a small world!

That TOT tour was so sweet. We were there when Disney was giving away tours of the castle but neither of us won

I'm glad you like the Beach Club, we are staying there in May for SWW and I am pretty excited about the pool.

No kidding, it was awesome!! I would freak out over a tour of the Castle! Seriously, that sounds amazing.

You will LOVE Beach Club, I promise!! The pool is just unreal and you probably won't want to get out of it! Disney World, SWW, Beach Club... it can't get much better than that!

 

[danimaroo]

Chapter 50: Nutella Waffles aaaand a lame-o CM?
Day Nine: September 19th, 2013

Upon arrival, it was slightly busy, but nothing terrible. My main focus was to try and get some good video for our trip video, because I felt like I'd been kind of slacking. I mean, really, I wasn't, but with my nice lens, some video was needed.

It's kind of funny looking at those photos, because I said it was busy... but looking at them, it really wasn't that bad, haha. We were so spoiled.

Anyway, like I'd mentioned, I was stopping and taking lots of video... and photos, too!

We stopped by the Firehouse for more Sorcerers cards, but they required us to start a new game, so we skipped out of there and headed over to Starbucks, where we both ordered Pumpkin Spice Lattes. What was funny is that we ran into the SAME CM for a third time, who had written happy anniversary on our cups on our first night... She totally recognized us and we mentioned how we are a wee-bit obsessed with Starbucks.

After we left with our lattes, we went off to search for an ear hat for Matt and we also wanted to pick up Amy one of the Maleficent Minnie ears.

Matt decided to try on a Jack Skellington ear hat.

BUT ultimately, the Pumpkin ear hat won him over, because it was totally adorable AND included a hidden Chip 'n Dale.

We picked up Amy's Maleficent ears, as well, then headed out of the Emporium, making our way on over towards Sleepy Hollow.

But of course, I got distracted and asked Matt to stop so I could take photos of the adorable Minnie statue near the hub.

When we got to Sleepy Hollow, there was a slight line, but I didn't mind since I could take photos of the awesome Ichabod Crane pumpkin on the side of Sleepy Hollow. Disney rules with the details.

After what seemed like FOREVER (and perhaps it wasn't actually that long, but we were just so excited about it so it SEEMED like forever), our Nutella Waffle finally came out... and oh my word, it was looking glorious.

The waffle still remains one of my favorite things to eat in Disney. With the fresh fruit, it's just PERFECT. And I love that I can split it with Matt. It's just so good. If you haven't had one yet, you really need to.

After finishing the tastiest waffle in Disney, we headed back towards Frontierland to grab some Fast Passes for Big Thunder and Splash Mountain.

As we walked over towards Splash, I also noticed this ridiculous bird just hanging out on top of the roof near Frontierland. He was straight chillin' like a boss.

When we got to Splash, we were glad we were getting Fast Passes because the stand-by line was listed at 60 minutes! It was kind of insane, but FPs came to the rescue.

We left there and headed back over towards the Haunted Mansion, since that's basically always a must-do for us while in MK.

So earlier in the trip, Matt had noted to me that the little cart that sold Haunted Mansion stuff was gone, and we were both bummed out about it. I thought that was odd and figured there had to be some place that still sold Haunted Mansion merchandise. Well lo and behold, they moved everything into a larger store right outside of the Haunted Mansion exit, so of course we had to go check it out.

Needless to say, Matt was beyond stoked to discover a new Haunted Mansion t-shirt for himself.

I also picked up a Haunted Mansion t-shirt for myself, and then we headed out to go use our Big Thunder and Splash FPs.

While on Splash, we decided to make really stupid faces like we always do. When we got off, we went to go use our PhotoPass+ and get our photo. An older woman was working the PhotoPass area, and after I gave her the number, and the photo came up, Matt and I started laughing. She laughed a little bit, and then I mentioned how Matt and I always enjoy making silly faces on rides.

Now, I'll have you know that my notes on this part called this woman a not-so-pleasant name, because out of nowhere, she got all rude and told Matt and I (as if we were seriously two 15-year olds standing in front of her) that we needed to "be careful" about what we do in photos and that this photo was "okay".

...

I seriously just stared at her for a second, kind of dumbfounded. Why would you seriously say that to us and insinuate that we would be the type of people to pose inappropriately for a photo? I mean, just because we like to make silly faces for photos doesn't mean we pull inappropriate crap. So I immediately told her that no, we don't do that, nor would we ever, and she just kind of say "oooookay", in that "sure you won't" kind of voice.

This is where my notes called her some choice names.

She was just rude and REALLY irked me with the way she was treating us. And worst of all?

THE PHOTO DIDN'T EVEN MAKE IT ONTO OUR PHOTOPASS.

Cool, thanks lady!

I thought maybe it was just me overreacting, but as soon as we walked away, I turned to Matt and asked him if he thought she was ridiculously rude, and he agreed. Usually if I'm in the wrong/over-reacting, Matt will tell me, but in this case, he was definitely agreeing with me that she was NOT pleasant.

I'm sure she's seen a bunch of people do ridiculously inappropriate stuff, but hello, do Matt and I look like the type who would do that? Ugh.

It still irritates me, if you couldn't tell, haha.

Continued in next post​

 

[danimaroo]

Chapter 51: "WHEEEEEEEEE!"
Day Nine: September 19th, 2013

At this point we left Splash, and it was dark out... and the moon was looking pretty awesome, too. I for some odd reason decided to take photos at this point with my cell phone, and I don't even know why.

Matt and I decided to go split something at Columbia Harbour House, and decided on the fried shrimp. We found a seat that looked over the Haunted Mansion upstairs.

I love CHH and I was glad we got to eat there a few times on this trip. It's probably my favorite CS restaurant in Magic Kingdom... though I DO love Pecos Bills, too.

Anyway, we ate our food then of course, went on Haunted Mansion again, which had a nice short wait.

As we left Haunted Mansion, Wishes was happening and we decided to watch them as we walked through the Tangled area, onto New Fantasyland.

We didn't really have any plans for what we wanted to go on, so we just kind of strolled through and then noticed that there wasn't a wait for Dumbo.

I had never been on Dumbo, and I'd told Matt I really wanted to go on it. I mean, it's the quintessential Disney ride! And Matt has always been kind of iffy on it, just because he said he would feel weird being a man on Dumbo without kids. He'd even made jokes about how creepy it would be for him to just say "WHEEEEEEEEE" in a very low and manly voice.

BUT THAT WAS THROWN OUT THE DOOR, because lucky for me, he said he would go on it with me, WAHOO.

We got into our own Dumbos so we could take photos/video of each other, and Matt was in front of me.

And as we were zooming around, taking video of each other... I told Matt to say "WHEEEEEE!" like he'd mentioned before (it was either in mine or Jenn's TR, I can't remember where he brought it up, hahaha).. and THAT is why there is a video of Matt saying WHEEEE in a deep voice while on Dumbo in our trip video... and I hope that explains that for most of you who may have been wondering why that was in our video, bahahaha.

Manly wheeeees and all, I HAD SO MUCH FUN ON DUMBO. That will definitely be occurring again during future trips for sure. And there is something so much fun about riding it at night, too! Another new thing I finally did in Disney!

We left Dumbo and decided to see what the wait time was for Space Mountain. I have no idea why I didn't check my phone, but it ended up having too long of a wait, so we left and got Starbucks instead.

We both got Green Tea Lemonades and peanut putter cupcakes to bring back to the room with us... oh those peanut butter cupcakes, I could go for one right now.

Anyway, we stopped by Art of Disney and looked around for a bit, then with some coaxing on my part, we FINALLY decided between the Oswald statue that we'd seen, and the Haunted Mansion Jim Shore statue that we'd seen, and bought...

The Haunted Mansion statue! It's so awesome, and that's a terrible photo of it, but the lanterns actually light up and flicker. It's now sitting on our mantle with the Haunted Mansion gravestones we'd bought, next to our Disney light boxes. Disney has taken over our house, seriously.

I also saw this awesome Haunted Mansion painting... but I think it was kind of expensive/I have no idea how we'd have gotten it home.

Anyway, after we bought the statue, we decided to go sit in front of the castle at 9:50. We figured we'd just sit and hope that the Kiss Goodnight would happen at around 10:30 (since the park closed at 10), and found a good little seat to watch from on a bench.

I know I had a few of you ask about the Kiss Goodnight. The Kiss Goodnight is a 3-minute castle "show" (if you want to call it that) that Disney puts on after the park has closed and is a gentle way of telling guests to well... get the heck out because the park is closed.

But Disney being Disney, makes it into a huge show that is beautiful to watch. I'd heard people talk about getting to see it, but made EVERY effort possible to completely keep myself unaware of what exactly it entailed.

It was my number one goal for this trip to witness it.

At around 10:05, I suddenly watched the castle transform and play "When You Wish Upon a Star"... and I videoed all of it while trying my hardest to keep myself from crying, hahaha. I didn't want to ruin the video (since I'd planned on ending my own Disney video with a portion of it), so I kept quiet as I just sat there and watched and listened and just took it all in.

It was one of our last few days in the park, and any time I hear that song and it involves the castle (like, you know, at the beginning of nearly every Disney movie), I just get so emotional. I was just so happy to finally see it and feel like I got to see a little piece of Disney that most guests don't even bat an eye at. In fact, most people who were around me just kept walking/talking to each other... which is FINE, but it just amazes me when people are unaware of what's going on around them.

I HIGHLY suggest trying to see the Kiss Goodnight if you can during your trip. I'd heard it would usually happen like a half hour after the park has closed, but I have it noted that we caught it 10:05, and the park had closed at 10. It's a pretty short show, but if you're like me and you're a total sap when it comes to Cinderella Castle, do yourself a favor and hang around the hub after the park closes. It's a beautiful and magical moment to witness... and yes, there is a portion of it that ends our trip video. I purposely only put in PART of it so it won't spoil the entire thing for anyone who wishes to see it.

We hung out a little longer and had someone take our photo in front of the castle.

I wanted to take a few photos around the hub, and I especially loved this one I took of Brer Rabbit.

I totally have a thing for bokeh, and I love it in that shot.

Of COURSE, the castle was begging to be photographed, as well, which is no surprise to ANYONE.

Surprisingly, even though the park was closed, there were still a fair amount of people around.

We finally made our way out, but not without a photo of a Mickey pumpkin head!

Lucky for us, a bus showed up within about ten minutes of us waiting, and I was happy to have a seat on the ride back. My feet were wicked swollen and hurt, so any time off of them made me happy.

We got back to the room, and I hopped in the shower because I felt gross. Florida in September will do that to you. After I got out, I decided to eat my delicious peanut butter cupcake.

SO GOOD. So dang good. But I couldn't finish it all, so I decided to save the rest for the next day.

Unfortunately because we were getting closer to the end of our trip, we both decided to do a little packing so we wouldn't be overwhelmed on our last day/wouldn't be wasting precious time on packing. It makes leaving a lot easier to do it this way, especially so you have way more free time on your last day!

After packing a bit, we hopped into bed, and I took trip notes in my trip journal, then promptly fell asleep.

It was an AMAZING day and I think one of my favorites, because the Tower of Terror tour was just something I will never forget. Getting to meet the Disney Ambassadors and tour the Tower of Terror was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am forever grateful for it. Thank you AGAIN to my friend Theresa for telling me about the contest in the first place.

Also experiencing the Kiss Goodnight was something I'd been wanting to see for over a year, and it made my heart grow even fonder of Disney.

Tomorrow, we say farewell to Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney (and eat at my NEW favorite CS restaurant in Disney), then hang out with some fabulous friends during the evening!

Continued in next post​

 

[oscarsmummy]

I have never heard of the goodnight show , what a great thing to experience I haven't been at a park at closing time once in the 12 times I have been on vacation there ? I need to put his right , your trip report has added lots of things to My must do list thanks . One thing I have done is eaten a Nutella waffle they are divine great updates again

 

[dreamseeker9]

LOVE this latest update!

I only recently discovered that there is The Kiss Goodnight, and it's high on my list to experience on my next trip!

I'm also planning to eat at CHH for the very first time!

Where oh where did you find that peanut butter cupcake? Yum!

 

[APears]

Ahhh the kiss goodnight! It sounds like quite the experience!

That waffle sandwich sounds to die for right now!

 

[cinderellaurora]

Really enjoyed your latest updates Dani!

What was with that CM at Splash Mountain? There is a BIG difference between pulling funny faces & making inappropriate gestures on ride photos, so it makes no sense to assume that just because you do one, you're automatically going to do the other! And there's never any excuse for rudeness...

Speaking of Splash Mountain, I have just read the update on your Jan.2012 report where you & Matt got stuck on it for 50 minutes!! That is one of my worst nightmares!! I'm claustrophobic but fine as long as things keep moving...it's only when they stop unexpectedly that I start to feel trapped & panic sets in...I dread to think what state I'd have been in if I'd been in your position! Bravo for keeping your cool!

Oh my goodness that peanut butter cupcake looks seriously yummy!!!!

I forgot to mention in my last comments how much I enjoyed reading about how you & Matt met each other & about your wedding - Loved the photos too - your dress was beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing!

Looking forward to reading more!

Very best wishes,
Siân.xx