Trains Depart Every 20 Minutes. Allegedly.: February 2012 TR (Lesson #5)

[KatMark]

Love the picture on EE -- too cute!

I wish I could ride that ride, but I've just gotten to the age where it bothers me going backwards.

Don't fret...I think we've all had one of those tops that makes us look prego. They are great photopass pictures.

 

[PixieMama]

I'm here!

I agree, the TTC is evil. That's all that really needs to be said about that place.

Can't wait for more!

 

[PixieMama]

Oh, and your TT and EE pics are cracking me up! Hope there's more like those!

 

[jenneth79]

Another update!!! I just love your reports. I'm following both! I love the posed pictures. So awesome! I wonder if my DH and kids would pose with me. I'll have to start working on them.

Aw, thanks so much! I'm glad you're enjoying the reports! Now that I'm done with the dining review, I'm going to see how much of these two I can knock out a day (at least one update per trip, I'm hoping) so I can get started on the PTR that's just begging to be written!

I think you can totally work on the family to get them to pose. It's so much fun afterwards, though it may take a few tries! You know, you'd have to ride the attraction again... such a bummer.....

OK, going back to the TTC buses, two comments

1- can you imagine if your trip was during the monorail blackout time? I am finding it seriously hard to believe the news.

2- I have read the first Kingdom Keepers book (which is really young adult fiction, but Disney World is the setting of the stories, so I'm reading) and I was horrified when one of the characters talked about taking a bus from the MK to the TTC. Um, no, that's not right. There are a few inaccuracies in the book (or a couple of things that have changed since the story was written)

Now, onto this update.

I have done the very same thing with a Photopass Photographer. Mine was asking an MK PPP for a FP. OOPS!

So where is that shirt now???

Looking at those clouds, I was doubtful that you would have a chance to ride EE, but I'm glad you did. Great pose!

The shirt is still in the laundry bin. I'm not entirely sure what its future is. Considering I paid too much money for it, I will just save it for my fat jeans day... you know, to round out the look.

My nieces want to start reading the Kingdom Keeper books, but I thought they were more "boy" oriented. Do you think they'd enjoy them?

I completely missed you on the B&YC board, but I hope you had a GREAT anniversary trip with your Hubby and were spoiled rotten by the resort!

Love the picture on EE -- too cute!

I wish I could ride that ride, but I've just gotten to the age where it bothers me going backwards.

Don't fret...I think we've all had one of those tops that makes us look prego. They are great photopass pictures.

Thanks so much. The only ride that seems to bother me now is Mission Space. So far. I do had a tendency to sit forward on EE though, which almost always results in my head banging about too much.

I'm here!

I agree, the TTC is evil. That's all that really needs to be said about that place.

Can't wait for more!

So. True.

Oh, and your TT and EE pics are cracking me up! Hope there's more like those!

There are a few, though not as many as I'd like... I'm saving my favorite one for a bit later on in the report, where we actually had participation from one not in our party!

 

[jenneth79]

Just a quick heads up, I've gone and started my October 2012 PTR if you wanted to join in!:

I could get used to a view like this....Guys I want a castle!"

I'm still updating both this and the September trip...but I just couldn't keep all our plans to myself!

 

[jenneth79]

Day One, Continued

Lesson Learned: In order to make friends you must be willing to talk to people.

The photopass fun was not to end with the Yeti that day, on our way to lunch over at Flame tree Barbecue, we stumbled upon some of our friends from the Hundred Acre Wood!

Obviously, this is Bonus Content from Disney, but it makes a great shot doesn’t it??

You know how all the guide books and blogs discuss character interactions, things to say to them, etc? I realized on our last trip, I hadn’t really done that at all. Either from feeling awkward at first walking up to the poor CMs in costume, or I just forgot to altogether. I had made it a point to think about what I was going to say to each character to see if it made the experience any more fun.



Turns out, it totally did!



We started with Pooh Bear, who I gave a hug then explained to him: “So, here’s the situation. We had a honey pot for you, but that guy across from me ate it all. Sorry!”

I hadn’t mentioned to Mike I was planning this, so they were both rather surprised! The photographer didn’t get the reaction shots so well, but Pooh was clutching his tummy and looking at Mike in shock! Too funny. Pooh hugged us both again and we posed for a few pictures:

Then it was on to Eeyore. I mentioned that today must be perfect for him, for it was quite cloudy and gloomy. We got a slow nod, and after our pictures, Eeyore gave me a kiss! Can’t think of that ever happening to me before. Perhaps it was something about actually interacting with the CMs… I’ve been such a slacker for so long I didn’t know what I was missing!

The best interaction by far, however, came when I got the bright idea to challenge Tigger to a bounce-off. Granted I was not dressed entirely appropriately for this ( my apologies in advance for my unseemly belly fat!!!) but it was perhaps the most fun I’ve ever had with a Character interaction, up on par with Mike’s kung-fu fight with Stitch back in September. Here’s how it went down…..

Me: “Hey Tigger, I think I can out-bounce you!”
Tigger: “You’re kidding right? Look at those wimpy little legs of yours, why, you don’t even have STRIPES!”

Me: “You talkin to me??”
Tigger: “Bring it sister!”

Ok, so perhaps this isn’t exactly what Tigger said… seeing as he doesn’t talk and all….but if he COULD, it would end in the only way…. A bounce-off.

On the count of three.

One.


Two.


Three.

Ok, so he won. Next time I do this though I’m wearing a different outfit and I’m going to out-bounce that Tigger. Still… SO MUCH FUN! All that silliness worked up my appetite and thirst, so it was then on to grab a bite to eat and a place to relax and get a drink!

 

[disneybarbie]

Subscribing! Only just noticed this TR in your signature.

Looks like a great start! I've not flown first class but have been business class in the past; it makes the long flight so much more enjoyable!

Amazing view from the Contemporary Resort

And that's a great idea about thinking of something fun to say to the characters!


Emma x

 

[MEK]

Can't believe you challenged Tiger to a bounce off! That's great! And boy can he jump! I think you better start training for your next meet so you can master the leg tuck!

Great pics!

 

[Nermel9]

OMG what an adorable update! I always read about saying things like that to the characters but I always feel too stupid. We always just walk up, say hi, get a picture, and leave. Once in a while we'll get a really cute interaction, but most of the time, it seems awkward, like they're waiting for us to do or say something! I might just have to get over it on our May trip and say something to them!

I love the picture of you and Tigger, it's too cute!

 

[jenneth79]

Subscribing! Only just noticed this TR in your signature.

Looks like a great start! I've not flown first class but have been business class in the past; it makes the long flight so much more enjoyable!

Amazing view from the Contemporary Resort

And that's a great idea about thinking of something fun to say to the characters!


Emma x

Thanks, Emma! I need to work on color coding those links in my signature... it really looks rather jumbled right now.

Can't believe you challenged Tiger to a bounce off! That's great! And boy can he jump! I think you better start training for your next meet so you can master the leg tuck!

Great pics!

No kidding! I'm starting my workout NOW so I'm ready in October.

OMG what an adorable update! I always read about saying things like that to the characters but I always feel too stupid. We always just walk up, say hi, get a picture, and leave. Once in a while we'll get a really cute interaction, but most of the time, it seems awkward, like they're waiting for us to do or say something! I might just have to get over it on our May trip and say something to them!

I love the picture of you and Tigger, it's too cute!

Thanks so much.... I debating posting such an unflattering picture (and risk scaring off the kiddies!) but the story was just too good to just say "trust me, it happened."

I'm with you on the feeling... I still don't care of "face" characters because of that... and I'm really princessphobic, I think!

TOTALLY do it on your May trip, you'll be so happy with the experience!

 

[jenneth79]

Day One Continued...

Lesson Learned : It helps to know the history....

Well, I was going to focus on my September TR today but it looks like I left all my notes at home, so you get a double dose of this TR this week!

After all that bouncing, both Mike and I were pretty famished. (Considering we hadn’t eaten since breakfast on the plane…oh yeah…and a jalapeno pretzel…we were bound to be hungry!) We decided to head back to Flame Tree Barbecue and split a meal. It was easy to find, all you have to do is follow your nose!

We chose the Ribs and Chicken combo. I suspect this was due to the late nature of our dining (it was around 2pm) but the chicken was just “meh”. Having tried it before and loving it, I was pretty disappointed. The ribs were super dry as well, so I’m thinking we just got the end of the lunch rush quality. They tasted good, at least:

Again, I do not like the beans, but the coleslaw is Ok. I think next time we head to AK, we’re going to have to try something new.

After that, we headed over to Dawa Bar, to see if we could get a seat to watch the parade. The last thing I wanted was a rope between me and my beer, so we walked over at a brisk pace.

Of course I had to take the obligatory shot of our refreshments with our Fastpasses for EE:

Another tradition, I guess!

Mike asked if we could sit at the bar, so we did and we had a nice chat with the CM/Bartenders, one of whom is the manager at Raglan Road. He was super cool, and we chatted what beers they were serving there, different microbrewers in the Midwest and Northeast, as well as Florida traffic. I swear for a bit I forgot I was in Disney; it was like any other bar around here in Northern Virginia!

We did get to see the parade, and I somehow didn’t take any pictures. I guess that’s because I kept watching the floats go by with a general sense of confusion. I must not know the backstory on this parade or why it’s supposed to be one of the best in the parks, because…well… there was one where people were in a bathtub? And, um… yeah, I’m confused. Anyone out there who can explain this thing to me?

We were less adventurous and just had a beer each this time, though the mixed drinks were very popular that day! Perhaps because it was 85 degree in February and the best thing is a frozen drink!

We did a bit of walking after Dawa, and decided to head out of the park and over to DHS, to see how bad the lines were. Our original plan was to get up super early in the morning to catch some rides at the park, but we were already thinking sleeping in was much more appealing! I had to stop by one of the gift stores on the way out and found the cutest little knit hat with sequin Mickey’s on it!!! A few pictures on our way out:

Luckily when we walked out, there was a bus going from AK to HS, so we were quickly on our way!

 

[407-W-DISNEY]

Yeah for the double update!
A cold beer right now sounds really, REALLY good...lol
too bad I'm at work!!

 

[jwgm2012]

Joining in! What a great idea to chat with the characters and make them "act" their character! Looking forward to the rest!

 

[MEK]

That bird is gorgeous!

Love the Dawa Bar. I had my first ever Lost on Safari this December and it was so yummy!

I have no idea what the backstory is on the parade, but its one of my favs because the costumes are so festive!

 

[PixieMama]

I don't think I could love your Tigger pics any more than I already do.

And an "unflattering photo"? Girl, please. You look fabulous, even in mid-air!


The best interaction I've had was with Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters. They were a hoot, trying to find out if Shane was a wealthy landowner, LOL! And when we girls went last September, Heather and Helen couldn't get over how "in character" the CMs were.

I have never seen the AK parade, so I couldn't tell you the significance of the bathtub. That does seem odd, though.



GAH! Birds!

 

[jenneth79]

Yeah for the double update!
A cold beer right now sounds really, REALLY good...lol
too bad I'm at work!!

Let's see... agreed on the work comment and....

Lent = No sodas. Nothing fizzy at all.
Diet = Little to no alcohol.
Friday = No meat...and all I want is a hamburger, darnit!!!



Thank goodness for the DIS to distract us!

Joining in! What a great idea to chat with the characters and make them "act" their character! Looking forward to the rest!

Thanks, it's something I would recommend everyone do if they get a chance!

That bird is gorgeous!

Love the Dawa Bar. I had my first ever Lost on Safari this December and it was so yummy!

I have no idea what the backstory is on the parade, but its one of my favs because the costumes are so festive!

That is true, I think if I just enjoyed the colors and the music and dancing, I wouldn't have been distracted by "What is this supposed to be about again?"

I don't think I could love your Tigger pics any more than I already do.

And an "unflattering photo"? Girl, please. You look fabulous, even in mid-air!


The best interaction I've had was with Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters. They were a hoot, trying to find out if Shane was a wealthy landowner, LOL! And when we girls went last September, Heather and Helen couldn't get over how "in character" the CMs were.

I have never seen the AK parade, so I couldn't tell you the significance of the bathtub. That does seem odd, though.



GAH! Birds!

Man, I am soooo adding warning labels to any further bird pictures....

Seeing as it looks like we'll have another princess breakfast on our Oct trip, I think Mike and I are going to have to come up with some good ones, or ask the CM if they're willing to skip our table!

 

[PixieMama]

Man, I am soooo adding warning labels to any further bird pictures....

Honestly, I'd rather see a photo of a bird than the real live thing, LOL! I'll admit, some are pretty to look at. Just not when they're flying near my head.

 

[jenneth79]

Honestly, I'd rather see a photo of a bird than the real live thing, LOL! I'll admit, some are pretty to look at. Just not when they're flying near my head.

I have to say I shared your sentiment on this last trip.... for some reason, Epcot was swarming with seagulls... and I was constantly looking to the sky warily. I swear I never remember seeing any around before... so I'm not sure if they had a system that was broken or it was just Winter Break for the buggers...but UGH... not cool.

 

[natebenma]

My nieces want to start reading the Kingdom Keeper books, but I thought they were more "boy" oriented. Do you think they'd enjoy them?

I completely missed you on the B&YC board, but I hope you had a GREAT anniversary trip with your Hubby and were spoiled rotten by the resort!

I think your nieces would like KK. The main character is male, but a couple of the heroines are girls. I have only read the first one so far, but I will read more eventually.

Thanks for the wishes about our trip. IT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll do a little mini report and let you know where and when I post it.

 

[natebenma]

GREAT character interactions with the WTP folks.

I'm a pretty fair bouncer myself and I would be willing to take on Tigger Or YOU!

Sorry you kind of struck out at Flame Tree. If you can get past your past disappointment of your kiboshed anniversary dinner, you should try Tamu Tamu.

The seagulls at EPCOT can be very scary. A couple of years ago my churro was stolen by a swooping seagull.