Trip Number 9 ~ It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year ~ Christmastime at the GF & Poly

[JoBird]

Aw what a fun update this was! I read it while I was eating strawberries and Pineapple-- and pretended the pineapple was a Dole Whip. Hey, desperate times, desperate measures and all that junk.


I love POTC. It's actually my favorite ride followed closely by TOT and SSE.
There's just something about POTC that makes me happy. Don't know why. I think bc as a child it scared the heck out of me- thinking that the Pirates were going to kidnap me. My dad always said Jo if they did take you, they'd bring you back fast and run in the other direction.

Ever ridden it at night? Don't know why, but I think it's a better ride then. Which has no reason for it, but there seems to be a different vibe. Sort of like riding the HM at night. Spooky.
I can't wait till you one day get to go to DL and see the (huge) difference in the two rides. So much better out there.

I could see you guys in the BTMRR pics!! Last cart, first seats! I only was able to find you bc my mouse pad on the Mac has finger tracking zoom like an itouch or iPhone. I don't know how you knew where to look for them to catch those pics but they're really cute!

YUCK on the too much meat on the taco salad. Nasty. I have read dining reports where they said there wasn't enough meat and it sorta made me gag.


Barnstormer had super long lines each time we went over there too. I think it's not worth it. It kind of hurts my tailbone and spine. Think I'll sit it out from now on.

Oh my the rain!!! That day it was crazy! We dodged it too by being in BaTB show in DTD and it stopped just before we got out. Then when we were walking to lunch it started again and Belle and I ran under cover and put on ponchos. By the time we got them on, it had stopped. Dumb. I wore it anyway.


Okay now that I've written a book, I think I'll have some toast and, um, something that shall not be named... for breakfast.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

POTC is awesome, although we did have a kind of long wait one day in October. I would have to check my notes, but the lines were snaking all the way out to the "lobby" part. I want to say it was 30 minutes. Can you believe it?

I think the barnstormer has long lines because the loads are pretty small. It is fun, but very short!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Aw what a fun update this was! I read it while I was eating strawberries and Pineapple-- and pretended the pineapple was a Dole Whip. Hey, desperate times, desperate measures and all that junk.


I love POTC. It's actually my favorite ride followed closely by TOT and SSE.
There's just something about POTC that makes me happy. Don't know why. I think bc as a child it scared the heck out of me- thinking that the Pirates were going to kidnap me. My dad always said Jo if they did take you, they'd bring you back fast and run in the other direction.

Ever ridden it at night? Don't know why, but I think it's a better ride then. Which has no reason for it, but there seems to be a different vibe. Sort of like riding the HM at night. Spooky.
I can't wait till you one day get to go to DL and see the (huge) difference in the two rides. So much better out there.

I could see you guys in the BTMRR pics!! Last cart, first seats! I only was able to find you bc my mouse pad on the Mac has finger tracking zoom like an itouch or iPhone. I don't know how you knew where to look for them to catch those pics but they're really cute!

YUCK on the too much meat on the taco salad. Nasty. I have read dining reports where they said there wasn't enough meat and it sorta made me gag.


Barnstormer had super long lines each time we went over there too. I think it's not worth it. It kind of hurts my tailbone and spine. Think I'll sit it out from now on.

Oh my the rain!!! That day it was crazy! We dodged it too by being in BaTB show in DTD and it stopped just before we got out. Then when we were walking to lunch it started again and Belle and I ran under cover and put on ponchos. By the time we got them on, it had stopped. Dumb. I wore it anyway.


Okay now that I've written a book, I think I'll have some toast and, um, something that shall not be named... for breakfast.

Wow I think I learned something new about you today!! I never knew SSE was in your top 3. Never would have guessed that!

But yes, POTC is awesome, day and night! Love it! That's great that you have such fond memories of it as a child. I can't wait to ride it at DL!

Yep, you spotted us on BTMRR!! DS11 took several pics and actually got us in a few!

I know, I don't even really enjoy riding Barnstormer, there was no way I was waiting to do it!

I hate that, every time I put on a poncho it stops raining!!

POTC is awesome, although we did have a kind of long wait one day in October. I would have to check my notes, but the lines were snaking all the way out to the "lobby" part. I want to say it was 30 minutes. Can you believe it?

I think the barnstormer has long lines because the loads are pretty small. It is fun, but very short!

Wow I think I would have run away from MK screaming if I had seen a 30 minute wait at POTC!!!

Yeah, they can't really fit too many people on the Barnstormer. I'm sure that's why there is always a line.

 

[mmmears]

What a great TR! I'm really enjoying it. Thanks for sharing!

And you are staying at 2 of our favorite resorts!

 

[rusafee1183]

wow i think i would have run away from mk screaming if i had seen a 30 minute wait at potc!!!

I am feeling SO much better after seeing the pictures in yor update. We were there in January because I thought it would be the slowest time of year to go, but the crowds were IN-SANE. We waited AT LEAST a half hour at every ride. Yes, including HM, POTC, IASW - everything!!!! We went over MLK week (which I didn't realize until after I booked... ) and I couldn't tell if it was because of the week we were there with all the Brazilian Tour Groups, or because new FL was open why it was like that. I just kept thinking "omg...of course, right after I commit to 45 years of vacations here... this is what it's going to be like now!!!"

Let's just say that Kidani became a sanctuary for us and we didn't spend much time in the parks at all this trip.

Glad to know we just struck out when we were there and that it doesn't appear to always be crowded now

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I am feeling SO much better after seeing the pictures in yor update. We were there in January because I thought it would be the slowest time of year to go, but the crowds were IN-SANE. We waited AT LEAST a half hour at every ride. Yes, including HM, POTC, IASW - everything!!!! We went over MLK week (which I didn't realize until after I booked... ) and I couldn't tell if it was because of the week we were there with all the Brazilian Tour Groups, or because new FL was open why it was like that. I just kept thinking "omg...of course, right after I commit to 45 years of vacations here... this is what it's going to be like now!!!"

Let's just say that Kidani became a sanctuary for us and we didn't spend much time in the parks at all this trip.

Glad to know we just struck out when we were there and that it doesn't appear to always be crowded now

I have heard that the time around MLK and President's Day are more crowded because of school breaks. But we were there at the end of October last year and it was NUTS for the first 4 days of our trip. We always go during that same time period and have never had crowds before. I mean we have always felt like we pracitcally have the parks to ourselves. This last trip was sooooo different. It was really a downer for us. Even our resort was crowded, so we never felt like we could get away from it! I definitely think the new FL has increased crowds big time. I just hope it will fade out eventually. I did not enjoy my last trip nearly as much as all our previous ones.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

What a great TR! I'm really enjoying it. Thanks for sharing!

And you are staying at 2 of our favorite resorts!

Thank you so much! I hope you continue to enjoy. Feel free to post anytime!!

I am feeling SO much better after seeing the pictures in yor update. We were there in January because I thought it would be the slowest time of year to go, but the crowds were IN-SANE. We waited AT LEAST a half hour at every ride. Yes, including HM, POTC, IASW - everything!!!! We went over MLK week (which I didn't realize until after I booked... ) and I couldn't tell if it was because of the week we were there with all the Brazilian Tour Groups, or because new FL was open why it was like that. I just kept thinking "omg...of course, right after I commit to 45 years of vacations here... this is what it's going to be like now!!!"

Let's just say that Kidani became a sanctuary for us and we didn't spend much time in the parks at all this trip.

Glad to know we just struck out when we were there and that it doesn't appear to always be crowded now

Yeah, we weren't that impressed by our January trip in 2009. It was supposed to be the slowest time of year and it was not! And we weren't even there over MLK weekend. We arrived the Tues after and stayed until the following Wed. Some days were okay, but others were insane. The Brazilian Tour groups were everywhere and they were awful!!

It seems anymore that you have to time it just right to avoid the crowds.

I have heard that the time around MLK and President's Day are more crowded because of school breaks. But we were there at the end of October last year and it was NUTS for the first 4 days of our trip. We always go during that same time period and have never had crowds before. I mean we have always felt like we practically have the parks to ourselves. This last trip was sooooo different. It was really a downer for us. Even our resort was crowded, so we never felt like we could get away from it! I definitely think the new FL has increased crowds big time. I just hope it will fade out eventually. I did not enjoy my last trip nearly as much as all our previous ones.

Crowds can really make or break a trip, can't they?? That's how it was for us last year when we went late April and into the beginning of May. It was awful. And we were staying at the BC, which was always busy and we just felt like we couldn't get away from the madness!! We left that vacation feeling very disappointed. December wasn't nearly as crazy, but still very busy. I'm looking forward to a quiet, relaxing late August trip. Best time to go!!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Your Pecos Bill food looks good Shelly! I know you said it was too much meat but I may have to put that on my list. Yummy.

We also had a line for Barnstormer on our last trip but we waited it out because it was going to be two years before we visited again. You wait forever and then the actual ride is like ten seconds or something insanely short.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Your Pecos Bill food looks good Shelly! I know you said it was too much meat but I may have to put that on my list. Yummy.

We also had a line for Barnstormer on our last trip but we waited it out because it was going to be two years before we visited again. You wait forever and then the actual ride is like ten seconds or something insanely short.

Hey Kelli! I was just thinking about you!! Wondering if you were going to continue with your TR? I hope so!

Pecos Bill's is usually pretty good!

Yeah, the Barnstormer is such a short ride. I hope the new Seven Dwarf's mine train is nice and long!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hello TR friends!

How was everyone's weekend? It was super nice here - 68 degrees yesterday. We enjoyed a nice day outside for once!! But, back to the cold starting tomorrow.


So I have some news!! Can't really share too much on here from what I hear, but I have become an Authorized Disney Travel Agent!!! It's something that I have been thinking about for quite some time and finally decided to go for it. And with some great info and help from my DIS friend Rinky, it has happened!! I took and passed all my online Disney TA courses and was hired by an agency. It is a great agency that offers some really great deals very often, so I look forward to helping lots of people take their Disney dream vacation!

So that's about all I can say on here. Just wanted to share my awesome new with you all!!

 

[JoBird]

Congrats Shelly on living the dream we all dream about!!!!!

You are going to be great at this-- look at how wonderful your vacations are that you plan for yourself! Your TRs are a testament to your uber planning skills.

Now we can ALL have vacations as great as yours. I can't wait to book one with ya!!

 

[rusafee1183]

Hello TR friends!

How was everyone's weekend? It was super nice here - 68 degrees yesterday. We enjoyed a nice day outside for once!! But, back to the cold starting tomorrow.


So I have some news!! Can't really share too much on here from what I hear, but I have become an Authorized Disney Travel Agent!!! It's something that I have been thinking about for quite some time and finally decided to go for it. And with some great info and help from my DIS friend Rinky, it has happened!! I took and passed all my online Disney TA courses and was hired by an agency. It is a great agency that offers some really great deals very often, so I look forward to helping lots of people take their Disney dream vacation!

So that's about all I can say on here. Just wanted to share my awesome new with you all!!

Shelly, that is AMAZING news! You'll be fantastic at that job!

I reached out to someone about becoming certified for a similar job a few months ago, but never followed through with it. I have a feeling that it will be something that nags at me forever too, so I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions for you after you're settled in!

Super excited for you! You'll be such an amazing resource for people!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Hello TR friends!

How was everyone's weekend? It was super nice here - 68 degrees yesterday. We enjoyed a nice day outside for once!! But, back to the cold starting tomorrow.

So I have some news!! Can't really share too much on here from what I hear, but I have become an Authorized Disney Travel Agent!!! It's something that I have been thinking about for quite some time and finally decided to go for it. And with some great info and help from my DIS friend Rinky, it has happened!! I took and passed all my online Disney TA courses and was hired by an agency. It is a great agency that offers some really great deals very often, so I look forward to helping lots of people take their Disney dream vacation!

So that's about all I can say on here. Just wanted to share my awesome new with you all!!

OMG Shelly that is so great!!! I have thought about doing that too. Just wasn't sure how. I would love all the details even you want to PM me.
Congrats again.

 

[monica23535]

Woohoo! That is awesome news Shelly!


I'm a travel agent here in the UK and I love it. I book some clients to Disney now and then, but mainly here in Europe there is a huge demand for trips to places like Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt and Portugal.

You will do a great job, I am sure

 

[ronnmel]

Congratulations! That is awesome! I would love to do that as well, though I don't think I'm ready just yet for the commitment. I hope you get lots of clients.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Congratulations again! I wish you all the best with this!

 

[JoBird]

Shelly, since everyone wants to be a travel agent, you should totally give out a Welcome packet to guests that book thru you and give all the in's and out's of how to be you when they grow up.

That way you can at least benefit from your knowledge a little bit before making competition for yourself.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Congrats Shelly on living the dream we all dream about!!!!!

You are going to be great at this-- look at how wonderful your vacations are that you plan for yourself! Your TRs are a testament to your uber planning skills.

Now we can ALL have vacations as great as yours. I can't wait to book one with ya!!

Thank you!!

I hope it goes well. I can see it is something that is going to be slow going at first.

You know I'm on the look out for great deals at the GF for you!!

Shelly, that is AMAZING news! You'll be fantastic at that job!

I reached out to someone about becoming certified for a similar job a few months ago, but never followed through with it. I have a feeling that it will be something that nags at me forever too, so I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions for you after you're settled in!

Super excited for you! You'll be such an amazing resource for people!

Thanks Heather!

OMG Shelly that is so great!!! I have thought about doing that too. Just wasn't sure how. I would love all the details even you want to PM me.
Congrats again.

Thank you so much!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Woohoo! That is awesome news Shelly!


I'm a travel agent here in the UK and I love it. I book some clients to Disney now and then, but mainly here in Europe there is a huge demand for trips to places like Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt and Portugal.

You will do a great job, I am sure

Thank you!

Wow it sounds like you get to book some awesome trips for your clients! How long have you been a TA? Do you enjoy it?!

Congratulations! That is awesome! I would love to do that as well, though I don't think I'm ready just yet for the commitment. I hope you get lots of clients.

Thanks Mel!

Congratulations again! I wish you all the best with this!

Thanks for everything Rinky!!

Shelly, since everyone wants to be a travel agent, you should totally give out a Welcome packet to guests that book thru you and give all the in's and out's of how to be you when they grow up.

That way you can at least benefit from your knowledge a little bit before making competition for yourself.

I like that idea!!

My advice to anyone wanting to become a TA would just be to google it! Lots of agencies have a "Join our Team" button right on their websites.

But yes, in the meantime I would be happy to help anyone out with their trips!! I have set up a FB page. Anyone can PM me for more info about it and the great deals that are out!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Okay, back to TR business!!


We had some time to kill before our Buzz and Space Mtn FP+ came due, so we went over to take a look at the new Dumbo.

The kids weren't too interested in the Dumbo play area too much, so we used the free FP we still had and went through that line. As we walked by the play area the kids wished we had done that.

After Dumbo we walked over to Tomorrowland. DS13 and I had a FP+ for Space Mtn. And DH and DS11 had a FP + for Buzzlightyear at the same time. So we split up.

DS13 and I had a wild ride on Space Mtn. I can only do it once and once is almost more than I can take anymore. DS will usually go through the single rider line after we ride together, but he passed this time. He said his ride was pretty rough too.

DH & DS11 enjoyed their Buzzlightyear ride!

So we met back up with DH & DS11 at the TTA! On our last trip when we were on the TTA there was a group of people (young adults) in the oncoming vehicle and they yelled – HIGH FIVE!!! And put their hands out for us to high five them. Well, my kids thought that was the greatest thing ever and now every time we ride the TTA they have to do this. With very little response from oncoming riders. I think they did get one guy with a giant stitch hand to high five them this time!

After that DS13 wanted to ride Buzz, so we headed over there and all rode this time.

Continued in next post.....