Trip Report SSR - 6/18-6/27

[Peggy Jean]

Well we're back from our first trip home and I have finally caught up enough to start a trip report. Let me say that we had a blast
For me the trip began about 10 months ago when I told DH, that this year I wanted to take a longer trip to WDW, because I was tired of the shorter trips and doing the parks commando style, hitting only the "must dos". So he agreed and for me, the "overplanner" the fun began. Much of it right here getting great hints and tips.

Here's what our trip was like:

The cast - Me, DH, DS21, DS's fiance 21, DD20, DD's friend 23.
We stayed at SSR, for the first time, we had a dedicated 2BR in the Grandstand section. We didn't request this, I thought I'd just let it happen and see. We were really happy.
We all flew SWA from Baltimore, Providence and Detroit. We had saved our Rapid Rewards and had 3 free flights. Can't beat that
We all used Disney's ME, DH hates driving on vacation.
DH and I bought an AP and one DDE (lots of savings here for us). We bought 7 day PH's for the "kids". These we bought from Undercover Tourist and saved $20 per ticket, savings-$80. And we took past passes for the "fun" options that were left on them.
I ordered groceries from Wegoshop.

Let me start by saying that our trip was all we expected and more. It was so nice for us to all be together, we don't get to see our son too much, we live in MD and he goes to school in IL. We just had such a great time from the very beginning.

DH, DD and I arrived at MCO on time and we were at SSR by noon. Our villa was ready and the folks at check in were so very nice. They really took their time with us and answeres all our questions. I was able to get our keys for our entire party so the rest of the "kids" didn't have to go to check in, all they had to do was come right to the room. That was great!

So I called Marge from Wegoshop to let her know we had arrived and our room number so our groceries could be delivered. She had her employee, Amy, call me and about 20 minutes into our room, she was there with all our groceries. Let me say, I would use this service ANYTIME. They were great, got everything on my list, even all the extra additions I made after my initial order. Our order came to $97, plus a $17 delivery charge, then tip and it was worth every penny.

We were thoroughly pleased with our room. We were at the Grandstand room number 9321. As I said our room was ready when we for there at noon. It was clean and well equipped. Since there were 6 adults we did have to purchase an extra towel package so we'd all have enough bath towels.

After we checked out the room, put the groceries away the 3 of us headed off to DTD to Guest services to get our AP's and DDE. We ate lunch at Earl of Sandwich and it was really yummy. We didn't want to eat too much as it was pushing 1:30 andwe had ADR's for Turf Bar and Grill at 5:30. So DD and I split a sandwich and DH got the tuna salad. It was very good. Once we got our passes DS called from the airport he and our future daughter-in-law had just got on the ME. So we headed back to SSR to meet them. We decided to walk. Let me say that I am usually very good with maps, but those SSR maps were very confusing to me. But given that it was the first time we were there, I guess it wasn't too bad.

Let me do a side here on the buses. I had read here often about Bus nightmares to and from SSR. Our first experience was to take the bus to DTD since we were one of the farthest areas from there. HINT HERE, if you are at the Grandstand and don't want to do the longer walk to DTD, take the first bus that comes, regardless of where it's going, get off at Congress park, THEN do the very short walk to DTD. We did wait 35 minutes for a bus , but that was the only time that happened Everyday when we arrived at our bus stop, ther was somone there from transportation who would ask where you were headed and about how long your wait would be.

OK, so now we meet my son and his fiance at check-in, gave out our and and took them to the room. When we got ther our suicases were there. The next hour was spent catching up and unpacking. So the 5 of us head on over to the Turf Bar and Grill for dinner and it was wonderful. The kids were just happy to have food they didn't have cook or that didn't come from a school cafeteria

DH and I had the ribs, DD had the steak, DS had pasta, and Daughter-in-law to be had a burger. Everything was cooked as ordered and it was quite tasty. The ribs were meaty and well seasoned. DH and I ordered a couple of drinks, and my son had to order the lava cake, which took a little while to get to us, but we did have alot of catching up to do. Plus it was the travel day, so we were in no hurry. Let me say here, that the DDE for us was great!!!!! So after dinner we headed back to the room and my son's luggage was there and they did their unpacking. Now we were just waiting on my daughter's friend to arrive.

We made the pullout up for him, he got in about 11pm, she met him outside. When he got to the room, I gave him a quick tour, and went to bed. I know, not very Disney of me, but I hate travel days, they make me soooooo tired

Up soon, day 2

 

[disneynutz]

Thanks for the report. Waiting for more.

 

[alldiz]

I'm in
Great start....sounds like you made some wonderful family memories
Kerri

 

[BlakeNJ]

Sounds like a great start! Nice that your room was ready--and you had a positive experience with the bus system!

 

[dallastxcpa]

Great trip report. I can't wait to read more.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Nice reporting. Thanks. We just got back last weekend and last night DW was already talking about doing a short HHI trip in the fall and maybe a criuse next summer. Something about looking forward to a trip is half the fun.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Nice reporting. Thanks. We just got back last weekend and last night DW was already talking about doing a short HHI trip in the fall and maybe a criuse next summer. Something about looking forward to a trip is half the fun.

Ha! Your doing my trips in reverse! I'm cruising the Wonder in May '09, and HHI in Nov. '09! Please post a trip report for HHI....I can't wait to get there!

 

[lanand3]

Thank you for taking the time to post this.It gets me real excited about my 1st trip home in May

 

[2giddy4wdw]

I love reading reports from our home resort and knowing that other people like it too!!! i'm in for the long haul now!!! Can't wait to hear more!!!

 

[bonnielynn]

 

[Peggy Jean]

With a good night of sleep for all of us and a chance to get rid of the travel doldrums we were ready to go...........

Sidebar..........I took a notebook with me for the very intention of keeping notes so I could give this trip report. Just went looking for it in my "Disney" suitcase, you know the one you keep all your Disney stuff in for your trips, anyway not only did I find my notebook there, but also a pair of flip flops I forgot to unpack a week ago

Okay, back to our EPCOT (you know Every Person Comes Out Tired) day. We started out by having breakfast in our room, thank you Wegoshop, I told everyone, I'm not cooking, so there's the cereal, toast, bagels, cream cheese and peanut butter.

We were in the park by about 10am, so we sent DD and her friend, who are both cross country runners, off to get our FP's for Soarin', and they met us back at Spaceship Earth. That was alot of fun with all the changes. After that we headed off to TT (did the single rider lines since we had all been there before), Universe of Energy, Nemo, and Honey I Shrunk the Audience. We really didn't wait longer than 20 minutes for any of these. We then used our FP's for Soarin'. I must admit, that is one attraction I'd push my wait time to an hour to see. I really do love that one.

Some time during all that we ate at the Electric Umbrella. DH had a salad and I think the rest of us had chicken nuggets. Not our first choice, but they were decent enough, hot, not greasy and plenty of condiments. After eating we caught the Jammitors just starting their show so we stopped and watched. These guys are really good, I always enjoy seeing them. The kids liked listening and watching too.

Then we headed for the Showcase of Nations. We started out at Canada and worked our way around. We were passing through England when the Showcase Players were getting ready to begin. So we decided to stake out a spot on the curb in the shade and wait for the show to begin. One thing I noticed about such shows throughout the world, is that whenever possible Disney tries to put the audience in the shade while the performers are in the sun, both the Jammitors and the Showcase players did this. I think that's nice. As usual this was a hoot. They are sooooo funny. Because of the audience participation the shows are slightly different each time. We spent the rest of the week going around saying, "Grail, grail, grail HUUH!" and "Gitchy, gitchy yaya wawa", the guy they chose for King Arthur was way funny. Actually all the participants were real troopers, I still laugh about it.

After the show we headed over to Japan for dinner at Teppan Edo. This restaurant does not participate in the DDE, but the kids wanted to eat here and we couldn't get Coral Reef, after many phone calls, so I settled for this. Well they have recently reopened and there is a pleasant difference. The rooms are a little more intimate, though it was hard to get past tables when folks were sitting there. Our chef was a young woman who was quite talented and funny. Her entertainment skills were honed well. The one thing I have noticed different was how you meals came. No longer is soup, salad and dessert included with your entree. Everything is a separate charge. DD and I had the shrimp and chicken, I had a side salad, loved it, nice, crisp and just yummy. DH got the shrimp, and everyone else got some cut of steak. All our food was delicious, fixed the way we liked it, lots of veggies and rice. Why is it I like the sticky rice? None of us had room for dessert, we figured we get something later from around the world.

So after dinner we headed to the American Experience, we got in just as they were moving folks up the stairs, we missed the Liberty Singers this time around, but we did take time to check out the museum there, they had some really neat stuff. After the attraction, the skies opened up for the first time. We had 3 rain ponchos from previous trips so the girls got them. Actually we just hung out by the American Adventure, there was this cute little duck that was swimming in the fountain there. DH dared DD to swim in the fountain, and she said she'd do it for $$$. I at least convinced her that she'd be banned from Disney for life if she did. You just don't dare my daughter to do things. She's really funny.

The rain let up and we headed toward Germany to stake out a good spot for Illuminations. Our guests had never seen Illuminations, so we wanted to be sure we had a great spot. DH and I spread out a rain poncho on the area that juts out right there by Germany. DS and his girl went and got canolis, DD went for the funnel cake. They all met us at 8:15, then we just sat and laughed about the fun of the day. Oh yeah while we were there DH and I could hear the band that was doing the tribute to the Bee Gees. They were good. And as usual Illuminations was wonderful.

We left after the show, just taking our time, reflecting on the great day we had. How we got to do so much and at a human pace, no rushing and that we really weren't too tired. While leaving we took time to enjoy the fountain, the CM's waving goodnight with the Mickey hands, and lit up sidewalks, my personal favorite.

Bus service back to SSR was great, though there was someone there talking rather loudly about something to do with the shared stop. Didn't get all of it. We got home and unpacked the backpack and repacked it for the next day at the AK.

Next up, Day 3 - Boatwright's for breakfast and Animal Kingdom

 

[jpolak]

Sounds great. I Like that they had a transportation rep at the bus stop. Maybe Disney realized they need more busses there.

 

[Mahusky]

great trip report ..... sounds like a blast!

 

[vicki_c]

I'm enjoying your report - we just spent 2 nights at SSR (Springs) and checked out on 6/18. We loved SSR - it was our first trip home, and I'm a very happy DVCer.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I'm glad you had such a nice vacation. I'm enjoying reading about it!

Bobbi

 

[uicbear]

Enjoying your report so far. Was just talking to my brother the other day about how we should spend some extra time in World Showcase to enjoy some of the side acts they have going on.

 

[ahalla]

Great trip report....unfortunately it makes me want our trip to come faster while it still feels so far away!

Looking forward to hearing the rest of your trip!!

 

[Peggy Jean]

Every trip to WDW we always ask everyone what one thing must you do? and where would you like to eat? And for 3 years running now, Boatwright's at POR has won hands down for breakfast.

First of all, getting there. The night before I called the front desk to see if what I thought was the best way really was. Well it's a good thing I have some knowledge of how to get around. When I asked what was the best way to get to Boatwright's the cast member must have misunderstood me because he had me going to the Boardwalk So I repaeated my question and he confirmed that we needed to get to DTD, then catch a bus to POR.

Our ADR was for 9:30 so we were on the bus to DTD by 8:20ish. You know we need to allow for the travel time. Well we were to DTD by 8:30 and went to the bus stop for POR only to read the sign that siad busses start at
9am. Obviously we would have had enough time if a bus came about nine, but it would have been nice to know ahead of time. I did let the CM know the time of our reservation. I don't know I guess I felt he should have mentioned this, if he knew.

Oddly enough a bus going to POFQ came by about 8:40 so we hopped on this one. We had stayed at the FQ in the past and knew how to get there from there. It was a nice morning adn the walk was a pleasurable one.

Upon arrival we were seated promptly and thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Let me just sayyyyyyyyyy banana stuffed french toast with strawberries, and sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon pecan butter. UM, YUM These are mine and my daughter's all time favorites, and DH loves the omelets. We were so full when we were done we knew we'd be satisfied for a long while.

After that delicious breakfast we hopped on a bus to the Animal Kingdom. Once there we went to ME to check out the lines and the time for the FP. We decided on the FP, then headed out to the safari. Even though the sign read a 30 minute wait, it was more like 10, not like I'm complaining, but there weren't as many animals out as in the past. It was a hot day and we were already pushing the afternoon. From there we went to see the Lion King show. It was quite enjoyable, the aerialists were really fun, and the main singers were a pleasure. Here we pulled out our waters we packed along with the granola bars, and fruit snacks. Really helps to keep us all refreshed and energized, Florida heat can really take its toll on even the most seasoned veteran.

After the Lion king we went to do Mount Everist. Now there are a few things DH will not do and this is one of them. We talked him into a few years ago and I think we lost our trustworthiness with him when we decide if it is something he can do. Anyway the five of us were on in about 5 minutes. Since one of us rode with a stranger, she went in the single rider line, we asked her how long her wait was there. She told us about 15 minutes, so we thought that would be a real consideration in the future.

After that we met back up with DH and headed over to It's Tough To Be a Bug. Now our guests had neve been to Animal Kingdom, so this was a real treat. We laughed so hard I almost peed myself. Next came the turkey leg. This is on the must do list for us. We only buy one and we all take turns acting like a savage. Actually this is DD's must do, she just shares because it's way too much for her. Funny thing is she is DEATHLY afraid of birds, thanks to Alfred Hitchcock, and DH finds an out of the way alcove to sit in while ravishing the leg. Well this spot must be where EVERYONE goes who gets one of these, because there were NUMEROUS birds there of all sizes, just waiting to be fed. DD was freaking out. I told her I couldn't laugh anymore, she was so funny, maybe we could pay her to feed a bird to get over her fear.

We cleaned up and went to the Dinosaur attraction, we have only done this once before, so it was a real treeat, then it was the whip like ride, forget the name and lastly we did the Kali River Rapids, which we also got a FP for. We decided to do this last so we didn't have to walk around wet all day. Well we all got wet, but not like some of our other guests in out float. They got drenched.

Then it was back to the room to change and refresh. We ate at Artist Palette for dinner and it was really good. DS and I had flatbreads, DH had a salad and soup, and the others did chili and sandwhich. I must say the chips they serve with their dishes were wonderful. We headed back to the room to out our feet up for a little then went to the Magic Kingdom. I'll tell you all about that later, but it was FUN!

 

[uicbear]

After that we met back up with DH and headed over to It's Tough To Be a Bug. Now our guests had neve been to Animal Kingdom, so this was a real treat. We laughed so hard I almost peed myself.

I had a similar experience with my sister the first time I took her to see this show. She is definately a non-bug enthusiast and had several jump out of her seat moments. It was great.

 

[betsywdw]

I'm really enjoying your report! Looking forward to more