Value Resorts and Inside Staterooms? Bah Humbug! 30 days of Disney fun! 02/10 Day 30

[Minnie&Nana]

You were there during Fay too? I cannot believe it - where did you stay, we were at POR! I loved it, because every night there were some froggies sitting on the signs.

OMGosh, that frog is soo cute!!!! All I ever see are the little green lizards scampering - they are very cute too!

I had to switch from SSR to POP due to Fay (flight was cancelled and SSR had no room), so was at POP for Fay. It was such fun! I LOVE Disney during a hurricane or tropical storm. Of course, Lake Buena Vista doesn't usually get hit too hard so mostly a lot of wind and rain. It's just so neat in the MK in a storm without lightning!

Aren't late night EMH at the MK the very best? Our first day in February the MK will be open until 3am again. I just pushed our Wave reservation back, so we can at least get a little nap in in the afternoon!

There is something extra magical about an almost empty MK in the early morning hours!

Ya know, I've not been in the MK for evening EMH in forever!!!! I am always up bright and early and too tired for a late evening, but when my kids were young (before the days of EMH) late summer the MK would still be open super late and we loved being in the park until one or two - it would empty oput after the last parade!

 

[dizneeat]

Hi Karin,

I wanted to say hi! I have not been on the DIS since November and have a lot of catching up to do!

I can't wait to read what I've missed.

Sophia

Hi Sophia!
It's so good to see you around here again! I followed you on facebook a bit, but I am not very good with keeping track there!

Have fun catching up! There are also two new pre-trip reports. One for our upcoming February trip, where we will meet Nicki and Todd (MickeyNicki) and Tina. The other one is for our August/September trip. You aren't planning on going back in early September, aren't you?

OMGosh, that frog is soo cute!!!! All I ever see are the little green lizards scampering - they are very cute too!

I had to switch from SSR to POP due to Fay (flight was cancelled and SSR had no room), so was at POP for Fay. It was such fun! I LOVE Disney during a hurricane or tropical storm. Of course, Lake Buena Vista doesn't usually get hit too hard so mostly a lot of wind and rain. It's just so neat in the MK in a storm without lightning!

Ya know, I've not been in the MK for evening EMH in forever!!!! I am always up bright and early and too tired for a late evening, but when my kids were young (before the days of EMH) late summer the MK would still be open super late and we loved being in the park until one or two - it would empty oput after the last parade!

You know, when I first posted photos of my friend "froggie" who was there EVERY night of our trip (or at least someone from his family! ), a lot of people freaked out! I really loved seeing him every evening!

I remember that when Fay hit many people had to be relocated to other resorts. We were there for Hurricane Charley too and that one was a really strong Hurricane. We had to stay inside our rooms and were adviced to "hide" in the bathroom should something happen to the huge AKL windows.
When we were allowed to go out again we could not believe our eyes. Whole glass facades of houses were gone and there were several turned over trucks! A sight I won't forget too soon.

Christine, can you remember e-ride nights? We used to love these! Kind of like EMH today, but you had to pay for them. The parks were literally empty and you could walk on every ride! We rode BTMRR a gazillion times without getting off. When we would get into the station everyone would just chant "Encore" and the CM would just raise his thumb and send us on another round!
Those were the days! Man, I sound old!!!!!!!!!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Christine, can you remember e-ride nights? We used to love these! Kind of like EMH today, but you had to pay for them. The parks were literally empty and you could walk on every ride! We rode BTMRR a gazillion times without getting off. When we would get into the station everyone would just chant "Encore" and the CM would just raise his thumb and send us on another round!
Those were the days! Man, I sound old!!!!!!!!!

I guess you think I am old too since you asked if I remember e-ride nights!!

Out first visit to WDW was August 1981 (which is why I'd so love to get back this August as it will be 30 yrs!!). The 2 and 3 day park tkt were pretty new and that was what we bought. 3 days at the MK, including River Country and Discovery Island for practically nothing. Unlike today, it was an incredibly affordable family vacation. Those were the days.

Anyway, think I vaguely remember someone mentioning e-rides, but cannot say for sure. It was not offered or suggested to us when I bought our tkts at whichever resort we were at and MK was open until 1 a.m. even late August. We were at CR, then we went back and forth between Poly and CR each trip until '88 when CBR was brand new and decided to try that.

Speaking of CBR - have you ever stayed there? I know you like tropical and CBR is so tropical and relaxing. It was better back in the early days, with Bob Marley music everywhere, rocking chairs on the porches and a much nicer TS - even white tablecloths. CBR rooms are the largest of the moderates, essentially the same size as WL and AKL rooms. It's not my fave mod anymore though.

Anyway, was just wondering if you & Tom had stayed there.

 

[dizneeat]

I guess you think I am old too since you asked if I remember e-ride nights!!

Out first visit to WDW was August 1981 (which is why I'd so love to get back this August as it will be 30 yrs!!). The 2 and 3 day park tkt were pretty new and that was what we bought. 3 days at the MK, including River Country and Discovery Island for practically nothing. Unlike today, it was an incredibly affordable family vacation. Those were the days.

Anyway, think I vaguely remember someone mentioning e-rides, but cannot say for sure. It was not offered or suggested to us when I bought our tkts at whichever resort we were at and MK was open until 1 a.m. even late August. We were at CR, then we went back and forth between Poly and CR each trip until '88 when CBR was brand new and decided to try that.

Speaking of CBR - have you ever stayed there? I know you like tropical and CBR is so tropical and relaxing. It was better back in the early days, with Bob Marley music everywhere, rocking chairs on the porches and a much nicer TS - even white tablecloths. CBR rooms are the largest of the moderates, essentially the same size as WL and AKL rooms. It's not my fave mod anymore though.

Anyway, was just wondering if you & Tom had stayed there.

Wow! You went to WDW 18 years before our first visit! Our first visit was in 1999. We caught the Disney bug in 1992 in Disneyland. We both caught it pretty bad, it's something that stays with you forever I guess!

I still have a "half used" hopper ticket from 1999 and I cannot remember where I found out about them, but I knew about e-ride nights. In those days we stayed at the All-Stars and were super happy to be able to afford them. Booking through a TA here is pricey - NO discounts, no nothing, you pay them a little extra for their work and that's it! I remember asking at the front desk about them and they "looked" for leaflets and times behind the counter - they were not even out openly! We loved those nights!

As for the CBR .........

Now does this look familiar to you? ................ we stayed here

We DID have a lot of fun at CBR!

 

[dizneeat]

Day 10, August 23

Window shopping, a visit to Africa and off to Greece for dinner - Part 1

We needed to sleep in this morning. The long hours in the park the day before had taken its toll. So at around 10am we got ready and headed over Downtown Disney. We strolled through the stores for a while until Wolfgang Puck’s Express changed its menu to lunch.
We were with the first people for lunch there and

Tom ordered the Pennette Chicken Alfredo with peas, bacon and parmesan, while

I tried the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes, port wine sauce and crispy onion rings. There was no question what we both wanted for dessert,

the Crème Brulee. After filling up on those goodies we walked back to the car and went shopping for a few bits and pieces we still needed for our cruise.

We drove to a huge Walmart where we picked up a few things, then while we were driving towards the International Drive, we passed a Dollar Tree and stopped to have a look. We could not believe what goodies were to be found there. Since we knew we had to take all our things with us on the cruise, we did not buy anything, but swore to be back before we were supposed to go back home again.
After our shopping spree we decided to drive over to the Animal Kingdom and fit in a ride or two.
The parking lot was rather full, but we found a spot that was not too far from the tram stop and hopped on the tram. We walked towards the Tree of Life, cooled down while walking through the shops and discussed our options on what ride to get on. The tip board said that the wait for Kilimanjaro Safari was not that bad, so we headed there.

Even though it said 20 minutes it was more like 10 minutes and we got on the Safari Vehicle and headed off into Harambe.

We were amazed at how many animals were out and about.

The driver had to stop a few times to give the animals the right of way and we got some really good photos.

Since we had been so lucky on the Safari we decided that we might try and head over to Expedition Everest.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Wow! You went to WDW 18 years before our first visit! Our first visit was in 1999. We caught the Disney bug in 1992 in Disneyland. We both caught it pretty bad, it's something that stays with you forever I guess!

I still have a "half used" hopper ticket from 1999 and I cannot remember where I found out about them, but I knew about e-ride nights. In those days we stayed at the All-Stars and were super happy to be able to afford them. Booking through a TA here is pricey - NO discounts, no nothing, you pay them a little extra for their work and that's it! I remember asking at the front desk about them and they "looked" for leaflets and times behind the counter - they were not even out openly! We loved those nights!

As for the CBR .........

Now does this look familiar to you? ................ we stayed here


We DID have a lot of fun at CBR!

See, I AM old!!!!!! Darn, why have I absolutely no recollection of e-ride nights?? Heck, from our fist visit we went twice a yr (sound familiar???). By '92 it was getting pricier for sure - yep and no discounts back then for us either. Heck, I recall getting postcards with offers to visit during certain times at a discounted price, but I would throw it out and never even consider any time other than summer! My kids were young adults by then and in their words, "We're Mickey'd out". What kind of kids did I raise anyway??? See why I need friends who let me bribe them to go or let me tagalong? Otherwise I could only go alone...how sad is that?

So you did try CBR! But, sadly, by the time the Pirate rooms opened CBR was past its glory days...and you were so far from everything in Trinidad So! When it opened there was no "preferred" and from the first stay we were dusted with a lake view, corner room in Martinique! In 5 CBR stays, that is the only room and location we've ever had! Last stay was 2004 and we did pay for a preferred location, but we were back in Martinique, lake view corner room.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I must have been blabbing when you posted that great update, Karin! I do so enjoy all the photos - takes me back to fond memories of each and every trip.

More yummy food too!!!!

 

[KatMark]

Ooooh....that Pennette Chicken Alfredo does in fact look awfully yummy to me.

Great photos on the Safari, especially my favorite -- Miss Giraffe.

 

[jenseib]

I agree. That Pennette Chicken Alfredo looks so delicious! Again I am reading when I am hungry!

I love how you can just decide to stop off at a park for some fun at the spur of the moment. I wish we could have the time to just do that. I guess I should've married a millionare.

 

[Linda67]

Great safari pictures

 

[dizneeat]

See, I AM old!!!!!! Darn, why have I absolutely no recollection of e-ride nights?? Heck, from our fist visit we went twice a yr (sound familiar???). By '92 it was getting pricier for sure - yep and no discounts back then for us either. Heck, I recall getting postcards with offers to visit during certain times at a discounted price, but I would throw it out and never even consider any time other than summer! My kids were young adults by then and in their words, "We're Mickey'd out". What kind of kids did I raise anyway??? See why I need friends who let me bribe them to go or let me tagalong? Otherwise I could only go alone...how sad is that?

So you did try CBR! But, sadly, by the time the Pirate rooms opened CBR was past its glory days...and you were so far from everything in Trinidad So! When it opened there was no "preferred" and from the first stay we were dusted with a lake view, corner room in Martinique! In 5 CBR stays, that is the only room and location we've ever had! Last stay was 2004 and we did pay for a preferred location, but we were back in Martinique, lake view corner room.

Maybe you just missed the e-ride nights, having all the fun in the parks! We just loved them, we would venture offsite for a few hours, have dinner and return to the park, showing off our wristbands and secretly laughing inside when most of the other guests were turned away.

We actually loved CBR too. Having a car made getting everywhere pretty easy, so being far from restaurants wasn't a big deal for us. We were there when they first opened the Pirate Rooms and they were not even fully furnished then. But it was fun to live in that room! Aaargh!!!

I must have been blabbing when you posted that great update, Karin! I do so enjoy all the photos - takes me back to fond memories of each and every trip.

More yummy food too!!!!

Never mind missing the update, you found it in the end! We took a lot of photos during those few safaris and we were so lucky, there were so many animals out!

Ooooh....that Pennette Chicken Alfredo does in fact look awfully yummy to me.
Great photos on the Safari, especially my favorite -- Miss Giraffe.

WPE is where you would find it!
I was so lucky with Miss Giraffe, she came real close to the safari vehicle and it was amazing at how they are all used to the cars driving through.

I agree. That Pennette Chicken Alfredo looks so delicious! Again I am reading when I am hungry!

I love how you can just decide to stop off at a park for some fun at the spur of the moment. I wish we could have the time to just do that. I guess I should've married a millionare.

You need to try the Pennette Alfredo once. They are so yummy and more than enough to share with Claire.

Staying for a longer period of time really is wonderful! I just love the freedom of thinking that if we can't do it today, it can easily be done another day.

Great safari pictures

Thank you, Linda!

 

[DaveInTN]

Anxiously waiting for more...

I assume that pesky day job is getting in the way?

 

[dizneeat]

Anxiously waiting for more...

I assume that pesky day job is getting in the way?

Hi Dave!

Sorry to keep you waiting! I am trying to get an update done tonight! Unfortunately I need to earn some money for Mickey - otherwise I would update more often!

 

[dizneeat]

Day 10, August 23

Window shopping, a visit to Africa and off to Greece for dinner - Part 2

We stopped for a photopass photographer and were surprised to really see that the line was only 20 minutes!

We got in line and it DID take 20 minutes, but at least there was lots of time to really enjoy the exhibits.

We got on the ride, nearly met the Yeti and were back before we knew it.

On the way back to the tree of life

we stopped at Kali River Rapids to watch people on the rafts and to take a few more photos. We stopped by It’s Tough To Be A Bug, but we hit a line halfway into the outdoor queuing area and headed back. Another visit to the shops and then we headed for the exit.

The tram was already waiting, so all we had to do was hop on and wait for the tram to leave. We were at our car in no time, hopped in and drove back to Old Key West for a little rest. I did more packing while Tom was checking things out on the Internet! In no time it was time to get ready to head over to the Boardwalk for our reservation at Cat Cora’s Kouzzina!

We walked over to the resort, strolled along the Boardwalk and went to sign in a little ahead of time. They were running a little behind, so we were handed a buzzer and walked over to the candy store before venturing outside. There was a magician who performed with the help of a little guest and it was real good fun to watch. After about 10 minutes we were called back to the restaurant and led inside. We were seated at a four top and our server was quick to make an appearance and ask for drinks orders. We ordered our staple Diet Cokes

and a pitcher of Sangria.
Once our drinks had arrived we ordered our starter,

the Crisp Calamari and Lemon, coated in Three Flours with Spicy Yogurt and Garlic Yogurt, which we shared.
Shortly after we had finished the starter, our server brought

some Bread and Butter with seasalt to nibble on until it was time for entrees. For my main course I ordered

the Kouzzina Trio -

tasting size portions of Pastitsio,

Char-grilled Lamb Burger, and

Cinnomon-stewed Chicken with Orzo. I loved the Pastitsio and the burger, but did not care too much about the chicken.

Tom ordered the Traditional Whole Fish Pan-roasted - with Braised Greens, Greek Olives, Fennel, and Smoked Chili. It was a huge portion, but it tasted just so good! And ….. he finished it!

 

[dizneeat]

Day 10, August 23

Window shopping, a visit to Africa and off to Greece for dinner - Part 3

We also got a side of Sauteed Brussels Sprouts - with Capers and Lemon, which are so totally awesome. There was still dessert to conquer. I knew what I wanted,

the Loukoumades - Freshly Made Greek Doughnuts drizzled with Warm Honey. I have had those before and they are just so very good, dipped into the raspberry sauce that comes with it.

Tom had the Greek-style Yogurt Sorbet - with seasonal Fruit and Mint Syrup, which he enjoyed very much. Once we had stuffed ourselves silly we settled the bill with out Dining Plan Credits and left a nice tip for the server before we left the restaurant. We walked through the Boardwalk Stores and finally hit the Boardwalk Bakery to pick up

a small Mickey Head Cake for breakfast the next morning. By then it was time to head back to our resort. We chilled in front of the TV for a while,

had some adult beverages and discussed what we had already experienced so far. Around midnight we called it a day and finally went to bed.

 

[cbg1027]

I went to Kouzzina once shortly after it opened and did not have a good experience. Everything had way too much salt! Did you like it? I think I would like to give it another chance, I love Greek so I would like to have a nice place to eat it at Disney.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Karin! I've been so far behind, I don't think I can even comment on everything, except to say Great Updates!!! I loved all the pics - I think my favorites were the beautiful shot of EE from across the water, and the close up of the giraffe!

So many food pics! I'm not sure Kouzzina would be our taste, but those donuts might be worth it, just for the raspberry sauce!

 

[Linda67]

Another great day Karin

Your reports make me so excited about our forthcoming trip

 

[AlisaMom]

What a great report! Thank you! Can't wait for the next days

 

[DaveInTN]

Karin, almost every one of your food pics makes my mouth water. But that whole fish from Kouzzina just doesn't do it for me! I'm sure it tastes good...maybe it's the whole "I don't like my food staring at me" thing.