We are here too! Updated TR!

[OhanaSam]

Loving your Trip report, it's making me so excited and we don't go for another 6 months lol.

 

[wayneg]

I prefer the current parade in DHS to the last one. If you compare to MK then its a poor parade but its never meant to compete.

 

[MickeyHammer]

Great live trip report. Hoping the weather will be the same when we go this time next year!

 

[sharon78]

What a truely magical day you had, thanks for sharing your wonderful day.

 

[monica23535]

Sounds like a great day!


We left Studios around 3pm and went to rest before dinner at 'Ohana, then headed back to HS at 8pm for a quick ride on TOT and Fantasmic. We walked into the extra showing at 9pm right at the last minute and got great seats in the middle section about halfway up. The theatre was only about a third full which was great and makes a nice change.

 

[K8T]

Another busy day and still don't seem to have done half the things we wanted to!!!

It was EMH at Magic Kingdom, so after breakfast we headed over there. Before we did, we had to think about dinner and making a reservation.

Having looked on the boards last night, I had Akershus in mind and this was confirmed by the Concierge that it was a good place for food and that there were also characters - great we thought and managed to get a reservation for 3.00 that afternoon.

Whilst there, we mentioned that we had a great meal at Cafe Mickey in Paris, which had surprised us given the surroundings and the Concierge's supervisor, who was nearby, suggested Chef Mickey, but it was unlikey we would find anything for the next few days. Knowing all about the Pixie Dust floating around us at the moment - OH thinks I have lost it! -, I asked her to look and sure enough, a slot was free tomorrow evening (Just Believe! ). Perfect.

Magic Kingdom was really quiet, we went straight to Thunder Mountain and rode twice in a row, then over to FP Peter Pan, my FP gave me 'Complimentary FP's for Mickeys Philarmagic, which wasn't really busy anyway, but we went straight through. DD loved this show and I had forgotten what fun it was. As we came out, someone gave us FP's for Dumbo, however dd decided it was too babyish and I passed them on.

We didn't have much left in MK to do on our list, so we went to ride Barnstormer, which was a 10 minute wait - just as well - it was the shortest ride in history!! How cheesed off would you have been if you had waited any longer. From there we had a peak into New Fantasyland and tried to charm our way in to have a look, but no luck, just open to CM at the moment.

We rode Peter Pan and Pooh, which brought back fond memories of our first visit with dd when she was 3, she adored this and then went to Auntie Gravitys and had the most delicious smoothies on our snack. It is great to just say 'yes' to dd when she wants stuff, we had a Muffin too, which would be enough to keep us going until 3.00.

Whilst we were sat outside, quietly minding our business, a door opened nearby and out came Push (the talking trashcan), OH looked at me, as I said 'look it's Push' and explained about him making an appearance once in a while. OH then told me that I spend too much time on the Dis Boards!!

It was sooooo funny, as Push immediately picked OH out and I have a great photo of him talking to a rubbish bin!! I tried to see who was controlling him, but the only person I could see nearby, was an old man with fairly tatty clothes on, that was the only suspect!

We decided to now make our way to Epcot by Monorail and when we arrived, saw Spaceship Earth, neither OH or myself have done this, so as it was walk on, we did! I was pretty impressed and felt happy with myself that dd had done something just a little bit educational this holiday

We then went to Innovations and had a wander, it is great for kids, but I find the advertising stuff a bit much. We did the Fire thing, but not very well, our house burnt down! and then went to taste some Cokes. Now if you don't know, you can go to the Coke Station - not sure what it is called ' WAYNE?!!!! and try several different flavours of Coke from around the world. There never seem to be many people in there and it is a good chance to refresh for free, which is always good. I actually liked the Mexican one.

We had just got to Mexico and walked in, when dd announced she remembered this place!, bearing in mind she was 3 years 4 months old when we last visited I was a bit dubious, but she proceeded to say that there was a boat ride and she remembers coming around a corner and seeing three characters playing guitars. I can remember her loving this ride and doing it several times back then and when we rode it today, she was right! we have decided that is probably one of her earliest memories - a Disney one!!! Isn't that a slogan too? We could be THE Disney family!!!!!

By now it was time to eat and we were conveniently placed at Norway. We checked in and then dd looked at me and said 'Princessess'!!!!! I should explain that dd isn't a Princess type of girl, she says they are too boring and hang around castles all day, she likes to fight, ride horses etc., and have adventures! She likes Merida and Rapunzel a little, but definately not the others too much. None of us had realised the 'characters' that we had been told about would be Princesses

Believe it or not, we skipped the photo on the way in, dd couldn't bear it, I felt it a bit of a shame, but certainly wasn't going to force her to stand next to Belle!!!! I did however say when they came around to the table, to be polite and have a photo (which she would anyway, but maybe not too enthusiastically).

The food was brilliant, we started with the buffet, loads of fishy things and lots of it. I then had salmon cakes and cauliflower soup, OH had meatballs and dd salmon. All of it was delicious, OH is very fussy about his meatballs but even he said they were fantastic.

The selection of deserts was odd, chocolate Gateaux, rice pudding and some sort of puff pastry effort with cream and raspberries, but all good. Certainly would recommend and I am pleased to say that dd coped with a Princess overload very graciously. I wasn't sure about the parade around in the middle, it felt a bit Butlinesque!!!

The rest of the afternoon was spent walking around the World, we had a beer in Germany, well it was rude not to and then hung around the stage that is near there at the moment and saw the Pointer Sisters!!! Now they were my era and I remember many a day doing Aerobics with my leg warmers and white trainer boots on to songs like Jump and Automatic! I wasn't disappointed and had a bit of a bop much to OH's and dd's embarrassment.

There was quite a downpour around 5ish, but we had our Disney waterproof capes, something I wouldn't be seen dead in, in the UK. A funny story there, in that we bought them back in 2008 for a few dollars. At the time there was an older lady, pulling hers out of her bag and she said 'I have had this for six years now and I always bring it with me, whenever I come to WDW'. I can distinctly remember, turning to OH and saying 'If I end up like that, saving my plastic mac for six years, you have permission to shoot me!' So, if in a couple of years time you hear of an Englishman murdering his partner at Disney, you will know!!

We wandered back to our hotel and had a chill out in our room with a couple of glasses of wine, I wanted dd to rest, as we planned on going back out for the fireworks in Epcot. One of the good things about staying at the BC, is that you can walk back again in 10 minutes.

At 8.00 we wandered back into Epcot and to the pub, where we had another drink (not good is it?, but we are on holiday) and got some fish and chips to pick at while we watched the show from the beer garden. OH said to me, how come you knew about this place? and I reminded him that sometimes it was good to spend a lot of time on the Disboards!!! (touche).

I had forgotten how good Illuminations was and how fuzzy it made me feel inside DD was exhausted, so we called it a day.

Tomorrow we are definately going to DTD, we also need to decide if we are going to rent a car or not - I am going to suss this out now. We check out of the BC on Sunday, to go to the Royal Pacific at Universal for three days and need to think of the logistics of getting there, then to DTD for check in and to the airport. Whether this is all possible without a car, is what I need to find out, if anyone has any suggestions for this, it would be useful.

Until tomorrow then, hopefully without a hurricane!!

 

[kitcat1]

Thanks for taking the time to keep updating us, its so interesting knowing you are there and hopefully the weather will stay good for you. Keep the reports coming....

Cath

 

[K8T]

Up not quite so bright and early today!!!

I an feel that we are beginning to lag a little bit, so we decided that we would take it a bit easier and go to DTD to have a look and then pop our heads into Disneyquest, with the possibility of doing Typhoon Lagoon.

Before we went out, we had a chat with the Concierge about tomorrows meal and because dd is really into Chip and Dale, we have booked the Garden Grill.

We got the bus from BC, but it took ages, however, DTD was quiet at 10am, so we had a good look in the shops, I had a little retail therapy. We then went into Disneyquest and before we knew it, it was 2pm!! We had spent a good two hours playing games!!! OH got a bit serious with the driving games and dd was particularly good at some speedboat racing thing. I had a go on a couple of dance mat type games, hoping to burn off some of the food I have eaten, but was disappointed to see that I had burnt of 5 calories!!

We went for something to eat and ended up at the Irish Bar, where I had a wrap and dd had Fish and Chips, OH had a Pie and Guiness. We used our Quick Service meals, but have about 7 left to use up by Sunday!!!! We also have 8 snacks to get rid of. Problem is, we just can't eat that much. I don't know how anyone copes with the DDP!!

By now it was nearly 4pm, so we got the bus back and spent some time in the pool, to be honest, it was nice to just read a book and not be rushing around. Our reservation at Chef Mickey was 7.40, so we left at 7pm, but forgot about the MNSSHP, which meant that the monorail into MK was packed. We ended up being a little late, but still have to wait for our table.

Chef Mickey was a little disappointing if I am honest. The character interaction was great, the characters came around at least twice each and there is a napkin waving song, which kids love. The food however, was pretty standard 'Disney' buffet, nothing notably good, all just OK. I thought it poor that they wanted $31 for a photograph, it wasn't even with a 'real' character!!! OH was really glad he paid for this on the DP, as the cost would have been $130 if we hadn't had it. Put it this way, unless you have really young kids, I wouldn't rush back.

We caught the Monorail to Epcot, to try and avoid the MK rush, as we watched the fireworks from the balcony of the Contemporary. It was a good move and gave a completely different perspective.

When we got to Epcot, it was 10pm and the park was closed, but a very, very nice man let us in, so we could walk back to the BC.

We are sat here now debating tomorrows dinner. dd loves Chip and Dale, who are at the Garden Grill, but with so many wonderful dining options open to us, we are thinking that perhaps another buffet will be disappointing.

Tomorrow, is our last day at the BC, we check out on Sunday. We haven't planned much, other than to pick up our hire care from Swan and Dolphin. We may yet get to Typhoon Lagoon!

 

[wayneg]

Coke Station http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Club_Cool

I am not a fan of Disney buffets but we do like Garden Grill, eaten there twice and enjoyed both meals. With it being a small restaurant the character interaction has been excellent both times. Its not an extensive menu but we really like what there is, including the sweet potato fries.

 

[K8T]

Thanks Wayne, I knew you would know!!! Also we went with the Garden Grill and it was good, but more in a bit.

Today we got a second wind and were back on form!! After breakfast we wandered next door to the Dolphin and picked up our car. The Concierge had looked on line for us and it was coming out at $500, that was with all the collision waivers, Sat Nav. etc. I went back to the room and on the UK Alamo site, got it much cheaper, so reserved on line.

When we got there, we were upsold to a new Toyota Cambra? OH has been wanting to try one for a while, so he is happy and it only has 7 miles on the clock, everything still has plastic on it!!! With the Sat Nav, extra Insurance etc. it came to $300 for the 5 days. Not sure I will be driving though, I don't think he will let me get my hands on it!

We then went to Blizzard Beach, we gave dd the choice and she duly studied the park maps intently before deciding. The weather was overcast and a bit chilly at times, with a strong breeze, which is due to the hurricane apparently. The news is full of it here by the way and New York is one of the cities placed in a state of emergency!

Blizzard Beach was fun and being skiers, we loved the themeing, however, I nearly broke a leg getting off the chair lift, my mind was telling me to ski!!!!! Weird!!! I am pleased to say the water was warmish and at times, it was warmer in the water than out. Neither OH or I did the huge slide, but we did some others and the family raft one and it was fun. When dd's lips started to turn blue, we thought it time to go , so we had a Quick Service meal at the park before leaving.

We have got 5 QS meals left, to eat before midnight tomorrow (Sunday), so I think we are going to lose them. We also have 4 snack credits, so I am going to get some Mickey Lolliepops to take home.

We decided to go back to Animal Kingdom, rather than just go to the hotel again and when the bus went to the Lodge first, we got out and had a quick look. AKL is somewhere we thought about, as dd is just a bit obsessed with Lions and animals in general, I know she would love to stay here. We were impressed with the entrance and bars, but not so with the building itself. OH said he felt that it would make him feel a bit sad seeing the animals in the compound in the middle of the buildings, rather than being free, but as I said to him, they probably have more freedom than in a zoo. Anyway, I still think we like the BC, I do like looking at the water and the convenience for Epcot in the evenings.

From AKL we went to the park and on Primeveal Whirl. DD hadn't wanted to do this the other day, as she hadn't long been on Everest and I think was a bit worried. However, she was obviously feeing a bit more confident and rode it. She loved it and so did I, it kept making me laugh for some reason, we rode twice as it was only 10 minutes wait.

DD then decided she would do Everest again, so we walked over. The queue was 30 mins, but bearing in mind so far all the queues had been less than they said, we waited. We had just got to the end, when they closed the ride because of a fault. I couldn't believe it, we had been waiting 20 minutes, luckily it wasn't longer. They gave us FP's to be used anytime up to 31st October, we got four as two were stuck together, but it is unlikely we will use them now. It wasn't up and running when we left.

Leaving AK, we went back to the hotel, had a beer and a wine from the lounge, freshened up and headed out to Epcot. We were a bit disappointed when we got back to the room, to find that it hadn't been made up. Yesterday our room got 'missed' and the bed wasn't made and towels changed until 5pm, when we came back in a saw it and today was the same. It isn't the end of the world, but we speficially chose our room to be done between 10am and 12pm in the morning, so not sure what had gone wrong (twice!). Housekeeping were very apologetic - again - but it isn't good really and the first time we have felt disappointed with the BC. It wasn't great to come back to unmade beds and damp towels!

On the way into Epcot, we popped to Soarin', but it was a 50 minute wait. Instead we went on the Living World ride and the Circle of Life show. Both were interesting, if not dynamic!! DD liked the COL, because it had her beloved Simba in it. So we gave her a bit more education on this holiday I am grasping at anything at the moment, to assuage my guilt at not doing something a bit more cultural during half term!

We then went to Garden Grill. At first we were seated on the inside upper level and it wasn't pleasant. I had a really bright light shining in my face, I felt I was under interrogation. There was a huge and I mean HUGE lady behind me, that meant my own stomach (which isn't by any means small), was pushed right up against the table. The whole thing felt like we were in some sort of industrial canteen. OH had a word and asked if it was possible we could be moved onto the bottom level, in one of the booths. Thankfully it was, as I honestly don't think I could have tolerated being at that table for a whole meal. I would suggest to anyone eating here, to ask for a lower/outer level seat.

It wasn't at all what we were expecting, we were brought a large salad to the table, which was very pleasant, then a selection of mains, Turkey on a stuffing type thing, Fish on a mix of peppers and Beef on mashed potatoes. I don't eat meat, but the fish was lovely. DD loved the beef (she doesn't eat of the childrens menu, so has the adult dining plan) We actually had seconds.

The desert was a sort of sponge cake (he said it was cobbler, but it wasn't what we would call cobbler), with fruit in the middle and a large dollop of cream on top. We all liked it and the server offered to bring more, but we were stuffed. The characters came around continuously and there was good interaction, Chip/Dale (dd's favourite), Pluto and Mickey. Worth the money and OH said the beef was fantastic.

Not what we were expecting atall when we turned up and I am glad we stuck with it.

After our meal we went to Soarin' to see if it was any less, it was 40 mins, which ended up being 20 mins by the time we got to ride. On the way out, passing the entrance, it was zero minutes, so we rode again.

By this time it was gone 10.00 and we went back to the hotel, all exhausted.

Tomorrow we check out and head up to Universal. I have no idea what to expect, I have never been there before and whilst I profess to have a little knowledge of Disney and the Parks, of Universal, 'I know nothing!'

The next few days could be interesting.

 

[wayneg]

At Garden Grill we sat on the lower\outer lever both times so no idea what its like where you were. The beef is the best bit about the place, they just kept bringing me more and more. Same at Liberty Tree Tavern, its just as good there.

You did right to book the car on a UK site, it works out roughly half the cost.

 

[laura_<3]

Loving the updates, sounds like you're all having a great time! Can't wait to read more.

 

[bee86]

Loving your Trip report, it's making me so excited and we don't go for another 6 months lol.

Haha I'm exactly the same except I'm 7 months out lol loving your trip report

 

[K8T]

Thanks guys - see I am getting the lingo! We are now in Universal no wifi at the hotel, but will update as soon as.

 

[K8T]

Well here we are at Universal Resort, having had two days of fun!

We checked out of the BC by 10.00am and drove to a couple of malls, OH buying what seemed to be the whole stock of Dockers Chinos from Macy's, yet I bought nothing!!! Not sure how that happened. We had lunch at one of the Premier Outlets, which was so cheap was unbelieveable. Having been used to seeing the Disney prices on the DP, we realised exactly how extortionate it is to eat onsite there. We felt a bit miffed that we lost 6 QS meals on the plan, we just couldn't eat them. However, I did get 6 various bits of sweets for gifts back home with our snack allowance not used.

The car drove briliantly and OH is very pleased with it, but, thank God for Sat Nav. I don't' know what it is with us, but we just can't seem to get the hang of the roads!!! Either they turn up too quick, or roads are missing from our maps. Both of us are disorientated most of the time, which is weird, we drive in Europe a lot!!! Anyway, the extra $ were worth it for the fact we haven't had a domestic in the car!!!

The other thing that we never really accounted for, is how near everything is, it would have been quite easy to continue to stay at Disney and go to Universal, although we wouldn't have had the Express Card, which has made all the difference, but more of that later.

The Royal Pacific Hotel, is not like the BC and I feel we were spoiled there, for a start we are not concierge!!! Also the rooms are pretty basic, nice, but basic. Our view however is amazing, we are on the 7th floor, overlooking the theme park. Last night was Horror Night in Universal, so we could see the coasters running until very late and it is fun to lie back in bed and see the lights. The weather however is very windy, with the tail end of the hurricane, it was also a little bit chilly tonight too.

Once we were checked in, we had a couple of hours to go to IOA, we did a couple of Dr Seuss rides and then went straight to Hogsmeade, WOW!!!! The theming is fantastic and whats more, it was nearly empty, OH rode the duelling dragons, I skipped it but we all went on the Harry Potter ride in Hogwarts, incredible, dd was a little worried, but not enough not to do it again. I was almost disappointed it was a 'walk on', as I wanted to take the time to look at the stuff inside and listen to the portraits talking along the queue line.

After Potter, dd wanted to go on the little Hippogriff coaster, which was fun, we rode three times, running to get straight back on.

By this time it was getting really dark and nearly time for the park to close, no one was around, and the eerie moon looked amazing on the snow topped buildings of Diagon Alley. The shops, especially the wand shop is brilliant. If you even know the littlest about HP you will be impressed. It made me laugh that people were buying Hogwarts ties and jumpers, dd hates wearing her school uniform, which isn't that dissimilar from Hogwarts, so she was very amused to see kids voluteering to wear it! We were just wondering if anyone at her school would notice if she substituted the knitted hat for a Potter one, athough it would have to be navy, not her favourite house Gryfindor.

Once the park closed, we went to City Walk, which is Universals version of DTD. We ate at Bubba Gumps Shrimp House. I love Forrest Gump and am afraid to say I answered all the questions about it that the waitress gave us, mind you OH managed to get one right too.....what vegetables did Forrest describe him and Jenny as?....... Answer tomorrow!

 

[wayneg]

We were disappointed with RPR room moving from the Country Inn & Suites LBV(Now Fairfield Inn) so I can easily see a big difference from BC.
We were used to the very comfy beds, free breakfast, free Wifi, Free parking(all for £28/nt) then to RPR where everything was extra ontop of a crazy £100+/nt rate. Even the furniture was battered and chips out of it.
Can you tell I won't be returning
I don't know much about HP, saw one film and never read a book but I think its amazing what they have done.
No idea what you are talking about with Forrest Gump, never been to the restaurant or seen the film, I didn't even know they had anything to do with each other.

 

[Trevski220]

Peas and Carrots!!!


Glad you are having a good time

 

[K8T]

The prize goes to Trevski!

Wayne. I completely agree with you about hotel, wonder if the others are better as the benefit if Express and location is worth staying. We have also made good use of the AP with food and purchases, so glad we went for that. Will write up full day at both IoA and US later. Just off shopping in a Walmart would you believe!

Flight home tomorrow eve. is it worth dropping bags off at DTD or just going direct to airport? and what to do tomorrow? as feel have done both Universals now, although will go in later tonight.

Any must dos?

 

[Cyrano]

Sounds like you are having a great trip.


I know staying at RPR is expensive but with confirmed Potter fans in our group and going during the summer means that a stay on-site is pretty much a necessity.
Good example is Despicible Me attraction. Without room key FOTL we would have had to endure 60min + waits. Well obviously we would not have waited, but you know what I mean.
Agree with others now that you get free wifi in the rooms at Disney makes it even more noticeable that this option is an extra at Loews.

 

[K8T]

A bit late, but wrote up our first full day at Universal.

Got up really early this morning to get into the park for 8am, but ended up being more like 8.30! AND we didn't even stop for breakfast. A little chilly, I think we are getting the effects of the Hurricane that is making its way up the coast - We are trying not to think about getting back home!

We didn't even have breakfast, but legged it right to Harry Potter yet again, It look fabulous last night and in the fresh morning air, it looked as good.

We rode the Harry Potter ride again, I think it is the Forbidden Journey?, anyways, it was as good as yesterday, perhaps better, because we could look at things in much more detail. DD then rode the Hippogrif, she wanted to do it on her own!!! She went up on her own and was so pleased with herself, she was beaming when she came off. The first coaster she has done without us - she's growing up!

We then queued for a short while to go into Olivanders Wand Shop. You can go into the shop, but this was for a short (10mins), sketch about how a wand chooses you. A boy of about 10 was picked and it was very sweet, although I am not sure his parents were so happy about forking out $34 for a wand, at the end of it, but it would have been hard not to then follow it through and buy it, as the wand did pick him!!!! I won't go into details, but it is worth calling in, although not worth a long wait.

As we hadn't eaten, we went into the Three Broomsticks for an 'English breakfast'. Although not many English breakfasts come with a croissant. It was good basic fare though and the tea was the best I have had in over a week!

Once duly refreshed, we took time to take in the theming of the bar area, it really is so good, with a place to park your broomstick and authentic looking pull handles on the beers. I had tried the butter beer yesterday, but wasn't too impressed, I can't say I particularly liked it, far too sweet, but maybe the frozen one would have been better.

From Harry Potter we continued on through the park and down to the Jurrassic Park River Adventure. I had no idea what this was and to be honest, thought it was just a raft type ride around a river looking at dinosaurs. It was only when we started going up and up, I realised that at some point we had to come down First there was a little drop and I thought perhaps it would be several of these, until we plunged down I don't know how many feet into the depths below. It felt like a huge drop and poor dd hates flume rides But despite being soaked we survived.

From here on we completed most of the rides, although gave the Dr Doom one a miss (the two big drops) and the Hulk. OH was tempted, but decided against. Spiderman was brilliant and we rode this twice with our Express pass. I liked the theming of Toon Town, but really there wasn't much there. The Superhero bit was OK too and I am sure little boys love it, but didn't do much for me.

We stopped to have a coffee and share a funnell cake (a sort of fried donut type thing with icing sugar on it), the coffee from Croissant Moon near the entrance was disgusting!! We then moved onto Universal.

I LOVED Universal, just the ambiance and theming, it was really quiet, at times it felt like we were the only ones there.

DD was thrilled to come across Scooby Doo and the Mystery Machine, so that was one thing ticked on our list.

Terminator was just starting so we went in that, it was fun and then as with IoA we worked our way around. ET was cute, but it makes you realise just how interactive rides have moved on when you compare to Spiderman and Harry Potter, we walked on this with Express, but to have queued any length of time would have been disappointing. We felt the same with the Simpsons, but perhaps because we have never watched the Simpsons!

Animal Actors was interesting and a nice break to have another coffee and a cookie while watching, I am a dog trainer, so nothing wowed me with the dogs, but liked the cat and pig stuff, it would have been good to have a chat with the trainers about the technical stuff.

Continuing around, we did MIB, lost on DD! Disaster, which she was terrified of doing, but fine once it started. The parade was just starting when we came out, which was a bit poor really - I think I am spoiled by Disney now on quality. We missed the Mummy - too scary I thought, but did Twister and Shrek and Dispicable Me, none of us knew the back story about this, but it was good. Luckily this too was a walk on, although we had Express, but I believe the queues do get huge.

Before we left, we watched the water fountains and 100 years of Movies show on the lake, by now it was getting bitterly cold, so we wandered over to the Nascar Restaurant and had a meal, I had a very yummy veggie burger meal, OH had steak, which he shared with dd, the whole meal including beer only came to $57 and apparently the beer was the best OH has had since we have been away! I think we a truely realising how expensive Disney is.

We got the water bus back to the hotel and collapsed into bed, not sure if we would be up early for IoA, although dd wanted to do the Wand choosing demo. again, as she wanted to be chosen and get wand!