We did the unthinkable!We Left the teenagers home: DH & I do Disney solo:update 1/15

[MEK]

After my fireworks fo-pah, I decided that I was going to be in place for the parade at least 20 minutes early. So, we stopped for more Hot Choc and cookies at the CP and then went back to frontierland to find a spot for the parade. People were already lined up and it was hard to find a white line without people behind it. We finally found a spot and I sat down to wait and wait and wait. I am not good at waiting, but I had no choice.

When it was about 5 minutes to parade time, DH announces that we should have been on the other side of the street. He said, "see all those spot lights over there. You are not going to be able to take good pictures". Doh! "Now you tell me?????? I only got here early to take pictures. Now you tell me I should have been on the other side?????"

Oh well, too late. I had to take my chances. DH was right. I could not work around the spot light. So here are my pictures, spot light and all.....

I asked DH what the deal was with the spotlights. He told me that the spot lights weren't turned on until we had actually been sitting there for awhile, so I guess I will absolve him from all responsibility!

I have to upload a few more pics now!

 

[jenjolt]

Awww...sorry about the spotlights, but there were still good pictures and I really love the parades where you can see characters you can never find out and about in the parks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait to see more pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MEK]

Awww...sorry about the spotlights, but there were still good pictures and I really love the parades where you can see characters you can never find out and about in the parks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait to see more pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Jen ----

You are not going to believe this, but just as I started typing this, the Travelocity commercial came on! There was Nobby with all his signs. At the end of the commercial the scenic background falls down to reveal a brick wall. So funny. All the while there is this Hawian (sp?) music playing in the background!

Are you getting super excited for your trip?????? I just told DH I wish I was going back again this month, because I can't stand this stupid, cold weather. At least we won't be getting snow in Delaware today. It will be just north of us.

 

[MEK]

I thought the toy soldiers were definately the best! But that does not look like a fun job!!!!!

and finally ...... not Mickey, but Santa! You gotta believe!

So, I did manage to get a few good pics without the spot lights!

I do need to correct one mistake I made in my party report. I thought I went on HM before I went to Space Mountain. In retrospect, I realize I was wrong. We actually went to HM after the parade. This makes much more sense. I knew I didn't want to start walking to Main Street after the parade. That would be ridiculous, considering the crowds. So we took a ride on a doom buggy. I was surprised how many small kids were actually still up and in line for HM, cause it had to be after 11pm. They looked more awake than me. Just like last HM ride, I was secretly waiting that we would break down so I could get some pics. I actually do think the ride stopped, but I ended up erasing the picture cause it was BAD!

After HM we decided to leave. I was afraid of the bus line if we waited until the very end of the party.

This is what the crowd's on main street looked like as we were leaving - they pretty bad, but you get the idea!

Fortunately, we got a seat on the bus. We left our car at the Springs before we left for the party, so I could have them print our boarding passes. This meant we had to go to the last bus stop to get our car. When we got back to the room, I did some preliminary packing. Basically, I got all my things out of the drawers and into my suitcase. I left out my park clothes, running clothes, and "back to Philly" clothes. Then I went to

 

[ILuvCrush]

Hey MEK! Loved the party updates I can't wait to go to that!!
I know how you feel about the spotlights I did the same thing at the MNSSHP! There were few people on the "riverboat" side of the parade route thru frontierland... so i stood over there. They never shut down the lights on the buildings/shops facing me...grrrrr!! So I didn't have nearly as nice of pics as I thought i would have!

Paula

 

[kschafer]

I thought the toy soldiers were definately the best! But that does not look like a fun job!!!!!

When we would go to Disney as a kid, it was always around Christmas time. I don't know if I actually remember the toy soldiers or if I'm just remembering pictures but seeing these makes me think of my childhood. I can't wait to go at Christmas again to relive some of those memories.

Your pics turned out pretty good despite the spotlight on you!

 

[MEK]

Hey MEK! Loved the party updates I can't wait to go to that!!
I know how you feel about the spotlights I did the same thing at the MNSSHP! There were few people on the "riverboat" side of the parade route thru frontierland... so i stood over there. They never shut down the lights on the buildings/shops facing me...grrrrr!! So I didn't have nearly as nice of pics as I thought i would have!

Paula

Yeah - live and learn. Now I will know to stand on the other side when I go back for a party. I guess Spectromagic doesn't use the spotlights, because I don't remember them. Oh well - just another reason to go back for a party - next time MNSSHP!

When we would go to Disney as a kid, it was always around Christmas time. I don't know if I actually remember the toy soldiers or if I'm just remembering pictures but seeing these makes me think of my childhood. I can't wait to go at Christmas again to relive some of those memories.

Your pics turned out pretty good despite the spotlight on you!

Thanks Katie -

Yeah Christmas time is really special. I'm glad I went to the party, despite the crowds. I probably won't go in December again for awhile, so it was a great experience.

 

[MEK]

I got on online survey today, asking about my recent stay at SSR. Interesting. I have never gotten a survey before about any of my resort stays. It asked a few questions about the parks and dining, but most of it focused on the resort.

I wonder if this is a regular customer service survey or it was triggered by our room change. Any way, I told them about the problem with our first room and my recommendation that they refurb the studio rooms cause they are getting worn looking. I also wrote a letter to the guest communication link that was provided. What the heck - let's see what type of response I get.

 

[MEK]

Depends.......

I am really glad I did the party. It was fun. 5 hours just isn't long enough to do and see everything. Not when you have to line up for everything at least 1/2 hour in advance because it was a sold out party. We did not try to take any photopass pics or any character pics. The lines for those things were ridiculous. I think there was a show in front of the castle, that we did not see at all. There was also a dance party somewhere, but I expect this was for younger kids. The second parade was a lot more crowded than I thought it would be. Even on EMH nights at MK the second parade is alot less crowded.

As far as the ride situation - already told you. The ability to get on and off rides was amazing. All walk ons.

So, I would attend the Christmas party again if I didn't have a park ticket and wanted to do power rides, had a park ticket and wanted to do power rides, or went on a night that wasn't sold out.

I definately want to do MNSSHP. This is one party that I think would be cool because of the decorations. MK just looked the same with some red and green spot lights. The halloween party has to look much different.

P&P party - sure -if I was there I might consider.

 

[podsnel]

Ok I'm sold. I finished the June report (which was excellent, by the way!) and now I need to go to Vero, too!! It sounds great, really really great, especially today when we're having a snow/ice storm here in NJ....

Thanks,
Ellen

 

[MEK]

I got up fairly early on Wed 12/17. It was our final day. Our flight was scheduled for 3:35pm. I figured with a car, we should be able to hit AK for the morning and do two of my fav's - Safari and EE.

I had alot to do and I needed to get moving. I skipped running on tuesday, so I had to go today. No excuses. I decided to run over to DTD. DTD is so "tight", as my son would say, when there is no one around. Well, actually there are people around. There were dozens of workers there that morning, stocking all the stores. The doors were wide open and merchandise was coming through them in anticipation of the Christmas rush.

That's the only reason I don't like running there. It's not quite as private as I would like and I feel like I get in the way of all the flurry of activity. Plus, they always wash down the paths in the morning and I am always afraid of slipping. This fear is actually stupid, cause I have run in the rain many times and never fallen. I guess I am afraid I will trip with people around and land in a cart of toys or something worse.

DTD was really decorated nicely. For one hot second I considered going back and getting my camera so I could take pics. No way - too far. I did run to the new T-rex restaurant, so I could peruse the menu and stare in the window of the gift shop.

When I got back to the room, I was still in overdrive when I jumped in the shower. And that's when I felt it.....a harp pain in my right groin. Drat! I probably didn't stretch enough. I should know better.

When I got out of the shower I wasn't feeling any better. It wasn't awful, but just enough to make me reconsider the morning at AK. Walking behind, beside, around, and in front of people was getting on my nerves after three hectic, non-stop days. Walking behind, beside, around, and in front of people with a groin pull was sure to really get on my nerves. So I asked DH what he thought about skipping AK and just visiting some of the resorts before leaving for the airport.

He was fine with that. And, honestly, I have seen/done everything in AK. I love AK, but I did go there twice during my June trip. I figured I can wait till this June to go. One thing I haven't done - AK evening EMH. I really, really want to ride EE at night. I have to. I always seem to miss night EMH, so that's definately on this June's agenda.

So we took our time to pack up. We goofed around, watched more TV, watched the bus people, and drank more coffee. Then we packed up our whacked rental car and drove over to the springs. It was here I took some more pictures. See, Paula, I told you I had more......

It was a beautiful day and there were quite a few people already in the pool. I was definately feeling very relaxed and I applauded my decision to stay out of the parks this morning. My only regret was that I had to go home. How nice it would have been to have a resort day and then another nice evening at the world.

So which resort do you think we ventured to next???? I'm sure it won't take you long to figure that out!

 

[MEK]

Ok I'm sold. I finished the June report (which was excellent, by the way!) and now I need to go to Vero, too!! It sounds great, really really great, especially today when we're having a snow/ice storm here in NJ....

Thanks,
Ellen

Hey Ellen -

Thanks. Vero was great. I have so many sunrise/sunset pictures that I didn't even post. Everytime I look at them, I wish I was there. I just know I will never get that same room again. One of the mousekeeper's told us it was her favorite room, except for the cottages, obviously. How great would it be to stay in one of the those?

Sorry you are getting ice/snow. It is all to the north of us. We haven't gotten a drop of precept. I think we will later. Believe it or not we actually had some sun today, about a whole 5 minutes!

 

[MEK]

I just checked out picks from your SSR room last June - You got the room I wanted to Congress Park!!!!!!!! Nice pics!!!!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I am going to have to make a mental note of those spotlights. I would have been really annoyed about that. You did manage some great pictures though, especially of the Toy Story float.

Good job for having a nice relaxing resort hopping morning. I can't wait to see more resort pictures.

 

[jennykay]

It was a beautiful day and there were quite a few people already in the pool. I was definately feeling very relaxed and I applauded my decision to stay out of the parks this morning. My only regret was that I had to go home. How nice it would have been to have a resort day and then another nice evening at the world.

Oh, it really is nice to go back to the parks refreshed and relaxed. But going home refreshed and relaxed is good, too.

 

[jennykay]

hey! I just noticed that I'm a mousketeer!
sorry for hijacking your TR, but I needed to

 

[MEK]

I am going to have to make a mental note of those spotlights. I would have been really annoyed about that. You did manage some great pictures though, especially of the Toy Story float.

Good job for having a nice relaxing resort hopping morning. I can't wait to see more resort pictures.

Yeah - resort hopping was a good choice. Once I made the decision, I felt completely relaxed~!

Oh, it really is nice to go back to the parks refreshed and relaxed. But going home refreshed and relaxed is good, too.

Agreed!!! Next time I go with DH, I will go 3 days hard, then take a break, then go hard again before going home. Stupid, short trip!

hey! I just noticed that I'm a mousketeer!
sorry for hijacking your TR, but I needed to

Congrats. Now you only only about 7600 to catch up to LL! Good luck!

 

[MEK]

I can't post right now. I have to go to marching practice for the inaugural parade - yeah, THAT parade! I am starting to have second thoughts, cause I hate being cold! BRRRRRRRR! I have to go find my hand and feet warmers. Problem is, how will I play my piccolo with hand warmers????

 

[MEK]

Jennykay -

Oopps - I mean only 7700 posts to catch up with LL. Hey - good luck with that! She is the poster supreme!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I can't post right now. I have to go to marching practice for the inaugural parade - yeah, THAT parade! I am starting to have second thoughts, cause I hate being cold! BRRRRRRRR! I have to go find my hand and feet warmers. Problem is, how will I play my piccolo with hand warmers????

I will venture a guess - Beach Club - I'm thinking since you love the beach!

Your MVMCP sounds wonderful! When we went, we had just flown in and were on our way to cruise on the Magic the next day, so we were a little out of it. We couldn't find the cookies, didn't know what the show was, so we didn't watch it, but we did walk on several rides during the parades! We didn't watch the parade, the only bad part was getting stuck in frontierland by the parade crowds and ropes - we couldn't find the shortcuts across the park to get to the other lands. We do DL alot, so the differences sometimes confuse us.

Don't worry about he fireworks debacle! We all do our best, and no matter what you do, someone will be annoyed. You got some good pics - mine would have been all blurry. I know Punkin413 scopes out her spot way in advance, puts her tripod on a trash can and gets some awesome pics. I won't carry the tripod around, so I'll just have to enjoy other shots from better photographers.

Do you have pics of your resort tour? We are planning on visiting some other resorts in March. I was going to make ADRs at all resorts just to see them, but then I got turned off my some of the reviews, so we'll just look at some I guess.