We Had the Best Trip Ever! Maholo WWoHP, WDW & Waikiki- A Jan 2012 TR
- Thread starter OziJo
- Start date
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
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That's a great day and lots of DD 1, 2 ,3 kilowatt smiles! I love that DD was so happy when eating....who wouldn't be with that Mickey oreo ice cream???
Great pics. Pity you didn't make it out to DTD; but you all look like you're having so much fun!
Great pics. Pity you didn't make it out to DTD; but you all look like you're having so much fun!
Mum from oz
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Great updates. I'd love to see the MK decorated for Christmas. It looks beautiful. That food looks great at CHH, what a great assortment you got.
OziJo
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Hi to all my subbers and readers. Thanks for stopping by 
Day 7 Tues 10th Jan
EPCOT!
Up early. A quick breakkie then we jumped on a bus to the Outpost.
We waited at the bus stop
and watched as buses came and went for DHS, AK and DTD but no EPCOT.
The crowd was getting bigger with people wanting to go to EPCOT. So I asked a bus driver if there was a problem. The first driver just shrugged and said one will come along soon After we had been waiting for 40 mins another lady asked the next bus driver (who had an AK up 1 min after an AK bus had just gone past) what was going on! I stuck my head in and said we had been there for 40 mins. He got on the radio and after a brief discussion changed his sign to EPCOT. There must have been some problem with the EPCOT buses because it was the only time we waited for more than 15mins for a bus.
Anyway once we were on the bus we were there in 10mins. I had been prepared for it to take up to an hour and a half to get to the parks but even with the 45min wait for the bus we were there within the hour. Every other day it took no more than 30mins to or from including wait time. Apart from this hiccup, we were impressed by the bus system.
So we arrived at EPCOT
Our first stop was supposed to be Soarin'. I knew from my planning that you had to get in early. But DH looked at the map and said lets do Spaceship Earth first while we are in the area. I knew this was not a good idea if we really wanted to do Soarin' but the truth was that I was the only one really keen to do Soarin'. I had loved it 3 years ago but DH and DD2 got dizzy and the others were looking at the map and wanting to do Test Track and Mission Space. So I was happy enough to give in. I was thinking we would get to Soarin' at some point.
We enjoyed Spaceship Earth, grabbed a FP for Test Track and then on to Mission Space. DH and I did the Green version while the girls did the Orange. DD1&3 were fine with the Orange while DD2 wished she had done the Green as the spinning made her little dizzy.
We then did Ellen's Universe of Energy which was good fun. Then on to Test Track and we all loved that one. Not too radical for me but speedy enough for daredevil DD3. We are the two ends of the spectrum. Usually If it's too radical for me then it's just right for DD3 and she gets bored if it's too tame. The others fall in between with DD2 sometimes sitting out with me on second or third goes, though she always gives everything at least one try. DD1 also likes rad rides but is happy with the tamer rides as well while DH will give everything a go as long as it doesn't spin.
After test track we headed over to Soarin' thinking we would get a FP and go back after lunch. We took a couple of pics on the way:
I loved all they fountains and they were especially appealing at night!
FP's were still available but not until 8pm and we had a dinner ressie at 7:30pm!! Damn! I knew we should have gone there first. DH said something about hindsight but I had all the info I needed. I just needed everyone else to listen to me. I was disappointed but at this point we had another EPCOT day planned so I just gave them all a little lecture about how mother knows best and they all agreed to bow to my greater knowledge in the future. There was so much to do anyway so we headed over to International Showcase.
We were getting hungry and it was nearly lunchtime. DD1 said she felt like sushi so we made our way around the lake taking in the sites as we wandered:
Past England:
Mary Poppins:
France:
Looking over to the USA:
Morrocco...
It was great and believe it or not we all really love broccolli
We had them in Hawaii as well but not Mickey ones. Just didn't taste the same somehow...Mickey Ice Cream sandwiches are one of my favs.
I was so happy when we arrived and they still had some decos up. A touch of pixie dust for me.
Day 7 Tues 10th Jan
EPCOT!
Up early. A quick breakkie then we jumped on a bus to the Outpost.
We waited at the bus stop
and watched as buses came and went for DHS, AK and DTD but no EPCOT.
The crowd was getting bigger with people wanting to go to EPCOT. So I asked a bus driver if there was a problem. The first driver just shrugged and said one will come along soon After we had been waiting for 40 mins another lady asked the next bus driver (who had an AK up 1 min after an AK bus had just gone past) what was going on! I stuck my head in and said we had been there for 40 mins. He got on the radio and after a brief discussion changed his sign to EPCOT. There must have been some problem with the EPCOT buses because it was the only time we waited for more than 15mins for a bus.
Anyway once we were on the bus we were there in 10mins. I had been prepared for it to take up to an hour and a half to get to the parks but even with the 45min wait for the bus we were there within the hour. Every other day it took no more than 30mins to or from including wait time. Apart from this hiccup, we were impressed by the bus system.
So we arrived at EPCOT
Our first stop was supposed to be Soarin'. I knew from my planning that you had to get in early. But DH looked at the map and said lets do Spaceship Earth first while we are in the area. I knew this was not a good idea if we really wanted to do Soarin' but the truth was that I was the only one really keen to do Soarin'. I had loved it 3 years ago but DH and DD2 got dizzy and the others were looking at the map and wanting to do Test Track and Mission Space. So I was happy enough to give in. I was thinking we would get to Soarin' at some point.
We enjoyed Spaceship Earth, grabbed a FP for Test Track and then on to Mission Space. DH and I did the Green version while the girls did the Orange. DD1&3 were fine with the Orange while DD2 wished she had done the Green as the spinning made her little dizzy.
We then did Ellen's Universe of Energy which was good fun. Then on to Test Track and we all loved that one. Not too radical for me but speedy enough for daredevil DD3. We are the two ends of the spectrum. Usually If it's too radical for me then it's just right for DD3 and she gets bored if it's too tame. The others fall in between with DD2 sometimes sitting out with me on second or third goes, though she always gives everything at least one try. DD1 also likes rad rides but is happy with the tamer rides as well while DH will give everything a go as long as it doesn't spin.
After test track we headed over to Soarin' thinking we would get a FP and go back after lunch. We took a couple of pics on the way:
I loved all they fountains and they were especially appealing at night!
FP's were still available but not until 8pm and we had a dinner ressie at 7:30pm!! Damn! I knew we should have gone there first. DH said something about hindsight but I had all the info I needed. I just needed everyone else to listen to me. I was disappointed but at this point we had another EPCOT day planned so I just gave them all a little lecture about how mother knows best and they all agreed to bow to my greater knowledge in the future. There was so much to do anyway so we headed over to International Showcase.
We were getting hungry and it was nearly lunchtime. DD1 said she felt like sushi so we made our way around the lake taking in the sites as we wandered:
Past England:
Mary Poppins:
France:
Looking over to the USA:
Morrocco...
OziJo
Mouseketeer
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- Aug 9, 2011
- Messages
- 495
(Day 7 Tues Jan 10th cont)
And into Japan...
...to be greeted by the drummers:
Of course they had Sushi and other yummy Japanese dishes. Another great use of the QS credits:
We wanted to do China and the 360 degree movie next so we kept walking around the lake past USA. More beautiful Christmas decorations:
Italy:
Germany:
Out towards Mexico where we were having dinner that night:
To China:
The movie was stunning as were all the beautiful buildings in all the Countries.
It was around about 4.30pm and we decided to go back and do the American Adventure which was scheduled to start soon. So despite the whinging of the girls who were tired and didn't want to rush we made for the good old USA and got there just in time. The show was interesting if a little corny. DD2&3 fell asleep So much for taking in a little US history while in the country.
It was late afternoon and we still had a bit of time before our ressie so we strolled back past UK and watched a humorous street show version of The Search for the Holy Grail. We looked in the UK shops and listened to a band play some English pop rock classics. DH thought it would be funny to take this shot
:
After that we stopped in on Canada and checked out their 360 Movie:
Again stunning. Victoria Gardens in miniature on the way out:
Some great Tourism promos going on here. Where's Australia! I reckon we could squeeze in somewhere between China and Germany.
After Canada we went back into Future World and visited Figment. So cute.We made our own Figments after. DH sent his home via e-mail.
When we came out it was dark and the Fountains were all lit up:
We spent a bit of time watching some kids play with the water jets as they jumped from fountain to fountain:
They were getting wet
It was now nearly dinner time and we were getting hungry.
And into Japan...
...to be greeted by the drummers:
Of course they had Sushi and other yummy Japanese dishes. Another great use of the QS credits:
We wanted to do China and the 360 degree movie next so we kept walking around the lake past USA. More beautiful Christmas decorations:
Italy:
Germany:
Out towards Mexico where we were having dinner that night:
To China:
The movie was stunning as were all the beautiful buildings in all the Countries.
It was around about 4.30pm and we decided to go back and do the American Adventure which was scheduled to start soon. So despite the whinging of the girls who were tired and didn't want to rush we made for the good old USA and got there just in time. The show was interesting if a little corny. DD2&3 fell asleep
So much for taking in a little US history while in the country.It was late afternoon and we still had a bit of time before our ressie so we strolled back past UK and watched a humorous street show version of The Search for the Holy Grail. We looked in the UK shops and listened to a band play some English pop rock classics. DH thought it would be funny to take this shot
:
After that we stopped in on Canada and checked out their 360 Movie:
Again stunning. Victoria Gardens in miniature on the way out:
Some great Tourism promos going on here. Where's Australia! I reckon we could squeeze in somewhere between China and Germany.
After Canada we went back into Future World and visited Figment. So cute.We made our own Figments after. DH sent his home via e-mail.
When we came out it was dark and the Fountains were all lit up:
We spent a bit of time watching some kids play with the water jets as they jumped from fountain to fountain:
They were getting wet
It was now nearly dinner time and we were getting hungry.
OziJo
Mouseketeer
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- 495
It was time for dinner:
We checked in at La Hacienda at around 6:50pm. Our ressie was for 7pm and they gave us a buzzer. We were a little tired so we sat down on the steps outside the Pyramid and listened to the Mariachi band playing. 20mins later our buzzer went off and we were seated at about 7:10pm. Not bad.
The restaurant was beautiful...
...with full length windows that promised a good view of Illuminations. We were going to take it as it comes. If we finished well before 9pm we would go out and try for a spot outside otherwise we would have a comfortable view from where we were seated.
We started with drinks, salsa and corn chips. All fresh tasting and delicious. Our Margarita's were superb and just what I needed after our long day at EPCOT:
The corn chips were good too. DD2 loved the black ones:
We ate up all the salsa and guacamole but left a lot of the corn chips so we wouldn't fill up for our mains of a mixed grill for 2, chicken, stuffed shrimp and pork loin with sides of rice and black beans:
The food was delicious and the girls tried everything. We were a little disappointed that they didn't have Chocolate and Churros for dessert but we ordered 2 servings of the Mexican Icecream, 2 of the chocolate souffle and 1 of the apple strudel type dish. And we polished them all off!!! No photos. I wonder why?
Before we knew it Illuminations had started and we turned our attention to the windows:
We had comfortable if not full view and the music was piped through the restaurant. The windows ran the length of the restaurant and the above pictures don't do it justice as we were actually too busy watching to take too may photos. It was a magical end to a wonderful day.
We checked in at La Hacienda at around 6:50pm. Our ressie was for 7pm and they gave us a buzzer. We were a little tired so we sat down on the steps outside the Pyramid and listened to the Mariachi band playing. 20mins later our buzzer went off and we were seated at about 7:10pm. Not bad.
The restaurant was beautiful...
...with full length windows that promised a good view of Illuminations. We were going to take it as it comes. If we finished well before 9pm we would go out and try for a spot outside otherwise we would have a comfortable view from where we were seated.
We started with drinks, salsa and corn chips. All fresh tasting and delicious. Our Margarita's were superb and just what I needed after our long day at EPCOT:
The corn chips were good too. DD2 loved the black ones:
We ate up all the salsa and guacamole but left a lot of the corn chips so we wouldn't fill up for our mains of a mixed grill for 2, chicken, stuffed shrimp and pork loin with sides of rice and black beans:
The food was delicious and the girls tried everything. We were a little disappointed that they didn't have Chocolate and Churros for dessert but we ordered 2 servings of the Mexican Icecream, 2 of the chocolate souffle and 1 of the apple strudel type dish. And we polished them all off!!! No photos. I wonder why?
Before we knew it Illuminations had started and we turned our attention to the windows:
We had comfortable if not full view and the music was piped through the restaurant. The windows ran the length of the restaurant and the above pictures don't do it justice as we were actually too busy watching to take too may photos. It was a magical end to a wonderful day.
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
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- Feb 8, 2010
- Messages
- 108,011
Great day at Epcot (despite the bus issue).
Moodyzblu
DIS Veteran
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Cool pics of Illuminations through the windows ! My son would love that .. he isn't too keen on the loud noise from fireworks .. but this looks perfect. Was that a special meal or did you just happen to have ADR's for that time period ?
I just LOVE Epcot !!
I just LOVE Epcot !!
OziJo
Mouseketeer
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- 495
No it wasn't a special meal. We had a 7pm ADR, were seated by 7:15 and ordered around 7:30. Then a leisurely paced meal meant that we were fixing up the bill just as Illuminations started. By this time the restaurant had cleared out a bit. It was lovely . We could move around the restaurant and the staff all stopped to watch. There was a great atmosphere.
I would recommend it for anyone who likes a fireworks display without the crowds and loud noise. On the other hand if you really want to get a full view of the lake and the sky then you need to stake out your place early around the lake. My family were all for the great meal with the added bonus of a comfortable view.
OziJo
Mouseketeer
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Day 8 Wed 11th Jan
Disney's Hollywood Studios!
Today was the only Disney day we had rain and it really wasn't a problem. The temperature was still mild with the heaviest rain right on lunchtime and we were able to eat undercover.
It was an EMH so we arrived at DHS by 8:30 and were through the gates by 8:50am.
We studied the map...
...then headed straight for Star Tours:
Star Tours was DH and my favourite ride back in '92 when we first went together. In '09 it was still fun but it did seem a little dated. So with the refurb we were excited to be doing Star Tours again.
It was great to see some old friends:
We got the Hoth and Death Star variation. It was fantastic and we went straight back and rode it a second time as the wait time was minimal. We were hoping to get a different variation but unfortunately it was the same with some slight differences. We planned to go back though.
Our next stop was Rockin Roller Coaster:
I sat out but was convinced to ride it the next time. I'm glad I did. It was fun. Even though we went upside down
it was only for a sec and the take off at the beginning was awesome.
Then over to Tower of TerrorI had set myself the goal of doing this one. I knew that there was an opportunity to leave the ride before the drop and I was keen to experience the set up. Love the details:
Well I did it!! And it wasn't all that bad, in fact not bad at all. Don't know what I was worried about
I was feeling so brave that I did Rockin' roller Coaster next.
We used our snack credits for some light refreshments (pretels and diet cokes) while we watched a street show. We then tried to get into Indiana Jones but standing Room only. Probably because it was drizzling a bit by now.
Instead we decided to do the backlot tour as the rain came down a little heavier:
Universal LA is still the best backlot tour we've been on but this was fun. My favourite part though was the costumes and props at the end:
Disney's Hollywood Studios!
Today was the only Disney day we had rain and it really wasn't a problem. The temperature was still mild with the heaviest rain right on lunchtime and we were able to eat undercover.
It was an EMH so we arrived at DHS by 8:30 and were through the gates by 8:50am.
We studied the map...
...then headed straight for Star Tours:
Star Tours was DH and my favourite ride back in '92 when we first went together. In '09 it was still fun but it did seem a little dated. So with the refurb we were excited to be doing Star Tours again.
It was great to see some old friends:
We got the Hoth and Death Star variation. It was fantastic and we went straight back and rode it a second time as the wait time was minimal. We were hoping to get a different variation but unfortunately it was the same with some slight differences. We planned to go back though.
Our next stop was Rockin Roller Coaster:
I sat out but was convinced to ride it the next time. I'm glad I did. It was fun. Even though we went upside down
it was only for a sec and the take off at the beginning was awesome.Then over to Tower of Terror
I had set myself the goal of doing this one. I knew that there was an opportunity to leave the ride before the drop and I was keen to experience the set up. Love the details:
Well I did it!! And it wasn't all that bad, in fact not bad at all. Don't know what I was worried about
I was feeling so brave that I did Rockin' roller Coaster next.
We used our snack credits for some light refreshments (pretels and diet cokes) while we watched a street show. We then tried to get into Indiana Jones but standing Room only. Probably because it was drizzling a bit by now.
Instead we decided to do the backlot tour as the rain came down a little heavier:
Universal LA is still the best backlot tour we've been on but this was fun. My favourite part though was the costumes and props at the end:
OziJo
Mouseketeer
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- Aug 9, 2011
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- 495
(Day 8 Wed 11th Jan cont)
Lunchtime and it was really raining now. We found a seat at Studio Catering and had some yummy sandwiches:
After lunch it was time for Indiana Jones. This time we got there with plenty of time to spare. DD1 jumped up and volunteered and was chosen as a cast member
So exciting!!
We then did Star Tours again. This time we got Kashykk & Coruscant. Love it!!! Star Tours is still my favourite ride (closely followed by Space Mountain) and now it's better than ever. DH gets a little dizzy on virtual rides and the girls prefer roller coaster but I love the idea that you are amongst the action.
After Star Tours we tried for Toy Story but the wait was too long and there were no FP left so first thing Saturday for sure.
We did the Movie Ride which was really enjoyable. An animatronic ride that puts you amongst the action of a movie set. Low tech for these days but still a great concept.
The rain was clearing and it was time for the Lights, Motor, Action Stunt Show. Very impressive. We videoed here so no photos.
After a long day we headed home and caught a bus to FW within 15mins. Back at the Cabin DH and i took an evening stroll to pick some packages up from the Meadow Trading Post then we all changed and went to Trails End for an all you can eat buffet dinner using our last TS credits. I had suggested a trip to DTD but no one was keen to go too far. The food at TE is not high class but it's yummy and plentiful. The girls especially enjoyed the all you can eat buffet.
Home, some teli and in bed again by 10pm.
Next up MK revisited and a Character Breakfast with Pooh Bear and friends.
Lunchtime and it was really raining now. We found a seat at Studio Catering and had some yummy sandwiches:
After lunch it was time for Indiana Jones. This time we got there with plenty of time to spare. DD1 jumped up and volunteered and was chosen as a cast member
So exciting!!
We then did Star Tours again. This time we got Kashykk & Coruscant. Love it!!! Star Tours is still my favourite ride (closely followed by Space Mountain) and now it's better than ever. DH gets a little dizzy on virtual rides and the girls prefer roller coaster but I love the idea that you are amongst the action.
After Star Tours we tried for Toy Story but the wait was too long and there were no FP left so first thing Saturday for sure.
We did the Movie Ride which was really enjoyable. An animatronic ride that puts you amongst the action of a movie set. Low tech for these days but still a great concept.
The rain was clearing and it was time for the Lights, Motor, Action Stunt Show. Very impressive. We videoed here so no photos.
After a long day we headed home and caught a bus to FW within 15mins. Back at the Cabin DH and i took an evening stroll to pick some packages up from the Meadow Trading Post then we all changed and went to Trails End for an all you can eat buffet dinner using our last TS credits. I had suggested a trip to DTD but no one was keen to go too far. The food at TE is not high class but it's yummy and plentiful. The girls especially enjoyed the all you can eat buffet.
Home, some teli and in bed again by 10pm.
Next up MK revisited and a Character Breakfast with Pooh Bear and friends.
alicia1506
DIS Veteran
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- Aug 26, 2011
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- 2,002
Instead I had a frozen Butterbeer. I had heard how good it was but words can not describe
i know, right!?!?! it was the most amazing thing we'd ever tried too. we'd fly back, just for a taste.
we'll be in orlando the night before our cruise, and it's breaking my heart that we won't be able to go to wwohp and try that delicious butterbeer...
i'll just have to work it into the 2013 trip
Travel Mum
DIS Veteran
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- May 26, 2010
- Messages
- 1,508
Getting Soaring Fastpasses is the reason that I had my biggest burst of exercise ever at a Disney park!
Often my touring plans were for me speed off and get the FP's while DH took the girls and waited me at the next ride. At rope drop at EP, we followed my touring plan which was for me to hustle over to Soarin to get FP's while DH took the girls and waited for me at Test Track. So we did that but I had so underestimated the size of Epcot and that was such a long haul to walk as fast as I could, whilst trying not to run, all the way (it would have looked quite amusing! 
) to Soarin and then to turn around and do the same walk/run all the way back to Test Track !!!!. Also, I was not alone and there were several other people doing serious power walking on the same route as me except they looked prepared for it whilst I was a bit in shock
OziJo
Mouseketeer
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- Aug 9, 2011
- Messages
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Getting Soaring Fastpasses is the reason that I had my biggest burst of exercise ever at a Disney park!
After reading your TR and others I knew this is what I had to do but I think I was in moderate mode and I suppose I never really believed we would miss out. Oh well I'm sure we will be back one day, at least to CAP.
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
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Alicia - I'm the same. Couldn't be in Orlando and NOT have any frozen butterbeer.
Nice update Jo!
Nice update Jo!
battymum
DIS Veteran
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- Jun 21, 2010
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- 1,820
Lovin the TR - Jo,
How did you find the weather in January - I had dismissed going in January because i didnt want to tour in winter - but it looks like it was perfect, shorts and tshirts time for you guys. Did you go to the water parks?
Also what were the crowd levels like.
If I ever hope to go again (not likely) it will have to be in January due to school commitments - (although just a bit of parental bragging, even though she missed 9 days of school, including yearly exams, my DD topped Year 10 in English and History and got a high commendation in Science)
How did you find the weather in January - I had dismissed going in January because i didnt want to tour in winter - but it looks like it was perfect, shorts and tshirts time for you guys. Did you go to the water parks?
Also what were the crowd levels like.
If I ever hope to go again (not likely) it will have to be in January due to school commitments - (although just a bit of parental bragging, even though she missed 9 days of school, including yearly exams, my DD topped Year 10 in English and History and got a high commendation in Science
)-
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