We Shared a SWW...and more! Done...At Home! (10/17)

[SimmerBaggins]

I thought I remembered that I had taken a video of those kids, and when I went back, I saw I did.

Now, what I didn't notice the first time is that one of the dads of the kids catches on to what is going on -- he's talking or listening to my DH, who's talking to the lady with the backpack -- and he motions to the little boy to cut it out. You know this because the blow the boy is about to lay on the girl is stopped short.

So...I have to take back what I said. But believe me -- it went on for a LONG time before I decided to take this video.

Hopefully you are on FB so you can see it!!

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[SimmerBaggins]

We ordered our food at the counter, got our desserts, and walked away with glasses to fill them at the beverage station. It felt very fancy for a CS restaurant. I thought we would have a difficult time finding a seat, but we found one. I didn't realize that we would have a waiter, but we did!

I took a picture of our number, and the subsequent bill they handed us, for four. They explained that although it was a CS meal, Wolfgang Puck billed Disney for it.

You notice the brownie? Very good.

Dey wuz hungwy.

Jordan and Natalie got the spaghetti and meatballs. My DD liked it, but would have preferred a little thicker sauce.

I thought the meatballs were EXCELLENT. (what? You didn't think I'd have a bite?)

Well, I had a bite, mainly because I had the MEATBALL pizza!!

I really enjoyed it...scarfed every good bite.

This was Robert's pizza -- I think it was the Margherita Pizza, but it had spinach leaves on it.

Here's the menu & info:

Later: more horsing around...

 

[SimmerBaggins]

We had to go here -- it's the mecca of Disney shopping.

We introduced Natalie to Stitch's mischievous ways. Then, the girls spotted the dead pirate who had been left at his station...

Then, mom was AGHAST!

I was hoping she'd find someone more ... lively.

We shopped around for a while...got a few souvenirs...and I used my Mother's Day Disney gift card for a Tinkerbell hoodie I found for about $12 (it was originally $49).

We moved on...

We found another little store that had a lot of Jack Skellington in it -- my DD loves him. She and Natalie had a good time, there.

This was really cracking me up -- Natalie seriously doesn't look like she has a head!!

(Whew!) She does...

We waited our turn for this:

And headed out...

At the bus stop, the girls really came ALIVE. They began to be hyper, even onto the bus.

Fortunately, there weren't many people to annoy.

Home again, home again, jiggity jog.

 

[jmskinner]

Great updates! I haven't checked out that video yet, I will though. Jonas is here in the office and being a butt.

Love the pic of Natalie without a head.

And the pic of all of you walking, the girls look psyched, Robert...not so much.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Great updates! I haven't checked out that video yet, I will though. Jonas is here in the office and being a butt.

Love the pic of Natalie without a head.

And the pic of all of you walking, the girls look psyched, Robert...not so much.

We were really cracking up at the girls that night -- it was a good way to end the evening.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Our next day was DHS, and whatever else we wanted to do. We ate a very nice concierge breakfast that morning, taking it easy. While the pace had settled, also had the excitement -- we didn't try to get to the park very early.

We strolled in and watched some of the street action.
This guy in the car was hollering back & forth with the policeman behind him.

I saw this SWW set, and tried to get the girls enthused about it, but they were already hot and cranky. It doesn't show too much in this picture, though.

This is always a "must do" for us, and Natalie got in on the act:

We rode Star Tours again, and then shopped around in the store.

I wish we were all this young, again...

The girls, doing some pin trading.

Us, doing some cheesing.

We went out and headed toward the Backlot Tour -- and got side-tracked by something the girls just had to have.

It was tattoos!! (the only kind I approve of)

I went over to pay for it, while Jordan and Natalie scoured the tattoo panels for something that appealed to them.

Natalie, getting her tat:

The result:

Jordan's tat-getting:

The result: (I like the little pumpkins)

Carrying on, we nearly got run over by the colorful ninjas -- the Power Rangers! We are not so much big fans.

In line for Backlot Tours:

People crowded to get into the shade at the end, but once people got INTO the shade, they didn't care so much to move closer so OTHER people could get in the shade.

Just a little fam pic:

I didn't get a picture of her, but it was a little old lady that they put into the flood box...I felt sorry for her.

I guess I took these in my boredom before the "actors" came out -- but mostly what I remember thinking was that they just didn't put a lot of imagination into the scenes...which makes it less entertaining.

Backstage, we discover that the White Witch has been abroad. A broad. Hey! I guess it might have been Medusa...but I don't recall her being in a Disney movie.

I wonder how heavy this dude was. And what is he carrying?

Okay...somebody tell me whose horse this is. Is it Pecos Bill's?

I LOVE Mulan's horse.

Of course, it was really her dad's.

More later...

 

[SimmerBaggins]

I figure since everyone else is still up, I'll try to continue to wrap up this part of the TR.

We got sidetracked by this little thing -- but who even remembers seeing the Rocketeer?

We got the first line of the last cart.

It almost looked white-hot outside, and it felt like it. I would love to get a closer look at the POTC ball!

I love these "mirror images".

Okay -- do they just make costumes for WDW CMs, or for real movies? And how much do they really WORK, or is it mostly for show? I've often wondered.

EEP! They followed us from DTD!!

Tried to get a pic of the huge Coca-Cola...

Wonder how many Lindsey Lohan jokes have been cracked at this point?

Seems such a waste not to use this plane.

Natalie is unaware of what is about to occur. We have said nothing.

And, do I get the result in photo -- NO! I took a video. It was surprising, but refreshing -- with the exception of the hot blasts.

Anybody remember seeing this movie?

We didn't go watch this. It was just simply too hot to go sit in those stands.

Hey! We're back with the Power Rangers, at the end of this Tour!

 

[jmskinner]

That's the bad thing about Summer. The first few days of your trip you are so excited, you don't care about the heat, but after a few days, it just really starts to drag you down.

I like the pic of you and Robert.

Did Natalie get wet?

 

[SimmerBaggins]

That's the bad thing about Summer. The first few days of your trip you are so excited, you don't care about the heat, but after a few days, it just really starts to drag you down.

I like the pic of you and Robert.

Did Natalie get wet?

Not so much -- it would have been nice to have gotten a bit wet that day.

But you are RIGHT about the summer trip -- it was really nice when Jordan was in private school in lower grades, and we could go whenever we wanted, during cooler weather. Now we're really stuck to the public school schedule --

Okay, so I guess this also means that during our February trip, I won't start feeling like "I'm tired of this" vacation bit, before I'm on the plane going back?

 

[SimmerBaggins]

If I remember correctly, we went into the Narnia "exhibit" afterwards, and that became another place I swore I wouldn't go back into.

We were hungry again, and this time took a detour into the ABC Commissary.

It was very busy, with lines back to the columns. Burgers were the choice for all of us.

I don't know why, but I didn't get any pictures of the food, or of us eating. Then, we headed to Jordan and my favorite place -- The Magic of Disney Animation! This is who was here, today.

We didn't know he was a bad guy, but the girls got pictures with him. I don't have them, because DH and I were on the other side of the building when they stood in line and got them.

The infamous Mushu. The guy doing the introduction this day had a HORRIBLE speaking voice -- you couldn't understand him half the time because he RUSHED through his lines.

Trying not to use my flash...but she was trying to flash us.

This was much better. I like all the little things you can pick out from various movies.

Hmmm...is this familiar to anyone? I still haven't seen the movie.

I wish I could draw like this.

Zurg...and who could forget the Cheeto scene?

Dratted camera.

I fell in love with this beauty.

Again, I often wonder how much actual "work" goes on here?

Cute!!! I love how you get a preview of something no one has even heard of, yet...

This scene...notice how everyone but Woody looks hopeful...

After looking around, the girls found the places where you can use your own voice to dub into a movie scene -- they went through all of them!! It is really hilarious to do, and one of our favorite things to do here at DHS. And here we are, waiting to go in. I'll have to see if I can find the drawings we did -- once we get in to the drawing room, I never take a picture!!

...I guess I'm just so excited to get started!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

If you remember from a while back, we had purchased the QSDP for our stay, and the only TS meal we've had is the one at O'Hana. Well, since we had transferred from Kadani to Jambo House, I had quietly bemoaned the fact that I wouldn't get to eat at Boma's again, when it had been so GOOD last year.

This is mainly because no one but me in the family really cared for it that much! But then, my wonderful DH decided to surprise me and got reservations for this night! I was so excited!! So, at this point, we made the decision to go ahead and leave the park to rest up for our dinner.

Funny...to rest up for dinner. I guess I should say, CLEAN UP for dinner!!

As we neared the front of the park, we saw everyone was lined up along the streets...I didn't remember anything about a parade other than the SWW parade!!

There were a lot of colorful peeps in this parade.

It was the Block Party Bash!! We didn't really want to hang around for it, once we decided to leave, though.

I don't know who the loud women were, but you can see the caterpillar from Bug's Life on the left!

And there's the walking stick! Although...it looks like he's pointing to something like he's about to aim...nevermind.

The funny thing about this parade is that when we reached the corner, all of a sudden, something started RAINING down around us, and my DD says, "Hey!!" and then we notice little foam bouncy balls all over the place...the girls and I begin scrambling for them!!

We hadn't been expecting this, and one had hit Jordan in the side of the head!! We had a good laugh about it...but hurry, there's our bus!!

Whew! We made it on --

Our treasures...I got a blue one.

When we got back to our room, my DH had a special Birthday Card left for him!!

Inside:

As was our wont, DH and I decided to take a little nap, but for some reason, Jordan and Natalie decided to play hide & seek! They had some really good hiding places, so I played along (by suggesting hiding places to them and snapping a couple of picks). They had a great time.

Next up: Our relaxing night at AKV & Boma!

 

[jmskinner]

Glad you were getting to go to Boma, I know you love it. Not one of my favorites, but I'll eat there.

I can just see the annoyance with getting hit in the head and then seeing what happened.

And Jonas got one of those cards!

Hmmm, should we go to Boma in Feb? Or maybe Sanaa, have you eaten there yet?

 

[cjnix29]

Power Rangers?! I thought they did away with them!

 

[DizFan101]

I enjoyed reading your Trip Report.


I bought the otter last year in 2009 in October. I thought it was the cutest thing. .

Just a tip for next year or when ever you go, the restaurant in mexico, the volcano sprits out lava in the scene and there is a hidden mickey. . But you gotta watch.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Glad you were getting to go to Boma, I know you love it. Not one of my favorites, but I'll eat there.

I can just see the annoyance with getting hit in the head and then seeing what happened.

And Jonas got one of those cards!

Hmmm, should we go to Boma in Feb? Or maybe Sanaa, have you eaten there yet?

Yes, it was funny how she was annoyed, and then switched to "oh, grab one!!"

Seeing as I did get to do Boma, I'd prefer to do something else -- did you like Sanaa? I was thinking it's far away to get to from where we are staying (either place!), but if you really like it, I'd go for that.

Power Rangers?! I thought they did away with them!

I know -- and they did for a long time! But they were resurrected, and I'm not sure how Disney got in on the action.

I enjoyed reading your Trip Report.


I bought the otter last year in 2009 in October. I thought it was the cutest thing. .

Just a tip for next year or when ever you go, the restaurant in mexico, the volcano sprits out lava in the scene and there is a hidden mickey. . But you gotta watch.

Hey, DizFan -- thanks for dropping in & saying hi! I'm sure you are getting excited about your own trip coming up!!

You are actually the first person to ever tell me that you bought something that I randomly took a picture of!! And I will DEFINITELY look for the hidden Mickey -- I love seeing those, and how many times have I looked at that scene??? Oy...

 

[TinksThree]

I got way too behind to think of everything I thought while reading! But I am so happy you get to go to Boma! That was sweet of your DH!

The heat was just so oppresive sometimes! I do not plan to ever plan a trip after the first week of June if possible! Only if it is for something special and not a full-fledge touring plan! I have the same dilemma with school schedules...it is so limiting! And now Madison is in the high school band so that rules out the entire fall! Ugh!!

I have not been able to do the Animation Studios yet but your pictures are some of the only ones I have really seen. They are really good and it looks like a fun place! It is on my to-do list! And I have often wondered the same about the costume shop...is it for looks or is reall work done here???

 

[vllygrrl]

Wow...now I kinda wanna catch Block Party Bash when we're at DHS...I could bring a couple balls home for DS, who will not be joining his parents on our November trip...

 

[SimmerBaggins]

I got way too behind to think of everything I thought while reading! But I am so happy you get to go to Boma! That was sweet of your DH!

The heat was just so oppresive sometimes! I do not plan to ever plan a trip after the first week of June if possible! Only if it is for something special and not a full-fledge touring plan! I have the same dilemma with school schedules...it is so limiting! And now Madison is in the high school band so that rules out the entire fall! Ugh!!

I have not been able to do the Animation Studios yet but your pictures are some of the only ones I have really seen. They are really good and it looks like a fun place! It is on my to-do list! And I have often wondered the same about the costume shop...is it for looks or is reall work done here???

He was so sweet for booking that reservation, especially since neither he nor Jordan liked it as much as I did!

I thought I had some video of the girls doing the voice-overs, but -- FAIL. I tell you, we really have a great time with those, almost as much fun as the drawing!

Wow...now I kinda wanna catch Block Party Bash when we're at DHS...I could bring a couple balls home for DS, who will not be joining his parents on our November trip...

Okay, be on the look-out for the last float -- at the end of the rocking song they do, they'll throw out those balls!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

We decided to roam around the grounds a little -- this is the view out the window by the elevators.

The bar...

Boma!

It's hard to tell, but that's my DD on the 6th floor. They were still playing hide&seek.

Look, it's still daylight outside!

He's finishing off the cordial that Robert snagged off the concierge bar. I don't think I ever sat down out here...sometimes it's hard for me to settle down when we're in "roaming" mode.

After this, we went back upstairs and got dressed for dinner. This is us going down to the restaurant in the elevator:

When we got our buzzer, we barely had time to sit down and take this picture before it buzzed!

Our waiter, whose name I don't remember! He was very nice, if unmemorable.

My first plate...they didn't have the steak I craved. Instead, they had this roast beef, which was pretty good, but not what I was hoping for.

The gumbo ROCKED.

Unfortunately, Natalie didn't like anything at the buffet. I seriously don't think she liked ANYTHING. Jordan ate a little, and my DH ate his share, but I didn't get any glowing statements from either. Dessert:

And then, for my DH's birthday, he got an extra special dessert tray! Everything on it was very yummy, as he shared with us.

Overall, it was good. I'd do it again, because I love eating the different foods. But I don't think my family would do it again, and I wouldn't ask them to do it a 3rd year in a row...maybe year after.

What else could we squeeze in for the evening? I had one more thing planned...

 

[TinksThree]

Oh, I love Boma!! I am sorry the others didn't care for it but I would go with you!!

AKL is a fun resort to roam!