We Skipped Wishes to Ride Stitch?! an October 2013 Trip Report (COMPLETED!~2/2/14)

[freckles04]

Thursday, October 10, 2013

After leisurely sleeping in and having breakfast in the food court, we headed to the boat dock to do something we always wanted to do at Disney: rent a boat! We wanted to rent the Boston Whaler boat, so that all three of us could ride, but the gentleman running the rentals recommended the pontoon boat instead; he said it was the same price but easier to steer, so that's what we went with.

Some pics from our 30 minute "cruise:"

Passing by the Saratoga Springs Treehouses:

I won't bore y'all with all of them. It was a nice little ride. I think we turned around somewhere by Old Key West and headed back.

With that done, we hopped a bus to EPCOT.

It was already shaping up to be a HOT day and in our opinion was the hottest day of the trip! We planned to spend most of the day in World Showcase but I had made some FP+: Soarin', Maelstrom, and Mission: Space. We also had the Anytime FP- for Test Track from when it went down the other day. The morning was kind of a repeat of our time spent in Future World the other day. Spaceship Earth was first, then Soarin'.

Lovely view.

We then used our Anytime FP- on Test Track and were very happy to actually make it through the queue and RIDE it!

We decided to start our F&W adventure on the Canada end and so our first stop was Scotland where we shared the haggis (yum) and then Hawaii (pork slider). Next was Greece where we ordered the Taste of Greece (didn't like this one) and the griddled cheese... oh, that griddled cheese was fantastic! I'm getting hungry just remembering it.

Then we got to Canada.

In Canada, we split the filet mignon and cheese soup. Yummy! I'm not at all a food photographer, so forgive me that there are no food pics. It was HOT & muggy and without many (any?) places to set your food down, we were doing good just to be able to eat it!

The landscaping in Canada is just beautiful and very picturesque.

In the picture below DS is starting his Perry to take around the World. We did not do the Kidcot stations last year and so this was his first time. He was really reluctant to do it at first and I think felt like he was too old for it, but once we got started, he was TOTALLY into it. You can see he is coloring half the Perry black and half "normal" green. He was going for the whole half-good/half-evil theme. Almost all the Kidcot CM's noticed it and made positive comments on how cool it was. DS was loving it.

A lady passing by insisted on taking our picture here. She was so nice and didn't even want one in return:

At the Ireland booth we split the Lobster and Seafood Fisherman's Pie.

We made it to the UK!

We browsed in the shop here for awhile. I love the Beatles and so looking at that merch was fun.

I think I'll take a break here! Next up: our F&W adventure continues around the world and will I get to see Illuminations??? or will it become clear that my DS doesn't share my love of fireworks??? To be continued.

 

[freckles04]

Thursday, October 10, 2013

When I last left off, we were in the UK. Matthew got his Perry signed (British flag in the shape of a teapot!) and we headed to France.

Here we got the escargot. I always wanted to try it and I thought it was pretty good. DS just said ehh, it's okay. Matt tried a large bite and did not care for it. That turned out to have been a mistake for him...

We got some ice cream at the little shop here that was way too rich and we ended up throwing it away. I think it was caramel flavored.

Lovely view:

I like this next one because you can see "Good & Evil Perry."

The photographer made us do this.

At the Belgium booth we ordered the "Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote featuring Driscoll’s Berries and Whipped Cream." Holy cow, was this delicious! Matt only picked at it though...

We passed up New Zealand as nothing appealed to us.

In Morocco:

We toured the shop for a few minutes and I noticed through a window that Jasmine and Aladdin were having a meet and greet! We found the door outside and a CM was just coming out. He just stopped and looked at us like he was thinking hard at something. It turns out he was just closing up and was deciding whether to let us in or not. Thankfully, he let us come in! We didn't even ask because I was too dense to get what he was doing, so I was very happy when I realized he was nice enough to let us through.

DS did not want to do this meet and greet. I think he was just nervous. But he did it for me.

As soon as he walked up, Jasmine immediately said to him pointedly "Don't tell me... don't tell me... NO, don't you DARE say a word..." which got DS tickled... then she said, "You are.... ELEVEN."

Which tickled DS even more. He told her no, so she kept guessing. 12? She says. No. Then she tried 10. He laughed and said yes when she finally landed on 9. It was really cute and got him in the mood. He ended up loving this M&G thanks to some attention from Jasmine. I don't think he looked Aladdin's way.

We ended up skipping a few booths after this because Matt wasn't feeling too well. His stomach had been upset since the escargot (maybe it was mental since I ate most of it and didn't get sick). Probably a combination of just a lot of food in the sun/heat didn't help.

At almost every country where we stopped to eat a bite, we had a squirrel friend nearby.

I doubt it was the same squirrel, but DS thought so and he was tickled that it was "following" us around. I finally got his picture.

We stopped in each country to look at the shops and get Kidcot stamps but I won't bore y'all with the details. We didn't do any movies this time for time constraints.

Matt was still feeling yucky but he kept trooping on with us, bless him... and I was getting full so we mostly just toured around.

PP picture in China:

In Norway, we were almost late for our FP+ for Maelstrom. It was a 30 or 40 minute wait so I was glad for the FP+. We had never ridden it before. We weren't that impressed but a lot of it had to with: we were at Epcot at night, during Food & Wine, and of course, there was a severely inebriated woman in the row in front of us acting a complete fool. I tried not to let it get to me but it was very distracting and annoying.

In Mexico DS and I each had our own shrimp taco and they were delicious! Yummy! I also finally got a drink in Mexico, a margarita. It was weak and not that tasty. I'm seriously not trying to complain! Just giving an honest report. I've had way better ones at the local Mexican joint here.

So, at this point, we were all pretty tired and Matt didn't feel well, and DS did not want to stay for Illuminations -- he just wanted to leave before the crowds did! I was okay with that especially under the circumstances so we headed out.

One last picture before leaving:

And a tired boy who went to sleep as soon as he got into the room.

Next update will be Animal Kingdom day. I'm not getting too many replies so I don't know if anyone is reading along but it is fun to relive these memories, so I'm going to keep updating regardless.

 

[LiveToTravelNicely]

I am still following along and planning for January!!!! This is a great trip report, btw. I can relive my own wdw memories by following along with the report. Plus, its making me want to do one for our January trip!

 

[LiveToTravelNicely]

It is cool that Jasmine broke the ice for your ds. My fav mg's are the characters that talk back!

 

[MonsterWDWmom]

Just to let you know I am following along and I love what I am reading!

 

[courtneybelle]

Joining in! Your family is adorable! We just stayed at POR a few weeks ago and I loved it, I thought it was beautiful! Bummer that you didn't have the best rooming situation, though.

Uh, free frozen Cokes at Club Cool? I am so jealous! Love those

I love love love Carousel of Progress, definitely one of the hidden gems of the Magic Kingdom!

That is too funny about Stitch. You couldn't pay me to get on that ride but I am glad DS liked it!

The boat ride looks really fun, I've always wanted to do that!

Awesome TR so far! I'm glad I got caught up

 

[Simba22]

subbing! going back to catch up!

 

[RGirl]

Just found your report and joining in! I am especially intrigued because I am in the throes of writing a TR where fireworks FAILS are a constant theme. Sucks, doesn't it?

 

[freckles04]

I am still following along and planning for January!!!! This is a great trip report, btw. I can relive my own wdw memories by following along with the report. Plus, its making me want to do one for our January trip!

Thank you so much! Please do one for your January trip. We're going back in January, too, but I'm going with several family members and some don't want their photos on a message board which I totally respect. So no TR in January. I am hoping I'll get to read yours, though!

It is cool that Jasmine broke the ice for your ds. My fav mg's are the characters that talk back!

I think all M&G's are a bit awkward, especially the ones that don't talk back. I feel silly talking to them. It's easier when you can really interact imo.

Just to let you know I am following along and I love what I am reading!

Thanks so much! I am glad you are here & reading with me!

Joining in! Your family is adorable! We just stayed at POR a few weeks ago and I loved it, I thought it was beautiful! Bummer that you didn't have the best rooming situation, though.

Uh, free frozen Cokes at Club Cool? I am so jealous! Love those

I love love love Carousel of Progress, definitely one of the hidden gems of the Magic Kingdom!

That is too funny about Stitch. You couldn't pay me to get on that ride but I am glad DS liked it!

The boat ride looks really fun, I've always wanted to do that!

Awesome TR so far! I'm glad I got caught up

Yay! Glad you are here. Yes, being in building 27 was a bummer for the extra money. We would have been better off, I think, booking standard and requesting to be close to the food court. Lesson learned though.

Thanks for all your comments and I agree about CoP -- hidden gem is a great word for it. I didn't even NOTICE it on our first trip. I finally learned it was there by reading these boards!

subbing! going back to catch up!

Thank you! So glad you are here.

Just found your report and joining in! I am especially intrigued because I am in the throes of writing a TR where fireworks FAILS are a constant theme. Sucks, doesn't it?

YES, it does! haha! We managed to do ALL fireworks shows last trip and we did RD every morning AND it was August!!! So what the heck. I think my DS just didn't care for them this time.. or it may have been his foot or more likely the antibiotics he was taking just wore him out. Who knows. I hope we get to see 'em all next time.

 

[freckles04]

Friday, October 11, 2013

We woke up not believing that our vacation was almost over. It was the next-to-last day and we were spending it at Animal Kingdom which had morning EMH. We decided to drive, and after getting a bit lost (GPS acted wonky), we made it at right about 8:00AM.

Our first stop was Expedition Everest, our favorite ride at AK. Seeing that it was EMH, we rode many, many times in a row (I lost count). We stopped and got our picture every time, but only this one showed up in my account. Oh, well.

After awhile the lines got a bit too long for us, so we headed in the direction of the Safari.

In line:

I decided not to take pictures on the safari this time. I don't have a great camera, and last time they came out terrible and I spent most of the time taking pictures. But when DS saw me putting the camera away, he asked to take some shots. They're mostly blurry but I will share the one he took of the baby giraffe. He (she?) is a bit camouflaged in front of the giraffe on the left (his momma?) but if you look close you can see him.

The elephant one turned out pretty good, too.

DS really enjoyed taking safari pics.

After the safari, we stopped by the shop near it with the woodcarver outside. DS loves to watch him carve. He was carving a cane. I didn't take any pictures.

We also stopped at a food cart and got some water and snacks.

DS got distracted by the drum area.

It was time for Dinoland!

We had a FP+ for Dinosaur. We loved this ride last trip; we went in not even knowing what it was so it was a fun, scary treat!

For some reason, it wasn't as scary as I remembered it. Maybe because I knew what to expect? I read later, when I got home, that the big dinosaur was moved or removed for a time? I don't know if that was during our trip or not. Anyway, it was still fun.

We then rode Primeval Whirl twice in a row. It's a fun ride, but it was starting to get pretty hot and it's in full sun!

After that, we saw some friends and went over to meet them!

We decided to let DS play in the Boneyard for awhile. We found a shady spot to sit (albeit on the ground) and relaxed for a good 30 minutes, if not more.

It was one of the highlights of AK day for DS.

While we were in the Boneyard, we discussed that we had a FP+ for the Safari later, and none of us really cared to do it again. I already had one for EE at 1pm, and we don't do Kali River Rapids (I have no desire to get soaking wet!), and we didn't care to to PW or Dinosaur again. I decided to change it to It's Tough to be a Bug. I figured if it kept us from having to be squished like sardines in the lobby like last year (ATTENTION! FILL IN ALL AVAILABLE SPACE! anyone?), it would be worth it.

It was getting to be lunchtime and Flame Tree BBQ was nearby. It was our first time doing QS at AK because I wanted to try FT BBQ after reading so many positive reviews. We got in line to order. The line wasn't too bad and there were lots of registers open.

Unfortunately... the line was deceiving. I don't know what the heck was wrong, but we ended up waiting 30 minutes to even make it up to the register. And you know how a Disney QS cashier tends to lines on both sides of their register? When I finally got to the cashier and it should have been my turn, she took orders from THREE guests on the other side before she got to me. After waiting 30 minutes in the heat I was a bit perturbed.

So finally our orders were in. It was another 10 minutes to get up to the window. I was second in line at the window and the couple in front of me was just as unhappy as they waited as long as I did, and still their food hadn't arrived. When food finally came to our window, it was MY food, but no drinks. The couple passed me my tray and there were so many people squished in that people kept bumping my tray. Finally they brought our drinks, but the couple in front of me still had nothing. Flame Tree BBQ was my second worst QS experience (the first being Cosmic Rays, ugh).

(Luckily, as we left AK later that day, I was asked to take a survey about my dining experiences that day, so I was able to give feedback!)

So after waiting 45-50 minutes to be served, the only good part I can say about this place was the view from our table.

The food was okay. Much better BBQ is served locally here in TN.

That's enough for one post. Next update will finish out the day and will include some PP+ pics.

 

[courtneybelle]

EE is my favorite too! And I was able to see that baby giraffe, so adorable!

Ugh, that is a REALLY bad experience at Flame Tree. I used to love it but the last time I was there I didn't enjoy the food at all, so I haven't been back in a few trips.

 

[RGirl]

Oh, AK! We have a brand-new love for that place.

I am so disappointed for you thought that only one of your EE ride photos showed up in your account! :scared!: I mean, one of the biggest pluses of PP+ is those ride photos.

Aww - your DS took some great safari pics!

You did one of our absolute fave meet-and-greets! Pluto and Goofy! Cute pic!!!

Ahhh - the boneyard. I hate that place so much - I can never find my kid! The kids do love it though, don’t they?

Oh man, your wait at Flame Tree sounds awful! We had quite a few dining fails this trip too, which was really disappointing.

 

[Britard]

Hi!

I haven't been to Flame Tree (I am picky about my BBQ) and I am not sure I will go based on your review. I would not be happy after the experience that you guys had.

Hopefully you won't have another experience like that one!

 

[LiveToTravelNicely]

Glad to know your opinion about the bbq at flametree. Oklahoma, where we are from, has really good bbq, so we might have a similar let down. As for your experience with the wait and rude castmembers there, we had a similar at ABC commisary. Of course ABC doesnt have really good reviews....but we went in July and the availability of air conditioning trumped pretty much everything else!!

 

[wiigirl]

Great update! Cute pics!

 

[littlenellbell]

How fun you got to do EE over and over! My DS would have loved that!

Great picture of your son next to the jeep!

My kids always want to go in the Boneyard, but we have always limited AK to a half day, so we are always rushing around and never take the time. Next time, we need to take our time and let them try it.

Too bad about your experience at Flame Tree! We had a great experience both times we've been and we also love that view! Sometimes you just never know with quick service?!? We've ran into short lines with slow service and longer lines that are organized and go fast. I guess it's all about how they are staffed for the day.

 

[freckles04]

EE is my favorite too! And I was able to see that baby giraffe, so adorable!

Ugh, that is a REALLY bad experience at Flame Tree. I used to love it but the last time I was there I didn't enjoy the food at all, so I haven't been back in a few trips.

Yes, it was awful. Maybe they were just having an off day (short staffed?) because a lot of people love this place. We'll not be back to it, though!

Oh, AK! We have a brand-new love for that place.

I am so disappointed for you thought that only one of your EE ride photos showed up in your account! :scared!: I mean, one of the biggest pluses of PP+ is those ride photos.

Aww - your DS took some great safari pics!

You did one of our absolute fave meet-and-greets! Pluto and Goofy! Cute pic!!!

Ahhh - the boneyard. I hate that place so much - I can never find my kid! The kids do love it though, don’t they?

Oh man, your wait at Flame Tree sounds awful! We had quite a few dining fails this trip too, which was really disappointing.

I wasn't too worried about the EE pics, at least not enough to call about it or anything. We did get some more later that day when we rode again.

Re: the Boneyard... yes... towards the end, I starting thinking, WHERE is my kid?? Did he slip out? Slight panic ensued until I found him!

Hi!

I haven't been to Flame Tree (I am picky about my BBQ) and I am not sure I will go based on your review. I would not be happy after the experience that you guys had.

Hopefully you won't have another experience like that one!

I would NOT recommend it!! Last trip we had lunch at Tusker House on our AK day and it was really only slightly more expensive than Flame Tree and much more enjoyable... plus characters!

Glad to know your opinion about the bbq at flametree. Oklahoma, where we are from, has really good bbq, so we might have a similar let down. As for your experience with the wait and rude castmembers there, we had a similar at ABC commisary. Of course ABC doesnt have really good reviews....but we went in July and the availability of air conditioning trumped pretty much everything else!!

I haven't been to ABC commissary but I've read terrible reviews so we haven't bothered with it. I know that AC is important in DHS, that park feels hotter to me than the other parks for some reason. Less shade maybe?

Great update! Cute pics!

Thank you!

How fun you got to do EE over and over! My DS would have loved that!

Great picture of your son next to the jeep!

My kids always want to go in the Boneyard, but we have always limited AK to a half day, so we are always rushing around and never take the time. Next time, we need to take our time and let them try it.

Too bad about your experience at Flame Tree! We had a great experience both times we've been and we also love that view! Sometimes you just never know with quick service?!? We've ran into short lines with slow service and longer lines that are organized and go fast. I guess it's all about how they are staffed for the day.

I agree, and I'm betting it was a staffing problem, but wow. lol. I don't think even the line for BOG lunch is as long as that wait!

I would love to make AK a full day sometime. We too had other plans for that day so we left about 3. I have never done Rafiki's planet watch or the petting zoo area, and I haven't seen Flights of Wonder, or any of the shows at AK! Maybe one day!

 

[katielafave]

Small Disney World! Stumbled on your Trip Report. We were at POR from Oct. 5 - 12 in building 27 as well! We walked by your room daily - I recognize the decorations as we had some of the same window clings and my girls loved your lights! Following along on the TR!

 

[freckles04]

Friday, October 11, 2013 (continued)

After lunch, we wandered around and took a few pictures.

I like this one because he's holding the wooden sword he bought from the woodcarver.

The photographer had us pose (not sure what the theme was supposed to be and can't remember):

We got some pictures near the Tree of Life. I'm the only one looking the wrong way.

It was time for our It's Tough to be a Bug FP+. There wasn't any line outside so it seemed kind of a waste. I guess there wasn't a line outside because everyone was crammed into the lobby area as a show was about to start. The FP+ line lead us to a small area on the other side of a rope from the standby area. Only one other family was there using a FP+. I asked the CM what was special about using FP+ for this. He shrugged and said, "I can let you guys in first, if you want." So when it came time for the show to start, he opened our rope first and we went in... the bad part was that we were in the front of the theater and had to sit all the way to the end. Terrible seats (except when it was time to leave). Basically this FP+ was pretty useless, but I kinda figured it would be when I made it.

Regardless, we love this show!

We then used our EE FP+. I was glad we had not used up a FP+ for this in the morning when it wasn't crowded and saved it for later in the day.

We were hot & tired and ready for a break. I realized we still hadn't caught Flights of Wonder. Maybe next trip. We stopped for some frozen Coke and the machine was broken, just like it was in August 2012! Has it been broken this whole time or are we just unlucky? I got a Diet Coke and DS got a blue icee, and we headed out of the park.

After a pool break at the resort, we drove to Downtown Disney. We spent the evening at DisneyQuest and I spent a little time window shopping by myself. We stayed at DQ until it closed and then went back to the hotel for a good sleep. Tomorrow was our last full day and we were going back to the MK early with a full day planned: pre-opening CP breakfast, dinner at BOG, and the dessert party!

 

[freckles04]

Small Disney World! Stumbled on your Trip Report. We were at POR from Oct. 5 - 12 in building 27 as well! We walked by your room daily - I recognize the decorations as we had some of the same window clings and my girls loved your lights! Following along on the TR!

I'm sorry, I didn't see this until after I posted an update! Ohmygoodness, that is so awesome! I'm glad to know it gave a little happiness to others! It really is a small world!