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

[RGirl]

Fantastic AK pics. The PP one of the whole family in the frame is wonderful!

Wow - the ITtBaB FP+ sounds like a real dud. But at least the show is fun!

Sounds like y’all had a nice DTD evening.

 

[khertz]

I have never understood why Disney had FP/FP+ for any of the shows, because it really doesn't seem to do much good! But at least the afternoon FP+ for EE worked out well.

Love the pic with the photo frame! I like how they are trying to do something a little extra and special with the PhotoPass pictures.

 

[freckles04]

Fantastic AK pics. The PP one of the whole family in the frame is wonderful!

Wow - the ITtBaB FP+ sounds like a real dud. But at least the show is fun!

Sounds like y’all had a nice DTD evening.

Thank you! It was a dud, but nice to know what it was like. & we DID enjoy DTD. My DS might even be okay with visiting Orlando just for DisneyQuest.

I have never understood why Disney had FP/FP+ for any of the shows, because it really doesn't seem to do much good! But at least the afternoon FP+ for EE worked out well.

Love the pic with the photo frame! I like how they are trying to do something a little extra and special with the PhotoPass pictures.

Thanks! This one was extra special. Seemed to truly enjoy his job.

 

[freckles04]

Saturday, October 12, 2013

We woke up early feeling a bit sad that it was our last day, but ready to enjoy the day and whatever came our way. We were also a bit ready to see our cat, dog, and guinea pigs. So with those feelings, we headed out to catch a bus to MK. We had a breakfast ADR to get to at 8:10AM.

We arrived about 7:30AM and saw this lovely sight:

While we waited for the ADR entrance to open, we took some pictures.

We were let through the gates about 7:50. I was surprised the guard did not ask to see proof of an ADR.

SO EMPTY!!!

No PP photographers were out yet, so we took our own.

Looking back at the train station (EMPTY!!!):

Ahhh... then a photographer was out, so we stopped for the picture that I chose for my opening post!

Love it:

It was time to check in at The Crystal Palace. I didn't take any food pictures, but we really enjoyed our breakfast. The breakfast lasagna was AMAZING and at the egg station, I got my favorite... eggs over medium. It was starting out to be a great morning.

DS isn't really into Pooh anymore (wasn't ever, really) but we still enjoyed the characters and snapped some pictures. He was happy to get some brand new signatures in his autograph book.

After breakfast, we got a few more pictures.

We then headed to Tomorrowland where they were just about to open the internal ropes.... and I think that's enough for now! I took a huge amount of pictures this day, I guess knowing it was our last, and so we'll see how many installments this takes. Lots more fun coming up next.

 

[Simba22]

I think that pose in front of EE is the Yeti pose! We've been asked to do that one before! There wasn't a PP photographer in that area when we were there in October, though! I'm bummed because I love those pics with the frame!

Where you stopped for the Frozen Coke...was that at Drinkwallah? We stopped there in October and were able to buy one!

Don't feel bad, I had a lot of trouble getting good safari shots this year too!

That really stinks that you had such a bad experience at Flame Tree! We haven't been there in a few years though! Although your experience there is VERY similar to one we had to Pizza Planet in DHS. There was a tour group in front of us with several kids all ordering individually. But she took ALL of their orders before switching to the other side of the line. I was SO angry!

 

[Simba22]

We were let through the gates about 7:50. I was surprised the guard did not ask to see proof of an ADR.



SO EMPTY!!!

Looking back at the train station (EMPTY!!!):

They've never asked us for proof either! I guess they figure you can't really get anywhere anyway so most people aren't going to lie about having an ADR, you know?


I am not a huge CP fan but I will continue to make breakfast ADRs there for THIS reason. I LOVE LOVE LOVE getting pics of an EMPTY Main Street! Lat summer we went with my family (8 of us, all adults) and they gave me some flack about getting up so early on our last day...but once they saw that empty Main Street, they changed their tune!

 

[freckles04]

I think that pose in front of EE is the Yeti pose! We've been asked to do that one before! There wasn't a PP photographer in that area when we were there in October, though! I'm bummed because I love those pics with the frame!

Where you stopped for the Frozen Coke...was that at Drinkwallah? We stopped there in October and were able to buy one!

Don't feel bad, I had a lot of trouble getting good safari shots this year too!

That really stinks that you had such a bad experience at Flame Tree! We haven't been there in a few years though! Although your experience there is VERY similar to one we had to Pizza Planet in DHS. There was a tour group in front of us with several kids all ordering individually. But she took ALL of their orders before switching to the other side of the line. I was SO angry!

Cool about the yeti pose... for some reason I just couldn't remember what he asked us to do.. maybe because we weren't all consistent with what we did..lol. I do remember him telling DS to put the sword in his teeth.

I had to Google it, but yes, the little stand was Drinkwallah. So, I guess I just have rotten luck with that place!

Counter service at WDW can be such a hit or miss. We've had some good experiences but some REALLY bad too. Ya just never know..

And Crystal Palace may be a new must-do for us too. We are going back to WDW in less than 3 weeks now, and I made a reservation there again. Just love the empty MK. Nothing like it.

 

[RGirl]

GAH! I can’t believe it’s your last day already.

Your pre-opening pictures turned out GREAT.

You know, I have never once had to show proof of an ADR or BBB appointment.

The pic of you and DS at the entrance to the little side stress off of Main Street is fantastic - you need to get that one framed.

All the CP pics are adorable, of course. Isn’t that such a fun place?

 

[TalkDisney2Me]

Just read through all of your TR. The MK photopass pics in the last update were great! Gotta love those early dining reservations.

 

[Simba22]

And Crystal Palace may be a new must-do for us too. We are going back to WDW in less than 3 weeks now, and I made a reservation there again. Just love the empty MK. Nothing like it.[/QUOT

I agree! I wish they had other options for breakfast though! We're totally not CRT people, so that really only leaves CP. If Liberty Tree Tavern would do breakfast, that would be AWESOME!

 

[freckles04]

Saturday, October 12, 2013 (continued)

When I last left off, we had just left breakfast at the Crystal Palace and were standing in a small queue by the Tomorrowland internal ropes. Not a moment after our arrival, they opened the ropes and we headed for Space Mountain... twice!

Then Buzz.

As you can see below, Matt was really serious about this mission. The photo attendant said he was glad to have Matt protecting the universe.

We spent a lot of time in New Fantasyland today, since it wasn't completed on our last trip. Our first stop was paper FP for Barnstormer.

Tea Cups. It was actually my first time riding them, since I was a kid anyway. I did NOT care for the spinning.

I let DS decide what he wanted to do in NFL. He wasn't too interested in the Little Mermaid, or ETWB, so we skipped those, but we're definitely going to do them later this month with my niece! I'm excited!

It was time for our paper FP for the Barnstormer. This is a random picture I took while on it.

It was our first time to ride it and MAN was it short. I was very glad we didn't wait more than a couple of minutes for it. I would never ride it with a line more than 5 minutes long, if that!

DS spotted the splash area and we spent a loooong time here. It's really fun and cute.

A kind stranger offered to take our picture here.

We also did it's a small world, and Mickey's PhilHarmgic. We LOVE the Philharmagic!

Next, we had FP+ for Splash and BTMRR coming up, so we headed there, hitting up the Haunted Mansion on the way.

Again, a kind stranger!

We did BTMRR right before the window closed so that we could ride Splash right after.

The FP line for Splash is really fast, but I had a second's pause to take this picture:

Looking happy (but a hot mess) after Splash!

We snapped a picture with the castle before heading back to POR for some swimming and rest.

Up next, we take on the Beast and do our first Dessert Party.... where I finally get to see Wishes!!!

 

[freckles04]

I agree! I wish they had other options for breakfast though! We're totally not CRT people, so that really only leaves CP. If Liberty Tree Tavern would do breakfast, that would be AWESOME!

That's a fantastic idea. I'd sign up in a minute!

Just read through all of your TR. The MK photopass pics in the last update were great! Gotta love those early dining reservations.

Thanks for reading!!!! And thanks.... I think the pictures turned out wonderful. We'll treasure them.

GAH! I can’t believe it’s your last day already.

Your pre-opening pictures turned out GREAT.

You know, I have never once had to show proof of an ADR or BBB appointment.

The pic of you and DS at the entrance to the little side stress off of Main Street is fantastic - you need to get that one framed.

All the CP pics are adorable, of course. Isn’t that such a fun place?

I know! It went by too fast.

& thanks!

I don't have it framed (yet) but it is the home screen on my phone!

I see by your ticker that we both have Disney trips coming up VERY soon. Isn't it exciting!?!?!

 

[RGirl]

Ha! Those were some GREAT ride photos!!!

It definitely sounds like a great last day, and you got some wonderful family pictures too.

I see by your ticker that we both have Disney trips coming up VERY soon. Isn't it exciting!?!?!

Yes! We both have some good times coming up next week, don't we??? How long will you be at WDW? Are you going to do another TR?

 

[LiveToTravelNicely]

Great installment to your report! 10 days until our Journey to see Figment and Mickey!!!

 

[littlenellbell]

LOVE your empty park pictures. Looks like you got a lot done that morning!!
How awesome you have a trip coming up. Have a great time!

 

[freckles04]

Ha! Those were some GREAT ride photos!!!

It definitely sounds like a great last day, and you got some wonderful family pictures too.


Yes! We both have some good times coming up next week, don't we??? How long will you be at WDW? Are you going to do another TR?

We were there for only 5 nights. We jam-packed it full of fun, though! I'm not going to do another real trip report out of respect for some of my family members who don't want their pictures up here. We had a GREAT time though.

How about your trip??

Great installment to your report! 10 days until our Journey to see Figment and Mickey!!!

How was your trip???

LOVE your empty park pictures. Looks like you got a lot done that morning!!
How awesome you have a trip coming up. Have a great time!

Yes, we definitely got a lot done. It was a great morning and a great day at the MK.

We had a great time on our trip. It was AWESOME! So fun to have (most) of the whole family at WDW.

 

[freckles04]

Saturday, October 12, 2013 (continued)

I've gotten behind on this trip report! We just got back on 1/25 from 5 fabulous (but cold!) nights at WDW. I'm having some Disney Blues right now with no trip on the horizon (although I'm thinking of the beach this summer, with a return trip to WDW in October). I thought it would be a great time to finish up this trip report and relive those magical memories.

When I last left off, we got soaked on Splash and went back to Riverside for some R&R by the pool. After we were thoroughly rested, we headed back to the MK because we had an important dinner reservation: Be Our Guest! Yep, the one I snagged on our 180+10 day, and could only get it on the last day of our trip, at that! I was SO EXCITED.

Beast's Castle and the crowded entrance. As we tried to make our way to the check-in area, we were almost "in line" to get "in line" as a CM was posted out front to stop people and ask if they had reservations. People seemed genuinely shocked that they needed one and she was having to explain the situation to each one. Finally we got to her and I told her that we did, indeed, have a reservation, so she sent us to the check-in window to get in that line.

Next came the biggest drama scene that I have ever witnessed at Disney. A man behind me came up with his wife and two young kids. He, also, was shocked that he needed a reservation, but as most people accepted that and moved on, he decided to throw a hissy fit. His tone was extremely rude and condescending toward the poor CM. He demanded to be put on a list for a table and she kept explaining "we don't do that" and that "people make their reservations for this restaurant six months in advance." He literally started yelling that he was in the military and he deserved the best table in the place. I don't know if they ever gave that man a table but if they did I hope it was a high chair because he was the biggest baby I've ever seen!

(In a related note, on our recent trip in January, they were taking dinner reservations at lunchtime for that same night, so maybe things have changed!)

Finally, we got to the check-in window. I requested the West Wing and told the CM I was OK if that extended our wait time. To our surprise, we were seated only a few minutes later. The CM's really made us feel special like we were honored guests. More than one commented about how lucky we were to sit in the West Wing.

Pictures just don't do this room justice!

Slashed tapestry:

DS went to get a picture of the rose and was fascinated how it disappeared in photos.

We all had the seafood pastry dish (the name escapes me) and it was VERY good. I also forgot our server's name, but she was very pregnant! And did a wonderful job. She was so enthusiastic. We skipped the dessert cart as we had the Dessert Party coming up at 8:00.

(Side note: I had the strawberry cream cheese cupcake at BOG lunch this past January, and it was TO DIE FOR! I've never had a cupcake that moist in my life. YUMMY! Beats anything they offer at the Dessert Party.)

Meeting the Beast:

We then strolled over to Tomorrowland and were a bit early for the party, so we did the Carousel of Progress again. We just love it!

We got to the party right after it opened. While waiting to get in, several people were turned away in front of us. I heard this comment a lot (and again last month) "We didn't know what it was, we just saw a line and got in it!" and also expressions of disappointment that it was already full. Do people even research? lol. Anyway, we finally got in and were at a great front-row table with a great view of the castle and we could even watch the MSEP, albeit from a distance.

The castle from our table (zoomed in a bit):

Cute little desserts:

We moved to the railing for Wishes, as did mostly everyone else.

I didn't take any fireworks pictures, just enjoyed the show because have a mentioned I LOVE WISHES????

I saved a Space Mountain FP+ for 9-10PM and was glad I did because the wait after Wishes was 60 minutes. So, we got right on and got this goofy picture for it.

We stopped for a few last pictures:

And waved goodbye:

& told Mickey See Ya Real Soon!

& that's The End!

Thanks to all who followed along! It's been fun!!!

 

[OmegaWife5]

I thoroughly enjoyed your TR! I'm also from TN and this will be our first time going in Oct of 2014. How were the crowd levels and the weather when you went? My DH and DD10 want to do Typhoon Lagoon so I may make arrangements for that.

 

[littlenellbell]

Thanks for sharing your trip! I really enjoyed your report!

 

[freckles04]

I thoroughly enjoyed your TR! I'm also from TN and this will be our first time going in Oct of 2014. How were the crowd levels and the weather when you went? My DH and DD10 want to do Typhoon Lagoon so I may make arrangements for that.

We loved the weather. Some days it was really hot but nothing compared to our August trip. We brought mini fans on necklaces and only had to use those one day (compared to constant use in August!!!). The mornings and evenings were great but still warm enough to be perfectly comfortable in shorts and tank tops (I'm cold-natured). It only rained one day for a couple hours and that was the only rain we saw.

Crowds were heavier than I expected them to be but manageable with smart touring. DHS was the worst day with wall-to-wall people in the walkways. That was very unexpected since it was a recommended park day. It was more crowded than anything I have seen in the summer.

I would definitely recommend Typhoon Lagoon. When we did TL on our August trip, the weather was great for it of course, but every lounge chair was claimed at opening. TL was much less crowded in October. The Crush n Gusher was a walk-on over and over again. It was great! The resort pool IMO was too cold in October, that was my only complaint... I know they are supposed to be heated but it sure didn't feel like it.. the pool at POR is very shaded so perhaps that was the problem.

All in all I think you will enjoy October with MNSSHP (follow a touring plan on it, we did not and ran into a lot of crowds, plan to do it better this year) and Food & Wine. I am just waiting to find out when Fall Break 2014 will be to start making plans.

Thanks for sharing your trip! I really enjoyed your report!

Thank you and same to you!!!