Welcome to the CBR Hoop Dee Dont, Wow its hot, Continental Airlines suck trip report.

[pktbMouse]

Hi
We just got back last night from 7 days at the CBR. I will try get down everything I remember before I forget.
Me, DH, DS8 and Baby (22months)

Day 1:
Just a short note about the flight..we had just taken off and I ate a candy to stop my ears from popping, next thing I know..one of my big fillings in my back tooth falls out!! Luckily it wasnt hurting so I was just careful for the trip not to eat on it..but still, that will cost me when I get back and we were in a tight budget too...oh well.
Arrived at the CBR about 5pm checkin. I had called ahead with a request in hopes of getting ground floor corner room and Yayyyy...we got one. They definitly must check pre calling in requests as on out Magic folder thingy they give you was a big sticker with "check requests" printed on it.
What can I say about this resort but wow! It is absolutely beautiful. Yes its big but we were in martinique right next to the food court and pool so we didnt care how big it was. We are now totally in love with this resort...everything about it was awesome (just the food court but its typical Disney).
We had a quick dip in the pool which was nice and warm, had something to eat then headed to bed.

 

[pktbMouse]

D[COLOR="Blue"]ay 2" Hoop Dee Dont!

Ok now I know there are diehard fans on this board that swear by the hoop dee doo review and would defend it to the end and to them I say thats your opinion so please dont flame me for mine. I tend to be a bit blunt in the way I put things but as I said...my opinion only.

Woke up Sunday (Mothers Day) morning to my DS8 giving me a lovely card and necklace for Mothersday. It was so sweet. We were heading to the HDDR later that night for the 5pm showing so we didnt want to venture too far. We decided to have a day at the pool. The pool at CBR is beautiful...great for kids too. My DS (and me) loved the water slides and pirate ship, we all had a blast. The baby however was not sure of the dump bucket at the pirate ship pool, it scared him a bit so we just took him in the big pool with his baby float away from the noise. We went for lunch at OPR at the resort and the food was so so. My DS loved the pizza. I had a sandwich from the deli and hubby had a burger and fries. We found the portions were not that big but did for lunch. We waited an eternity for the pizza and burger, infact we found that any time we went even at the quiet times we still had to wait a fair amount of time as they rarely had anything ready.
About 3pm we got ready and headed over the the Wilderness Lodge. The weather was roasting hot all week..hotter than normal in the 90's but there was a nice breeze. We left CBR at 3pm, drove the rental van to the MK, got the boat to WL and we were at the door of the Pioneer hall in exactly 1 hour.
I was so excited about going to the HDDR as I had heard so many good things about it on the boards here.
Finally the doors opened after waiting in the hot sun for 40 mins and we got ushered to our seats. We had a great seat (number 23) second row back in the middle.
Ok now comes the flaming part and this is just our opinion. I had never sat through as much torture in my life as I have that show. It was bad singing, bad dancing, bad acting and the jokes if thats what you call them were terrible. My DS8 kept constantly asking if we could leave and the baby was just not interested. I just sat there jaw wide..so did hubby. They did NOT interact with anyone but 2 people in the front row. They just seemed like they were going through the paces and didnt want to be there. The food came out and it was ok..nothing brilliant.
But wait.....I have to tell you about the worst bit of all, my nightmare!!! One of the actresses of which I will later post piccys was positively scary.
She had these wide google eyes and manic teeth bearing smile like she was about to attack you!!! Even my DS commented on her being scary looking. She was the one in the show that did the manic laff at everything..and OMG.. that laff will haunt me for all eternity. I know it was just for the show but still!!! I prayed to the heavens about to never let me see her face of hear her laff again. Little did I know the heavens about had a very warped sense of humour!! More about that comment later.
We did however find some amusement at the show, it was the little boy at the next table from us who appeared as if he hadnt been fed for a week. We couldnt take our eyes off him shoveling in the food at a constant pace not stopping for a breath at all and only swallowing every 6th mouthfull until the plate was empty. he would then beat his spoon on his metal plate loudly until the waiter brought more food. We were totally amazed at the amount of food this kid put away and at the speed he did it. He had obviously been there before as he knew evey bit of the show and recited it along with the actors on stage. (but between me and you..I somehow get the feeling he was only there for the nosh!) The show finally ended and despite people wanting piccys with the actors they quickly dissapeared off stage.
As I said before...some people enjoy the hoop dee doo but we sadly didnt. I guess it was just not our cup of tea having of food sang to us and watching actors delivering a performance that we felt they were just not in the spirit of and were waiting their next rung up the ladder, they were all just to serious for this type of show...if you know what I mean. They also failed to even acknowledge or even make a glimmer of a mention that it was "Mother's Day" while they were doing their bit about Anniversaries and birthdays, it was like it wasnt in the script so the didnt mention it. Oblviously ad libbing a bit and mentioning Mothersday was to difficult!!!
I have to add personally it kind of annoyed me too that I waited through that torture for the strawberry shortcake ( which was lovely) only to be told that we had to share one between two people. Oh well...
We then headed over to the magic Kindgdom for the last 3 hours and had a blast. At least Mothers' Day wasnt such a bust after all.
Aaaaaargh...I have that dang song Hoop dee doo in my head again after typing this.....

Day 3 coming tomorrow.[/COLOR]

 

[pktbMouse]

Day 3... Dinosaurs and Disney.

Well today we got the van ready and headed down to Dinosaur World at Plant City. It was about an hours drive from the resort and is just outside Tampa. My kid is crazy for dinosaurs and absolutely loved this place. Its like a forest you walk through with life sized Dinos. It has a fossil dig where you can hunt for your own fossils and bring home 3 of them to keep. The kids can also hunt in the sand and uncover fossilized bones. We had lunch in a dinosaur cave with they thought was cool too. They dont have any food places down there so if your going be sure to take something with you. We arrived about 11am and left about 4pm so it really isnt a full day thing but it will take you a while to stroll round the whole park. It is very well shaded which was excellent as it was very hot that day. On the way out there was a shop with the usual t shirts and dino stuff for sale which wasnt too expensive (compared to Disney). My DS got a t shirt, some pencils for school, 2 soft dinosaur toys and a small dino egg. Just bear in mind this isnt Disney but if you have a kid that loved Dinosaurs they will love it.
We got back to CBR about 5.30 ish , had some food at the food court which wasnt very good then headed to the MK for the last couple of hours. The baby absolutely loved Small world and was dancing and rocking to and fro.
The MK was absolutely mobbed whic was unusual for May, we generally come this time every year and its never busy...well it was tonight for some reason...and very very hot!
We stayed and watched Wishes ( ok I had a tear in my eye) which was even more wonderful than I remembered and headed back to CBR. DH's toys had been arranged nicely on the bed but no towel animals...oh well..time to up the ante..next morning instead of leaving 3 bucks..I upped it to 5..(last of the red hot spenders eh!! heheh)

 

[pktbMouse]

Day 4: Hollywood studios mania

We got up this morning and had overslept a little, even the baby was still sleeping until 9.30. We managed to get to HS around 10.30am, grabbed fastpasses to Toystory Mania which had a return time of 4.30pm on them!
We did the usual, Tower of terror...my ds8 came on for the first time and loved it..he rode it another 3 times after that. The lines were not too bad but this is the busiest May I have ever seen in a long time. Also the weather was very hot...in the high 90's...phew!
Today was to hold a surprise for me if thats what you call it. I decided to take the baby into playhouse Disney while DH and DS8 rode some bigger rides. It will give us a chance to cool down anyhow. I was sad to see that Bear in the Big Blue House and Stanley were no longer there...times are definitly changing. Anyhoo, we get settled on the floor and the show starts...the girl comes out that presents the show and I couldnt believe my eyes....it was the Hoop Dee Doo scary chick with the manic grin and scary eyes!!! doing that same horrific laugh..turns out that is her real laugh and not put on!!! I about died!!! I couldn't believe it was her!!! She said her name was Casey, I now knew her name. Talk about something coming back to haunt you. To give her credit she was not as crazy and loud at the Playhouse Disney but that face...that manic grin...toooo scary. I told you the heavens above have a warped sense of humor. Anyway the baby was not amused at the show at all for some reason, the only bit he liked was when they blew bubbles. It was still good to get in out of the heat though.

Something amused me outside later in the day. They kept wheeling out that High School Musical thingy with the kids singing periodically though out the day. About 5pm I noticed people were lining up, when I asked a CM if there was another parade or something he replied in a really demented slow voice "no maam, its another high school musical..because apparently 5 today just isnt enough"...the tone of his voice was hilarious and said everything...too funny.

We finally got onto the Toy story ride and really didnt think it was all that. We much prefered Buzz lightyear. It was just ok but I wouldn't rush to ride it again in a hurry. We decided to leave and head over to Epcot. I had a list of things I wanted to get for belated birthday and mothersday pressies. One of which was a "pick a pearl". ( also a disney watch, new purse and sandals)
Epcot was very busy for some reason..possibly the last week of the flower and garden show Im not sure. Anyway DS is desperate to ride soarin..no fast passes left and a 50 min wait so we decided to skip it. We did the baby swap and managed to ride Test track and Mission mars. The baby loved Nemo and Turtle talk with Crush was awesome as usual. This kid told him she loved to read. He asked her what did she read, she said Harry potter. he was pretending he didnt know who Harry Potter was and getting her all flustered trying to expain. He eventually said to her "Im pulling your flipper little dudette"..he was so funny.
Well before we knew it it was firework time and closing time so no pearl. Oh well, maybe another time during the week I will get it. The fireworks were good but no way near as good as Wishes.
We headed back to the CBR and still no towel animals. No shampoo, no kleenex and no soap. Next morning I decided to leave a note asking for towels, soap and shampoo along with the tip. Our neighbors who we had been chatting to the day before had gone home and left us their cool box with 6 bottles of bud light and some diet coke in ice in it. So that was a nice treat for us. We got the kids to bed and sat and had a nice cold beer before bed.
Tommorow,,,Animal Kingdom.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Signing on! Now I gotta go back and read all the details. Hope you'll post pictures so we can put a face to a name.


Lisa

 

[letstalkboutdisney]

I have to agree with you about he hoop de doo. We didn't like it at all either. The show was lame and the food was not good. It was not worth two table services! I can't believe you saw the same scary lady at HS. How funny is that.
Really liking your review. Can't wait to hear more!

 

[Disneychix]

lol! I think we saw Casey at Playhouse Disney last year!! Too funny!

I guess all the May promotions worked. We too noticed heavier crowds the first week of May.

 

[pktbMouse]

Baby 22 months enjoying his cornbread.

Me

 

[pktbMouse]

Later after the hoop dee doo..DS22months didnt even last 5 mins till he fell asleep.

The castle as we were leaving...isnt it awesome.

 

[pktbMouse]

 

[pktbMouse]

Day 5: Animal Kingdom
Ok so we overslept again...got the the Animal Kingdom about 11am and the crowds were big. First stop the fast pass for the safari then headed to Dinoworld Usa part..by this time it was nearing noon and really really hot. We instantly payed out a very fast $20 on the games and only won a small lizard. Those games could really take your money if you are willing to pay..we drew the line at 20 bucks! My 8yr old finally got up the courage to ride Dinosaur the ride so we did the baby swap. It was ok but very bumpy...(between me and you I wished I wore a tighter bra!!)
We decided to go for lunch and I was tired of fast food. I suggested the Tusker house as it was a sit down indoors cool thingy. Well we were pleasantly surprised..the lunch was wonderful..chicken curry, samosas, carved meats..just about anything you could think of and the desserts were to die for. I even enjoyed the african coffee they served at the end. It cost $22 per adult and was well worth it.
We headed from lunch to the Safari Ride and it dawned on me that mabey having that extra dessert wasnt such a good idea after all. My stomach was so full...ewwww. I was lucky to make it off in one piece..the baby was on my knee too and got bounced on my tummy..it was torture! Mental note..dont eat lunch then ride the Safari. We then let the kids play in the Boneyard for a bit but it was so hot and busy. Finally we got over to Expedition everest..a first for us. We had fast passes so walked right on, did the baby swap so the kid got to ride twice..he loved it. I loved it too..wayy better and faster than Big thunder mountain, doing a loop de loop in the dark is cool.
6pm and back to the Magic Kingdom where I saw tinkerbelle fly down from the castle for the first time in my life. She was amazing, she flew right over our heads and waved. She never flew the next few nights of our vacatiion as it was too windy so Im glad we seen her.
We decided to queue for the monorail back tonight...omg wish we hadnt..it was miles long..took us over 1 hour to get on. It was so busy for May we couldnt believe it.
I have to pass comment on something we noticed...well you know how Im british but living in Texas..we noticed a lot of british people at the World this week. How did we know?? for some strange reason they like to wear their soccer team that they support shorts and t shirt. We seen tons of them with all different teams on them..hmmmm....I hate to break it to them but only another Brit would know what they are wearing..plus they are made from heavy nylon..they had to be roasting hot!!! Whats gives fellow Brits?? Are you crazy?? I must also add I had fun in the shops...I have been living in Texas for about 15 years now but everyone I came across in Florida just assumed I was on vacation from Scotland. They kept telling me my ATM card would not work in their machines...too funny..I was naughty..I played along a bit...heheheh
I had planned having a dip in the hot tub when I got back to CBR but was too tired. I just had a quick shower and passed out on the bed..my legs were killing me from all the walking.
Day 6 next...cocoa beach.
photos to follow

 

[pktbMouse]

Woke up this morning and could hardly get out of bed. We had originally planned to go to Universal Studios but neither of us could face walking another day...we were all beat. We decided to take a rest day and go the the beach. We stopped at Walgreens and stocked up with some juice and snacks and headed to Cocoa beach. When we got there it was very hot but a lovely breeze. We rented a beach umbrella and chair and got settled.
This was the first time I can say that the 22 month old actually had a meltdown. He didnt want in the water...didnt want out the water...didnt want to sit, play not sit not play...you know the routine...he screamed his head off like he was being murdered and nothing would shut him up. I sat him him in the sunchair under the umbrella and tried to soothe him..He roared literally for about 20 mins solid!!!! Then fell asleep in my arms. I lay him on the sunchair as you will see in the pics and he slept for nearly an hour. I hate to say it but that hour was bliss!! Hubby and DS8 went for a swim and I just sat on the sand and enjoyed ther lovely breeze and view. We had found the bit called "Pier Park" where the pier is (meade Avenue). It had restrooms and showers etc and the water is shallow for kids..not to high a surf either.
I was kind of wishing we had more days to do this but oh well.
About 4pm we packed up and stopped at Quiznos on the way back ..also Dunkin doughnuts for some awseome coffee...(and mabey a few donuts!!!)mmm
Back into Epcot later that night to try get my Pick a pearl....I did say Try...!!!
Bye the time hubby and the kid had finished doing all the rides they wanted to it was too late again..that was my last chance too.
Now dont get me wrong..I love my hubby but sometimes he can be a little...I hate to say this...selfish? I really had my heart set on the pick a pearl as a Mothersday Gift.. I know the money wasnt a problem either. So we left the park that night and I was pretty irked but I didnt show it. Sometimes I just feel like Im the last one to get anything and only if we have the time...Im sure there are people out there that understand where Im coming from. We have been home for over a week now and its still at the back of my mind to say something I didnt manage to get my Disney watch or new purse either..infact I was the only one that came home with nothing..again!!...Im trying not to think about it but it still may come out in conversation!!!
I decided to leave the Mousekeeper a nice note tonight explaining we were heading home the next day and if she could leave a towel animal it woule be wonderful..just a little one. Hubby laffed as he was sure the reason we didnt get one was she didnt know how to make any. I left my litte note anyhow .
Last day tommorow...Islands of Adventure.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I've been reading along but haven't had a chance to post (trying to get ready for our trip to Disney). It's great to see your pictures. I'm a visual person and love to put a face to a name.

I hate to hear that you didn't get to pick your pearl or get your watch. Maybe you can use those two things as an excuse to plan another Disney trip.

 

[OhMari]

Thanks for the info on Hoop de Vu, or is it Doo. Anyways, I am planning a surprise for my sisters, and I was thinking of taking them there, or doing the Aloha show. Me and my dh ate at Trails End for lunch. We caught the end of breakfast and when they starting bring food out for the lunch items, I commented to my dh, that everything on the buffet, was the same food from the Hoope de show. (I think I am magling the name of the show).

It's funny about the Brits wearing their soccer shirts. My state (Wisconsin) everywhere I go, it used to be football shirts, Green Bay Packers, but things are changing, and everyone wears the Milwaukee Brewers baseball shirts. I'm sure in a few years, I will be sick of seeing those shirts too. I am proud to say, I don't own any.

Your lucky you didn't go into the Ocean over at Cocoa Beach, you would be amazed at the crud that gets into your suits.

The Pick a Pearls are so over priced at Epcot. Yes it is fun to get a pearl from WDW, but go buy yourself a necklace from the store Kohl's. For the same price, you can get a whole string of pearls. I actually got the fresh water 3 string pearl-oval, white and blue. I went on a Saturday, when they were 70% off, with another 15% off during Power Hour, plus I had a $15 percent off coupon and a $10 cash card. I had a $250 necklace and I think I ended up paying $15.00 The sales clerk, told me I should be ashamed of myself. Oh, the necklace came with pearl earings too. Sometimes as couples, you go through high's and lows in marriages.

I think after you have toddlers, both of you get so tired playing mom and daddy, you forget about each other. Hugs.

If you really want a watch, go look at the Disney website store, they sell them online too. And do you really want a WDW purse? I love WDW, but I'm not to keen of my purse being from WDW. There are too many other cool purses out there.

Looking forward to the rest of your TR

 

[heaven2dc]

At first I thought your commentary on HDDR was a joke along with other stuff you mentioned happened in the days following but realized when you posted pics that it wasn't! I would probably never do HDDR again but we enjoyed it back in 1997. I'm not sure I would have had a problem with that girl "Casey" but have to realize they hire these CM's based on the talent required of the show.

Sounds like you had a somewhat of a good time though!