WHAT I'D DO DIFFERENTLY...POR Sept. 2006

Wonderful trip report. Can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip!

How did the 5 of you fare in POR? was there enough space? I'm thinking of changing my resort. Hope to have as wonderful a time as ya'll (from Texas, don't ya know!)
 
I am with you guys next time it will be a full 2 days at Epcot! We just did a day and a dinner. We missed so much!
 
Mmmm, you've got me thinking about the gummy bears from Germany... yummy! ;)
Another awesome installment :thumbsup2
 
Great next installment. Keep them coming. We're T-minus 28 days :woohoo: and counting for DW and my anniversary trip in December, and Epcot's got the most billing on the itinerary this trip. Now, all I have to do is survive November at the office...
 

Greetings, everyone! Happy Election Day...don't forget to vote!

rdjm...I'm flattered that you took the time to read the whole thing! Thanks for your kind words and your Saturday morning. :)
mmmcq....I agree about Epcot. The World Showcase is great adult and older kid fun but even on our last trip when the girls were little, we saw more characters there than anywhere else. The girls also enjoyed the passports and kidcot stations. You almost have to treat Epcot like two parks....Future World and World Showcase which both deserve a whole day.
JamesMom.....That could be my user name, too! Welcome! The 5 of us did fine at POR. The room was a good size and the trundle was plenty big for DS. With there being 3 adult size females in our group, it would have been nice to have an extra bathroom but we did OK...mainly because I get up and shower before anyone else wakes up. The pool and grounds were incredible there. We would not hesitate to stay there again...even with 5 in the room. We did not have the kind of transportation or mousekeeping probelms I hear people complaining about on the resort board. PS...room cost this trip $139/day....free food around $300/day. :) It's all good!
averill94....Ditto what I said to mmmcq above: You almost have to treat Epcot like two parks....Future World and World Showcase which both deserve a whole day. We did both in a day on our trip in 2000 and it was a LOOONNNNNGGGG grumpy day and we didn't see half as much. Epcot definitely=2days.
PrincessV....We saw those gummy bears at KROGER when we got home. I was shocked! But I know you can run over to Epcot and get some anytime you want even if you can't find them at your grocery. How are those ADRs coming, BTW. Any changes yet? ;)
T-i-double-g-err...Epcot is good adult fun. I'm so jealous of an adults only trip. What about the ADRs? Got em covered? T-25 days! Hang in there!

Special shout out to the lurkers who are reading the do's and don'ts. Hope you're having fun, too! :wave:
 
lexmelinda said:
Greetings, everyone! Happy Election Day...don't forget to vote!

PrincessV....We saw those gummy bears at KROGER when we got home. I was shocked! But I know you can run over to Epcot and get some anytime you want even if you can't find them at your grocery. How are those ADRs coming, BTW. Any changes yet? ;)

DS and I voted this morning - ever try to explain the concept of representative democracy to a 4 year old?? :confused3 I wound up just saying "We're going to push buttons," and he was good with that!

LOL, Walgreen's carries those gummy bears, too, but I swear they taste better from Germany! Me??? Changes???!! Maybe...... ;)
 
I finally caught up with my reading. It really sounds like you and your family had a great vacation. I loved reading about the girls day in Epcot.
 
You're right about the two Epcot parks thing. We actually do separate our time there, because it would be impossible to jump back and forth. We tend to get to Epcot Future Worls via International Gateway and do rides and attractions one morning and then hop the monorail to the MK. On the way back we check to see if something we've missed has less of a line. We'll head back to our hotel for R & R and then back in to the World Showcase for dinner.

We typically eat 50% or more of our meals during a 7-10 trip in the World Showcase - both table service and counter service. We find that it's a less stressful park than the MK at night. And during the day there are quite a few characters in certain areas who are more accessible than at the MK - probably because there is more space.

Ironically, when my father was still alive - he was drawn to WDW because of Epcot. And of course as a young girl I had absolutely no interest in Epcot. I know he's up there smiling now and looking at the plan for the trip that's around the corner. I owe my love for Disney to my dad.

Only 10 days ladies and gentleman till we're on our way. I'm giving my teens their letters to school administrators/teachers tomorrow but it's the end of the term so it shouldn't be too bad. I've decided not to tell our 6 yr old (turning 7 at WDW) until we pick her up to go to the airport. I'm not sure we (I) can keep the secret that long.....but I'm trying. :banana: :banana: :banana:
 
Back in Future World, we have a few minutes to kill so we walk through Innoventions. We’ve never spent any time in here but it’s basically an awesome interactive science museum and the girls are lovin’ it. We finally get to the Segway demo and they are about to close……aaacckkkk! Wish we had more time to spend here but we have to head over to the Coral Reef for our 7:00 p.m. ADR.

We find the Coral Reef hidden around on the right side of the Living Seas and we stand in line again….behind the uninformed non-DISing masses who do not have ADRs and are being turned away. Now I have made note of the fact that several DISers said to ask for Blanca or Riley as a server and to request to be seated near the aquarium but there are LOTS of people waiting so I figure it’s best not to be picky since we’re all starving. We check in and DH and DS show up shortly.

Now I’d like to mention that tonight’s dinner is Emily’s pick so she’s excited. When I made the ADRs back in the spring, I told DH about the Coral Reef and explained the concept and how the tables overlooked the aquarium. “Well, what do they serve there?” he asked. Uuummmm, fish. “Really??” Yep, kinda weird when you think about it, I guess.

We are finally called to our table and it is in the very, very back right next to the kitchen. Yay. Now my little guy is undone because he can’t see the aquarium. We spy a table down next to the tank that is not currently seated so DH takes him down to have a look and it’s all good. The restaurant is set up like a Vegas theater with all tables facing the tank. I expect to see Crush come out any minute and sing “It’s not Unusual.”

A hostess stops by the table with a “fish guide” that shows us the names of all the fishes in the “sea” and she makes note of the fact that they do not serve any of the varieties that they have in the tank. Well, that’s good!

I’ll make a long story short by telling you that our server was lacking in enthusiasm and skills and the food was pretty good but not worth the $225 or so that the tab totaled. DH’s steak was just OK but Mimi’s chicken/pasta dish was full of soy and almost untouched. I was the only one who really loved my dinner—ahi tuna medium rare with wasabi mashed potatoes. But let’s face it…Coral Reef is really about the atmosphere, not the food.

Well, the moment I have been waiting for all week has finally arrived. I spot some DISers at the table next to us. How do I know they are DISers? They are photographing their food! I politely ask if they are doing dining reviews on the DIS and they tell me they are….sorry I can’t remember their names. I told them I might be writing a trip report but was a little intimidated since Glendamax, Utahmama, and ZZUB all had one going. There seemed to be no spark of recognition. You mean not everyone hangs out on the trip reports board???? Who knew?

DH and I sent the girls and DS ahead to Test Track with the fastpasses since Emily is determined to ride. We call when we get there and they have been given a second go since there’s no one waiting. Woo-hoo! DH and I wait in the dump shop but I’m getting a little antsy since it’s almost 9:00 p.m. and time for Illuminations. DH says for the girls and me to go on over to the lagoon and they’ll catch up.

We barely get to the lagoon and stand behind the masses as we attempt to watch the fireworks. DH and DS never caught up and we did not see them until after Illuminations….which was beautiful but shorter and less spectacular than I remembered unfortunately. It was probably just the viewing spot.

Anyway, we meet back up with the guys and then go to the massive Disney store, Mousegear, to wait out the crowds. The kids try on the hats; we look at the costumes; and then we head out to wait on a bench and watch the fountain and the people.

When the crowds die down we move slowly out of the park. The twinkling sidewalks near Spaceship Earth are absolutely magical so be sure to look for those.

We make the first bus that gets to the stop and we collapse into bed near 11:00 p.m. Can we possibly make rope drop at AK in the morning after three nights in a row of waiting out the fireworks crowds?

DO…spend more time at Innoventions next time. These exhibits are elaborate and interesting. If your kids are 8 or more, they will enjoy spending some time here. Do request a table near the aquarium if you go to the Coral Reef. (This photo was on flickr.com but actually appears to be taken from the table where we sat except the DISers were sitting at that empty table in the photo.) It was disappointing to be on the back row. Do ride Test Track (and Soarin’) near closing time if you're not going to watch Illuminations. You may get to go twice! Do look for the twinkling sidewalks at Epcot.

DON’T…eat at the Coral Reef again (That’s for me.) Like the castle, it’s an “atmosphere” restaurant more than a dining experience. Been there, done that. Don’t wait until the last minute to get a spot for Illuminations. Don’t watch Illuminations on the Future World side of the lagoon. It was a mob scene.
 
Thanks for the shout-out to us lurkers. We are the silent masses.

Your trip report is great! :cool1:
 
lexmelinda said:
T-i-double-g-err...Epcot is good adult fun. I'm so jealous of an adults only trip. What about the ADRs? Got em covered? T-25 days! Hang in there!

Hangin'. DW and I caught up on your latest installment (yes, we were co- :surfweb: and co-DISing). Keep them coming. We're square on ADRs: HDDR - 12/4, Brown Derby + Fantasmic - 12/5, Le Cellier - 12/6, Flying Fish 12/7, & CP (Breakfast) - 12/8. The rest will pretty much be CS or snacks of various sorts (or a splurge on room service for breakfast). We'll be sharing an Illuminations cruise on 12/6 with another family on Breathless and shooting for the Jelly Rolls DIS Meet on 12/8 assuming we have enough energy left. :goodvibes
 
Hmmm rope drop after three nights out? Thats a tough one! I bet you can do it-
Looking forward to it!
 
lexmelinda said:
When I made the ADRs back in the spring, I told Jamie about the Coral Reef and explained the concept and how the tables overlooked the aquarium. “Well, what do they serve there?” he asked. Uuummmm, fish. “Really??” Yep, kinda weird when you think about it, I guess.

:rotfl: I think that's what's kept me from dining there yet - the only items on the menu whetting my appetite are fish and I just don't think I could eat one while watching his cousin swim by. ((shudder))

lexmelinda said:
The restaurant is set up like a Vegas theater with all tables facing the tank. I expect to see Crush come out any minute and sing “It’s not Unusual.”

OK, I's pay big money to see that, though! :rotfl2:

lexmelinda said:
A hostess stops by the table with a “fish guide” that shows us the names of all the fishes in the “sea” and she makes note of the fact that they do not serve any of the varieties that they have in the tank. Well, that’s good!

Phew!

lexmelinda said:
Jamie and James never caught up and we did not see them until after Illuminations….which was beautiful but shorter and less spectacular than I remembered unfortunately. It was probably just the viewing spot.

No, I think it really is shorter and less firey. I saw it for the first time in a few years recently and I was less than impressed, too.

Thanks for another great installment! :yay:
 
Excellent Installment!!! :cool1:

I love your Do's & Don't's. Some of them may be just for you, but I'll use them too! :thumbsup2

I'm still trying to decide on restaurants for my trip, so every review I read helps! Thanks! :wave:
 
Hi Melinda :wave:

Another great installment! Well, actually the last 2 were great, I had some catching up to do!

Can't wait for more... bring it on, baby! popcorn::
 
lexmelinda said:
Back in Future World, we have a few minutes to kill so we walk through Innoventions. We’ve never spent any time in here but it’s basically an awesome interactive science museum and the girls are lovin’ it. We finally get to the Segway demo and they are about to close……aaacckkkk! Wish we had more time to spend here but we have to head over to the Coral Reef for our 7:00 p.m. ADR.

My kids can spend hours in Innoventions. They just love it!!! I like how they have interactive, very physical video games.
 
Good morning, everybody!!!

debbieb04.....Wow...2 1/2 years on the DIS and only 12 posts! You must have a wealth of knowledge from all the listening and no talking. I feel honored that you posted on my report! Thanks so much for reading AND posting!
T-i-double-g-err...Sounds like you and DW are ready to go...the ADRs sound great. Let me know how the Flying Fish is. Just repeat after me....3 more weeks...3 more weeks....
averill94....Three nights out and it's hard for me to GET up even if I WAKE up at the same time every day....but guess what....I get a surprise on Thursday morning!
PrincessV....Do ya really think Illuminations is worse? I figured it was just me since I couldn't see the globe for all the heads and we were separated from the boys. You know last time we saw Illuminations was in 2000. It came on the heels of that fabulous parade that went around the World Showcase and honestly I thought it was the best fireworks show I had ever seen. I was disappointed.
DisneyObsession.....RE: the Coral Reef. It's worth a trip....once....if you've got $200 you need to part with. It was beautiful and memorable but just not over the top enough to make it worth it for me to return. I actually enjoyed almost every meal we ate but only a few were worth a second trip. I'll try to do a recap with my opinions at the end of the TR. How's the weather in Buffalo this weekend?? ;) Did I mention I've been there several times? Dated a guy in college who was from Williamsville.
Disneyland_Mama.....Now I am posting on my trip report about YOUR trip report....Fabulous! I love your family and I think your dad is adorable even if he does wander off and your kids are absolutely precious! The look on your husband's face when he tries Beverly...priceless. Worth every penny you paid for that vacation. I should've pm'd you to say all this since it's not possible to post on completed reports...which I found out after I had read most of it. Anyway....love, love, loved it. Everybody click on the link in DLMamas siggie and check out her completed trip report.
monymony3471....Monica...you are so right about Innoventions! We will spend lots more time there next trip. I had no idea how awesome it is. By the way, everybody, turns out Monica is a secret agent of the highest proportions. Click on the new-improved-larger link in her siggie to get to her pre-trip report. You will be amazed at her skills! From all your bifocal wearing friends, thanks for the larger link. ;)
LURKERS....Thanks for reading. I know you're out there cause I know I haven't clicked on my own trip report 11,000 times.....or have I? Thanks for reading.

Note to all: I'm gonna try to hurry it up and finish the report soon as I feel myself losing steam and memories from the trip. Thanks to everyone for reading!!!
 
DUH!!!!!!!

Ok, I know I can be slow but this is embarrassing....You are apparently the one lone faithful fan of MY lowly TR, and I have just now, today, found yours!

Three more words:

YOU ARE ME!!!!

OMG, this is like reading my own experience (except you write better...I think that way but it never really materializes in the written word).

Also I am eating up your pictures, esp. the ones of POR since I was there at the same time!!! (well, some of it, but definitely your first day!.... :cloud9: ). That first morning when you went over for "real" milk??...I'm sure I was one of those people filling my mug! LOVE that resort pre-dawn. Can't beat the sunrise coming over Ol' Man... Your Spectro pics are fantastic. One of these days I'll have to get some "flash-off" non-blurry photos of that visual delight.

So that’s when I spot IT….the perfect souvenir….for me. It’s the “four parks, one world” coffee mug. Do you know this mug? It’s quite large and features Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy on the monorail, Pluto and Donald in a Test Track car at Epcot, Daisy on Rockin’ Rollercoaster, Huey/Dewey/Louis on Kali. It’s pink inside and even says “MOM” on the handle. How wonderful would it be filled with my favorite beverage? Mimi sees me admiring it. I state my love and decide to buy the mug by the end of the week if I don’t find anything I love more. I’m pretty sure I won’t. Heavy sigh.

I HAVE THAT MUG!!!!!!!!!!! I first saw it over at the shameless Disney merchandising snare known as World of Disney at the Marketplace. I loved it, but like you I wasn't quite ready to buy. Gotta see what else is out there! DH ended up buying it for me later in the trip and surprised me with it just before we left. :goodvibes

Great report!
 
Legomom....You are too kind. I would never solicit readers although I do have that shameless link in my siggie. I really enjoy reading trip reports although I do think mine is a lot wordier and not nearly as clever as most that I read. Glad you like the pictures...most all of which were taken by DD-soon-to-be-17, Mimi. She was the only one with a camera and now refers to said $300 (new last year) camera as crappy. She is in the market for a new SLR and is saving her paychecks. Have you seen cherokeemomma's fab pix on her trip report? She has a Nikon D50 so we're looking at that. RE: Disney mug....news next installment. Thanks for reading!
 
:wave: Hi Melinda!!!

I finally looked at your siggie long enough to realize you are writing a trip report too! I am up to chapter 3 but I have to run! I look forward to reading the rest and I love what I have read so far! I am impressed that you eloped! Wow!!! :smooth:
Just wanted to let you know that I am here! :)

Frick
 












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