Who knew choking each other would earn us fastpasses?

[mickeystoontown]

I have GOT to start a pre-trip report because I have a ton of details I want to share with you all. Until then, take a look at my ticker. Notice I didn't say tickers.

This weekend, we were trying to semi-plan out our first two days at Disney since we added an extra day to our trip and were trying out a new resort for those two days. The more we talked about it, the more complicated those two "do nothing" days were becoming. That was defeating the whole purpose of adding the extra day.

To simplify things, we decided to see if we could change those first two nights from Port Orleans Riverside to Caribbean Beach. This would save us the time of packing up our things at POR, checking out and then checking into CBR. If we were already at the CBR, then there's a possibility that we could keep the same rooms and the check-in/check-out process would be a bit simpler since we would already be at the same resort. We need that extra time because the day we would be making the resort change is our first park day.

We were really looking forward to trying something new to see how we liked it. But, like John said this weekend, "Do you honestly think we would love Port Orleans enough that we'd want to give up Caribbean Beach for future trips?" My honest answer was "No". Those two statements made up our minds.

I was a bit anxious to see if I could switch resorts because I had booked with the Spring/Early Summer promo that ended a while back. John said to make the change even if we lost the promotion. So, I called Disney Travel this morning and was able to modify the reservation with no change fees. We are now going to be at the CBR the entire stay.

Okay, so I'm being beckoned by the bossman who can't find something on his desk. I bet you dollars to doughnuts it's right in front of him.

 

[deedeew80]

I agree Lisa that things are so different these days. Even when I was growing up these things didn't happen! It's so sad! I don't know what happened to this world! There are so many good people in this world but yet there are still so many bad. How is Hunter? I hope he is doing well!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I agree Lisa that things are so different these days. Even when I was growing up these things didn't happen! It's so sad! I don't know what happened to this world! There are so many good people in this world but yet there are still so many bad. How is Hunter? I hope he is doing well!

When I was in high school, the most "controversial" thing that would ever happen was maybe somebody showing up with a hangover or somebody got caught knocking down mailboxes. If there was other stuff going on, I didn't know anything about it. We used to walk all over our neighborhood and not come home until the street lights came on. Now, you can't let your kids out of your (or another adult's) sight. Scary!

Hunter is dealing with Dale's death well. He was in the orchestra with Hunter and they are a pretty small group so they were fairly close. I reiterated to Hunter that if anyone ever ever said anything about harming themselves, he is to immediately tell an adult. If it turns out that the kid was just kidding, then it'll be no big deal. If it helps save somebody's life, then hallelujah.

 

[aprilisis]

My goodness, Lisa! I'm so sorry about Hunter's friend. I hope Hunter is doing ok about all of that. I couldn't imagine feeling like that at age 12. That is really, really sad.

I'm looking forward to your PTR. I think staying at CBR the entire time will be a lot easier- I mean- you won't have to unpack, pack, then unpack again. Plus CBR is so pretty in the summer!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

My goodness, Lisa! I'm so sorry about Hunter's friend. I hope Hunter is doing ok about all of that. I couldn't imagine feeling like that at age 12. That is really, really sad.

I'm looking forward to your PTR. I think staying at CBR the entire time will be a lot easier- I mean- you won't have to unpack, pack, then unpack again. Plus CBR is so pretty in the summer!!

I was just about to email you. Lacey called and said the first envelope arrived today and, of course, I had to get her to open it and tell me what it was. I can't wait to get home and read through it all. Thanks!

Hunter is doing okay. Whenever you talk with him about it, his voice gets a little lower and I can tell it's upsetting to him. But, the good thing is we are a talking family and can pretty much talk about anything so he's not holding back.

I can't imagine what the boy was thinking about when he killed himself. He was 12 for goodness sake! He wasn't supposed to have those kind of thoughts!

Our first two days at Disney were supposed to be relaxed/do whatever we want days and they were becoming a bit complicated. That's definitely not what we wanted so I'm glad we were able to make the switch.

 

[Bridora]

Lisa, I am so sorry to hear about Hunter's friend. What a tragedy. I will be thinking about all of you.

I'm glad you were able to move your reservations over to CB without losing your promo! If you still have 2 do nothing days, you could always go over to Port Orleans and wander around. That way you'll be able to get a feel for it while still staying at your favorite place.

We added on a day way back when in 2005 (I think). We were staying at All Star Movies and we actually had to pack up all of our things, check out, then check in...all to ultimately end up back in the same room. It was horrible.

You do need to start a PTR!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Shocka Wocka! The papers my boss was looking for were right in front of him....with a bright pink Post-It on them. I swear bosses are complete babies and need to be spoonfed sometimes.


I left off telling ya'll about being ogled by people waiting for their ADRs, how rude the non-English speaking Brazilian teenagers were, showing you a picture of the fancy black and white vacation pants and the el yummo food at the Crystal Palace.

I wanted to try and find a spot to watch Wishes and was sure that the prime spots were already taken because it was scheduled to start soon. When we walked out, we could see that the porch of Crystal Palace was nearly empty and none of the people sitting there had buzzers in their hands. We all assumed that meant they were waiting on Wishes to start and not on an ADR. We decided to sit there with them and watch Wishes from the Crystal Palace. While we were waiting, I turned around and smooshed my face into the windows and watched the people eating. Not really!

I was getting antsy waiting because I wanted to take some pictures and I also knew that it was our last night at Walt Disney World. I asked John and Mama if they would mind if Hunter and I went down to the sidewalk and found a spot where I could set up my mini-tripod. (When I say mini, I mean mini. It's about 3 or 4 inches tall and just screws into the bottom of the camera. It's not very sturdy either.) They said to go ahead so Hunter and I found a place near a garbage can. We stood to the side and I put my camera on top of the gargage can.

Here are the pictures I took while waiting:

One day I am going to invest in a good camera...not the $100 ones I always buy. I'm still going to post the pictures even if they aren't as good as the ones I've seen other Disers post 'cause they make me smile no matter how crappy they are.

As we were waiting, a man with a little girl who looked to be about 3, came up. He bumped into me and almost knocked me down. There was no "excuse me" or "oh I'm sorry". He just looked at me and then started talking to the little girl. Dumb bunny! I know good and darn well that he knew he bumped into me. I forgot about the rude-bump-into-me man as soon as I heard the music and saw this:

I wasn't even looking at my camera because I was too busy watching the fireworks and talking to Hunter. I was just pushing the camera button over and over again and hoping that I got some good pictures. Hunter also had my other camera and was taking pictures too. I will post those pictures when I find them on Photobucket.

Oopsy, I must have been excited and bumped the camera sideways on this next one:

More:

**Continued in next post

 

[mickeystoontown]

Tired of seeing Wishes pictures yet? If you are TOO BAD!

Check out this picture of the castle when the last fireworks are shot off:

Oh Wishes....how I love thee!

***Up next: I wanna do something else....anything else....I don't wanna leave!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Lisa, I am so sorry to hear about Hunter's friend. What a tragedy. I will be thinking about all of you.

I'm glad you were able to move your reservations over to CB without losing your promo! If you still have 2 do nothing days, you could always go over to Port Orleans and wander around. That way you'll be able to get a feel for it while still staying at your favorite place.

We added on a day way back when in 2005 (I think). We were staying at All Star Movies and we actually had to pack up all of our things, check out, then check in...all to ultimately end up back in the same room. It was horrible.

You do need to start a PTR!

I appreciate your thoughts. Hunter said the kids at school seem to be handling the tragedy pretty well.

We actually talked about going resort hopping one day just to look around. As we were talking about POR and CBR, we kept saying things like "we have to make sure we have a bag with enough stuff for two days" and "we'll have to get up early so we can get to the CBR and catch a bus to the Magic Kingdom". It began to seem like it was going to be a hassle.

As soon as I can come up with a catchy title for my pre-trip report, I'll start it. I have a couple titles rolling around in my head right now.

 

[Kathy Jetson]

Loved the fire works pictures.

I think staying at one resort is the best option for saving time too. We will be staying at Pop but will be resort hopping to AKL and the Poly on our first day. I only want to unpack and check in and out one time.

I can't wait to see how your night ends and your new ptr!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Loved the fire works pictures.

I think staying at one resort is the best option for saving time too. We will be staying at Pop but will be resort hopping to AKL and the Poly on our first day. I only want to unpack and check in and out one time.

I can't wait to see how your night ends and your new ptr!

Thank you. I really want a nice camera but it's not in the cards right now. I'm too busy paying for college, a wedding and three receptions and raising a 13 year old. Ain't happening anytime soon.

I am happy that we made the decision to stay at just one resort. We are already having to pack an overnight bag for our night on the road and I didn't want to have to pack another bag for our two day POR stay.

 

[Caretames1]

I love Wishes, it's my favorite show On our first trip, John video recored the whole thing. Kadence will sit and watch it over and over.

Carey

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Awww! I had been noticing your second ticker and was excited to tell you all about POR. In 2006, my DS and I walked over there to kill some time when my DD had ballet sessions. He was going to take the Mardi Gras Cruise, so I had 2 hours to just wander the resort. He had great fun on the cruise (it's one of those like the pirate cruise from the Poly/Grand Floridian, but Mardi Gras themed). I loved the resort! Returned there for a stay in 2009. I have also stayed at CBR. I have to say that I think I enjoyed POR a little more. If you get time, spend an afternoon/evening at the resort and check it out. The piano player in the lounge by the mill is awesome. His name is Bob. He is great fun to listen to. Sit in the lounge area-kids are welcomed. Have a drink/snack and enjoy the show.
The shop at POR is one of the best I have been in. The food court was great as well. Plus there is another one at French Quarter to enjoy. You can rent surrey bikes here, too as well as some water craft. The boat ride to DTD is really nice. You can also head over to the fishing hole and rent a pole and do some fishing. Kids were loving it. And the walk around the resorts was really pretty. Check it out for a day. You may find it rather inviting.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I love Wishes, it's my favorite show On our first trip, John video recored the whole thing. Kadence will sit and watch it over and over.

Carey

I love it too! It always brings a tear to my eye.

Awww! I had been noticing your second ticker and was excited to tell you all about POR. In 2006, my DS and I walked over there to kill some time when my DD had ballet sessions. He was going to take the Mardi Gras Cruise, so I had 2 hours to just wander the resort. He had great fun on the cruise (it's one of those like the pirate cruise from the Poly/Grand Floridian, but Mardi Gras themed). I loved the resort! Returned there for a stay in 2009. I have also stayed at CBR. I have to say that I think I enjoyed POR a little more. If you get time, spend an afternoon/evening at the resort and check it out. The piano player in the lounge by the mill is awesome. His name is Bob. He is great fun to listen to. Sit in the lounge area-kids are welcomed. Have a drink/snack and enjoy the show.
The shop at POR is one of the best I have been in. The food court was great as well. Plus there is another one at French Quarter to enjoy. You can rent surrey bikes here, too as well as some water craft. The boat ride to DTD is really nice. You can also head over to the fishing hole and rent a pole and do some fishing. Kids were loving it. And the walk around the resorts was really pretty. Check it out for a day. You may find it rather inviting.

I am a bit disappointed that we aren't going to give Port Orleans a try but we were really worried that changing resorts would put a kink in our park plans. I think we will still go visit the resort so we can have a look around.

 

[ronnmel]

I understand that it would have been a bit of hassle to change resorts, but I'm a bit sad that you won't get to try POR. I guess for me I just found so many of the WDW resorts appealing, I don't want to stay in the same place twice so I can try them all (well, almost all. I have zero interest in All-Stars sports or Fort Wilderness. )

I'm thinking of doing something similar to what you did to take pictures of Wishes (or the other night shows). I might buy the gorilla tripod, just place the camera somewhere, then snap away without looking at the camera or waiting for the perfect shot.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I understand that it would have been a bit of hassle to change resorts, but I'm a bit sad that you won't get to try POR. I guess for me I just found so many of the WDW resorts appealing, I don't want to stay in the same place twice so I can try them all (well, almost all. I have zero interest in All-Stars sports or Fort Wilderness. )

I'm thinking of doing something similar to what you did to take pictures of Wishes (or the other night shows). I might buy the gorilla tripod, just place the camera somewhere, then snap away without looking at the camera or waiting for the perfect shot.

If our resort switch day hadn't also been our first park day, then we would have probably left our reservations like they were. I was looking forward to trying POR but we decided it just wasn't worth the time it would require to change resorts.

I am going to look for a different tripod before we leave for Disney again. The one that I bought came from the dollar store and isn't very sturdy. But, I was still able to watch Wishes and still take pictures.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Great Wishes! update
I knew you guys were not going to do that split stay as much as I think about doing that I always come back to the same reason you just came back with. In fact when I added the day to our ressie it was not for the park, it was so we would not have to change hotel's. Our added night will be the day at non-disney park that day.

Have a great day!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

I love the pictures of Wishes! You got a great view too. I think that may be better than being close (I'm usually in the Hub for them) because you can get more of the castle in the pictures with the fireworks.

I have the same type tripod for my camera. I always bring it with me, but then I forget to use it!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Great Wishes! update
I knew you guys were not going to do that split stay as much as I think about doing that I always come back to the same reason you just came back with. In fact when I added the day to our ressie it was not for the park, it was so we would not have to change hotel's. Our added night will be the day at non-disney park that day.

Have a great day!

Thanks Connie!

The split stay ended up seeming too complicated and time consuming. John and I felt so much better after I changed the reservation.

I love the pictures of Wishes! You got a great view too. I think that may be better than being close (I'm usually in the Hub for them) because you can get more of the castle in the pictures with the fireworks.

I have the same type tripod for my camera. I always bring it with me, but then I forget to use it!

I was very happy about the view for Wishes! We could see almost everything. I can't believe that I remembered to use the tripod. I usually have it down in the bottom of the camera bag and forget about it.

 

[TinksThree]

I never get tired of Wishes (or any firework) pictures! I want a good camera too. I love taking pictures and I just know that one day I will have a good camera, but like you....too many other things are taking priority!!

I think being at one resort will be much more relaxing, and I agree with another post: if you want to see POR/POFQ just hop over there and "get a feel"!!