Who knew choking each other would earn us fastpasses?

[mickeystoontown]

AWESOME, AWESOME AWESOME picutres. I know you won't believe this, but we have never been to the playground at DHS. We may just have to check it out in March because it looks awesome.
I love that Hunter was picked to do the phone part; that parts looks like it would be the most fun.

You're kidding right? You've never been to the playground? Dana! You gotta go in there if only to take pictures.

I was happy that he was picked for the phone part too because if I were to be chosen, that's the one I'd want. I asked him if it hurt when the water hit him and he said "a little".

 

[mickeystoontown]

It was fun to see Hunter in the Backlot Tour. When we were there in Dec. it was so cold they didn't have audience participation. They went through the whole thing with no actors. It was odd to say the least. I wondered what 1st timers thought about it.

Oh that would make for an odd show. I've never thought about them not doing it during cold weather.

 

[ronnmel]

Awesome! I love that you guys went to the playground even though Hunter is not a little kid anymore. I LOVE playgrounds! I hope to visit the Boneyard on my next trip, and maybe even the HISTK playground if we have time.

Thanks for putting up those great pictures!

 

[jenseib]

Sounds like John's picture taking skills are a lot like Skips.

 

[jusero]

Thanks for the t-shirt location tip. I know the store you are talking about.

BTW, I just wanted to pass along what the CMs call the "hat" at HS. A CM was telling me where I could find a certain pin, and he told me "Down at Big Blue." Thought it was a cool name.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

fun update! great playground pics...and
I MUST FIND LIGHTING McQueen and MATER this year...two years in row I did not find them

 

[rndmr2]

Great Updates! That was cool to see Hunter in the show. I've never had a family member picked for one of those things but it would be fun.

 

[leamom2princesses]

HI there! Long time no post huh? Great update.. I have a lot to catch up on but wanted to say hi! Hooray that Hunter was picked for the show.

 

[laashley]

All caught up. Yay on finding a good deal on the flowers for Lacey's wedding!

I understand about having two camera's and trying to keep the pictures organized. Not easy, but all the pictures are great memory joggers.

Loved the pictures of you and Hunter jumping in front of the fountains. John not so much, but he was a good sport!

How sweet that the cm's wanted Hunter for the show. Enjoyed all your pictures. I never knew there was a dog's nose in the playground. I always hang close to the exit, easier for the kids to know where I am than to search for them.

Exciting to add a couple more nights to your trip. Sorry your sister couldn't go, hopefully it will work out another trip.

 

[MissLiz]

How cool that Hunter was picked!!! I'm sure he loved it!

I think last May was the last time we will do the Backlot Tour for awhile. We were trying to get the baby out of the stroller and put the stroller in the parking area when DH said "Why do we always do this?" in a very crabby voice. I thought he meant taking the baby out before we go to the stroller parking and started to snap at him until I realized that he meant the Backlot Tour. He hates it....and he doesn't hate a lot of things.


We've never done the playground either. I'm not sure why because it's been on my list of things to do, we just have never done it.

I'm debating completely skipping Hollywood Studios in September. We skipped it last September, but that was because it was a short trip. I just don't know if I can do it. I feel bad NOT going to a park.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Great deal on the flowers Lisa! It's always nice to find a bargain!

Loving the DHS revisit. So fun that Hunter got picked to be in the show!

Jeff and I haven't stopped at the HISTK playground since our honeymoon in 1992. The boys never showed any interest...I may have to drag them in there next time just for a few photo ops! (Dan LOVES the forced photo op! )

The Star Wars shirts are too cute.

I may have to purchase one of your backsacks...they are adorable and I am a sucker for a new bag!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Great deal on the flowers Lisa! It's always nice to find a bargain!

Loving the DHS revisit. So fun that Hunter got picked to be in the show!

Jeff and I haven't stopped at the HISTK playground since our honeymoon in 1992. The boys never showed any interest...I may have to drag them in there next time just for a few photo ops! (Dan LOVES the forced photo op! )

The Star Wars shirts are too cute.

I may have to purchase one of your backsacks...they are adorable and I am a sucker for a new bag!

I couldn't believe how cheap the flowers were at the wholesale store. Lacey was super excited that she found just what she wanted at such a good price.

Hunter was super excited when he got chosen. The other younger boy in the group had just turned 16 the day before and this was his family's first time at Disney.

Hunter doesn't really mind me asking him to do "childish" things while at Disney. He's like the rest of us.....these people are never going to see me again so who cares.

If you decide you want a backsack, let me know. The purple Mickey one has sold but I think I have more fabric to make another. The Tinkerbell one and the peace sign one are on hold for somebody until I hear back from them. I know I have enough fabric to make another Tinkerbell one and I may even have enough to make another peace sign. Lacey said the swirly pattern fabric reminds her of Vera Bradley so it's no wonder I thought they were so pretty.

Awesome! I love that you guys went to the playground even though Hunter is not a little kid anymore. I LOVE playgrounds! I hope to visit the Boneyard on my next trip, and maybe even the HISTK playground if we have time.

Thanks for putting up those great pictures!

Oh we're still kids......just not little ones. You know that I've never been in the Boneyard? I just now realized that. John went with the kids in the Boneyard a couple of times but we've never returned. If there's no height requirement, I may go in just to have a look around.

Sounds like John's picture taking skills are a lot like Skips.

Poor thing, he doesn't do too well. Like I said, though, with the dawn of digital camera came better pictures from John. Notice I said better....not good.

Thanks for the t-shirt location tip. I know the store you are talking about.

BTW, I just wanted to pass along what the CMs call the "hat" at HS. A CM was telling me where I could find a certain pin, and he told me "Down at Big Blue." Thought it was a cool name.

I couldn't remember the name of the store for the life of me (if I ever did know it) but glad to hear that you know the one I am talking about.

Oooh, I love Disney trivia so I appreciate knowing that the hat is called "Big Blue". I remember when they were building Big Blue and I didn't really care much for it staying there after the 100 year celebration. But it's grown on me now so I don't mind it at all.

fun update! great playground pics...and
I MUST FIND LIGHTING McQueen and MATER this year...two years in row I did not find them

Did ya'll take Ashton inside the playground? I can't remember. He would love it!

All you gotta do to find Mater and Lightning is just wander like us.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

No, we have not been to many of the playgrounds. Our May '09 trip I was letting him play on the toddler playground across from Mickey's house in Toonstown and this kid started vomiting choc milk and the parents just left. No one came to clean it up and it just absorbed into the wonderful ground material. I went and told a CM and never looked back. Needless to say we have not visited another playground since. I still cannot get over how thoughtless parents can be giving their kids milk on a 90 degree day in the FL heat and send them to play....eeewwwww

I guess being from the New Orleans area I know exactly what is going to happen if I give my child milk while playing in the heat

 

[mickeystoontown]

Great Updates! That was cool to see Hunter in the show. I've never had a family member picked for one of those things but it would be fun.

It was a lot of fun to have somebody that we actually knew in the show. We've like it before but this made it "special".

HI there! Long time no post huh? Great update.. I have a lot to catch up on but wanted to say hi! Hooray that Hunter was picked for the show.

Hey girl! I know about not posting in a while. I can't seem to keep up with all my Dis subscriptions. I'm trying to knock this trip report out so I can move on to a pre-trip report.

All caught up. Yay on finding a good deal on the flowers for Lacey's wedding!

I understand about having two camera's and trying to keep the pictures organized. Not easy, but all the pictures are great memory joggers.

Loved the pictures of you and Hunter jumping in front of the fountains. John not so much, but he was a good sport!

How sweet that the cm's wanted Hunter for the show. Enjoyed all your pictures. I never knew there was a dog's nose in the playground. I always hang close to the exit, easier for the kids to know where I am than to search for them.

Exciting to add a couple more nights to your trip. Sorry your sister couldn't go, hopefully it will work out another trip.

We were so happy about the flowers! Now we just have to find a place to put all this wedding stuff. Our house looks like a storage facility.

John tried his best to get a good jumping picture. But, he wouldn't jump when I counted down. He'd either jump early or late or he would be worried about loosing his sunglasses. Oh well, there's always next trip.

The dog's nose in the playground is to the left and at the top. It looks like the dog is leaning into the playground and all you can see is his nose.

I am happy that we were able to add a couple more nights to our trip. My boss doesn't have a clue when I am going or how long I am staying so he'll never know that I added them.

How cool that Hunter was picked!!! I'm sure he loved it!

I think last May was the last time we will do the Backlot Tour for awhile. We were trying to get the baby out of the stroller and put the stroller in the parking area when DH said "Why do we always do this?" in a very crabby voice. I thought he meant taking the baby out before we go to the stroller parking and started to snap at him until I realized that he meant the Backlot Tour. He hates it....and he doesn't hate a lot of things.


We've never done the playground either. I'm not sure why because it's been on my list of things to do, we just have never done it.

I'm debating completely skipping Hollywood Studios in September. We skipped it last September, but that was because it was a short trip. I just don't know if I can do it. I feel bad NOT going to a park.

I remember those stroller days well! That was back in the day before we knew any better and we stayed offsite. It was stroller hell getting from the hotel, to the parking lot, to the tram and then over to the park. So, I know how you feel.

John doesn't hate too much either. His one thing that he simply can't stand at Disney is Stitch. Doesn't like him at all.

Hollywood Studios used to rate pretty low for us but we've come to love it over the years. It's kind of a hard park to do when you have little ones. I am like you, I'd hate to go all the way to Disney and not visit a park.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I couldn't believe how cheap the flowers were at the wholesale store. Lacey was super excited that she found just what she wanted at such a good price.

Hunter was super excited when he got chosen. The other younger boy in the group had just turned 16 the day before and this was his family's first time at Disney.

Hunter doesn't really mind me asking him to do "childish" things while at Disney. He's like the rest of us.....these people are never going to see me again so who cares.

If you decide you want a backsack, let me know. The purple Mickey one has sold but I think I have more fabric to make another. The Tinkerbell one and the peace sign one are on hold for somebody until I hear back from them. I know I have enough fabric to make another Tinkerbell one and I may even have enough to make another peace sign. Lacey said the swirly pattern fabric reminds her of Vera Bradley so it's no wonder I thought they were so pretty.

Isaiah is all about the goofy picture poses, but Dan has decided my picture taking obsession is annoying and he won't be bothered! I get the traditional 16-year-old eyeroll upon photo requests. Too bad, Dan...I'm taking my pictures! LOL!

I love the Tink one...my birthday is coming up, maybe Jeff would get me one! I'll let you know!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Our Fastpass time was quickly approaching so we started walking that way.

When I saw the line, I was sooooo glad that I was able to get Fastpasses. You can see a little bit of the line in these pictures:

When we arrived, we had about 5 minutes to wait before we could use the Fastpasses so we stood to the side and waited. This was to the right of us:

This was to the left of us:

This was behind us:

After the 5 minutes passed, we showed our Fastpasses to the castmember and were on our way to have some fun. Pictures I took while walking and waiting in line. Yes, there was a wait even though we had Fastpasses but nothing like the wait we would have had if we were in the standby line.

We were in line about 20 minutes before we made it to our ride vehicle. Hunter was seated behind us by himself and John and I were together. I wanted to see if I could take pictures during the ride and this what I got:

Yeah...they aren't very good. It wasn't easy to take pictures while spinning around.

***Continued in next post

 

[racefanof88]

We have some of the same TSM pictures!!! Isn't it funny that no matter how many times we go to Disney, or ride a ride, or see a show, we have to take pictures? Dale is always picking on me and saying that I have 100s of pictures of the same things............... I try to explain to him that it is different every time we go and he says "No, it isn't, that tree still looks just like it did last time we were here", that "tree" being the Tree of Life................ When he says this, I take a few more pictures, just for good measure. Men just don't understand.

 

[mickeystoontown]

As we were getting out of the vehicle, I snapped one more picture:

And, one last picture as we walked out:

I don't remember what our scores were but I know that mine was pretty low. I am so not a gamer and am one of the most uncoordinated people I know.

It was starting to get very hot and we were ready to get back to the resort and see what Mama was up to. John called her on our way towards the front of the park and told her we were coming back to the resort. He asked her if she had eaten lunch yet and she said she hadn't. Our plan was to get back to the Caribbean Beach, drop our backsack and walk over to the food court.

On our way out, we spotted this funny lady:

As you can see from this picture, there were still a lot of folks coming into the park and it was 12:45 ish....1:00 ish.

We made it over to the bus stop and there were only about 7 or 8 people at the stop. I don't know what's up with the bus stops at Hollywood Studios. Why is there so little shade? Don't remember what I'm talking about? I snapped this picture just so I could post it here:

See, there's hardly any cover for the guests to stand under. It was so stinking hot and not all of us could fit into the little shaded area unless we squeezed in really tightly. That's even if the people in front of us would have moved up a little and actually let us get in the shade.

It seemed like it took fifty forevers for a bus to come while standing in the heat. It actually was about 15 minutes before one pulled up. This time when we got in the bus, we were ready for some air conditioning. Well, guess what? It wasn't freezing cold. As a matter of fact, it was just "luke". The driver apologized and said that she had just gotten on the bus for the day and that she had the air turned up to high in order to get it cooler. We were all okay with that because we were out of the sweltering heat at least. The driver didn't make us wait very long before we left the park and were on our way back to the resort.

I am not telling a tale when I say it took us less than 5 minutes to make it to Caribbean Beach. During most of our stays at the CBR, the buses to and from Hollywood Studios have taken the side entrance/exit to the resort. This time, they took the front entrance. We decided to just get off the bus at Old Port Royale and call Mama and tell her that we were there. One of us would walk over to Jamaica and get her if she wanted us to.

The outside of Old Port Royale:

***I need to stop here and do a few things at work. Imagine that! I will be back later to post pictures of the inside of Old Port Royale and our yummy lunch.

 

[Bethislucy]

Lisa I need you to cross your fingers for some Disney magic/Tinkerbell pixie dust what ever you want to call it. If they offer free dining this fall we are going to stay at CBR.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Great Toy Story Mania pics....I love the one of the giant nightlight. It's amazing how much detail there is and how much I miss!