Will You Chill Out if I Sprinkle You With Pixie Dust? The End p136 *New TR Link* p138

[Poolrat]

UGH about the bus situation. It always seems to work like that when you NEED to get somewhere by a specific time.

Good for you getting up and running. Too humid here lately but I need to get my rear in gear soon.

Glad you made it to CP even with a bit of stress.

Looks like everyone had a great time meeting all the characters.

Great score on BUZZ. I did that once and I did it the same way.


It sounds like transportation issues were the theme here. I have had trips like that.

 

[MEK]

Oh everything seems so stressful... It's amazing how the stress level goes up when other adults are depending on you to lead them. I know exactly how you felt. When it's just you and a bus is late, no big deal... but when there are others waiting on the bus (that you decided to take) it's no fun!

Exactly. If I make a transportation error, which I clearly did, I'm responsible for it and not holding anyone up. Sometimes I just have bad mojo when it comes to lines and waiting. I always seem to pick the longest line, and in this case, the longest mode of transportation.

I'm glad you made it to MK & had a nice breakfast and got to ride a few rides. Love the Buzz scores!

Even though we only did 3 rides I was pretty content with breakfast and the rides we did. And the boys got to do Space Mountain twice, so they made out OK. Good thing I got those FPs.

I hope you made it back in time for Splash!!

All I'm going to say is - we made it back!

Ugh, see, that's why I can never rely on the buses at Disney, if I had to wait that long to get on a bus and get to MK when I had an ADR, I actually would have a meltdown! At least I know that when we're driving to the parks, if we're late, it's our fault, that makes me feel a little better!

I don't think I would have made it all week if we didn't have a car. The treehouses have to be the worst possible resort on property for transportation. An internal bus coupled with a loop around the resort that takes almost 20 minutes. No thanks.

I'm glad you made it to your ADR on time, and managed to get your FP's! Looks like everyone enjoyed CP, I love that place!

Thank goodness I got those FP's. They save the morning. I'm so glad the boys got to ride twice even though Matt didn't love it.

That was nice to buy the SM picture for the boys!

I hope they like it. I emailed it to them but never heard anything.

Wow, that line for the Peoplemover is insane! I can't believe your score on Buzz, I don't know how can tell where you're shooting!

The line was crazy long.

I was very happy with my Buzz score despite having a little help from the ride gods.

Finally i am caught up! My nook wont let me quote and reply so pardon the randomness here

No randomness whatsoever. Glad you are all caught up.

Love your big group shot. Its definitely frame worthy!

Thanks. The PP guy did a good job with that considering I still had my distance lens on from the ride over. Thank you Mr PP.

I had to Lol at you skipping the HM queu in anxious anticipation. I get it. I could not be on Disney property for so long and not be in a park!

I've gotten much more patient waiting to get in the park. But after being in Orlando for almost 24 hours I was itching to get in a park. I like the queue, but to me its really optional and I knew my nephews wouldn't realize we were missing anything.

Your IASMphotos came outgood for no flash.bet the boys could have passed on it though! Were they just super excited to go on just any ride?

I think they enjoyed every ride we went on! For the most part they were really well behaved and really positive about the whole experience.

I have to say that was a moderate meltdown. I think we have one like that every trip...usually at the end of day one ...i think it has to do with the nervous excited energy of travel plusanticipation of the parks and utter exhaustion at the end of the day. Hope that was the only meltdown of your trip!

I think the meltdown was worse for me because I could see my brother's expression and he just looked so angry. When you see that look in someone's eyes its just hard not to get unnerved and upset.


I can see why having a car at SSR would be very beneficial. Sometimes the bus rides are just too much (or should i say the bus waits!) Can you imagine how confusing transportation would have been if you had not known your way around?shheeesh[/QUOTE]

I can't imagine being a first timer there and staying in the treehouses. Ugh - that would be such a drag. But we met a family that seemed like they were first timers and they seemed to be rolling with it.

Just checking in reading along and keeping up!!!

Hey Rosie - I'm glad your still on board. So after all my transportation woes are you still interested in the treehouses? Inquiring minds want to know!

That stinks about the bus taking so long! That is probably the one thing I don't miss about staying at a Disney resort.

I have to say that I have stayed at all levels of resorts and I have had the worst bus experiences at the deluxe/dvc resorts. I remember one trip where my GF and I waited 50 minutes for a bus from BLT to HS.

Love the CP pictures!! Looks like the oldest boys are having just as much fun with the characters as the little ones. I can NOT wait to get back there for that puffed French toast!! Just a few more months...

All the boys, including my son who is 17, had a great time with the characters. I really, really enjoyed looking at their smiling faces. I can't wait to give copies of the best photos to my SIL. I want to wait a little bit so they will be surprise, having forgot about the whole meal.

Woo Hoo - 2 months to puffed french toast!

Despite living in Louisiana, I just do not do well in the heat either. The minute I start sweating, my level of excitement just plummets. I have gotten so spoiled traveling to WDW in the offseason, I don't know what I'll do when Paxton is older and I can't take him out of school anymore for a fall or winter trip!

We have had such a hot summer already here in the mid atlantic that I am much better suited for the heat right now. But those early June trips get me because I am basically going from spring weather into the extreme heat with no time to adjust. Not my idea of fun!

UGH about the bus situation. It always seems to work like that when you NEED to get somewhere by a specific time.

I really blame it on myself for not realizing which route the treehouse bus took. If I had known that we certainly would have driven to the Grandstand bus stop. I really thought we were just saving ourselves from getting in a hot car. Wrong!

Good for you getting up and running. Too humid here lately but I need to get my rear in gear soon.

Its been terrible here as well. I am either going before 7am or after 8pm. It makes a world of difference.

Glad you made it to CP even with a bit of stress.

Looks like everyone had a great time meeting all the characters.

I am very thankful that I was able to get the Space FPs and get to breakfast on time. We really did have a wonderful time during that meal. The pictures say it all!

Great score on BUZZ. I did that once and I did it the same way.

Isn't it fun, even when you know it has nothing to do with skill?

It sounds like transportation issues were the theme here. I have had trips like that.

I'm sure the whole treehouse transportation thing has got to be better in the cooler weather months. Then it would be a no brainer - walk the 10 minutes to the Grandstand and enjoy the lovely scenery.

 

[natebenma]

Wow, that was quite an update!

I never use an alarm either, and I never sleep until 7, so I know EXACTLY how surprised you must have been when you looked at the clock. But good for you for still getting a run in.

Regarding the road kill- do you think they called a Toad truck? <groan>

I was having palpitations as you were describing waiting for the MK bus and seeing all the others come and go! That was just terrible!

Another poster kind of asked what I wanted to know- what did the other group who got to the park do while waiting for you? Sounds like we will hear about that soon.

Love love love the Crystal Palace pictures. What great character interactions! We have only had lunch there, but with all of the talk about the amazing puffed French toast, I so want to do pre-opening breakfast there!

I could totally relate to your story about the confusion of 9 tickets and getting FP. On the class trip, I had 20 park tickets but only 6 had been activated to enter the MK one night. And I didn't keep them straight. So I had to keep putting tickets in, then when one worked, I put that ticket in a different place, and then I forgot I did that, so when I counted tickets, I was missing some!

ACK!!!

I'm glad you were able to enjoy a few rides- it sounds like bailing was probably a good choice.

Looking forward to reading more!

 

[MEK]

Wow, that was quite an update!

Yes, it was, especially considering I had already written once and left it on my work computer.

I never use an alarm either, and I never sleep until 7, so I know EXACTLY how surprised you must have been when you looked at the clock. But good for you for still getting a run in.

Sounds like you do know because I NEVER sleep that late at home. I'd have to be dead, or close to it.

Regarding the road kill- do you think they called a Toad truck? <groan>

I was having palpitations as you were describing waiting for the MK bus and seeing all the others come and go! That was just terrible!

Good thing I had no idea how high my BP must have been at the point. If I hadn't gotten on that bus I don't know what I would have done.

Another poster kind of asked what I wanted to know- what did the other group who got to the park do while waiting for you? Sounds like we will hear about that soon.

I was going to talk about that in the next update. But, to tell you the truth, I am still not completely sure what they did when we split up. :

Love love love the Crystal Palace pictures. What great character interactions! We have only had lunch there, but with all of the talk about the amazing puffed French toast, I so want to do pre-opening breakfast there!

WE had wonderful character interactions. The characters were great. They spent so much time with my nephews, especially when Matt was so reluctant to get up and join the fun.

I could totally relate to your story about the confusion of 9 tickets and getting FP. On the class trip, I had 20 park tickets but only 6 had been activated to enter the MK one night. And I didn't keep them straight. So I had to keep putting tickets in, then when one worked, I put that ticket in a different place, and then I forgot I did that, so when I counted tickets, I was missing some!

ACK!!!

I never could have kept 20 park passes straight. I tend to get a little ADD when I have to keep track of a lot of papers or things of a similar nature.

I'm glad you were able to enjoy a few rides- it sounds like bailing was probably a good choice.

4 rides and breakfast was about what I expected. I am much happier going back to the parks in the evening so I didn't care how much we did during the day. Sure, I wanted to be there at park opening, but by 1 or 2 pm I am sooooooo ready for the pool.

Looking forward to reading more!

I'm hoping to update again tomorrow. We'll see,

 

[ireneryan]

I'm hoping to update again tomorrow. We'll see,

Ooooh, I can't wait, I need another "fix"!

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I sometimes think they must have something at the bus stops that reads your mind and sends a bus going somewhere else. One day when I was at Carbiean Beach I was trying to get to EPCOT for one of the early segway tours and was running a little bit late and had just missed a bus for EPCOT and before another came 2 for MK and one for the studios came.

 

[MEK]

Ooooh, I can't wait, I need another "fix"!

There are so many other things I should really do tomorrow, but I'm trying hard to update twice a week and this upcoming week is going to be hard since I have a lot of evening commitments. I will definitely try!

I sometimes think they must have something at the bus stops that reads your mind and sends a bus going somewhere else. One day when I was at Carbiean Beach I was trying to get to EPCOT for one of the early segway tours and was running a little bit late and had just missed a bus for EPCOT and before another came 2 for MK and one for the studios came.

That must have been what was happening. A GPS system that doubles as a mind reader!

Ugh - Did you get to your tour on time? Was that the tour that takes you all around the countries? I did it a couple years ago and really loved it. I did the 745am tour and just got there by the skin of my teeth.

 

[MEK]

Fast Past or Fast Fail?

In my last update Denny, Nick,LJ, Matt, and myself had just boarded the train and were headed to the front of the MK. We certainly hadn't had a park commando morning. Rather, we had breakfast at CP, two rides on Space (well the boys did courtesy of extra FP's), a visit to CoP, and Buzz Lightyear. I'm sure it was getting close to 2pm and we all opted for an afternoon break.

While on line for the train my SIL called me to say they were leaving as well. Several of you asked what their touring plan had been.

Now, in my defense, I am NOT tour guide Mike, so I gave my SIL plenty of information prior to the trip. I sent her the planning DVD and directed her to the DIS and allearsnet. Despite that, she seemed pretty clueless when I suggested rides for their MK day. She also later admitted that they didn't use the FP machine because she didn't "know how". Seriously? Is that possible?

So to answer your question, I know they went back on Pirates at least once, maybe twice. I have no idea if they ever hit another ride.

Part of me thinks I should have given them more direction. Part of me says, "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink". I thought for sure they would get Pooh or Peter Pan FP's (as I suggested) and then do some other rides. Did they even look at the map? I honestly don't know.

Here are a few more pictures I took on the train ride to the front of the park that I didn't post on my last update.

See the reflection of the train

Gotta try for an artsy shot every so often. Right?

Fortunately, we had good bus mojo on the way back. A bus came promptly and we got to sit as evidenced by this......

We struck up a conversation with a family from Texas that was also staying at the treehouses. I'm pretty sure he said this was their first trip. And we exchanged a few park stories and pleasantries. It made the transportation time go faster.

We got off at the Grandstand and walked back.

Once we got back to the villa I told the boys I would take them swimming. Denny went to lay down and it was pretty obvious he wasn't going anywhere. Nick, who had been feeling the increasing effects of his new cold, courtesy of Denny, also opted to stay at the villa. I was so thankful for the third room because it allowed him to go in there, close the door, and watch soccer on TV. He really wasn't feeling well and I was pretty sure he was done for the day.

The boys (LJ and Matt) and I headed for the treehouse pool, which was closed. Bummer.

So we hauled it over to the Grandstand pool. I wanted to go to the pool, but I really didn't feel like walking. Oh well, at least there was a mug fill station there and it really wasn't that far.

I brought two mugs filled with an adult beverage so I wouldn't have to return to the treehouses anytime soon.

My nephews went off to swim and were having a great time. I tried to settle in and read my book, but I actually struck up a conversation with a couple sitting next to me. They were also DVC owners who were from central Florida. They told me that they plan overnighters, or longer, as often as once a month. They were currently spending the night at OKW and rented some bikes to go swim at the treehouse pool which, as we know, was closed. So they ventured to the Grandstand and were quite happy with the pool there.

I honestly don't know if they eve had park passes, because they indicated that they go to the resorts simply to enjoy them. They had an ADR that even at the Cali Grill, so we spent some time discussing the various restaurants and resorts. I told them how wonderful the Hilton Head resort is and encouraged them to give that a try for future vacations.

What a delightful couple. I was really feeling relaxed, thanks to my adult beverage and some enjoyable conversation. In fact, so relaxed that I had to keep reminding myself to watch the kids in the pool.

My SIL came along later with the two younger boys and they had a ball in the splash area.

I did take a few cell phone pics of the splash zone area. I have real camera pics from later in the week

Sorry they are crooked. I just upload these right to photobucket so I don't straighten or edit them at all.

There's CJ in the blue & red, having a blast!

Making friends? Or possibly enemies?

It was an absolutely gorgeous afternoon and it was incredibly hard to pull myself away from the allure of the pool. No dark rain clouds rolled in, as often do in the afternoon. We were golden.

Put, alas, I had FPs in my pocket and, although I knew I wasn't going to be back in the park right at 5pm, I still had ever intention of using them.

I jumped in the shower and got dressed immediately. I asked who was going back to the park with me. Even if none of them were going, I sure was.

Final count - ME, Denny, SIL, Matt, LJ, and Josh. My brother stayed home with CJ and Nick, well he stayed home to sleep and watch TV.

We walked back over to the Grandstand and caught a bus back to MK. I think we waited about 10 minutes this time. Then we made the loop around SSR to pick up everyone else. Ugh - that's a long loop. It must take 15 or 20 minutes to complete.

I took a few pics when we got off the bus.

Ah. Yes. Leave People. Leave.

I aimed my camera up for this random shot of the monorail track. Check this out - doesn't it look like that beam is cracked? I am sure its just some optical illusion with the sun and all, but still?

We walked straight to the back of the park and to Splash. What time was it? Almost 6pm!

I walked up to the CM and said, "I know we are an hour late, but one member of our party got sick (not really a lie) and we had to take them back to the resort".

The CM's said to me, "I think we were down at the time" and waved us on.

SCORE!

Now, I must add that there were 5 FP's and 6 of us. So Denny, being Denny, was kind enough to sit out.

I was so excited that even Josh and my SIL was going to ride this. I really didn't have a good sense as to how much thrill factor my SIL could tolerate, so this was a good sign.

I ended up in the front row with two of my nephews. I was determined to take some pictures, but I wasn't quite brave enough to take my good camera out. In fact, I probably left it with Denny.

But I did take a few with my phone. I realize that these photos are out of order, but you'll get the idea!

I know this picture is crappy, but I actually got brave enough to take a picture of the lift hill.

So how did I fair? I got SOAKED!


The ride was a huge success and everyone LOVED it. Yeah!

Look at those smiling faces!

The standby line

Splash at dusk

I actually may have taken that picture later, but it seemed appropriate for this update!

So Splash completed, the next order of business was food.

The logical choice was Pecos Bill, especially since some of us were soaked. There were plenty of outside tables and it was a perfect, low humidity evening.

My choice. A good old burger. I have to have at least one on every Disney trip. What is it about Pecos Bill's burgers that makes them taste so good?

During dinner we all dried off and were ready to move on.

Up Next: A parade, fireworks, and an amazing castle show. But would everyone stay to watch it????????

 

[natebenma]

YAY a fun, pretty much trouble free update!!!

Sounds like you had a wonderful afternoon at the pool, passing the time with some fellow Disney lovers.

You know, sometimes the best thing to do when traveling with a big group (and sometimes just with your own family) is to let everyone make their own choices. "I'm doing this- you can join me or do something else" We can all be happy!

on a much better bus ride

on the CM letting you use your FP

on everyone loving the ride!

The reflected train picture is really cool!!! Where is the mirror/window? I don't recognize it.

The picture of Splash at dusk is simply amazing! I love how the way everything looks at Disney parks changes throughout the day, but it is always beautiful!

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your evening. Hope the weather holds out.

And the beauty of Disney transportation? If some of your group wants to bail, they can!

 

[kschafer]

I'm so glad you had a nice relaxing afternoon after the frustration of your morning!! And good for you for insisting on going back to MK for the evening. I hope you stuck around even if everyone else left! (in fact, I think that would be the best gift for you )

Love the pic of splash at dusk. And I agree, a burger is a must at Pecos Bills (it's the toppings bar I swear!)

 

[15isto2]

Thanks for a superb update

 

[englishrose47]

Looks like a FUN day !!! I am so glad we will have GAC in October so we don't have to deal with the new FP system !!!!

 

[Nermel9]

Hmm I don't really get how you don't know how to use the FP machines? They're pretty simple!

Your afternoon at the pool sounds great, I really need to start spending more time by the pool on our trips!

Wow, I'm glad you got on Splash with those late FP's, you must have gotten an nice CM! I've been reading that some people can't even get during the 15 minute grace period! I really am not liking this FP time enforcement thing they're doing.

I love that picture on Splash, going up the hill! I've always wanted to try to take a picture there too, but I'm too nervous I'll ruin my camera somehow!

OMG the monorail beam does look like it's cracked! That's scary, I hope it's not really!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Yay for a gorgeous pool afternoon! I'm glad that you were able to use your Splash FP's! I've definitely never been brave enough to take out my camera anywhere close to the drop!

We've never given Pecos Bill's a try, but your burger looks great!

 

[Pinkocto]

A problem free afternoon, how wonderful

Those fries look fantastic! I always get the magnificent taco salad but I think I must get some fries also next trip. Im sure Denny was happy to get to Pecos Bills

Looks like good times were had by all. I hope Nick wasn't sick for long, what a bummer.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I agree, there is something about the Pecos Bills burger... YUM!!

So glad you got your ride on Splash and that everyone enjoyed!!!

Yikes to the whole bus saga from the morning! Hope you didn't encounter that again. As a general rule I think the buses run pretty well but when they go "wrong" they go really wrong!!

Hope the cold didn't keep Nick down for long!

 

[CatNipRules]

I hate it when people don't have a touring plan. LOL! Maybe it's just because I spend so much time planning. Of course that's part of what drives my husband nuts.

I absolutely love all of the pool pictures!!

One of my most favorites parts of any Disney trip is meeting people from other places. We always strike up conversations with people. Whether it's when we are waiting in line or if we are sitting and people watching. I've met a few people that don't want to talk, but for the most part I'm able to meet someone new.

In all the years that we've been to Disney, I've never been on Splash Mountain. However, my DS and DH have decided to give it a try. I love seeing the pictures of it!

That burger looks yummy! It must be the Disney magic that makes them taste sooooo good. I've never eaten at Pecos Bill before. Yeah, I know. Crazy huh? LOL!! My guys aren't very adventurous when it comes to food. Maybe we will have to try it. If only for the burgers.

Can't wait for the next update!!

 

[marDgreen88]

Aww, great update! It sounds like yall had a really fun afternoon at the pool. Too bad that Nick wasn't feeling well though!

SPLASH IS THE BEST! It worries me that it's been breaking down so often, as I do NOT want to get stuck on my favorite ride. I'm so glad everything worked out for yall and that everyone loved it. It's so much fun!

I've never been to Pecos Bill but can I just say YUM, that burger looks really good.

 

[glennbo123]

Yeah, I don't know how you get around that -- some people will just make no effort to research what rides they might like, where they are, how to use the fastpass and just make efficient use of their time, in general. Makes no sense to me.

Good job using your past-due fastpass.

 

[amazingact21]

Ah, I fell behind, but I have brought myself up to speed.

I have nightmares about the Disney bus system. Sometimes, it works like a champ, and then there are times like your MK morning, where you just want to pull your hair out. I think the worst is being the first to arrive at the stop and then having to fight your way onto the next bus that arrives due to the mad dash to the doors. Sorry to hear you had to deal with that, but thankfully you made it to your CP breakfast!

I agree that the opportunity to have character meet and greets, plus lots of food is well worth the price. How can anyone say it's not when you see all those smiles in your photos?


I love your sick guest story that you told to the Splash CM. And I'm really glad it worked. Because really...would the poor CM rather have listened to that story or dealt with a family that had spent all day in the heat and the crowds, just to make sure they made their return FP time?

Glad everyone enjoyed Splash. Isn't it always fun in the evening/nighttime? There's just something exciting about going down those drops when there's no light out.


Mmm, Peco Bills...can't go wrong with a burger every once in awhile.