Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A Trip Report for me! COMPLETED!

[Mean Queen]

Next up. . .Day Two--Do we get to Toy Story Mania? Or do we let Mean Queen down?

Don't let me down!

Love the fireworks from Dumbo. We rarely do that ride because the line is always so long. Now I know to try it during the fireworks. The secret is out!

 

[LegoMom3]

Ok, first of all, I cry at the MK opening. And the sight of the castle at the end of Main Street, and the Epcot entrance medley, and Soarin', and.... well that's enough!

Secondly, our check-in CM at POR wasn't the raincloud, it was the woman at the food court. Our check-in people have always been great! Sorry yours was so sour. My issue was with Susie Snarkypants and the "pizza is an adult meal credit yada yada yada...".

Finally, how did you like POR overall?!! I'm dying to know. You scored with Bldg. 15. Although I've come to love my way-far-back Bldg. 34! Makes for a really nice coffee walk in the early morning.


.

 

[creativeamanda]

Don't let me down!

Love the fireworks from Dumbo. We rarely do that ride because the line is always so long. Now I know to try it during the fireworks. The secret is out!

The whole situation was utterly amazing. At first, I was a little frustrated I was stuck back there, but honestly, that was the best run ever on any ride!

Ok, first of all, I cry at the MK opening. And the sight of the castle at the end of Main Street, and the Epcot entrance medley, and Soarin', and.... well that's enough!

Secondly, our check-in CM at POR wasn't the raincloud, it was the woman at the food court. Our check-in people have always been great! Sorry yours was so sour. My issue was with Susie Snarkypants and the "pizza is an adult meal credit yada yada yada...".

Finally, how did you like POR overall?!! I'm dying to know. You scored with Bldg. 15. Although I've come to love my way-far-back Bldg. 34! Makes for a really nice coffee walk in the early morning.


.

She wasn't really Susie Snarkypants. She just did not have much of a personality.

We did score with building 15--that was absolutely the best locationwe could have had. Plus, as the crow flies, I would say our room was the closest room to the bus stop. I was utterly amazing.

We absolutley loved POR. Mousekeeping was amazing. The staff for the most part was awesome. The room was just big enough that the 5 of us did not feel cramped.

Unfortunately, we never did make it to the pool, as by the time the planned day for the pool came around, it was too cold to use it. We were going to go to the Contemporary next trip, but I think we've found our home with POR.

 

[creativeamanda]

The beds at POR have made me a POR snob. I discovered this within the first 10 minutes after I laid my weary head to rest. I thought, "I'll watch the news for a few minutes and then sleep." No can do. Those beds were so comfortable, I just wanted to sleep. It helps, mind you, that the beds are almost exactly the same height off the ground as my antique bed at home.

So after a wonderfully restful night of sleep, I jump out of bed to travel the short walk to Riverside Mill to fill our refillable mugs with Sprite for the kids and coffee for dh and me. We then travel over to Hollywood Studios for our 8:20am breakfast. And no, we did not get lost driving over there. . .

It's so nice to go to a park when almost no one is there. . .


Now, it was not difficult to find Hollywood and Vine. Just follow where the CMs tell you to go. They are all so helpful! Hollywood and Vine has had rather dodgy reviews. I thought, well, no one can mess up breakfast. I was wrong. Very wrong. Very, very, very wrong. Did I tell you how wrong I was? Now the server, Aleta, was awesome. Though my kids were not thrilled with the whole idea of the characters, they did enjoy themselves.

Now, although our meal started at about 8:10 am (we were early), we were finished by 8:50am just in time to not stay ever where everyone else was for rope drop, but to stay just about 3 steps ahead of rope drop. This helped us to walk right on to. . .

Toy Story Mania

Can I say this? Best. Ride. Ever. (I won) That was so awesome and riding it with my son was the greatest! He usually does not like 3-d, but that was just the BEST! So Mean Queen, do we make you proud?

So, we leave TSM and go for one of dh's favorites. . .The Great Movie Ride. While in the queue, we got our dream prize. What was it? Well, look at dh . . .

Narnia was our next stop. We love the Narnia series, and this was yet again another teary moment for me. I kept in the back of my mind LegoMom's mention of the symbolism of the Stone Table and I could not help myself. I became a blubbering idiot right there in the middle of the show. Thank goodness it was dark in there.

Then, we go over to Star Tours, which was a great test training for Mission:SPACE, let me just tell you. Fun ride, ds loves Star Wars, so it was definitely his favorite at this park.

By this time, it's hot and we need a break from the continuous tirades of High School Musical in the park. So we decide to head over to Downtown Disney. It was at this point, dh and I realized that the only real reason we loved this park last year was the Stars and Motor Cars Parade. Since it was gone, we just did not care for it. The idea of Block Party Bash had never sank into our heads. Maybe next time we go we'll see it.

UP next, Downtown Disney and a Mousekeeping Surprise. . .

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

Great update! Sorry to hear that you didn't have an enjoyable breakfast. I told my mom, due to several bad reviews, that we'll be staying far, far away from Hollywood and Vine. Yay you guys got dream ears! I laughed at your HSM comment, we felt the same way Can't wait for the next update!

 

[creativeamanda]

Have I mentioned yet it was quite warm? Now it was not middle of July, downtown Columbia, SC hot (which I can assure you is brutal), but it was definitely time for us to spend time indoors. So what better than to take a visit to Downtown Disney.

Can I say this? The Lego Store is awesome! I could not believe the artistry behind the Lego statues.

We then go to what is now my favorite store in the whole of the world. . .World of Disney, where a Cast Member told me the one thing I agree with more than any other. . .upon noticing the Enchanted t-shirts the girls and I were wearing, he said, "That is the most underated movie of last year." ITA! Did I ever tell you all that my ringtone on my phone for dh is from Enchanted?

Finally, after shelling out a good amount of money in DTD, we go back to the resort for a rest, where Mousekeeping had come on the trail of Pixie Dust I will always associate them with. They left us this little treasure. . .

I don't know if the animals were bathing Pocohontas or what, but it was so cute!

So, we settle down for a bit of a rest. DH and Boo (determined not to sleep through Fantasmic) take a nap, while Sweetie and Big Ole Boy play with Legos and I upload pictures on the computer.

Up Next. . .Indiana Jones and will all of Our Meals at DHS disappoint?

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Have I mentioned yet it was quite warm? Now it was not middle of July, downtown Columbia, SC hot (which I can assure you is brutal), but it was definitely time for us to spend time indoors. So what better than to take a visit to Downtown Disney.

Finally, after shelling out a good amount of money in DTD, we go back to the resort for a rest, where Mousekeeping had come on the trail of Pixie Dust I will always associate them with. They left us this little treasure. . .

I don't know if the animals were bathing Pocohontas or what, but it was so cute!

So, we settle down for a bit of a rest. DH and Boo (determined not to sleep through Fantasmic) take a nap, while Sweetie and Big Ole Boy play with Legos and I upload pictures on the computer.

Up Next. . .Indiana Jones and will all of Our Meals at DHS disappoint?

Maybe she is supposed to be in her Canoe?

 

[creativeamanda]

Great update! Sorry to hear that you didn't have an enjoyable breakfast. I told my mom, due to several bad reviews, that we'll be staying far, far away from Hollywood and Vine. Yay you guys got dream ears! I laughed at your HSM comment, we felt the same way Can't wait for the next update!

Yeah, Hollywood and Vine is definitely on our scratched off list for next time. The Dream ears can now be seen in my car's back window.

I like HSM all right, but everytime you walk by the hat, you hear, "I want it all" or "It's now or never". After a while, it feels like you're stuck in a bad pep rally. Considering dh and I both work in schools, you can imagine the last thing we wanted to hear was something that reminded us of work while on vacation.

Maybe she is supposed to be in her Canoe?

Hmmm. . .Maybe so. Of course, that can't explain the other animals treading water in the river. . .

Either way, it was cute. The kids were so happy because when we picked up a couple of characters, I'd tell them that the Mousekeepers might do something like that.

 

[Mean Queen]

Yeah! You did good. Was Potato Head working for you? The last few times we've gone, he wasn't chatting.

I do think it looks like Pocahontas is in her canoe.

 

[creativeamanda]

Yeah! You did good. Was Potato Head working for you? The last few times we've gone, he wasn't chatting.

I do think it looks like Pocahontas is in her canoe.

He was working! That's why I took the picture. I thought it was so cool! I had forgotten why I wanted that particular picture until just then. I wanted one with him and the kids. Could not get it--the line was moving too fast.

I am thinking that Pocahontas was in her canoe, now, as well. I guess Pooh, Eeyore, and Stitch were sitting on the side of the boat.

 

[creativeamanda]

After a small rest at POR, we made our way back to DHS for a late lunch at Mama Melrose's. Now, I was getting less than hopeful that any meal at DHS would be decent. Add to that the shotty reviews that Mama Melrose's usually gets, and I just was not hopeful all around. Either way, we made it there for our 2:40 reservation with time to spare. I ordered a Blue Glowtini.

WOAH! Some alcohol content there! All five of us enjoyed our meal there, although admittedly, this was our first non character meal, making for a much more relaxed atmosphere.

We then made our way over to Indiana Jones to meet up with dh's brother.

He's such a goof. . .

We enjoyed Indiana Jones, and then went back for another round on Star Tours. Dh's brother and sil had to go on to dinner, so we made our way to Fantasmic! Although I admit, I like Fantasmic!, it will not be on my to do list for my next trip.

Boo doing the wave just before Fantasmic!

Photos of Fantasmic!

By now, even though it's Extra Magic Hours, we just wanted to go back to the resort. So that we did. . .but not until I got one more picture of the Sorcerer's hat. . .

Next up. . .A Calm POR Morning and EPCOT with the Princesses

 

[creativeamanda]

It's 6:45 am. The sun is out. The birds are singing. I am getting ready to shove out(ah, politely tell dh and ds it's time for them to go to breakfast). Now, I must tell you, dh, who foolishly stayed out with his friend who he's going to breakfast with the next morning until 12:45 am. After our tired retreat from DHS. So honestly, I did not feel bad that I was rudely shoving him out the door for their 8:00 reservation at Cape May Cafe, where I am told, ds had his Mickey ears he earned the day before knocked off his head by none other than Nonald Nuck! (I mean, Donald Duck)

So after the boys are gone, my dds and I walk out to explore POR. Can you believe the ducks came this close to us?

Now we were to wait for dh's friend's wife to take the bus to EPCOT, but I noticed I had left my wedding rings at the resort on the sink. Luckily, we were so close to the bus stop. Within 3 minutes I was back at the bus stop with enough time to shoot this beautiful picture. . .

We all catch the bus to EPCOT. It was on this day I realized EPCOT is my favorite park. So much to do, and so much culture in one little area. I really enjoyed it!

We made it for rope drop, then rode Soarin and Living with the Land before we had to go to breakfast at Akershus where they could not find my reservation . Thank goodness, I had brought my spreadsheet with all of the information on it. They found our info and we were quickly seated. Hands down, best breakfast we had!

The girls liked seeing the princesses.

So we all join up together to ride Mission: SPACE and Soarin again, with a little stop by Club Cool on the way. (Try the Beverly, it's delish )

Now, after the 2nd go 'round on Soarin' (where I was front row, center--best spot), my oldest dd, our friend, and I took a go on the orange level of Mission:SPACE. Best ride in EPCOT, IMO.

We met up with dh's brother and his family and headed towards the Food and Wine Festival. But not until dh decided to take a shower in the misters.

All in all, a good morning at EPCOT.

Up Next Time. . .A Trip to the Ministry of Magic

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

Great updates! Mission:Space is one of my favorite rides too!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Sounds like you had a great trip.

I am glad to hear that you liked Akershus. I am debating going there for breakfast. It sounds yummy.

 

[GeminiAngel]

What a fun report and a good lookin family
I'm on board for the rest!!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Great trip report so far. I'm subscribing!

 

[creativeamanda]

Great updates! Mission:Space is one of my favorite rides too!

Those weren't my only visits to Mission: Space! Stay tuned!

Sounds like you had a great trip.

I am glad to hear that you liked Akershus. I am debating going there for breakfast. It sounds yummy.

Akershus is really worth a try at least once. The breakfast food was really the same as Hollywood and Vine's the morning before, but it was cooked properly and brought to the table hot. That made all the difference in the world. Our service there was not great and I was not fond of one of the characters, but the food and having one princess meal was indeed worth it.

What a fun report and a good lookin family
I'm on board for the rest!!

Thanks! Welcome!

Great trip report so far. I'm subscribing!

Nice to have you on board!

 

[creativeamanda]

What, you say? The Harry Potter park is to be in Universal Studios? For shame! As you can see here, all 5 of the children (my 3, brother's 1, and bff's 1) are all on their way to the MoM. Hopefully, this is with Kingsley Shacklebolt as Minister of Magic and not Pius Thicknesse. And if you are totally lost at this point, I suggest you read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

We take on the Food and Wine Festival, not by storm, but we take it on nonetheless. Just before all of the kids squeeze themselves in a phonebooth in the Unkited Kingdom, dh stops in Canada to do some more goofing around. As if he did not do enough of it back in the misters outside of Test Track and Mission: SPACE.

What a crazy person.

Now, don't let yourselves think all we were going to do in the World Showcase was clown around. Oh, no no no. We are there fore a greater purpose. We were there to sample some of the finest food the world had to offer. Here I will admit that due to our heavy and late breakfast, I was really not all that hungry. Still, nothing was going to keep me from the chocolate creme brulee in France along with (admittedly, not part of the F&W Festival, but a necessary stop) a Grey Goose Slushie. Can I say, as far as the slush went, BEST. NOM. EVER.

With a tingle in my heart and a spring in my step, I go on to do some sampling in Louisiana. I have a beer (I don't remember what kind) and some gumbo. And it is here that my brother in law does and unfortunate thing. He grabs a little container of Tabasco (I believe it was) and pours it on his gumbo. No sooner that he does this, then there is a scream from him. "Hot, Hot, Hot!" UNBELIEVABLE. I told him not to. Would he listen? NO!

So we continue on after that bit of entertainment. At some point, I have some lamb somewhere (I don't remember). It was rather gamey, but my last taste is at the Boston booth.

CUE THE CHOIR!

Crab Cakes.

As far as food goes. . .

BEST
NOM
EVER.

That's all I have to say about that.

And yes, before we even get to this point, dh has to go on a silly tangent again. . .in Morocco. . .

He was probably hoping for Jasmine.

After America, we decide to go on home for a little while. We meet up first with dh's brother and sil in their room at POP for a few minutes before we crash in the room. We only had a little while before dinner at Coral Reef. This one I was excited about.

Up Next. . .Fish Aren't Friends. They're FOOD.

 

[creativeamanda]

So, we rest up a bit in the room and then ride back over to EPCOT. By this time, it's after 5 and well early for our 7:40 reservation at Coral Reef. But, it's well worth seeing Spaceship Earth near dusk. . .

We go on to ride Nemo and visit the aqarium before dinner. We checkin at Coral Reef early, but still have to wait until 15 minutes after our reservation time. This was the longest we waited for any meal.

Dh was nice enough to pose with the kids outside of the restaurant, though.

Did I tell you, though, we were very tired?

The food at Coral Reef was excellent. Dh complained about portion sizes there, and stated that had he not been on the Dining Plan, he would have had a problem with the cost of the meal relative to the portions. As it was, he did not care. My only complaint is that it was the noisiest restaurant on property! And we went to Crystal Palace!

The best part of the meal, however, was the make your own sundaes for the kids. . .

They certainly ate dessert!

So, after a tiring day, we all head back out of Epcot without stopping to see Illuminations. I did, however, get another good shot of Spaceship Earth on the way out. . .

Up Next. . .EMH on My Own. . .

 

[Lady Lallie]

I love the shots of Epcot at dusk. I need to put that on my photo list!