You can spit on Space Mountain from here! An April '13 TR UPDATED 10/19 p. 28

[maryj11]

I can see your pictures The ones you just posted I mean, I can wait to see the others lol

 

[RachelNinja]

Yay! I'm glad Flickr worked out for you. Happy to help because I too was experiencing so much frustration with it! My Photobucket pictures are out too right now; I didn't even bother checking the date. I know I won't get any new readers right now, but at least my more recent updates are all Flickr!

I can't wait to see what pins you got! It's so addicting to pin trade. I haven't gotten to the point where I buy pins to keep though. I think the fun of trading is what really gets me. I love looking on CM lanyards and pin boards/books and such hoping to find something awesome! I know I won't get the really nice ones that way, but it really is the trading that gets me excited. I have found some really special ones that way though, which is weird because I know someone just traded away an expensive one and I happened to snag it! I like when CMs are like, "Yeah, I just got that one; I was surprised when he/she traded it away" or "I was wondering how long that one would last" because it shows that they know the value of the pins on their lanyards too!

 

[Jennifer48]

for heading back to WDW! You can't compare Pop to any of the DVC resorts so my opinion, have low expectations and you'll be fine. The Pop food court is wicked awesome though. Lots of great options.

 

[Caretames1]

Just when I'm catching up, your picture are too popular to be seen!

I'm sorry I didn't finish your PTR, and start here right away, but I'm getting back into seeing my Happy Place and I figure catching up here is a great start.

I'll be back when caught up!

 

[wdwgirl03]

We're at the Poly from 8/13-8/20. Ticker is almost down to just a month to go

We arrive on the 13th as well!! Ohhh I am so jealous you are staying at the Polynesian! My family stayed there a bunch of times when my sisters and I were younger. It is my favorite resort. I just love it there!

Great update!

Thanks.

Way to look on the bright side Sarah!. Bandwidth limit reached means lots of readers!!

Love that Peter Pan topiary! I found that so clever.
I really do miss the all the topiaries around World Showcase when they're not there.

Yes it does!

It was a neat little addition this year. I miss the topiaries and everything too when it's not F&GF season. They make Epcot even more enjoyable.

I love that Peter Pan topiary in the UK! Thanks for sharing all your F&G pictures with us!

Aw, now I really wish we'd stayed all the way through the credits of Monsters University!

You are very welcome!

haha yeah, I think we were the only ones in the theater who stayed until the very end. So I'm sure a lot of people missed out on that.

Totally agree. MK is my favorite, but I appreciate epcot more & more with each visit. It's unexplainable. Even without the awesomeness known as flower & garden.

Cute hoodie!!

I can't wait to hear about dinner! I love prime time! I could so go for some pot roast right now.

Yeah, MK is definitely my favorite too, followed by DAK. I've also grown to really love DHS, now that I like Tower of Terror and Rock 'n Roller Coaster!

Thank you! I got that from American Eagle last fall, haha.

Dinner update coming soon! Stay tuned...

I can see your pictures The ones you just posted I mean, I can wait to see the others lol

Yay! I'm sorry the other ones won't show up.

Yay! I'm glad Flickr worked out for you. Happy to help because I too was experiencing so much frustration with it! My Photobucket pictures are out too right now; I didn't even bother checking the date. I know I won't get any new readers right now, but at least my more recent updates are all Flickr!

I can't wait to see what pins you got! It's so addicting to pin trade. I haven't gotten to the point where I buy pins to keep though. I think the fun of trading is what really gets me. I love looking on CM lanyards and pin boards/books and such hoping to find something awesome! I know I won't get the really nice ones that way, but it really is the trading that gets me excited. I have found some really special ones that way though, which is weird because I know someone just traded away an expensive one and I happened to snag it! I like when CMs are like, "Yeah, I just got that one; I was surprised when he/she traded it away" or "I was wondering how long that one would last" because it shows that they know the value of the pins on their lanyards too!

Yeah, I can't believe it took me so long to switch. I created a Flickr account a while ago but I think for some reason after I created that it wouldn't upload my pictures. Thankfully it's all working now and I can keep going with this report!

Even though I only made a couple of trades this trip, it was a lot of fun (well, except for one kind of annoying guest...I'll get to that later...). I am tempted to order a few so I can trade in August and December!

for heading back to WDW! You can't compare Pop to any of the DVC resorts so my opinion, have low expectations and you'll be fine. The Pop food court is wicked awesome though. Lots of great options.

haha, yeah, I probably will have low expectations. But I know a lot of people really love it there so hopefully I will too! Glad to hear the food court is good too! Maybe I will have to try the famous tie dye cheesecake.

Just when I'm catching up, your picture are too popular to be seen!

I'm sorry I didn't finish your PTR, and start here right away, but I'm getting back into seeing my Happy Place and I figure catching up here is a great start.

I'll be back when caught up!

I know, it is very sad.

That's alright, I am glad you found my TR though!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi there Sarah! Oh to be so popular with your TR!! At least you have a Flickr solution!

I love all of the topiaries! If I could keep something green alive in my garden I would love to have a Disney themed topiary. I like your pose by the Oz hot air balloon.

I completely get going to WDW in December for the decorations. This will be our first time during the Holiday season so I'm pretty excited. Maybe we'll see each other in August.

 

[jdd]

We arrive on the 13th as well!! Ohhh I am so jealous you are staying at the Polynesian! My family stayed there a bunch of times when my sisters and I were younger. It is my favorite resort. I just love it there!

Yay! One month from today we'll be there I'll look for you in the parks

I'm so excited for the Poly - we've stayed there twice before, but for short stays, can't believe we'll have a full 7 nights to enjoy it

 

[jwwi]

One month until your next trip! So exciting

I just love your pictures of the OZ display at Epcot. Those glass flowers are so amazing. I have not seen the movie yet, but believe that those flowers were used on set. So cool! Such a great thing to be able to head back to your resort on the monorail

PTC is my favorite place to go for a meal, can't wait to read your review.

Enjoy the beautiful weekend.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hi there Sarah! Oh to be so popular with your TR!! At least you have a Flickr solution!

I love all of the topiaries! If I could keep something green alive in my garden I would love to have a Disney themed topiary. I like your pose by the Oz hot air balloon.

I completely get going to WDW in December for the decorations. This will be our first time during the Holiday season so I'm pretty excited. Maybe we'll see each other in August.

haha yes, so glad Rachel was able to help me out with the Flickr stuff.

The Disney topiaries are awesome. When I was at the Madison zoo they had some sort of animal topiary there but I could barely even tell what it was! I guess I am a Disney snob.

Ahh your first time during the holidays?! You are going to love it! I haven't been there during the holiday season since 2008 and that is just way too long to go without seeing the dream lights and Osborne Lights in person. I am so excited.

Yay! One month from today we'll be there I'll look for you in the parks

I'm so excited for the Poly - we've stayed there twice before, but for short stays, can't believe we'll have a full 7 nights to enjoy it

I KNOW! How is it already a month away?!

Ahhh I am so jealous. I am hoping to atleast get over to the Polynesian for a quick visit/stroll around the grounds. It's always so nostalgic for me going back there. I just love it.

One month until your next trip! So exciting

I just love your pictures of the OZ display at Epcot. Those glass flowers are so amazing. I have not seen the movie yet, but believe that those flowers were used on set. So cool! Such a great thing to be able to head back to your resort on the monorail

PTC is my favorite place to go for a meal, can't wait to read your review.

Enjoy the beautiful weekend.

It is very exciting!

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the Oz pictures. Oh really? I didn't know that about the glass flowers...how cool! I really liked the Oz movie. Hopefully you'll get a chance to see it soon.

Thanks! You too! The weather has been so nice here lately. It's somewhat making up for the terrible spring we had.

 

[wdwgirl03]

OK guys, so before I get to the next update, I just have to say...

YAY!!!! I can't believe it's coming up so fast (but I guess that's what happens when you plan a trip a month and a half ahead of time, haha). I am so excited to go but at the same time I don't want August to get here that fast. I already feel like this summer is flying by-the first session of summer school ends this week, which means I'm half done! Before I know it the school year is going to be starting up again. So crazy.

Anyway, on to the next update!

Thursday, April 4, 2013 cont'd (part 4)

When we got back to the Contemporary, Emma and I decided to visit one of the gift shops and do some pin trading! The gift shop had a pin book and a board and it was a lot of fun checking out all of the designs they had. I had two pins to trade from my mystery pack but wanted to save one for later. I ended up trading for a cute little Rabbit pin. Emma had been collecting some villain bowling pin pins (bowling pin pins...that sounds funny...), so she found a couple of those in the book. After making our trades, we headed back to our room for a quick break before going to Hollywood Studios for our dinner reservation.

Right as we were getting out to the bus stop, it started raining. Thankfully it wasn't all that hard and by the time we arrived at DHS, the rain had stopped. Though you can still see a couple of people with ponchos and umbrellas in this picture.


The first thing we did when we got to the park was check out Disney Channel Rocks! It was actually the last week of the show, and because Emma had grown to love it after working at DHS during her first CP, she wanted to see it one last time before it ended for good.





So cute when they invited the kiddos out to dance!


I also think this is a cute picture. While we were watching the show, I noticed there were a bunch of college-aged kids in the crowd and they were really into the show, dancing along and cheering for everyone. I guess they must've also been some of the performers (check out some of their jackets...wouldn't it be cool to have a jacket that says "Block Party Bash"?) because after one of the final songs they all ran out and hugged each other. Awwwww.


I took this random video of one of the best Disney Channel movie songs, We're All In This Together, from "the one that started it all," aka High School Musical! I still kind of miss those pep rallies. Just click the link to watch (I can't figure out how to embed the video in this post).
We're All In This Together

After the show we just kind of wandered around for a bit since it was a little early to go to our ADR. We did catch a little bit of the Jedi Training Academy.

Then we made our way back towards the Prime Time Cafe! We were still a little early but we found a couple of seats and just enjoyed the atmosphere. The theming at that place is so great.



Us "kids" were then called and taken to our table, which turned out to be right in the corner of one of the rooms. We were able to watch some of the old television shows, which also featured some of the footage of the opening of Disneyland.

So this View Master is actually the dessert menu, which apparently Dad enjoyed right away. haha!


Random sister shot!


Emma and Dad!


Another random shot of the place: love how it looks like one giant kitchen.


We've been to the Prime Time Cafe a couple of times before, and I usually end up ordering the fried chicken. This time, though, I was feeling a bit adventurous and decided to order the meatloaf. Dad got the same thing, while Emma stuck with the chicken. It didn't take too long before our meals were brought out to us. The meatloaf was served with green beans.



Here's the fried chicken. It came with corn and mashed potatoes. You can also see Emma's fun little drink in that Mickey cup (complete with light-up ice cube), which I wish I would've gotten for myself. I forget the exact name of the drink, but I think it's basically a Shirley Temple.



As for the meal, the meatloaf was pretty good but in all honesty I think I prefer the fried chicken. I don't know, maybe it's because when my mom makes meatloaf she uses a lot more sauce so that's kind of what I was expecting.

Even though I didn't finish my vegetables (our server, aka cousin, tried to get me to eat more of them so I could be a part of the clean plate club) we were still allowed to get dessert. We chose two sundaes--one hot fudge and one strawberry. They were delicious! Probably the best part of the meal. It didn't take us too long to polish off those sundaes.



Overall the meal was enjoyable. We had fast service, good food, and the theming there is so unique. It was definitely fun going back there after a few years.

After dinner, we strolled around the park for a while before the American Idol Experience finale.


We noticed that Mulch, Sweat, and Shears was performing in front of the sorcerer hat so we stopped to watch them. Unfortunately, we only caught the tail end of their show, but from what I saw, it looked pretty good. I will have to try to see them sometime on one of my upcoming trips!



Then we decided to just go wait for the AIE show. We enjoyed watching the video clips on the TV screens. If you follow American Idol at all, you might recognize the girl on the screen as Skylar. She was one of FIVE Top 12 contestants last year who won the dream ticket at Disney World. I think it's pretty awesome that some of the contestants have had success on the show. And actually, I'm getting a little ahead of myself here, but since I'm mentioning former contestants who won the dream ticket, we found out at this finale that Devin Velez, one of the Top 10 contestants on this past season, can be added to that list!



It always amazes me how much this stage looks like the real thing.



The finale had 5 contestants (over the years, this number has decreased-I seem to remember there being 7 contestants in the finale when it first opened. You really have to wonder how much longer AIE is going to be around, especially since the actual show seems to be losing popularity)-2 younger guys and 3 women. I can't remember the specific songs they sang anymore (that's what happens when you take forever to write a TR and don't keep track of anything...) but everyone was pretty decent. The one boy was 14 years old and sang One Direction. He was cute. The other guy sang some rock song and the audience really seemed to enjoy him, partly because he was kind of goofy too. Then, after one of the women performed, the "Simon" judge made some really crazy comment about how if she left her family, he would run off with her and start a new one. WHAT?!?!?! Dad and I were cracking up at that. SO WEIRD.

After all of the performances, it was time for the results. Dim the lights!


Apparently I have really bad memory because I can't remember who won. I know it was one of the women (either the 2nd or 4th one in the picture), which now that I think about it, is kind of too bad. With the age restrictions the show has for auditions, it's not like she could've really auditioned. Too bad the young boy didn't get it. Oh well.

Our final stop of the evening was Rock 'n Roller Coaster.


Because of the long line on Wednesday, we weren't able to ride it. We were hoping we'd have better luck that night. We ended up doing the single rider line, which I don't think saved us any time. It was seriously the longest single rider wait EVER. We must've waited close to 45 minutes, which was so frustrating. I just don't get why the single rider line takes forever there. I mean, the ride vehicle set-up is basically the same at Expedition Everest and we never have to wait more than 10 minutes there. I don't get it. But, eventually we did make it to the alley.





Even though we waited a long time, the ride was still a lot of fun. It was a great way to end our evening!

On the way out we stopped in Mickey's of Hollywood, where Emma purchased an Oz the Great and Powerful vinylmation set and I got a really cute scarf. After making our purchases, we headed out for the evening. Dad and I said good-bye to Emma since she was heading back to her apartment and she was working the next day. Then we went back to Bay Lake Tower to get ready for our second 7 am opening at the Magic Kingdom!

Oh yes, and here are some of the pins that I had accumulated:



The Rabbit one is the one I mentioned trading for, the Ariel was from another pin purchase, and the Cranium Command one I got in a trade with Emma! She bought some of the Epcot 30th anniversary pins and didn't really like it, so I traded one of my "best friends" pins for it because I think it's cool and kind of nostaglic.

up next: Back to the Magic Kingdom and visiting Emma at work!

 

[WDWaddictt]

Mulch, Sweat and Shears are AWESOME! So fun.

Can't say I am a fan of AI...sorry but I wouldn't be sad to see it go. When I went there was only like 10 people in the theatre, looks busy for you guys.

Long wait for RnRC...but so worth it. Fun ride!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Yay One Month!! One of the big benefits of planning late is Disney comes so quick.

I wasn't a huge fan of Disney Channel Rocks (I really did like HSM3 though to the point of actually knowing all the words and dance steps... not that I could do them, haha). I did like that they bring in all the kids to dance on this show though. It was always adorable.
That's pretty cool when the groups all hugged. It's always sad when a show is closing as the performers really do work hard and I imagine become very close.

Haha Shirley Temples. How I adored those pre-alcoholic beverages.

Ahhh what a lovely family photo.

Yeah the single rider on RNRC is definitely a crap shoot. So weird.

 

[peachmermaid]

Ooh, I need to go to the contemporary & check out that book!! Cute pins!

I llooooovve prime time! I've never tried the fried chicken but I've always wanted to. Looks so yummy.

You'd think AI would be on it's way out since the show is not doing as well as it once was. My friend told me about how popular it used to be in the park but now...not so much. I hope that the imagineers come up with an awesome plan for that space sooner rather than later.

Rockn roller coaster, how I miss it. It's worth the wait though.

 

[marDgreen88]

50's is so much fun! I personally enjoy Sci-Fi more, but they're both such fun places!

Now that I think about it... I've NEVER seen Mulch, Sweat, and Shears. HOW LAME OF ME!

Sounds like a fun day overall!

 

[FancyNancy]

Great update! I love the F&G Festival pin.

 

[khertz]

Great update! I love the theme at 50's Prime Time, and the fried chicken is soooooo good. DH is not as big of a fan of the place as I am, so we don't eat there often, but it's a good TS restaurant!

Man, the SR line at RnRC is so hit or miss! I have practically walked right on before, but I have also waited just as long if not longer than the standby line. It's so weird, because I don't ever remember having that problem in the SR line at Everest.

Fun day at DHS! And YAY you will be back SO SOON!!!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Mulch, Sweat and Shears are AWESOME! So fun.

Can't say I am a fan of AI...sorry but I wouldn't be sad to see it go. When I went there was only like 10 people in the theatre, looks busy for you guys.

Long wait for RnRC...but so worth it. Fun ride!!

They seemed like a cool group. Hopefully I can catch a full show one of these days!

haha, that's alright. I think if it closed I would be a little bummed but I'd get over it.

RNRC is definitely a great ride.

Yay One Month!! One of the big benefits of planning late is Disney comes so quick.

I wasn't a huge fan of Disney Channel Rocks (I really did like HSM3 though to the point of actually knowing all the words and dance steps... not that I could do them, haha). I did like that they bring in all the kids to dance on this show though. It was always adorable.
That's pretty cool when the groups all hugged. It's always sad when a show is closing as the performers really do work hard and I imagine become very close.

Haha Shirley Temples. How I adored those pre-alcoholic beverages.

Ahhh what a lovely family photo.

Yeah the single rider on RNRC is definitely a crap shoot. So weird.

It sure is!

haha yeah, I knew all the words to a lot of the HSM songs. I loved those movies. But I think I only knew the dance to one or two of them. I was always kind of jealous of the performers in those shows-I wish I could dance like that!

We were also at DHS on Saturday, which was the actual last day of the show. We felt really bad for the performers after one of the shows because you could tell they were getting emotional.

Yes, Shirley Temples are quite good.

Thank you!

It is really weird. I thought maybe the line wouldn't be as long when people started getting ready to go to Fantasmic, but I guess I was wrong.

Ooh, I need to go to the contemporary & check out that book!! Cute pins!

I llooooovve prime time! I've never tried the fried chicken but I've always wanted to. Looks so yummy.

You'd think AI would be on it's way out since the show is not doing as well as it once was. My friend told me about how popular it used to be in the park but now...not so much. I hope that the imagineers come up with an awesome plan for that space sooner rather than later.

Rockn roller coaster, how I miss it. It's worth the wait though.

Thanks!

The fried chicken is really good. Next time you go you should try it!

Yeah, even though the contestants we've seen are generally pretty good, it seems like they're having a harder time recruiting people to audition. Kind of sad that it's not as popular anymore but oh well.

50's is so much fun! I personally enjoy Sci-Fi more, but they're both such fun places!

Now that I think about it... I've NEVER seen Mulch, Sweat, and Shears. HOW LAME OF ME!

Sounds like a fun day overall!

I will agree with you there. The Sci-Fi is a lot of fun too.

haha, I had only seen them in passing. This was the first time we actually stopped to watch them. So it's not that lame of you.

Great update! I love the F&G Festival pin.

Thank you! Me too-the pin was too cute to pass up.

Great update! I love the theme at 50's Prime Time, and the fried chicken is soooooo good. DH is not as big of a fan of the place as I am, so we don't eat there often, but it's a good TS restaurant!

Man, the SR line at RnRC is so hit or miss! I have practically walked right on before, but I have also waited just as long if not longer than the standby line. It's so weird, because I don't ever remember having that problem in the SR line at Everest.

Fun day at DHS! And YAY you will be back SO SOON!!!

It is a fun TS place. It is one of the few we've actually been to though. We hardly ever make ADRs.

It really is, though lately it seems like it's more of a miss for us. So annoying.

I know! Four weeks from today is our first park day!

 

[OhMari]

I had to back peddle to find your announcement for your August trip.

Did you ever try Shutterfly? For pictures?

I never heard of the Professional Internship, but my aunt has a niece from her husbands side who just got that kind of job too. She is from Port Washington. I actually went to school with her mom way back when. Her mom and sister are visiting too in August, I do not know there dates though. What will your sister be doing?

You will love Pop, my dh hated it, but I liked it. Make sure you ask for a 4th floor. The food court is actually very good.

 

[maryj11]

Love the 50's Prime Time

 

[jdd]

I know! Four weeks from today is our first park day!

Woohoo!! Counting down right along with you 26 days

Here are my ADRs -any of them the same as yours? - it would be so cool to run into you

8/14 - OHana 5:05pm
8/15 - Via Napoli 12:45pm
8/16 - TRex 1:00pm
8/17 - Crystal Palace 1:05pm
8/18 - Cape May 5:10pm