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

Wednesday, April 3, 2013 cont'd (part 5)

From the Odyssey Center we next headed toward one of my favorite parts of the Flower and Garden Festival: the fairy garden! Actually, this year it was a little different because the fairy topiaries were a part of the butterfly garden (which I do not like butterflies, thank you very much). Even though the butterflies are kind of creepy I still had to go see the cute little fairies!

Dad and I had our picture taken outside the butterfly house by Tinkerbell and Periwinkle! For those of you unfamiliar with the Disney fairies movies, Periwinkle was introduced in the latest movie-she is Tinkerbell's sister! So cute.





We also had a couple photopass pictures taken-one of them was a magic shot where they gave me fairy wings!

Then we headed inside the garden to take a look at the flowers (and butterflies if you like that kind of stuff...). I also had some more fun playing around with my different camera settings.

Iridessa, the light fairy




They had the cute little fairy houses again.


Terence!


Silvermist, the water fairy


Fawn, the animal fairy


Rosetta, the garden fairy


Vidia, the fast-flying fairy




Notice how the flowers surrounding the fairy match their clothing!

Funny how I didn't get one picture of a butterfly in the butterfly garden. Oh well. To be honest, I don't remember seeing all that many. But then again I don't go seeking them out...haha

Next up we did a couple Future World attractions, including a visit with Figment at the Imagination Institute!



The line for this was the longest I have ever seen it. Which still meant there was maybe only 20 people in front of us. Maybe if they hadn't ruined the ride when they took out the original. I don't think I'll ever get over that. It was also kind of amusing because as we were waiting to get on, there was this group ahead of us who saw a part of the ImageWorks and thought it was just a playground and not a ride.

The best part of this ride is definitely the ending with good old Figment!


We also made a stop at The Seas with Nemo and Friends. We did the ride first, which is always cute (I LOVE THAT MOVIE), before spending some time exploring the tanks.

I tried one of the Mr. Ray quizzes about various sea creatures. Knowing that I passed the easy level on another trip I decided to go for the harder version. Yes, it was definitely harder. I think out of the five questions I only got one right! Atleast I got my email certificate, with the grade of a "Sea Plus."



We spent some time watching the manatees. One of the CMs was tossing lettuce in the water for them to eat. It was kind of fun watching the manatees munch on their dinner.



In case you were wondering what the manatees' names are, there was a chalkboard up on the wall. The little picture in the corner is an image of their tail injuries so you can identify them. Poor guys. :(





In the larger tank one of the scuba diving tours was going on because there were a ton of divers swimming around!


It was really cool too because one of them was taking pictures (maybe an underwater photopass photographer?). I remember seeing him stop and pose with a little boy who was watching them. What a cool photo opportunity!

By that time, it was getting to be a long day since we hadn't gone back to the resort at all to rest. So we decided to head back to Bay Lake Tower. I think we might've just eaten back there too.

I was also hoping to have another DIS meet that evening. There was an April 2013 DISer facebook group and there were a few people who were planning on meeting at the Top of the World Lounge. It was going to be neat to see the lounge, and also hopefully meet some fellow DISers!

The lounge itself was really nice (sadly I don't have any pictures) but I didn't see anybody who looked like they were there for a DIS meet. Thankfully I took my ipod with me (yes, my ipod...I am technologically behind the times and do not have an iphone or smart phone) to see if there were any more messages sent out and if people were still planning on coming. Sadly, for various reasons nobody else came (there was also some rain that evening). But I was still going to take the opportunity to enjoy the awesome view from the lounge's balcony!

The view was pretty similar to the view from our room-so in other words, AMAZING. I could see the Electrical Water Pageant passing by the Polynesian.



And of course the Magic Kingdom/Cinderella Castle view was incredible.


Seriously, I love this picture and I just LOVE this view!!!!!!!!!!




I didn't stay up there to watch Wishes so after a few minutes I decided to just go back to the room. Good night, Contemporary!





Even though I missed out on meeting some DISers it was still pretty cool getting to see the Top of the World Lounge. I think I might have to go back there some time! And Susan, if you're still reading, hopefully our trips will overlap again sometime and we can meet up!!! I'm sorry we missed each other-how did that happen when we were at the same resort?! LOL.

up next: More time with Emma!!!
 
I don't like butterflies either! Totally creepy. I'm not the only one!

Manatees are a must see, every visit. I always feel so bad for them.

What a beautiful view from bay lake! Wow. I envy you!
 
Awww, you don't like butterflies? They have a butterfly garden at the Milwaukee Public Museum, which I actually just found out about at the beginning of this year. So.....don't go there! :lmao:

I miss the old Imagination every day. We have video of it that my Mom took way back in the day.
 
I don't want to wear a magic band around either, don't worry! I think this whole FP plus thing is dumb! Why would they spend that much on this technology stuff and not on updating parts of HS or Epcot??

I love the new VB bags too! I can't wait to find out what styles there will be. I can't decide if I like the black or pink either.

I was wondering where that Buzz Lightyear topiary was!
 

UH OH!

Sorry guys, I just got an email from photobucket saying I have exceeded my bandwidth! I know this has happened to other people before but I've never had it happen...this means none of my pictures are visible!

Does anybody know how to fix this? Any suggestions would be helpful so I can keep going with this trip report. Thanks in advance! :)

Sarah
 
UH OH!

Sorry guys, I just got an email from photobucket saying I have exceeded my bandwidth! I know this has happened to other people before but I've never had it happen...this means none of my pictures are visible!

Does anybody know how to fix this? Any suggestions would be helpful so I can keep going with this trip report. Thanks in advance! :)

Sarah

I had this happen to me, and there's really nothing you can do until it rolls over to your new month. I can't remember if it's the first of every month or if it goes month to month from when you started the account. I'm disappointed, I really wanted to read your update!
 
I had this happen to me, and there's really nothing you can do until it rolls over to your new month. I can't remember if it's the first of every month or if it goes month to month from when you started the account. I'm disappointed, I really wanted to read your update!

It turns out it starts over on the date you joined. And luckily for me, I joined on the 21st of the month which means it'll start over tomorrow! Yay! So atleast you won't have to wait too long. :)
 
Aww, Tink and the Fairies are now the butterfly garden? Guess I'll never see those topiaries again, there's NO WAY I'm ever going in that butterfly house again, I'm terrified of butterflies! :rotfl:

I miss the old Journey into Imagination too, it was such a cool ride! They should just leave some things alone! :confused3

Aww, sorry your DIS meet didn't happen, but at least you got to see the lounge! And that view! :scared1: I'm sure you remember that I'm not a huge fan of Bay Lake Tower, but I cannot get over the views there! That's probably the only reason I'd ever stay there again, well, that and the monorail! :thumbsup2
 
Love those fairy topiary pics! I just loved the fairy garden the last time I was there- the little pirate ship was my favorite.

Wait- the Figment ride has been changed from its original state?? The first time I visited was December 2010.

I don't like the RFID wristband thingamabobs either- I'd rather just have a ticket that I can put away. And the FP+ system, too- these things are getting unnecessarily complicated!

LOVE those MK pics from the lounge!!!! And the Electrical Water Pageant! I always try to watch it!
 
I'm glad your pics are back and are we like the same person? I don't like butterflies either! Even worse are moths. I have a moth phobia don't even get me started on that one.
 
Omg, I don't even think I could go into the butterfly house. I recently watched all the Fairy movies for the first time and I thought they were adorable! But I wouldn't risk it! I'm terrified! :laughing:

It would have been cool to meet some DISers, but I'm sure there'll be more opportunities! OHHHH that view. How I miss it.
 
Yay pictures!

Oh the Manatees. For such an ugly animal they sure are cute. And I too love just watching them eat.

I actually got to see the divers once (and only once). It's so weird that with all the sea life in those tanks I got excited seeing people. :confused3

I still have a hard time reconciling that awesome view you had. Just wow.
 
To end the safari, we got a nice look at the newest additions, aka zebra replacements...the addax!





They were pretty cool to see because I had never even heard of addax before. The sad thing is I don't know if they're even there anymore because I think I heard they were having some issues with them too. Does anybody know? Claire said that when they went they didn't get to see them and that was only a week later!

Our safari was a great way to start off our afternoon!

up next: Would we get to ride Expedition Everest in the dark???

I've only just come across your TR so please forgive me for quoting a post that has long since been moved on from... I just wanted to share a picture I took of the Zebras when we were there earlier this year -

IMG_0763.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]

We were at Disney World from 21st Feb - 8th May, and although we found the Zebra's (above seeming to be pretending to be the Beatles - one of my favourite photos from this trip) in one of our early safari expeditions, after that it was somewhat hit and miss as to whether they would be there. I think I heard that due to them being migratory animals they don't like being in one place for so long? Hopefully they will soon find a species that will be happy in that spot, otherwise its a rather sad ending to the safari.

Apols for the hijack! Now I shall read on to see if you did indeed make it on to EE at night. popcorn::
 
Hi Sarah,
I'm glad that you decided to keep going with your TR. Those Vera bags are so cute, and I agree about the pink one being really nice. I hope to have at least one in each design. We'll see....
I just loved the festival center, it was nice and cool in there, and they had some pretty cool displays. Did you and your Dad check out the historical display, they even had tips on making your own topiaries and flower baskets. I was disappointed that the cute mug with the picture of the topiary was sold out when we were there in mid April. Did you happen to see it? The only way I knew if existed was to see it in the brochure. We were able to see an HGTV star, the guy who does Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes. It was a very interesting presentation.
I'm glad that you went up to the Top of the World, but with your view from your villa it was just a different perspective. The lounge is great for the guests who have lake view, and so easy to get there too. Too bad you didn't get to do see any other Disers.
I hope you can put together a trip in late summer. I'm sure you would love to go visit Emma again.
 
I'm glad you're still keeping up your trip report. If you think you've been taking a long time, don't check the dates on mine! :rolleyes1 Kind of lost some motivation there when I got to thinking too much about how long it'll be until we go again. So I sat down and did some calculations to see if we can try for DVC next time, which we can, so maybe I'll be a bit more motivated this week. ;)

Bummer about the DIS meet. It does seem like that sort of thing falls apart a lot. :( People end up overscheduling, I think.

We're likely going during the Flower and Garden Festival next time, so loving your pictures of that. :thumbsup2
 
Hi Sarah! I was excited to see that VB is coming out with the Disney designs. I didn't know it wasn't until later this year. :confused: I agree, we'll likely see a whole lot of those bags at Disney parks.

I'm not a fan of the magic bands concept either. I'll reserve judgment until I know more but I would prefer to keep it old school! :lmao: Which reminds me, you had to trade in your old AP for the new cards. I want to keep my current AP!!! Not sure how that works since my current AP is used at DLR too so I guess I'll see in August. :)

Great job with the pop quiz at the Seas!! I would have to hide my certificate since I don't wish to be humiliated if anyone saw my score. If the questions are harder than do fish have gills or lungs I may have to pass. :rotfl2:

I'm glad you are still updated and sharing your TR! I love seeing your photos from the top of the world lounge at BLT. Very nice!
 
Yay, so happy your pics are back so I can read the update!

So...I take it you don't like butterflies?? :lmao: From the podcasts I was listening to about F&G it sounds like there weren't many butterflies to be found anyway, so I'm glad you were able to see the topiaries without running into any! :thumbsup2

Sorry the DIS meet didn't work out. I'm going to be there the same time as a few other DISers I have been following for awhile when we go in October, and I hope I'm brave enough to meet up! I get so nervous about stuff like that sometimes. :upsidedow

What a view!! Absolutely gorgeous. What a way to end the night. :goodvibes
 
For me, I immediately think of you when I come across anything Vera Bradley! I still remember how you wrote about it on your PTRs and such, and that was really the first time I really heard a lot about it. Then I remember how I was able to find you that year we met up just because I recognized your bag!

I'm not that interested in the Magic Band things either. I already get a watch tan; I don't want to get another tan! Maybe once I know more about it, my opinion might change.

Aww, it stinks that you weren't able to have that planned DIS meet! Rain is such a nuisance when it ruins plans like that! But thankfully, your view helped make up for that!
 
I don't like butterflies either! Totally creepy. I'm not the only one!

Manatees are a must see, every visit. I always feel so bad for them.

What a beautiful view from bay lake! Wow. I envy you!

I feel the same way...about butterflies and manatees!

Thank you. I just loved our view. I am very thankful we got to stay there and that Dad was willing to spend the points to get a theme park view room!

Awww, you don't like butterflies? They have a butterfly garden at the Milwaukee Public Museum, which I actually just found out about at the beginning of this year. So.....don't go there! :lmao:

I miss the old Imagination every day. We have video of it that my Mom took way back in the day.

haha no, not really. I have seen the butterfly garden at the museum but yeah, I've never been in it.

We have some old home video from the original ride too, and the old Image Works. Even that was better too!

I don't want to wear a magic band around either, don't worry! I think this whole FP plus thing is dumb! Why would they spend that much on this technology stuff and not on updating parts of HS or Epcot??

I love the new VB bags too! I can't wait to find out what styles there will be. I can't decide if I like the black or pink either.

I was wondering where that Buzz Lightyear topiary was!

That is a good point! Hopefully all the new Magic Band/Fastpass Plus/My Disney Experience will be better than it sounds (though I do think most people seem to really like the idea).

Yeah, I wonder if they'll have more styles available than what was on display. But it does look like they'll atleast have some of the good styles, like the hipster and backpack! I think I want one of the backpacks. hehe

Aww, Tink and the Fairies are now the butterfly garden? Guess I'll never see those topiaries again, there's NO WAY I'm ever going in that butterfly house again, I'm terrified of butterflies! :rotfl:

I miss the old Journey into Imagination too, it was such a cool ride! They should just leave some things alone! :confused3

Aww, sorry your DIS meet didn't happen, but at least you got to see the lounge! And that view! :scared1: I'm sure you remember that I'm not a huge fan of Bay Lake Tower, but I cannot get over the views there! That's probably the only reason I'd ever stay there again, well, that and the monorail! :thumbsup2

haha yes, they are in the butterfly house. A couple of them were outside though, so if you don't want to go in you could see the ones outside.

Yes they should! I think they should've left Test Track alone too...

It's alright, that's not the first time I've missed a DIS meet! Maybe I'm bad luck or something. LOL. I know you weren't too crazy about BLT but I loved it so much! I do agree the views are incredible. As is being on the monorail loop.

Love those fairy topiary pics! I just loved the fairy garden the last time I was there- the little pirate ship was my favorite.

Wait- the Figment ride has been changed from its original state?? The first time I visited was December 2010.

I don't like the RFID wristband thingamabobs either- I'd rather just have a ticket that I can put away. And the FP+ system, too- these things are getting unnecessarily complicated!

LOVE those MK pics from the lounge!!!! And the Electrical Water Pageant! I always try to watch it!

The fairy garden is the cutest.

Ohhh yes, then you missed the original version. It was SO much better than it is now. Actually, the version right now is the 3rd version! The original had Figment and Dreamfinder, then they totally took out Figment (which got a lot of backlash) and then they thankfully decided to put him back in. Here's a youtube video of the original ride!

The Best Version of JII

Ugh, I know! It is getting way too complicated and I don't want to have to plan out every single minute of a trip.

I really wanted to see the whole electrical water pageant but didn't! Maybe next time!

I'm glad your pics are back and are we like the same person? I don't like butterflies either! Even worse are moths. I have a moth phobia don't even get me started on that one.

hahaha I'm glad I'm not the only one on here afraid of the butterflies. They are just creepy. I mean, I guess they're pretty...as long as they don't land on me.

Omg, I don't even think I could go into the butterfly house. I recently watched all the Fairy movies for the first time and I thought they were adorable! But I wouldn't risk it! I'm terrified! :laughing:

It would have been cool to meet some DISers, but I'm sure there'll be more opportunities! OHHHH that view. How I miss it.

Glad you enjoyed the Tinkerbell/fairy movies! I love them. We should start a Scared of Butterflies Club. LOL.

Yes, I hope so! I miss that view too. Can we just go back?!

Yay pictures!

Oh the Manatees. For such an ugly animal they sure are cute. And I too love just watching them eat.

I actually got to see the divers once (and only once). It's so weird that with all the sea life in those tanks I got excited seeing people. :confused3

I still have a hard time reconciling that awesome view you had. Just wow.

Aww, you think they're ugly? Ugly cute? I just think they're cute. I feel bad for them and how so many end up getting hurt in the wild.

haha, it is kind of exciting seeing the divers! You should have seen the crowd gathered around that tank!

I know, right?! I loved that view so much. :thumbsup2

I've only just come across your TR so please forgive me for quoting a post that has long since been moved on from... I just wanted to share a picture I took of the Zebras when we were there earlier this year -

IMG_0763.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]

We were at Disney World from 21st Feb - 8th May, and although we found the Zebra's (above seeming to be pretending to be the Beatles - one of my favourite photos from this trip) in one of our early safari expeditions, after that it was somewhat hit and miss as to whether they would be there. I think I heard that due to them being migratory animals they don't like being in one place for so long? Hopefully they will soon find a species that will be happy in that spot, otherwise its a rather sad ending to the safari.

Apols for the hijack! Now I shall read on to see if you did indeed make it on to EE at night. popcorn::

No worries...and thanks for posting the picture! I always love seeing pictures from the safari. I've seen different things about why the zebras are no longer there, but whatever the reason is, it's too bad. Atleast they're still at AKL.

Hi Sarah,
I'm glad that you decided to keep going with your TR. Those Vera bags are so cute, and I agree about the pink one being really nice. I hope to have at least one in each design. We'll see....
I just loved the festival center, it was nice and cool in there, and they had some pretty cool displays. Did you and your Dad check out the historical display, they even had tips on making your own topiaries and flower baskets. I was disappointed that the cute mug with the picture of the topiary was sold out when we were there in mid April. Did you happen to see it? The only way I knew if existed was to see it in the brochure. We were able to see an HGTV star, the guy who does Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes. It was a very interesting presentation.
I'm glad that you went up to the Top of the World, but with your view from your villa it was just a different perspective. The lounge is great for the guests who have lake view, and so easy to get there too. Too bad you didn't get to do see any other Disers.
I hope you can put together a trip in late summer. I'm sure you would love to go visit Emma again.

I should ask Emma to keep me posted about the Vera stuff. I want it all! :laughing:

No, we didn't get to see many of the displays. I think I know what mug you are talking about-was it the green one with Mickey and Minnie on it? If so I did not see it which was disappointing because it was super cute! It must have been a popular item.

You are right about the view at Top of the World. But it is so amazing I didn't care if it was basically the same as our room view.

Fingers crossed for a summer trip! I did ask her to check for room availability...:rolleyes1
 







New Posts









Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE














DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest DIS Tiktok DIS Twitter

Back
Top