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

[marDgreen88]

I'm still here!!!!

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[wdwgirl03]

Oh my goodness the good news is just piling up over there. That all such great stuff Sarah!!

Ooh Fairy Godmother is another I need to add to my character bucket list!

Haha, boy that poor Stitch's Great Escape sure does get a lot of hate. I remember when it was Alien Encounter. Now THERE was some scary stuff. I really wish that one was still around. Not at Magic Kingdom since it didn't belong there, but maybe DHS or Epcot would have been cool. Ahh memories.

Thank you!

Yes, you should definitely meet her.

I never even did Alien Encounter! Though I was a wimpy kid, so I probably would've been terrified if I did it.

This is also our 21st visit. I like the idea of putting a 2 in front of 1st visit. Congrats on the new job.

Awesome that it's your 21st trip too!

Congrats on the new job!! Yahoo!!

Ya I am not a fan of the Stitch ride either. Not fun or even scary, you are right just weird. Even my son didn't like it and he loves those kinds of rides.

The fairy God Mother, how cool! Great pictures!

Thanks!

Yeah, I don't know what made me suggest that but whatever. Now I've fulfilled my Stitch quota for a while now.

How exciting that you are going back so soon! For the first time ever I actually have two Disney trips scheduled next year One in January and one in November!

I'm so excited that you got a teaching job! Let's break out the celebration emotes CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I know! This time next week we will be there!!!! Yay for your upcoming trips too!

haha, thank you!

Congrats on the job Another trip is the perfect way to celebrate.

Thank you! It sure is a good way to celebrate!

Congrats on your teaching job!! I hope this year in your own classroom goes smoothly & have lots of fun!

I love it's a small world! I agree with you, it's too classic to hate. Though my father says it's his version of hell. I really want to disown him for that but then I remember he went on with us anyway.

The fairy godmother! She looks very nice. She's a fun character.

Can't wait to hear about shopping! Yay!

Thank you! I know it's going to be a lot of work but I'm looking forward to it.

hahaha, that's funny about your dad. My dad and I actually got stuck on the Disneyland version of IASW-don't think your dad would have enjoyed that at all!

It was a lot of fun meeting the Fairy Godmother. I love meeting the ones you don't see as often as the main characters like Mickey and Minnie.

Great update!

Thanks.

While we wait for Sarah's next update, which may include some news about her upcoming trip (one that won't include me), I have something to share myself.

I don't know if I should be excited or embarrassed to report that I just booked reservations for a trip that will mean that I will be visiting WDW five times in calendar year 2013. If you've been following Sarah's reports, you would know that in addition to the trip in this report (which for me lasted another 6 days after Sarah left to go home and back to work) Sarah's Mom and I also went to Florida in January to help Emma get moved in for her second DCP, and then drove down in June to help her move into an apartment as she started her professional internship. I also plan to accompany Sarah on her Christmas trip this December.

Well, yesterday, Sarah's Mom saw the menus for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival and announced that she would like to go for a couple of days to visit Emma and enjoy the FWF without dealing with having to move anyone in and out of an apartment. So, we are planning a trip for November 5-8. Because we already have annual passes, can take advantage of Emma's cast member discount to get a cheap room at a value resort (we're thinking Pop Century), and Southwest's fares from Milwaukee to Orlando are pretty reasonable, it will really be a pretty cheap trip (less than just 2 nights in a hotel at some places). Plus, we can use our car (the one Emma is using) to get around the resort because our two full days are a Wednesday and Thursday which, not coincidentally, are Emma's days off.

Now if we can just get lucky like Sarah did and get chosen for a MyMagic+ test.

I wish I could go for the Food and Wine Festival...

Congrats on your teaching job!

So jealous of your Dad's 5 trips in one year!

Thank you!

I know, right?! Must be nice...LOL.

Finally all caught up!!! Loving this trip report!
Couple questions,
1. Forgive me if I have the wrong TR, i've been reading alot lately!!! But i'm pretty sure this is the report with the manatees?? If so (or maybe someone will know the answer) where can you see the manatees?!?!
2. When do you tell people it's your first Disney trip? Also, when do you tell them you're celebrating something?
3. Lastly, can anyone take pictures with characters?? Or do you have to have a photopass? Will the CM take your pictures with the characters??


Can't wait until the next update!!

Thank you for joining in and I am glad you are enjoying my report. I think all of your questions were answered by pwdebbie. I do recommend that if you get the photopass pictures you have the photographer take one with your camera as well-they usually do a good job and then you don't have to pay for them!

The manatees are in The Seas pavilion in Future World in Epcot.

When you check in to a Disney resort, you can let them know what buttons you'd like to have. If you are staying off property, then just go to Guest Sevices in any park or Downtown Disney to get your pins. Also, you can go online to your Disney account and let them know these things. When you make an ADR online, you have the option of telling them you are celebrating something.

Any one can get their pics with the characters and yes, if you don't have PP a CM will use your camera to get a pic. But don't be surprised if the PP photographer takes a picture with their camers too and then gives you PP card I'm sure they drum up a lot of extra saled this way.

Exactly!

Sarah CONGRATULATIONS on your teaching position! How exciting!! You are certainly excused if you need to post fewer and far between.... Seeing as how your next trip is in only 11 days now! We'll be there soon after you.

Thank you so much! I'm going to try to get another update done soon. I've only got about a day and a half left to report on. Only 6 days to go now! AHHH!!!

We received the letter from Disney as well - after I ordered our Magic Bands and did our Fast Pass + selections. In fact I was getting a UPS missed delivery notice on my door and couldn't imagine what Disney was trying to send me. We had already received our two sets of Magic Bands within 2 days or ordering online - it was quick. But the UPS delivery was the marketing material for the Magic Bands. And since we have a split stay with 2 of the resorts that are participating they sent two different letters via UPS. They really want people to pilot this if they are spending that type of money to get the message out!

Yes, that is what I got too. It was so weird getting that envelope from UPS but at the same time kind of exciting. I am anxious to try out the bands and see how it all works.

Back to your updates....

Stitch's Escape is good every few trips BUT Carousel of Progress is a MUST DO for us!

I am sad to say, but we rarely see COP. My dad loves it but I think the last time I saw it was 3 or 4 years ago. I know it is a classic-I should probably check it out more often.

And you definitely have your dining priorities right in DTD - Earl of Sandwich is a favorite!

Earl of Sandwich is so good!

Congratulations on your teaching job! That is awesome. You sure do have a lot to celebrate on your upcoming trip and testing out the bands sounds like a lot of fun actually!

Thank you! I am looking forward to starting. This next month is going to be crazy!

I'm still here!!!!

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Yay! Glad you're still here.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hi guys! Well, I am FINALLY done with summer school (it seemed to go on forever since the regular school year ended so late!) so I have some time to relax before I start back up at the end of the month. Only 6 days to go until I'm back in Disney World! This time next week we'll probably just have finished up our morning at the Magic Kingdom and will be relaxing at Pop Century. AHHH I can't wait! I'm going to try to get in a couple more updates before I leave-my goal is to atleast finish this day so all I'll have left is our last park day.

Friday, April 5, 2013 cont'd (part 4)

Like I mentioned in the last update, Dad and I decided to hold off on lunch at the Magic Kingdom because we wanted to get something from Earl of Sandwich. We took the bus to Saratoga Springs, got off at Congress Park (our favorite section at SSR...though we might change our December request because the walkway to DTD is closed-or is closing soon-well what's the point in staying in Congress Park if we can't walk to DTD?! Ugh), and walked over to Downtown Disney.

Because it was early afternoon, the line at Earl of Sandwich was really long. I'm not joking when I say it went all the way outside. Now, if we hadn't been there another time and seen how quickly the line moves, we probably would've skipped it and gone somewhere else to eat. But thankfully, the line moved pretty quickly this time as well (it probably took around 20 minutes-yeah, that kind of sounds like a long time but considering how many people were there it wasn't that bad at all). I ended up getting a turkey sandwich (the Earl's Club) and I think Dad got a roast beef sandwich. After getting our food, we were able to find a table outside to enjoy our yummy meal.

When we were done eating, it was time to do a little bit of shopping! Our first stop was Disney Pin Traders. I always have to purchase a couple pins each trip (well...I may have gotten more than a couple this time...), and what better place to do pin shopping than at Disney Pin Traders?! It doesn't always work, but because I used to go pin crazy, I try now to get pins that have some meaning to a particular trip. So for this trip, I ended up getting a Contemporary pin (I always get a pin each time I stay at a new resort), a Merida pin, and an Under the Sea pin. I also got a trader pin a couple extra bucks.

After purchasing my new pins, we had to stop at World of Disney. For those of you who asked for Emma's CP blog, you probably know that she worked at World of Disney (now that she's on her Professional Internship she no longer works there). Well, she was working that afternoon and we were hoping to see her there! While we were looking for her, I also picked up a couple more souvenirs-a cute Christmas ornament, a vinylmation with character autographs on it, and the best purchase of all, a MONORAIL PEN!!!! When I paid for my items I also traded one of my pins. I ended up with a really cute Minnie one. I asked the CM if she knew Emma and told her she was my sister (yep, proud sister moment...).

It took a while but we eventually did find her (I think we actually went back to the store a second time because she was on break or something). She was ringing up a guest but then we got to talk to her for a little bit. I traded another pin with Emma and of course I had to get a picture with her on the job!



We couldn't keep her from work too long so we said good-bye and headed out. I had already spent enough money so from DTD we then took a bus over to the Swan and Dolphin. Dad had a rental car waiting for him there (so he'd have it when my mom and Claire came down the following week, and also it would be easier to get around and do stuff with Emma since she was relying on the CP transportation).

Once we had the rental car, we drove over to Art of Animation! I had been dying to see the resort in person ever since it opened. Everything just looked so cute and colorful. Plus, it's fun checking out the resorts.

Here we are!




From the moment you walk into the lobby you are immersed in Disney animation. It is so colorful and has a ton of artwork from the various movies represented at the resort. I was partial to all of the Finding Nemo stuff...

MINE.


Look at all the color!




MORE NEMO!!!!!!




After admiring the fun lobby we ventured outside. First up...the Cars section!





KACHOW.


It really was like a little Radiator Springs. Maybe not as impressive as Cars Land at Disneyland but still extremely well-themed, right down to the landscaping and signage.

Next up was Finding Nemo! Seriously, I would love to stay in this section. The only thing that sort of bugs me about AOA is that most of the rooms are family suites. The only section that isn't is the Little Mermaid. But whatever.

SQUIRT! How adorable is he?!



We got a peek at the Little Mermaid section, but I was too lazy to actually walk through it. I'll have to make it a point to visit there next week!



Then we found Simba and all of his friends.




It's really incredible how many characters you'll find scattered around the resort.

As we headed back toward the main building we walked past the Big Blue Pool. Adorable!



We made a quick stop in the gift shop. They had the usual Disney merchandise, and a lof of stuff for the movies represented at the resort. One of my favorites was this toy:



haha, I love it.

I was really glad we decided to go visit Art of Animation. It is a great addition the value resorts, and like I said, hopefully we'll be able to make it over there next week to explore some more!

up next: An afternoon visit to DAK!

 

[jdd]

Oh my gosh - LOVED this update! I'm so excited to see pictures of AoA - I think I'll be staying there in February for my solo trip (Princess Marathon weekend). It's just so cute and fun

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Outside of being a CM yourself, it must feel so wicked cool to have a relative CM. Not to mention one that you can actually see "on the job".

What a great way to describe AoA... Colourful!

 

[wiigirl]

Cute pics!

 

[PirateSnowmen]

It's been a while (busy summer!) but I'm finally caught up!!

Congrats on the new job! I'm sure you're also super excited about your trip that's coming up in a few days! My CP starts the 19th, so I'm definitely feeling the same pre-trip excitement as you right now!

Love the AoA pictures! I haven't been to WDW since AoA has been finished, so I need to go visit ASAP.

 

[Caretames1]

I miss EOS so much, I'm craving it now!! LOL


How nice to see your sister in action! Kadence is looking forward to more pin trading this time around as well.

Yay! AoA, I think it is do well themed. I love the Cars section the best. The LM section is quite a hike, so I don't blame you for skipping it.

 

[jdd]

Just popped in to say - we'll be in the World tomorrow

Hope to see you around the parks

 

[marDgreen88]

Art of Animation really is SUCH an amazing resort. Love it. Hope you have a wonderful trip... and I REALLY hope you like Pop more than I did!

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[wdwgirl03]

Oh my gosh - LOVED this update! I'm so excited to see pictures of AoA - I think I'll be staying there in February for my solo trip (Princess Marathon weekend). It's just so cute and fun

Yay, glad you enjoyed the update! How fun that you'll be going for the Princess Marathon. AOA seems like such a great resort to stay at!

Outside of being a CM yourself, it must feel so wicked cool to have a relative CM. Not to mention one that you can actually see "on the job".

What a great way to describe AoA... Colourful!

haha, yes it is pretty awesome having a CM in the family, though at times it makes me extremely jealous. Some of her "work" assignments/team building activities have included testing out the Wilderness Explorers at DAK and seeing a preview of Planes (yes, she does actual work too ). But it's also nice getting her CM discount and getting to go visit her!

It is definitely colorful there! I love it.

Cute pics!

Thanks.

It's been a while (busy summer!) but I'm finally caught up!!

Congrats on the new job! I'm sure you're also super excited about your trip that's coming up in a few days! My CP starts the 19th, so I'm definitely feeling the same pre-trip excitement as you right now!

Love the AoA pictures! I haven't been to WDW since AoA has been finished, so I need to go visit ASAP.

No worries, my summer has been pretty busy too. Can't believe it's coming to an end soon. AHH.

Thank you! You are going to have so much fun on your CP. I can imagine you are quite excited for that.

Yes, you should go visit once you get there!

I miss EOS so much, I'm craving it now!! LOL


How nice to see your sister in action! Kadence is looking forward to more pin trading this time around as well.

Yay! AoA, I think it is do well themed. I love the Cars section the best. The LM section is quite a hike, so I don't blame you for skipping it.

Mmm, me too.

It was cool seeing my sister in her workplace. It is still so crazy sometimes to think she works for Disney.

After the Nemo section I think Cars would be my second favorite. Loved that area!

Just popped in to say - we'll be in the World tomorrow

Hope to see you around the parks

AHHHH I know! Can you believe it?! I hope you have a great time!

Art of Animation really is SUCH an amazing resort. Love it. Hope you have a wonderful trip... and I REALLY hope you like Pop more than I did!

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Thanks Marissa! I hope I like Pop too.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hi guys! Hope everyone had a good weekend. I was in Michigan this weekend for a wedding, am home today and then TOMORROW I LEAVE FOR DISNEY WORLD!!!! I am just about done with my packing (yes, I am a packing procrastinator...) so I thought I'd take a quick break to get another update in before we leave.

Oh, and I'm already Twitter and/or Instagram friends with some of you, but if anyone else wants to follow me (I'm hoping to post some live updates while I'm there...we'll see!), my username for both is @mugirl0307. Feel free to send me a request if you need a little Disney fix this week!

Friday, April 5, 2013 cont'd (part 5)

After exploring Art of Animation, Dad and I decided to spend some time at the Animal Kingdom. It was sort of strange driving into the parking lot and having to park a car! And since we were in the parking lot, that meant we had to take one of the trams, which was a new experience. Gotta love Disney transportation...



I was just so glad that after the clouds/light rain in the morning it was turning out to be a beautiful day. Look at that nice blue sky! Oh, and the Tree of Life looks pretty nice too.



Like so many other times we go to the Animal Kingdom, our first attraction was the safari! I swear I could ride that all day long and never get bored. I just love seeing all the animals, and I think part of what makes it so fun is that you never know which ones you'll get to see! It turned out to be another great safari!





First giraffe sighting of the safari! Did you guys hear there was a new baby giraffe born at DAK not that long ago? I really hope I get to see him when I'm there!




Tommies.


A better one of the giraffes and a wildebeest. But let's be honest, the giraffes are way cooler than the wildebeest.







Even more giraffes!




Now, a new sighting for us on this safari was the mandrill! I don't ever remember seeing these guys before so it was pretty exciting!



And because apparently I have an addiction to taking giraffe pictures, here's another one...



Elephants! I love these guys too.


Oh look, it's another giraffe. I swear, I did not realize I took this many!





And to top off an already amazing safari, the lions were out in a prime viewing location!







Have I mentioned how much I love this ride?!

We also saw some warthogs,


Rhinos,


and the addax.


So yes, we had an awesome safari! I think this was also the safari where a little boy nearly started crying at the part where you go over the bridge and it starts to shake. He must've thought it was really breaking!

up next: More animals at DAK

 

[Jennifer48]

I feel like you always have a great safari, never any bad luck or photos. Sweet!

 

[WDWaddictt]

Great update! I love the safari too!! Have a great vacation!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

AHHH TOMORROW.... JEALOUS = ME!!! Have an AWESOME time though!

Bahaha, the Mandrills. I actually haven't seen them for quite a while myself. The last time I saw them they were... um... engaged in some very Un-Disney activity.

Giraffe's I could seriously watch all day though.

Great photos Sarah!

 

[peachmermaid]

Enjoy your trip!!

I love the safari. It always amazes me. Great pictures!

 

[Surfinpiratee]

Just read your past couple updates!
AoA looks so cute. I still can't decide if I want to stay there next time, or do something a little more...fancy? haha

 

[Caretames1]

Have a great trip!!!!

 

[jwwi]

Hope you are enjoying your trip.

Congratulations on your new job! What grade will you be teaching?

 

[wdwgirl03]

I feel like you always have a great safari, never any bad luck or photos. Sweet!

It does seem like lately our safaris have been really good! I love that ride so much!

Great update! I love the safari too!! Have a great vacation!!

Thanks! We had a great time...sad it's over already.

AHHH TOMORROW.... JEALOUS = ME!!! Have an AWESOME time though!

Bahaha, the Mandrills. I actually haven't seen them for quite a while myself. The last time I saw them they were... um... engaged in some very Un-Disney activity.

Giraffe's I could seriously watch all day though.

Great photos Sarah!

Thank you! We had an awesome time. It's hard to believe this time last week I was getting ready to go and now I'm home already. Boo!

hahaha nice. I think the mandrills were out on the safari this time too but I couldn't see them.

ME TOO. I got to see the baby giraffe this trip! He was so cute!

Enjoy your trip!!

I love the safari. It always amazes me. Great pictures!

Thanks! It amazes me too. I just love getting to see all those animals.

Just read your past couple updates!
AoA looks so cute. I still can't decide if I want to stay there next time, or do something a little more...fancy? haha

haha, well I guess it depends on how much you want to spend. I thought Pop was a little tacky but it served our purposes. I liked it more than I thought I would, and AOA is adorable.

Have a great trip!!!!

Thanks Carey! We had a great time. Sad to be home already.

Hope you are enjoying your trip.

Congratulations on your new job! What grade will you be teaching?

Thank you! I was originally hired for 5th grade but now will be teaching 1st grade instead!