Hello There From BWV

[idratherbeinwdw]

Hi Everyone! It's very different going solo as compared to going with my two DDs. Hard to get any computer time for mom!

We are actually about to leave now to go to Epcot, but I had to stop by and say hi real fast.

HI! The trip is going fabulously, so much fun, short lines, a few magical moments. It's been hot, but we haven't let that stop us from having a great time.

We will be back in the room for a break about 2, I'll be sure to report in more detail then. I wish you all were here, can't wait to tell you all about it! :rocker:

[RoccoP72]

You must REALLY be having a good time Mar, cuz you posted your thread in the Disneyland Resorts!! HAHA. Have fun in EPCOT and drink a Grand Marnier for me in France!

[idratherbeinwdw]

LOL yep, in my haste to get going I posted in the wrong forum. 10 moderator demerits for me at least! :D

The cast: Me, 2 DD's Sarah 18 and Becky 24. Arrival 5/9/09 Pop, Check in 5/10/09 BWV

Well the trip's been smooth all the way through. Flight was good, wait for DME reasonable, and our rooms were ready when we got to pop. (We had two connecting rooms). 90's bldg, which was a trek, but the rooms being ready were a bonus. It's hot here folks, like August hot. I saw the reports ahead of time so I was prepared, but having a room to go to right away to wash up, change and cool off was really nice.

Afterwards we headed to Epcot. I was hoping if I asked nicely they would let get the discount offered in the Mickey Monitor, even though mine hadn't arrived yet. No dice. They did say if I come back with the coupon before the promo is over they'd give me the deal retroactively. I'll get my friend Elaine to do it for me, she has a home down here.

Anyways off to Epcot, headed right to see Off Kilter, as that was the only show I'd be able to see that day. It was 3:30. All the regulars were there except the drummer, Scotty, had a sub. Kids did SE, older one hadn't seen changes yet. Afterwards we all met and went over to do Mexico, Becky hadn't seen that either. (her last trip was 2007). We had Chef Mickey ressies for 545. My friend (the same one I refer to above) was in Epcot with her niece, so on the way towards the monorail we all met up and said hi.

We caught the monorail with about a 2 minute wait. Transferred to resort monorail at TTC, no wait. Got to Chef M about 530, long line to check in but it moved fast. They gave us a buzzer thing, and after less than 10 mnutes we were going to our seats. Lots of character interaction right away. AFter I post this I am going to try to get some pics up, this is a new computer and it will be a first attempt.

So I hate to say this but for the first time in years, actually the first time ever I was disappointed with the food at Chef Mickeys. The roast beef had two choices: undercooked and stringy or overdone. The pork roast was on the dry side. Even the famous parmesan potatoes were lacking in flavor. The cocktail shrimp were still good, the scalloped potatoes were too, but most everything else was a let down. I hope I just caught them on an off night. :(

The desserts were good as ever, so we enjoyed them, and then went to the MK. It was closing at 11, it was about 7:30. As it was a Saturday I expected the place to be packed. Crowd predictions were very high. But there was not a lot of lines. Kids FP'd Splash, but waited only 15 for BTMRR. We walked on Pirates, HM, Buzz. Did Jungle Cruise in the dark. Watched Spectro from Hub, haven't watched from there in a while, I think I will stick with Frontierland in the future, it was too crowded by the castle.

About 10:30 we went back to Pop. Less than ten minute wait for bus.

Next day at 8:30 AM we hopped a cab to BWV. It was $6.60, what a bargain. ARrived by 8:45, checked in, room not ready (oh well). Sarah ran off to DS to tryo get there for opening and catch RnR. Becky wasn't ready for that yet. So we had breakfast at BW bakery (blueberry muffin, mmmmmm) and then we walked over to DS to meet Sarah.

To be continued.............

[susandfam]

It is great to hear from you, Mar! I hope you are enjoying some quality time with your daughters.
The wait time at MK is good news, too. I have been worried about it. I did read on Miceage or somewhere like that the wait times posted by UG are based on the 3 mountains at MK--since one is closed right now, the others will have a higher wait time. Ummm...I am also glad we don't have ressies at CM this trip!
Anyways, glad you are having a good time so far. I hope to read more from you soon!

Susan

[idratherbeinwdw]

OK, success with the pics! Since I only reported on day 1 I'm only posting the pics from Sunday. I'll add more as I continue the report.

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[bbarnett]

It sounds like you are having the same good luck we had with the lines we had the week of the April 19th, Mar. I hope it stays that away for you guys and maybe cools off a little bit. I'd still rather be there and a little hot than here in this cool weather (it only got up to 68 mothers day and 63 today).

Keep up the reports and pics for us.

[newjerseynick]

Great report and pics Mar. Sorry you had an off night at Chef Mickey's.

Nick

[DVC YODERS]

love your TR! and i would take hot hot super hot anyday over cold! i am so done with the cold here in IL! thanks for sharing your trip!:)

[athenna]

Great pics, Mar!:thumbsup2:
Sorry Chef Mickey's wasn't so great this time:(

[FR8TRN]

Glad your there and enjoyin it Mar.....I'm so close I can do online check-in tomorrow. :yahoo:

[Niki]

Can't wait for the rest of your report, Mar. Your daughters are so pretty.
Posted via Mobile Device

[KevinZ]

Good report so far. Have fun!

[idratherbeinwdw]

The kids are leaving today, but i stay on til Friday. I will have lots more time to post more TR and pics soon. I just wanted to check in and say all's well, more to follow soon. :woohoodance:

Synopsis since Saturday:

Sunday at DS and Epcot/Mother's Day lunch at Chefs De France. Sunday night EMH at MK.

Monday sleep in, pool, Epcot

Today: DS at opening (TSM), Sci Fi lunch

Later today: Owner's Locker and Illuminations

Tomorrow-Friday : TBD But definitely a couple of Off Kilter shows :kilt:

I'll be back! :rocker:

[kimmygme]

Sounds like you are having fun!!! I wish I was there!!!!

[7swans]

Can't think of a better way for you to have spent your Mothers day than with your Daughters at WDW!
Good news that the lines aren't as bad as you feared they might be. I hope that is the still the case in 17 days!
Thanks for posting. :)

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

The roast beef had two choices: undercooked and stringy or overdone. The pork roast was on the dry side.

How'd they get a copy of Millie's cook book.

[DiZ NeE 08]

Wow! those are some cool pictures! it is nice that you got to spend time with you DD's! I hope to hear more from you, I also hope that I can write mine out!

[mwehttam]

Hey Mar! So glad you are having a great time. Can't wait to hear more!

-Matt

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

Can't wait to hear more!

Hear ????

[mwehttam]

Hear ????

Must be a slow day for you Viking! Is this all you can poke fun of this early in the morn? ;) Hear, read, same thing. :D

-Matt

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

Hear, read, same thing.

Only if your name is Helen Keller.

[mwehttam]

Only if your name is Helen Keller.

Now there is the Viking we all know and love (well most of us at least). :D

-Matt

[7swans]

Must be a slow day for you Viking! Is this all you can poke fun of this early in the morn?

-Matt

You post implies that sometimes he behaves differently!

Really now Matt we know that you would not want the Viking to stop being himself!

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

Really now Matt we know that you would not want the Viking to stop being himself!

Yeah..... that's my wifes job.

[Colorado Belle]

I know Millie does keep you in line, Viking...someone has to!!!! (sorry bout the thongs)

Mar: Funny we were celebrating Mom's Day at DL and you and your girls at WDW! It's now 3 Mom's Days at Disney (last year DL and about 4 years ago in the World)....and I can't think of a better place to celebrate!

Enjoying your pics..more!

[Rozzie]

Hope you are having a great solo time and staying a little cool. Can't wait to read more. :)

[idratherbeinwdw]

Yep CB, we had both coasts covered for Mother's Day!

Sunday was a great day. As I mentioned earlier younger DD, Sarah was already at DS. Becky and I walked over to meet her. As we entered the park a CM handed me a long stemmed carnation and said Happy Mother's Day. We stopped at Sid's and did the trivia thing on the blackboard and got a certificate for getting them all right. Then I asked to look at the cms's pins, and although none interested me he saiid "Oh you're a pin trader, here's one" and he gave me a brand new unopened tink pin. So within 5 minutes of arrival I had a flower, a pin and a certificate. Pretty neat way to start the day!

We all met up at DS about 9:30, we didn't even try to ride TSM, and we knew we would only be in that park a couple of hours, so we didnt bother with FP either. We DID get FP for DD's to do RNR, rode the Great Movie Ride, had Becky pull the rope near indiana jones (she wasn't as impressed as I hoped, but it was still fun). Did Muppets, Star tours, the two of them did American Idol and I went to OMD. We all did Little Mermaid together. Walked over to RNR, they rode I looked around the store. Walked back towards the exit about 11:30 so we could stop at the room for a small break before chefs de france at 1.

I must digress to say again that the heat was bad but the crowds were non existent. We always take midday breaks so that helped with the heat, but I have to admit I wish it wasn't in the 90s every day. However I prefer the 90s and no crowds to 80s and crowds, so I will count my blessings. Except for the obvious (TSM, soarin) every ride was a walk on or a short wait. In every park, every day. I met up with Ghost and her DH last night and we agreed--no way it was 9 or 10 crowd level, more like 5 or 6. VERY pleasant surprise, and I hope that those of you visitng soon have the same crowd levels, what a bonus.

Time for France! We all enjoyed our meals immensely, and the service was very good. Handsome young French waiter was all smiles and very sweet. Kids paid as a mom's day present to me. (I got a nice card from each of them too).

After lunch: Voices of Liberty, American Adventure, Mexico. Called and room was ready at 3. Walked past off kilter, Mark the bass player wasn't there, off for mother's day according to the locals. Oh well, one less thing aI had to do that day. We were hot and tired, and ready to change and hang out in the AC for a while. My food order was coming at 5, so we proceeded to unpack and I put the stuff from my owner's locker away. Room is standard view, all the way in the last hallway. Far from elevator, great view of illuminations. No problems whatsoever with the room, everything clean and in good condition. They replaced the roof on BWV recently, and I can see they replaced the awnings on the balconies at the same time. Still waiting for the room rehab! I haven't seen my BWV CM friend yet to ask her about it, her dog is sick and she's staying home playing Vet. We spoke on the phone, and hopefully I'll see her before the week is out.

Food came on time, we hung around the room for a while, kids went to pool for a bit, I jacuzzi'd and showered. We ate some chips and sandwiches, and about 7-ish went to the MK for late night EMH. NO lines except of course peter pan and Dumbo. Everything else, total walk on. Lovely! Did BuzZ, POTC X2 , HM, Philharmagic, COP, Small World, Golden Carrousel, Country Bears (Becky loves that for some reason), kids did BTMRR and then Splash and got SOAKED--which became a bit of a theme for this trip. Any ride we had a chance to get wet on we got drenched. Good thing it was hot! Pin traded, shopped, did the Pooh, Snow White. Park was open til Midnight, but we since everything was a walk on (even splash and BTMRR) were done by 11:15 or so and headed back to BWV and beddy bye.

We agreed to sleep in on Monday, but I was too antsy, so I let the kids sleep and slipped off to Epcot. .To be continued......

Here are some pics:

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[newjerseynick]

I must digress to say again that the heat was bad but the crowds were non existent. We always take midday breaks so that helped with the heat, but I have to admit I wish it wasn't in the 90s every day. However I prefer the 90s and no crowds to 80s and crowds, so I will count my blessings. Except for the obvious (TSM, soarin) every ride was a walk on or a short wait. In every park, every day. I met up with Ghost and her DH last night and we agreed--no way it was 9 or 10 crowd level, more like 5 or 6. VERY pleasant surprise, and I hope that those of you visitng soon have the same crowd levels, what a bonus.


We agreed to sleep in on Monday, but I was too antsy, so I let the kids sleep and slipped off to Epcot. .To be continued......




I hope the crowd levels remain low as well!

Mar, were you too excited to sleep?!

Nick

[donald is #1]

Wow, it sounds like you are having a great time!

[jiggerj]

Great report Mar! Love the pic of you with your Mothers Day carnation! :goodvibes: And how sweet of the girls to treat you for M-Day lunch! :goodvibes::goodvibes:

Thats WONDERFUL about the low crowds! :yahoo:

Thanks for the super-duper pics and report! :)

[kimmygme]

Beautiful pictures!!!!

[7swans]

Great report! Especially the part about short lines & smaller crowds than projected!

Walked past Off Kilter :eek: I was shocked to read that even without your Mark!

Great pics, I love those Bambi topiaries, do you remember where they are?
Your DD's sure do look like you!

[Zach Skellington]

Good stuff!!! You sure are making the next 140 days tough on me...;)

Have fun and keep it coming... :)

[idratherbeinwdw]

I know I have been VERy lax in doing updates, but I just haven't had much urge to use the computer this trip. I'll fill everyone in on the rest of the trip when I get home. Sadly I am about to leave my villa, but I still have a whole day at WDW. Flight is 8:20 and I am on the 5:50 DME bus.

7 Swans, the bambi topiary is in front of Canada, near the entrance to Le Cellier.

Off to Epcot, not sure of exact plans but definitely 230 and 330 Off Kilter and Voices of Liberty. The rest I'll wing.

Over and Out from the Happy Place, I'll be reporting next back from the Island Of Long. :)

[Sparrowsprincess]

Have a good flight Mar! Thanks for sharing!

[idratherbeinwdw]

The problem with waiting to write this stuff is, of course, trying to remember it all later!

Okay, so I woke up Monday and was at IG for opening of Epcot. Of course no matter how fast you are the crowds in the front get to soarin first. I didn't even try to beat them. I just strolled leisurely and got a FP for later. Rode TT, mostly window shopped but picked up a couple of small things at Mousegear. Kids promised to be up at 10, so I went back to the room about 10:15. They were up, mostly ready. We ate our goodies we bought the night before at BW Bakery--Blueberry Muffin for me and Sarah, chocolate mousse for Becky. We were out the door about 10:30, back to Epcot.

We all did SE, then kids went to Mousegear while I used the soain FP (Neither of my kids likes that ride). I was faaaar back in line when one of the cms came strolling down asking if there were any parties of one? Up shot my hand, and I bypassed everyone and got immediately on--row 1! So I was off and over to meet the kids in no time. We got fps for TT on the way in, so we used them, very little wait. We did the butterfly garden, took a bunch of pics of the topiaries in FW, and it was time for lunch/break back at BWV. Kids went to pool, Mom used Jacuzzi in the room. Made lunch from food I had delivered, turkey sandwiches for me and Sarah, grilled cheese for Becky. Chips on the side.

We headed back out around 5-ish, walked around WS. I must say that this year I thought WS was lacking in topiaries compared to past years. No Pooh in UK, no Troll in Norway, and some other stuff was missing but I can't remember it right now. (The Snow White and 7 dwarves were no longer in Germany, but at least the topiaries were still in Ecpot, in FW). The Mickey head shaped flowerbeds that were around the water in the middle of Epcot were gone. Flowers were there, and very pretty, but no "theming". FW on the other hand seemed to have more topiaries than ever, so perhaps that was the plan, but I preferred everything spread out the way it used to be. No biggie, just my 2 cents.

Becky wanted to get her boyfriend a gift, and he's into Japanese stuff, so we searched the Japan pavilion for something he'd like. She decided to get him a medallion that was custom engraved with his name and the word "strength" printed in Japanese. We were told that took 15 minutes, so we had dinner in Yakitori House while we waited, by the time we finished our meal the medallion was ready.

We wanted to see the BW entertainers and watch Illuminations from the balcony, so we went back to BWV around 7:45. My favorite entertainer, Brian, was just starting as we got there. I hadn't seen him the last couple of trips, so I was really happy he was back. We watched him and a couple of other acts, bought pastries for the next morning and went to the room to watch Illuminations from the balcony. Always nice! Back down to watch more entertainers after that, then we walked through the stores on the BW. We were back in the room by about 11:30 and asleep by 12 or so.

Tomorrow Morning: DS at Opening for TSM! Alarm set!

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[7swans]

Good Stuff, Thanks Mar!

DD's don't like Soarin! Wow that is a surprise. Good thing WDW has something for everyone.

Great pics, we are getting really excited about our trip now & your reports make it even harder to be patient!

[bbarnett]

Great report and pictures Mar. I really like the one in front of Bambi (in Canada). They had it really decked out with flowers behind you around the cottage and up on the rock cliff. I took a couple shots of it with my Grandson in it.
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss304/bbarnett1546/IMG_2759.jpg?t=1242507060

It looks like you got a corner room from the looks of the balcony. Did you?

[newjerseynick]

DD's don't like Soarin! Wow that is a surprise. Good thing WDW has something for everyone.
G
I thought the same thing!

Brian is a great entertainer, I hope we can catch him this trip.
Looking forward to more Mar!

Nick

[idratherbeinwdw]

My kids don't like soarin because it makes them dizzy. :( But they will do RnR and all the mountains, so go figure!

BB-yep, it was a corner room.

Zach--You'll be there before you know it and then it will be me reading your report and wishing I was there!

Nick--Hope you get to see Brian too! Are you leaving today or am I mixed up? :scratchchin:

I'll work on more of the report later on, sorry it's taking me so long to finish.

[newjerseynick]

Nick--Hope you get to see Brian too! Are you leaving today or am I mixed up? :scratchchin:

I'll work on more of the report later on, sorry it's taking me so long to finish.

We are meeting at our friends house at 4AM tomorrow. Flight leaves at 7AM.

Looking forward to the rest of your report.

[idratherbeinwdw]

We are meeting at our friends house at 4AM tomorrow. Flight leaves at 7AM.



How are you sleeping? :goodvibes: :D:scratchchin:

[newjerseynick]

How are you sleeping? :goodvibes: :D:scratchchin:
What is this "sleep" you are referring to?:hyper:
Actually, I'm a little concerned with the weather. Looks like rain all day Monday and Tuesday. :(
Nick

[donald is #1]

We all did SE, then kids went to Mousegear while I used the soain FP (Neither of my kids likes that ride).

What? :scared07: They don't like Soaring??? OK, to be honest one of my sisters doesn't like it either. She had to keep her eyes closed during the ride.






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Aww how cute!

[idratherbeinwdw]

What is this "sleep" you are referring to?:hyper:
Actually, I'm a little concerned with the weather. Looks like rain all day Monday and Tuesday. :(
Nick

Aww I hope not! You know how it is in FL, rarely does it rain all day. Besides it's so warm you won't mind being wet, and rain does keep the crowds down. :goodvibes: Youse guys are gonna have a ball, I promise!

[idratherbeinwdw]

Aww how cute!

Wasn't that a cool towel character? I am guessing it's supposed to be Fairy Godmother, but I am not really sure. :scratchchin:

[newjerseynick]

Aww I hope not! You know how it is in FL, rarely does it rain all day. Besides it's so warm you won't mind being wet, and rain does keep the crowds down. :goodvibes: Youse guys are gonna have a ball, I promise!

Thanks Mar! "Youse guys" Love it!
I'm just gonna forgedabout the weatha!
12 hours till we leave here to go to our friends house. Not that I'm keeping track! Augh!

:w00t:

Nick

[idratherbeinwdw]

Thanks Mar! "Youse guys" Love it!
I'm just gonna forgedabout the weatha!
12 hours till we leave here to go to our friends house. Not that I'm keeping track! Augh!

:w00t:

Nick

LOL, yep fuggedaboutit totally! You're from Joisey, you're tough!

I really gotta get movin on finishing my report! :blech: Hopefully I'l have time later this evening.

[MrsNick]

Love your TR Mar! Your DD's are really cute, too! Glad you seemed to have a really nice trip (other than the heat and Chef Mickey's). Welcome back!

[DiZ NeE 08]

those pics are really cool! looks like you had A LOT of fun!

[idratherbeinwdw]

Thanks Mrs N and Diz. I gotta get moving and finish this darn thing!

[M5ward]

Your TR has been wonderful...the pictures make me miss it a lot. What a wonderful trip for a mom and her girls...a memory you'll always treasure.

[RoccoP72]

Looks like you had a blast Mar. Were you able to catch the new Stitch show at the Kingdom? If so, what do you think?

[DiZ NeE 08]

Hey Mar, I think that you will finish your TR before I do!

[idratherbeinwdw]

Ok, at long last I have some free time to sit and write, so here is the remainder of my TR:

Tuesday was the last day of the trip for my DDs, but I was staying on til Friday. We wanted to be at DS for rope drop so we could hit TSM right away. I was up before them, went out and took a short walk and ran into this feathered friend sunning him/herself:

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By the time I got back to the Villa the kids were up and eating their pastries purchased the previous night. I joined in, and we were off to DS about 8:30. It was already really hot. We didn't want to wait in the sun, so we went into the very last store on the street to hang out in the AC. There was a CM blocking the rear door, so we stood nearby waiting for her to open it. Once she did we trekked over to TSM, I had everyone's passes and went to get FPS, and the kids got on line. My older DD's pass was giving me trouble, so it took a while but finally i got all three fps. They were inside, and had to stand off to the side to wait for me, because it took a lot longer than we expected due to the FP issues. Anyway we rode, and then we headed over to Muppets.

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Got to Muppets just as the preshow was ending, so we were in the theater quickly. We all enjoy Muppetvision, so we had fun, and then kids went to see American Idol. I had no interest, so I let them go, walked over to RnR to get FPs for both of them (not me, I am totally chicken when it comes to coasters). I took a few pics while walking/waiting:

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Never noticed Officer Club wore spikes!

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Met up with kids, used FP for TSM, then it was time for lunch at Sci Fi. We enjoyed it, it's a fave of ours, especially the shakes. Wait time was about 5 minutes. I had ribs, Becky shrimp pasta thingy, Sarah chicken. After lunch the kids went to ride RNR, I didn't feel like walking back that way again (I had just gone that way to get the FPs) Normally I don't mind some extra walking, but the sun was strong and the heat bad, so I opted to walk back along the path from DS to BWV. I also figured this way I could start on lunch and have it ready or almost ready when they got back.

I made sandwiches for everyone, and before long the kids were there. After lunch we did pool/community hall.

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All too soon it was time to say goodbye to the kids. There was a little trouble with DME, even though I had gone to the lobby the day before to get their vouchers. Somehow they weren't on the official list, but it still worked out ok. It was raining when they left, the first time it had rained all trip.

Went back to the villa to relax, I had two plans for the evening. First, I was due to meet up with Ghost1000 and her DH prior to the 6PM British Invasion show. Then, Owner's Locker wine night in France at Epcot. The rain was pretty bad, so Ghost and I said we'd try for the 7PM show with the Brits, but even then it was too wet. But right around 730 it cleared up, so we decided we'd all meet in France at the OL gathering. Ghost and her DH gave me a really cool Wall-E rubik's cube (which I will NEVER turn, as it's so cute and I'd never get it back right), and we talked for a bit. Of course I also said Hi to John, and posed for the obligatory photo for the OL site. Most everyone left prior to Illuminations, but I stayed on to watch the show, as it is a big fave of mine. Love the music and the fireworks combined.

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As France is so close to the International Gateway I had no trouble getting out of the park after the fireworks. I walked back to BWV, and decided to go over to check out Jellyrolls. As always, I had a lot of fun singing along. I ate an entire bowl of popcorn, and once it was gone I went back to the villa. It was about midnight. Ran a jacuzzi, lit some candles, chilled for a while. Then bedtime, It was quite a full day.

[idratherbeinwdw]

I just spent about 40 minutes doing 5/13 and my computer knocked me offline and I lost all of it. I need to take a break before re-writing. Grrrrrr! :mad:
BBS

[M5ward]

Oooh! That's awful! I hate when that happens; I guess my dad was right (at least he always thought he was) and you need to save everything periodically. I think back to him saying that everytime I lose what I've been working on and have to start again!

[donald is #1]

It sounds like you all had a nice day. I have never done one of the OL evenings. :confused24: I dont' remember what I was doing during my trip last December on Tuesday evening, but I guess that I just forgot.

I am definitely going to have to attend one on my upcoming December trip.

[newjerseynick]

Aww I hope not! You know how it is in FL, rarely does it rain all day. Besides it's so warm you won't mind being wet, and rain does keep the crowds down. :goodvibes: Youse guys are gonna have a ball, I promise!

Working my way to the last place I read, and I hit this. Oh boy, as you know, it rained more than a little. But Barbie thought it was great, she gets sun poisoning, even with lotion. Plus, lines were short.

Nick

[idratherbeinwdw]

OK, Deep Breath, second try for this day.

Although I missed the kids it was nice to have some time to myself. I woke up early and was at the MK in plenty of time for opening. But boohoo--no "welcome" song today. A few characters waved from the platform, but there was no live emcee. We counted backwards from ten to a recorded voice, and we were in. As usual they made us wait for rope drop, so I took a pic of the near empty park, and then took one as I walked into Fanatasy land.

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Rode Peter, Pooh, Pirates, HM. Had bread pudding at Main Street bakery, walked around in the shops, was looking foward to my first viewing of the the Move It Shake It Parade. I was not disappointed! Good thing my kids weren’t with me any longer, as they probably would have pretended not to know me. I danced around with Jessie and Woody and had a grand old time!



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After the fun parade I went to look for the Dapper Dans, but I couldn’t find them anywhere. I did run into these folks though, and they were very entertaining.

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I realized the one of them had been a Dapper Dan, so I asked if he knew where they were. He did! They were starting right now in the barber shop. So off I went, and sure enough there they were. Most of the faces looked new, they were not the same Dapper Dans I had seen most of my previous trips. One guy I recognized from the Voices of Liberty, he’s the one in the pic below with his hat off. As the Dans played a CM dressed as a firefighter arrived and asked if he could sing along. What a voice, great bass sound, altogether they really filled up that small shop with sound, it was terrific.

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After the great music I left the MK for Epcot. I don’t get a chance to take a lot of pics from the ,main entrance, because usually I go in the International Gateway from BWV. So every trip I go through the front way at least once. I also like to visit my brick in the TTC. Got the Express monorail to the TTC, said hello to my brick and then took the monorail to Epcot. Took pics in the front, rode SE, got FP for soarin and walked back to BWV for a break.

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Took some shots on the way through Epcot to the International Gateway:

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Had my favorite WDW lunch. It’s simple but it’s a treat as it is full of cholesterol and fat so I don’t eat it at home: PB on an English muffin with chips on the side. Coke with lemon from a wine glass, one of my cheaper thrills, LOL.

I relaxed, watched part of a DVD called “Your Host Walt Disney”, hung out on the balcony. By 5 I was out again, time for Off Kilter. Amazingly all 5 regulars were there, yay no substitutes! I watched the 530 show, did FP for soarin at 6 and was back for 630 and 730 OK shows. They still play too many of the same songs, but I had a good time nonetheless. In between the 630 and 730 shows I took some more pictures of the topiaries/flowers in the area.

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I ended the day with another showing of Illuminations from about the same spot I had seen it the previous night.

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Went back to the Boardwalk and watched some of the entertainers, looked through the shops. Back to room about 11, snack time, candles and Jacuzzi, more Walt DVD, then bedtime about 12.

To Be Continued After I Cook Dinner...:goodvibes:

[newjerseynick]

I just spent about 40 minutes doing 5/13 and my computer knocked me offline and I lost all of it. I need to take a break before re-writing. Grrrrrr! :mad:
BBS
I know about this, Mar. I lost my hard drive 2 weeks ago, and I'm daily I find myself saying, "Oh, I guess I have to download this (or that) again".

Great report. The heat sounds like it was an issue. Maybe the rain wasn't so bad!

Nick

[bbarnett]

I know about this, Mar. I lost my hard drive 2 weeks ago, and I'm daily I find myself saying, "Oh, I guess I have to download this (or that) again".

Great report. The heat sounds like it was an issue. Maybe the rain wasn't so bad!

Nick
Geez Nick, don't encourage her to make more excuses...She's on a roll now.

[newjerseynick]

Geez Nick, don't encourage her to make more excuses...She's on a roll now.

Good point. No excuses, Mar!

Nick

[idratherbeinwdw]

Great report. The heat sounds like it was an issue. Maybe the rain wasn't so bad!

Nick

It really only bothered me a couple of times. We took breaks at the hottest times of the day to avoid the worst of it. For the most part I like it hot. :goodvibes:

[7swans]

Thanks Mar!
I hate that when a post gets eaten!
We all appreciate your effort in writing it all over again, I love all the pictures too.
This was nice to read with our trip coming up fast!

[KevinZ]

Great trip report and photos!

[idratherbeinwdw]

Today I was getting together with my BFF, Elaine. She has a house up here on LI as well as one near Orlando, and she was in Orlando the week I was there. She and her DH had plans most of the week, but she set aside Thursday to hang out with me.

Elaine got to BWV at 830 and we walked over to DS to ride TSM. Did the same thing I did Tuesday--she got on line, I got the FPs. This time there was no trouble with the FP machine, and I caught up to her before she entered the building. We rode once, then I took her over to "Pull the Rope" by the Indiana Jones attraction. After that we did GMR--and were lucky enough to get the Western Scene. I also showed her a hidden mickey I had read about but never been able to find until this trip. In the Raiders of the Lost Ark room, the one with the snakes, there are heiroglyphics on the back wall. The last panel on the wall to the left of the ride vehicle, 3 panels up, are heiroglyphics of Mickey and Donald. Very cool, but hard to spot if you don't know it's there.

We went back to TSM, used our FPs and then took the boat back towards Epcot. Got off at Dolphin and walked the rest of the way to save time, cutting through YC and BC to get maximum A/C. :D

Got to Epcot, went to Soain for FPs, got there about 12:30. We had hoped the return would be for 3 or earlier, as we were going back to her place about then. Return was for 5, but we took them anyway so I could go back later without her if i wanted to. Did TT as single rider, SE, Mexico and Norway.

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Elaine had parked at BW, we went back there about 3-ish and she drove me over to see her house. I've been there twice before, but she only bought it last year, so hadnt finished decorating it the first two times. It's a gorgeous place, and of course I told her so. We stayed about an hour and she drove me back to BWV. On the way we passed some buildings I had never seen.

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I was back in the room by 5, watched more Walt DVD and made myself some dinner. Yummy salmon with lemon and herb sauce, with carrots and potatoes side dishes. I am no gourmet cook, but I always like my cooking more than almost any of the WDW restaurant food. This trip we ate out more because my kids like it, but I always feel so ripped off when I eat at TS places at WDW. Next trip I am solo and chances are I will eat almost all of my meals in the room.

After dinner I went back to Epcot, used my FP, watched a couple of OK shows and then was back on the Boardwalk about 8:15 to watch the entertainers. Went up to my villa to watch Illuminations from the balcony, that's always nice. Back down to watch the magicians/jugglers again, strolled along the boardwalk, people watched, picked up a pastry for the next morning to eat in the Villa. I love the blueberry muffins, but i needed a change, so I went for a chocolate croissant.

Jacuzzi, DVD, packed up my suitcase, did a crossword puzzle and lights out. I wanted to have some time to hang out in the morning and enjoy the last hours in the Villa, so I was asleep before midnight.

Not a lot of pics today, sorry.

[idratherbeinwdw]

The last day. :boohoohoo: No matter how long I am there it always goes too fast.

I took my time, packed the last few things I hadn't done the night before, got everything into my Owner's locker and made sure to update my list of what I needed and what I had in the locker. Ate my yummy croissant from BW bakery and drank the last of my OJ to wash it down.

I didn't leave the room until exactly 11. Stored my luggage and went off to Epcot. Grabbed a Soarin FP and then went to WS. Took my time going around WS, took a bunch of pics and saw the Voices of Liberty twice. Caught the 230 and 330 Off kilter shows, and amazingly again they were all there and they sounded great. Ate late lunch at Sunshine Food court in the land and used FP for Soarin. Did Nemo, SE again, meandered around Mousegear, did TT single rider. Before I knew it it was time to go. DME was coming to get me at 5:20, so I walked for the last time back to BW.

I got my luggage out of storage and picked up fudge to take home to the kids, their favorite. Also bought an apple pastry to take home to DD's boyfriend, who had watched my pets until DD came home. (took him out to dinner and gave him some $$ too to pay him back for helping out).

The bus was early, and the driver said we could wait for the next bus or take that one. I figured a bird in the hand was the smarter choice and hopped on the bus. Got to airport, bought a sandwich for the plane. Boarded and took off on time, no problems with the flight. DD picked me up and I was home from JFK in about 10 minutes.

103 days til my next trip report! :goodvibes:

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[newjerseynick]

After that we did GMR--and were lucky enough to get the Western Scene. I also showed her a hidden mickey I had read about but never been able to find until this trip. In the Raiders of the Lost Ark room, the one with the snakes, there are heiroglyphics on the back wall. The last panel on the wall to the left of the ride vehicle, 3 panels up, are heiroglyphics of Mickey and Donald. Very cool, but hard to spot if you don't know it's there.


Have you ever seen the hidden R2D2 in the same scene?
I spotted it for the first time this week. Very cool.

Nick

[idratherbeinwdw]

Have you ever seen the hidden R2D2 in the same scene?
I spotted it for the first time this week. Very cool.

Nick

Nope, read about it but havent seen it yet--where is it in relation to the mickey/donald?

[newjerseynick]

The last day. :boohoohoo: No matter how long I am there it always goes too fast.
103 days til my next trip report! :goodvibes:

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I know how you feel about leaving. :boohoohoo:
I've been looking at pics and reading Disney stuff all day.
130 days till our next trip. We keep missing each other by a week or 2!
What is this picture of? I am trying to make out what that is in the sky over Japan. UFO?

Nick

[idratherbeinwdw]

One more thing I forgot to mention. The carnation, the one I got at DS on Sunday, and carried around without water in 95 degree heat all day not only made it back to the room unscathed-it lasted the entire week and I brought it home wrapped in wet paper towels and covered in tin foil. It lasted another 5 days before it wilted. Some good strong pixie dust must have been applied to those carnations! :rocker:

[idratherbeinwdw]

I know how you feel about leaving. :boohoohoo:
I've been looking at pics and reading Disney stuff all day.
130 days till our next trip. We keep missing each other by a week or 2!
What is this picture of? I am trying to make out what that is in the sky over Japan. UFO?

Nick

It's a panormic shot from my balcony at BWV with a zoom lens. You can see the a bit of morroco, Japan, and the United States Pavilions. I think I messed up lining up the panorama feature, hence the "ufo".

[nono]

Nice report Mar -- way to stick it out and see it through to the end. I believe I have left a report or two stranded :blech:, so well done!!! :)

[idratherbeinwdw]

Nice report Mar -- way to stick it out and see it through to the end. I believe I have left a report or two stranded :blech:, so well done!!! :)

Thanks nono. :) I really didn't intend to wait this long, but life got in the way.... :blech:

[idratherbeinwdw]

Looks like you had a blast Mar. Were you able to catch the new Stitch show at the Kingdom? If so, what do you think?

Just noticed this now Rocco--I don't know what you're referring to, so I guess I didn't see it? Sorry for the delay in replying, missed the post til somehow.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Thanks Mar!
I ate that when a post gets eaten!
We all appreciate your effort in writing it all over again, I love all the pictures too.
This was nice to read with our trip coming up fast!

I can't wait to read all about it, you have such a terrific trip planned! :yahoo:

[7swans]

I am not the greatest trip reporter, but I shall try. Last year I think I only managed to report 2 days of the student trip.
Did you see our ticker! :D

[Zach Skellington]

Thanks Mar... great stuff!!!

I dread the day my kids don't go to WDW with me. However, your TR reminds me of the many things Disney has to offer that my DW and I don't do with the little ones. Maybe I will survive... ;)

[RoccoP72]

Just noticed this now Rocco--I don't know what you're referring to, so I guess I didn't see it? Sorry for the delay in replying, missed the post til somehow.

No problem Mar. It's the Stitch SuperSonic show or something like that. It is right across from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. It is a stage show where I guess Stitch interacts with the guests similar to Laugh Factory & Turtle Talk.

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

No problem Mar. It's the Stitch SuperSonic show or something like that. It is right across from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. It is a stage show where I guess Stitch interacts with the guests similar to Laugh Factory & Turtle Talk.


Are you talking about Stitches Great Escape at the old Alien Encounter attraction ?

[RoccoP72]

Are you talking about Stitches Great Escape at the old Alien Encounter attraction ?

No Viking there is a new stage show in Tomorrowland with Stitch. Here is a picture : http://www.mouseplanet.info/gallery/d/85365-2/MK_TL_Stitch_SSC_wideshot-russo.jpg

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

Hmmmm.. Never seen that before. Must be new.

[DiZ NeE 08]

No Viking there is a new stage show in Tomorrowland with Stitch. Here is a picture : http://www.mouseplanet.info/gallery/d/85365-2/MK_TL_Stitch_SSC_wideshot-russo.jpg

I was actually there the First EVER showing of that show! I thought it was pretty cool the fact that it's outside and it's interactive like the laugh floor!

[idratherbeinwdw]

No Viking there is a new stage show in Tomorrowland with Stitch. Here is a picture : http://www.mouseplanet.info/gallery/d/85365-2/MK_TL_Stitch_SSC_wideshot-russo.jpg

I totally missed this when I was there. I am not a big Stitch fan (except our "own" Stitch, Tom), but I would have looked had I known.

[newjerseynick]

No Viking there is a new stage show in Tomorrowland with Stitch. Here is a picture : http://www.mouseplanet.info/gallery/d/85365-2/MK_TL_Stitch_SSC_wideshot-russo.jpg

We caught the beginning of this on our way out of Carousel of Progress. Didn't stick around as it was pretty loud, and the baby was falling asleep. We will check it out in October.
Nick

[donald is #1]

Mar, what a great report! Thanks for posting it. :)


Was your room at BWV a 2 BR? I was looking at the pictures and the floor plan seemed different than the 1 BR that I can in December.

[kathyseb]

i am finally catching up on the boards after being gone for two weeks.

Great report and pictures Mar. Sounds like you had fun with your girls and then merged right into solo mode.

Thanks for making me feel like I was there with you.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Was your room at BWV a 2 BR? I was looking at the pictures and the floor plan seemed different than the 1 BR that I can in December.

It was a 1BR with a weird shape because it's on a corner of the building.

[idratherbeinwdw]

i am finally catching up on the boards after being gone for two weeks.

Great report and pictures Mar. Sounds like you had fun with your girls and then merged right into solo mode.

Thanks for making me feel like I was there with you.

Thanks Kathy! And hopefully you WILL be there with me next April, or another time soon. :goodvibes:

[donald is #1]

It was a 1BR with a weird shape because it's on a corner of the building.

Cool! I liked the shape of it.

[matysgranma]

Great trip report, Mar!!! I always love reading your reports because I truly feel like I'm back there. You've got the knack, alright!!! Gosh, your girls are really growing up. So pretty....just like mom!!

[Stitch]

I am not a big Stitch fan (except our "own" Stitch, Tom), .

Aww, shucks.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b180/90Jetta/thStitchNose.gif

[DiZ NeE 08]

Aww, shucks.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b180/90Jetta/thStitchNose.gif

lol! I don't like stitch but i think things like this make him funny!