Trip Report An Anniversary, a Birthday and no kid

Well we are here. Today will be full day number two. I'm just sitting here waiting for DH to wake up. We've had two very early mornings and decided to take it easy and go into EP a little later.

Weather has been great. A little shower yesterday but we missed it since we were in the Utilidor. Yes, the Utilidor. We had our KTTK tour yesterday. Lots of fun and cool info. I'll do a whole review later on.

Check IN at POFQ was smooth no waiting. No problems with the MBs yet either.Upgraded to river view in building 6 first floor. Lovely! I'd sent in a faxed request and truly did get what I asked for. The resort is beautiful and very quiet.

We've been to AK, just a couple of hours, and MK for Wishes and rides and then back to MK for the day yesterday. Headed to EP today. Sleeping in a but since we have FPs to Soarin that are good until 10. I'm liking these FPs and was able to change one easily on my phone yesterday. (It was actually easy and BTMRR was still available late in the day).

Excited for today. I'm doing pick a pearl in WS and then we have dinner at Sanaa and I'm telling DH about our Wild Africa Trek tour that we are taking tomorrow. Plus, it's cake day. We'll see how that turned out.

 

[Betsyboo]

Another great day today. Dinner at Sanaa last night was great. It might not be my thing but it was beautiful. The cake turned out well. Getting back to the hotel was a bit annoying but I knew that going in to it.

Currently raining but hope it will pass enough to ride a few things in MK before dinner at Ohana.

Started today with Wild Africa Trek in AK. Can't express how great it was. Worth every penny.

Lots of food pictures to post when I do my full trip report.

 

[coachwnh]

Looking forward to the pictures. Glad you enjoyed the trek. It really is a great time!

 

[Betsyboo]

Rain = fun. Had a great couple of hours at MK before dinner at Ohana. Because of the rain the crane at the castle was down so we got some pictures without it. Dinner is a long story so that will be saved for later.

Headed to HS for RD this morning. Having cake again for breakfast. LOL

Some rain in the forecast but nothing major so it should be a great day. Fantasmic tonight.

 

[Betsyboo]

Thursday our HS day was my favorite day of the trip. Friday was great too. Left today on the "Tragical Express". I actually cried about leaving today. Buuuuttttt I have a new countdown! Booked a bounce back yesterday. I'm now at 253! Can't wait to write up the trip report, share some thoughts and post in the countdown thread again. Heading home now to expected ice and lots of snow but I'll have most of the day tomorrow to unpack, do laundry and most importantly look at all my pictures before winter strikes bavk tomorrow night. Can't wait to see the Wild Africa Trek photos.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Thursday our HS day was my favorite day of the trip. Friday was great too. Left today on the "Tragical Express". I actually cried about leaving today. Buuuuttttt I have a new countdown! Booked a bounce back yesterday. I'm now at 253! Can't wait to write up the trip report, share some thoughts and post in the countdown thread again. Heading home now to expected ice and lots of snow but I'll have most of the day tomorrow to unpack, do laundry and most importantly look at all my pictures before winter strikes bavk tomorrow night. Can't wait to see the Wild Africa Trek photos.

So sad the trip is over, but can't wait to see/read more of the trip details. Plus- so exciting that you booked a bounceback!!! Let the pre-trip planning begin!

 

[Betsyboo]

We started our trip last Saturday by driving to Charlotte for our flight out on Sunday. Saturday was my husband's 40th birthday and we drove down, found our hotel and had a nice dinner. Nothing special, we were just too excited for Sunday and neither of us wanted to do much more than go back, go to bed and get ready for the next day. We were in bed at 8:47 but I don't think I slept a wink! Too excited.

Sunday morning we were off. Plane departed and landed on time and we were on the Magical Express by 10am.

Not the greatest picture but it's all I could get. I love that sign.

POFQ was the first stop and we were checked in by a nice gentleman with an iPad. Quick and easy. Our room wasn't ready (we could have taken one that was available but I knew I wanted to hold off) so we dropped our carry on bags at bell services and headed to AK. Just a whim. Checked some wait times and thought we'd enjoy a nice lunch over there.

I was a little excited.

We hit EE, short wait of mostly walking through the queue and headed to Pizzafari for lunch. I hadn't gotten into picture taking mode yet so no food pics but we did enjoy it. I had the hot Italian sandwich and DH had the veggie pizza.

Hit Dinosaur next, no wait again. Took in some sights and then headed back to POFQ after getting our text that the room was ready.

Glad I held off on the room. I'd sent a fax request 5 days prior to our arrival asking for a ground floor room and I also threw in that it was our anniversary and birthday celebration. Mentioned a river view room would be magical. Guess what we got?

Sorry the picture is dark but it really was beautiful. Building 6 Room 6124.

DH enjoying the sun on the riverbank. After our winter weather it did feel wonderful to have some sunshine.

We were headed to MK that evening for an ADR at Liberty Tree Tavern. Originally I'd booked BOG for dinner that night but after reviewing our plans and thinking about not having the opportunity of seeing Wishes from MSUSA the rest of the week, I cancelled BOG picked up LTT and hoped for the best.

I'll continue the TR with our evening at MK, Wishes and our dinner at LTT.

 

[stevehousse]

You are going on your next trip when I will be there! That's a good week to go in nov right after the end of the festival and the marathon that weekend. Crowds r great! Hope u have a great trip!

 

[Betsyboo]

You are going on your next trip when I will be there! That's a good week to go in nov right after the end of the festival and the marathon that weekend. Crowds r great! Hope u have a great trip!

You've been before during that time right? Are we going to enjoy Christmas decorations? I was wondering about the Candlelight Processional too.

 

[stevehousse]

Not sure about the candlelight processional as that is not our thing, but Christmas decorations are up at the parks and the MVMCP is during that time! We went on that Friday and had great success as that day was not a sell out! Weather was great, not too humid, comfortable enough for jeans during the day and a light hoodie at night...crowds were light never waited more than 20 minutes for rides, and free dining starts again that week (it's blocked out the week before) it was a great time! That's why we wanted to back during that same time again.

 

[Betsyboo]

Not sure about the candlelight processional as that is not our thing, but Christmas decorations are up at the parks and the MVMCP is during that time! We went on that Friday and had great success as that day was not a sell out! Weather was great, not too humid, comfortable enough for jeans during the day and a light hoodie at night...crowds were light never waited more than 20 minutes for rides, and free dining starts again that week (it's blocked out the week before) it was a great time! That's why we wanted to back during that same time again.

I wondered about the MVMCP too. When do the tickets go on sale and is one night better than another? Maybe I should start a pre trip report. LOL

 

[stevehousse]

I believe tickets go on sale beginning of summer? I bought ours like 2 months before we went I think? Not sure if one day is better than the others but that Friday party was not a sell out and was not crowded at all! The only crowds we experienced was on Main Street during the first parade!

 

[Betsyboo]

Sunday, February 23rd - Evening at MK

After checking in and taking a quick break we headed to MK. We had our first FP+ of the trip at 4 pm for Peter Pan. We haven't ridden that ride in a couple of trips mostly because the line is always terrible. It was one ride I wanted to definitely do this trip and after it was over I think I've had my fill for a couple more trips. As for the FP+, it worked great. Walked right on with a posted 60 minute standby.

Headed over to Space Mountain but made a couple of fun stops along the way. After SM we decided to try and stake out a spot for the MSEP. I've never gotten to watch the parade up close and personal so even though it was 6:30 the curbs were already quite crowded. I guess I should have expected that. We found a spot right on MSUSA across from Casey's. It wasn't actually on the street but a little section taped off by the first bridge. I enjoyed the parade and I'm glad I saw it as we got to see the floats up close and personal the following day. We went ahead and waited in the same spot for the projection show and then Wishes. I'm telling you there is nothing better than Wishes right in front of the Castle. It was wonderful. I think it made it even more special because we were standing with a couple and their children and they'd never seen Wishes before. It was wonderful watching their expressions. I think I cried.

Sorry there aren't photos in this post. I didn't want to take pics during the parade/fireworks because it always takes away from getting to really enjoy it. I think my husband has some pics of MSEP and I may come back and add them.

Now we are on to our dinner. As you remember I changed from BOG to LTT just so that I could watch Wishes. Am I happy about the change? Nope. It wasn't the food, it wasn't the wait it was the table. Can you say worst table in the entire restaurant? I found during this trip that tables for 2 just aren't the best. Either you are seated at a four top or the table for 2 is in an awkward area. LTT stuck us in a booth/seat right by the kitchen entrance and the area where they prep the place settings. Ugh. I refused the table at first but was told it would be at least a 30 minute wait for another. It was close to 9pm, I'd been up all night in anticipation of the trip and I was honestly just hungry. Our waitress was nice, but not overly eager on the refills. A very tired and exasperated family of four was seated next to us. Evidently there'd been some argument prior to dinner and let's just say mom wasn't happy with her DD. I've been there I know that by 9pm it's been a long day. All in all the food was good. I think there is one pic from dinner, not of the food, and it's me with a fake smile and my mug. Not posting that one. LOL

To finish out the night we hit BTMRR with our last FP+ of the night. We should have just called it a night. I was going to go on about our obnoxious fellow train riders but it's not worth it. Also, what's up with the water at the top of the hill? Has that always sprayed so much? I mean really spraying and getting us and the train car wet. I don't remember that from last year.

I promise our next day is better, and I'll be more positive. We do have pics and a good report on Cali Grill and our KTTK tour.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

If memory serves correctly, MVMCP tickets go on sale in May. You can even refer to last year's schedule to help gauge dates and reduced pricing info for this year. As for decorations and other holiday festivities...I believe it's around Nov 16/Nov 17 when the resort decorations go up, but they start making the Christmas shift in the parks by Nov 2. Based on last year's calendar, I am expecting Osborne Lights, Castle Dreamlights, and MVMCP to start up on Nov 7th...so, kicking off the last weekend of food & wine. Candlelight processional and storytellers in the WS in Epcot won't begin until the Friday after Thanksgiving. The MK tree also won't go up until after they film the Christmas parade. We're actually looking at this time in November for our trip

 

[TheMouseFan]

Great start to your report! I love your shirt in the AK pic. Where did you get it? I agree about the tables for 2! Our worst experience on our November trip with that was at Via Napoli. It felt like they had decided to just squeeze an extra table in between 2 other larger tables. We were not comfortable at all there, but that was the only time I recall being uncomfortable. The other restaurants were good. (We did 'Ohana, Crystal Palace, Mama Melrose's, and Kona). Can't wait to read more!

 

[Betsyboo]

Great start to your report! I love your shirt in the AK pic. Where did you get it? I agree about the tables for 2! Our worst experience on our November trip with that was at Via Napoli. It felt like they had decided to just squeeze an extra table in between 2 other larger tables. We were not comfortable at all there, but that was the only time I recall being uncomfortable. The other restaurants were good. (We did 'Ohana, Crystal Palace, Mama Melrose's, and Kona). Can't wait to read more!

I bought the shirt at Hot Topic. Strangely they have a very large selection of Disney shirts, dresses etc. I received several compliments. Thanks! We dined at Ohana too, but that's another post LOL. We loved Mama's and our seating there was good.

 

[Betsyboo]

Monday, February 24th - MSUSA and KTTK Tour

We were up bright and early to head to the MK for our tour. I'd read about getting in early, our tour was at 9 but we were there about 8:15 and they let us right in. We checked into the Chamber of Commerce, picked our lunch that we'd have later at CHH, picked up our headsets and headed off to MSUSA. I love MSUSA. Wonderful! It was mostly deserted except for those either on a tour or having an early breakfast.

We walked down MSUSA to the Castle and had our picture taken several times. I think this looks like it's taken in front of a green screen.

As we walked back to the CoC I noticed they were pulling out the MS vehicles from the car barn. The CMs were chatting and talking with passersby so I asked if we could take a picture sitting in the car. Of course they said.

Evidently they were training new CMs to drive the vehicles and they offered to give us a ride down MSUSA to the castle and back. Why yes, I think I will! I've never ridden in any of the vehicles during normal operating hours so why wouldn't I? It was so much fun! Angel, our driver, was really nice as was the CM training him. Evidently Angel was doing a super great job as the other CM bragged about him after we returned.

At around 8:45 they kicked off the welcome show. I will say it's much better from out front. Can't see much on the MSUSA side, of course. We did get a nice surprise though as after the show the characters all made their way down from the train.

Tiana walked right by and down MSUSA with the masses, no CM was with her. Thought that was strange as I've only seen characters with a "handler".

After everyone passed by it was time for our KTTK tour. This part of the TR will be picture free! All cameras, cell phones etc. are required to be turned off and out of sight during the tour. I get it for the most part but even when we were "on stage" we couldn't take pictures but I knew that going in. Our guide was Leah and she was really nice. We all wore headsets so that we could hear her as we proceeded through our 5 hours together. The headsets were definitely necessary as we were traveling in a pack of 20 and it was impossible to stay all together all the time and be able to hear what was going on.

We started by going down MSUSA and looking at the windows etc. I'm not going to give much away about what we learned/heard because I think it's more fun to take the tour than read about it. If you want anything specific just let me know.

We rode JC and HM during the tour. During the JC Leah explained different aspects of the ride and how it worked. At the HM she gave us information prior to going into the ride as our headsets wouldn't have worked inside. I found both interesting. If someone is concerned about Mr. Toad's headstone, I was told it's being cleaned and will be back. Cool facts about Madame Leota were shared as well.

Lunch at CHH was good, a little awkward as we were seated with others but by this point I was hungry and everyone on our tour was really nice so it didn't matter.

We did go in two backstage areas. One behind Splash Mountain and one behind the Crystal Palace. Both areas were interesting and it was amazing how things really change once you cross that "sight line". We did see several characters without their heads, kind of creepy really, and I'm pretty sure Minnie was a man. Behind SM we were able to see the MSEP floats up close and personal and I did get to see the Mickey/Minnie hot air balloon float from the new FoF parade. It was beautiful. The area behind the CP was where we entered the Utilidor. It was neat to see but really you aren't seeing much "behind the scenes".

We finished up back on MSUSA where we started.

All in all we enjoyed the tour. The 5 hours flew by and I think we learned a lot. I'm not sure I'd take the tour again but I would recommend it. I'd say it's pretty much the same tour each time but it also may be dependent on your guide.

It was about 2pm and of course we needed a dessert! We headed over to the Plaza Ice Cream Shop and ordered a sundae. Can't remember what it was called, not the Plaza Sundae but the other one. I do know it was a snack credit on the DDP. Whatever it was, it was delicious. Chocolate and Birthday Cake ice cream.

I'll continue with Cali Grill next post.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Sounds like the tour was good! Part of me really wants to take the tour, but I'd be so sad not taking pics. Can't wait to hear about Cali Grill

 

[coachwnh]

Loving the report. Enjoyed the tour info.
Ive heard other CMs talk about the first time seeing a character partially in costume, but this is the first I heard a guest say it. Like you, I would have been caught off guard. guess thats why there is an age limit for the tour. It would be awkward expelling that to the kids!

 

[Betsyboo]

Loving the report. Enjoyed the tour info.
Ive heard other CMs talk about the first time seeing a character partially in costume, but this is the first I heard a guest say it. Like you, I would have been caught off guard. guess thats why there is an age limit for the tour. It would be awkward expelling that to the kids!

Exactly! Seeing a bottom to a character and someone else carrying the head was weird.

While I did enjoy the tour, I really truly did, there are a couple of things that for some reason took away some magic. Not big things but just a couple of little things. That said, the tour also opened my eyes to several things I'd never noticed. I can't wait to share a few of the things with our son during our November trip, but definitely not the less magical ones.