Nibblesandbits Amazingly Wonderful Trip Report Number 3 (Sept. 14-21)

The Pre-Game: (Before we get into the meat and potatoes of this TR! )

This trip was absolutely great. My DH (What's His Face as he is commonly known around here-also abbreviated WHF) and I had a wonderful time and even during this last trip we were already talking about going back, since we were offered the Free Dining for next year. We didn't take Disney up on their offer, as we were still mulling where we want to go for our next vacation, but going back to Disney World is definitely in our minds again. (Right now, we are considering Vegas and Disneyland however).

What's His Face and I have been planning this trip for about a year now. I remember hearing about the Halloween parties last year and knowing that I wanted to go when those were going on. I also knew that I wanted to go in Sept. b/c crowds were small and with the hope that Disney would be offering Free Dining. I got my wish on all accounts.

Now, after reflecting on all my trips, I realize I actually learn something new each time. The last trip before this one, I learned not to kill myself by trying to accomplish everything in a short window of time. This time I learned a very different lesson. As a Disney Fanatic, we all try to plan, and plan, and plan our trips. This then skews our expectations on what we believe our trip will then turn out like. (Then we wonder why people come back complaining about what a crummy time they had or problems that occured.) For me, while I do try to plan, I don't over plan...this just works well for me. However, I guess I'd been hyping up this trip for so long in my head, that I was still a little disappointed when things didn't go as I had "planned" in my head. Next trip, I am going to try not to "plan" so hard in my head. (Good luck to me! :ROFLOL: )

Just so you know, I am DEFINITELY NOT complaining about my trip. I did end up having a blast, however, the way I got there was not how I planned and I think that's why I may feel a little sad now. I did a lot of things that were new or different than usual on this trip, including, but not limited to, going to the (very soggy) MNSSHP, going on my first tour (a Segway Tour!), meeting up with a couple of friends for the first time that I've "met" from here, going to Pleasure Island for the first time and falling in love with the Adventurer's Club (Kungaloosh! ), getting to eat in restaurants I would have never dreamed I'd be eating in, and seeing attractions that normally, I wouldn't pick to see.

As you can probably tell, this trip was jam packed with action...so let's get down to the fun! (And of course, the pictures!) :sohappy:

 

[MerHearted]

Oh yeah...well don't forget what I did for you and EMH! :fork:

And that wasn't evil...you just got excited before I could finish what I was saying. I can't help it if I thought it was funny.



I did not get apprehended! I asked the people if I could go take a picture and they said yes. I was walking back to Main Street with the security guard out of my own free will! No apprehension necessary!

I recall you being tasered. :lookaroun

 

[Monty]

I recall you being tasered. :lookaroun

Gee, you'd think she's remember that!


:ROFLOL:

 

[cattprez]

what camera do u use? ur pics esp. the night ones are awesome

 

[sissa216]

I always wondered about that. If you jump the line, there really isn't any way to escort you out... I wouldn't do it, but I imagine the CMs are instructed not to make a big fuss. Arguing with guests in front of other guests just isn't good show... regardless how some guests should be argued with!

I was a CP at space....we would simply send them back out the way they came in :shrug:

 

[nibblesandbits]

Gee, you'd think she's remember that!


:ROFLOL:

You know...you'd think...maybe the taser messed with my head.

what camera do u use? ur pics esp. the night ones are awesome

I actually have two...one is a Kodak EasyShare V530, but the really amazing photos I took with a professional camera. (I work for a professional photographer and borrowed a camera.) It costs quite a chunk of change...but it's a Nikon D70.

I was a CP at space....we would simply send them back out the way they came in :shrug:

Yeah...well, unfortunately at that time, the CM didn't quite look like they knew what they were doing...so they just let them through. I even told them she cut and they didn't do anything about it.

Ok...I plan on working on Day 7 tonight...

 

[nibblesandbits]

Day 7 - Thurs. Sept. 20
Epcot and MK

Today was our last full day on property and we were going to make the best of it. This was our most exciting day b/c today we had a Segway Tour planned.

The Segway tour was important for 2 reasons. 1. Riding a Segway is something that I've always wanted to so...at least since they've come out. The looked so neat and it was always something I was so jealous of whenever I saw someone riding. And 2. This was what WHF and I decided would be our one year anniversary presents to each other. So I was finally cashing in!

Unfortunately, we had to get up super early for today's events! This was not fun for people who stayed up until 1:30 in the morning at the AC! So we got to the parks right on time (9:15) and were a little intimidated when we saw our group. We were the youngest people there. (Luckily a younger kid showed up later...but he wasn't very social.) Also, our original guide was very nice, but not real friendly either. He was more your fatherly type and was afraid you'd hurt yourself. Which I appreciate, b/c I didn't want to get hurt!

So first of all, we learned the proper techniques of how to use a Segway. I didn't know how much it entailed! After that, we then went to put those techniques into practice. I got on the Segway and had a little trouble with it at first. I couldn't keep my balance and I couldn't keep it straight. But then our other guide Nicole, helped me learn how to balance a little bit better and by the time she was done, I had the balancing thing down pat and learned how to use the machine a bit better. WHF also had a little trouble with this too, but mastered it as well.

Now, I guess I should go into talking about Nicole, since I'm here. I absolutely loved Nicole! She works in Guest Relations and obviously does the Segway tours. She was so incredibly great and we had a blast with her. (It probably didn't hurt that she was my age either.) Actually, she was so great, that the next day, when we were sitting at the airport, she actually came up to us and said hi! She was on the same flight we were going home to see her family! I was really impressed with that. She didn't have to say a thing to us.

Anyway, back to the Segway Tour. From there, we learned how to do the "road" course. We weave in and out of cones and practiced stopping on a dime. I actually was pretty good with it and WHF got the hang of it quickly too.

After that, we then did the incline test where we learned how to use the machine to go up and down and incline and then stop on a dime on the incline. This was important in case a kid came running out in front of us.

Finally, it was time to go on the open road. This was such a neat experience and I really recomend it to anyone who is even thinking about trying it. (And if you're debating on whether to pay the $85 vs. the $35...go for the $85...it is well worth the money!) I learned a little about WS that I didn't now...and some that I did. EX...I knew about TOT being behind Moracco, but was meant to blend in, but I didn't know that the blue tile they are working on for in Japan is supposed to last 500 years! Matter of fact, I think I got to see Japan without the tarps on it, but I didn't realize that was new, so I didn't take a picture of it! This seriously was so much fun and I am so freaking glad I did it!

Us on our Segways:

We finished up our tour and then we went straight back to WS b/c we hadn't really been there yet, besides the tour. Let me tell you! I wished I had my Segway back!!! It is so much easier to get around WS with it! It's so exhausting without it! Ok, so we're back in WS and the first thing I want to do is ride the new Gran Fiesta.

Now, I have no problem with the characterization of Epcot. Matter of fact, I'm kinda glad they're adding them to this park, however, I did have some issue with this attraction. The video screens actually made it distracting. There were so many of them and so much going on on them, that it was hard to know where to look and when. However, it was still better than it was before. So it does have that going for it.

Then we rode Norway. Man, I forgot how short that ride is!!! After that, we walked to American Adventure. It was the first time I'd seen this show in years and I absolutely loved it. Thought it was beautifully done and I was amazed by it. As I was sitting there, I realized I was getting EXTREMELY sleepy! (Stupid Vince and his idea to stay out late!) So we decided to take the Friendship to Future World, b/c I couldn't walk anymore. Then it started pouring again! We got to FW and went to go check out Ellen, b/c I wanted to take a nap. Unfortunately, it had just broken down.

We then walked over to TT, which was also down, but this was b/c of the rain. We heard them testing cars, so thought it might start up soon, so we got in the singles line. We waited for about 20 minutes without moving, so we got out of line and went over to the Land to get FP for Soarin. While we were there, we thought, let's just take a nap in Circle of Life. So we did. We sat through two cycles and took a tiny catnap.

After that, we went back to see if Ellen was working, and it was...I tried to sleep, but the dinosaurs roaring kept waking me up! So then we went to ride The Seas again, b/c I wanted to see it a second time. After that, we went to see Turtle Talk again, which is definitely not as good two days so close together. It's a lot better if you only see it once per trip. After that, we used our FP for Soarin.

Then it was time for our PS at Coral Reef. This was one of those places that I'd heard about. People either really love it or really dislike it. I was in the dislike category, WHF is in the like category. The one thing I did love was the atmosphere. It's so pretty in here and we got the best seat in the house, right next to the aquarium. We even got to see the divers!!! I had the Lobster Soup and the Shrimp Pasta...which I did not enjoy the pasta. The soup wasn't bad. The one thing I did like from here though was the dessert. I had the chocolate wave without cherries and wow!! It was delicious!!!

This was the other spot where our server was lackluster. I think here though it just amounted to her being over-exerted. She was very busy, but she did accomodate me at times too...so I think she was probably a decent waitress, just extremely swamped!

From there, we hurried on over to MK! We thought the park closed at 8 and it was 6:30 by now. I couldn't spend my last night on property at Epcot, I had to end at MK. I always have to end at MK. That is the spot that I love the most. So as soon as we got there, we got our FP for Space and we also found out that the park was actually open until 9! Yay! Nice surprise for us! After that, it started pouring again, so we hopped on the TTA and went around twice in hopes that the rain would clear up. It didn't.

After that, we then went to see Monster's again. This also wasn't as funny the second time. It needs a break period. A longer break period than some of the other attractions. After that, we rode Space again.

Then I had to have one more ride on the Haunted Mansion. It is my absolute favorite and since it was done up so pretty, I coudn't resist. Then we ran to Splash b/c we were running out of time and still wanted to fit in Pirates again! Luckily, I didn't get wet this time! Unfortunately, when we were trying to get to POTC, Spectro was showing and blocking the way...(it had a late start). So we were stuck.

We watched a bit of the parade and then headed back to Main Street so we could try to catch Wishes. That's when the heavens broke loose again! I had my umbrella, but I still go SOAKED! The wind was just whipping the rain onto me. (Turns out, I found out there was a tornado in there area that night! )

I decided to go sit in Tomorrowland to watch Wishes where the Noodle Station was. After Wishes, we went to look in the shops and I had to get my fudge. I'd been waiting all week and used up the rest of my snack credits on that. Then we got on the bus for home. The one thing I regret, is I forgot to say goodbye to my castle. That upset me a lot on the way home.

Once we got back to the hotel, I bought the watch I'd had my eye on and WHF and I went to the arcade to play our last few rounds of air hockey...or so we thought. Then we went back up to the room to pack.

 

[nibblesandbits]

Day 8 Friday, Sept 21
Going Home

It's always hard to say good bye to something when you've been having so much fun doing it. Unfortunately, it was time for us to say See Ya Real Soon to the Mouse for a while.

This morning, we got a late check out and then went down to the food court to get ourselves some lunch. I had a sloppy joe which was delicious and WHF had the nachos. I also bought WHF a laynard for his pins b/c the one that we brought we couldn't find as we were packing. (Luckily Disney found it and sent it back to us! It was a special laynard for us as this was the one that WHF had won off of Millionare on our first trip together, so I was thrilled that it was sent back to us!)

After that, we went to play one more game of air hockey b/c we had found an arcade game pass that we had points left on and once again, I kicked WHF's butt. From there, it was time to hop on our ME motorcoach (which was a little late) and get to the airport.

The flight back was very smooth and there were no major problems. We found our luggage ASAP once we got back and got picked up by my mom who took us home.

Up next: My final reflections.

 

[nibblesandbits]

Final Reflections:

This trip, when looking back on it, was actually a blast. Even though it didn't go the way I'd "planned" what I got from it was a lot of new experiences, seeing my old favorites, and knowing that the next time I came, I would plan to make sure to spend more time at MK!

A lot of people keep asking, what was your favorite part of the trip? At first it was hard to answer, but now that it's been a week or so, I can come up with a few things.

First, was the Adventurer's Club. It was an absolute blast and something that I am going to try to do each and every trip I go on now! I am addicted! Kungaloosh!

Second was the reason we went to the AC, and that was meeting Vince. Vince is such a blast to hang out with. I am so glad that we meshed so well together, all three of us. I really was worried at first, but I should have known it would be a piece of cake. And I definitely didn't think I'd be seeing Vince for three days when I was planning this trip, but I'm so glad that I did!

Third, the Segway tour. That was honestly one of the most fun ways to celebrate a first anniversary. I can't gush enough about what a blast that was!

Fourth: Going to Mickey's Not So Dry Halloween Party. Yes, I got soaked and yes, a lot got ruined b/c of the rain, but since WHF and I made the best of a bad situation, we had so much fun while everyone else was inside all the shops or under overhangs.

Fifth: Seeing the new HM! I was so thrilled to be seeing something right after it opened. I've only done that one other time with Soarin and LMA and I have to admit, I like being able to time my vacations just right to see the new stuff open.

Sixth: The free dining! Wow...this was absolutely incredible. I absolutely loved it and it's definitely made me consider getting the dining plan in the future, even if I do have to pay tips. And man, I don't think I've eaten so much in my life. I also got to eat at restaurants I would have never dreamed I could afford to eat at! I would never have tried LeCellier if it weren't for the dining plan. At the end though we only had one thing left, and that was 2 counter service meals. We wanted to use that bad boy up and we did! In total, our meals came out to being: 114.12 at Coral Reef, 56.69 at ESPN, 101.25 at LeCellier, 69.70 at Liberty Tree Tavern, and 66.39 at Prime Time Cafe. (I don't have the receipt for our bill at Chef Mickey's but I'll assume it was close to LTT).

Seventh: Getting to relax. So many people rush, rush, rush. We didn't get up early but the one day we had the Segway tour. We paid for it that day too. All the other days, we took things slowly. It ended up being really nice and we didn't tire ourselves out, so that when we came back, we'd need another vacation.

Eighth: And this is probably the most important-Spending time with my husband. I couldn't have asked for anything more than this. This was really and truly the best part about the whole trip. Simply being in each other's company and being happy.

Thank you all for being a part of this wonderful trip by helping me relieve it here in Trip Report form! I hope you enjoyed living in it, just as much as I enjoyed re-living it. And hopefully, I'll be seeing Disney "real soon".

I leave you now with some final pictures from my trip!

 

[mpoppins76]

Awww, Nibblies. Such a wonderful TR, sweetie! I loved reading every minute of it. :kiss::kiss:

 

[NewfieFan]

Yeah, that was great! It was worth the wait!:animwink:

 

[Shere_Khan]

NIbbs I just finished it and I really enjoyed your report!

I have to say, that Dinosaur scares the living bejeezus out of me. I went on it in 2003 totally not expecting it to be scary, and I was so scared that I was in my mother's lap.
When I was there this past February, I was alone, and I thought ok, I know what is coming, I will try it again. I rode the entire ride with my head down and eyes closed. I just could not bring myself to see the big scary Dinosaur come out at us!
So I feel your pain!
I hate things jumping out at you in the dark!

 

[Disnut]

Great TR Nibbs. I loved reading it. I felt like I was there with you in many ways.:sohappy::sohappy::sohappy:

 

[mouselvrmom]

Thanks for the great trip report! It was great reliving it with you! I, too, don't feel complete unless I spend my last night in MK & my fave ride is HM, too.

 

[Nemo14]

Great report Nibbs - glad you liked the Segway tour.

 

[H20Babie]

I really enjoyed your TR, especially reading about your Segway tour. I'm planning to do one, but I was thinking of the new one at Fort Wilderness for some different scenery.

Thank you!

 

[nibblesandbits]

Awww, Nibblies. Such a wonderful TR, sweetie! I loved reading every minute of it. :kiss::kiss:

Thank you!!!

Yeah, that was great! It was worth the wait!:animwink:

Glad you waited around for it. :lol: Sorry it took me a while, but real life got in the way more than once.

NIbbs I just finished it and I really enjoyed your report!

I have to say, that Dinosaur scares the living bejeezus out of me. I went on it in 2003 totally not expecting it to be scary, and I was so scared that I was in my mother's lap.
When I was there this past February, I was alone, and I thought ok, I know what is coming, I will try it again. I rode the entire ride with my head down and eyes closed. I just could not bring myself to see the big scary Dinosaur come out at us!
So I feel your pain!
I hate things jumping out at you in the dark!

See Vince! I'm not the only one!!

And it's b/c of hearing things like that that I won't ride it! I hate things jumping out at me...and dinosaurs have messed me up since I was a kid. (It was actually Disney who messed me up on that. Back when Ellen's Energy Adventure wasn't Ellen's...my parent's took me on it...scared the bejesus out of me! I hid on the floor! Dinosaurs have been a fear ever since...even though their dead! It's the AAs that scare me. )

Great TR Nibbs. I loved reading it. I felt like I was there with you in many ways.:sohappy:

Thank you!

Thanks for the great trip report! It was great reliving it with you! I, too, don't feel complete unless I spend my last night in MK & my fave ride is HM, too.

Glad I'm not the only one! And you're welcome!

Great report Nibbs - glad you liked the Segway tour.

I loved it! It was so much fun!

I really enjoyed your TR, especially reading about your Segway tour. I'm planning to do one, but I was thinking of the new one at Fort Wilderness for some different scenery.

Thank you!

You're welcome! I heard them talking about the Segway tour at Fort Wilderness with someone in our group who asked about what the Segways for that looked like. They look really neat! Rugged!

 

[Nicole220]

Wonderful report Nibbs!

 

[MerHearted]

Awwww, great TR! :sohappy::sohappy::sohappy: I loved hanging out with you too. Now hurry up and come back! :lookaroun

 

[jesserin]

Ooooh thanks for thinking of me sweetie! So glad you had a great trip! Lizzy and I were talking all about your trip after you called... she had to pull out her disney books to look - I showed her all the fun thiings you'd be doing. :lol: Awesome report girly!

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Good thing I was away for a week, gave you time to finish...:lol:
Excellent report....except for the mushy ending...but that's OK too.
Thanks for sharing!