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

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

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! :D ), 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:
 

nibblesandbits

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 2-Saturday Sept. 15
Epcot


So after the very late night the evening before, I was in no hurry to get up and get to the parks. So we woke up late and by the time we got to Epcot it was about 1 p.m.

New SE looks very pretty:

100_0696.jpg


The first thing we did was headed straight for Soarin to pick up some Fastpasses. Next, we decided to cash in on that dining plan and get ourselves some lunch at Sunshine Seasons. I got the pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, rice and Butterfinger brownie. That was really delicious!

100_0704.jpg


Then, since we were there, we rode Living with the Land. This was my first time riding without the tour guide and while I think it was done rather nicely...I think the ride does need a tour guide. Simply b/c without it, people feel more inclined to talk through it. (I apparently am one of them... )

Next it was off to see that loveable fishy...

100_0708.jpg


100_0710.jpg


This was also my first time riding The Seas with Nemo. I thought this was a really cool ride and definitely a nice diversion. I really thought the jelly fish portion was very cool. I really wanted to see this ride again.

Next, we went to visit the aquarium portion of the exibit. I don't think I've ever spent any time looking in the aquarium, so this was new for me. I thought it was cool b/c I saw a couple of dolphins, a shark, and a huge turtle!

Not great pics here, but you get the drift:

100_0714.jpg


100_0718.jpg


Next we went to see Turtle Talk, which I'd seen before, but thought was really cute. Then we went to see my buddy Figment! I like this ride, but do miss Dreamfinder...but hey...whatcha gonna do?

100_0730.jpg


100_0734.jpg


After that, we still had time before our FP for Soarin was up, so we went over to Test Track and got in the single rider line. I will not stand in the stand by line for that, way too long, and I'd much rather get a FP for Soarin and not sit next to WHF during TT. Although, he always gets to ride in the front and I'm always stuck in the back. Jerk.

100_0742.jpg


While I was on TT, I heard my phone ringing. After I got off the ride, I checked to see who it was...and it was our one and only Vince (Merhearted). He was actually IN Epcot...and wanted to hang out. I was shocked! Vince was in Epcot...this is what I'd hoped for! *evil laughter* I told him that we had FP for Soarin, so we would meet up after that. We had a little window before our dinner ressies for LeCellier.

After that, we still had time before our FP, so we went to M:S. I have felt queasy before when riding the spinning version, so I opted for M:S light and I liked it. I do however feel the effects are better on the other version. I like it better, but hate the throw up feeling I sometimes get.

100_0745.jpg


Up next: Meeting up with Vince, dinner, and Illuminations!
 

nibblesandbits

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
After M:S our FP were finally up for Soarin! *whew*

I know this is a clone, but I do absolutely love this ride. It's still such a thrill, but it's so easy to do too. I'm really glad that they brought this over.

So, after Soarin, WHF and I called Vince and started walking to World Showcase, since when Vince called before, that's where he was. Turns out, we needed to turn right back around b/c Vince was in Circle of Life taking a nap. So back we went and I got to meet Vince!

100_0752.jpg


Vince is a great guy and if any of you get the chance to meet him, take it. He's a lot of fun! (As you will later find out, Vince, WHF, and I spent a lot of time together on this trip...something I didn't think would happen b/c WHF was a little wary of meeting someone that I only knew off the internet).

Since we were already at the Land, I decided that the best ride to ride in the amount of time we had left before our ADR would be Living With the Land again. (That, and I just wanted to punish Vince since he loves Epcot so much...:lookaroun ) Vince was not happy...

Then we went to see O'Canada b/c I hadn't seen it yet and since our ADRs were for LeCellier, we'd be right there. But first, we met up with the guys from Brother Bear:

100_0757.jpg


I wanted to get my pic taken with WHF, but the bear I was holding on to ended up escorting me to the movie...so oh well. lol! We saw the film and I really liked it. It was my first time seeing a circlevision film...and this new one is very well done. Martin Short really is kinda funny in it. Very entertaining. I actually heard the movie getting quite a few laughs.

Then it was time for our ADR at LeCellier, so we said bye to Vince who was going to save us seats for Illuminations. (I can't thank him enough! Our seats were amazing, but more on that later). We checked into LeCellier and I felt sorry for all the people who were being turned away. I hope they found places to eat. While waiting for our table, the hostesses played Disney 20 questions. I actually guessed one of the characters right. (It was the Magic Carpet from Aladin). Once we were seated we ordered. I had the Cheddar Cheese soup (delicious), the Filet Mignon and cream cheese potatoes (also very good) and the chocolate moose! Wow...that was to die for!

DSC_0211.jpg


100_0760.jpg


In total our meal was $101.25...and we didn't have to pay a dime. I love free dining!!!
After that, I called Vince to find out where he was. He was in the front of WS, and had a prime viewing location. The spot is absoutely amazing as we looked out at all the countries at WS.

This was my first time seeing Illuminations in a while and I absolutely loved it! It is definitely my favorite fireworks show now! The castle firework shows may give you incredibly beautiful pics, but Illuminations is amazing!

Pics:

DSC_0234.jpg


DSC_0231.jpg


DSC_0229.jpg


DSC_0237.jpg


DSC_0246.jpg
 

NewfieFan

Well-Known Member
People! If this TR goes on much longer we're going to gain weight eating all the popcorn, Pringles, chocolate, etc.:p

By the way, great TR and I love the pics! (And yes I'm eating an Aero bar right now!):D
 

nibblesandbits

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
After Illuminations, we weren't ready to say bye to Vince...so we walked around World Showcase so I could take some night pictures of the pavillions. We had a wonderful talk with Vince. I mostly remember talking about hockey...and them waiting for me to take my pictures.

Here are a few:

DSC_0250.jpg


DSC_0258.jpg


DSC_0271.jpg


DSC_0268.jpg


After that we said bye to Vince, knowing we were going to be seeing him the next day and then hopped on the bus back to the hotel. Once back, we walked around the store for a little bit where I found a watch that I really liked and thought about getting. Then we went to play some arcade games. WHF and I have to play air hockey every time we see a table practically. So we played a couple of games...I beat him every time. And I mean ever game we played during our trip...I'm getting so good at air hockey! :D

We were gonna sit by the pool and soak our feet again, but they closed it due to the lightening, so instead we went to bed to get ready for our next adventure...Animal Kingdom!
 

DisneyBunny

Active Member
*mutters*


Bunny gave birth faster than this.....:rolleyes:

:lol:
After M:S our FP were finally up for Soarin! *whew*

I know this is a clone, but I do absolutely love this ride. It's still such a thrill, but it's so easy to do too. I'm really glad that they brought this over.

So, after Soarin, WHF and I called Vince and started walking to World Showcase, since when Vince called before, that's where he was. Turns out, we needed to turn right back around b/c Vince was in Circle of Life taking a nap. So back we went and I got to meet Vince!

100_0752.jpg





100_0760.jpg


In total our meal was $101.25...and we didn't have to pay a dime. I love free dining!!!

Yay for meet-ups! :sohappy:

Mmmm.... moose... I'm going to miss the dining plan. :(

Great pics! I'm going to have to get you to give me lessons before my next trip...:lookaroun
 

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom