Well here we go again...
Pre-trip?
I don't know...
Pre-trip?
I don't know...
-
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Trip Report englanddg's Getting a bit Enthusiastic Escapade...
- Thread starter englanddg
- Start date
90 minutes.
Rista1313
Well-Known Member
not TOO bad, better than 3 hours. I'm so glad we were able to get a fast pass when we were there in May! We really loved this ride!
Yeah, it was in the 2+ hour range most of the day. I was keeping a loose eye on it.
It worked pretty well, as a trick. No complaints.
The second half of the queue feels it goes rather quickly, as there is a lot to look at.
We only had 20 minutes at the River Ride.
But, it did mean we had to sortof hoof it over to the night show to get there by our 8:30 FP “window”.
My final post for that day, which is next, I will get into that...
Figments Friend
Well-Known Member
Enjoying this, and enjoying your pictures as well!
Makes for a nice pre-trip peek for me as I arrive in Orlando in a week.
Have a terrific time, and I look forward to your forthcoming reviews and photos.
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Makes for a nice pre-trip peek for me as I arrive in Orlando in a week.
Have a terrific time, and I look forward to your forthcoming reviews and photos.
-
After the ride we peered outside to see, good luck! The rain shower that was incoming when we entered the ride had blown over. Sweet!
So....gift shops after rides haven’t captured much attention from us in a while...but, this one sure did!
The kiddo wanted one of these Banshee. She got the whole “adoption” demonstration and, after pondering her Pandoran purchase, decided this is what she wanted to spend part of her souvenir budget on. She was eyeballing the “limited edition” one, for...$100? I think?
But, decided that was, in her words, “a bit too much to ask”. So, she got the $60 one. She said the main difference between the two is the color scheme, and the limited edition one comes with a perch. “Not a good deal”, she decided.
Okey doke kiddo. Your budget, your money!
Then we headed over to the River ride, and that was 30 minutes...but, our wait was actually more like 20. We watched the line behind us dwindle away as we progressed...and, by the time we had gotten off the ride, it was basically a walk on!
Of course, this was because it was getting really close to the nighttime show...
But, to the ride itself...it was...a let down. I mean, don't get me wrong...the animatronics were really well done, the music was "Pandoraish" (not very memorable though, just basic chant stuff), and there wasn't anything outright "wrong" with the ride.
But...it was still a let down. The kid went on and on about how “a new ride shouldn’t be like Pirates but be worse than Pirates”.
I tried to make some positive comments about the animatronic, but, yeah. It was calm and enjoyable...but sortof a letdown. Too many screens.
I did see what they were trying to do with layering things to add some depth, but it just...looked on par with the Mexico boat ride, frankly...no...maybe even a bit less interesting.
See, there is no real "plot"...there's nothing you are doing except journeying into the "sacred world of the Nav'i" or something or other. And, if you are really into Pandora, and really committed to the in your face noble savage trope, I suppose you could enjoy it. But...otherwise...it just was, well...like I said, a let down.
Skippable in the future, in our opinion.
At this point we had 20 minutes to hoof it across the park to make our 8:30 closing window for FP for Rivers of Light.
But, we were famished again by this point...and needed to eat...
Thank goodness Yak and Yeti Express (ok, I don’t remember the name) was open! Perfect!
We decided to split an Orange Chicken.
It was fantastic! I love this spot. But, I admit, this close to closing I wouldn’t have been surprised if the food wasn’t the freshest, but it was!
And, it really hit the spot.
So close!
So, a short walk and we were at the FP gates with 2 minutes to spare. We took our seats, and enjoyed the show.
I would describe it, but there isn’t much point. There are hundreds of great videos of it online.
Instead, I will say my impression of the show is that is was breathtaking and visually stunning. The water spout stuff was pretty interesting (reminiscent of World of Color at DCA), but really it was the show itself...the music, the costumes, the performers...
It had a very appropriate tone to it, and, well worth a watch.
So....gift shops after rides haven’t captured much attention from us in a while...but, this one sure did!
The kiddo wanted one of these Banshee. She got the whole “adoption” demonstration and, after pondering her Pandoran purchase, decided this is what she wanted to spend part of her souvenir budget on. She was eyeballing the “limited edition” one, for...$100? I think?
But, decided that was, in her words, “a bit too much to ask”. So, she got the $60 one. She said the main difference between the two is the color scheme, and the limited edition one comes with a perch. “Not a good deal”, she decided.
Okey doke kiddo. Your budget, your money!
Then we headed over to the River ride, and that was 30 minutes...but, our wait was actually more like 20. We watched the line behind us dwindle away as we progressed...and, by the time we had gotten off the ride, it was basically a walk on!
Of course, this was because it was getting really close to the nighttime show...
But, to the ride itself...it was...a let down. I mean, don't get me wrong...the animatronics were really well done, the music was "Pandoraish" (not very memorable though, just basic chant stuff), and there wasn't anything outright "wrong" with the ride.
But...it was still a let down. The kid went on and on about how “a new ride shouldn’t be like Pirates but be worse than Pirates”.
I tried to make some positive comments about the animatronic, but, yeah. It was calm and enjoyable...but sortof a letdown. Too many screens.
I did see what they were trying to do with layering things to add some depth, but it just...looked on par with the Mexico boat ride, frankly...no...maybe even a bit less interesting.
See, there is no real "plot"...there's nothing you are doing except journeying into the "sacred world of the Nav'i" or something or other. And, if you are really into Pandora, and really committed to the in your face noble savage trope, I suppose you could enjoy it. But...otherwise...it just was, well...like I said, a let down.
Skippable in the future, in our opinion.
At this point we had 20 minutes to hoof it across the park to make our 8:30 closing window for FP for Rivers of Light.
But, we were famished again by this point...and needed to eat...
Thank goodness Yak and Yeti Express (ok, I don’t remember the name) was open! Perfect!
We decided to split an Orange Chicken.
It was fantastic! I love this spot. But, I admit, this close to closing I wouldn’t have been surprised if the food wasn’t the freshest, but it was!
And, it really hit the spot.
So close!
So, a short walk and we were at the FP gates with 2 minutes to spare. We took our seats, and enjoyed the show.
I would describe it, but there isn’t much point. There are hundreds of great videos of it online.
Instead, I will say my impression of the show is that is was breathtaking and visually stunning. The water spout stuff was pretty interesting (reminiscent of World of Color at DCA), but really it was the show itself...the music, the costumes, the performers...
It had a very appropriate tone to it, and, well worth a watch.
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Leaving the park, I felt something absolutely interesting.
I was...having a blast!
I must admit, I never have been much of an Animal Kingdom fan. I found it hot and unsatisfying. Not to say I have never enjoyed it, but I would skip it if offered a choice. And, we have in the past, devoting surpringly few days to it on our previous trips.
This trip...the additions and expansions, really bring the park together, imho. Well done, Disney.
Well..done!
So, as we came up to the bus stops, the Pop
Bus was backed up all the way outside the queue. Oh no...no sir!
AoA had a line not even to the end of the first switchback. So, we took AoA!
This is part of why I like the Hourglass Lake complex. The dual bus lines with connecting bridge / path actually makes it quite an easy resort area to get in and out of. The new Skyliner will make that even more the case!
And, AoA looked nice, as always. The kiddo remembered it, and as the last time we stayed there, thought the registration desk area was gorgeous.
We swung out by the pool, and picked up a soda, and I got a pina colada. Sipping those on a pleasant stroll back around the lake to our rooms, where we showered (did I mention how awesome the showers are?!), and hit the sack.
Tomorrow! EPCOT!!
I was...having a blast!
I must admit, I never have been much of an Animal Kingdom fan. I found it hot and unsatisfying. Not to say I have never enjoyed it, but I would skip it if offered a choice. And, we have in the past, devoting surpringly few days to it on our previous trips.
This trip...the additions and expansions, really bring the park together, imho. Well done, Disney.
Well..done!
So, as we came up to the bus stops, the Pop
Bus was backed up all the way outside the queue. Oh no...no sir!
AoA had a line not even to the end of the first switchback. So, we took AoA!
This is part of why I like the Hourglass Lake complex. The dual bus lines with connecting bridge / path actually makes it quite an easy resort area to get in and out of. The new Skyliner will make that even more the case!
And, AoA looked nice, as always. The kiddo remembered it, and as the last time we stayed there, thought the registration desk area was gorgeous.
We swung out by the pool, and picked up a soda, and I got a pina colada. Sipping those on a pleasant stroll back around the lake to our rooms, where we showered (did I mention how awesome the showers are?!), and hit the sack.
Tomorrow! EPCOT!!
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Day 3 - Get Figgy With It!
So, second night on the...not sure what to call it...Murphy Bed? Still quite satisfied with it!
You might wonder why I am sleeping on the “pull down” and allowing my kiddo the more “elegant” arrangements. I wish I could claim some form of “good daddy chivalry” here, but it isn’t that.
I run her through her nightly “shutdown” cycle (shower, pajamas, teeth) first, and want to get her settled in bed, watching some old Disney cartoons I cast from my laptop to the chrome stick, before I start my shutdown cycle.
And, I like to have to table up whilst doing that.
So, this thing doesn’t allow me to have a table AND a bed, the table collapses down to support the bed. So, it becomes a choice. A choice I made when I saw the arrangement.
This isn’t a gripe, however. I find the bed perfectly comfortable. Not quite what I have at home, but on par with most hotel mattresses. Just not quite as nice as the one on the “main” bed.
I let her sleep in a bit more and snagged coffee and walked hourglass lake again. When I got back I nudged the kid awake, who promptly turned on some more cartoons, casting off her laptop...something Anime...surprised I am not.
I did my “boot up” routine and allowed her the normal morning space in the room as I went to get breakfast.
Yesterday I had to do the Bounty Platter (needed them Mickey Waffles, for tradition!), but something had caught my eye.
Chicken Fried Chicken! Oh my!
Now, I am pretty sure these are the same prepped (but uncooked) chickens left over from the previous days Chicken Parmesan they also serve here, but this is an inventive way to extend the usefulness of the item to all the meal services.
I added some sausage to crumble over the dish (real sawmill gravy gotta have them sausage chunks, don’t ya know!), and the obligatory side of bacon for the kiddo.
I also got some grapes and apples (because they were out of the larger Disney prepped grape cups), some chocolate milk, and some water and more coffee for me.
Breakfast was awesome. I am going to have to get this again before we leave! Though, whilst the kiddo and I normally share a breakfast, next time I might get two because she ate most of the chicken!
After that we went down to concierge to do two things.
1). Release the spending limit I had placed on her magicband. I trust her (or she will be washing dishes for me) to be responsible, and I like the flexibility of letting her get her own snacks as we go along without having to attend her at the cart.
I just don’t want to have to keep up with how much she has “left” on her band.
2). Check to see if our package had arrived for the Halloween party. As I mentioned earlier, I believe, I had ordered her a shirt to go with her costume (basically, it is her costume, and it was what she picked). It hadn’t arrived yet. Concerning...but, I have a backup plan! We shall give it another day.
One more thing to note here...as elsewhere someone asked why I didn’t just go straight to my room as I had done online check in. Well, I was instructed not to as I entered, and was ushered to the “online check in” section you see marked above. And, as when I arrived, the online line was long, and the regular guest was non-existent.
Something...ain’t right here...
The queue behind all the people is the regular check in...
Anyway, we went outside to wait for our bus. The sign said 6 minutes. Then it changed to 20 minutes...and, as we waited, on the bench, the line grew from one family to two switchbacks full. The kiddo was none too happy about this...”we were first!?”
I explained she had wanted to sit in the shade, and she says what you would expect... “I know, but...”. And then she realized what was happening to the Hollywood Studios people.
See, they had been backed up for a while. We heard people complaining to the bus attendants, etc. So, when two busses pulled up, there was a communal sigh of relief from that waiting area.
But, that didn’t change the fact she didn’t want to stand. So, when a stretch bus pulled up shortly after headed to Magic Kingom, she asked if we could use that to go to Epcot.
Um, sure? We will take it then need to take the loop to TTC then take the Epcot monorail from there. It will take us about an hour?
Let’s go!, she said.
Um, ok?
See, the first two trips we did, this was how I took her to The first Epcot day (which was always the second day, with MK being the first). It seems she actually remembered this, as she started asking if this was the “loop around Spaceship Earth”.
Indeed, it is.
And, she was correct, we had plenty of space!
We got off at MK and she stopped and looked around and sighed...
“It is good to be home”
(Insert Daddy sniffle here)
I asked her if she wanted to ride the Joe Fowler, as we haven’t done that since her second trip. It was just coming to the landing and would be loading about the time we walked there. But, she declined.
“I saw the Meg, water is NOT happening!”
The Meg...this years Jaws...ok...
As we approached the entrance, you could tell she was having a conflict internally. “Perhaps we can just go inside and get a snack?”
“We brought the grapes and apples.”
“Yeah, ok. Picture?”
Yeap!
Of course, I have hoppers, and if she wanted to go, we would have. But, after opening the apples, she insisted we continue to our monorail!
And, as Green pulled up with that distinctive monorail purr...it felt like saying hello to an old friend.
So, second night on the...not sure what to call it...Murphy Bed? Still quite satisfied with it!
You might wonder why I am sleeping on the “pull down” and allowing my kiddo the more “elegant” arrangements. I wish I could claim some form of “good daddy chivalry” here, but it isn’t that.
I run her through her nightly “shutdown” cycle (shower, pajamas, teeth) first, and want to get her settled in bed, watching some old Disney cartoons I cast from my laptop to the chrome stick, before I start my shutdown cycle.
And, I like to have to table up whilst doing that.
So, this thing doesn’t allow me to have a table AND a bed, the table collapses down to support the bed. So, it becomes a choice. A choice I made when I saw the arrangement.
This isn’t a gripe, however. I find the bed perfectly comfortable. Not quite what I have at home, but on par with most hotel mattresses. Just not quite as nice as the one on the “main” bed.
I let her sleep in a bit more and snagged coffee and walked hourglass lake again. When I got back I nudged the kid awake, who promptly turned on some more cartoons, casting off her laptop...something Anime...surprised I am not.
I did my “boot up” routine and allowed her the normal morning space in the room as I went to get breakfast.
Yesterday I had to do the Bounty Platter (needed them Mickey Waffles, for tradition!), but something had caught my eye.
Chicken Fried Chicken! Oh my!
Now, I am pretty sure these are the same prepped (but uncooked) chickens left over from the previous days Chicken Parmesan they also serve here, but this is an inventive way to extend the usefulness of the item to all the meal services.
I added some sausage to crumble over the dish (real sawmill gravy gotta have them sausage chunks, don’t ya know!), and the obligatory side of bacon for the kiddo.
I also got some grapes and apples (because they were out of the larger Disney prepped grape cups), some chocolate milk, and some water and more coffee for me.
Breakfast was awesome. I am going to have to get this again before we leave! Though, whilst the kiddo and I normally share a breakfast, next time I might get two because she ate most of the chicken!
After that we went down to concierge to do two things.
1). Release the spending limit I had placed on her magicband. I trust her (or she will be washing dishes for me) to be responsible, and I like the flexibility of letting her get her own snacks as we go along without having to attend her at the cart.
I just don’t want to have to keep up with how much she has “left” on her band.
2). Check to see if our package had arrived for the Halloween party. As I mentioned earlier, I believe, I had ordered her a shirt to go with her costume (basically, it is her costume, and it was what she picked). It hadn’t arrived yet. Concerning...but, I have a backup plan! We shall give it another day.
One more thing to note here...as elsewhere someone asked why I didn’t just go straight to my room as I had done online check in. Well, I was instructed not to as I entered, and was ushered to the “online check in” section you see marked above. And, as when I arrived, the online line was long, and the regular guest was non-existent.
Something...ain’t right here...
The queue behind all the people is the regular check in...
Anyway, we went outside to wait for our bus. The sign said 6 minutes. Then it changed to 20 minutes...and, as we waited, on the bench, the line grew from one family to two switchbacks full. The kiddo was none too happy about this...”we were first!?”
I explained she had wanted to sit in the shade, and she says what you would expect... “I know, but...”. And then she realized what was happening to the Hollywood Studios people.
See, they had been backed up for a while. We heard people complaining to the bus attendants, etc. So, when two busses pulled up, there was a communal sigh of relief from that waiting area.
But, that didn’t change the fact she didn’t want to stand. So, when a stretch bus pulled up shortly after headed to Magic Kingom, she asked if we could use that to go to Epcot.
Um, sure? We will take it then need to take the loop to TTC then take the Epcot monorail from there. It will take us about an hour?
Let’s go!, she said.
Um, ok?
See, the first two trips we did, this was how I took her to The first Epcot day (which was always the second day, with MK being the first). It seems she actually remembered this, as she started asking if this was the “loop around Spaceship Earth”.
Indeed, it is.
And, she was correct, we had plenty of space!
We got off at MK and she stopped and looked around and sighed...
“It is good to be home”
(Insert Daddy sniffle here)
I asked her if she wanted to ride the Joe Fowler, as we haven’t done that since her second trip. It was just coming to the landing and would be loading about the time we walked there. But, she declined.
“I saw the Meg, water is NOT happening!”
The Meg...this years Jaws...ok...
As we approached the entrance, you could tell she was having a conflict internally. “Perhaps we can just go inside and get a snack?”
“We brought the grapes and apples.”
“Yeah, ok. Picture?”
Yeap!
Of course, I have hoppers, and if she wanted to go, we would have. But, after opening the apples, she insisted we continue to our monorail!
And, as Green pulled up with that distinctive monorail purr...it felt like saying hello to an old friend.
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DisneyGigi
Well-Known Member
Being a parent, that so stressed about the teen and adult years and Disney, I am so glad you both are having such a good time. I love the new Pop rooms, they look so good. Once a Disney kid, always a Disney kid. Enjoying reading along, as my countdown gets closer.
I love the new Pop rooms, they look so good. Once a Disney kid, always a Disney kid. Enjoying reading along, as my countdown gets closer.
And off we go
As we rode through Contemporary she reminisced about the one time we stayed there (in 2013 we did one night, concierge, with a park view...yeah, once in a lifetime...that one night cost more than this whole week at Pop! But, the experience was worth it. You can check out my Surf and Turf report for details).
Soon we were at TTC, headed to Epcot!
And then we saw the giant ball of the futuristic fun!
As we approached security, the kid has noticed something. She...doesn’t have a bag. So, she announced, as we walked the, rather packed bag check...”See ya on the other side, Dad!”
Wait, what!? She was soon gone.
After I made it through, there she was pretending to be impatient with how long it took. Ok there...I getcha little one. Don’t worry, this will be remedied. The days of me carrying around all YOUR stuff, are coming to a close soon! (Though, I kept that to myself, my resolve to push her into getting her own park bag solidified at this moment).
As we walked to our first Fastpass, she noticed that Innoventions was...”boarded up” (to use her term).
This was the moment she learned that our beloved T. Rowe Price piggies had saved their last dime...
“I like the changes, but they should stop taking away all the good things!”
I feel yah kiddo...I feel yah. That said, we did decide to walk the new parts of the Character Spot. In person, the Baymax costume is really neat!
We also spotted Joy and Sadness!
She, was not interested in waiting for them, so we scooted out.
Now, as an aside, I am an EPCOT Center purist sort, so the idea of change away from the original spirit of the park is not something I am fond of. But, even I can recognize that Innoventions just...doesn’t attract.
I do think it could be done “right”, but, I also get why Disney is doing this. And, I also think they are doing it in a part of the Park that it works really well for. If they turned it into a huge meet and greet where you could take your kid to one spot and knock out all the big ones, and some of the harder to find ones, well, as a parent (who remembers how obsessive my younger kiddo was about characters and her autograph book)...I approve!
Not that this observation will soothe my kiddo being upset about the loss of the Piggies, but...
As we approached Soarin, something strange.
What is up with that Standby time?
Um. Ok? Under an hour at this time? Well, we still had a fastpass, so off we went!
This was our first time seeing Soarin over the World. And, it is really well done. But, the scents (are there still scents?) weren’t working, and after having experienced FoP the day before...not quite as impressive anymore.
We still enjoyed it, and I found the imagery absolutely stunning. But, it was lacking a bit of pizzaz. The scents and some water sprays could have helped? I am not sure...
Ok, this finished, we still had some time to burn before the “important” FP, Figgy. So we did the boat ride. This was neat as always, and the kiddo actually adores this.
I remember one time, our last long trip I think, when she wanted to do it over Soarin, and I said no because of FP windows, we would do it after Soarin, and it was closed when we came back to the ride.
That was one grumpy kid for about half an hour! I brought that story up, and she remembered it. I said this was my apology trip.
She accepted.
She also indicated (which surprised me) that she wants to do Behind the Seeds. So, I may see if later this week they have an opening.
If not, I will remember to mention it to her when planning future trips.
As we rode through Contemporary she reminisced about the one time we stayed there (in 2013 we did one night, concierge, with a park view...yeah, once in a lifetime...that one night cost more than this whole week at Pop! But, the experience was worth it. You can check out my Surf and Turf report for details).
Soon we were at TTC, headed to Epcot!
And then we saw the giant ball of the futuristic fun!
As we approached security, the kid has noticed something. She...doesn’t have a bag. So, she announced, as we walked the, rather packed bag check...”See ya on the other side, Dad!”
Wait, what!? She was soon gone.
After I made it through, there she was pretending to be impatient with how long it took. Ok there...I getcha little one. Don’t worry, this will be remedied. The days of me carrying around all YOUR stuff, are coming to a close soon! (Though, I kept that to myself, my resolve to push her into getting her own park bag solidified at this moment).
As we walked to our first Fastpass, she noticed that Innoventions was...”boarded up” (to use her term).
This was the moment she learned that our beloved T. Rowe Price piggies had saved their last dime...
“I like the changes, but they should stop taking away all the good things!”
I feel yah kiddo...I feel yah. That said, we did decide to walk the new parts of the Character Spot. In person, the Baymax costume is really neat!
We also spotted Joy and Sadness!
She, was not interested in waiting for them, so we scooted out.
Now, as an aside, I am an EPCOT Center purist sort, so the idea of change away from the original spirit of the park is not something I am fond of. But, even I can recognize that Innoventions just...doesn’t attract.
I do think it could be done “right”, but, I also get why Disney is doing this. And, I also think they are doing it in a part of the Park that it works really well for. If they turned it into a huge meet and greet where you could take your kid to one spot and knock out all the big ones, and some of the harder to find ones, well, as a parent (who remembers how obsessive my younger kiddo was about characters and her autograph book)...I approve!
Not that this observation will soothe my kiddo being upset about the loss of the Piggies, but...
As we approached Soarin, something strange.
What is up with that Standby time?
Um. Ok? Under an hour at this time? Well, we still had a fastpass, so off we went!
This was our first time seeing Soarin over the World. And, it is really well done. But, the scents (are there still scents?) weren’t working, and after having experienced FoP the day before...not quite as impressive anymore.
We still enjoyed it, and I found the imagery absolutely stunning. But, it was lacking a bit of pizzaz. The scents and some water sprays could have helped? I am not sure...
Ok, this finished, we still had some time to burn before the “important” FP, Figgy. So we did the boat ride. This was neat as always, and the kiddo actually adores this.
I remember one time, our last long trip I think, when she wanted to do it over Soarin, and I said no because of FP windows, we would do it after Soarin, and it was closed when we came back to the ride.
That was one grumpy kid for about half an hour! I brought that story up, and she remembered it. I said this was my apology trip.
She accepted.
She also indicated (which surprised me) that she wants to do Behind the Seeds. So, I may see if later this week they have an opening.
If not, I will remember to mention it to her when planning future trips.
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After that, we had a date with a Dragon!
In a near sprint the kiddo headed over there. Excited and running into the FP queue!
“Look, that is still here! I love that! Look at that!”
It is times like these that I am very happy she loves Figgy so much. As do I. As do a lot of people.
But, I am also saddened and wish she could have experienced the glory that was the older ride.
Her attachment to this one, though, is a testament to the strength of the concept, to me.
And, we rode. Singing along to the song, pointing and laughing and...well, it was just perfect.
I am very anxious about what is going to happen with this Pavilion. I hope Disney treads with care. A trip to do a “final night ride”, like the EO shutdown, would be sad indeed.
After the ride, it was off to Imageworks!
We directed some music, and that was fun. I commented how she actually directed in 4/4 now instead of just wildly waving her hands to the beat (she plays Cello in orchestra), and she laughed.
But, she knew what she wanted to do!
Walking with authority!
Ah hah!
After emailing them to me, we went off to the musical squares, and I have to say, this is the first time I actually realized that the squares actually light up the instruments on the walls!?
Doh!
And then we circled back and did the memory game together. We made it pretty far, but you definitely need more than one person and some coordination to do so!
(I want one of these for my house!)
Figmented up, it was time to head to the shop. We had a mission!
In a near sprint the kiddo headed over there. Excited and running into the FP queue!
“Look, that is still here! I love that! Look at that!”
It is times like these that I am very happy she loves Figgy so much. As do I. As do a lot of people.
But, I am also saddened and wish she could have experienced the glory that was the older ride.
Her attachment to this one, though, is a testament to the strength of the concept, to me.
And, we rode. Singing along to the song, pointing and laughing and...well, it was just perfect.
I am very anxious about what is going to happen with this Pavilion. I hope Disney treads with care. A trip to do a “final night ride”, like the EO shutdown, would be sad indeed.
After the ride, it was off to Imageworks!
We directed some music, and that was fun. I commented how she actually directed in 4/4 now instead of just wildly waving her hands to the beat (she plays Cello in orchestra), and she laughed.
But, she knew what she wanted to do!
Walking with authority!
Ah hah!
After emailing them to me, we went off to the musical squares, and I have to say, this is the first time I actually realized that the squares actually light up the instruments on the walls!?
Doh!
And then we circled back and did the memory game together. We made it pretty far, but you definitely need more than one person and some coordination to do so!
(I want one of these for my house!)
Figmented up, it was time to head to the shop. We had a mission!
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MinnieM123
Premium Member
OMG! Where is the real englanddg??? You must be an imposter--you can't possibly be the same englanddg that was so unenthusiastic about the whole trip idea, just about a week ago?!
Very happy to hear that you're really enjoying everything, and that your daughter is also having a good time.
I'm also a huge Figment fan, and wish that she could have seen the original Imagination pavilion. But you had some interesting impressions about the strength of concept, to a newer audience. Yes, it's mostly all new now, but she's enjoying it for what it means to her.
Well, there is very little in the way of Figment merch. It is a bit disturbing to see other properties like Monsters, Inc, Up, Toy Story and even Inside Out encroach into what should be Figment’s show.
But, there was one thing which captured the attention of the kiddo. A Gen-U-Wine Goofy’s Candy Company Sug-o-Matic 3000!
(Ok, yeah, I made up the name)
But, she loves these. She decided to get some for her and her sister as a gift, and FaceTimed her sister to ask her what flavors she would prefer.
But, me....I was gambling they would have something else. See, I mentioned the bag earlier in the day, and, I had mentioned it to the kid.
She has a Dooney and Burke I got her several years ago, but her Mom seems to have “borrowed” it. So, she needs a new park pack, and she insisted she wants one with Figment.
I...was a bit skeptical I would find one.
But, color me shocked when promenantly displayed in the middle of the store was...
Pretty much exactly what she could have asked for!
And, she was surprised herself when I gave it a thumbs up (in all honesty, $70 for that bag actually isn’t a bad price).
So, one bagged up kid, and a lighter bag on my back...we decided we were hungry. I asked where she wanted to go, and she said “isn’t the under water restaurant near here?”.
Yes....yes it is.
Hello Coral Reef! My do you prove the adage not to judge a book by its cover to be true!
The inside is gorgeous, and we were seated right at the aquarium window (pretty common for small parties, but still neat).
That isn’t with any zoom...or leaning forward.
And, like every “fancy” meal, it starts with bread!
This bread was so tasty. My kid ate two rolls on her own. It is a soft dinner role, with a touch of sweetness. Almost like a Hawaiian role, but not quite.
Good start!
But, there was one thing which captured the attention of the kiddo. A Gen-U-Wine Goofy’s Candy Company Sug-o-Matic 3000!
(Ok, yeah, I made up the name)
But, she loves these. She decided to get some for her and her sister as a gift, and FaceTimed her sister to ask her what flavors she would prefer.
But, me....I was gambling they would have something else. See, I mentioned the bag earlier in the day, and, I had mentioned it to the kid.
She has a Dooney and Burke I got her several years ago, but her Mom seems to have “borrowed” it. So, she needs a new park pack, and she insisted she wants one with Figment.
I...was a bit skeptical I would find one.
But, color me shocked when promenantly displayed in the middle of the store was...
Pretty much exactly what she could have asked for!
And, she was surprised herself when I gave it a thumbs up (in all honesty, $70 for that bag actually isn’t a bad price).
So, one bagged up kid, and a lighter bag on my back...we decided we were hungry. I asked where she wanted to go, and she said “isn’t the under water restaurant near here?”.
Yes....yes it is.
Hello Coral Reef! My do you prove the adage not to judge a book by its cover to be true!
The inside is gorgeous, and we were seated right at the aquarium window (pretty common for small parties, but still neat).
That isn’t with any zoom...or leaning forward.
And, like every “fancy” meal, it starts with bread!
This bread was so tasty. My kid ate two rolls on her own. It is a soft dinner role, with a touch of sweetness. Almost like a Hawaiian role, but not quite.
Good start!
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Rista1313
Well-Known Member
The Kiddo got the NY strip. The waitress seemed surprised when she ordered it Mid rare.
Look, this kiddo loves some steak. Not quite as much as chicken or bacon, but, pretty close!
I got the Salmon.
She and I both adored our food. I had a bit of her steak, and I didn’t find it very exceptional, merely decent. But, I can say the salmon is something I would highly, highly recommend!
During our meal, the tank was going through daily feeding. The fish get very active around his time, and you get to watch and interact with the divers!
After a wonderful lunch, we decided we’d seen enough Living Seas, so we headed over to our second fastpass of the day...Mission Space!
The kiddo couldnt decide if she wanted Green or Orange, but decided on Green to start.
So, we scanned our fast passes...not that we needed them.
Standby was...10 minutes. What is going on with these lines? Not that I mind, but...
So, we walked on. I mean...literally...walked on.
I have never been in a room empty like that before. It was just me and my kid, and another couple.
What the heck?
Well, we did our mission, and the kid decided, that isn’t the mission she wanted...so, we went right back and did Orange.
In the normal queue, I noticed something else strange. CMs in the Control Room...
Lots of them.
I don’t ever recall that before, but it was fun to watch them pretend to be important.
Look, this kiddo loves some steak. Not quite as much as chicken or bacon, but, pretty close!
I got the Salmon.
She and I both adored our food. I had a bit of her steak, and I didn’t find it very exceptional, merely decent. But, I can say the salmon is something I would highly, highly recommend!
During our meal, the tank was going through daily feeding. The fish get very active around his time, and you get to watch and interact with the divers!
After a wonderful lunch, we decided we’d seen enough Living Seas, so we headed over to our second fastpass of the day...Mission Space!
The kiddo couldnt decide if she wanted Green or Orange, but decided on Green to start.
So, we scanned our fast passes...not that we needed them.
Standby was...10 minutes. What is going on with these lines? Not that I mind, but...
So, we walked on. I mean...literally...walked on.
I have never been in a room empty like that before. It was just me and my kid, and another couple.
What the heck?
Well, we did our mission, and the kid decided, that isn’t the mission she wanted...so, we went right back and did Orange.
In the normal queue, I noticed something else strange. CMs in the Control Room...
Lots of them.
I don’t ever recall that before, but it was fun to watch them pretend to be important.
Ok, then. They were not working for our ride then.
I’d imagine scents would have helped.
Wonder why they were down...?
As we left, it was a bit sad to see the condition of Energy, as they basically tear it apart.
I actually saw the old wall sign, sitting on the ground, as we rode in on the Monorail, but wasn’t quick enough to catch a picture of it.
Not that I miss Ellen...at all. But, it is one more of the old pavilions fallen to dust...
And, on a similar note...we found what is left of Innoventions.
Three attractions...one is a science show, the other a small gladden paint color thing, and the rest leftovers from whatever was there before (windows errors and all)...
So, we decided to head over to Test Track.
But, it was still closed from the rain earlier. (It had rained whilst we were eating lunch at Coral Reef).
So, the kiddo said, why not head over and do Phineus and Ferb.
So, cutting through Odyssey, we did just that...and went looking for the signup station. Signup stations that...no longer exist!
See, now it is on the cell phone, using the Play app!
First stop, Mexico!!!
Well, the game didn’t impress the kid. The audio was hard to hear, and again, it ran really, really slow. Though it looked to me to be the same thing they ran on the older phones, I guess seeing it on her current phone (and through older eyes)...she wasn’t interested.
But, in the marketplace she was!
We rode the boat ride.
And, it was relaxing. Strangely, she said it was “better than the Pandora boats” at the end.
Heh, ok...maybe...it does have better music!
The kid had her eye on these hand carved statues. And, in another choice of her own souvenirs money, picked out two.
I let her handle the entire transaction. It’s fun to let off the leash a bit and allow her to have her own experiences. Suddenly she becomes very shy and polite!
Good, good. But, as she did that, I got myself a drink from La Cava (Avocado Margarita), and watched the live band play and sing.
I actually saw the old wall sign, sitting on the ground, as we rode in on the Monorail, but wasn’t quick enough to catch a picture of it.
Not that I miss Ellen...at all. But, it is one more of the old pavilions fallen to dust...
And, on a similar note...we found what is left of Innoventions.
Three attractions...one is a science show, the other a small gladden paint color thing, and the rest leftovers from whatever was there before (windows errors and all)...
So, we decided to head over to Test Track.
But, it was still closed from the rain earlier. (It had rained whilst we were eating lunch at Coral Reef).
So, the kiddo said, why not head over and do Phineus and Ferb.
So, cutting through Odyssey, we did just that...and went looking for the signup station. Signup stations that...no longer exist!
See, now it is on the cell phone, using the Play app!
First stop, Mexico!!!
Well, the game didn’t impress the kid. The audio was hard to hear, and again, it ran really, really slow. Though it looked to me to be the same thing they ran on the older phones, I guess seeing it on her current phone (and through older eyes)...she wasn’t interested.
But, in the marketplace she was!
We rode the boat ride.
And, it was relaxing. Strangely, she said it was “better than the Pandora boats” at the end.
Heh, ok...maybe...it does have better music!
The kid had her eye on these hand carved statues. And, in another choice of her own souvenirs money, picked out two.
I let her handle the entire transaction. It’s fun to let off the leash a bit and allow her to have her own experiences. Suddenly she becomes very shy and polite!
Good, good. But, as she did that, I got myself a drink from La Cava (Avocado Margarita), and watched the live band play and sing.
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Ah, the drink was surpurb. I love La Cava!
We had her packages shipped back to the hotel (a feature of staying on site that is well worth it!), and headed on over to Norway to see Frozen.
Unfortunately the bakery was closed...I love the treats there. But Frozen, must be seen!
I mentioned earlier that I basically left the planning up to her for the most part. But, there were a few things that were on my must do list.
1). Pandora (she and I agreed there)
2). Rivers of Light (she was fine with that, and after the show, glad we saw it)
3). Harry Potter (no convincing her needed)
4). Frozen (on this...we disagree)
My kid does not like Frozen at all. She doesn’t like the movie, she doesn’t like that the movie displaced Maelstrom. You think I am a negative Nancy at times...no.
And, she explained it to me. See, her little sister is obsessed with Frozen. And, my kid was a bit older.
So, when her little sister was part of the wave the swept that age group where basically Disney was eclipsed by Frozen for about two years, movie on repeat, let it go everywhere...my kid grew to really dislike it.
But, I wanted to go. And then we saw the wait.
60 minutes for standby.
My kid groaned, but was willing to continue.
I, on the other hand, decided to make a deal. We have two “whatever” days for Disney planned right now, and if I can swing a fastpass for one of those days, she promises to give it a try.
She liked this idea...
See, really, she was getting a bit tuckered out. Two late nights in a row were taking their toll, and she needed some me time.
So, we headed back to the hotel.
On the way out, however, she spotted the wait time of 5 minutes at Spaceship Earth!
And nothing would stop her from going on that!
After the ride we tried to find our Postcard from the Future, but couldn’t (again). Most of the time we can’t find it.
It’s sortof sad, to me, because I would love to have a copy from every trip, but I don’t. We wandered around the activity area, but she really wanted to get back.
“I want to take a hot bath and wash my hair.”
Ok.
So, back we went!
During her bath I caught up on a few work items and cleaned and organized the room (no housekeeping). I also made a note of what’s needed to get from housekeeping in the morning...some trash bags and some fresh towels.
I also took this opportunity to hop on Amazon and execute the backup plan for her costume.
Come on Amazon Prime!!! Do your stuff!!!
Soon she was out of the bath, and ready to have some more chillaxing...
So, I went to go do some laundry. She helped me sort it out, and off I went!
The laundry systems are the same as the DCL ones now, which is nice. I don’t think they had upgraded to these yet on my last stay.
You put in the laundry, run your card, and choose your washer / dryer...
$6 later and I was good to go!
We had her packages shipped back to the hotel (a feature of staying on site that is well worth it!), and headed on over to Norway to see Frozen.
Unfortunately the bakery was closed...I love the treats there. But Frozen, must be seen!
I mentioned earlier that I basically left the planning up to her for the most part. But, there were a few things that were on my must do list.
1). Pandora (she and I agreed there)
2). Rivers of Light (she was fine with that, and after the show, glad we saw it)
3). Harry Potter (no convincing her needed)
4). Frozen (on this...we disagree)
My kid does not like Frozen at all. She doesn’t like the movie, she doesn’t like that the movie displaced Maelstrom. You think I am a negative Nancy at times...no.
And, she explained it to me. See, her little sister is obsessed with Frozen. And, my kid was a bit older.
So, when her little sister was part of the wave the swept that age group where basically Disney was eclipsed by Frozen for about two years, movie on repeat, let it go everywhere...my kid grew to really dislike it.
But, I wanted to go. And then we saw the wait.
60 minutes for standby.
My kid groaned, but was willing to continue.
I, on the other hand, decided to make a deal. We have two “whatever” days for Disney planned right now, and if I can swing a fastpass for one of those days, she promises to give it a try.
She liked this idea...
See, really, she was getting a bit tuckered out. Two late nights in a row were taking their toll, and she needed some me time.
So, we headed back to the hotel.
On the way out, however, she spotted the wait time of 5 minutes at Spaceship Earth!
And nothing would stop her from going on that!
After the ride we tried to find our Postcard from the Future, but couldn’t (again). Most of the time we can’t find it.
It’s sortof sad, to me, because I would love to have a copy from every trip, but I don’t. We wandered around the activity area, but she really wanted to get back.
“I want to take a hot bath and wash my hair.”
Ok.
So, back we went!
During her bath I caught up on a few work items and cleaned and organized the room (no housekeeping). I also made a note of what’s needed to get from housekeeping in the morning...some trash bags and some fresh towels.
I also took this opportunity to hop on Amazon and execute the backup plan for her costume.
Come on Amazon Prime!!! Do your stuff!!!
Soon she was out of the bath, and ready to have some more chillaxing...
So, I went to go do some laundry. She helped me sort it out, and off I went!
The laundry systems are the same as the DCL ones now, which is nice. I don’t think they had upgraded to these yet on my last stay.
You put in the laundry, run your card, and choose your washer / dryer...
$6 later and I was good to go!
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The laundry does have a rather neat feature where you can have it send you a text message.
You go to a website, and you need to enter your resort name. Disney will not bring it up, but Pop works!
You pick your laundry room.
And an image of the room appears.
You can use this image to see the status, but they take a step further and you can toggle text messages to your phone when your units are finished!
Pretty neat!
At this point I really didn’t want to rush back to the food court (they were closing in 10 minutes or so anyway), so I went back to the room and she ordered us some late dinner!
To no ones surprise, she got chicken nuggets.
This really isn’t an offering on the delivery menu, but I suggested she ask for the boneless chicken bites with no sauce. And, she was pleased with the result!
I got the vegetable sandwich. She thought it looked good, so we both shared our meals.
And, it was good. Really...good!
(That picture isn’t upside down, that is called an “artistic angle” for non-pros in the vacation photo business in the know, such as myself)
We also split a chocolate cake, which despite a disturbing lack of sprinkles, was quite tasty.
I got a text message, time to move the laundry to the dryer!
Nice!
What!?!?!?
So, I hiked back to the hotel room, got our laundry bag, and hiked the loads over to the Hippy Dippy pool...and finished the laundry there.
An hour later, I was crawling into bed...the kiddo was already passed out...
And, we dreamed some Mickey dreams...
Next up...Hollywood Studios and MNSSHP!
You go to a website, and you need to enter your resort name. Disney will not bring it up, but Pop works!
You pick your laundry room.
And an image of the room appears.
You can use this image to see the status, but they take a step further and you can toggle text messages to your phone when your units are finished!
Pretty neat!
At this point I really didn’t want to rush back to the food court (they were closing in 10 minutes or so anyway), so I went back to the room and she ordered us some late dinner!
To no ones surprise, she got chicken nuggets.
This really isn’t an offering on the delivery menu, but I suggested she ask for the boneless chicken bites with no sauce. And, she was pleased with the result!
I got the vegetable sandwich. She thought it looked good, so we both shared our meals.
And, it was good. Really...good!
(That picture isn’t upside down, that is called an “artistic angle” for non-pros in the vacation photo business in the know, such as myself)
We also split a chocolate cake, which despite a disturbing lack of sprinkles, was quite tasty.
I got a text message, time to move the laundry to the dryer!
Nice!
What!?!?!?
So, I hiked back to the hotel room, got our laundry bag, and hiked the loads over to the Hippy Dippy pool...and finished the laundry there.
An hour later, I was crawling into bed...the kiddo was already passed out...
And, we dreamed some Mickey dreams...
Next up...Hollywood Studios and MNSSHP!
You had good reason to be scared.
Though I wouldn’t go so far as to say I was negative about the trip, I also wasn’t jumping for joy about it either, for various reasons.
Thanks for sticking it through with me!
This trip is as much a “stop doing” experiment as anything else.
I was tired of making elaborate plans that fell through.... And, I missed just showing up and enjoying myself.
Passing the planning to the kid, seems to have accomplished a lot of that for me.
We shall see...almost halfway through! So far, so good!
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