Halloween, Food & Wine, and a Birthday, Oh My!-A Sept/Oct 2011 Trip Report

I can't believe 2 weeks ago I was in the Magic Kingdom for my first MNSSHP, my how time flies. I hope you all are ready because here starts my first attempt at a trip report!

Introduction:

Welcome to my very first attempt at writing a trip report! I’ve been reading everyone else’s trip reports for some time now, and have been inspired to write one of my own!!! So let’s start with a little introduction!

The cast for the trip:

(Left): Mom (Diane)-The greatest mom EVER because she’s taken me on 13! WDW trips and she got me into this website so if not for her I wouldn’t be writing this right now! Mom's favorites are Mickey, Stitch, and Tigger and her favorite ride is definitely Toy Story Mania I couldn’t tell you how many times we’ve gone on that!

(Right): Me (Jessica)-22 year old Walt Disney World fanatic (thanks to Mom) who is currently seeking a job as a Mechanical Engineer (if you guys know of anything open let me know! Sorry had to put in the little plug there ) My favorite ride is the Tower of Terror and my favorite characters are Ariel, Prince Eric, Goofy, & (newly favorite) Flynn Rider.

As mentioned above this is my 13th trip to the world and Mom's 14th. She went once when she was a little girl in ’74.

Details about the trip:

When: September 26-October 3 This is the first time we’ve ever gone at this time of the year, because I was always in school.

Resort: Pop Century We’ve stayed at this resort many times and have always loved it, even though we talked about changing and trying a different resort, we didn’t. But are looking into it for next trip!

Just a FYI: the pictures in this report are taken by both me and my mom. (There will be many, many pictures in this report since I took over 800!) The ones that I have taken were mainly in Aperture and Shutter Priority mode. I wanted to go manual but realized that I would have a much harder time with it. Av and Tv mode proved successful and I had fun playing around with the settings a bit. Thanks to Tom Bricker (wdwfigment), he has inspired me to take better pictures during my trips and in everyday life! (I was able to tell him this in person as you will read later in the report!)

We also ordered the photopass CD because we knew we would be getting a lot of photopass pictures this trip. We haven't looked at them yet, so I will add in some of those pictures at the end of the report once we go through them and get the CD.

Now let the memories and trip reporting begin!!!

 

[diddy_mouse]

Your pictures are great! I always like seeing other's travelling pictures and I loved the picture of the Magical Express bus.

The montage of hats? Love it!

Pics with the citizens of Hollywood? Sweet!

The beautiful shots of DHS? Awesome!

And I gotta say I'm jealous of your non-blurry Boo-to-You parade pictures. I never have good luck getting clear pics. Oh! and your costumes are adorable!

Such a great read so far.

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Great trip report! Loved your pics! I am going for MNSSHP/F&W festival in 2 weeks! First time for both! So excited!

Thank you! Have fun!!!!! You're going to love it!

Your pictures are great! I always like seeing other's travelling pictures and I loved the picture of the Magical Express bus.

The montage of hats? Love it!

Pics with the citizens of Hollywood? Sweet!

The beautiful shots of DHS? Awesome!

And I gotta say I'm jealous of your non-blurry Boo-to-You parade pictures. I never have good luck getting clear pics. Oh! and your costumes are adorable!

Such a great read so far.

Thank you to all of the above!!!

I can't even remember how I got those non-blurry pictures, but I do have a fair share of blurry ones, trial and error.

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Wednesday September 28-EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Downtown Disney

This morning after sleeping in for a bit, I woke up feeling better than ever, which was great because we had lunch ADRs at my favorite restaurant in the world: Le Cellier!!!!!

For breakfast this morning was:

We headed into EPCOT around 10 am. Surprisingly getting through bag check and the turnstiles wasn’t too bad for being an hour after the park opened.

We always have to make our first stop at the Leave a Legacy figures to visit my Memere and Pepere who were back home in Massachusetts.

EPCOT already had some neat Food & Wine Festival Signage up:

And of course it isn’t a trip to EPCOT without pictures of the famous Spaceship Earth!!! (Which we made our first ride of the day.)

Close up

Mirror Shot #2!

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Next up was scoring a FastPass for Soarin and a spin on Living with the Land so it was time to head over to..you guessed it! The Land pavilion!

I never noticed this before and I’ve ridden this many times. You learn something new every time!

A visit to Figment right next door can never be passed up

After saying hello to Figment, a ride on Test Track was in order and luckily I was the only one in the single riders line! But wait! First I need to get this traditional picture of Spaceship Earth!

Now that I had my fill of test dummies, we headed over to Soarin’ to cash in my fastpass. Overall, it took me probably about 20 minutes to go through. Soarin’ is a ride I usually only do once a trip because it is just not one of my favorites.

We realized we had about an hour to kill before it was time for our ADRs at Le Cellier so we decided to walk around the long way to Canada. Well, we realized about halfway through that this was a mistake. It was the middle of the day and it was super hot out, not to mention humid and there is hardly any shade around World Showcase so we were pretty slow by the time we hit Canada. But here are some pictures from our walk:

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Finally we made it to Canada! And boy were we hungry, thirsty, and ready to get into some AC.

Le Cellier!

Light above the table

Love the pretzel bread!!

Cheddar Cheese Soup (the best!)

I had the Filet Mignon

Mom had the Le Cellier House Burger

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Le Cellier is my favorite restaurant ever, and this trip it did not disappoint. Our server Chris was great. I can just taste the filet in my mouth right now as I type this and really wish I had some. My mom liked her burger, but realized it was too much for her. She said she would try something else next time.

With our tummies full we decided to give EPCOT a break and head back over to Hollywood Studios via the Friendship Boats! We used these boats a lot over the course of the week, and it made me really want to stay in the EPCOT resorts area because it is just so beautiful.

Can you tell I like the Boardwalk much?

Once we arrived at the beautiful Hollywood Studios, we headed for the Backlot Tour! I really wanted to go on this because it had been on refurb right before we got to WDW and was hoping they made some changes. No huge changes that I noticed. I really miss the old tour, but what can you do. Today’s tour was actually one of the best I’ve ever been on recently.

We were the first in line waiting for Harbor Attack, and they were asking for one more volunteer so my hand shot up! I have never been in this show before and was really excited! And trust me it is a lot harder than it looks. I was chosen as the Captain for this demonstration. They took us into the little booth like thing off to the side of the stage and we put on those blue suits along with these huge boots that made me waddle like a penguin when I tried to walk to my position. After telling me what I had to do (of course I knew all of it already because I had seen it many times) I got into my position onto the top of the ship. Even though I had everything downpacked, once the action starts rolling I was just in shock that it was all happening and had to keep telling myself what I had to do. I think I ended up improving a few things, but my mom said I did a really great job (Of course she would say that haha) She also took video of the final product, but she ended up missing my part. Oh well. It really cooled me off too! Enjoy the pictures!

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Another reason that made this tour one of the best was the Lights, Motors, Action! show was going on at the same time we were on the tour. It was really neat to see the stunt guys getting ready to go out and being able to see glimpses of the things that went on behind the scenes during the show.

Packed house!

Catastrophe Canyon, before the big onset of water

And during!

We strolled on by Toy Story Mania, but alas stand-by was way too long. So we made our way over to Sunset Blvd. where I took a spin on the Rock n’ Rollercoaster and travelled a few times into the Twilight Zone.

My mom made friends with this little guy and his friend but by the time I went to take their picture his friend scurried away

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Walking back towards Hollywood Blvd. we decided that it was time to get back to Downtown Disney and do some shopping! But how to get there??? We had heard that Saratoga Springs had a nice little boat ride over to Downtown Disney, and just our luck the bus to Saratoga Springs happened to be already at the stop!

Once we got off at the first bus stop in SS, we started heading off to what we thought was the main building. We stopped to ask a cast member who worked at the resort, but even she was a bit confused herself! Luckily, there was a very nice guest who was going to the main building and would show us the way. We explained where we were headed and he lead the way. Turns out he was on his last day of his honeymoon and was going to the main desk to print his boarding passes. He talked about his trip a little bit with us and we thanked him many times throughout our little journey. It was really nice to see guests go out of their way to help other guests, you don’t find that too often.

We reached our destination and after about 10/15 minutes the little boat came! It started to drizzle a little bit and the sky was pretty dark, but it never rained other than the little drizzle. The boat ride was really nice, and I got some great shots! I would definitely do this again someday; it was a nice peaceful ride!

Funny thing, I was finally going to try to tackle Characters in Flight, well of course they were closed due to thunderstorms in the area…next time!

We got off over at the West Side and stopped in a few stores before making our way over to the Lego Store to see the new figures. I thought these new figures outside the store were very well done! I especially love the new Disney touches on the tourist family. (Unless the disney touches were always there and I just never noticed…:lookaroun)

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

I love going inside the Lego Store to see all the little displays inside those little windows. Unfortunately, it is always so packed in here.

Mini Lego Store

Sushi and chopsticks

Outside portion of the mini Lego store

After spending some time in the Lego Store we really wanted an ice cream from Ghiradelli’s, but unfortunately they were closed…we then found out it was because of a sewage backup in the bathroom. And it smelled pretty bad too on the side closest to the World of Disney Store. That ended that idea.  So off we went for some more shopping.

It was around 9/930 when we decided to head back to the resort. On the way back up to the room, we stopped to get a Tye-dye cheesecake which I have heard much about. To be honest, it really didn’t do anything for me and I love cheesecake. The first bite was really good, but as I kept eating more I didn’t like it. I would have to stop for about 5 minutes then take another bite. It was just strange. Oh well at least we tried it!

So much for going to bed a little bit earlier than usual though, we stayed up to watch the Red Sox lose because of a blown save from my boy Paps, and Tampa Bay triumph over the Yankees. It’s okay the Red Sox didn’t deserve it anyways.

Next up: Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom!

 

[fractal]

Great update! Love the pictures - and happy to see volunteers taken on Back Lot tour.

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Great update! Love the pictures - and happy to see volunteers taken on Back Lot tour.

Thank you!

 

[Kristia]

Just started reading your trip report! Looking forward to seeing pictures of Pop since that is where we are staying in Nov for the first time! We usually stay at a mod, but this is a short trip and I have been wanted to try Pop.

 

[WDW_Princess24]

I LOVE your pics from MNSSHP! I haven't gotten to that part of my TR yet but it was one of the best nights of my life! So jealous you got to meet the 7 dwarfs, there just wasn't enough time!

I agree with you, Flynn is a hottie! I was so tempted to steal him when I met him haha

 

[HollyBelle]

All caught up! I love, love, love all your interactions with the Citizens of Hollywood. While we often stop and watch them, we never really take the time to interact. Something for next time!

Thoughts on MNSSHP: First, I'm super jealous that you got to meet Donald in his pumpkin attire. Pirate Donald was out at the party we went to and we'd already met him before. Also... the Tremaine's always offer up some of the best meet and greets - so I'm glad to hear they really played it up for you, especially with your attire!!

And of course, three cheers for all your efforts on the Backlot Tour! :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy:

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Just started reading your trip report! Looking forward to seeing pictures of Pop since that is where we are staying in Nov for the first time! We usually stay at a mod, but this is a short trip and I have been wanted to try Pop.

Actually, I didn't take a whole lot of pictures this trip from POP surprisingly, but it's a great resort and I love the larger than life figures in front of each building and just the atmosphere is great!!! You'll love it!

I LOVE your pics from MNSSHP! I haven't gotten to that part of my TR yet but it was one of the best nights of my life! So jealous you got to meet the 7 dwarfs, there just wasn't enough time!

I agree with you, Flynn is a hottie! I was so tempted to steal him when I met him haha

Thank you!!! I agree!!! And we got to go twice! The line for the dwarfs was crazy, someone was talking to us in another line and they waited 2 hours!

hahaha I'm totally with you on Flynn..maybe we can sneak down there sometime soon and take him...no one will notice :lookaroun

All caught up! I love, love, love all your interactions with the Citizens of Hollywood. While we often stop and watch them, we never really take the time to interact. Something for next time!

Thoughts on MNSSHP: First, I'm super jealous that you got to meet Donald in his pumpkin attire. Pirate Donald was out at the party we went to and we'd already met him before. Also... the Tremaine's always offer up some of the best meet and greets - so I'm glad to hear they really played it up for you, especially with your attire!!

And of course, three cheers for all your efforts on the Backlot Tour! :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy:

Thank you! It is definitely something that you should take the time to do. They are just really great and there was hardly anyone interacting with them. They are one of my favorite things at Hollywood Studios!

Really? I didn't even know that he had different costumes on different party nights! Oh yes love the Tremaine's! They are some of the best characters to interact out there so I completely agree with you!

And thank you!!

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Another update should be here tonight!

 

[Fashionista007]

Hi Jess! I'm all caught up, yay! I LOVE all your pictures with the Citizens of Hollywood, they are so funny! This was actually the first trip we ever interacted with them and the Main Street gang and I really wish we had gotten pictures! Oh well, next time.

I was totally drooling over your pictures at Le Cellier. I already made an ADR for that place for our next trip. This time we will not cancel!!!

I love the pictures of the villains from MNSSHP! Frollo is a good one, I doubt you would see him anywhere else. And Gaston! Color me jealous!!

I can't wait to read more :sohappy:

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

Nice work getting picked for the Backlot Tour!! I've been picked twice and it's super fun, isn't it?

The tie dye cheesecake looks really good. I love cheesecake so I'm bummed to hear it wasn't up to par!!

 

[wendysue]

Great report!
I must say that Earl of Sandwich is one of our favorite places to eat. The pictures made me want one of those sandwiches....

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Sorry everyone for the delay, ended up helping a friend with decorations for a party she was having today and never got on the computer, so hopefully later tonight or tomorrow morning!

Hi Jess! I'm all caught up, yay! I LOVE all your pictures with the Citizens of Hollywood, they are so funny! This was actually the first trip we ever interacted with them and the Main Street gang and I really wish we had gotten pictures! Oh well, next time.

I was totally drooling over your pictures at Le Cellier. I already made an ADR for that place for our next trip. This time we will not cancel!!!

I love the pictures of the villains from MNSSHP! Frollo is a good one, I doubt you would see him anywhere else. And Gaston! Color me jealous!!

I can't wait to read more :sohappy:

Yay!! Shelley made it!!! And thank you! I LOOOVE the Citizens of Hollywood, they are halarious! WE usually don't get too many pictures with them we are so busy watching them, but this time we did!

And yes!! You better not cancel this time because it is the BEST!!!!!!

I was most excited to see the villains that night because I've never seen them before (well besides seeing Flynn of course hehe) and there is definitely more that I met on Sunday night so you will see those soon!

Nice work getting picked for the Backlot Tour!! I've been picked twice and it's super fun, isn't it?

The tie dye cheesecake looks really good. I love cheesecake so I'm bummed to hear it wasn't up to par!!

Thank you! and yes it's a ton of fun! A great way to cool off!

I know, I was dissappointed to because I had heard such great things about it, but it's probably a matter of opinion, so I wouldn't let me review of it hold you from trying it! I would say at least try it once to see if you like it. and I was surprised I didn't like it really because I love cheesecake.

Great report!
I must say that Earl of Sandwich is one of our favorite places to eat. The pictures made me want one of those sandwiches....

Thank you!