Slow and Steady...A June TR!

Well, I have finally gotten to the task of sitting down and writing this. I know, took me long enough. The cast includes Myself, DH, DS (14), and DD--who had the good fortune of celebrating her 10th birthday on this trip. This trip was from June 11th-18th. We did a split stay starting with a Royal Room at POR, and moving to POFQ.

Some background here: DH sprained his ankle pretty badly, and would attempt the whole trip with his ankle wrapped, and one crutch. This would help set a slower speed than we are used to, but with the heat...Well, I'll get to it all.

This was our first trip flying United, and it was great. I didn't miss the SW cattle call at all, but everyone must not have gotten the memo. People were still trying to be in line first to get on the plane. Really not necessary when you have assigned seats.

This was also the first time our plane had no delays, and we would be at WDW early enough to hit a park the first day. Great start for DD's birthday! Got off the plane. First time I didn't get lost on the way to DME! Crazy easy to get to the right line. All 4 of us were waiting with absolute excitement, a whole trip ahead of us! Got on the bus, and the driver asked for a show of hands to figure out where everyone was going. And then we were off!

A light mist started, but

That just has a way of chasing the clouds away!

 

[LeCellier.Lover]

That comment from the HM cast members had me cracking up! Haha oo the random things you hear people say sometimes..

 

[MouseDreaming]

DD finally was coaxed out of the pool. She really wanted to get a hair wrap from the stand over at POR. She choose Figment colors, and was very happy. I have to say, it lasted quite a while, and was a fun way to remember the trip. When we took it out of her hair (it lasted close to a month), it was a little sad, but she has saved the beads and some of the thread in her memory box. A quick stop to find out no Magic cookie bars, pay for the hair wrap having the lady run the card the old way, and then back to the room. Time to rally the troops and head to EPCOT.

While DD and I raced to get to Figment before it closed (we just made it), DS decided he wanted to try TT this trip. DH came off and said it was very hard on the ankle, but DS really liked it! The kids knocked out an Agent P mission. The CM asked if we had done one, and I explained the last time, it was still Kim Possible. She explained that Agent P was asked to take over, while Kim was away at college, and as a matter of fact, Ron just proposed and she said yes! Who knew! Anyway, their mission was in UK, DH found a nice bench to sit on in Canada, and off we went. The mission was OK. The kids really liked it. I felt like it was too similar to the old Kim Possible, although they still have gotten rid of the butterfly mating call (Oh Baby! We still laugh about this). At one point, I told DS he would have to go into the tea shop with the secret message, and he didn't want to. I told him he had to do it, but he was being shy, and was arguing back. All of a sudden I realized DD was missing. She went to do what her brother wouldn't. Mission finally finished, we met back up with DH, and grabbed the monorail back TTC, and then on to MK for EMH.

That is when DH and I were treated to this bit of Disney magic. This is why we come back, and Disney always earns every penny we spend there. If anyone ever gives you a hard time about going there again, just keep in mind, this is what it is all about:

A little Disney magic, right there.

 

[MouseDreaming]

You may have noticed that with the exception of Chef Mickey's, I haven't mentioned food again. That's because there wasn't any. None of us were hungry, but it was past 9, and the DS was starting to feel a bit peckish. Off to CHH, only to find it was closed! I am not sure how I never realized that they weren't open late for EMH, but remembered later, on past trips, we usually ate at Tony's, and not QS. Good news, Pecos Bill is open, so it is off to there. Great burger from there this time. As a matter of fact, best burger I have ever had from there.

We go to head back out, and now it is pouring. Poncho up, and head to POTC!

As we were waiting in line, two girls were escorting a young guy, that didn't look quite right. The girls were telling him to calm down as he had started kind of yelling. I wasn't sure what was going on, until he got closer. Kid smelt like a liquor store. Lovely. And of course, they ended up in the same boat as us. Thank goodness not right behind us, though. Ride over, still pouring. Go again! Still pouring. One more time! Still pouring, but none of us wanted to spend more quality time with Capt Jack. So we decided to poncho up once again, and brave the elements. It became quite evident that not much was running. Apparently, there was some lightening in the area. But you know what is open? My new favorite attraction--The Tiki Room! It's covered waiting, a nice seat, air conditioning, and a rather long show. Perfect! Tiki lets out, and it is still raining. DH is ready to throw in the towel, but I am determined to make the most of EMH. The rain is down to a drizzle at this point, so DS and I decide to be optimistic, and pull FP's for BTMR. We walk over by New Fantasyland for Dumbos, not operating. Figure we will take the train around, as we haven't done that once this trip, not operating. You know what is operating? Peoplemover! So, we go around.

DS and I did make it on BTMR that night after it opened back up. It is better than I remember it, but still rather jerky. Not a good idea for a guy with a bad ankle, which DH is a little upset about.

Sat down for sundaes at the Plaza, and then headed back to the room. At this point, I was getting a little overwhelmed by all of the things we still hadn't done, and only one full day left. The weather had been so terribly hot, we decided to skip DAK this trip. The only thing we really enjoy there is the safari, and while there were a few things we wanted to do for the first time, including eating at Flametree BBQ, it would be too much walking. This already begins a list of why we need to come back, so really not a terrible thing!

We were really glad to be heading to POFQ, because the line for PORS was crazy long! This was the case most nights coming back from wherever. Suggestion: If you are staying at PORS, and don't want to wait forever, but are not opposed to a little walking, take the POFQ bus back, and enjoy a nice stroll along the Sassagoula River at night.

 

[MouseDreaming]

Monday June 17

This would be our last full day in the World, and there was a lot of things we still had to do, so it was a mop up day of sorts. Because flights were booked before my DH's unfortunate ankle injury, I had booked a late flight, and knew we should spend the next day in EPCOT. Bless that lagoon, there always seems to be a breeze off of it. So today, it's all about DHS and MK!

I am happy to say, after many years, and many attempts, DD and I finally did it! We made it to Beauty and the Beast! We sat down on a bench next to a wet spot. It had been raining off and on, and the sky looked like it was going to start again. The people behind us were betting it was a hole over our heads that was leaking. A tour group came by, and were trying to seat people. The guide asked if we minded if someone sat there, and I explained we don't mind at all, but it is wet, so that person might get dripped on. One person didn't mind, so 2 kids sat there. They were very nice and well behaved. Even though it was a large group, there was no chanting or obnoxious behavior. When I told my DH later, he said that he had seen them a different time, and was ready to bolt in the other direction, but they were great. An educational tour from Puerto Rico. I will say, that we ran into an awful lot of large groups this vacation from all over, and they were all fine. Most were large family reunions (I think every family reunion in the States was happening at WDW that week), and some were from out of the country (yes, even dreaded Brazil), but maybe they were all great, because all of them were traveling with family. The only group we saw with few adults, and was by far the largest, was the group from Puerto Rico. Honestly, the tour guides were phenomenal, to be able to control such a large group of kids. They were still having fun, still had big smiles, and were respectful of others around them.

Alright, moving on! The guys had gone to Muppets 3D (DS didn't want to sit through some girl show, and they hadn't gone yet), and they were waiting for us at the end of the show. It had started pouring while we were watching, but luckily, it had stopped before the show let out. So, what else had we not done yet? Great Movie Ride!

I never realized before what a difference your tour guide makes! I wish I could remember her name, but she was the best CM we have ever had. All of the effects were working great! My kids thought some were new, but I had to explain they had just never seen it working right, before. As an extra bonus, we got the Western scene for the firsts time! Pretty great!

DS and I had pulled FP's for SW, as I hadn't been on it before, he only got to do it once, and DH said it was too rough for the ankle, so he waited with DD. I have no idea where we were supposed to be, because even though the ride is better, the story line was really jerky, so we were here, than I found out my DS was actually a Rebel spy (who knew), and then we were there, and the guy next to me was hot, smelly, and taking up the arm rest on my left. Oh, we also got a CM who was really mad and lectured us about why we shouldn't sneak drinks into the ride. Nice lecture...

Anyway, we started walking towards the hat to meet up with DH and DD, and passed Writer's Stop on the way. One of the things I had desperately wanted to try was the
Carrot cake cookie. I just couldn't do it. I was so hot, all I wanted was something cold. Time to say good bye to DHS, because there is still a lot more to do today!

 

[MouseDreaming]

So, we wave farewell to DHS, and we are off towards MK, with a stop in between. DS is a jazz trumpet, and loves jazz. The way some kids listen to Rhianna, and JayZ, and whatever other group is big this week, that's how my son listens to Glen Miller, Miles Davis, and Louis Armstrong. I listen to more current music than my 14 year old. So, we really were hoping to find a good jazz band we could listen to while we were here. Thanks to @Ariel484 , @wdwmagic , and @SkipperButler , we found out about the Grand Floridian Orchestral Society, and it was about time for them to start. Bus, take us to the Grand Floridian!

While on the bus we chatted with some nice people who told us they loved the Pepper Market over at Coronado Springs, but thought 1900 Park Faire was awful. So, it looks like we might have to stop by Pepper Market on a future trip, and check it out.

We grabbed a very comfortable seat, enjoyed the AC, and the music!

DD started to get antsy, so while the guys sat and listened, we went exploring.

Time to head up to the Monorail! We had a great time, the kids enjoyed it. It was a great way to rest up a bit between parks. And honestly, we couldn't believe we had never done this before. If you get a chance, check it out. Great place to people watch, too.

Took the Iron Man mono rail to MK--cause we're cool like that. We were actually lucky enough to ride the Monster monorail as well during this trip.

 

[MouseDreaming]

We arrive at MK, to gray and gloomy looking skies. So, not very different from most of the days of this trip.
First stop, Columbia Harbour House for dinner. We had an early lunch, and we were pretty much starving at this point. DS got his last Lighthouse Sandwich for the trip.

The weather at this ppoint is still holding up, so off to another attraction that the family loves that we hadn't done yet-- Liberty Belle. DH and I found some seats at the front of the ship, while the kids wanted to go up higher. Both my young photographer and I took lots of pictures on this "cruise" on the Rivers of America.

My favorite place to relax at MK, and sadly, this is the closest we got to it this trip.

Now, there's a long line:

Seriously, when I look in this direction, I realize how much I dislike the Tangled Restrooms, as it kills the skyline with HM.

Hopefully, the trees will block it more some day.

And, cue the rain.

 

[MouseDreaming]

Sorry to keep you all waiting. And school is starting soon, so time to finish this, I suppose.

When it rains at MK, some how we find ourselves on a POTC loop. I love that ride, but I definitely got my fill of it this trip. The rain eventually let up, but things weren't opening back up. And people hadn't really left, yet. There were plenty of attractions that we didn't get to, not for lack of trying. Dumbos closed, train closed. DD and I didn't get to do our ride on the tea cups.

Eventually, while riding the TTA, we noticed that some things were opening, and my DD shocked me. She wanted to try BTMRR! Before this, she wanted no part of it. I was a little worried, because I knew she would either love it, or never do another roller coaster again. We got there just as it had reopened, got to the front, and I explained to the CM who was trying to put us up front, that this was my DD's first time on this ride, and I wasn't sure what she would think of it. TIP* CM told me it is a much faster ride in the back of the train then the front. So we sat in the front. SHE LOVED IT! Ran out to meet Daddy who was waiting for us, to tell him, "I thought I was going to throw up and die, and it was great! Can we do it again?" So off again! This time in the back.

Now she suddenly wants to go on Splash. This is my DH's favorite. We went on it on '11 trip, and after, DS wouldn't talk to us for an hour. This was also the (as of this evening temporary) end of any rides where your tummy drops for DS. DH was so excited, and DS was "nope." So DS and I waited for DH and DD. She liked this, too, and now she says she also wants to try TT tomorrow. Time to head out, while catching glimpses of the MSEP. Realize, we never sat and watched any parades or Wishes.

We get back to our room to find out what Mickey and his friends have been up to:

Midnight. Time to get to bed, once we stop laughing. Have to be up and out early tomorrow.

 

[MouseDreaming]

Tuesday June 18
We have to start by getting everything packed and off to flight check in, and carry ons stored at Bell Services. We still have almost a full day, because I got a late flight. So, off to EPCOT!

Even though we got there early, it is crowded. The bag check seems to take forever. We get through and make our way to TT.

TT already has a very long wait, and FP aren't until much later in the day, and won't work for us. No TT for DD and me this trip.
Well, at least we can hit Club Cool, we haven't done that yet this trip. We get there, and there is so many people dressed awfully nice for a theme park. And they are kinda pushy, and taking up all the taps. Turns out Pizza Ranch was doing some kind of scavenger hunt or something. This also explains the guy with the giant Pizza Ranch tattoo I saw yesterday while waiting in line for food at MK. Here I was, thinking he must really like pizza. Anyway, I couldn't wait to have the family try Beverly. (Not me, them). Again, like our last trip, it was out. (Foiled again!). DD finds a Mickey pez dispenser she buys, and we are out of there heading to an Agent P mission in Mexico.

 

[MouseDreaming]

So, this was my favorite relaxing place in all of Disney this trip. DH and I sat on a bench inside and cooled off, as it was already quite hot. And the kids did their Agent P mission. The only thing that would have made this better...should have gone into La Cava and gotten a margarita to go. But, we hadn't even eaten lunch, yet. Will have to try and time this rest stop better next time.

The kids finish, and we decide to do the Fiesta tour. DS loves it, and we need to get that off the "haven't done it this trip" list. After, we realize haven't done Maelstrom. So, off to Norway!

Time to double back, as it is now time for the Mariachi band. DS really likes them, especially the trumpets. DD gets bored and hungry, and insists we go to Lotus Blossom. I am hot, miserable, cranky, and now eating the worst meal I have had at Disney. And I leave today, in a few hours. I almost lose it when DD tries to throw out the Sprite that she barely touched. She tells me it doesn't go with Orange chicken. I grab it, because it is cold, wet, and too expensive to just trash.

The boys in the meantime, have lunch at La Cantina. We look for them on the deck, and then I realize there is another part inside. Of course they are smart enough to be eating in air conditioning. Everything smelled yummy, and both of them told me it was a shame that I didn't get to try the empanadas. Now I am very not happy. I take a sip of Sprite, and it is flat. That is why DD didn't like it. So, it gets trashed anyway.

We leave world showcase, and we didn't get very far around it this trip. As a matter of fact the farthest we made it one way was England, and the farthest the other way was just before the pedestrian bridge before the Outback. It was strange seeing it without all of the flowers and gardens in spring when we are usually there.

One last trip to see Figment.

And time for our last ride, which we also hadn't done yet, Nemo and friends.

Good bye EPCOT, time to head back to POFQ, and get ready to take that dang bus back to the airport.

 

[MouseDreaming]

And now the sad part. Time to leave, vacation over. A very boring flight (the best kind) home.

There was a lot of things we didn't get to do, because of injury and heat. But it just means we have to go back. (Maybe Dec 2014). DS is only too happy to point out, he will be back this Dec. His band will be marching down Main St, and then playing at Outback Bowl. He teases me with talk of all the Dole Whips he will get while here. I tease him back, because it is a long bus ride there and back.

The crowds were already huge. When we are there during the kids Spring Break, it wasn't this crowded. And even people that work and live in the South said this year it was too hot too soon. I seriously doubt that we will be back in June. But DD did get to celebrate her birthday at Disney, which was pretty great.

The heat seemed to get to everybody, though. People not as happy looking, CM's not so happy looking. Yep. I'll blame the heat. And all the trouble with the stupid tap and pay. Ugh. Hope they figure it all out, soon. I forgot to mention, DD did find the shirt she wanted in the Emporium. When we went to purchase it, I told the CM to run it the old way, and she kind of smirked. I said wait, either I'm not the only one with this problem, or you think it's funny because the "old way" isn't very old. No, she's seen people with this problem, and told me that the cards demagnetize easily. Yeah, but just the credit card info? Anyway, glad we found the shirt.

And so happy I got to meet @Pooh'sBuddy and @figmentfan423 You ladies really made this a super fun trip. Hope to run into you, again.

One update. DH's ankle is still giving him grief. A whole summer has passed, and it still isn't better. He has been trying physical therapy, but progress is slow. But, I think Dec of 2014 gives it plenty of time to heal, don't you?

 

[Figgy1]

Yes meeting my wdwmagic friends was one of the best times ever!!!!!!!!!!! xoxo I do hope your dh is much better long before your trip!!!!!!!! Send him my best wishes and an extra dose of pixie dust from the Figgy family!

 

[Pooh'sBuddy]

Aw, MouseDreaming! Thank you for your kind words. We enjoyed meeting y'all, too. So many times, this included, I wished we could have stopped time to enjoy what we were doing right then. That would be great to meet up another time, but I think we'll try Disneyland first and a WDW follow up visit for another Star Wars Weekend years down the road.

Sorry to hear DH's recovery is slow going, but yes, 12/14 should be a good target.