Trip Report Nov 19-22 (pre, during, and post)

So, here we are....making a pretty unscheduled long weekend trip to the World in November for DWs birthday. I know, this is all my fault. During the writing of our summer trip report:
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=609320 it came to our attention that we had not visited Rose and Crown. Well, that just couldn't be allowed....so we borrowed a few DVC points from next year and booked this little visit.

We will be staying at Saratoga Springs for the first time. Well, not technically the first time, spent a week at the old Disney Institute many years ago - in fact that was the first trip with my DW (when she was just a girlfriend who had never been to the World!!). DD (age 6) is very excited. She has some fascination with Saratoga Springs that we aren't sure where it comes from!

Anyway, before I confess to my organizational hyperactivity (read: overplanning), I invite you to read the above mentioned trip report and also check out our pictures from this summer http://picasaweb.google.com/1062796...key=Gv1sRgCIOXlbvv9a7P0gE#5505623832850052578

Of course, the moment we decided this, we started planning. ADRs were quickly made in the event we decided to get the DDP (as DVCers, no free dining for us) and MVMCP reservations were made as well. And, when next I have time to post, the daily planning rundown!

 

[brifraz]

Some Closing Thoughts

First off, despite the illnesses, we had a great time. Too short (and way too much driving for that short of a visit).

MK-
According to the girls, all the figures in IaSW were working again and things looked great inside. While I missed it, this makes me very happy. Nice to see that they got everything back up to par while they fixed the entrance. Sad to see that the boulders in BTMRR are still not moving - I continue to hope against hope that they will move again some day... While most of the WtP new queue was not open, it looks great and figures to do an excellent job keeping the little ones entertained whilst in line. I know some folks on here have complained that the honey walls are old technology and don't fit it - but everybody in line was loving them! The holiday wishes fireworks are always wonderful and it felt like some perimeter ones had been added, which we much appreciate.

Studios-
Not too much to comment on, since we only did an evening here. We did like the P+F audio addition to the Osbourne lights. It fit in very nicely with the DJ schpiel that was already used - we heard the Phineas light fixing and hope they keep it around so someday we can hear the Doofenshmirtz take over. Still sad that despite the big refurb of MuppetVision over a year ago, the fireworks on the ceiling are now totally turned off. That doesn't seem like a huge fix to me, but they haven't worked well in ages.

AK-
I didn't get to do much in AK, but obviously the girls loved Primeval Whirl - four times! Again, I realize that lots of folks complain that it is just the classic Wild Mouse ride with additional theming - but, there is a reason the classics are classics and that's because kids love 'em! Enjoyed our Nemo, the Musical - but were very sad to have a different actor playing Crush. Since it opened, we have only ever seen one actor play him and he is awesome. We knew that he must get days off and would someday leave the gig, but were sad not to hear his great voice and acting skills. This is the third or fourth time we have seen the Marlin actor and continue to love his work.

Epcot-
I'm just going to talk about Duffy Bear, here. Everything else was about as usual Epcot-ness (still hope that Imagination gets help, still not concerned about the end of S:E, still wondering why Gary Sinese got paid for the Mission:Space bit). OK, there has been lots of complaining about Duffy around here (and other forums). Personally, I think it is great Disney stuff. As an intellectual, I know it is all about marketing and merchandising, but it is good story telling - although I was disappointed that we couldn't find the full Duffy storybook anywhere (just the abbreviated one on the tag). Also, like KP, it gets little ones more interested in the countries. Our DD was so excited to take Duffy pictures in each country and that can lead very easily to learning about those countries (she is old enough and has done Epcot enough times that she already knows quite a bit about those countries). Also, in terms of kids and imagination - unlike the fab 5 or Pooh characters, when a kid gets a Duffy bear stuffed animal, they have to create the personality. I much prefer stuffed animals for kids that do not have a preset character that the kids will use to play. Our Duffy already has a new name - Meffy (based on DDs initials), likes to play on his own, seems to get into some trouble at times, and likes to give everyone kisses. A stuffed Mickey wouldn't do those things, he'd just be Mickey.

OK, that's about it from the soapbox. I hope to have pictures posted to Picasa tonight or Friday (sorry, no internet on Thanksgiving) and will post the link!

 

[LeafsFanNL]

Wow, what an intense trip. I cannot imagine how you managed to function on that little sleep in the park. Not to mention how you managed to teach on no sleep on Monday.

I thought our upcoming trip was a little on the wild side, but even after a lot of flying we'll get probably 4-5 hours sleep on our arrival night, and 5-6 before we go back to work on Monday.

Hats off to you, Sir!!

What do you teach??

 

[brifraz]

Wow, what an intense trip. I cannot imagine how you managed to function on that little sleep in the park. Not to mention how you managed to teach on no sleep on Monday. I thought our upcoming trip was a little on the wild side, but even after a lot of flying we'll get probably 4-5 hours sleep on our arrival night, and 5-6 before we go back to work on Monday.

Hats off to you, Sir!!

I tend to be able to function pretty well on no sleep. It catches up to me a day later, but especially in the parks, an hour or two of sleep is all I need. Adrenaline does the rest! One major difference between myself and most others who do things with little/no sleep is - NO caffeine or other stimulants (aka energy drinks). Back when I used to drink regular coffee and caffeinated sodas, the crash was always worse than just being tired. Haven't had any for over a decade now and I find I have more energy than every (lots of water and unbridled enthusiasm)!

What do you teach??

I teach high school music. Tuesday morning, I gently reminded each of the classes that I might be a little on edge. To their credit, behavior was good enough to keep me on an even keel. There were some touchy minutes in the middle of band when one youth decided to whistle along while the flute section was practicing a particularly hard part, but other than that!

I understand that the kids from my last period class (AP Music Theory) were discussing side bets on whether I might doze off while analyzing a chord progression. Those with faith in me won those bets!!

 

[4everDory]

Wow! What an exciting trip! Sorry you guys were hit by "the sickness"--DD13 got hit by it during our September vacation, on our way to Seaworld Needless to say, she and I spent the day there in First Aid, with her sleeping all day. Thank goodness for the Buy a Day, Get a Day Free promotion!

Hope your next trip won't have to be as short, so you can stop and smell the flowers along the way, as well as catch the attractions you had to miss this trip! Can't wait to hear about the next trip!

 

[brifraz]

Pictures!!!

Okay, pictures are up! We have two different albums from this trip. The first album is the usual enjoyable Disney experience pictures. The second album is the adventures of DDs new Duffy bear. Please enjoy!!

http://picasaweb.google.com/106279614017959388157/DisneyNovember2010?authkey=Gv1sRgCIWturCn5YDySg#

http://picasaweb.google.com/106279614017959388157/MeffyBearTravels?authkey=Gv1sRgCPXEgLqdpc7nmQE#

 

[brifraz]

Hope your next trip won't have to be as short, so you can stop and smell the flowers along the way, as well as catch the attractions you had to miss this trip! Can't wait to hear about the next trip!

Next trip (June) will be a bit different, we are travelling with DWs family (grandparents, sister and nephew) so our adventures will be a little more catered to their needs!

 

[Thumbelina]

I loved reading your trip report. The pictures are adorable! Im sad to hear that the family got sick but glad you guys are feeling better. Thank you for sharing!