Ohana Means Family (Vacation) - COMPLETE REPORT!! About This Page:

[Joy J]

It sounds like you had a truly magical day and boy, did you ever make the most of the opportunities to ride Tower of Terror and Rock'n'Roller Coaster! If I'd tried that many multiple ridings of those two attractions, I would have had to spend the rest of the day recuperating at the resort. I'm now eagerly looking forward to your thoughts on MNSSHP.

Joy

[debsta922]

those lego creations always amaze me... great update

[Tara O'Hara]

Sharon your report is terrific!! Great pics too! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] Your family is so cute!!

[Caldercup]

Terrific updates.

Hey, I have a tip for you that I learned on these boards. Set your wake-up call for an odd minute - like 6:23 rather than 6:30. They get less requests for that time and you generally get the message right away... as in no "Hello... hello... hello!!!"

Can't wait for more - your report is hilarious!
Eileen

[Colexis Mom]

Great update Sharon [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img]

[PrincessSharon]

Day Four Part Two – It’s Party Time!

On the way to the MK, I looked at the hat (which is plush) and sort of cringed at the idea of wearing it in the 90° heat, but when I put it on, I found it to be surprisingly cool. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] I was able to get a picture of the MK gates done up for the party.



When we arrived at the TTC, D had to go potty (even though he went before he put on his costume), and he needed quite a bit of assistance with his costume, so it was a job for DSIL. We made Noah go again, too.

The TTC was dressed for the party, too.



When the boys got out of the bathroom, I asked DM to take a picture of me with my stylin’ hat and the Dynamic Duo.


How cute are they? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img]

When we reached the monorail platform, I figured I’d ask to see if the front was available, and it was! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] DSIL, the boys, and I rode up front and the others rode in the first car. DSIL wasn’t even aware that you could ride in the front, and was excited to get the chance to do so. The boys were completely spellbound riding up front and really loved it when we went into the Contemporary.



The monorail pilot was very nice and chatted with us a bit and gave us all licenses when we reached the MK.

I was happy to see more people leaving than coming in. A lot of the CMs would make a big deal about the boys’ costumes and say “We’re safe now!” So many people said the same exact thing that soon even the boys were laughing when they heard it.

We picked up a stroller (which was free to party guests), and headed in to the park. I’d made an AR for Liberty Tree Tavern for DM, DF and me, knowing how the boys didn’t want to hug any characters ([img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img]) and it was at 5:30. It was close to that time now, so we wasted no time walking over to Liberty Square. I told DSIL to make a right and head in to Fantasyland and I showed her where the Columbia Harbor House was if they were hungry. We agreed to call them once we were finished with our meal and then split up.

I checked in at LTT about 5 minutes early and DM and DF both grabbed a rocker and I took a few pictures.





Before I could sit down, we were being called to our table. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] None of us had been to LTT before, and I knew this meal was sponsored by Stouffer’s, so I wasn’t expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised to find everything very tasty! Everything I had was yummy, except the macaroni and cheese. I’m not a fan of mac ‘n’ cheese, and the day-glo orange-y stuff looked OK, I guess. DM and DF both passed on it, so we don’t know if it was good or not. We had to request cranberry sauce, which I thought was a little odd. How can you have turkey without cranberry sauce!

The characters came around and DM was a great photographer. First to arrive was Chip.



I was engrossed in my food when suddenly I felt someone (something?) licking my head!



Dale was next, but I’m making a weird face in the picture, so I’m not posting it. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] My pictures with Goofy and Minnie, however, came out just fine.





All the characters loved my hat. Lots of CMs and guests told me they liked it too. Anyway, we finished our delicious dinner by 6:15 and when we came out the park was closed to non-party guests. We decided to kick off the night by riding the Haunted Mansion. I called DSIL and left her a voicemail to meet us at the HM.

The CMs all had on spooky makeup and one in particular was walking in a creepy manner. It’s hard to explain, but it was great! I love it when the CMs get into their part!

After we got out of HM, I had a voicemail from DSIL saying they had done the HM while we were in LTT. The boys were both fine and not scared at all! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] They were riding Peter Pan and wanted us to meet them in front of IASW.

In the past, in the hour between the MK’s closing and the start of the party, everyone was sent to Tomorrowland. This year it seemed that Fantasyland, Liberty Square and parts of Adventureland were open! It may have been more than that, but that’s all we got to in that short period.

We walked over to IASW and I noticed no line for Peter Pan, which you practically never see. DF and I went in while DM waited for the rest of the group. DF and I walked right on Peter Pan and when we came out, the whole group was waiting for us.

DM and DF took the boys and they went on the rides in Fantasyland. DB, DSIL and I headed over to ride Splash and BTMRR. The park was practically empty! We walked right on Splash Mountain. For some reason, I always seem to get the front seat on SM without asking for it. I was standing in front of DB and DSIL and of course, got the front row! DSIL was nervous about the drop, but she loved the ride! We didn’t get too wet, but my shorts got very wet.

After Splash, we headed straight for BTMRR. No line! In fact, the CM allowed us to choose our row, so we headed all the way to the back! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] This ride is really fantastic in the back, especially when it’s dark!

Done with our thrills, we headed back over to catch up with the rest of the group. DB wanted to get a turkey leg, so we made a quick stop for that. I called DM to see where they were – at Stitch. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] That meant I wouldn’t have to ride it! I apologize to fans of this ride – I have nothing against Stitch, but the ride is a tad bit boring.

We made our way to Tomorrowland, but once we got near the castle, the area was blocked off for the parade and we had to go all the way over to Adventureland and through the hub to make it to Tomorrowland. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Once we made it to Tomorrowland, they weren’t out yet, so I went to the bathroom. They still weren’t around, so I hopped on TTA and figured I could look for them from above. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

After my spin on TTA, I came out and there they were. DF had gotten lost! Instead of using his cellphone to try to locate someone, he just sat down and waited to be found. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] I guess he didn’t know we were to meet at Stitch, which he certainly knows how to find. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] So DM and the boys had been looking for him all that time. It’s a good thing they’ve been married so long – DM figured out where he’d be.

DM felt bad for the boys that so much time had been wasted looking for Poppy. We did some trick or treating, and that made them really happy. Now the boys needed to eat, so I took them over to Cosmic Rays.

I wanted to find a spot to watch Hallowishes, so I headed over to Main Street. I found a spot that wasn’t bad. I called the group to let them know where I was if they finished early enough to join me. We agreed to meet in front of the Country Bears for the second parade.

Hallowishes was new for this year’s party, and it was completely fabulous! I am a fan of the villains, so that may be why I loved it so much, but it was all kinds of awesome! I was concentrating on watching the show rather than getting pictures, so I only managed a few. The one I liked best was this Oogie Boogie picture.



Once the fireworks ended, much of the crowd began to file out. I waited for most of the congestion around the hub to clear, then walked over to the Country Bears. I found a terrific spot right at the ropes right in front of the theater. I sat down and before people could crowd in on the big spot I had, my family showed up! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] Perfect timing! They were raving about the fireworks, but D had fallen asleep and missed them. He was still sound asleep in the stroller, but we pulled him up to the rope in case he woke up.

The parade is new and was a little different from ones I’ve seen before! CMs were handing out candy along the parade route, so we were sure to have our bags ready! Noah sat next to me at the rope, which was brave, considering they might hug him!

The parade is really fun, with a catchy new song! It features lots of villains, including some you don’t see every day. I took lots of pictures.





















Noah loved the parade, being the big villains fan he is, but when the hyenas started heading toward us, he got kind of nervous. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] Luckily, the hyena approached the kid next to him, which he thought was hilarious!







D slept through the entire parade. Poor kid, he must’ve been wiped out! Once it was over, the family decided to go to the Country Bear Jamboree. I suggested they head over and ride the Magic Carpets, Pirates, and Jungle Cruise while the lines were short, but DF insisted everyone see the Country Bears.

I took my own advice and headed into Adventureland. They decided tomorrow would be a Universal day, so they told me they’d pick me up at POR in the morning. We said our goodnights and went our separate ways.

I went to ride POC first. There was no one in the boat with me. Usually that doesn’t bother me, but on Pirates, it’s kind of scary all alone, in the dark … “dead men tell no tales”

After POC, I decided to walk around to try and get some character photos. This is where all the people were! I saw a bunch of characters signing autographs, including lots I’ve never seen before, but I just didn’t feel like waiting on line. I did go through the candy lines, which were all pretty short. I was particularly sad to miss pictures with Tarzan and Jane (together) and the Walrus from Alice in Wonderland. I guess I’ll have to get them next year.

I checked all the character spots around the park, ending up in Toontown (where I saw the Walrus, though it looked like he was heading in for a break). I took the path to Tomorrowland, getting candy along the way. I saw that Space Mountain was lit in cool Halloween-y colors and wanted to try to get a picture. I thought TTA might afford me the best vantage point, so I went for a spin on that again.

I managed to get a picture of SM, but I’m not sure you get the full effect from the photo.



It was after 11 by this time and I was pretty tired. So I headed for Main Street. Main Street was also lit in Halloween-y colors, which I tried my best to photograph.




There were ghosts on the buildings


That’s a witch on the left and a bat (with mouse ears ) on the right

My last stop was the Emporium, where I bought a MNSSHP t-shirt. It’s orange tie-dye, which will match my silly hat nicely. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

I took a few last photos before heading to the bus stop.





It was 11:45 when I left the MK. What a long day that had been! A bus to POR arrived within 10 minutes, and I was so happy to get a seat, though there were some people standing.

I had an AR for Boatwright’s for breakfast in the morning, so I set a wakeup call for 7:30 and went to bed.

Up Next: Burning Daylight [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

[krisk11]

Looking at your pictures of MNSSHP make me sad that I didn't get to see it this year (we were there in 2002 and 2004). I miss WDW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lauren-roxy]

Fantastic update and those pictures are just awesome!!!! Sounds like you guys all had a wonderful time at the party, it looks like lots of fun!! Can't wait to read more!!

[DawnDenise]

I am definitely gonna have to MNSSHP one year!! Love the update and all of the pictures!!! More please!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Colexis Mom]

Great update Sharon [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

[zacksmom_1993]

What a phenomenal job you're doing on this trip report, Sharon! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/applause.gif[/img] I can't wait to show Zack your little "secret" from Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. Can't wait for more!

Karen

[SHEANA1226]

I love the MNSSHP photos!! I am going to have to go one year!!!

[Tara O'Hara]

Sharon, awesome pictures and update! That party looks really fun and I just love the pics of you with the characters at LTT!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

[Caldercup]

Terrific update!! How cool that Tick Tock was in the parade with Captain Hook! Calder would've screamed himself hoarse...

Can't wait for more,
Eileen

[PrincessSharon]

Day Five – Wednesday, October 12
Burning Daylight [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

I got my wakeup call and only said hello about three times before the message started. (Eileen, thanks for the tip, I will definitely remember it for next time! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]) Anyway, I jumped in the shower and got dressed. I was really looking forward to breakfast today.

My AR was for 8:40, but I checked in about 20 minutes early. I took a few pictures before I was seated.







I had the sweet potato pancakes. Wow, they were good! Just looking at the picture makes me hungry!




After my breakfast, I decided to check out Fulton’s General Store. Traditionally, I buy a mug, a pin, a magnet and an ornament from each resort. However, most of the POR/POFQ things are the same, so I didn’t have much new stuff to buy. The magnet design is new since my POFQ stay, so I got that, along with some other things.

I called to see what was going on with my family. DF and DM were with their sales rep and would be a bit longer. So I took the opportunity to walk around POR and get some pictures. The place is absolutely gorgeous! I was such a shutterbug that day. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/Flash.gif[/img]


















My room was on the back side of this building.

This is the closest I got to Ol’ Man Island. No swimming for me this trip. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]






This is the quiet pool near Parterre Place


The boat to POFQ and Downtown Disney I really wanted to do this, but never found the time. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]


Some folks out for a bike ride!

So now do you feel like you’ve just taken a tour of POR? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Sorry about that, but I just couldn’t choose which ones to post! Believe it or not, I didn’t post all the pictures I took. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/Flash.gif[/img] I called my family to check on their progress. Still not ready. I told them that by the time they picked me up and we got to Universal it would be afternoon and the park closed at 7:00. I have an AP for the Universal Parks, so I wasn’t the one who would have to pay for a park ticket for a half day of touring. DM and the boys wouldn’t be joining us at Universal.

DM said they’d be along shortly, so I took up my unfortunately familiar spot on a bench out front and waited. And waited. And waited …

Up Next: Did They Ever Show Up?