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

[BabieeMelly]

[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/hi.gif[/img] Sharon! I just got all caught up, and I LOVE your report! You got some awesome pictures [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] I can't wait to read more!

[PrincessSharon]

Day Seven – Friday, October 14
You Call That Sleeping In?

I woke up on my own at 6:20, so I figured I might as well get up and go to EMH at the MK. I showered and dressed and when I opened my door, discovered my DME envelope hanging on the door. I had a 7:20 p.m. flight, and my DME pickup would be at 4:30.

I dropped the envelope in the room and headed for the bus stop. There was a big crowd at the bus stop and the bus was somewhat full when it pulled in, but I managed to make it on. We were full at that point and didn’t make the other POR stops, though.

We arrived at the MK at 7:45 and there were long lines at the turnstiles. At 7:55, they opened the turnstiles and let us into the park. I headed for Space Mountain, which is something I’ve never done before.

The SM standby time was listed at 10 minutes, but it was actually a walk-on. I got the left side this time. After SM, I decided to head for Fantasyland and hit the rides I knew would have long lines later.

The first one I came to, the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, had no wait. I walked right on. I got some pictures, but most of them came out kinda blurry, which I think was because the ride vehicle moves pretty fast.









Snow White was next, and that, too was a walk-on. After Snow White, I wandered around for a bit snapping photos.





Peter Pan was up to 20 minutes already, so I skipped that and headed across the way to check out IASW, which I hadn’t seen since the rehab. I got a ton of pictures, but I’ll only share a few.


















The hula dancers are my favorite [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]




The only American dolls

If you’re saying to yourself “I thought she said ‘a few’?” well, compared to how many I took, that was a few! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]

Liberty Square wasn’t open yet and I couldn’t walk that way, so I decided to position myself to be one of the first people in Adventureland. Once the park officially opened, I headed into Adventureland and straight for POC, taking pictures on the way.









I think I like POC better when no one else is around and it is scary! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] I tried to get some pictures, but they were too dark. The only one that is semi-recognizable is the jail scene.









The Jungle Cruise wasn’t due to open until 10:00, so I headed over to ride the Haunted Mansion. I attempted some pictures in there, but they were pretty dark as well. Here are a few of the better shots.










Hurry baaaaack





I figured it was about time to start heading towards the Poly for our breakfast. As I passed the castle, Cinderellabration happened to be starting so I stopped to watch it. I think it is a little stupid (sorry to those who like it), but at least the costumes look nice! Cinderella’s Surprise Celebration was much better if you ask me.











As soon as the show was over, DM called to say they were on the way. We’d decided to spend their last day at the MK, so I told them to park at the TTC and take the resort monorail to the Poly and I’d meet them there.

Then, I hopped on the monorail myself. We were sitting at the Contemporary for about 5 minutes, and while we were there, DM phoned to say they were at the Poly. When I finally met up with them, we checked in for our breakfast.

Kona Café is a family favorite, so we were looking forward to this. DB, DSIL and the boys of course hadn’t eaten there before. Every time I go, I say I’m going to try something other than the Tonga Toast, and every time I go, I end up getting the Tonga Toast! This time was no exception! DSIL got it as well. DM wanted to get it, but also wanted to get eggs. I told her I’d share mine with her and she could have both! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

DB had the big kahuna and DM and DF both had some sort of eggs. Noah had Mickey pancakes [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] and D had kids eggs. DSIL and I also both got strawberry banana smoothies, and let me tell you, I thought maybe they gave us milkshakes by mistake! They were delicious! I even took a picture of it!









DB paid for it but we used my DDE discount. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] After breakfast, we all hopped on the monorail. The boys made silly faces and I took their pictures. I also took a regular one of them.


DM would kill me if she knew I posted this one!

And Noah asked to take one of me.



He’s a pretty good photographer, but his biggest problem is snapping the picture before you are ready! This is one of his better efforts!

At the MK, we stopped for more pictures.


I don’t know why D’s making that face, but I love it! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img]



DF wanted to catch the Hall of Presidents and he took DB with him. Unfortunately, DB had DSIL and the boys’ tickets, so we couldn’t get any Fastpasses. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

I knew the boys would love the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway, so we headed there first. The MK was pretty crowded, but not horribly so. The standby for the Speedway was 30 minutes so we decided to wait on it. DM sat it out, but DSIL and I got on line with the boys.

While on line, I asked the boys which color car they thought they might get. D guessed blue and Noah guessed green. D was right and Noah and I were only one car in front of the green one! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] D loves cars, so I knew he’d love this ride. DSIL asked him if he was excited to drive the car and he goes “it’s not a car, Mom. It’s a racecar!” [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img]

I figured Noah was older and he’d be a better driver, but I was wrong about that! D is a natural and drove like a pro. Noah, on the other hand, drove like the people you see on TV. You know, when they move the wheel back and forth to make it seem like they are driving? The problem with that in a real car, as you can imagine, is that you just bump back and forth. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]

Everyone had fun, and it turned out to be Danny’s favorite ride of the trip! Noah liked Buzz Lightyear best. We headed for Buzz to check out the standby line, but it was 45 minutes long! We couldn’t get FPs because only DM and I had our tickets on us. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cry.gif[/img]

We were supposed to meet the guys in Adventureland, so we walked over that way. On the bridge, we saw Timon. I asked Noah if he wanted to see him and he said no. So much for warming up to the characters!

The standby time for Aladdin’s Magic Carpets was listed at 20 minutes, but it looked to be much longer than that. We all took a bathroom break and then headed over to Pirates to meet up with the guys.

Pirates was showing a 30 minute wait, so we headed over to the Enchanted Tiki Room. The boys liked it a lot, but D covered his ears during the louder parts. I managed to get some good pictures.











We wanted to try the Jungle Cruise, but the standby line was long and the FP return time was later than we’d planned to be in the MK. We decided to try our luck in Tomorrowland, since that was where the boys’ favorites were.

I wasn’t really hungry after that yummy breakfast, but there was no way I was going an entire trip without a Dole Whip, so I stopped and got one and told the rest of the group I’d meet them in front of Stitch’s Great Escape. It was delicious and I enjoyed every mouthful!

Back in Tomorrowland, we were horrified to discover a 90 minute standby line for Buzz! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] The FP return time was too late, so we decided to stick close and hope the line would go down some.

So DB decided to get a turkey leg. DSIL sat with him and got something to eat for the boys while DM, DF and I did the only thing in the park without a line – TTA! But wait! Even TTA had a line this day! It was the longest I’ve ever seen it! It went all the way down the ramp, and when you got upstairs, it curved around again before you could get on! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] As bad as it sounds, we only waited about 5 minutes before we were on the ride.

Once we came off, the boys joined us and we all went on again while DB and DSIL finished their food. I was a total goofball on the ride, pretending I thought the boys disappeared when it gets very dark. They thought it was hysterical, though!

It was time for them to leave for Tampa, so we headed for Main Street. DSIL stopped in the Emporium and did some shopping, then I walked them out as far as the monorail and we said our goodbyes. They had an earlier flight out tomorrow, so I wouldn’t see them again until after we all got home.

I thought about taking the monorail with them to the T&TC and then heading straight for Epcot, but I remembered the crowds from yesterday and today, and combined with the heat, thought it better to take a little break and hit Epcot for the evening hours.

I caught a bus back to POR, which I had to wait 20 minutes for and also had to stand. I had bad luck with buses on this trip! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Up Next: The Solo Adventure Begins!

[DrDolphin]

Great update!!!!

[lauren-roxy]

Great update Sharon!! I love your pictures!!! Your breakfast smoothie looked so good, I am going to have to try one! Can't wait to read more!!

[Colexis Mom]

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

[Leah's Dad]

Great TR!!! Keep'em comin'!

Leah's Dad

[PrincessSharon]

Day Seven Part Two – The Solo Adventure Begins!

Back at POR, I did some more exploring (though no more pictures if you can believe that!). Then I did some last-minute gift shopping and headed back to my room for a rest.

I had the rest of today and a big part of tomorrow and the two parks I really wanted to spend more time in was Epcot, for more F&WF, and MGM, to check out the new stunt show (really! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]).

I checked the times for LMA in the packet of info I’d gotten at check-in and found out that the last performance of the day for LMA would be about 40 minutes away. I didn’t have enough time to make it to the park and all the way back to the theater, so I decided it would be Epcot tonight and MGM tomorrow!

Off to the bus stop, and I didn’t wait long for the Epcot bus, but I didn’t get a seat. The first thing I did once I got in was check the tip board. Soarin’ was listed at 80 minutes and no more FPs were available. I guess I wouldn’t get to ride it again this trip. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] (Five times wasn’t enough.)

I made my way to World Showcase, via Test Track. The single riders line was only 10 minutes, so I rode it again. No issues with the preshow movie or riders piling up in the loading area this time.

A Friendship was pulling in, so I decided to take it to Germany and start eating from there. I wasn’t tempted by anything until I got to the U.S.A., where I got the BBQ beef and cornbread.


BBQ Beef with New England Cornbread – $2.50

I liked the BBQ Beef, and the cornbread was really yummy. I got this from the Barley & Hops Market and not the regular U.S.A. booth. The Eat to the Beat Concert was on, and it was the Gap Band today. I stopped to listen for a while before continuing on to Japan, where I got chicken teriyaki wings and they were delicious.


Nagoya Teriyaki Wings – $3.50

At the India booth, I decided on the curry chicken. It was quite spicy, but I liked it.


Red Curry Chicken – $1.75

I took some pictures in Morocco, including a hidden Mickey.







Then I stopped at the booth. I was tempted to get the lemon chicken, but after chicken at the two previous booths, I decided to try the pistachio baklava, which was light and flaky.


Pistachio Baklava – $2.00

In France, I still wasn’t about to eat snails, but I got another chocolate crème brulee since the one I had the day before was burnt. This one was prepared to perfection and delicious.



I was getting a little tired and decided not to fight the post-Illuminations crowd, so I figured I’d start heading out. I had to stop in Canada for more pictures and a chunk of maple walnut fudge, which was delicious.






Maple Walnut Fudge - $1.50. Doesn’t look like much, but boy is it [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/facelick.gif[/img]

Back in Future World, I had to get more pictures …





… and hit the single riders line on Test Track again. Then I hit SE again, which I can’t seem to pass without riding. I stopped for one last picture on the way out.



For once, I didn’t have to wait long for a bus or stand once I got on. Back at POR, I stopped at the Concierge desk and had the CM print out my “A” boarding pass for my Southwest flight the following night. The CM entered the confirmation number in wrong and told me he couldn’t find me, which nearly scared me to death. Luckily, I caught his mistake and then he found me! He also made sure I knew that I had to take my own luggage to the DME bus tomorrow, since I am flying on a non-participating airline.

I knew my flight home tomorrow wasn’t until 7:20 and the only thing I had planned for the day was to catch LMA, so I decided not to set a wakeup call and turned in. I figured I’d pack up in the morning. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

I watched TV for a while, and then turned in early.

Up Next: The Ideal Way to End a Disney Vacation

[DawnDenise]

Wonderful update!! All the food looked yummy!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img]

[Colexis Mom]

What a great YUMMY update [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[lauren-roxy]

Wonderful update!! All that food looked absolutely yummy!!!!! Your other pictures are beautiful too!! I'm sorry your trip report is coming to an end.

[PrincessSharon]

Day Eight – Saturday, October 15
The Ideal Way to End a Disney Vacation

I was up on my own pretty early, at 7:15. I took a shower and got dressed, then packed up my stuff. I got the checkout envelope from the door and reviewed the charges. Everything was correct, so I called to arrange to have my bags picked up and stored. The CM on the phone told me if I wanted to leave a tip to leave it under my bags, so that’s what I did.

I wanted to eat at Boatwright’s again (those sweet potato cakes were calling to me), so I headed down to see if I could be seated without an ADR. The restaurant looked pretty empty, but when I asked about when I could be seated, I was told 60 minutes, even as a solo diner. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] I didn’t believe that, but I didn’t want to wait and find out.

So I headed for the bus stop, stopping only to mail some postcards. The MGM bus was at the stop and loading up and bonus – I got a seat! I arrived at the park at about 9:30 and headed straight for TOT/RNRC. Usually, I go to TOT first, then grab a FP and head for RNRC. However, I’ve found that the line for RNRC builds up more, while TOT can be practically empty.

So I got a RNRC FP first, then came back and got in the TOT standby line, which was showing a 13 minute wait.

I snapped some pictures in the lobby. I wanted to get a picture of the secret message, but I didn’t have time – we went into the library.









This was a memorable trip on TOT. In case you haven’t figured it out yet ([img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]), TOT is my favorite ride. Which isn’t really noteworthy, I guess. But only true TOT geeks like myself have favorite CM’s. Today, I got Joshua as my bellhop, which made my day! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] He really gets into the role! He even struck a fantastic creepy pose when I asked to take his picture. Unfortunately, I forgot to turn the flash back on, so it came out dark. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] I didn’t have time to get another shot. I tried to fix it, but my photoshop skills are nonexistent!


Joshua (yay!)

I just had to hope for Joshua (or Chris, another favorite) next time. Anyway, the ride was great, but the line ended up being more like 20 minutes. The CMs were only letting about 10 people into the library at a time, when you can easily fit about 30 people in there. The line looked pretty long when I came out, so I got another FP for later and decided to check out the rest of the park for a change. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] I noticed the Great Movie Ride had no line, so I went in.

Certain things with me are a given: when I ride Splash Mountain, I will automatically get the front row, and when I ride the GMR, I will get the gangster version. These things happen about 95% of the time. This time, I requested the cowboy version when I got inside. The CM told me I had to wait for it, so I was glad I requested it. And the best part was that I was able to get the front row and score some pretty good photos. It only took about 5 extra minutes to wait, and I could’ve walked right on to the gangster version.






I took these while waiting inside for the next car












For those who’ve never seen the cowboy version, this is why the bank is all charred and burnt!













I still had some time before LMA was due to start, so I ducked into my favorite time killer – Walt Disney One Man’s Dream. I always enjoy looking around in here.











After WDOMD, I had just enough time to catch a showing of Muppet Vision 3-D. The park was empty today, and there was hardly anyone in the theater, but I enjoyed the show as much as I always do.

Finally it was time for LMA, so I headed back to catch it. The theater wasn’t full and I even managed to get a pretty decent seat. My pictures would have been better if I’d seen the show before, but I got a few good ones.













After having seen it, I have no desire to see it again in the near future. I mean, I enjoyed it the first time, but it’s just not the kind of thing I like, so I won’t need to watch it again.

The other thing I really wanted to do if I had time for it today was the animation class. We never found time for it the other day, so I figured I could get that done now. I waited for the theater to clear out and then cut through the Muppets store to get ahead of the remaining crowd.

I arrived just as the class was starting. There were only about six others in the class. Last time I did this, we learned to draw Donald. I was thrilled to get to draw Mickey this time! I’m no artist, but I did a pretty fair job on Mickey.

My RNRC FP was expired, but I knew from past experiences that CMs will usually honor FPs all day. I went over and had no problem using it.





And a beauty shot of my favorite ride!



Speaking of my favorite ride, I had one last FP to use and was hoping to get another picture of Joshua, but I didn’t see him this time. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] The ride was awesome and was a great way to spend my last moments in the park.

I was hungry (I hadn’t had any breakfast), but I wasn’t sure what to eat. I was in the mood for a cheeseburger, so I’d planned to go back to POR and get one in the food court. Then it hit me – Beaches and Cream! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/foreheadslap.gif[/img]

So I caught the boat over to the Beach Club. DM called to say they made it to the airport on time and were getting ready to board. I told her I was heading to Beaches and Cream, which made her a tad jealous!

I arrived at B&C at 2:00 and put in for a seat at the counter. The CM assured me it would only be about 5-10 minutes, but it was at least 20 minutes before I was seated.



My server was nice, but very slow. I ordered my cheeseburger



and devoured it! Yummy! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img]

I knew that I didn’t want to eat anything in the airport, and I would only get peanuts on the plane, so I ordered a huge banana split



and devoured it! Yummy! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

I actually didn’t finish it, but I put a good dent in it! I was completely stuffed when I got out, which was at 3:25.

I had to catch the 4:30 DME and I didn’t want to wait on buses, so I got a cab back to POR. It only took about 10 minutes to get from the Beach Club to POR and it cost $10.50 in the cab, plus tip. It was well worth it, though!

The DME documents recommended that I pick up my luggage 15 minutes before the scheduled bus, so I had one last look around ([img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cry.gif[/img])





then went to claim my bags. I was glad I was even earlier than they suggested, because the CM who brought down my bags never wrote them on the chart so we had to search through all the bags to find mine.

I got them, though, and stepped outside to wait on the DME. I’d gotten the DCL bus on the way in, so I was looking forward to riding in the cool retro DME bus this time. Imagine my disappointment when a big ugly yellow Mears bus showed up. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] At least the bus driver was friendly.

I showed him my return voucher and climbed aboard, with one last longing look at POR. He informed me that I would be getting off at terminal A, which would be his second stop.

He put on the same cartoons that I’d seen on the way in, so I never got to see the cute video I’d heard about. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] By the time I got off the bus and had my luggage again, it was 5:20, which was 2 hours early for my flight.

I already had my boarding pass, so I went to the kiosk to check my luggage and made it through security in no time and with no problems. I settled in at the gate at 5:40 and started to watch SCTV on my DVD player.

After a while, I noticed that there wasn’t much activity, so I shut off the DVD player and took off my headphones. The family next to me let me know that our flight was delayed in Chicago and we wouldn’t be departing until 8:10.

We finally did leave at about 8:20. The flight wasn’t full and I had a row all to myself. We were riding a long way to the runway and one of the flight attendants came on and said that’s why SWA’s flights are so low – they drive ½ way there! Everyone laughed.

We landed at 10:35, which was 40 minutes late, so we did manage to make up some of the time we lost. I picked up my luggage and DF drove me home.

Up Next: Final Thoughts and Ramblings

[DrDolphin]

Great update - although I am sad to see your trip end!!!

[DawnDenise]

Another great update Sharon!!!! Sounds like you had a great last day in MGM. Sad to see that your report is coming to an end!!

[Colexis Mom]

What a great last day Sharon [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] Love the pictures [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

[iamgrumpy]

Love the pictures! Great report!
Amy