Travel dates: August 13-20, 2016
Travel method: air and DME
Resort: Pop Century
Accommodations: Standard Rooms
Ages Represented in Group: 2-63
Disney Resort Experience Represented in Group: First timers to seasoned veterans
Pre-trip Comments: We did similar trips with 25 people in 2006 and 2010
http://www.bochnik.com/disney/disney2006.html
http://www.bochnik.com/disney2010/disney2010.htm
Cast of characters: A pictogram of a family tree might be easier but here it goes . . .
Michael B (Uncle Bubba) your trip reporter, Disney bird watcher, AP holder and DVC member
Kelli B lovely wife of said trip reporter
Ann my sister and non-thrill seeker
Samantha K Anns daughter, our niece and thrill seeker
Rich Sr our brother-in-law
Joan sister-in-law, Rich Srs better half
Firefighter Tim nephew
Marissa - Half-marathon Princess and niece
Madeline Little Princess One, daughter of Tim and Marissa
Rich Jr nephew
Firefighter Kevin nephew
Nurse Caitlin Kevins girlfriend
Mike F. nephew and Met fan
Nurse Amanda Mike Fs girlfriend and Yankee fan, uh oh
Alicia - close family friend and ex Commodore
Marianne Rich Srs cousin
Paul - Rich Srs brother
Patty - Pauls wife
Kelli F - daughter of Patty & Paul
Evan engaged to Kelli F
Katie - daughter of Patty & Paul
Sean engaged to Katie
Lauren - daughter of my brother-in-laws cousin (have I confused my readers yet?)
Mike T Laurens husband
Hunter - Little Princess two, daughter of Lauren and Mike T
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Saturday, August 13, 2016
We checked in for our flight and printed our boarding passes the night before. We are traveling with my sister Ann and our niece Samantha. We woke up at 2:50 AM. Scott our brother-in-law picked us up at 4 AM with Ann and Samantha in the car. It was a quick drive to Newark for our 5:55 AM flight on JetBlue to Orlando. The line to drop off bags was long, but the security line was not. The full body scanners seemed to be set on sensitive as I was frisked both coming and going. Cargo shorts may not be best thing to wear.
They started to board early at 5:15 AM and we pushed back from the gate at 5:48. Out JetBlue plane name was Bravo Lima Uniform Echo, spelling out Blue in the NATO phonetic alphabet. We landed on time. Kelli and I try to guess what bird we would see first. She guessed Snowy Egret and I a Great Egret. Kelli guessed correctly as a Snowy Egret was seen while taxiing to the gate.
We shopped in both the Disney and Universal stores at the airport so that we could meet up with a few of the 25 flying in just behind us. Little Maddie along with Tim, Marissa, Marianne and Alicia met us at Disney Magical Express. As we checked in to board our bus the attendant referred to Marianne and Alicia as Two Unescorted College Girls.
Check-in was a breeze and all ten rooms are almost all in a row on the 3rd floor in building 3 of the 50s section overlooking the pool. Thanks Rich Sr. for calling ahead to make this happen. Its nice to all hang together at the resort when we were not at the parks. Best of all, our rooms were ready!
We ate brunch at the Pop Century Food Court Everything Pop. They were still serving breakfast at one of the stations and Kelli and I had Waffles and the Bounty Platter. We stopped at Luggage Assistance so that they could deliver my Garden Grocers order to our room. As we approached the counter I saw our checked bags leaving for our room.
After quickly settling in our rooms the nine of us met up with Lauren, Mike T and Hunter and all headed to the Magic Kingdom. Each bus signage rotates from its destination to "My Other Bus is a Magic Carpet".
We had Fastpasses for Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin followed by the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - no relation to Mr Hankey, the Christmas Poo.
I suggested Enchanted Tales with Belle. Nobody wanted to volunteer so I stepped up and played a guard. I think everyone was impressed with the mirror doorway, Madame Wardrobe and Lumiere. Both Maddie and Hunter enjoyed meeting Belle at the end.
Outside, Kelli and I enjoyed a very delicious Olaf frozen juice bar. We used our third Fastpass to ride Peter Pan's Flight then headed back to Pop Century to freshen up for dinner tonight.
At Pop we found the rest of the group in the Bowling Pin Pool.
After a quick dip we got ready for dinner at Morimoto Asia. We had 5 ADRs to cover the whole group at the restaurant. Joan and Rich drove Disney Springs which turned out to be a blessing. Rain was threatening and lightening could be seen in the distance as the rest of us waited for the bus. It took 35 minutes for one to show. The driver said there was only one bus going back and forth to Disney Springs. On a Saturday, near dinner time??? We had just enough time to make our reservation and beat the rain. Fortunately Joan and Rich were already there and was able to secure two tables on the second floor for the 23 of us. Ann and Sam went on ahead for dinner at the Rain Forest Caf.
The food was delicious. We had eleven of us at our table. Appetizers included Morimoto Spare Ribs, Edamame, Five Spice Chicken Wings and Kanikama Rangoon - krab and cream cheese spring roll, apricot sweet chili sauce. For dinner some had Sushi, Orange Chicken and Rich Jr and I shared the Morimoto Peking Duck - carved house-roasted whole duck, served with steamed flour pancakes, apricot sweet chili and hoisin miso.
We shared some of the duck with the table. Little 2 year old Maddie came over and we asked if shed like to try some duck, she said yes, loved it and tried more. We told Tim, her father that she likes duck. He asked what we told her it was since they tell her pork is turkey so she will eat it we said duck! He just shook his head. Maddie and Hunter enjoyed dancing and playing on the outdoor patio next to our tables. A band was playing below across the walkway.
Tim ran out for a Tables of Wonderland card to complement mine so that we could get 20% off for both tables. The bill for our table of 11 people was 479.32 before the discount and tax and tip. The card saved us $95.86. The final bill with 18% tip and tax was only $494.67.
After dinner we met up with my Sister Ann and Samantha. The ladies wanted to check out the Alex and Ani and Vera Bradley shops. We then backtracked to Ghirardelli for dessert. The Living Statues had quite a crowd around them. At Ghirardellis I like the controlled chaos waiting for your order on a busy night. Kelli and I shared the Ocean Beach Sea Salt Caramel Sundae.
It was a long walk to the Pop Century bus stop. Back at the resort Caitlin made these great lanyards with Drinking around the World badges and handed them out. Thanks Caitlin!
There was also a surprise for Marissa back in her room. The door was adorned with Congratulations. Inside were balloons and a Mickey Mouse. She recently got a new job.
We all hung out on the walkway till it was time to get some sleep.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Today, Hollywood Studios has the Extra Magic Morning hours and opens at 8 AM. We woke early at 5:45 and were in the food court by 6:15. We had a light breakfast of cereal, chocolate croissant, crumb cake and clementines. Pop Century has a very good bakery. On the walk back to our room we had a beautiful sunrise.
We met most at the bus just after 7 and had the quick trip over to the Studios. Security joked with Marianne saying you cannot bring a bottle of spring water into the parks, after some confused looks, he said it must be Summer Water.
The rest of the group caught up with us while waiting for the park to open. The thrill seekers went to ride Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and the others headed to Starbucks then onto Toy Story Mania! In the queue for the coasters; electronic concert posters featured Alicia. When we rode a few days later, one featured Rich from Hopewell Junction. Disney read our Magic Bands and created posters for us.
After an exhilarating ride on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster we headed to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror which still had a short wait. After riding we had some time before our first FastPass so we did a group shot on Sunset Boulevard with the Hotel in the background. When our fastpass window opened, we rode Twilight Zone Tower of Terror again.
Meanwhile the other group rode Toy Story followed by pictures with Sofia the First. The two groups met outside Star Wars Launch Bay. Some took pictures with Pluto, Jake and Doc McStuffins while others went into the Launch Bay to see Dreaming on a Galactic Scale, a 10-minute film celebrating the extraordinary creation of the Star Wars saga. They then explored the bay that had movie props and immersive special exhibits.
Outside we saw the March of the First Order where Captain Phasma leads her squad of Stormtroopers from Star Wars Launch Bay to Center Stage. Later we watched them return. During this time Maddie was a bit afraid of them saying Dont let them take me. And I dont like Star Wars. Later in the week she said she liked Star Wars!
We all headed over to Toy Story Mania! On the way we noticed that Sean, whos engaged to Katie and Evan, whos engaged to Kelli F., were walking together and both their backpacks had the Just Engaged buttons on the back. It looked like the two of them were celebrating.
We still had some time before Toy Story so we took a group photo under the Pixar Place sign.
After Toy Story we headed over to Echo Lake to rest and eat. Kelli and I split a huge foot long chili cheese dog from Min and Bills Dockside Diner. A couple of other people tried one too.
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It was then into For the First Time in Forever Frozen Sing-Along Celebration The Royal Historians of Arendelle were the funniest yet and we all sang along to the tunes.
We used our third fastpass for Star Tours - The Adventures Continues before heading back to the resort.
Some of us made it to the pool before heavy rains came. That cooled off the day a bit before heading out for dinner. Half of the group was heading to the Biergarten in Epcot; we were heading to the Contemporary to dine at Chef Mickey's. We all got to the buses early to avoid repeating the anxiety of getting to dinner on Saturday. Of course a Magic Kingdom Bus shows up right away. We then took the Monorail over to the Contemporary.
We were early so that gave us time to shop in the two shops. Samantha found some great pressed penny machines in the upper lobby while we waited for the restaurant to open. We spotted Mickey and others one floor up as they waved to everyone below. They came down on the elevator walking past us on the way into Chef Mickeys. There was a little ceremony where a girl cut the ribbon to open the restaurant. We took a group photo before being seated.
The food at the buffet was very good. I think the trick here is to be here at opening when the food is all fresh. The untouched as of yet dessert display made for a nice picture.
Hunter loved meeting the characters, unfortunately Maddie did not. She was OK with them from afar but when Minnie Mouse approached her she let out a piercing scream. Tim had to shield her from them for the rest of the dinner. Maddie even told Pluto to go back to his Playhouse. She loves watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on TV. She magically perked up when they would leave after taking pictures with us, waving goodbye. The Tables in Wonderland saved $9.60 off the $48 buffet for each of us.
We took the Monorail around to the Magic Kingdom where both Tim and I had problems with the very slow and incompetent security screeners. My guy took 2-3 minutes per bag. The lines were way backed up in this heat. Tim had even more problems. He was carrying Maddie and that guy first ripped his backpack with no apology, took everything out and even individually took out and checked each diaper in the package. Not a very magical way to enter the park. I have gone through this dozens of times, and even the very thorough ones were quick and friendly. These guys were just wanna to be cops. Disney should have a higher standard when hiring them.
We staked out a spot in the hub for the parade where Joan and Lauren watched the carriages while our small group took Maddie and Hunter to ride Dumbo. Rich Sr. got to ride with Maddie.
The group headed back, but Ann needed a smoke so I led her and Samantha to the quiet trail that leads from the New Fantasy Land to Space Mountain. This gave me an opportunity to get a great shot of one of the trains.
I got a text that the others were riding Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid since it was a walk on. We headed there too and rode. We then headed back to the hub and saw the huge crowd scene as we passed through the castle.
We met our group which and thankfully had room to sit and wait the half hour for the Main Street Electrical Parade. It was followed by Wishes. On our way out we saw the Electric Water Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon as we walked to the buses.
It was another long tiring day and we have another early day tomorrow.
Monday, August 15, 2016
We were up early again since Animal Kingdom opens at 8 AM. It was only the third day here but with the long travel day and two early starts, I really needed a rest midday so that I would have the energy for Epcot tonight. The must dos for my wife at Animal Kingdom are the safari, Kali River Rapids and the Festival of the Lion King. After that we would head back for a much needed rest.
We had light breakfasts of cereal and another gorgeous sunrise.
The group made it to the park before opening. The Pandora floating mountains off to the left at the entrance were almost complete.
With the early magic hour there was no opening ceremony. We headed for Kilimanjaro Safari and had great looks at all the animals. Even the Cheetah was seen strolling through its habitat.
We had time so we walked the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. The Gorillas were very photogenic.
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As we made our way out we stopped at the restrooms across from the Dawa Bar. As we waited the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe started their show. They were getting people up to dance. Eventually, Marissa, Maddie, Marianne, Hunter and Caitlin were up there. The drummers spotted Joan and Richs anniversary badges and called them over. The leader had the crowd to bow with their hands up and say swaaah! in some kind of blessing. I think it was some kind of fertility ritual.
We made our way to Expedition Everest to use our fastpasses. Samantha and I snagged the front row. This was Sams first ride and she loved it.
It was now 9:40 with time to make the first showing of the Festival of the Lion King. It was the perfect set-up, Festival at 10AM; then Kali River Rapids with Fast Pass and then we could head out early for a much needed rest back at Pop Century before heading for an evening at Epcot. Unfortunately those plans went amiss as some people wanted to ride Everest again. Samantha and I went back to the the group not riding Everest. Kelli was looking forward to do the festival with her nephews and wanted to wait.
By the time we realized that was not a good idea it was now too late to make the 10 AM show. Now we had over an hour to the next show. It looked like we had time to do Kali Rapids standby with a posted 25 minute wait and make the 11 AM show. Kelli, Sam and I got on line but the attraction had technical difficulties. Now the wait became an excruciatingly long 60 minute wait. By the time we got off the ride it was too late to make the 11 AM show!
Luckily Ann went ahead and saw the 11 AM show. We met up with her after the show let out. We decided that Kelli, Sam and I would see the 12 PM show with Ann waiting around some more. After the show we had a light meal at the Kitamu Grill in the Harambe Market of chicken skewers and apples.
We left the park a little after one, over two hours later than planned. We needed to head to Epcot early at 3 PM so I knew there would be no rest and I resigned to the fact that I would probably be too tired after dinner to have a few drinks and see IllumiNations.
The four of us met Joan, Rich Sr., Patty & Paul at the bus at 3. We are heading to Teppan Edo for dinner tonight. Others were taking the little girls to meet and eat with the princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.
I stopped in Canada for a Magners Pear Cider as we made our way around the showcase.
The Matsuriza drummers had just started as we climbed the steps to Edo. We were seated 15 minutes early by our hostess Iori for our 4:30PM ADR. I ordered some Wafu Ribs and a Sake Mojito. I had now had ribs three nights in a row. All were different and very good. The best was still Morimotos.
Joan who doesnt drink tried Richs beer, Pattys cocktail and my mojito. She made faces tasting each one.
Our chef was great. Some of the jokes revolved around Disney, others were a line of sesame seed roasting on the grill which he called Sesame Street. When he added soy sauce he called it Japanese ketchup. The food was flavorful and delicious. There was no discount available here so we split the billing. My bill for the four of us was $203.03 with tip. We were back walking the showcase by 5:30.
I showed our group the painting in the American Pavilion where the plane seems to point to a different spots depending where you stand. I think this time everyone noticed it. The painting Defending Freedom by Tom Gilleon in 1982 is a Walt Disney Imagineer. Patty then found a painting nearby where the eyes seem to follow you.
Outside the pavilion a Mallard duck was out of place swimming in the fountain. Joan, with a few sips of alcohol in her decides to try out Pattys ECV/scooter. Kelli tried it out too. Thank god there was almost no one around to run into.
In Germany we spent some time at the trains and stopped to listen well, tipsy Joan danced; to Margret Almer & The Bavarian Band.
The Chinese Acrobat was very flexible as we passed by China.
Joan, Rich Sr, Paul and Patty went shopping in Mouse Gears while we went to try to see Disney Pixar Short Film Festival, but it was down, so we rode Journey into Imagination... with Figment.
Back at Pop Century we stopped for dessert and I had my tie dye cheesecake.
Later, while hanging out on the walkway we heard fireworks and walked around towards the lake. We could see the 9:30 fireworks show from nearby Hollywood Studios.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
We got to sleep an extra hour since Epcot doesnt open till 9 AM. We arrived at the food court at 7:15. More stations were open; that meant I could get my favorite Chicken Fried Chicken with scrambled eggs and sausage gravy. Kelli B. had her usual cereal, crumb cake, and pack of clementines to share with Maddie and Hunter later on.
The sun was up so we might have missed another beautiful sunrise. We were at the bus by 8. Others followed. Maddie and Hunter received pins for dancing the Twist in the food court at 8 AM.
Epcot had long lines to get in, fortunately they started to let people in nearly 20 minutes early. The Jamminators were performing in front of Spaceship Earth as we walked by on our way to Soarin Around the World. Tim and Marissa tried the child swap here. Our group took up the 3 front rows in the newest theater. The new movie was great. I did hear from people sitting on the far sides seeing the distortions of the buildings due to the curved screen. We rode later in the week and saw that effect as well.
After we rode the child swap people went on along with others via the standby line. Not wanting to wait around again doing nothing; Patty, Paul, Ann, Sam, Kelli B and I rode Living with the Land.
After everyone regrouped we all watched the Circle of Life movie. When we exited our group used two different exits not a good idea for this theater. One lets you off on the top floor of the pavilion, the other exits to the bottom floor. Eventually we all found each other and headed over to the Seas Pavilion.
We rode The Seas with Nemo & Friends using fastpass. Afterwards we took photos with Bruce the Shark then waited for the next Turtle Talk with Crush. Turtle Talk has been updated to include characters from the Finding Dory movie. Crush was again hilarious.
After taking photos under the Nemo statues outside, part of the group headed over to ride Spaceship earth. Unfortunately some of our fastpasses were missing. Fortunately the missing ones were Tim, Marissa, Kelli B and I. We had ridden it in February. I was glad the others were able to ride. We went over to customer relations, but the line was out the door and not worth the wait. Instead we went on a Starbucks run over to Fountain View Caf.
We had plenty of time before our 1:35 Fastpass for Frozen Ever After so everyone broke up and will meet up in Norway at 1:30. Ann, Samantha, Kelli B and I headed over to the Imagination Pavilion to check out the DVC lounge.
The lounge is located upstairs from the Imagination Pavilion gift shop. We took the stairs up and arrived to a beautiful sunlit room with the steel lattice pyramid overhead. There were some couches, lounge chairs and tables scattered about. Free coffee (Keurig machine) was available along with three Coke Freestyle machines, which offer more than 100 different soft drink flavor combinations. There were computers, video games, charging stations and printers to use. A cart came around with complimentary bags of chips, Doritoes, and cookies. Best of all it was nice to relax in some air-conditioning.
We did not spend a lot of time here. We were hungry. We headed to the World Showcase. Off to our right the sky was half sunny and the other half dark and threatening. A Green Heron was sitting in the pond.
We first headed counterclockwise to the Refreshment Port for some croissant doughnuts - tossed in cinnamon sugar. But it was closed! We reversed direction. Ann and Samantha ate in Mexico. Kelli and I decided on Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe. I had the Norwegian Club Sandwich and Kelli ordered the Norwegian Charcuterie. The charcuterie consisted of olives, cheeses and cured meats. This quickly filled us up and we could not finish.
I also had the Linie Aquavit Glacier Shot. It reminded me of a flavored vodka. It is actually a Norwegian spirit made of potato distillation, and is flavored with herbs and spices. It is aged in sherry casks and travels the seas from Norway to Australia and back again. This is how it got its name. It crosses the equator or Linie twice.
We met everyone in the Norway courtyard. A few drops of rain started falling. Our fastpass window for Frozen Ever After just opened up in time for us to make the dash in before the rain. The ride was great, but too short. The animatronics were fantastic but it was a little hard hearing the music clearly.
After that most people headed back to the resort for a swim or nap.
Later, we left for Animal Kingdom early. Tim and Marissa decided not to take Maddie to the character buffet at Tusker House tonight for obvious reasons. It was the two engaged couples; Katie & Sean, Kelli F & Evan, then little Hunter, Mike T., Lauren, Ann & Samantha, and Kelli and I.
Once we arrived we had time for one attraction. Ann & Samantha, and Kelli and I did Its Tough to be a Bug with a 5 minute wait. Samantha jumped for the bugs in the seat. We all met at Tusker for our 4:20 PM ADR.
During dinner we met Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Safari Mickey and Goofy. I had a nice interaction with Daisy, she must have knew I was with the Audubon Society. I also sensed that our parakeet at home, Penny, was getting jealous.
Everyone enjoyed the food. There was plenty of traditional food as well as some more adventurous stuff such as Mealie Pap, Berbere rubbed sirloin, Peri-peri marinated Salmon, Vegetable Samosas with Mango Chutney, Blatjangs, Curry Chicken and Spicy Green Coconut Curry.
I used my Tables in Wonderland card and saved $89.75 off the bill. It was $463.71 for 10 buffets, plus a Long Island Tea and 2 Safari Ambers. Some stayed to ride more rides.
Kelli B and Ann went shopping. Samantha and I headed to Everest to ride. It was down so we continued over to Dinoland USA and rode Primeval Whirl twice. We met Tim and Marissa, I watched Maddie as Tim, Marissa and Samantha rode. After that all five of us did TriceraTop Spin.
It looked like Everest was back up and running so we rode that then met up with Kelli B and Ann before heading out.
Tim, Marissa and Maddie stayed for the "The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic" show. They loved it.
Back at Pop Century we enjoyed more fireworks in the back.
More to come when I get the chance....
Travel method: air and DME
Resort: Pop Century
Accommodations: Standard Rooms
Ages Represented in Group: 2-63
Disney Resort Experience Represented in Group: First timers to seasoned veterans
Pre-trip Comments: We did similar trips with 25 people in 2006 and 2010
http://www.bochnik.com/disney/disney2006.html
http://www.bochnik.com/disney2010/disney2010.htm
Cast of characters: A pictogram of a family tree might be easier but here it goes . . .
Michael B (Uncle Bubba) your trip reporter, Disney bird watcher, AP holder and DVC member
Kelli B lovely wife of said trip reporter
Ann my sister and non-thrill seeker
Samantha K Anns daughter, our niece and thrill seeker
Rich Sr our brother-in-law
Joan sister-in-law, Rich Srs better half
Firefighter Tim nephew
Marissa - Half-marathon Princess and niece
Madeline Little Princess One, daughter of Tim and Marissa
Rich Jr nephew
Firefighter Kevin nephew
Nurse Caitlin Kevins girlfriend
Mike F. nephew and Met fan
Nurse Amanda Mike Fs girlfriend and Yankee fan, uh oh
Alicia - close family friend and ex Commodore
Marianne Rich Srs cousin
Paul - Rich Srs brother
Patty - Pauls wife
Kelli F - daughter of Patty & Paul
Evan engaged to Kelli F
Katie - daughter of Patty & Paul
Sean engaged to Katie
Lauren - daughter of my brother-in-laws cousin (have I confused my readers yet?)
Mike T Laurens husband
Hunter - Little Princess two, daughter of Lauren and Mike T
group20162.jpg
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Saturday, August 13, 2016
We checked in for our flight and printed our boarding passes the night before. We are traveling with my sister Ann and our niece Samantha. We woke up at 2:50 AM. Scott our brother-in-law picked us up at 4 AM with Ann and Samantha in the car. It was a quick drive to Newark for our 5:55 AM flight on JetBlue to Orlando. The line to drop off bags was long, but the security line was not. The full body scanners seemed to be set on sensitive as I was frisked both coming and going. Cargo shorts may not be best thing to wear.
They started to board early at 5:15 AM and we pushed back from the gate at 5:48. Out JetBlue plane name was Bravo Lima Uniform Echo, spelling out Blue in the NATO phonetic alphabet. We landed on time. Kelli and I try to guess what bird we would see first. She guessed Snowy Egret and I a Great Egret. Kelli guessed correctly as a Snowy Egret was seen while taxiing to the gate.
We shopped in both the Disney and Universal stores at the airport so that we could meet up with a few of the 25 flying in just behind us. Little Maddie along with Tim, Marissa, Marianne and Alicia met us at Disney Magical Express. As we checked in to board our bus the attendant referred to Marianne and Alicia as Two Unescorted College Girls.
Check-in was a breeze and all ten rooms are almost all in a row on the 3rd floor in building 3 of the 50s section overlooking the pool. Thanks Rich Sr. for calling ahead to make this happen. Its nice to all hang together at the resort when we were not at the parks. Best of all, our rooms were ready!
We ate brunch at the Pop Century Food Court Everything Pop. They were still serving breakfast at one of the stations and Kelli and I had Waffles and the Bounty Platter. We stopped at Luggage Assistance so that they could deliver my Garden Grocers order to our room. As we approached the counter I saw our checked bags leaving for our room.
After quickly settling in our rooms the nine of us met up with Lauren, Mike T and Hunter and all headed to the Magic Kingdom. Each bus signage rotates from its destination to "My Other Bus is a Magic Carpet".
We had Fastpasses for Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin followed by the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - no relation to Mr Hankey, the Christmas Poo.
I suggested Enchanted Tales with Belle. Nobody wanted to volunteer so I stepped up and played a guard. I think everyone was impressed with the mirror doorway, Madame Wardrobe and Lumiere. Both Maddie and Hunter enjoyed meeting Belle at the end.
Outside, Kelli and I enjoyed a very delicious Olaf frozen juice bar. We used our third Fastpass to ride Peter Pan's Flight then headed back to Pop Century to freshen up for dinner tonight.
At Pop we found the rest of the group in the Bowling Pin Pool.
After a quick dip we got ready for dinner at Morimoto Asia. We had 5 ADRs to cover the whole group at the restaurant. Joan and Rich drove Disney Springs which turned out to be a blessing. Rain was threatening and lightening could be seen in the distance as the rest of us waited for the bus. It took 35 minutes for one to show. The driver said there was only one bus going back and forth to Disney Springs. On a Saturday, near dinner time??? We had just enough time to make our reservation and beat the rain. Fortunately Joan and Rich were already there and was able to secure two tables on the second floor for the 23 of us. Ann and Sam went on ahead for dinner at the Rain Forest Caf.
The food was delicious. We had eleven of us at our table. Appetizers included Morimoto Spare Ribs, Edamame, Five Spice Chicken Wings and Kanikama Rangoon - krab and cream cheese spring roll, apricot sweet chili sauce. For dinner some had Sushi, Orange Chicken and Rich Jr and I shared the Morimoto Peking Duck - carved house-roasted whole duck, served with steamed flour pancakes, apricot sweet chili and hoisin miso.
We shared some of the duck with the table. Little 2 year old Maddie came over and we asked if shed like to try some duck, she said yes, loved it and tried more. We told Tim, her father that she likes duck. He asked what we told her it was since they tell her pork is turkey so she will eat it we said duck! He just shook his head. Maddie and Hunter enjoyed dancing and playing on the outdoor patio next to our tables. A band was playing below across the walkway.
Tim ran out for a Tables of Wonderland card to complement mine so that we could get 20% off for both tables. The bill for our table of 11 people was 479.32 before the discount and tax and tip. The card saved us $95.86. The final bill with 18% tip and tax was only $494.67.
After dinner we met up with my Sister Ann and Samantha. The ladies wanted to check out the Alex and Ani and Vera Bradley shops. We then backtracked to Ghirardelli for dessert. The Living Statues had quite a crowd around them. At Ghirardellis I like the controlled chaos waiting for your order on a busy night. Kelli and I shared the Ocean Beach Sea Salt Caramel Sundae.
It was a long walk to the Pop Century bus stop. Back at the resort Caitlin made these great lanyards with Drinking around the World badges and handed them out. Thanks Caitlin!
There was also a surprise for Marissa back in her room. The door was adorned with Congratulations. Inside were balloons and a Mickey Mouse. She recently got a new job.
We all hung out on the walkway till it was time to get some sleep.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Today, Hollywood Studios has the Extra Magic Morning hours and opens at 8 AM. We woke early at 5:45 and were in the food court by 6:15. We had a light breakfast of cereal, chocolate croissant, crumb cake and clementines. Pop Century has a very good bakery. On the walk back to our room we had a beautiful sunrise.
We met most at the bus just after 7 and had the quick trip over to the Studios. Security joked with Marianne saying you cannot bring a bottle of spring water into the parks, after some confused looks, he said it must be Summer Water.
The rest of the group caught up with us while waiting for the park to open. The thrill seekers went to ride Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and the others headed to Starbucks then onto Toy Story Mania! In the queue for the coasters; electronic concert posters featured Alicia. When we rode a few days later, one featured Rich from Hopewell Junction. Disney read our Magic Bands and created posters for us.
After an exhilarating ride on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster we headed to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror which still had a short wait. After riding we had some time before our first FastPass so we did a group shot on Sunset Boulevard with the Hotel in the background. When our fastpass window opened, we rode Twilight Zone Tower of Terror again.
Meanwhile the other group rode Toy Story followed by pictures with Sofia the First. The two groups met outside Star Wars Launch Bay. Some took pictures with Pluto, Jake and Doc McStuffins while others went into the Launch Bay to see Dreaming on a Galactic Scale, a 10-minute film celebrating the extraordinary creation of the Star Wars saga. They then explored the bay that had movie props and immersive special exhibits.
Outside we saw the March of the First Order where Captain Phasma leads her squad of Stormtroopers from Star Wars Launch Bay to Center Stage. Later we watched them return. During this time Maddie was a bit afraid of them saying Dont let them take me. And I dont like Star Wars. Later in the week she said she liked Star Wars!
We all headed over to Toy Story Mania! On the way we noticed that Sean, whos engaged to Katie and Evan, whos engaged to Kelli F., were walking together and both their backpacks had the Just Engaged buttons on the back. It looked like the two of them were celebrating.
We still had some time before Toy Story so we took a group photo under the Pixar Place sign.
After Toy Story we headed over to Echo Lake to rest and eat. Kelli and I split a huge foot long chili cheese dog from Min and Bills Dockside Diner. A couple of other people tried one too.
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It was then into For the First Time in Forever Frozen Sing-Along Celebration The Royal Historians of Arendelle were the funniest yet and we all sang along to the tunes.
We used our third fastpass for Star Tours - The Adventures Continues before heading back to the resort.
Some of us made it to the pool before heavy rains came. That cooled off the day a bit before heading out for dinner. Half of the group was heading to the Biergarten in Epcot; we were heading to the Contemporary to dine at Chef Mickey's. We all got to the buses early to avoid repeating the anxiety of getting to dinner on Saturday. Of course a Magic Kingdom Bus shows up right away. We then took the Monorail over to the Contemporary.
We were early so that gave us time to shop in the two shops. Samantha found some great pressed penny machines in the upper lobby while we waited for the restaurant to open. We spotted Mickey and others one floor up as they waved to everyone below. They came down on the elevator walking past us on the way into Chef Mickeys. There was a little ceremony where a girl cut the ribbon to open the restaurant. We took a group photo before being seated.
The food at the buffet was very good. I think the trick here is to be here at opening when the food is all fresh. The untouched as of yet dessert display made for a nice picture.
Hunter loved meeting the characters, unfortunately Maddie did not. She was OK with them from afar but when Minnie Mouse approached her she let out a piercing scream. Tim had to shield her from them for the rest of the dinner. Maddie even told Pluto to go back to his Playhouse. She loves watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on TV. She magically perked up when they would leave after taking pictures with us, waving goodbye. The Tables in Wonderland saved $9.60 off the $48 buffet for each of us.
We took the Monorail around to the Magic Kingdom where both Tim and I had problems with the very slow and incompetent security screeners. My guy took 2-3 minutes per bag. The lines were way backed up in this heat. Tim had even more problems. He was carrying Maddie and that guy first ripped his backpack with no apology, took everything out and even individually took out and checked each diaper in the package. Not a very magical way to enter the park. I have gone through this dozens of times, and even the very thorough ones were quick and friendly. These guys were just wanna to be cops. Disney should have a higher standard when hiring them.
We staked out a spot in the hub for the parade where Joan and Lauren watched the carriages while our small group took Maddie and Hunter to ride Dumbo. Rich Sr. got to ride with Maddie.
The group headed back, but Ann needed a smoke so I led her and Samantha to the quiet trail that leads from the New Fantasy Land to Space Mountain. This gave me an opportunity to get a great shot of one of the trains.
I got a text that the others were riding Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid since it was a walk on. We headed there too and rode. We then headed back to the hub and saw the huge crowd scene as we passed through the castle.
We met our group which and thankfully had room to sit and wait the half hour for the Main Street Electrical Parade. It was followed by Wishes. On our way out we saw the Electric Water Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon as we walked to the buses.
It was another long tiring day and we have another early day tomorrow.
Monday, August 15, 2016
We were up early again since Animal Kingdom opens at 8 AM. It was only the third day here but with the long travel day and two early starts, I really needed a rest midday so that I would have the energy for Epcot tonight. The must dos for my wife at Animal Kingdom are the safari, Kali River Rapids and the Festival of the Lion King. After that we would head back for a much needed rest.
We had light breakfasts of cereal and another gorgeous sunrise.
The group made it to the park before opening. The Pandora floating mountains off to the left at the entrance were almost complete.
With the early magic hour there was no opening ceremony. We headed for Kilimanjaro Safari and had great looks at all the animals. Even the Cheetah was seen strolling through its habitat.
We had time so we walked the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. The Gorillas were very photogenic.
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As we made our way out we stopped at the restrooms across from the Dawa Bar. As we waited the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe started their show. They were getting people up to dance. Eventually, Marissa, Maddie, Marianne, Hunter and Caitlin were up there. The drummers spotted Joan and Richs anniversary badges and called them over. The leader had the crowd to bow with their hands up and say swaaah! in some kind of blessing. I think it was some kind of fertility ritual.
We made our way to Expedition Everest to use our fastpasses. Samantha and I snagged the front row. This was Sams first ride and she loved it.
It was now 9:40 with time to make the first showing of the Festival of the Lion King. It was the perfect set-up, Festival at 10AM; then Kali River Rapids with Fast Pass and then we could head out early for a much needed rest back at Pop Century before heading for an evening at Epcot. Unfortunately those plans went amiss as some people wanted to ride Everest again. Samantha and I went back to the the group not riding Everest. Kelli was looking forward to do the festival with her nephews and wanted to wait.
By the time we realized that was not a good idea it was now too late to make the 10 AM show. Now we had over an hour to the next show. It looked like we had time to do Kali Rapids standby with a posted 25 minute wait and make the 11 AM show. Kelli, Sam and I got on line but the attraction had technical difficulties. Now the wait became an excruciatingly long 60 minute wait. By the time we got off the ride it was too late to make the 11 AM show!
Luckily Ann went ahead and saw the 11 AM show. We met up with her after the show let out. We decided that Kelli, Sam and I would see the 12 PM show with Ann waiting around some more. After the show we had a light meal at the Kitamu Grill in the Harambe Market of chicken skewers and apples.
We left the park a little after one, over two hours later than planned. We needed to head to Epcot early at 3 PM so I knew there would be no rest and I resigned to the fact that I would probably be too tired after dinner to have a few drinks and see IllumiNations.
The four of us met Joan, Rich Sr., Patty & Paul at the bus at 3. We are heading to Teppan Edo for dinner tonight. Others were taking the little girls to meet and eat with the princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.
I stopped in Canada for a Magners Pear Cider as we made our way around the showcase.
The Matsuriza drummers had just started as we climbed the steps to Edo. We were seated 15 minutes early by our hostess Iori for our 4:30PM ADR. I ordered some Wafu Ribs and a Sake Mojito. I had now had ribs three nights in a row. All were different and very good. The best was still Morimotos.
Joan who doesnt drink tried Richs beer, Pattys cocktail and my mojito. She made faces tasting each one.
Our chef was great. Some of the jokes revolved around Disney, others were a line of sesame seed roasting on the grill which he called Sesame Street. When he added soy sauce he called it Japanese ketchup. The food was flavorful and delicious. There was no discount available here so we split the billing. My bill for the four of us was $203.03 with tip. We were back walking the showcase by 5:30.
I showed our group the painting in the American Pavilion where the plane seems to point to a different spots depending where you stand. I think this time everyone noticed it. The painting Defending Freedom by Tom Gilleon in 1982 is a Walt Disney Imagineer. Patty then found a painting nearby where the eyes seem to follow you.
Outside the pavilion a Mallard duck was out of place swimming in the fountain. Joan, with a few sips of alcohol in her decides to try out Pattys ECV/scooter. Kelli tried it out too. Thank god there was almost no one around to run into.
In Germany we spent some time at the trains and stopped to listen well, tipsy Joan danced; to Margret Almer & The Bavarian Band.
The Chinese Acrobat was very flexible as we passed by China.
Joan, Rich Sr, Paul and Patty went shopping in Mouse Gears while we went to try to see Disney Pixar Short Film Festival, but it was down, so we rode Journey into Imagination... with Figment.
Back at Pop Century we stopped for dessert and I had my tie dye cheesecake.
Later, while hanging out on the walkway we heard fireworks and walked around towards the lake. We could see the 9:30 fireworks show from nearby Hollywood Studios.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
We got to sleep an extra hour since Epcot doesnt open till 9 AM. We arrived at the food court at 7:15. More stations were open; that meant I could get my favorite Chicken Fried Chicken with scrambled eggs and sausage gravy. Kelli B. had her usual cereal, crumb cake, and pack of clementines to share with Maddie and Hunter later on.
The sun was up so we might have missed another beautiful sunrise. We were at the bus by 8. Others followed. Maddie and Hunter received pins for dancing the Twist in the food court at 8 AM.
Epcot had long lines to get in, fortunately they started to let people in nearly 20 minutes early. The Jamminators were performing in front of Spaceship Earth as we walked by on our way to Soarin Around the World. Tim and Marissa tried the child swap here. Our group took up the 3 front rows in the newest theater. The new movie was great. I did hear from people sitting on the far sides seeing the distortions of the buildings due to the curved screen. We rode later in the week and saw that effect as well.
After we rode the child swap people went on along with others via the standby line. Not wanting to wait around again doing nothing; Patty, Paul, Ann, Sam, Kelli B and I rode Living with the Land.
After everyone regrouped we all watched the Circle of Life movie. When we exited our group used two different exits not a good idea for this theater. One lets you off on the top floor of the pavilion, the other exits to the bottom floor. Eventually we all found each other and headed over to the Seas Pavilion.
We rode The Seas with Nemo & Friends using fastpass. Afterwards we took photos with Bruce the Shark then waited for the next Turtle Talk with Crush. Turtle Talk has been updated to include characters from the Finding Dory movie. Crush was again hilarious.
After taking photos under the Nemo statues outside, part of the group headed over to ride Spaceship earth. Unfortunately some of our fastpasses were missing. Fortunately the missing ones were Tim, Marissa, Kelli B and I. We had ridden it in February. I was glad the others were able to ride. We went over to customer relations, but the line was out the door and not worth the wait. Instead we went on a Starbucks run over to Fountain View Caf.
We had plenty of time before our 1:35 Fastpass for Frozen Ever After so everyone broke up and will meet up in Norway at 1:30. Ann, Samantha, Kelli B and I headed over to the Imagination Pavilion to check out the DVC lounge.
The lounge is located upstairs from the Imagination Pavilion gift shop. We took the stairs up and arrived to a beautiful sunlit room with the steel lattice pyramid overhead. There were some couches, lounge chairs and tables scattered about. Free coffee (Keurig machine) was available along with three Coke Freestyle machines, which offer more than 100 different soft drink flavor combinations. There were computers, video games, charging stations and printers to use. A cart came around with complimentary bags of chips, Doritoes, and cookies. Best of all it was nice to relax in some air-conditioning.
We did not spend a lot of time here. We were hungry. We headed to the World Showcase. Off to our right the sky was half sunny and the other half dark and threatening. A Green Heron was sitting in the pond.
We first headed counterclockwise to the Refreshment Port for some croissant doughnuts - tossed in cinnamon sugar. But it was closed! We reversed direction. Ann and Samantha ate in Mexico. Kelli and I decided on Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe. I had the Norwegian Club Sandwich and Kelli ordered the Norwegian Charcuterie. The charcuterie consisted of olives, cheeses and cured meats. This quickly filled us up and we could not finish.
I also had the Linie Aquavit Glacier Shot. It reminded me of a flavored vodka. It is actually a Norwegian spirit made of potato distillation, and is flavored with herbs and spices. It is aged in sherry casks and travels the seas from Norway to Australia and back again. This is how it got its name. It crosses the equator or Linie twice.
We met everyone in the Norway courtyard. A few drops of rain started falling. Our fastpass window for Frozen Ever After just opened up in time for us to make the dash in before the rain. The ride was great, but too short. The animatronics were fantastic but it was a little hard hearing the music clearly.
After that most people headed back to the resort for a swim or nap.
Later, we left for Animal Kingdom early. Tim and Marissa decided not to take Maddie to the character buffet at Tusker House tonight for obvious reasons. It was the two engaged couples; Katie & Sean, Kelli F & Evan, then little Hunter, Mike T., Lauren, Ann & Samantha, and Kelli and I.
Once we arrived we had time for one attraction. Ann & Samantha, and Kelli and I did Its Tough to be a Bug with a 5 minute wait. Samantha jumped for the bugs in the seat. We all met at Tusker for our 4:20 PM ADR.
During dinner we met Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Safari Mickey and Goofy. I had a nice interaction with Daisy, she must have knew I was with the Audubon Society. I also sensed that our parakeet at home, Penny, was getting jealous.
Everyone enjoyed the food. There was plenty of traditional food as well as some more adventurous stuff such as Mealie Pap, Berbere rubbed sirloin, Peri-peri marinated Salmon, Vegetable Samosas with Mango Chutney, Blatjangs, Curry Chicken and Spicy Green Coconut Curry.
I used my Tables in Wonderland card and saved $89.75 off the bill. It was $463.71 for 10 buffets, plus a Long Island Tea and 2 Safari Ambers. Some stayed to ride more rides.
Kelli B and Ann went shopping. Samantha and I headed to Everest to ride. It was down so we continued over to Dinoland USA and rode Primeval Whirl twice. We met Tim and Marissa, I watched Maddie as Tim, Marissa and Samantha rode. After that all five of us did TriceraTop Spin.
It looked like Everest was back up and running so we rode that then met up with Kelli B and Ann before heading out.
Tim, Marissa and Maddie stayed for the "The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic" show. They loved it.
Back at Pop Century we enjoyed more fireworks in the back.
More to come when I get the chance....