Separating P-Sha From Her Money About This Page:

[PrincessSharon]

Separating P-Sha From Her Money
July 24-26, 2010

I sometimes joke that Disney is very good at separating me from my money. This trip is a shining example of that! I planned to take a long trip in May/June and another long trip coming up at the end of this month. But Disney wasn’t happy with that. Sometime in the spring, they announced the wonderful events for Summer Nightastic. A new fireworks show! The Main Street Electrical Parade! And new effects and drop sequence for my very favorite ride, the Tower of Terror!

It was wonderful news, except for one little problem: the dates! It would begin the day after my June trip and end a couple of weeks before my August trip! Not wanting to miss out, there was only one thing for me to do. Squeeze in a trip between my two other trips! And if you think Disney isn’t actively trying to get my money, then why did they put on an AP/DVC sale at WOD on July 24th? Huh? Well, the joke is on them, since I arrived too late on the 24th to take advantage of the sale prices. So I’d pay full price for my merchandise! Take that, Disney! Wait.

So why did I choose those particular dates anyway? Glad you asked! My friend Heather (ilovedisney247) was planning to celebrate her 30th birthday at Disney and I figured I could crash the party! Luckily, Heather didn’t mind and even invited me to dine with them. So I wasn’t really a party crasher! I chose to stay at the Beach Club because that’s where Heather and the boys were staying (and, you know, Stormalong Bay is awesome, especially in July! ). Heather was staying at the BCV, but I had all my DVC points used up between the June and August trips, so I booked a room with cash (and scored an AP rate ).

I booked my airfare with Southwest (and got great rates both ways), and I also decided to use Early Bird Check In. When it was first introduced, I figured it was unnecessary, but having used it a lot recently, I feel like the convenience is worth the extra $10 to me, so I’ll probably use it all the time.

When departure day finally arrived, I woke up bright and early at 4:30 a.m. I quickly finished getting ready and was on my way to the airport around 5:20. It was a quick ride ( DF!) and since I only had a carry on bag, I headed right to security. There was a bit of a line, but nothing major. It took about 5 minutes to get through.

I grabbed a bagel for breakfast and got seated at my gate. Before long, it was time to board. Because of EBCI, I’d gotten A18, but A16 and A17 didn’t show up. There was nobody in business select either (A1-A15), so I was the first person to board after the preboarders. I had to give my boarding pass to the flight attendant to show that regular boarding had started. I decided to take the exit row window seat so I could stretch my legs.

After a bit, a man took the aisle seat, but it seemed nobody wanted the middle seat. I showered, I promise! The flight attendant would offer it to people (she has to stand in the seat to make sure people sitting there are both eligible (over 15 years old, I think) and willing to perform). Finally, when the plane was nearly full, a guy happily took the seat. He made quite an impact on me simply because he had a ton of freckles!

The flight was completely full and very smooth. The flight crew were a lot of fun and cracked me up. I watched Singin’ in the Rain, which had finally come to the top of my Netflix queue (I have a lot of movies in my queue and I don’t watch that many per week, so it normally takes a movie about 2 years to reach the top of my queue after it’s been added ). Freckles was watching it with me. My goodness, when I say “Freckles,” I think of Kate from LOST. I should probably come up with a different nickname for the guy, since he was perfectly pleasant and I hated Kate with the fire of a thousand suns. Where’s Sawyer when I need him! He’d come up with something good for the guy, I’m sure.

What was I talking about again? Oh yes, the flight was fine. And we landed a full 20 minutes early! I made my way over to the B side and quickly made my way to the DME red carpet. I was the first person on the bus, though, so I had a bit of a wait. I was expecting to have to wait half an hour, but it was more like 15 minutes before we left, with the bus about half full.

The ride was a little odd. The video (which I’ve seen dozens of times but still enjoy) was so low that I had to rely on closed captioning to follow it. But I guess that didn’t matter, since I would have been distracted anyway. The woman behind me was a sign reader. I’m sure everyone out there has a sign reader in their lives. Every sign we passed, she read aloud. “Disney 3 miles.” That was ok, since she was excited. “Epcot resort area.” “Downtown Disney.” “Construction ahead.” “Speed Limit 40 MPH.” Okay, she didn’t actually read the speed limit sign aloud, but it started getting on my nerves! “Port Orleans Riverside.” “Boardwalk.” Luckily, that’s where she got off, so I didn’t have to listen to any more signs being read.

My stop was next and I tipped the driver and headed into the lobby to check in. A CM met me at the door and asked if I’d done online check-in. I had, so she walked me over to the online check in desk and got the process started. The CM there checked my ID and gave me my key. Though it was only just about 11:00, my room was ready, so I headed up to drop off my stuff. I have to say, I usually only use online check in when I will be arriving early in the day, because in my experience, I am much more likely to have my room be ready when I check in. This is completely unscientific, so YMMV.

I found my room, and happily it wasn’t down too many twisty-turny corridors. And bonus, it was only a little bit away from the elevator (basically, you went straight, then kind of around a little courtyard). I didn’t get upgraded to a nice view or anything, but I did have a king bed. As I walked to the room, I remembered I wanted to request a full balcony. The room had one of those mini balconies, but I figured I could live without a real balcony and enjoy the king-sized bed instead.

I took a few quick pictures of the room first.





I liked that there was a little kitchen area in the room (though I never used it), but I really enjoyed having a bathroom that was a little larger than the standard, itty-bitty bathroom.



I spotted a couple of Hidden Mickeys.


This was a tough one!



Since this was a trip for Summer Nightastic, and I only had a long weekend to experience stuff, all the Summer Nightastic special events were high on the priority list (as well as celebrating with Heather). Heather and her boys were over in the MK, but I wanted to relax a little before going to DHS for the evening (where I’d meet Heather and company). BUT! I wanted to be able to ride TOT that evening, so I decided to go over to the park and grab a FP for later.

I walked to the boat dock and only had time for a quick picture before a boat was arriving.



Once in the park, I made a beeline for my beloved TOT.



I grabbed a FP with a return time about 40 minutes out. I started thinking I should stick around in the park for a bit and get another one when I could. As I walked away, a nice woman approached me and gave me a FP that was ripe right then! She said she’d been waiting for a single rider to come along! Woohoo! I thanked her and happily made my way immediately to the FP queue.

It was awesome to get to ride it unexpectedly. I think for Summer Nightastic the drop sequence isn’t random any more, because it seemed to be the same sequence I’d had in June. After riding it a few more times that day, I think it’s either the same drop sequence all the time or I have the bad luck to get the same random sequence every time. No biggie, though! It’s awesome either way.

After that ride, I had about 25 minutes to kill before I could grab another FP, so I strolled around the park. It wasn’t terribly crowded at this end of the park, which was encouraging, but I still walked over to the other end. It was pretty much deserted back there!







I was happy to see the low crowds, because I’d feared it would be insanely busy like it was for Star Wars Weekends. I checked out a few of the counter service places, but nothing was calling out to me (I really dislike the counter service options at DHS). When it was time, I grabbed a FP and left the park with 2 FP to use that evening.

Continued…

[PrincessSharon]

When I got to the boat dock, I could see a fairly long line of folks waiting for the boat. It was long enough that I would be standing in the sun, so I just stood next to the last people on line so I could be in the shade. I noticed that there weren’t really that many people in line, but they were spaced far apart. And then I saw why. There was a family in line with their luggage! Not just a backpack or anything. All their luggage! I guess they were transferring hotels. Personally, I would’ve chosen a better route than bus to DHS boat to Swolphin (where they got off), but that’s just me. Actually, I lie. I would’ve taken a taxi or something. It was funny to me, so I took a picture. I couldn’t get all their bags in the shot without being obvious, but you get the idea.



While we waited for the next boat, an older couple came to join the queue. They also didn’t want to stand in the sun, so they stood in the little patch of shade next to me. The woman told me she wasn’t trying to get in front of me and that she didn’t want to stand in the shade. I knew that, and we said the end of her sentence together. She was a really sweet lady and we got to chatting. And I must say, she had a great southern accent, which I loved. We remarked that the parks weren’t very crowded and she said the most awesome expression ever. She said there weren’t enough people in the park to stir with a wooden stick. LOVED it! Southerners rock.

The boat came and I rode over to the BC. Before returning to my room, I explored the gift shop a little. My DM had requested I buy her a Beach Club t-shirt, so I looked around for one. Unfortunately, no Beach Club merchandise was to be had. I hate the generic merchandise. I heard from a few sources that resort-specific merchandise is being discontinued, but I know some resorts still have it. And some resorts (I’m particularly thinking of AKL) have quite a lot of resort merchandise, so perhaps it’s on a resort by resort basis, and up to the GM. I do know that I only recently found resort magnets for the Poly and the Grand Floridian when they hadn’t been available before. Who knows what’s going on? Anyway, no t-shirt for DM.

I decided that I wanted the Mickey Mouse coverup since the one I have is thick and takes up too much room in my little suitcase. I got that (with my 10% AP discount) and then headed back up to the room to change.

I put on my swimsuit and headed down to get lunch. I got a cheeseburger (a giant, two-hands required burger) and enjoyed it. I’d no sooner finished and grabbed my wristband and a towel than I got a text from Heather. We’d arranged to meet at the pool, and after hugs, we headed to Hurricane Hanna’s (priorities ). I forget what we had. Heather I think had some kind of margarita and I had some strawberry mango concoction that was dangerously tasty. We found a fairly shady spot to sit and catch up a bit. When it got too hot (and we’d finished our drinks), we hopped in the pool for a bit. Heather, Brandon and Blake had a dinner ADR at Citricos, and Heather invited me to join them, but after the big cheeseburger, there was no way I’d be ready for an early dinner.

After a while, Heather had to go get ready for dinner. Heather wanted to check out a BC room (she’d only ever seen the villas), so we headed back to my room. I hurriedly kicked my dirty socks under the bed before she could see. She headed over to the villas and we agreed to meet at the Studios at 8.

I relaxed in the room for a little while and around 4:30 I thought “I should’ve taken a nap.” Oh well! Instead, I showered and headed back out for my Summer Nightastic evening.

I could see that I’d just missed a boat, so I had to wait a few minutes for the next one. While waiting, I took some pictures.







I would’ve taken more, but my camera had fogged up when I got outside and I had to wait for it to clear out. I worked around the problem the rest of the time by keeping my camera in my pocket when I was inside, which helped make the temperature change less drastic.

After the boat ride to DHS, I decided what I wanted to do. Besides Heather’s margarita meet, I wanted to use my TOT FPs, but I wanted to do that after dark. There was also the dance party that I wanted to experience, but that would be later too. By the way, when I’d been there earlier in the day, there were still TSMM FPs available, but I decided not to get one. The wait time at the moment was pretty long according to the tip board, so I decided to skip it then. I walked down to get another TOT FP, but they were gone, as were the RNRC FPs. So the Great Movie Ride it is! But first, I wanted something to eat. I wasn’t hungry enough for a full meal, so I grabbed a pretzel and frozen lemonade and sat in front of the hat and ate it.

Then I entered the GMR queue, where there was a posted 10 minute standby time. While watching the preshow, I was feeling smug since I knew the Singin’ in the Rain parts. Also, Cyd Charisse blowing smoke out of her nose like a bull still makes me shudder every time I see it. It also makes me scratch my head a little, because she doesn’t really have a big role in the film.

I was really happy I chose the GMR for a couple of reasons. I got some good pictures with my new camera, and I had the most amazing gangster ever!







Remember, I’d just watched Singin’ in the Rain on the plane (and LOVED it!).



Now to our gangster. As I said before, he was awesome! I got a photo of him, but afterwards, I wished I’d taken video!



He was playing the 1920s role of gangster, but it was like he’d studied Bugs Bunny cartoons for reference. It was stinkin’ hilarious! He was talking in an Edward G. Robinson kind of voice, and his face was scrunched up on one side. It was hammy and over the top and campy and that’s what made it awesome! OMG, I was embarrassed because I was laughing so hard! He was chewing the freaking scenery! LOVED it so much! Thankfully, it was fairly dark and I was laughing silently and covering my face, so I don’t think anyone noticed other than the guys in my row (and I’m 100% sure they think I’m completely insane ). I did manage to get myself together enough to continue taking pictures (but now, thinking about it again, I’ve got the giggles all over again).



I tried to get some video of him, but I was too far back so you can’t see him in the video, and that makes it decidedly less funny. You can still kind of hear him, though, and that makes me laugh. I realize it’s funny to nobody but me, so I didn’t bother uploading the video.













I liked that gangster so much that I decided to get right back on and ride again, and hopefully get him again. So I cut through a little side entrance in front that I never knew existed (really, who rides the GMR twice in a row ). I liked the view from that angle, so I stopped long enough for a quick pic.



Sadly, I didn’t get the same gangster the second time. Although the one I did get took the same overacting approach. Too bad he wasn’t as funny as the first guy. But they both definitely studied at Hams R Us acting school!

Continued…

[my2girls]

I have taken this same picture - great shot!

[PrincessSharon]

After that, I wanted to do the Magic of Animation or whatever it’s called. I hadn’t seen that movie in a while, so I did. They need to update it a little, it still shows scenes from the “upcoming” Toy Story 3.

When I exited, I noticed that there was some awesome artwork from Snow White, which I enjoyed looking at. Not sure if this is new or not, since honestly, I often blow through that little area between the character area and the gift shop.





It was almost 8:00, so I walked over to the Tune In Lounge for Heather’s margarita meet.



I got the brilliant idea that I should try playing with the color accent feature on my camera, so before going in, I did that.





I really love that feature in Canon cameras and I’m eternally grateful to Crissy for pointing it out, because I had a Canon camera for a while and didn’t know I had that feature. again, Crissy!

So I went into the lounge and found Heather and got to finally meet Brandon and his brother Blake. Tammy (I think her name is Tammy and I didn’t ask her board name ) was there with her DH and their boys. We got our ducks, but the bartender was kind of inattentive, so I never got my margarita. Tammy and her family headed out while Heather and Blake finished their drinks. It was nice meeting you Tammy! Wish we could’ve chatted some more!

Once they’d finished, we headed down Sunset to TOT. The rest of the group didn’t have FPs, and I only had 2, so we used the standby line. It was posted at I think 20, but it didn’t even take us that long. It was a ton of fun (it was Blake’s first time riding and he loved it).

Next we walked over and did RNRC single riders. The standby was 60 minutes. This is one attraction where the single riders line really builds up, but even it wasn’t too bad. I’d say it took about 25 minutes for us to get on. While we waited we discussed the rumored band change and which band might be the replacement for Aerosmith. I’d heard Bon Jovi and that sounds reasonable. Brandon and Blake suggested Metallica. I thought that would be hilarious. They were like “who’d sell out enough to do this? Metallica! Definitely! It’s going to be Metallica!” Hilarious! I still think Bon Jovi is more likely. I could see Metallica “selling out” to do it, but I’m not sure I could see Disney wanting Metallica. Anyway, we all rode, and that was really fun, too! When we came out, I got a picture of the Summer Nightastic TOT.


That lone lighted window adds the perfect creepy touch!

After that, Heather, Brandon and Blake stopped for a smoke break and I went and got a soda. The dance party had started and a DJ was playing. There were lots of people dancing, but I was a little disappointed since I’d heard it would be a live band (Mulch, Sweat & Shears I’d heard).

We walked over to TSM. The wait was posted at 60 minutes and it looked like it was at least that. I was too tired for a 60-minute wait, so I ditched the group. We planned to tour AK the next morning and I said goodnight to them. On my way to use my 2 TOT FPs, I passed the dance party and happily discovered the live band playing. I stopped to watch for a bit.



I was happy to use my TOT FPs, since the line had built up again. I was able to get quickly through using my FPs.



I left the park after that and just made the boat back to the BC. It was around 11:00 when I got back, and they were just pulling in the deflated movie screen off the beach (they showed Alice in Wonderland that night – the Johnny Depp version).

I wanted some ice for the rest of my Coke since it was warm. I wandered around looking for the ice machine and when I found it, it was out of order. Luckily, it was right near an elevator, so I took an elevator down to the 2nd floor, got the ice, and took it back up to my room. I poured it in a glass and it was already flat! I drank it anyway though, then set a 7:00 wakeup call (just in case) and hit the sack. I had an ADR at Cape May Café the next morning!

Up Next: An Unexpected PassPorter meet

[Colexis Mom]

Great start and first day Sharon! More please!

[HiddenMickey]

Great day!
What type of room is that? I've never seen one with a sink area in the room itself. And the new decor is really nice. Love the bedding and the tv on the wall.

[Disneyismylife]

Love those color accented pictures! I didn't know Canon cameras did that either. I'll have to check it out. Loving your TR as usual!

[doccoc2002]

YAY!!! Another P-Sha TR!! I am so excited just finished reading the last one(or 2 or 3)
Now, I need to go and read

[guitardiva]

Sounds like a great time. Love all the pics!

[cajunlace]

You always take the best pictures!!

[PamelaK]

Awesome start Sharon. I'm so glad I found this report at the beginning! LOL I usually don't see your TRs until you have 200+ replies already.

[MelissaSue]

Loving this! Can't wait to read more!

[Sweets5]

I love reading your TRs! They are toooooo funny! My DH thinks I'm crazy because he hears me cracking up out here!! The Sign Reader had me almost rolling on the floor laughing!! (SEE!)

[rhinohunter]

Glad I found your TR. This will be fun reading it from the start instead of having to play major catchup. Great first day and great start.

[lablady]

Wow! I actually found one of your TRs right when you started it! I haven't been online much lately and discovered your last WDW TR yesterday and spent way too much time reading the whole thing when I should've probably been doing something productive! (wow...that was one long run-on sentence)

Oh well!

I LOVE your room! Is that at the BC? I've never stayed there, but don't remember the colors being that pretty from the pictures. Were the rooms renovated?