The Fun-Old-Fashioned Family Vacation 3.0 - Page 12 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Just found this fun TR! I love all the details you include! Can't wait for more!!!
So glad you found it! I'm going to post an update shortly
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hugmonster
Lol... I swear 90% of the time we have to do laundry because of the husband.
SOOOO true!
__________________
The Fun, Old-Fashioned Family Vacation, 3.0 http://www.passporterboards.com/foru...ml#post4472933
Ch-Ch-Changes July 2015
[URL="http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/sharing-adventure-disney-world-trip-reports/288847-ch-ch-changes-ptr-july-16-24-a.html"]
I'd set my fitbit alarm for 5:30 because I knew my mom would call me at 5:45 sharp to wish my a Happy Birthday as she's done every year. I grabbed my mug, and my cell phone and headed toward Captain Cook for some early morning caffeine and to make sure the crew got a little extra sleep before our wake-up call at 6:45. Why so early? We had an 8 AM ADR at BoG, a first for us.
My phone rang at 5:45 just as I was putting the lid back on my mug, and I answered it to my parents sleepy and very-off key singing of Happy Birthday. They must have been loud enough, because the CM at the cash register smiled, and brought me a cupcake with a "Happy Birthday" It was a very sweet start to my day!
As I headed back to the room, I snapped a couple of photos of the sleepy resort:
Unfortunately, the only one that turned out was this one: [IMG][/IMG] because my phone lens was too foggy, and the pictures turned out too dark. I would get some great shots the following day.
Back in the room, I showered and the phone rang at 6:45 with a wake -up from the Mouse himself. Brian flipped on the TV and took his turn getting ready while I woke up the three sleeping bears. This sight was always quick to get them up and around though:
[IMG][/IMG]
Green monorail...again. I don't think I ever got a picture of another monorail color, but I do know the boys would get really excited and yell out "Orange Monorail" "Oh...Gold monorail" "Blue - it's blue now". It was pretty cool to hear there excitement as they tuned in to the Safety videos while getting dressed.
We had a brief discussion - monorail or boat (monorail won) then stroller or no stroller (I won and we took the stroller though no one rode in it at first). At exactly 7:15 we were heading up the GCH stairs to the monorail station. The boys were given another set of monorail cards (gold this time, they'd been given green the day we'd arrived), and were excited when the GOLD monorail pulled up. Nolan swore it was a sign that "today is going to be perfect".
We arrived at the MK gates at 7:35 and encountered confusion. There were three lines, and a lot of people just sitting around I took the stroller and the bag through the bag check line, while Brian and the boys headed to investigate the lines. The far right line? It was for the tours. The middle line? It was for the Y.E.S. class and the huge line to the left? It was the breakfast ADR line. There were several CM's with tablets who verified ADR's and directed you to the line. Another CM stood at the back of the line with a large sign stating "ADR's". The problem? The line backed up to where the bag check line emptied out and people who were "day guests" where getting into the line thinking they could be let into the park early. Several large parties were told by the CM with the tablet that they needed to exit the line, yet they insisted on remaining right up to the gate, where they even scanned their bands and it was confirmed they didn't have an ADR. It really held up the line, and I was starting to worry because it was now 8:00 and we were just being welcomed through the gates.
As we walked, I snapped a few pictures. I was excited to see the Scrim's along Main Street were gone, giving a clear view of the castle.
[IMG][/IMG]
It was very cool to see the park so empty!
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
The shirts? They were Brian's one request "goffy, matching vacation shirts that have something to say about the vacation 3.0 with the years listed".
There were CM's stationed at various points, directing us through Cinderella's castle. I'm not sure what happened, but later that day, the passage was blocked off and remained that way the other two days we were there?
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
We scanned our bands at the entrance to the bridge and were quickly led inside to the ordering kiosks. I almost wish we could have spent a bit more time with the Knights. The boys kept trying to wake them up as they were snoring quite loudly
[IMG][/IMG]
A lovely woman named Mara led us to an available kiosk as we hadn't taken advantage of the pre ordering because I was worried about the boys' allergies. She told me to go ahead an order the non allergen meals and she'd be right back to help us order for the boys. Brian choose the meat and cheese plate, Nolan choose the cro-nut with the carmel and ganache, and I had the ham and cheese (though I did forget to hit customize to have them leave off the fried egg). Cullen decided on Fruit loops and juice, so I only needed help with Patrick's dish. He wanted scrambled eggs, fruit and a breakfast meat. Mara returned and helped me through the process, noting that Patrick had a dairy allergy. Once everything was put in, we were given a receipt...just a piece of paper and directed to choose a seat. We headed into the main ballroom[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
I was blown away by how beautiful this restaraunt is, and the attention to detail given to it. We got our drinks, found a table and the older two set out to investigate the "stormy room" when suddenly a cart pulled up and our meal magically arrived! How did they know where to find us? Brian asked several CM's the secret but they just told him to "Be Our Guest and enjoy the rest!" He even examined the receipt to see if we'd been assigned a table
The food was delicious, and halfway through Brian and I swapped meals. Nolan's doughnut was wonderful, though way too sweet for me to eat the entire thin (or maybe it was too sweet because I'd already had a sweet cupcake with my Diet Coke that morning?).
With our bellies full and our drinks refilled, we exited the restaraunt to head toward the 7D for our first ride of the day. This was just being built on our 2012 visit. It was exactly 9:00 and the ride already had a posted wait time of 20 minutes It was warm already, but the line moved quickly. We loved the little interactive touches in the standby line and all too soon we were at the front. As a party of five, we knew someone would have to ride alone. Nolan and Patrick asked the CM if they could ride together and were told that kids 7 and 10 were able to. I couldn't figure out how she knew their ages until she winked and pointed to the MB scanner in her hand
We were ready to move to the side when we heard "Party of 5?" from a CM who was loading a train. We raised our hands and were led to a car where Brian rode with a gentleman, Nolan and Patrick were together and I rode with Cullen. His reaction? "This ride is AWESOME!!!!!" I have to agree with Cullen Brian thought it was pretty cool - especially the way the cars swung back and forth. Patrick giggled the whole way and we couldn't tell if Nolan liked it, though his face showed terror on the Photopass pictures[IMG][/IMG]. We adored the videos that we were given on this ride, and the pictures and the video were a complete surprise because as we exited the ride, Brian said, "wait - we're not dumped in a gift shop??? I can't believe a ride this new doesn't have some type of photo thing that you can buy a picture from!" So, I made sure we got a photopass picture with the ride in the background.
[IMG][/IMG]
As we exited, Cullen was begging to get back in line to ride again, but the wait was now 60 minutes. I reassured him that we had a FP+ for the ride later in the week, but we needed to find something with a shorter wait. We headed toward The Little Mermaid ride (another family first for us). I was surprised that this was a walk-on. We took our tour under the sea, and I "embarrassed" Nolan because I sang through the entire ride - it's my favorite movie after all!
Once we left Ariel, the boys declared they were "hot, and thirsty like now!" so we headed to Gaston's tavern to check off another "must do" on the boys' list: LeFou's Brew. I ordered one brew (1 snack credit) and one bottled lemonade (paid the $2.99 for that) and we found a seat in the room to the left of the ordering stand. The boys found it hysterical that the "darts" had landed everywhere BUT the target yet Gaston was clearly beating his friend. Disney did another great job with the theme here!
Refreshed, we got in line to meet Gaston himself. Unfortunately, there wasn't a Photopass person??? The meet was hysterical because he had me feel "his amazing manly biceps" and challenged Brian to "flex" for me. Patrick, after studying Gaston, spoke up and said, "hey, I thought you put fireworks on your head and DIED?" Gaston bent down and looked at him and said, "Well, that was an imposter...you know EVERYONE wants to be me." He signed the autograph book "GASTON, as in the REAL GASTON - no fireworks included" We were laughing so hard I couldn't get any pictures. After we left the area, Gaston needed to "go lift weights" so I think maybe we caught the photographer at a break too? Either way, we headed out toward the stroller and found a bored looking photographer in front of the fountain so Brain and I took a few pictures:
[IMG][/IMG]
Up Next: Prince Charming, 4D and a boat tour that is heard across the country.
__________________
The Fun, Old-Fashioned Family Vacation, 3.0 http://www.passporterboards.com/foru...ml#post4472933
Ch-Ch-Changes July 2015
[URL="http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/sharing-adventure-disney-world-trip-reports/288847-ch-ch-changes-ptr-july-16-24-a.html"]
Fun morning so far! Gaston really seems to always have great interaction with guests.
So sweet that your folks call every year - I assume at the time of your birth? 5:45 is a bit early for me - but I guess it could be worse and you could've been born at 3 am!
In case you haven't guessed by now, the BOG food delivery CM finds you by tracking your Magic Bands. We are always panicky that we'll be wandering around trying to decide where to sit with the cart following us.
The place looks fabulous, doesn't it? Honestly, the decor is the biggest reason to eat there. The food is okay to good, but the atmosphere is incredible.
__________________
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh
You have made me super excited to try the Be Our Guest breakfast we have scheduled twice for our next trip! Tim wants the cronut. I love the theming in there, which I guess is why we will be eating there for breakfasts, lunch, and dinner. You have great interaction with Gaston. Though it is sad the other Gadton died that way, this Gaston handled that well. I love the Little Mermaid ride. I wouldn't have minded Nolan singing through it.
In case you haven't guessed by now, the BOG food delivery CM finds you by tracking your Magic Bands. We are always panicky that we'll be wandering around trying to decide where to sit with the cart following us
Fun morning so far! Gaston really seems to always have great interaction with guests.
So sweet that your folks call every year - I assume at the time of your birth? 5:45 is a bit early for me - but I guess it could be worse and you could've been born at 3 am!
Gaston is a blast! I loved his quick witted response to Patrick's question too
I was born at 5:45 in the morning, and my parents do call each year...unless I'm there and then they'll wake me up with their song. I'm very glad I wasn't born at 3 am! My mom swears there's a movie where the mother calls her child each year on the birthday and the producer took the idea from her
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The Fun, Old-Fashioned Family Vacation, 3.0 http://www.passporterboards.com/foru...ml#post4472933
Ch-Ch-Changes July 2015
[URL="http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/sharing-adventure-disney-world-trip-reports/288847-ch-ch-changes-ptr-july-16-24-a.html"]
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
What a wonderful start to the day so far! I cannot wait to try Be Our Guest for breakfast, as I'm sure it will be really cool to start your day there.
We adored breakfast there. It's one meal that we agreed we'd probably pay for OOP next time and save the credits for a more expensive lunch. It was awesome to see the park so empty...it wouldn't be the case on our next visit
Quote:
Originally Posted by DMA
Sounds like a fun morning!
We had a great morning!
__________________
The Fun, Old-Fashioned Family Vacation, 3.0 http://www.passporterboards.com/foru...ml#post4472933
Ch-Ch-Changes July 2015
[URL="http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/sharing-adventure-disney-world-trip-reports/288847-ch-ch-changes-ptr-july-16-24-a.html"]
I think the Gaston meet-and-greets are the best in the parks these days. He told me to "Smile like you're making me a sandwich"!!
"Smile like you're making me a sandwich"
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tara O'Hara
What a great morning!! I love your pictures too! . Gaston is way cool!!
Thank you! Gaston was great and it was a great morning!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Her Dotness
In case you haven't guessed by now, the BOG food delivery CM finds you by tracking your Magic Bands. We are always panicky that we'll be wandering around trying to decide where to sit with the cart following us.
The place looks fabulous, doesn't it? Honestly, the decor is the biggest reason to eat there. The food is okay to good, but the atmosphere is incredible.
I thought the food was actually pretty good considering the price. We had five breakfasts for less than four at Captain Cook's. Now, don't get me wrong - it's not going to fill a person up like our TH breakfast, or the breakfast we had on the 20th at 'Ohana, but it was a perfect way to get a light meal before heading out for fun. The atmosphere is incredible! I figured the food delivery had something to do with the magic bands, though my husband prefers to go with the McDonald's theory....the double line drive through's at McDonald's keep the orders straight because they snap a picture of the front of the car Brian figured the kiosk snapped a picture of my (since I did the ordering) and the CM's then played "match the picture to the person"
Quote:
Originally Posted by dutchdisneyfamily
You have made me super excited to try the Be Our Guest breakfast we have scheduled twice for our next trip! Tim wants the cronut. I love the theming in there, which I guess is why we will be eating there for breakfasts, lunch, and dinner. You have great interaction with Gaston. Though it is sad the other Gadton died that way, this Gaston handled that well. I love the Little Mermaid ride. I wouldn't have minded Nolan singing through it.
It was so nice, and we will be back. I'm excited about your lunch and dinner as we couldn't get either on our other two MK days. Make sure you have time to visit Gaston - with Tim in tow because the interaction is priceless BTW - it was ME belting the tunes to Nolan's horror
__________________
The Fun, Old-Fashioned Family Vacation, 3.0 http://www.passporterboards.com/foru...ml#post4472933
Ch-Ch-Changes July 2015
[URL="http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/sharing-adventure-disney-world-trip-reports/288847-ch-ch-changes-ptr-july-16-24-a.html"]
We didn't pre order our food, but there were people who were handed roses as they walked in (I'm guessing they ordered their meal ahead of time?) The people with the roses were being directed to the other dining room (it had a music box with Beast and Bell dancing).
__________________
The Fun, Old-Fashioned Family Vacation, 3.0 http://www.passporterboards.com/foru...ml#post4472933
Ch-Ch-Changes July 2015
[URL="http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/sharing-adventure-disney-world-trip-reports/288847-ch-ch-changes-ptr-july-16-24-a.html"]
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
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It was a very sweet start to my day!
I took the stroller and the bag through the bag check line, while Brian and the boys headed to investigate the lines. The far right line? It was for the tours. The middle line? It was for the Y.E.S. class and the huge line to the left? It was the breakfast ADR line. There were several CM's with tablets who verified ADR's and directed you to the line. Another CM stood at the back of the line with a large sign stating "ADR's". The problem? The line backed up to where the bag check line emptied out and people who were "day guests" where getting into the line thinking they could be let into the park early. Several large parties were told by the CM with the tablet that they needed to exit the line, yet they insisted on remaining right up to the gate, where they even scanned their bands and it was confirmed they didn't have an ADR. It really held up the line, and I was starting to worry because it was now 8:00 and we were just being welcomed through the gates. 
It was warm already, but the line moved quickly. We loved the little interactive touches in the standby line and all too soon we were at the front. As a party of five, we knew someone would have to ride alone. Nolan and Patrick asked the CM if they could ride together and were told that kids 7 and 10 were able to. I couldn't figure out how she knew their ages until she winked and pointed to the MB scanner in her hand 
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