Separating P-Sha From Her Money About This Page:

[tkd lisa]

Great update and pictures. I'll send you a pm about Labor Day.

And I think I can clear up the plume of water. It kind of is a fountain. It was right outside our BLT room. I can't say it was particularly pretty, but it does spray water. I thought I had taken a picture of it, but I guess it wasn't interesting enough. Below is a picture of the area where the "fountain" was. It's on the far side of BLT (basically behind the parking lot on the other side of the pool). You can probably see it from the monorail if you look back.

[rhinohunter]

Great update and your pix are up to your usual standard. Most enjoyable.

[aprild]

Awesome pics Sharon and what a fun TR! Thanks for sharing it with us. Can't wait for more!!

[PrincessSharon]

I'm back! I'd hoped to post the final day over the weekend, but things got too busy (with pre-trip preparations ). I didn't think I'd be able to do anything today, but I was able to find some time to finish writing. But first...

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

You got some great parade photos! I noticed that they put some on my PhotoPass card too - not sure how, but they're awesome.
I can't believe you're heading home already! But I guess I shouldn't be too sad since you're going back so soon.

Kelly, that's good to know. I hope they put some on my card too, since I preordered the CD.

Originally Posted by SharonK0527

Awesome photos! I saw the MS Electrical Parade at DL about 6 years ago and loved it! Can't wait to see it again when we visit WDW in October. So glad you liked Narcoossee's - that is one of mine & DH's favorite restaurants

Can't wait for the next update!

Sharon! (Great name, by the way. ) I had heard great things about Narcoossee's which made me nervous to try it myself (I can't be the only one this way - I always think I will be the only one on Earth who hates it ). It definitely lived up to its reputation. I'll be back.

Originally Posted by RodandMel

Narcoosee's sounds delish! I love ordering appetizers and sharing them for a meal but DH likes a real meal. Fortunately on our last trip, one of my BFF's and her family were traveling with us. She and I shared appetizers and entrees (depending on the restaurant). Wish I could pack her in my suitcase for every trip we go on!

Great update (again) Sharon!

I know what you mean! I love to share/split entrees with people! That's the one thing I hate about solo traveling. I'll be happy to dine with Heather and her crew any time!

Originally Posted by doccoc2002

Great update! I know ehat you mean about 1...people are PIGS and have NO respect at all...how far is the trash from where they were sitting...NO more than 20ft away! and 2....you can't hit Disney without POTC, HM and for me IASWbut I will be missing that one this time around cause of refurb
Can't wait to hear about B&C...we are eating there too(as usual)

I think it's an unofficial tradition for me, when staying at the BC, to have my last meal at B&C. It's just a really nice way to end my trip.

Originally Posted by scrappyjae

Great pics...I just got a new Canon camera and haven't had a chance to use it much yet. I am hoping my pictures come out as good as yours.

I've owned a few Canons over the years and have always been happy with them, so I'm pretty confident you'll be happy with yours!

Originally Posted by ilovedisney247

Sharon!! I miss you!!! (But shouldn't you be on your way back to WDW??)

Heather! Miss you too!

Originally Posted by taylan1

Great update P-sha! Your trip reports are a fantastic advertisement for Canon cameras. They are the reason we bought ours and we love it! It takes fantastic pictures and video and the special features are so . Keep it coming!

I am glad to hear you're happy. I do recommend Canon cameras a lot, so I'm happy to hear that people who've taken my recommendations end up happy.

Originally Posted by disney_duke

What a great evening. Dinner sounded perfect! Aside from the rude people and ucky smells, the parade looks awesome. Glad you got some classic rides in as well.

BTW, you really should talk to the people at Canon about getting some commission in their S90 model sales. I just purchased one today and can't wait to start playing with it before I head off to Disneyland in 2 weeks!!!

I totally need to get commission! If they don't want to pay me money, I'll take a free camera.

Originally Posted by MosyBliss

Fabulous update as always! I have to say I TOTALLY get your ketchup smell thing. I HATE the smell of ketchup. I actually like ketchup itself but the smell makes me wanna hurl. I have never know anyone to feel the same way...maybe you and I are the only two. We should start a club and a support group...we can meet at Disney!

THANK YOU!!! I knew it wasn't just me. I'm exactly the same. Once I was riding with my nephews and we stopped at McDonalds. One of the kids poured ketchup out onto the Mcnugget box so they could dip their fries. We ate in the car and I had to smell that stupid ketchup smell until we got to where we were going. GAG!

Originally Posted by mom to 3 princesses and 1 prince

Your MSEP pics are making me really excited to see it (and meet up with you!) next week!

Originally Posted by scdisneyfan

You are so funny in your commentary. "you too can own a camera that takes pics like this" so funny! Your pictures are just beautiful as well. I really thought the pics of the fireworks and castle were just amazing shots!
Narcossee's was on our list and we ruled it out at the last second. Its so hard when there are so many great resturants! I'm a grazer too so apps for dinner sounds perfect!
I cant wait to see the MSEP! I was glad to hear that it will still will be running when we are there!

Crissy, you are so good for my ego! Narcoossee's has been on my list for so long it's not even funny! With so many great restaurants, it's hard to pass up your favorites, you know? But I'm so glad I finally got to try it.

Originally Posted by Cam22

Lunch at Narcoose's sounded wonderful! Great parade pictures! I have the same problem with odors getting stuck in my nose. As long as it's pleasant it's not a problem, but a really pain when it stinks.

So I'm not the only one. And yes, it's not so bad when it's pleasant, but it's usually stinky. Or maybe it just annoys me and that makes me remember it more!

Originally Posted by Minnie Lor

Fabulous pictures of MSEP! I can't wait to see it next month. I know my camera won't do it justice. Can I just snag yours instead? Looking forward to more even though it's nearing the end of your trip.

Steal away, Lorie! It makes me feel less guilty about including so many photos in my TRs.

Originally Posted by travismom

Fantastic parade pics!! I've got to remember to turn off my flash!

While you can use the flash in parade photos, you have to be patient enough to wait for your subject to get close enough for the flash to be effective. The thing is, the flash washes out the beautiful colors of the lights. So yeah, non-flash works better for nighttime parades.

Originally Posted by DrDolphin

Dinner sounded delicious - we Narcoossee's!! Sorry about the rude/trashy people - but your photos were fab (no PPer meet pics though??)!! Sorry your trip is coming to an end.

I'm so bad at remembering, Terri! You'll have to remind me when we get together next week.

Originally Posted by disneydreamer33

Dinner with Heather and her gang sounded great. I love all the pics you got.
The MSEP ones turned out beautiful. I am shopping for a new camera, so yours is definitely on my list to look at.
Can't wait for more.

I know I sound like a broken record, but that camera gives great results without a lot of fiddling with settings.

Originally Posted by Wendyismyname

I forgot mom said I was a chatterbox.

I was tickled pink that Michael rode with you girls. He's so quiet, but he really enjoyed it!

It was truly, truly a great way to watch the parade and fireworks, with friends that you haven't seen for ages!!

I loved riding with Michael. What a sweetie! And he's such a cutie, too! And I always think of that spot near the tip board as the PassPorter spot.

Originally Posted by honeybee723

We loved Narcoosee's when we went so I'm glad you enjoyed it. That drink looks yummy! Sorry about your parade experience. I'm the same way with the smell of peanuts...put me on a plane when they hand those suckers out and I'm toast.

Did you ever find out what that water was from?

Peanut smell gets stuck in my nose too! Luckily it doesn't gross me out as much as ketchup smell. And I did find out what that water was, thanks to tkdlisa!

Originally Posted by dsteiny23

You should get kickbacks from Cannon, or at least buy stock. Cause when everyone here on PP goes and buys one, you should at least benefit from it.

And this picture could be a WDW postcard...it is just fabulous!



Dinner sounded great! The appetiser usually ends up being my favorite part of dinner anyway. I get the whole 'smelly' thing. Yogurt does it to me.

Maybe I should write the folks at Canon about some kind of perks. And yogurt smells gross to me! Of course, it tastes gross to me, too, so that's a little different. I don't mind the taste of ketchup, just the smell. And by the way, do I win an award for having the Passporter post with the most uses of the word "ketchup"?

Originally Posted by janicelovesmickey

all caught up on this one- so far. got to catch up on your other 763,536,987,376 OTHER ONES lol

great pics and LOL'ING as always and Love the pink drink so pretty.... must have one now!

Janice you are a riot! That drink was tasty! And I love the light up cube!

Originally Posted by OCEANGRLLG

Great update! Narcoose's sounded wonderful! Great parade pics. I'm sorry about the trashy people around you....I hate it to when people just throw their trash down and dont pick up after themselves, its just nasty! Hate that your trip is comin to an end..but then again you have another one right around the corner!!! More please!

Exactly! They walked right past a trash can when they walked away. It would've killed them to try to clean up? I know they couldn't do much about the ketchup spills, but the rest of their junk? It just bugs! I hate when people leave their trash on the train here at home, too. GROSS!

Originally Posted by lissybri

Sounds like another great day! My boys and I would love to meet you someday. We've never met a legend before. I love your Electrical Parade pics. Weren't the fireworks awesome? I thought they were even better that, dare I say it..... Wishes! I really enjoyed them. Sorry about those litterbugs. I did see a lot of that this year and a lot more rude people. It's so sad to think that people can't just appreciate this beautiful, clean park and try to keep it that way. It makes me sad and angry. Is it really that difficult to walk to a trash can people? Sorry, rant over. More please.

Aww, shucks! If you ever do get to meet me, you're probably going to be disappointed. I'm no legend! I did like the fireworks more than Wishes! I'm almost sorry they've switched back to Wishes.

Originally Posted by scrappyjae

Great report, keep it coming.

Trashy people, they seem to be everywhere now. Yesterday for the first time at work, I noticed an over abundance of trash in the parking lot. Now, we share the lot with a Courthouse, Social Services and a park, so we get all sorts of people. Just was a little odd after reading this that our parking lot got the treatment as well. Jeez, what is with people?

It worries me how inconsiderate so many people are of others these days.

Originally Posted by Wolfy6688

Great pictures!!

I get really angry at people who leave their trash all over too. I live on the Jersey Shore (the locals are NOT like the people on the MTV show if you've ever seen it), and a lot of the tourists leave their crap all over the place. It's really frustrating and obnoxious.

Can't wait to read more!

Being a NYer, I know lots of people from New Jersey, and even though I've never seen the Jersey Shore, I know that's not what most people there are really like.

Originally Posted by tkd lisa

Great update and pictures. I'll send you a pm about Labor Day.

And I think I can clear up the plume of water. It kind of is a fountain. It was right outside our BLT room. I can't say it was particularly pretty, but it does spray water. I thought I had taken a picture of it, but I guess it wasn't interesting enough. Below is a picture of the area where the "fountain" was. It's on the far side of BLT (basically behind the parking lot on the other side of the pool). You can probably see it from the monorail if you look back.

Thanks, Lisa! I knew it couldn't be the geyser, but I couldn't imagine what it could be. I'll be looking for it from the monorail next week!

[PrincessSharon]

Day Three – Monday, July 26
A sweet ending

I slept until about 6:30 and then got up to get ready for my last day. I could hear my neighbors, which is unusual for me. I don’t know if they were especially loud or the walls were thin, but I suspect they were loud. After catching up my notes and backing up my pictures, I got ready and began to pack. While checking my email, I noticed that I’d gotten an email bounceback offer (I’d previously opted in for the emails while on vacation). I wasn’t able to use it, but I made a note of that for future reference.

When I went near the door, I noticed that a DME envelope had been slipped under my door. I thought it was a little unusual since I’d gotten one the day before with my bus pickup time. I opened it up and was delighted to find a luggage tag to put on my luggage (to check it into RAC), a boarding pass (A16 since I’d done early bird checkin) and another letter telling me to be on the 4:40 bus. I was psyched because this would make things a lot easier for me this morning, not to mention quicker.

I hadn’t checked a bag on the way down, but since it would be so easy to get rid of my bag and not have to lug it around MCO, I decided to check it on the way home. I hadn’t bought much, but it was a little tricky squeezing everything in there! Once I’d gotten all packed up and ready to go, I headed out. Since I’d already gotten my luggage tag, all I had to do was drop off my stuff. I quickly dropped off my one bag to be checked at RAC (where I needed to show photo ID and my boarding pass), and then my backpack (carry on) with bell services.

I wanted to get some photos of Stormalong Bay without people in them, so I headed off to do that next. On the way out, I directed a family to the Epcot boat. A boat was at the dock, and they started to run, but I knew they wouldn’t make it. I didn’t say anything, though, and now I realize I probably should have to save them the run. Oh well.















I strolled over to Epcot and was standing at security at around 8:40. After 5 minutes, they opened up and we were let through. A bunch of people (including one guy who was very hostile and vocal that many of us joined a shorter line instead of the longer line he joined) made a run for it. I knew they were rushing to another rope, so I didn’t bother. I got some photos on the walk.









At rope drop, I didn’t have the best view, since the characters face the other direction, but it didn’t really matter since all it amounts to is the family of the day driving off for Test Track in one of the TT cars while the Fab 5 wave. It’s a bit more involved than that, but I wouldn’t bother getting up early to catch it.







After rope drop, I walked to Soarin’. I was going to end up in row 3, so I asked to wait for row 1.



Since I’d waited for row 1, it took longer than necessary, so when I got out, the standby had built up to about 30 minutes. I grabbed a FP to use later and crossed the park to ride TT single rider.



There was practically no wait at all in the single riders line and I was zipping around the track in no time. I decided I was hungry, but I was in a weird kind of mood and nothing appealed to me. I walked around for a bit trying to decide what I wanted to eat. I found myself over by the Imagination pavilion, so I decided to do Captain EO. Unfortunately for me, a huge Brazilian Tour Group (BTG) walked in just ahead of me. I decided I’d do Captain EO and instead walked over to JII. There was nobody there, as usual. I was able to get some pretty good photos.















When that ended, I went to Captain EO, where no BTGs were in sight.



Of course, right after that, one showed up, but it was much smaller than the one I’d seen before and I felt it would be easy to avoid them. I enjoyed the preshow movie and found a seat almost dead-center of the theater. I was happy to discover that the theater didn’t shake around as much as it seemed to in DL (where I thought it was overkill, frankly). I enjoyed it much more and it seemed a lot closer to the experience I remember.

After Captain EO, I passed a popcorn cart and decided that that was what I was hungry for. I got some popcorn and a drink and sat down and people watched for a bit.

After my snack, I headed up Mt. Epcot and saw that LWTL was only about a 5-minute wait, so I jumped in the queue.



















My Soarin’ FP was ripe, so I walked over and used it. This time I got front row center without even asking for anything special.

Continued…

[PrincessSharon]

After Soarin’, I’d accomplished everything I wanted to in FW, so I decided to spend the rest of my day in WS. I got some photos on the stroll over.





I decided to start in Mexico and work my way around to the IG. I think the Mexico pavilion is so pretty.







Since I was in the pavilion, I decided to do the GFT, which was, as usual, a walk-on.















Back outside, I noticed there was a new greeting area for the Three Caballeros (but no characters at the time).



I didn’t really explore Norway this time, just a few quick walk-by pics.





I spent a lot more time in China, because it’s one of my favorite pavilions, and I hadn’t really explored it in a while. In other words, I took a bunch of pictures!



















I wanted to see the movie, so I sat down to wait for it. I was happy to discover that I would be entertained while I waited (and not from watching rude/clueless tourists, my normal people-watching entertainment). It was time for Si Xiang, a musical show featuring a zheng, a sort of Chinese harp. It was my first time seeing it, and I enjoyed the show while I waited. I wouldn’t make a special trip for it, but it was good for what it was.





After the movie (which I’d love to see updated), I went out and got more pictures, because I didn’t get enough before the film.



















I told you China was one of my favorite pavilions. I actually am fascinated by the architecture of China and Chinese culture in general, and hope to visit China someday. I did a little shopping, and ended up buying a little fan that I keep in my bag for when I’m stuck waiting a long time for a subway.

Next was Germany, though I did more of a walk-by shooting here as well.





It was around this time that I decided to really explore some of the pavilions that I usually neglect. I was in Italy, and Italy is not one that I neglect, but I still ended up spending a good bit of time here, perhaps in anticipation of my trip next summer.















Continued…

[PrincessSharon]

I didn’t need to explore the American pavilion, but the Voices of Liberty is a must see for me, so I did stop there.





When I saw construction walls in the lobby, I feared the VOL wouldn’t be performing, but they did come out. I found a seat on a comfy bench, but it wasn’t the best spot for getting pictures (I could hear just fine, though, so that’s all that really matters).


(The constructions walls were because they were refurbishing the marble floor)

After that, it was time for another must do, a kaki gori. I enjoyed it while watching the drummers in Japan.



I wanted to explore the Japan pavilion a little more than I normally do, and I was able to check out the new Spirited Beasts history of anime exhibit, which was cool.































After that, I continued my explorations.



Morocco is one of my oft-neglected pavilions, and I corrected that this time. I am amazed by how much stuff there is to see there! Very cool, and a hidden gem if you ask me!































Continued…

[PrincessSharon]

Since I was in Morocco and hadn’t had a proper meal all day, I decided to get some food. I ended up getting the lamb wrap. I wish I’d had someone to share it with, because I couldn’t finish even half of it! It was tasty, though.



I wanted to do a little shopping at Seashore Sweets, so I decided to end my time in WS. I took a few quick pics of France on my way out.





I think a boat was waiting at the dock, so I rode over to Epcot. I don’t remember, but judging by how hot it was (and I do remember walking from Boardwalk to BC), I think I took the boat. I noticed that you can have a caricature done of yourself as a Disney character, which I thought was really cute!



Before I went in Seashore Sweets, I called DM. She usually wants me to get her some fudge, but on my last trip, she had been on a diet and had specifically asked me not to bring her some. That’s unusual, because even when she’s on a diet, she still wants fudge! So I decided before I brought her any and she didn’t want me to, I’d call her and ask. Unfortunately, she wasn’t home. I talked to my Dad for a bit, then went in and bought some fudge anyway! I bought her a square of her favorite, figuring if she didn’t want it, I’d eat it myself.

When I gave it to her, she complained. I got the “who buys one piece of fudge? ” thing again! I told her that’s what she gets for not being at home when I called. I guess I could’ve called her cell, but she doesn’t always have it with her, and even when she does, it’s not always on. That drives me crazy, let me tell you! Luckily, next time she can get her own fudge! BTW, they didn’t have my favorite, the maple walnut. It’s hard to find that kind!

After my purchase, I walked over to the boat dock. It was stinkin’ hot! I felt like the fudge might start melting any second! I figured I didn’t see a boat coming from Epcot, so I decided to walk over. When I got about a third of the way there, I saw the boat on its way. I figured I’d already started, so I may as well keep going. I walked right over to Beaches and Cream and waited for someone to seat me.

Apparently, this was a good time, because while I wanted to be seated at the counter, there were a few open tables. I didn’t even need to check out the menu, since I knew I was getting a No Way Jose. While I waited for it, the table next to me got a kitchen sink. After a few minutes, my sundae came out.



That was tasty! I enjoyed chatting with the CMs behind the counter. They were sad for me when they found out I’d be heading home. One of the cooks was in the CP and told me he’d been trying to convince his mom to come down and see him for the weekend. Apparently, she wasn’t able to visit him for anything longer than a weekend, and financially, it didn’t make sense for her to visit for just a weekend.

I didn’t even make a decent dent in the NWJ. After I settled my bill with Delores (I get her a lot – Chez, is she your favorite?), I sadly headed out of the restaurant. I noticed the table next to me hadn’t made much progress with the Kitchen Sink, and I teased them about it a little.

I still had some time before the 4:40 DME pickup, so I walked over to look around in the Yacht Club lobby. Just out of curiosity, I checked the gift shop and found no resort specific merchandise (and the CM there specifically told me that resort specific merchandise has been discontinued ).

I walked back over to the BC and went to collect my backpack. I’d lost my little claim ticket, so I had to show ID to get my bag. Once the CM brought it out, I gave him a tip and took a seat on a nearby bench. Before long a bus pulled up. After stopping at the BC, we stopped at Boardwalk and Coronado Springs. I don’t remember if there were people on the bus already, but in my experience, departure buses normally make 2-3 stops.

I took a little nap on the ride to the airport, so before I knew it, we were arriving. The Southwest terminal is at the first stop, so I made it with plenty of time to spare. My luggage had been checked, so all I had to do was get through security.

There were long lines at security, but luckily there weren’t many people in the expert traveler lane (in fact, I don’t think many people even know where it is). I was lucky enough to be beeped at when I went through, which meant I was selected for additional screening. All that meant was I needed to be wanded, which took all of 30 seconds.

When I arrived at the gate, I discovered that my flight was delayed and now had a scheduled departure 40 minutes later. I love taking the last flight out, but it’s almost always late. I need to start checking before I leave the Disney bubble, so if it’s delayed, I can extend my stay a little.

My gate for some reason didn’t have the comfortable leather chairs with the electrical/USB outlets right next to them, so I found a spot on the floor next to an outlet. They did have the barstool type chairs with outlets, but I don’t find them very comfortable for any period of time.

The flight started boarding before my movie was over, so I had to watch the end of it later (streaming from Netflix). I was first in general boarding, so I grabbed the first window seat I saw, fairly close to the front of the plane. When the flight was nearly full, a man asked for the middle seat. What do you know, it was Freckles! I’ve never had the same person sitting next to me on both ways of my trip before! Unless of course that person was traveling with me. He was all excited and told his wife/girlfriend “Hey, honey, this is the lady I was telling you about – the one that was watching Singin’ in the Rain!” He asked me what we’d be watching, but I had to disappoint him since I’d only brought the one DVD with me. I read on my Kindle, but he didn’t read over my shoulder (good for him, because I would’ve been really unhappy if he had ).

The flight crew was kind of rushing us to quickly be seated so we could depart before “weather” arrived. We ended up leaving only about 30 minutes late. Our flight crew was really funny this time. The flight was really bumpy (probably because of the “weather” we’d been trying to beat), but we were able to make up a little more time, and we ended up landing only about 5 minutes late. Southwest rocks!

I collected my suitcase (which I hadn’t seen since I’d dropped it off at the BC around 8:00 that morning) and that was the end of my quick weekend trip.

Up Next: Final thoughts and ramblings

[OCEANGRLLG]

Sounds like you had a great last day. Great pic as always!!!....Cant wait for final thoughts!

[scrappyjae]

Great trip report, thanks for letting me tag along. You've got me thinking that since I can't find someone to go with, that I might just have to take a trip there by myself one of these days. That way, I can do exactly whatever I want!

[lauriep]

What a treat to see all those wonderful WS photos. Morocco is my favorite pavillion. So many wonderful vignettes when you wander around the back. I totally agree with you about the disappearance of the resort-specific merchandise. We should start a petition. I'm so glad you're going back next week!

[Wolfy6688]

Awesome update and pictures! I'm starting to get convinced to switch to your camera . I love mine, but I really, REALLY love how nice your pictures have come out. How many megapixels is yours?

DBF has a cell phone issue that drives me crazy. He has his on most of the time, but he only checks his voice mail like once a week! Kind of defeats the purpose, if you ask me

I didn't even realize you were from NY! I don't know how I missed it, but we're almost neighbors.

I really am starting to like the idea of a solo trip so I can do everything I want (and skip the things I don't) at my own pace. For TT, we usually take the single riders line. Sometimes the wait for the regular line (and even FP line) seems to be more than quadruple that of the single riders line. We'd gladly save over an hour over the option of sitting together.

Can't wait to read your final thoughts, although I am sad that the TR is over! I really, really enjoyed it!

[booklady1]

Sharon, your pictures are soo beautiful!! I never get the chance to stroll through the countries like you did. That is definitely on my to do list one day. Are you going to Italy next year?

[Colexis Mom]

Great last day P-Sha! Love the pictures! Sorry it's all over, but I know another one is right around the corner! Looking forward to your final thoughts!

[LLaffinPlace]

Great TR, P-Sha! I even forgive you that picture of the NWJ--now I am completely starving but I think I may have some peanut butter cup ice cream in the freezer to take the edge off!

I have only managed to eat at Narcoosee's ONCE, but every time BOB is there without me he makes sure to go. We even tried to get a ressie for Labor Day Weekend, but no joy.

I am really irked about the no resort specific merch--SOMEBODY is going to hear from me.

Hope to see you soon!