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Hello friends, we are back from the world! What a great trip it was! I am going to do my best remembering everything, and I know that Dana will chime in here and there with her own remembrances, and things I forget. So we should be covered from all ends.
I will start with a brief introduction for anyone who hadn't followed the PTR.
WHAT: FINI2, A Disney Princess Getaway
WHEN: November 28, 2012- December 2, 2012
WHERE: POP Century
WHO: Me, Sparky and my bestie Dana, aka DisneyDana
HOW: A trip 2 years in the making! We met through PP and thought what a perfect place for our first meeting, WDW. Both flying, MA for me and SC for Dana.
Day 1: Arrival Day Wed. Nov. 28, 2012
Dana was leaving earlier than me at 5:30am to get to the airport, so we last touched base the previous night to say, "Goodnight! See you tomorrow!"
So when I got up at 5:30 on Wed morning, after only about 3 hours of light sleep, I knew Dana was on her way. After picking up my niece to put my DD on the bus, DH and I were on our way to my airport by 7:30am. It was an uneventful trip, with a quick stop for something to drink and bio break. I said my goodbyes to DH at the drop off zone, and thought, "This is IT!!!"
I checked my bag, got through security and was walking towards my gate when my cell rang. I answered to hear, "hey....what are you wearing?" I started cracking up. It was Dana calling to see if I made it to the airport, and to say that she was in Atlanta waiting on her connecting flight.
Once we hung up, I pulled out my book. Soon I was boarding my flight, and I was hoping for an aisle seat as close to the front as I could get. I was taking SW, and clicked to print my boarding pass exactly at 24 hours, but still ended up with B20. It could have been worse, and I didn't have to sit with anyone so it was all good.
I chose a seat with 2 women in the window and middle seat, so I did score my aisle seat, about 4 rows behind the emergency exit row. I said hello, and once we were in the air I pulled out my WDW music I brought with me. I listened to that 2 times in a row, and then put it away. I started chatting with the women who were traveling for a business trip. One had business, the other was her friend who came with, as they were going to spend vacation too. I told them about my adventure and meeting with Dana. Once we landed, they both said "Good luck! Hope you don't end up meeting a 7 ft tall man!" We laughed and I was on my way.
When I got through security Dana was sitting there waiting...I saw her and waved, she jumped up and we ran to each other and hugged, while saying, "Omg, we're here!!!" The lady sitting next to her said, "Oh good, you did come!" Apparently, bc I stopped for a bio break most of my plane had already been through and Dana was wondering where I was.
Due to be so excited I wasn't thinking clearly and lead us around in circles in the airport, even though I have done it the last 4 years without a problem. We finally made it to baggage claim, and most of the people had already claimed their bags. However, my 2 seatmates were standing there. So I grabbed my bag, and walked over to them and introduced Dana. They thought it was neat to meet her after hearing about our trip, and were also relieved that Dana did exsist.
I had to grab a quick cigarette before boarding the DME so we went outside, and while there I couldn't wait, so I got Dana's Christmas gift out of my carryon bag and gave it to her.
I was so glad that she liked the gift. (Hey Dana, I just wrote "that she licked the gift"! You gift licker!) I had bought us each a Peapod necklace that a woman on Etsy made for me. They are sterling silver wired wrapped, and I got to choose the color peas I wanted. She put hers on, and I had worn mine that morning.
Soon we were on the DME, and we had about 5 resorts it was stopping at, but POP was first! Yay!
We watched the welcome video and Dana commented that never having taken DME she was surprised how long it was to get from the airport. It is too long when you're on your way to WDW!
We pulled up to the POP, grabbed our bags, and headed in for check in. I had requested the 60's buildings and the 3rd or 4th floor. We already had a pool view room so I knew it would be the 60's or 50's buildings. I was happy to find out that we had the 60's buildings, Building 4 Room 4412 on the corner.
While at the front desk, I got my paper ticket added to my KTTWC and Dana got her non expiration added to her ticket. We were now set to have fun!
We brought our stuff to our room, and immediately left for our ADR at Ohana!
If I remember correctly we took the bus to Epcot then got on the monorail, and got off at the T&TC, then walked to the Poly from there. I think, if that makes sense.
We got to the podium, I gave my name, and the CM says...we don't have a reservation for that name. Oh boy. So I give the confirmation #, well it was in someone else's name...was, bc it was cancelled and I don't remember cancelling it. At this point, we were worried that we wouldn't be dining at Ohana that night. After a few minutes, the CM gave us a pager and said to have a seat.
We decided to go over to the bar and take a look at the drink menu. We had been there just a few minutes and our pager went off. We were taken to a table that had a nice view of the castle. We both had decided to order the Lapu Lapu drink, and boy was it yummy! Food was out almost as soon as we sat down. I loved the chicken this go around. Not the wings, but the chicken that comes out on the skewers. It was so tasty, and I was so hungry not having eaten all day. We ate and ate and ate! Till we were laughing that we could just roll out of the restaurant. We toasted to our 2 year in the making trip, finally being there, and being there together.
This meal has gone on my list for next trip. It wasn't before this, though I had been to Ohana last year. This year I just loved the drink and the chicken, it was very good.
We left and perused a couple gift shops. I just love the art shop in the Poly! Coolest paintings! Once we finished we decided to catch the monorail to MK, to bus to POP.
On the way, we decided to stop off at GF to check out the Gingerbread house. SO COOL! I couldn't believe there was a CM IN the house selling gingerbread. It was nice to just see the GF, as it's one of my favorite resorts...that I'll never be able to stay in.
We also took a stroll around Basin. I had never been in there before, but heard a lot about it. It was pretty neat. I would never spend the money they want for things in there though, I am not much of a bath person. I of course went around smelling all the powders and salts. At some point Dana came over and was laughing bc I had powder on my nose. Let's just say, it didn't look to good. We finished up at Basin and GF with a sugar scrub for our hands. Really neat!
We boarded the monorail heading for MK, and if we only knew what we were in for. It was closing time for MK, and we hadn't even thought about it. When we arrived, there were people in line snaking the entire POP line and out the back. We got in line while talking about how we should have taken a cab, and now we were stuck in line. Lucky for us, there was a super annoying family, with a particularly annoying tween behind us. Good lord, was I glad to get on a bus about 45 minutes later to get away from them.
On the way through the POP I grabbed my mug, and got a drink. Once back at the room, I took a shower and Dana put red tinsel in my hair. SO COOL!
Finally, we laid down and stopped talking. We had an early morning ADR at Tusker House, had to be at the bus stop at 7:00am. My brain wasn't hearing that though, and it was a long night for me.
Next up: Y&Y and Le Cellier burger challenge. Did I like the Yak Attack?
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Signing in - sounds great so far. We had the same problem when we left O'Hana after our meet with Jess and David. It took us 2 hours to get back to OKW!
Signing in - sounds great so far. We had the same problem when we left O'Hana after our meet with Jess and David. It took us 2 hours to get back to OKW!
Yeah, I definately have to make sure to plan that a little better for the next time. Thanks for joining in!
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I'm here! I forgot about asking what you were wearing. lol I'll just chime in as I read along. I'll just say that MCO is one of the coolest airports ever! I love the stores. And just so everyone knows...I was NOT drunk in that picture. It certainly looks like it though. I think I was about to blink and the other reason is pure exhaustion....that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I could have been all messed up from licking the necklace earlier in the day.
Oh and you forgot to mention the grown kid in the stroller in front of us waiting on the bus. I'm pretty sure she had a 5 o'clock shadow and a cigar. Anyone that knows me knows that a trip to Disney isn't complete until I've seen fifteen 9 year olds riding in a stroller and gotten swept into the middle a Brazilian tour group. Let me tell ya folks...if that happens, the only thing to do is to clap and chant right along with them until you find a safe spot to dive out.Just sayin.
Oh, I didn't forget about the "what are you wearing?" It totally cracked me up.
I love MCO too. I love that little tram you take to the main airport from the gates. So cool!
Yes, there was that girl in the stroller in front of us, and let me say...she was at LEAST 9 years old, at least, if not more...and no, it wasn't that she was in her younger siblings stroller that she was just using...it was hers! Poor mom though, I kept goosing her while we were moving through the line. Well not goosing really, but feeling her bum.
@ chant along with them! Boy, between the BTG and the cheerleaders, we heard lots of chanting at the parks.
Glad to see you started!! How exciting to finally get to meet after 2 years and your trip is already off to a great start!!
I know it was surreal. It was great bc from the moment we set etes upon each other, it was nothing but laughs. It also was very natural, we just got along great. We toured nicely together, and the conversation flowed, even when we were just enjoying the sites and being silent...which I'll admit wasn't a whole lot, lol. Even sharing the room, it was just so easy.
What a great first day for the both of you. From the sound of it, it was filled with plenty of smiles and laughs. Those Lapu Lapu drinks look HUGE! Don't think I've ever seen a pineapple that big before.
What a great first day for the both of you. From the sound of it, it was filled with plenty of smiles and laughs. Those Lapu Lapu drinks look HUGE! Don't think I've ever seen a pineapple that big before.
It was a great start Melissa. I think this trip was filled with the most smiles and laughs ever. Yes, the Lapu Lapu drinks were pretty big, and super yummy!
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WDW - August 1997 Off Property
WDW - January 2005 AKL
WDW - May 2006 Pop Century
WDW- november-dec 2007 pop century
WDW- dec/jan 2009/2010 pop century
WDW- oct/nov 2012 art of animation
WDW- sept 2013 port Orleans riverside
WDW- july 2015 beach club
Day 2 Thursday November 29, 2012 Part 1- Animal Kingdom
I set the clock for 5:30 this morning and started my normal WDW morning routine, with one extra step since I was there alone. First I got changed (this step varies depending on different things), then I made my way to the smoking area with my refillable mug. Got some coke for my mug and called home to say good morning to my family. After saying goodbye, I made it back to the room by 6:30 and Dana was almost ready to go. I think at this point, I put on a little make up and packed our bag for the day. We had lots of stuff in that bag bc of going to the MVMCP that night. We were at the bus stop by 7:00 and on our way to Animal Kingdom!
Once we arrived, we asked someone to take our picture in front of the Christmas Tree.
We found where we had to be in order to get into the park early for our ADR at Tusker House at 8:05am. We still had time left, so I made a pit stop in the RFC smoking area, while Dana perused the gift shop. Once we were done in there...we made our way to the line and just at the right time too. People started really lining up behind us!
Soon a CM was coming down the line checking last names to the ADR list and about 5 minutes after that, we were scanning our tickets and we were off. Side Note: My KTTWC did work with my ticket! I was half thinking that something would have gone wrong and my paper ticket hadn't made it on there, but it did. Once through the gates, we rented a locker for our bag (and almost didn't think we would get it in, lol) and I rented a scooter.
We finally made it to Africa and got in the line to check in. We chit chatted to a lady behind us who was there for business but this was her vacation time, before she had to leave for business in Tampa, FL. Checked in and pager in hand we sat long enough to hear a CM sing a song to a woman who was there celebrating her 84th bday when we were called.
I asked Dana on the way up if she cared about the picture with Donald, bc I already knew I wasn't going to buy it, and I prefer not to even get the pic taken if I feel that way. No temptation that way! She said no, so we told the CM and were taken right to our table.
Dana was happy bc the jambo juice is like the juice they have at Boma, apparently. I've never been to Boma, so she is the expert there.
I was excited bc we at the BACONFEST! HAHAHA! We went right up with plenty of time before characters would be coming along. I had some scrambled eggs, tater tots, BACON!, and the cornbread hash, SO good!
Soon, Mickey was at our table. I gave him a giant hug and Dana took our picture.
Then it was Dana's turn.
After Mickey came, next up was Daisy. I just love Daisy and her little attitude. She is quite the Diva. With her hand gestures, her posing and even the way she walks. One of the waitresses asked if we wanted a pic together when we started to do pics with Daisy and we said yes, thank you! The result being my new siggy pic. One of my faves from the trip.
We still had Goofy and Pluto I think, but we were done eating and eager to go do some attractions, so we paid our check and scooted out of there.
We decided to hit the safari first thing. I am glad we did too. I saw more animals than I have ever seen on safari before. It was a great adventure! One giraffe looked like it was going to come right up to our truck, but it didn't. We tried to spot Stephanie the Giraffe, and I think we did...I think. I looked for the giraffe with blond face. She was a little too far away though, so we couldn't see well.
After our 2 week tour, we decided to go towards EE, but I think this is where we made a pit stop for the Flights of Wonder show. Which was really neat. I think it will be on the must do list for the next family vacay. Though, I do have to say...I could have done without Guano Joe. Hardy har har. I think one of the funniest parts for me was when the CM brought out a plastic lizard and said that they were going to call him "Little Joe", I said to Dana.."they should call him Little Guano!" You all know what guano is right?
Once we saw some really cool owls, we made our way to EE. We had a short wait here, not more than I would say 10-15 minutes. I think any waits we had seemed so much less, as Dana and I would take the time to chit chat and plan for what's next. Honestly, we barely waited at all for anything though, we were completely pecable with everything.
We survived the Yeti, and had a bunch of laughs too. Especially since before we really got going on the ride, I told Dana, "I'm letting you know now, I am not a screamer" Dana said, "That's okay, I'm not either." Well let's just say that the people riding with us wouldn't have known that little fact. As soon as we started going we started screaming and Dana said after the ride, "Oh yeah, we both say we aren't screamers, then start screaming the minute the ride starts!" My favorite part of EE is the part where you are going backwards. I know some people don't like it bc of that, but I love it!
I'm trying to remember the order we did things, and I might have this messed up, but oh well...you get the idea.
I think at this point we took a break, and I grabbed a quick smoke while Dana got one of those ginormous ice cream sandwiches. If found her near Dinosaur and we sat for a bit while she worked on that. I had a bite, but I am not much of a sweets eater myself... so ended up dumping about 1/2 of it. I want to say at this point we decided to ride Dinosaur. I'm thinking this bc we were so close to it. Now this is one of my favorite rides! It's not much, I mean I wouldn't call it a "thrill" ride, but it is so loud and dark...it feels real. I love when the guy yells, "Abort, abort!"
I had been very eager to get to this ADR at Yak & Yeti. I had 2 missions...1.) Finally try a Yak Attack and 2.) To start the Kobe Burger vs. Le Cellier House Burger challenge.
Dana order lettuce cups for her lunch. Well let's just say, she didn't finish half of them and I didn't blame her. I tried a bite and they were yucko! I don't know what seasoning they put in that chicken but I didn't like it one bit, and I don't think Dana liked them much more.
Now for the Yak Attack...what is everyone's function with that drink?? I didn't think it was very good at all. You could barely tell there was any alcohol in it at all, and it was so sickly sweet. Ewww. I'll stick to the Lapu Lapu, the GG Slushy from France and a couple other choice drinks I had later in the trip...that you'll learn about then. As for the YA, thanks but I'll take a zero...it is going onto the Definately NO! list for next trip.
Since we are adding things to the Definately NO! list, why don't we go ahead and add that Kobe Burger or rather Y&Y itself to that list. I do not understand the comparison of the Kobe Burger and the LCH Burger...bc there is none. Of course to each their own and everyone has their opinion, but this gal, won't be running back to get one. I liked the doneness level of the Kobe Burger, it was nice and almost blackened on the outside. It had pretty good flavor, but was very dense...like it was a frozen premade patty. I would have preferred cheese on it as well. To contrast this review, you'll have to wait till I get to Epcot for the LCH Burger which isn't till Friday. I just wasn't impressed with this place at all. I will be using the slot it would have been given to try something else...elsewhere or go to an old fave. It's official now...the only place I'll eat for TS at AK, is Tusker House for breakfast only. I am not highly impressed with CS there either, so if it isn't TH then it will be nothing. Another reason half days on family vacay works better for us. We can just hop somewhere else for late lunch or dinner.
I think the best part of the meal was the view out the window with people watching and the company. Enough bad talking the Y&Y now...okay, except to say I understand why some people joke about the YAK & Yeti part of the name.
Moving on... I think if we went to see if we could catch the Nemo show and we walked right in no problem. Again, the completely pecable timing! Yay! Marlin and Dory found Nemo, and it was now time for one last ride on EE!
We felt like we had done everything in the park we wanted, and it was now around 3:00. If we headed out and got our stuff from the locker, turned in the scooter and went to MK, it would be time for MVMCP! So that is just what we did.
There are so many small things that we so funny, and I tried to remember them, and now can't seem to remember any. It's awful. Dana and I basically had a running list (in our heads) of all the things we heard others or ourselves say that could be added to that thread about the weirdest/funniest things you've heard at WDW. I know today was the start of that list. Wish I could remember some to share. Oh well, I don't have time to sit and think about it, as we have a Christmas party to get to! I'll see you there!
Up Next: MVMCP, the infamous "LOOK AT ME!!! LOOK AT ME!!!" earrings, and a major award!
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Fun with FINI2! Nov 28-Dec 2, 2012
We finally made it to baggage claim, and most of the people had already claimed their bags. However, my 2 seatmates were standing there. So I grabbed my bag, and walked over to them and introduced Dana. They thought it was neat to meet her after hearing about our trip, and were also relieved that Dana did exsist.
You gift licker!) I had bought us each a Peapod necklace that a woman on Etsy made for me. They are sterling silver wired wrapped, and I got to choose the color peas I wanted. She put hers on, and I had worn mine that morning.
"Sparky"(My first trip.)
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I forgot about asking what you were wearing. lol I'll just chime in as I read along. I'll just say that MCO is one of the coolest airports ever! I love the stores. And just so everyone knows...I was NOT drunk in that picture. It certainly looks like it though. I think I was about to blink and the other reason is pure exhaustion....that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I could have been all messed up from licking the necklace earlier in the day.
Let me tell ya folks...if that happens, the only thing to do is to clap and chant right along with them until you find a safe spot to dive out.
Dreams, Wishes, Hopes... these are the parts of childhood we should never lose.
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