Southern Fried in Mickey's World Updated 12/31 - Page 10 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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When the tour was over, both us were suffering from insufficient sleep the past two night in a row. With an hour before our first FastPass, we were clueless as to what to do. Eventually, we settled on Uptown Jewelers, but the Move It, Shake It parade meant a crowded Main Street. Plan B had us walking through the confectionary and then browse the Art of Disney. We did make it to Uptown Jewelers where we wandered the front section of the store before heading in to Pandora. Before the trip I had decided on one charm, the new Seven Dwarfs one. But yesterday morning when I put on my Pandora bangle, my Mickey charm dropped off. I saw it, picked it up, and placed it back on the bangle, but I decided I needed to buy two clips to make sure I didn’t lose any charms. I settled on two different Mickey clips. Photos are courtesy of the internet because I find jewelry photos difficult.
Once we had paid for my purchases and the sweet CM had gotten them all strung on my bangle, we crossed the street to browse the Emporium. We started just past Casey’s and wandered the entire store. Ultimately, I found a Halloween t-shirt, Halloween reusable bag, and Halloween dish towels. All of which was sent back to the resort.
I wanted to check out the Magic Bands, but there was chaos in this area where a majorly indecisive group of young Brits were taking up all the space. They did finally make their choices, allowing me to move up , but in the end, I didn’t find a single one I liked.
As we exited the store, we heard the Dapper Dans. They were singing right across the street, so I asked Luke if we could move closer and listening for a bit. Unfortunately, our time was a little off as this was their finale for this performance. We enjoyed it nonetheless.
The time for our first FastPass had finally arrived. We headed into Tomorrowland for a spin in Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. We were surprised to see that the FastPass queue was wrapped around to Monster Inc. Looking around, it was obvious that this was a BUSY day at the Magic Kingdom. The queue moved quickly in spite of its length. Then Luke and I let the universe down with pathetic scores. Mine was just over 20,000 and Luke’s was near 35,000. With us Zurg remains strong!
Breakfast had now been many hours ago, so we decided on lunch at Pecos Bill’s. I got the Southwest Salad and added chicken while Luke got the beef nachos. Again, I failed at food photos, but in my defense, I was starving and sleepy and the restaurant was very crowded. Luke managed to find and get us a table with exactly two chairs. WooHoo!
Feeling better with our bellies full, we walked back to it’s a small world for FastPass #2. This may be the first time in many, many trips that I didn’t take a single photo on this attraction. After the happiest voyage on earth, we thought we’d use some of the time before FastPass #3 by seeing Mickey’s Philharmagic via standby. We walked the short distance there and then realized that the standby line was all the way back to iasw. The sign posted the time at 60 minutes. No Way! Instead we walked back to Memento Mori where we could browse the shop and enjoy a wee bit of air conditioning. While in there I picked up a map and times guide since I didn’t have time for that when we entered with the tour.
The store got busy so we moved to a shady spot outside to wait in the shade. We kept watching the FP queue for the Haunted Mansion grow longer and longer. Figuring where we would start in this line and how long it would take for us to get to the touch points, we entered the line back at the Liberty Bell at 2:20 and precisely, at 2:25 we scanned our bands and the light shown green. We enjoyed our visit with the 999 Grim Grinning Ghosts and one followed us home. While in the FastPass queue, Luke took several photos of the front of the mansion minus some overgrown trees that have been recently removed.
While he was taking photos, I checked the DME app in hopes of finding a fourth FastPass, but the park was busy and very few were left, and most of those that were left were for times during our dinner reservation.
Stay tuned for what we do.
NEXT: When It’s This Muggy, It Can Only Mean Rain!
PS: Since Jennifer has announced here that the boards will be ending on December 31, I had set up a closed group on Facebook, Cam and Luke's Adventures -- Trip Reports. Flickr.com has also announced that their free account will soon be limited to 1000 photos, which I've probably already surpassed. I don't want to spend the $49.95 for a pro account since I won't need it in the new year. I'm not sure I'll have this finished before the new year as I'm still on the third day of our trip. I'll keep posting here as long as I can, but if you'd like to be included in the Facebook group, please let me know as I do intend to keep this one up, especially for our first (and probably only) trip to Aulani in Hawaii this coming May. Thank you all for reading my trip reports! You have helped me save so many memories!
I tried doing a FB search for the group to request to join and can't find it. Can you provide a link for me.
Thanks
Hi Cam! A long time fellow passporter & (for a short time) guide coming out of lurkdom. I don't post anymore, but do enjoy still reading trip reports, especially yours. It's hard to believe the boards will be coming to an end. I have some great memories and have met some truly wonderful people from the message boards. I don't think we are friends on FB, but I would still love to follow along your adventures over on FB. I will be sending a request (Jodi Lee).
To find Cam's TR on FB type Cam and Luke's Adventures -- Trip Reports into the FB search bar, then click "groups" towards the upper right on the bar there. It should pop up then.
To find Cam's TR on FB type Cam and Luke's Adventures -- Trip Reports into the FB search bar, then click "groups" towards the upper right on the bar there. It should pop up then.
Thank you for posting this tip. I found it and sent a request to join.
To find Cam's TR on FB type Cam and Luke's Adventures -- Trip Reports into the FB search bar, then click "groups" towards the upper right on the bar there. It should pop up then.
Thanks it finally worked to find it. My phone was not showing the groups option so I had to do it on my computer.
I haven't had much time to read trip reports in awhile, but when I do and I see one from you I click on it in a flash. We went to WDW mid September and I don't think I have ever sweat so much. We stayed at Pop and that walk to the DHS gates was horrendous! The whole time I was walking in I was thinking about how awful it was going to be on the way out. I have followed your trip reports for many years. I have been on the boards over 16 years. It brings tears to my eyes that we'll no longer be able to pop in here and catch up with everyone. I'm already on Facebook and sent you a friend request. Looking forward to more of this trip report as well as following your trip to Hawaii! Thanks Cam.
Seems it was super hot in Orlando all summer into late October. We plan to go back late November 2019, and surely the weather will be milder. I have accepted your friend request and added you to my trip report group.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MayraLR
Wow, MK was sure crowded! 60 minutes for Mickey's Philharmagic!
I'm pretty sure Luke and I had the craziest looks on our faces as we scanned back to see where the line ended.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pris
I can't believe the lines you encountered at Philhamagic and other places. It must have been a really busy day, for sure. I, too, had no idea the forums were closing. I found your group on FB and have requested to join.
I knew going in that days without parties could be extra busy, but now I totally believe it. I have added you.
Hi, Cam. I cannot find your private group on FB. Can you please add me? My FB name is Louise Michele. My profile picture is my family with Donald at Disney. Thanks!
You've been added! Love your family with Donald.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sweetpeama
I tried doing a FB search for the group to request to join and can't find it. Can you provide a link for me.
Thanks
Hi Cam! A long time fellow passporter & (for a short time) guide coming out of lurkdom. I don't post anymore, but do enjoy still reading trip reports, especially yours. It's hard to believe the boards will be coming to an end. I have some great memories and have met some truly wonderful people from the message boards. I don't think we are friends on FB, but I would still love to follow along your adventures over on FB. I will be sending a request (Jodi Lee).
I know so many of us feel the same way, lots of great memories and friendships made here. I have added you to the group.
To find Cam's TR on FB type Cam and Luke's Adventures -- Trip Reports into the FB search bar, then click "groups" towards the upper right on the bar there. It should pop up then.
Thanks, Pris! I've never done this before and wouldn't have given the best directions.
NEXT: When It’s This Muggy, It Can Only Mean Rain!
Wednesday, October 10, 2018 Part 5
When we came out of the Haunted Mansion, the humidity seemed to have ratcheted up another couple of notches. The best description I can come up with for how we felt was moist. Every bit of my skin was damp. Besides been hot and uncomfortable, we were tired, so we decided to head to the Wilderness Lodge to explore and then relax prior to our dinner at the Whispering Canyon Café. We walked back through Fantasyland and then down Main Street to catch a boat ride to Wilderness Lodge. As we neared the boat dock, it looked like the boat was preparing to leave. We would have hurried if there had been any hurry left in us. Thankfully, the Cast Members on the dock saw us and held the boat for us. We thanked the captain as we boarded, and he commented that it was obvious we needed a ride. So sweet!
Prior to boarding the boat, I had handed the camera off to Luke because I have this fear of dropping it into the lagoon. I lost a phone that way many, many trips ago. Since he had the camera, Luke took some photos of our journey. You will note that the day is getting darker. I was thankful that I was seated and that there was a breeze blowing as we traversed the lagoon.
When we got to the Wilderness Lodge, we climbed off and began the walk to the lobby with several detours along the way. First, I noticed a beautifully colored duck to the left, and took the camera back.
Wilderness Lodge is one of my favorites, and we have stayed several times here since becoming DVC members. In fact, our first ever DVC stay was here at Boulder Ridge. Great memories! One of my favorite parts is the pool area.
Our meandering took us to the new Geyser Point, but we only walked around the area because the mugginess was increasing and we both knew that meant rain wouldn’t be too far behind.
As we made our way around this new restaurant, we discovered other sights we were unfamiliar with including Reunion Station, a water tower, and a couple of Railway mining cars. All very cool!
Eventually, we made our way into Wilderness Lodge via the walkway from Boulder Ridge. Luke found the cutest Donald and Daisy decked out in wilderness garb in one of the gift shop windows. We did wander through the store, which is very nice (Sorry, no photos) before we found a comfy couch in the lobby where we planned to relax for the next two hours. We
almost had the lobby to ourselves.
Before I could completely relax, I wanted to get a few photos of this lobby. I remember the first time we stayed here, walking in to this lobby after town car dropped us off. I’m pretty sure my jaw dropped, and my head kept pivoting as I tried to take it all in. The totem poles are
breathtaking.
This totem always makes me think of Stefanie because we have several photos of her posing her on our WL stays.
Then I joined Luke on our couch and pulled out my notebook and began recording the events of this day. About 20 minutes later, Luke told me to look out the windows. Mercy, the rain was coming down in buckets and at a slant. Thank goodness, we were curled up warm and dry on the couch. Excellent decision to leave the park. Luke had mentioned before we left the room early this morning that all his weather apps were predicting torrential rain around 3:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon. It was just a few minutes before 3:00 now. Suddenly, we found ourselves joined by many guests seeking shelter in the storm. Every couch and chair was taken. In a while I finished the notes for the day to this point and even got Tuesday, October 9 written up as well. That day had not inspired me to write, but I did want to get it down now that I was feeling the magic. We truly enjoyed bidding our time until dinner.
Finally, it was 5:05, time for us to check in for our ADR at Whispering Canyon Café.
We were seated about five minutes later. Our server Carmen was a jewel. She gave us time to peruse the drink menu, and then got both a Coke Zero and a Moonshine Margarita. I initially ordered a pomegranate lemonade, and Carmen left. Then Luke said he thought he had seen a sparkling wine on a menu he had looked at earlier when he made a visit to the restrooms. When Carmen returned, I asked if there was a sparkling wine available, and she went off to check. She returned quickly to tell me they did not have one her at Whispering Canyon Café, but that she would run over to the Territory Lounge by Artist Point to get me one. Now that is superb service! I took one sip and realized I was getting Iron Horse Fairytale Cuvee. Woohoo!
While relaxing in the lobby, we had decided that we would get the All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Skillet. A family-style meal that was quite a lot of food for two, but we will do our best. The meal started with mixed greens dressed with apple vinaigrette along with fresh-baked cornbread. I asked about the recipe for the cornbread, but Carmen informed me that it is a well-kept secret that even she did not know. Then the skillet arrived with slow-smoked pork ribs, barbecued pulled pork, oak-smoked beef brisket, herb-roasted chicken, and Western-style sausage as the meats. I did not eat any of the sausage as I have to be in the right mood to eat any sausage, think pizza. But all the choices were exceptional. For our sides the skillet included mashed Yukon potatoes, buttered corn, green beans, and cowboy-style baked beans. I did ask for more corn and potatoes as both reminded me of our mom’s cooking. Delicious! The meal comes with dessert, which tonight was Granny Smith Apple Caramel Pie with vanilla gelato that was definitely made with real vanilla bean because I only like true vanilla ice cream. Carmen also brought out a chocolate birthday cupcake for Luke that we managed to finish off, too.
When it was time to pay the check, Carmen laid the folder on the table, and we noticed right away a Batgirl and Batman sticker. Luke and I told her about his Batman collection, and a conversation ensued about how much we all liked our super heroes. Luke and I agreed that even though the tip is included when we use our Tables in Wonderland card that we wanted to add a wee bit more. Carmen had gotten me that glass of Iron Horse Fairytale Cuvee and she loved Batman. Overall, an excellent meal, and we pretty much waddled out of there.
That was such great thinking and good timing for you guys!! Your pictures of the Wilderness Lodge are making me so excited for our December trip and bring back great memories for me!! Carmen sounds like a gem and your meal sounds wonderful!!
That was such great thinking and good timing for you guys!! Your pictures of the Wilderness Lodge are making me so excited for our December trip and bring back great memories for me!! Carmen sounds like a gem and your meal sounds wonderful!!
We had several exceptional servers early in this trip and each got an additional tip for their care of us. Such a treat for us each evening after surviving the heat.
For some reason the comment about Luke's weather apps all forecasting heavy rain made me think about my uncle, who died many years ago now. At one point I rode with him to work and some days he would say something like, "It's going to rain around five tonight." The first time he did this I didn't really think anything of it and considering that I lived and still do live 30 to 40 miles north of Seattle the possibility of rain on any given day is hardly surprising or out of the ordinary. However, I quickly learned to pay attention to and whenever possible to plan my day around my uncle's weather predictions/forecasts. He was incredibly accurate, much more so than any meteorologist I've heard/seen on tv/radio, and if he said it was going to rain between five and seven pm you could count on it raining between five and seven pm. My only explanation for his weather forecasting accuracy is that he spent many years working outside doing surveying work.
Sounds like an amazing dinner and you hit the jackpot in the server lottery getting Carmen as your server. I'm adding explore Wilderness Lodge to my list of non-park things to do. I always love looking at totem poles they're amazing works of art that if you know the symbolisms/meanings behind each of the carvings tell a story.
How fortunate that you headed to WL when you did, with the way the rain came up. Obviously Hurricane Michael had to come by and at least say hello. I hope by the time you finished dinner and were ready to head home to AKL that the rain had subsided a bit. You really had a great server in Carmen.
I am glad you found a nice shelter at WL. I love all the new areas they added with Copper Creek. We stayed in DVC rooms in January and it was amazing. We will definately be back. The whole resort is so peaceful and beautiful.
The Whispering Canyon Cafe has great food, and service. Some of the best CM interactions we have had there.
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Last edited by DisneyKimber; 11-03-2018 at 12:37 AM..
Reason: Grammar
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Instead we walked back to Memento Mori where we could browse the shop and enjoy a wee bit of air conditioning. While in there I picked up a map and times guide since I didn’t have time for that when we entered with the tour. 
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A long time fellow passporter & (for a short time) guide coming out of lurkdom. I don't post anymore, but do enjoy still reading trip reports, especially yours. It's hard to believe the boards will be coming to an end. I have some great memories and have met some truly wonderful people from the message boards. I don't think we are friends on FB, but I would still love to follow along your adventures over on FB. I will be sending a request (Jodi Lee).
I have accepted your friend request and added you to my trip report group. 
I found your group on FB and have requested to join.
I took one sip and realized I was getting Iron Horse Fairytale Cuvee. Woohoo! 
Carmen also brought out a chocolate birthday cupcake for Luke that we managed to finish off, too. 
Luke and I told her about his Batman collection, and a conversation ensued about how much we all liked our super heroes. Luke and I agreed that even though the tip is included when we use our Tables in Wonderland card that we wanted to add a wee bit more. Carmen had gotten me that glass of Iron Horse Fairytale Cuvee and she loved Batman. 
Carmen sounds like a gem and your meal sounds wonderful!!
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