LockShockBarrel
Pudge controls the weather.
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2009
Howdy do. I'm back again for another trip report. I hope to get this done pretty quickly because the trip was only a little over 2 weeks ago so people that are heading down soon can have some pretty up to date information and reviews. Keep in mind I said "hope", not "promise"
I already did my dining report so if you're only here for food info or just enjoy my oh so special way of putting stuff, you can head over there. http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3340776 a full dining report starring me!
So let's jump in. I started planning in late March/early April and had a few different sets of dates in mind. I really wanted to try Boardwalk this time around but unfortunately they didn't have any points availability that ran straight through when I was planning to go (in other words they had like 2 nights, then nothing, then 2 nights open and switching back and forth was silly to me). I ended up at Old Key West which I'd stayed at once before in 2011 and really enjoyed. It's a beautiful resort with large rooms and a mellow theme, and since I was staying longer than my last solo trip I figured the larger room was warranted. I rent points through a friend of mine, and for what she charges me staying at OKW this time was actually cheaper than I could get a room at a value resort.
I also got a great deal on a flight, direct both ways between Buffalo and MCO for $263 total. I was periodically checking the prices and just watched it go up up up. First time I double checked was 360 something...then in the 500s...then in the 700s!! I couldn't believe it. I checked on the days all the websites tell you you can get the lowest price but it never got under $721 after that. I was so glad I grabbed my tickets when I did because well..because!
9-26-2014 ---
It was a full flight to MCO which was sort of interesting. I was called to board and had a whiny father asking me to give up my seat so he and his daughter could sit together. The kid was probably 6 or 7 and it was her first time flying, so I get that they should sit together but frankly I booked my seat in a specific spot and with a window for a reason. They were definitely on their way to Disney (the kid was chanting "disney disney disney) which leads me to believe they had enough time to try to get seats together as opposed to a last minute emergency booking. I politely told him no which led him to stand helpless in the aisle waiting for someone to offer their seats. He managed to find someone to give up her seat which actually ended up working out in my favorite because lo and behold she was a travel agent that specialized in Disney vacations so we sat and chatted the entire flight.
The flight went by quickly with my new buddy and soon enough we had landed. I somehow got turned around in the airport and ended up on the wrong side to get to Magical Express. I got myself back on track and had about a 15 minute wait for my bus. I was thankful I was already wearing my Magicband because that's all they needed for me to get on the bus. This was my first trip with the bands so I was a little clueless where and when I needed it aside from the obvious.
Old Key West was the first stop which was awesome (I get a rush out of being first, its silly but its true). I was actually the only person to get off there which was a little surprising with how full the bus was. The resort was pretty bumping when I got there, lots of people waiting for buses and ME and hanging around the Hospitality House. Keep in mind this was at about 11am. I had checked in online and was really hoping my room would be ready so I could download half the crap in my backpack but unfortunately it wasn't. The CM who checked me in was very apologetic about it. He got me set up with the pincode to my magic band (I had apparently set on online but completely forgot what it was). Everything was great and he says "I can have them text you when the room is ready and I can tell you know what building you'll be in. It's right here *circles building on the map*"....Building 29. Anything but building 29. My stomach dropped a little and I thought "no...there's no way I'll end up in 2911, I'm not in a one bedroom this time. It's fine!". Ok so there's a little story about why I was dreading this so much, to see it, please see my 2011 trip report.
I decided since I had no idea what time the room would be ready I would just head straight to the parks. I had everything I needed and really my backpack wasn't heavy, just big since I had my hoodie and whatnot stuffed into it. I waited at the Hospitality House for about 10 minutes for my bus to MK.
I was actually in the park before noon and got through security and the turnstiles pretty easily but there seemed to be a lot of people that had no idea what to do with their Magic Bands. I don't know if it was a lot of first timers or what but I was surprised and now a little nervous that I'd find backed up lines with people that were having issues.
Since my FPs didn't start til after my lunch, I decided to just go wherever the crowds weren't which led me to Tomorrowland. I pulled a typical tourist and just went into the first thing I saw with a short line landing me at Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. It was a good show, everyone that ended up on camera or that participated with the monsters played along. I've been to showings that didn't have willing participants which always seem disappointing.
I figured a ride on the TTA (Peoplemover...whatever) was a good option so I didn't get caught in a line before lunch. I got a few decent pictures and honestly its one of my favorite rides. It always mellows me out and gives me a chance to relax especially later in the trip.
I was afraid of being late for my Be Our Guest FP so I headed there next. Good lord what a mess that area is around meal times. I find new Fantasyland confusing to navigate around and the giant crowd of people was interesting to try to get through. I can't imagine what it's like when the park is in peak season.
After lunch (I told you, go to the dining report for all that jazz ok?) it was a big sprinkly and humid. The next line I happened on was the Journey under the Little Mermaid or whatever it's actually called. I'd never been on it but its the movie I remember best from my childhood (I wore out not 1 but 2 VHS tapes of it) and Ursula is my spirit animal so I had to ride. Luckily the wait was only about 10 minutes.
Earlier I could hear the new Mine Train running but couldn't hear it now. I knew that didn't bode well and when I finally got around to the entrance...like really I walked around the whole friggin thing trying to find it... it was closed due to lightning. The weird thing (at least to me) was that they were letting people stay in the line until the ride was allowed to operate again. I guess they don't want to piss people off that have already been waiting but really? people would rather stand in that giant crowd of humanity rather than just come back? There was a bit of a ruckus when I was figuring out what was going on, a non english speaking woman was trying to get into the line but was told no by the CMs at the front. She kept trying to push through and luckily another family who spoke the language this woman spoke were able to translate. The woman's teenage daughter and young son had "missing" for 2 hours. She thought they were in line for the mine train but her cell phone wasn't putting through the call to her daughter's phone so she didn't know for sure where they were. She just wanted to look for them. The CMs did eventually walk her up through the line to try to find them. This is another reason why I don't understand letting people stay in line, sure there's cell phones but clearly they're not infallible. I asked the CM what I should do because I had a FP for the ride and she said there would be an open ended FP I could use for anything so I figured I'd swing around later. I like that they do this for rides that are down, its a good way to appease people so long as they understand if they use it, it's done. I think they'd be better off leaving that FP in your lineup with an open ended return and adding the other one to use for another attraction. It'd eliminate that "Do I try something else or do I wait for something that might not come back online?" debate.
Anyway...I figured I'd move along and ended up at IASW. I find I look at the same stuff every time I go on this ride and end up bored but its still one I have to do, just because you always go on IASW at least once! My routine is trying to identify as many countries as I can, and drooling over the costumes from India and Thailand.
After that I trekked over to the Haunted Mansion. My FP was for later but I figured waiting and getting to see the interactive queue (I bypassed it last trip) was worth the wait. The posted wait was 25 minutes but I've said it once and I'll say it again. Going solo has its advantages. The CMs tell you straight out, fill in all available space and I always manage to find lots of available space...by passing groups and families that aren't paying attention. I walked past probably 40 groups of people in that line. You may not agree with it but if there is room to move past you while you're checking your phone or digging through your bag or tying junior's shoe...I'm going to pass you. I think it messes with people's mind that they know they saw me behind them at one point then the next time they see me I'm 10 parties ahead of them. Just move up guys...that's all you have to do to block me. Please understand I don't barge through anyone either. I just find gaps and move through them. It had started raining at that point with very loud thunder, which made for extra ambiance walking through the queue.
Next I decided to hit up the Hall of Presidents, another one I don't really love but go because it's tradition. I think it's so well done that people should see it at least once. I hit the timing right because right when I walked into the building the doors were opening to let people into the theater.
Post Americana, my Haunted Mansion FP was active so I figured meh, why not? It's one of my favorite rides so I rode again with my FP. I know a lot of people don't understand the storyline of the ride or don't believe it, but ever since I read the "throwing yourself off the roof" theory it makes so much sense.
With my fill of ghosts for the day, I meandered back to the Mine Train. It was still sprinkling a bit but barely, so I figured it was worth a shot. The line was open and I was nervous because there was a bit of a back up at the FP entrance. I thought "Oh boy...it's going to be packed because of that open FP" but once I got past the turnstile it was actually about a 5 minute wait. I rode with the family that was ahead of me in line which started a precedent of people I talked to in line adopting me for a few minutes and including me in their group. The ride is so well done, really beautiful to look at. I can't say its worth more than a 30-45 minute wait but if you have the opportunity to ride it you should. Just trust me.
Bup bup bup...what came next? Oh yeah I realized I was blowing through things really quickly. Boggling but it always seems to happen to me. I budget all this time and then end up with hours to kill. I was just kind of meandering working my way back to Fantasyland figuring I'd hit up Philharmagic. On the way I noticed that Lady Tremaine and the Stepsisters were out meeting so I jumped in line, but they left after like 3 more groups I did manage to grab a picture of them.
Philharmagic ended up being closed so noticing my phone was getting a little low on battery I figured I'd sit down and journal for a bit and get some water. I picked Pinocchio's Village Haus so I could chill out by the window to Small World. Unfortunately something was apparently up with that ride too. There were several people in official looking clothes hanging around while they were sending boats through the ride empty. I sat and watched for about half an hour and it was still closed when I left the restaurant. I never did manage to figure out what was going on. That was 2 attractions in Fantasyland down, then I found out Pirates had been down until lunch time that day. The weather maybe?
Knowing that Pirates had been having issues I figured I'd head over and see if it were open, plus my FP was active. I got in the FP line and filled in all available space again. One lady noticed me doing it this time. I happened to turn back and she gave me a funny look, then nudged her husband. She nodded towards me and I could see she was saying "What's that girl think she's doing?" but she didn't try to call me out on it. As for the ride...I can't explain it but ever since they changed the ride to include Jack Sparrow, the ride seems shorter to me. I float along, ride ride...pirates and wenches...and then BOOM get off the ride kids! Seriously I couldn't tell you why it seems that way to me, does anyone else think this?
After my short trip to the Caribbean I continued on my boat theme and headed to Jungle Cruise. I am an absolute nerd for this ride. My last trip I didn't realize I was mouthing around with the script and had people thinking that I must work there. The puns are so bad I just can't resist laughing, especially when you get a good skipper. This skipper.. *sigh*... she tried. She really tried, but there was just something lacking. She was rushing through the jokes and leaving weird gaps in the banter. It was like "wordswordswords.........................................wordswordswordswords.......................words". There was part of me that really wanted to take the microphone away from her and do it myself. I'm sure its harder than it looks but it was a little painful to listen to.
After that I was sort of at a loss of what to do. It was a MNSSHP night so I knew I didn't have a lot of time to get into stuff. I had accomplished pretty much everything I needed to do that day. My dining reservation for dinner wasn't until after 8 and it was only 6:15. I figured I'd kill time looking through the gift shops, getting an idea of stuff I wanted to keep in mind to get. The shops were totally packed, full of cranky damp people all pushing through other people because...well who knows why. What I did notice, and noticed through a lot of my trip, was people buying the big stuffed animals. Like the toddler sized ones. I've never seen that many people actually purchase them before. I can't imagine dedicating that much space in a suitcase to them or letting a kid carry it on the plane.
I gave up on shopping because I am a girl, I want to browse and not be elbowed in the kidneys by a soccer mom trying to get at the Elsa doll I'm looking at. I knew when it was time to call it a night and ended up leaving at 6:30. I did decide to walk past the Jack and Sally meet and greet to get an idea of what the line would be like when I attended the Halloween party. It was ridiculously long and the party hadn't even started yet.
I caught a bus to Beach Club and it took me a minute to figure out where I needed to be. I actually had to ask for directions. I tried to check into Beaches and Cream early but they told me to come back closer to my reservation time, so I sat sort of near the pool but under a roof because it was *surprise* still raining (a theme this trip if you couldn't tell by the name of the report).
After dinner I caught a bus to DTD, and for whatever reason it was such a long ride! We hit every red light, every little back up in traffic. It was like we were just puttering along. Thankfully there was an OKW bus pulling up right as I got off the Beach Club one and that ride was nice and quick.
I was exhausted by the time I got back to the resort, but I still had stuff to do. I went to Bell Services to get my grocery order, and had David from Bell Services give me a ride to my room. He was so nice, chatting the entire time and even coming into the room to show me where stuff was and get the lights turned on since it was pitch black in there. I was actually a little sad we couldn't continue our conversation. Then it hit me. I was in the room 2910. Directly next to the one I had so many issues with last time. I crossed my fingers all would be well, unpacked and crashed in my super comfy bed.
I already did my dining report so if you're only here for food info or just enjoy my oh so special way of putting stuff, you can head over there. http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3340776 a full dining report starring me!
So let's jump in. I started planning in late March/early April and had a few different sets of dates in mind. I really wanted to try Boardwalk this time around but unfortunately they didn't have any points availability that ran straight through when I was planning to go (in other words they had like 2 nights, then nothing, then 2 nights open and switching back and forth was silly to me). I ended up at Old Key West which I'd stayed at once before in 2011 and really enjoyed. It's a beautiful resort with large rooms and a mellow theme, and since I was staying longer than my last solo trip I figured the larger room was warranted. I rent points through a friend of mine, and for what she charges me staying at OKW this time was actually cheaper than I could get a room at a value resort.
I also got a great deal on a flight, direct both ways between Buffalo and MCO for $263 total. I was periodically checking the prices and just watched it go up up up. First time I double checked was 360 something...then in the 500s...then in the 700s!! I couldn't believe it. I checked on the days all the websites tell you you can get the lowest price but it never got under $721 after that. I was so glad I grabbed my tickets when I did because well..because!
9-26-2014 ---
It was a full flight to MCO which was sort of interesting. I was called to board and had a whiny father asking me to give up my seat so he and his daughter could sit together. The kid was probably 6 or 7 and it was her first time flying, so I get that they should sit together but frankly I booked my seat in a specific spot and with a window for a reason. They were definitely on their way to Disney (the kid was chanting "disney disney disney) which leads me to believe they had enough time to try to get seats together as opposed to a last minute emergency booking. I politely told him no which led him to stand helpless in the aisle waiting for someone to offer their seats. He managed to find someone to give up her seat which actually ended up working out in my favorite because lo and behold she was a travel agent that specialized in Disney vacations so we sat and chatted the entire flight.
The flight went by quickly with my new buddy and soon enough we had landed. I somehow got turned around in the airport and ended up on the wrong side to get to Magical Express. I got myself back on track and had about a 15 minute wait for my bus. I was thankful I was already wearing my Magicband because that's all they needed for me to get on the bus. This was my first trip with the bands so I was a little clueless where and when I needed it aside from the obvious.
Old Key West was the first stop which was awesome (I get a rush out of being first, its silly but its true). I was actually the only person to get off there which was a little surprising with how full the bus was. The resort was pretty bumping when I got there, lots of people waiting for buses and ME and hanging around the Hospitality House. Keep in mind this was at about 11am. I had checked in online and was really hoping my room would be ready so I could download half the crap in my backpack but unfortunately it wasn't. The CM who checked me in was very apologetic about it. He got me set up with the pincode to my magic band (I had apparently set on online but completely forgot what it was). Everything was great and he says "I can have them text you when the room is ready and I can tell you know what building you'll be in. It's right here *circles building on the map*"....Building 29. Anything but building 29. My stomach dropped a little and I thought "no...there's no way I'll end up in 2911, I'm not in a one bedroom this time. It's fine!". Ok so there's a little story about why I was dreading this so much, to see it, please see my 2011 trip report.
I decided since I had no idea what time the room would be ready I would just head straight to the parks. I had everything I needed and really my backpack wasn't heavy, just big since I had my hoodie and whatnot stuffed into it. I waited at the Hospitality House for about 10 minutes for my bus to MK.
I was actually in the park before noon and got through security and the turnstiles pretty easily but there seemed to be a lot of people that had no idea what to do with their Magic Bands. I don't know if it was a lot of first timers or what but I was surprised and now a little nervous that I'd find backed up lines with people that were having issues.
Since my FPs didn't start til after my lunch, I decided to just go wherever the crowds weren't which led me to Tomorrowland. I pulled a typical tourist and just went into the first thing I saw with a short line landing me at Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. It was a good show, everyone that ended up on camera or that participated with the monsters played along. I've been to showings that didn't have willing participants which always seem disappointing.
I figured a ride on the TTA (Peoplemover...whatever) was a good option so I didn't get caught in a line before lunch. I got a few decent pictures and honestly its one of my favorite rides. It always mellows me out and gives me a chance to relax especially later in the trip.
I was afraid of being late for my Be Our Guest FP so I headed there next. Good lord what a mess that area is around meal times. I find new Fantasyland confusing to navigate around and the giant crowd of people was interesting to try to get through. I can't imagine what it's like when the park is in peak season.
After lunch (I told you, go to the dining report for all that jazz ok?) it was a big sprinkly and humid. The next line I happened on was the Journey under the Little Mermaid or whatever it's actually called. I'd never been on it but its the movie I remember best from my childhood (I wore out not 1 but 2 VHS tapes of it) and Ursula is my spirit animal so I had to ride. Luckily the wait was only about 10 minutes.
Earlier I could hear the new Mine Train running but couldn't hear it now. I knew that didn't bode well and when I finally got around to the entrance...like really I walked around the whole friggin thing trying to find it... it was closed due to lightning. The weird thing (at least to me) was that they were letting people stay in the line until the ride was allowed to operate again. I guess they don't want to piss people off that have already been waiting but really? people would rather stand in that giant crowd of humanity rather than just come back? There was a bit of a ruckus when I was figuring out what was going on, a non english speaking woman was trying to get into the line but was told no by the CMs at the front. She kept trying to push through and luckily another family who spoke the language this woman spoke were able to translate. The woman's teenage daughter and young son had "missing" for 2 hours. She thought they were in line for the mine train but her cell phone wasn't putting through the call to her daughter's phone so she didn't know for sure where they were. She just wanted to look for them. The CMs did eventually walk her up through the line to try to find them. This is another reason why I don't understand letting people stay in line, sure there's cell phones but clearly they're not infallible. I asked the CM what I should do because I had a FP for the ride and she said there would be an open ended FP I could use for anything so I figured I'd swing around later. I like that they do this for rides that are down, its a good way to appease people so long as they understand if they use it, it's done. I think they'd be better off leaving that FP in your lineup with an open ended return and adding the other one to use for another attraction. It'd eliminate that "Do I try something else or do I wait for something that might not come back online?" debate.
Anyway...I figured I'd move along and ended up at IASW. I find I look at the same stuff every time I go on this ride and end up bored but its still one I have to do, just because you always go on IASW at least once! My routine is trying to identify as many countries as I can, and drooling over the costumes from India and Thailand.
After that I trekked over to the Haunted Mansion. My FP was for later but I figured waiting and getting to see the interactive queue (I bypassed it last trip) was worth the wait. The posted wait was 25 minutes but I've said it once and I'll say it again. Going solo has its advantages. The CMs tell you straight out, fill in all available space and I always manage to find lots of available space...by passing groups and families that aren't paying attention. I walked past probably 40 groups of people in that line. You may not agree with it but if there is room to move past you while you're checking your phone or digging through your bag or tying junior's shoe...I'm going to pass you. I think it messes with people's mind that they know they saw me behind them at one point then the next time they see me I'm 10 parties ahead of them. Just move up guys...that's all you have to do to block me. Please understand I don't barge through anyone either. I just find gaps and move through them. It had started raining at that point with very loud thunder, which made for extra ambiance walking through the queue.
Next I decided to hit up the Hall of Presidents, another one I don't really love but go because it's tradition. I think it's so well done that people should see it at least once. I hit the timing right because right when I walked into the building the doors were opening to let people into the theater.
Post Americana, my Haunted Mansion FP was active so I figured meh, why not? It's one of my favorite rides so I rode again with my FP. I know a lot of people don't understand the storyline of the ride or don't believe it, but ever since I read the "throwing yourself off the roof" theory it makes so much sense.
With my fill of ghosts for the day, I meandered back to the Mine Train. It was still sprinkling a bit but barely, so I figured it was worth a shot. The line was open and I was nervous because there was a bit of a back up at the FP entrance. I thought "Oh boy...it's going to be packed because of that open FP" but once I got past the turnstile it was actually about a 5 minute wait. I rode with the family that was ahead of me in line which started a precedent of people I talked to in line adopting me for a few minutes and including me in their group. The ride is so well done, really beautiful to look at. I can't say its worth more than a 30-45 minute wait but if you have the opportunity to ride it you should. Just trust me.
Bup bup bup...what came next? Oh yeah I realized I was blowing through things really quickly. Boggling but it always seems to happen to me. I budget all this time and then end up with hours to kill. I was just kind of meandering working my way back to Fantasyland figuring I'd hit up Philharmagic. On the way I noticed that Lady Tremaine and the Stepsisters were out meeting so I jumped in line, but they left after like 3 more groups I did manage to grab a picture of them.
Philharmagic ended up being closed so noticing my phone was getting a little low on battery I figured I'd sit down and journal for a bit and get some water. I picked Pinocchio's Village Haus so I could chill out by the window to Small World. Unfortunately something was apparently up with that ride too. There were several people in official looking clothes hanging around while they were sending boats through the ride empty. I sat and watched for about half an hour and it was still closed when I left the restaurant. I never did manage to figure out what was going on. That was 2 attractions in Fantasyland down, then I found out Pirates had been down until lunch time that day. The weather maybe?
Knowing that Pirates had been having issues I figured I'd head over and see if it were open, plus my FP was active. I got in the FP line and filled in all available space again. One lady noticed me doing it this time. I happened to turn back and she gave me a funny look, then nudged her husband. She nodded towards me and I could see she was saying "What's that girl think she's doing?" but she didn't try to call me out on it. As for the ride...I can't explain it but ever since they changed the ride to include Jack Sparrow, the ride seems shorter to me. I float along, ride ride...pirates and wenches...and then BOOM get off the ride kids! Seriously I couldn't tell you why it seems that way to me, does anyone else think this?
After my short trip to the Caribbean I continued on my boat theme and headed to Jungle Cruise. I am an absolute nerd for this ride. My last trip I didn't realize I was mouthing around with the script and had people thinking that I must work there. The puns are so bad I just can't resist laughing, especially when you get a good skipper. This skipper.. *sigh*... she tried. She really tried, but there was just something lacking. She was rushing through the jokes and leaving weird gaps in the banter. It was like "wordswordswords.........................................wordswordswordswords.......................words". There was part of me that really wanted to take the microphone away from her and do it myself. I'm sure its harder than it looks but it was a little painful to listen to.
After that I was sort of at a loss of what to do. It was a MNSSHP night so I knew I didn't have a lot of time to get into stuff. I had accomplished pretty much everything I needed to do that day. My dining reservation for dinner wasn't until after 8 and it was only 6:15. I figured I'd kill time looking through the gift shops, getting an idea of stuff I wanted to keep in mind to get. The shops were totally packed, full of cranky damp people all pushing through other people because...well who knows why. What I did notice, and noticed through a lot of my trip, was people buying the big stuffed animals. Like the toddler sized ones. I've never seen that many people actually purchase them before. I can't imagine dedicating that much space in a suitcase to them or letting a kid carry it on the plane.
I gave up on shopping because I am a girl, I want to browse and not be elbowed in the kidneys by a soccer mom trying to get at the Elsa doll I'm looking at. I knew when it was time to call it a night and ended up leaving at 6:30. I did decide to walk past the Jack and Sally meet and greet to get an idea of what the line would be like when I attended the Halloween party. It was ridiculously long and the party hadn't even started yet.
I caught a bus to Beach Club and it took me a minute to figure out where I needed to be. I actually had to ask for directions. I tried to check into Beaches and Cream early but they told me to come back closer to my reservation time, so I sat sort of near the pool but under a roof because it was *surprise* still raining (a theme this trip if you couldn't tell by the name of the report).
After dinner I caught a bus to DTD, and for whatever reason it was such a long ride! We hit every red light, every little back up in traffic. It was like we were just puttering along. Thankfully there was an OKW bus pulling up right as I got off the Beach Club one and that ride was nice and quick.
I was exhausted by the time I got back to the resort, but I still had stuff to do. I went to Bell Services to get my grocery order, and had David from Bell Services give me a ride to my room. He was so nice, chatting the entire time and even coming into the room to show me where stuff was and get the lights turned on since it was pitch black in there. I was actually a little sad we couldn't continue our conversation. Then it hit me. I was in the room 2910. Directly next to the one I had so many issues with last time. I crossed my fingers all would be well, unpacked and crashed in my super comfy bed.