toyotaae86lg
Disney Magic is AMAZING!!!
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2005
September 14-18
Resort: Pop Century
Cast: ME(31) DW(31) DD (3) MIL(?) FIL(?)
Parks: MK, AK, Epcot
Monday, September 14 - Arrival
We (ME, DW, and DD) flew in from Huntsville, TX early. We really like the early flights, driving down I45 at 4am seems much less stressful then during rush hours. Our flight was at 6:25AM and we arrived at MCO 9:30AM Eastern. Immidately excited knowing whats ahead of us. We used magical express so we found our way down to B side level 1. Not many people in line at this time so pretty much went right on to the bus. Arrived at Pop Century around 10:30AM. I was hoping that I would get a text with my room number ready but I got a text stating it wasn't quite ready so we took this oppotunity to walk around the resort a bit and explore. My wife's parents were driving from MS and said they wouldn't be there till 12ish so we decided to go have an early lunch at Everything Pop.
Had a nice lunch but I think everyone was exhaused, I know I was starting my day at 2AM. Our room wasn't ready so I decided to go to the front to see what they had. We had the free dining so it was a standard pool view room. I kindly told the cast member I don't care what kind of view but would just like something available. I was originally in the 50's and that room was what we were waiting for but they said they had a room in the 80's that was available now. I took it! We got our things and headed to the 80's which we've never stayed in. It was a little further away but not a bad walk at all. Laid down for a bit and watched some Must Do Disney! In laws arrived at 12. My FIL is handicapped in a mobile chair, no ambulation so this was new to me and my planning. I tried to do as much research as I could to make this trip as enjoyable as I could, this was also the in laws first trip to the world. They were put in a handicap accessible room in the 50's building. Once they were settled they needed to rest a bit from the drive. Around 3PM we headed to DTD for some dinner, I had ressies for Rainforest Cafe. I tried to get T Rex 180 days out but wasn't able to. Kept trying here and there but still wasn't able to get them. Took them around to all the shops DTD has to offer and had a really nice meal, turned back to Pop and in turned in as tomorrow was early
Oh and I decorated our window for the first time. It's not specatucular but I liked it.
September 15 - Chef Mickey's and MNSSHP
First thing on agenda today was Chef Mickey's at 8:35AM. I have not been to this character meal but heard to try it at least once. Woke up early around 6AM and was at the but stop with everything around 7:40AM. We arrived at MK around 8:15AM and my idea was to take the monorail over to CR. Walking up to the monorail loading a cast member told us that it was down for maintenance so we power walked over which actually was a nice walk and didn't take that long. We got to Chef Mickey's a little after our ressie but was seated quickly, it did take a little bit to find a table to accomodate the mobile chair but not bad. The food was really good and felt like everyone really enjoyed it. I've heard stories of of crazy it can get at this character meal but honestly I was satisfied and no fastpass
was needed for the lines. Maybe a plate or two into the meal the Disney gang started to come and we got some really good pics.
After we were all full I noticed the monorail was running again and I wanted to explore some/A resort that I've never been to. Hopped on the monorail and took us to Polynesian Resort. Wow! What a nice place to stay. Hopefully i'll be able to afford to stay here soon but from the lobby, down to the dole whips at Pineapple Lanai to the waterpark/pool area. Me and my wife just stood on the beach area looking at the cabana room things on the water thinking this would be so relaxing! We walked around and into the shops, I got a cup of the kona coffee which I accidently left at pineapple lanai. I think wife's parents were getting tired and we did need to rest before MNSSHP so we took the monorail back to MK and hit the bus back to Pop.
Pretty much rested/napped until it was time to get ready. We had planned to get there around 4PM and have an early dinner not wasting any party time. The three of us decided to dress up as Ariel(DD), Ursual(DW) and Prince Eric(Me).
We got to the party a little before 4PM and they let us in. We've only done MNSSHP one other time last year and had a blast. Just from the entrance I could already tell it was much much busier!! I realized this was the first party and first time with Hocus Pocus but it even took a good bit to get in and our bands. We entered the park and went to Cosmic Rays for our early dinner, sat watched sonny eclipse for a while. I had a fastpass for HM so headed that way. Everyone loved the attraction and it's always one of our favorites. We knew we had to meet Arield so headed to fantasyland. Stopped on by Ariel's Undersea Adventure because it was only 5mins
I had a fastpass for space mountain but I went ahead and changed it the M&G for ariel on my MDE app which worked well. We were in to see Ariel in less then 5mins. The Ariel cast member was great with some really fun ideas.
It was truly crowded even at the 7PM party start where it should have been all partiers. We made our way to a few other attractions, we did Aladdins carpet rides twice in a row by request of DD By that time it was time to sit for the parade. We tried to get there early in frontierland and found a nice corner spot (similar to what us 3 did last year). It worked out for the most part but we did find that all the people around us stood up for the parade which made it very difficult for FIL to see in his chair. I should have looked into the handicapped areas beforehand. It was a great parade though just like last year. I didn't get any pics but all video. My thought was to go straight from the parade to the Hocus Pocus show. Apparently that was everyone else's idea too because once we got to the state it was packed!! We stood to the side of the state behind lots of much taller people (i'm 5'3 so it doesn't take much). I put my daughter on my shoulders so she could see and I could see everyone every once in a while. Wife and her parents were behind us but i'm pretty sure they didn't get to see anything. From little I saw and heard it sounded like an awesome show though and with less crowds would love to come see it again. We planned on staying for Hallowishes Fireworks but due to the high crowds we decided to turn it in. We have an early morning tomorrow so it was justified but we love Hallowishes!! Bus back was no problem and we could actually see the fireworks from out bus stop. Goodnight!
September 16 - Magic Kingdom
Before we all went back to our rooms after MNSSHP we gave the option to my wife's parents to sleep in. We new disney can be a little overwhelming and not all of us can go full force. They gladly excepted and said they would sleep in and meet us at Crystal Palace for lunch. So the three of us woke up around 6AM to get ready, headed to Everything Pop for some quick breakfast and at the bus stop by 8AM. Highlight like most is the welcome show...makes us feel like we're home.
We hit HM as it was pretty much a walk on, we would do this I think 3 more times throughout the morning, I had a fastpass at 9:10AM for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and this was a big deal!! This would be my little girls first roller coaster! With FP we zipped through the line and when we got to loading I asked the cast member if we could be up front for the smoothest ride. Super nicely she agreed and put us off to the side for seating. Seconds later me and DD were seated in the front cart with DW right behind us. This was our first time doing SDMT also and absolutely loved this family coaster. Theming is great and it's a thrill
We were able to hit several repeats of attractions, tea cups, barnstormer, dumbo, peter pan all before lunch so it was a good day at MK. Crowded but definitely manageable. We met wife's parents at Crystal Palance, had ressies at 11:30AM. Enjoyed the buffet and of course the chacters interacted very well with everyone.
Fist Bump with Eyeore
After lunch we headed out to explore hitting shops and some attractions. I managed to get a FP for Enchanted Tales with Belle and my daughter got to be the sugar shaker.
As we entered the FP line at ETWB we got some Disney magic. Cast member was talking with my daughter and asked if she had seen Anna and Elsa. She said no and I chimed in saying lines were still 80-90mins which for us is pretty long time to wait. Went the doors opened Cast Member Ellie let those in front of us in and then pointed to a family behind us and told them to come in, I figured it was because we had a mobile chair. She then came up to us and handed us 3 FP's for Anna and Elsa. We were so excited and grateful as DD has never met them before! I gave Ellie one of our Cast Member cards thanking her so much.
Super cute M&G. DD talked about Anna's favorite food chocolate cake all day. I was trying to give her some questions beforehand to really interact and the characters did amazing, making her really feel like she was in a conversation with them. Loved it!! We headed down Mainstreet enjoying the sights and sounds. Me and DD had appts at 4:30PM for the Harmony Barbershop. I've never done this and it would be DD First Haircut. Hair and pics came out great. Loved the experience. But before we went in got this cool balloon pic.
Couple of Haircuts
At this point wife's parents were getting tired and her dad's back was hurting so they decided to head on back to the resort for the evening. Three of us went to eat at the Harbour House for dinner and it was great. Had a nice little rest until the MSEP. DD loved all the lights but we were also very tired. I want to say we did HM again and a few others in between. Again we wanted to stay for Wishes but our feet hurt and rope drop to close is a long time!! Maddie had a nap when we rested at Gaston's Tavern and I bought $30 worth of snacks. I tried the La Fou's brew (which I liked), the pork thing and the chocolate croissant. Walking back down Mainstreet from Liberty Square we realized maybe skipping Wishes was a good idea because it was packed. We could have stopped on Mainstreet to watch them because the view was great but we were really tired. Bus to Pop!
September 17 - AK and Epcot
Up early for Everything Pop Breakfast and to the bus around 8AM. Arrived around 8:45AM at AK and they were already letting people in. We went straight to Kilamanjaro Safari and walked on to the w/c accessible truck. Lots of animals were out! We watched the Finding Nemo musical for the first time and LOVED it! I've always listened to the soundtrack and love the songs but until you see the show you have no idea We took my DD to the boneyard where her grandparents watched her and DW snuck away to use Dinosaur FP. Haven't done this in a while and forgot how intense and overwhelming it is..in a good way
Back Right seats
One of the main things I wanted to do because she was tall enough was Kali River Rapids. I explained to DD that she may get very wet and she agreed. We got a float all to ourselves and when it came to the drop me and her got soaked! She immediately was not happy..hahaha. Later we talked to her and she wasn't happy that her day clothes getting wet made her upset, if she had a bathing suit that would have been ok. After kali I wanted to go check in at Tusker House for our lunch at 11:55AM. No problems with check in and seated pretty quickly. Loved the food here and I think I went back 2-3 times with full plates (mistake!). Awesome characters!!
After Tusker House we did It's Tough To Be A Bug and decided we've done AK for now. Because of the free dining we had the park hopper option so took the bus over to Epcot.
We didn't do many attractions here but were able to do Spaceship Earth three times through the evening. I wanted to do Journey into Imagination but literally as got to the loading cast member it broke down and stayed down all evening. We decided to walk world showcase starting with Canada. I tried the Cronut thing for the first time and OMG!! It won't be my last. Once we got to Morocco I think it was I saw that Aladdin and Jasmine would be there in 30mins and the line was only 4 deep. I told my wife I would with DD to meet them as she's never met either before. It was super worth it, she had a great time and the Characters (escpecially Aladdin) were crazy interactive, acting questions, talking. Super fun!
Amy took her parents down to Japan to look for a fan so they didn't get to see Aladdin and Jasmin and maybe 10mins after we got in line the crowds exploded. Right after the M&G parents in law decided to go back to the resort. We decided to proceed on around the world showcase stopping in a few shops. It was dinner time so in each country we tried looking for a place to stop. Just happened to stop at the Haciendo in Mexico to see if we could get in without reservation. 10mins later we were seated and so glad we did. This restaurant is Amazing! Best mexican food i've ever had (literally)! Margaritas are out of this world also and strong! After dinner we tried Journey into Imagination again but still down. We hit Spaceship Earth twice in a row, they let us just stay on. We picked out a decent place for illuminations but that rope drop to close feeling started hitting again. We heard that Illuminations was gonna be delayed over intercom and all agreed to turn it in so back to the buses we went to pretty much end this trip.
September 18 - Departure
Nothing but saddness this day! Woke up and started packing up. Met parents in law for breakfast and they waited for our Magical Express bus with us. We had a 2:30PM flights so left the resort 11:25AM. We were back home in TX about 6PM due to rush hour traffic.
Closure - All in all this was such an amazing trip we enountered very crowded time and very low times. Some amazing memories that we will never forget and look forwards to in the future. You better believe I've learned some new things about my planning and things I would love to try. Next year I will be extending our days as 5 days is just not long enough. I am by no means an expert but if anyone has any questions about the time we spend here i'll be happy to do my best. I tried my best to remember in order the things we did but some stuff may be off. I'm already planning our May 2016 trip so here we go!!!
Resort: Pop Century
Cast: ME(31) DW(31) DD (3) MIL(?) FIL(?)
Parks: MK, AK, Epcot
Monday, September 14 - Arrival
We (ME, DW, and DD) flew in from Huntsville, TX early. We really like the early flights, driving down I45 at 4am seems much less stressful then during rush hours. Our flight was at 6:25AM and we arrived at MCO 9:30AM Eastern. Immidately excited knowing whats ahead of us. We used magical express so we found our way down to B side level 1. Not many people in line at this time so pretty much went right on to the bus. Arrived at Pop Century around 10:30AM. I was hoping that I would get a text with my room number ready but I got a text stating it wasn't quite ready so we took this oppotunity to walk around the resort a bit and explore. My wife's parents were driving from MS and said they wouldn't be there till 12ish so we decided to go have an early lunch at Everything Pop.
Had a nice lunch but I think everyone was exhaused, I know I was starting my day at 2AM. Our room wasn't ready so I decided to go to the front to see what they had. We had the free dining so it was a standard pool view room. I kindly told the cast member I don't care what kind of view but would just like something available. I was originally in the 50's and that room was what we were waiting for but they said they had a room in the 80's that was available now. I took it! We got our things and headed to the 80's which we've never stayed in. It was a little further away but not a bad walk at all. Laid down for a bit and watched some Must Do Disney! In laws arrived at 12. My FIL is handicapped in a mobile chair, no ambulation so this was new to me and my planning. I tried to do as much research as I could to make this trip as enjoyable as I could, this was also the in laws first trip to the world. They were put in a handicap accessible room in the 50's building. Once they were settled they needed to rest a bit from the drive. Around 3PM we headed to DTD for some dinner, I had ressies for Rainforest Cafe. I tried to get T Rex 180 days out but wasn't able to. Kept trying here and there but still wasn't able to get them. Took them around to all the shops DTD has to offer and had a really nice meal, turned back to Pop and in turned in as tomorrow was early
Oh and I decorated our window for the first time. It's not specatucular but I liked it.
September 15 - Chef Mickey's and MNSSHP
First thing on agenda today was Chef Mickey's at 8:35AM. I have not been to this character meal but heard to try it at least once. Woke up early around 6AM and was at the but stop with everything around 7:40AM. We arrived at MK around 8:15AM and my idea was to take the monorail over to CR. Walking up to the monorail loading a cast member told us that it was down for maintenance so we power walked over which actually was a nice walk and didn't take that long. We got to Chef Mickey's a little after our ressie but was seated quickly, it did take a little bit to find a table to accomodate the mobile chair but not bad. The food was really good and felt like everyone really enjoyed it. I've heard stories of of crazy it can get at this character meal but honestly I was satisfied and no fastpass
was needed for the lines. Maybe a plate or two into the meal the Disney gang started to come and we got some really good pics.
After we were all full I noticed the monorail was running again and I wanted to explore some/A resort that I've never been to. Hopped on the monorail and took us to Polynesian Resort. Wow! What a nice place to stay. Hopefully i'll be able to afford to stay here soon but from the lobby, down to the dole whips at Pineapple Lanai to the waterpark/pool area. Me and my wife just stood on the beach area looking at the cabana room things on the water thinking this would be so relaxing! We walked around and into the shops, I got a cup of the kona coffee which I accidently left at pineapple lanai. I think wife's parents were getting tired and we did need to rest before MNSSHP so we took the monorail back to MK and hit the bus back to Pop.
Pretty much rested/napped until it was time to get ready. We had planned to get there around 4PM and have an early dinner not wasting any party time. The three of us decided to dress up as Ariel(DD), Ursual(DW) and Prince Eric(Me).
We got to the party a little before 4PM and they let us in. We've only done MNSSHP one other time last year and had a blast. Just from the entrance I could already tell it was much much busier!! I realized this was the first party and first time with Hocus Pocus but it even took a good bit to get in and our bands. We entered the park and went to Cosmic Rays for our early dinner, sat watched sonny eclipse for a while. I had a fastpass for HM so headed that way. Everyone loved the attraction and it's always one of our favorites. We knew we had to meet Arield so headed to fantasyland. Stopped on by Ariel's Undersea Adventure because it was only 5mins
I had a fastpass for space mountain but I went ahead and changed it the M&G for ariel on my MDE app which worked well. We were in to see Ariel in less then 5mins. The Ariel cast member was great with some really fun ideas.
It was truly crowded even at the 7PM party start where it should have been all partiers. We made our way to a few other attractions, we did Aladdins carpet rides twice in a row by request of DD
By that time it was time to sit for the parade. We tried to get there early in frontierland and found a nice corner spot (similar to what us 3 did last year). It worked out for the most part but we did find that all the people around us stood up for the parade which made it very difficult for FIL to see in his chair. I should have looked into the handicapped areas beforehand. It was a great parade though just like last year. I didn't get any pics but all video. My thought was to go straight from the parade to the Hocus Pocus show. Apparently that was everyone else's idea too because once we got to the state it was packed!! We stood to the side of the state behind lots of much taller people (i'm 5'3 so it doesn't take much). I put my daughter on my shoulders so she could see and I could see everyone every once in a while. Wife and her parents were behind us but i'm pretty sure they didn't get to see anything. From little I saw and heard it sounded like an awesome show though and with less crowds would love to come see it again. We planned on staying for Hallowishes Fireworks but due to the high crowds we decided to turn it in. We have an early morning tomorrow so it was justified but we love Hallowishes!! Bus back was no problem and we could actually see the fireworks from out bus stop. Goodnight!September 16 - Magic Kingdom
Before we all went back to our rooms after MNSSHP we gave the option to my wife's parents to sleep in. We new disney can be a little overwhelming and not all of us can go full force. They gladly excepted and said they would sleep in and meet us at Crystal Palace for lunch. So the three of us woke up around 6AM to get ready, headed to Everything Pop for some quick breakfast and at the bus stop by 8AM. Highlight like most is the welcome show...makes us feel like we're home.
We hit HM as it was pretty much a walk on, we would do this I think 3 more times throughout the morning, I had a fastpass at 9:10AM for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and this was a big deal!! This would be my little girls first roller coaster! With FP we zipped through the line and when we got to loading I asked the cast member if we could be up front for the smoothest ride. Super nicely she agreed and put us off to the side for seating. Seconds later me and DD were seated in the front cart with DW right behind us. This was our first time doing SDMT also and absolutely loved this family coaster. Theming is great and it's a thrill
We were able to hit several repeats of attractions, tea cups, barnstormer, dumbo, peter pan all before lunch so it was a good day at MK. Crowded but definitely manageable. We met wife's parents at Crystal Palance, had ressies at 11:30AM. Enjoyed the buffet and of course the chacters interacted very well with everyone.
Fist Bump with Eyeore
After lunch we headed out to explore hitting shops and some attractions. I managed to get a FP for Enchanted Tales with Belle and my daughter got to be the sugar shaker.
As we entered the FP line at ETWB we got some Disney magic. Cast member was talking with my daughter and asked if she had seen Anna and Elsa. She said no and I chimed in saying lines were still 80-90mins which for us is pretty long time to wait. Went the doors opened Cast Member Ellie let those in front of us in and then pointed to a family behind us and told them to come in, I figured it was because we had a mobile chair. She then came up to us and handed us 3 FP's for Anna and Elsa. We were so excited and grateful as DD has never met them before! I gave Ellie one of our Cast Member cards thanking her so much.
Super cute M&G. DD talked about Anna's favorite food chocolate cake all day. I was trying to give her some questions beforehand to really interact and the characters did amazing, making her really feel like she was in a conversation with them. Loved it!! We headed down Mainstreet enjoying the sights and sounds. Me and DD had appts at 4:30PM for the Harmony Barbershop. I've never done this and it would be DD First Haircut. Hair and pics came out great. Loved the experience. But before we went in got this cool balloon pic.
Couple of Haircuts
At this point wife's parents were getting tired and her dad's back was hurting so they decided to head on back to the resort for the evening. Three of us went to eat at the Harbour House for dinner and it was great. Had a nice little rest until the MSEP. DD loved all the lights but we were also very tired. I want to say we did HM again and a few others in between. Again we wanted to stay for Wishes but our feet hurt and rope drop to close is a long time!! Maddie had a nap when we rested at Gaston's Tavern and I bought $30 worth of snacks. I tried the La Fou's brew (which I liked), the pork thing and the chocolate croissant. Walking back down Mainstreet from Liberty Square we realized maybe skipping Wishes was a good idea because it was packed. We could have stopped on Mainstreet to watch them because the view was great but we were really tired. Bus to Pop!
September 17 - AK and Epcot
Up early for Everything Pop Breakfast and to the bus around 8AM. Arrived around 8:45AM at AK and they were already letting people in. We went straight to Kilamanjaro Safari and walked on to the w/c accessible truck. Lots of animals were out! We watched the Finding Nemo musical for the first time and LOVED it! I've always listened to the soundtrack and love the songs but until you see the show you have no idea
We took my DD to the boneyard where her grandparents watched her and DW snuck away to use Dinosaur FP. Haven't done this in a while and forgot how intense and overwhelming it is..in a good wayBack Right seats
One of the main things I wanted to do because she was tall enough was Kali River Rapids. I explained to DD that she may get very wet and she agreed. We got a float all to ourselves and when it came to the drop me and her got soaked! She immediately was not happy..hahaha. Later we talked to her and she wasn't happy that her day clothes getting wet made her upset, if she had a bathing suit that would have been ok. After kali I wanted to go check in at Tusker House for our lunch at 11:55AM. No problems with check in and seated pretty quickly. Loved the food here and I think I went back 2-3 times with full plates (mistake!). Awesome characters!!
After Tusker House we did It's Tough To Be A Bug and decided we've done AK for now. Because of the free dining we had the park hopper option so took the bus over to Epcot.
We didn't do many attractions here but were able to do Spaceship Earth three times through the evening. I wanted to do Journey into Imagination but literally as got to the loading cast member it broke down and stayed down all evening. We decided to walk world showcase starting with Canada. I tried the Cronut thing for the first time and OMG!! It won't be my last. Once we got to Morocco I think it was I saw that Aladdin and Jasmine would be there in 30mins and the line was only 4 deep. I told my wife I would with DD to meet them as she's never met either before. It was super worth it, she had a great time and the Characters (escpecially Aladdin) were crazy interactive, acting questions, talking. Super fun!
Amy took her parents down to Japan to look for a fan so they didn't get to see Aladdin and Jasmin and maybe 10mins after we got in line the crowds exploded. Right after the M&G parents in law decided to go back to the resort. We decided to proceed on around the world showcase stopping in a few shops. It was dinner time so in each country we tried looking for a place to stop. Just happened to stop at the Haciendo in Mexico to see if we could get in without reservation. 10mins later we were seated and so glad we did. This restaurant is Amazing! Best mexican food i've ever had (literally)! Margaritas are out of this world also and strong! After dinner we tried Journey into Imagination again but still down. We hit Spaceship Earth twice in a row, they let us just stay on. We picked out a decent place for illuminations but that rope drop to close feeling started hitting again. We heard that Illuminations was gonna be delayed over intercom and all agreed to turn it in so back to the buses we went to pretty much end this trip.
September 18 - Departure
Nothing but saddness this day! Woke up and started packing up. Met parents in law for breakfast and they waited for our Magical Express bus with us. We had a 2:30PM flights so left the resort 11:25AM. We were back home in TX about 6PM due to rush hour traffic.
Closure - All in all this was such an amazing trip we enountered very crowded time and very low times. Some amazing memories that we will never forget and look forwards to in the future. You better believe I've learned some new things about my planning and things I would love to try. Next year I will be extending our days as 5 days is just not long enough. I am by no means an expert but if anyone has any questions about the time we spend here i'll be happy to do my best. I tried my best to remember in order the things we did but some stuff may be off. I'm already planning our May 2016 trip so here we go!!!
