She said it wouldn't be boring!-WONDER WB Caribbean cruise - Bonus Posts Wrap up

[franandaj]

Looks like you had a lovely first day despite the chicken disappointment! I love the look of the guacamole! Such a nice portion!

It was pretty good! and yes, there was a lot of guacamole!

Love the view from the room. I don't think I would sleep at night if I had that to look at!
Great score with the park so empty!!! Good for you.

I wore myself out both days, regardless of the view, I crashed!

Shame about no chicken! But the alternative looks delicious so I hope you didn't mind too much.

Actually the alternative was very good, and now Fran wants to know when we are going out to the park for our redo of the Plaza Inn dinner!

And I don't know what that brown stuff is either...but as it comes with the fruit and fruit is good for you, I'm pretty sure that you made the right assumption that it was good.

That is amazing that the park was so empty. You managed to get quite a lot done. What shame that you did not get your chicken dinner, but what you ended up with looked delicious. I love the view from your room.

Corinna

It was pretty productive for the short amount of time that the parks were open!

Wow, say no more! That really is a tragedy.

The work will still be there when you get back.

Exactly!

Wow! You hit a grand slam with that view!

Yeah, I'm just going from memory, but that does seem much less crowded than usual.

That's why I like the first week in February!

And you still know exactly where the camera is!

It's almost like "muscle memory" after we bank that last turn, I just pop into a silly pose. It happens that way for most rides!

Uh oh. Putting our reputations on the line here

Don't worry! It was awesome!

That looks really good! I might have to convince Julie to split that with me next time.

Still gorgeous at night!

Well... that stinks. But at least now you have points to use and motivate you towards taking a trip.

I've even convinced her to go back out there twice this year! Now to work on next year!

That is an incredible view.

One of the best! Although wait until you see the next room we're staying in!

Ok, GCV rooms look incredible. Much better than the normal GCH room. I have to say I wasn't all that impressed by ours.

The regular rooms are really pretty dark. The studios aren't quite as impressive as the larger units. The kitchen with all it's woodwork is just stunning.

You clearly picked a good week to go!

That's cool! I've seen pictures of that before, but I was bummed that this effect didn't work when we were there. The curtain never opened.

That bites!

Disney parks are a great place to get plenty of steps in!

That's for sure!

Nice of Fran to take one for the team!

She's good like that!

I didn't see any brown stuff. Just berries.

Yeah... fantastic view.

 

[franandaj]

Wow, what a view! I love the second bathroom and third in the two bedrooms. It's second favorite DVC resort next to AKV of the ones we've stayed at. Looks like you had a fabulous time. Love the Space pic.

I think this is my favorite DVC, for the extra bathrooms and because it's so easy to get to!

Tortilla Joe's guacamole is so good. But with the cilantro I used to hate it to and then sometime over the last ten years I developed a taste for it and now I love it. But it is very strong.

I don't even remember what it is I don't like about it, I've been picking it off my tacos for so long. It might be the texture of the leaves and not so much the flavor.

So fun to have a staycation like that!

I got some of those strawberries at Costco yesterday. They are wonderful!

We finished ours last night!

The VGC one bedroom looks wonderful! But this picture must be an old one? The bed still has the old bedspread while in the bedroom pictures, it has the double sheeting and the bed scarf? The bedspread was the only thing I did not like about our studio because it was so dark... I love the color of the bed scarf!

You caught me! I didn't take a picture of the tub this trip, so I recycled one from a few years ago. I wondered if anyone would notice!

Wow!!! You were really lucky that day with the short lines! I need to do a trip in the off season, just for the lack of lines!

I'd be happy to come out and meet you and get us through the lines even faster!

Congratulations!! It is amazing how much the walking in the park adds up. When we were at WDW after the Fantasy cruise I had over 20.000 steps every day and that was with much less backtracking than I had done on previous visits!

Yikes! The only time I have done over 20,000 steps was the day that we moved, and I about killed myself that day!

I love this picture! You just look totally crazy, happy and excited!!!

Being at Disney does that to me!

The guacamole looks fantastic! And I hate cilantro as well - I used to be extremely sensitive to it, the tiniest bit would ruin a dish for me. But I have realized that I have started to tolerate it more and more. And small amounts no longer bother me. I still would not go out and order a dish made with it as a main ingredient though...

I think it's the texture that gets me and not so much the taste. There is a salad that I order at El Pollo Loco and it comes with creamy cilantro dressing and I seem to be OK with that, but I pick all the cilantro leaves out of the salad.

Yummm, now I know where I want to eat the next time we are in CA. Does cilantro taste like soap to you? It is one of my favorite herbs and yet I have friends who say it tastes like soap.

As I said earlier, I'm not sure what it tastes like to me. I just try to avoid it if I can. That and Chipotle too.

Love your view. One of the best I have seen in trip reports. Did you request the 6th floor or just pixie dusted?

This time I didn't request anything, I just kind of went with the luck of the draw!

Joining late, but I have to say I looooove your trip reports! So much detail. We're taking our first Disney cruise in October, so reading your trip report really helped give me an idea of what to expect!

I'm done with the cruise in this report, but very soon I will be posting a link to me next trip. We finish that off with a cruise on the Disney Dream, then a month later we are doing a B2B on the Disney Wonder out of San Diego. I'll be doing reports on both of those trips.

 

[franandaj]

A Busy morning

One thing I forgot to tell you all about the previous night was that we had received a voice mail from the Hotel while we were out letting us know that the water was going to be shut off to the entire hotel from 11PM until 5:30AM. What?????? I’ll tell you, if I had kids or had paid cash money for this room I would have been completely ticked off. Since we had two toilets, we didn’t worry too much. Plus when I took a Jacuzzi tub, I didn’t drain it just in case.

For some reason I was up at 4AM and I looked out the window to see that the whole place was fogged in. The view is even cool in the fog.








We wanted to make rope drop and didn’t do too bad. We were in the lounge around 8:30 for breakfast. I forgot to include these pictures that I took the night before in the previous post.




I do love that pricey Nespresso machine that they have in there. @PrincessInOz I think I know what you mean by the crema, after paying attention to my caffeinated beverage this time.





This morning, Fran was indulging in all the carby gluteny goodness that the lounge had to offer.





Me, not so much. I also had a V8 from the fridge that I had brought from home.





We headed to DL for Magic Morning, and we were only 15 minutes late. Like I said, plenty was under refurbishment. The train was down, and imagine my astonishment when I walked down Main Street and saw this.





Evidently a while earlier, it had just been scaffolding in front of the Castle, but so many people complained about it so they put up that Herb Ryman artwork on the front. The back was much different.





Since only Fantasyland and Tomorrowland were open, we headed to this ride.





It was fun and Fran pointed out that it is probably the only Disney ride that takes you to Hell! She has never been on the refurbished Alice in Wonderland, so we headed there next, but unfortunately the ride was down. Then it was off to defend the Galaxy from the Evil Emporer Zurg!








Did I tell you I really suck at these games?








By this time the park was open to everyone, so we headed over to our most wanted ride. The last three times that I rode this, it had the Holiday overlay so I was excited to see the real thing again.





Of course it didn’t disappoint, plus they had put some new stuff in there in the attic and changed the ballroom scene a little bit.


Continued in Next Post

 

[franandaj]

Continued from Previous Post


After that we headed right over to Pirates. Recently I got a new lens for the camera which has allowed me to get better dark ride pictures. I have really been trying to get some better shots on Pirates, and I think I did this time. Next up will be Haunted Mansion!


I love the Bayou part of the ride.











Here we go!





Sing along with me! Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A Pirates Life for me!





We pillage, we plunder, we rifle, and loot,





Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.





We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot,





Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.





Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.





We extort, we pilfer, we filch, and sack,





Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.





Maraud and embezzle, and even high-jack,





Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.





Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.





We kindle and char, inflame and ignite,





Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.





We burn up the city, we're really a fright,





Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.





We're rascals, scoundrels, villans, and knaves,





Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.





We're devils and black sheep, really bad eggs,

 

[franandaj]

Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.






Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.





We're beggars and blighters, ne'er-do-well cads,





Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.





Aye, but we're loved by our mommies and dads,





Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.





And there you have it! One thing I did want to point out, is that the last time I rode this ride with Corinna the harpsichord was not in the Pirate’s bedroom. I was very pleased to see it returned to it’s rightful place again.

After Pirates, we headed over to Big Thunder Mountain since Fran had not been on the ride since it was rehabbed.





At this point, I knew she was done with rides. We had about an hour to kill before our lunch reservation so we headed back to Main Street to check the Emporium for a cookbook that Fran had seen on FB. It was brand new and no one on Main Street had the book, plus she couldn’t find the post where she saw it on FB so that she could ask any of the CMs about it.

So we decided to head back to Café Orleans for our lunch reservation. We split an order of pomme frites because according to my Fuzzy Disney Nutrition there was no gluten, sugar or dairy in these. Never mind those sprinkles on there!





Fran went with the classic Monte Cristo.





I figured that the Gumbo was almost gluten free, like if they didn’t really used flour in their roux.





While Fran paid the bill and browsed the shops in New Orleans Square, I rode Indiana Jones. I found her waiting for me when I came out of the ride. At that point we headed out of the park and browsed through World of Disney, where she found her cookbook.





We headed back to the hotel at that point. Fran needed to go home because she forgot to bring her insulin and couldn’t go two days without it. Me on the other hand went into DCA and rode CA Screamin’ a couple times.





And then I headed over to RSR.





Unfortunately the ride was down, so I decided to go back to the hotel where I met up with Fran. We went back to the room to rest before our dinner reservation that night.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Love the foggy view. That would have been quite special to see.
The sign of a fresh coffee bean is from the crema! That.....and the right pressure. Looks like the Nespresso was set up properly if you were seeing that foam on top. And a self-confessed coffee snob here....when you and Fran head to Melbourne, we'll go check out some of the coffee places around here. It'll put the Nespresso to shame.

So...first....No water in the room??? And then a painted drop-cloth with a castle???? WOW! Disney standards are sure dropping!
There sure looks like a ton of work being done around Disney for the 60th.

How do you like the new lens?
Looks like you had fun on the rides.

YUM! For the Cafe Orleans food.

 

[dolphingirl47]

Well done for making most of Magic Morning. I have reached the point that it feels strange to see Haunted Mansion without the overlay and I absolutely adore Haunted Mansion Holiday. Your lunch looked delicious. At some stage I have to try the Pommes Frites. I love the photos from Pirates. They have come out really well. I am glad that Fran got her book.

Corinna

 

[rentayenta]

Love the song lyrics and I sang along.


Those Pomme Frites looks incredible. I still have yet to try them.


The Castle is so incredibly sad looking like that. Like seriously, and while I know it needs to be done, if it looked like that during a first or second trip, I'd be pretty upset. Are they dressing it up for the 60th?

 

[DnA2010]

Hi Alison! Newbie joining in
I have to thank you for your excellent reports! I had ankle surgery on Friday, your SWW TR got me through Saturday and now this one has got me through Sunday! I really feel like I'm getting to know you both from reading your reports, and am very much enjoying your pictures-especially all the great food pics and fireworks pics. Can't wait to read more about your future adventures and am heading back to read more if the past

 

[ACDSNY]

Looks like you were enjoying being a tourist at Disneyland, your pics are getting me excited for May. I like you fussy Disney nutrition too.

 

[mvf-m11c]

The shot from your room at night when it was foggy was very neat. It would have been nice to see at night.

You had a very nice day at DL where you were able to do quite a lot of rides. It won't be too long until I see SB Castle all covered up. It will be so weird to see it like that. But it will look amazing when the castle is ready for the 60th anniversary. Here is the link on the Disney Blog Jenny @rentayenta which will show you what DL will be like during the 60th anniversary when we get to May 22nd. http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/tag/disneyland60/

After seeing your photos of the food porn at CO, it makes me want to go back there and have the Pomme Frites and Monte Cristo.

 

[rentayenta]

Thanks @mvf-m11c I need that Mickey Ears popcorn bucket! Holy moly that's cute!

 

[ShellB8585]

Just wanted to say a quick thanks! I can't always keep up to comment on things but as per usual I have thoroughly enjoyed your trip report(s) and I will look forward to the next one (not sure what I'm going to do now all the reports I've been reading are coming to an end ) Take care both of you!!

 

[sarahk0204]

Fun report!

It began to rain like crazy! I was really glad we were on surface streets and not the Interstate! For Southern Californians like us, we hadn’t seen rain in so long that we were fascinated. I took a LOT more pictures than just these few.

The only time I've been in California was in 1991 with my college concert band. There was a major drought going on at the time until 2 busses of Midwesterners showed up. We brought torrential rains, and that is when I learned that the entire state of California was filled with people who had forgotten how to drive in the rain, since it had been years since there had been any rain of consequence there.

We had a great time. She is on this kick that the human body was not meant for any of these items. She goes back to what cavemen ate, and how people on farms in the Midwest who grow their own crops don't have problems with cholesterol, diabetes or blood pressure. I agree with your thoughts. Although, from pictures that I've seen from your TR, I can't imagine why you would need a diet.

Um, yeah, I live in the Midwest and know some farmers. I think your doctor has them confused with the organic hippie vegan farmers. Midwesterners like their meat and POTATOES, and has she seen the glycemic index of sweet corn? Plus most of the corn and soybeans grown are fed to animals, including those that will become bacon...

I couldn't have any of the macaroons, chocolate tarts or the cookies. Fran had enough of those for me.

How thoughtful of her

Love the song lyrics and I sang along.

Complete with the soundtrack in my head

 

[afwdwfan]

One thing I forgot to tell you all about the previous night was that we had received a voice mail from the Hotel while we were out letting us know that the water was going to be shut off to the entire hotel from 11PM until 5:30AM. What?????? I’ll tell you, if I had kids or had paid cash money for this room I would have been completely ticked off.

Wow... that would stink... but I guess maintenance has to be done sometime. And better at night than say, 5:30 - 11 am.

But yes, I would be frustrated as a paying customer.

For some reason I was up at 4AM and I looked out the window to see that the whole place was fogged in. The view is even cool in the fog.

We headed to DL for Magic Morning, and we were only 15 minutes late. Like I said, plenty was under refurbishment. The train was down, and imagine my astonishment when I walked down Main Street and saw this.

Holy cow!!!! Despite everything that we endured being under refurbishment, I'm so glad we didn't have to see this view. That would have been a tremendous disappointment!!!!

It was fun and Fran pointed out that it is probably the only Disney ride that takes you to Hell!

They need an AC/DC soundtrack for the ride...

By this time the park was open to everyone, so we headed over to our most wanted ride. The last three times that I rode this, it had the Holiday overlay so I was excited to see the real thing again.

I would have loved to have seen the holiday overlay. Or the regular. I really didn't care...

After Pirates, we headed over to Big Thunder Mountain since Fran had not been on the ride since it was rehabbed.

2 fantastic rides. And I loved the new elements to BTMRR.

Me on the other hand went into DCA and rode CA Screamin’ a couple times.

Excellent ride!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

For some reason I was up at 4AM and I looked out the window to see that the whole place was fogged in.

Whoa, very eerie. But cool.

The train was down, and imagine my astonishment when I walked down Main Street and saw this.

Wow. That's even less impressive than my photo.

It was fun and Fran pointed out that it is probably the only Disney ride that takes you to Hell!

I'm still stunned that it exists at all!

I love the Bayou part of the ride.

Me too. That was really a neat experience.

You've trained me to look for this now!

It was brand new and no one on Main Street had the book, plus she couldn’t find the post where she saw it on FB so that she could ask any of the CMs about it.

I just read about that on the Disney Parks blog. Curious to see what recipes are inside! We're always looking for new ones.

Fran went with the classic Monte Cristo.

Good call, Fran!

Nice shot!

 

[Flossbolna]

I'd be happy to come out and meet you and get us through the lines even faster!

I might take you up on that offer sooner than you would have thought!!

This morning, Fran was indulging in all the carby gluteny goodness that the lounge had to offer.

Ok, what is that grey thing with white stuff on top? It looks like a huge slice of liver sausage with whipped cream.... I hope it is something more appetizing!!

I like the screen! Something different, not just the usual picture. I wonder what kind of embellishments it will get for the anniversary...

So we decided to head back to Café Orleans for our lunch reservation. We split an order of pomme frites because according to my Fuzzy Disney Nutrition there was no gluten, sugar or dairy in these. Never mind those sprinkles on there!

I really need to eat somewhere in New Orleans Square on my next visit. Those pommes frites looks very delicious!! Btw, in German we use the French term as well. However, it sounds more like Pomm Fritz.

 

[Leshaface]

Definitely scored on your room with that view.

love your RSR pic!

I saw on a friends FB that they have some type of picture over the castle right now cause they're decorating for the 60th?? Poor people who are now visiting for the first time ever and thats how they get to see the castle.

I cannot BELIEVE you only kept to the strawberries (with just a little bit of brown stuff) and nothing else! You really are determined, that's great. I'd fail miserably.

What the heck, no water from 11pm-5am?! That's crazy.

Now I just saw your post about the scaffolding. Cause it totally makes up for the real thing underneath

 

[skier_pete]

I'll have you know that your posts have got us thinking about next February's vacation while we are in the middle of THIS February's vacation. I showed my wife the pictures of the one-bedroom, and we continued the debate of "4 nights in a studio for 68 points vs 3 nights in a 1-bedroom for 93 points", and still haven't settled on an answer.

Fran is right that it is the only Disney ride with a representation of Hell. We love going on Mr. Toads out there, because we miss the one in WDW. Which was the only dual track dark ride at a American Disney Park. (In more trivia - it was also one of THREE rides in Fantasyland in which you could see an image of a women's bare breasts. Apparently topless images weren't as controversial in the seventies as they are today. Only one of the other rides is still in existance, they covered 'em up!)

Looks to me like you got quite a lot done in a short time!

 

[kaoden39]

I sang along! I used to have that as my ringer. My favorite ride. Sigh. Thank you for that moment!