[tink74]

This is my 1st TR, so forgive me if I ramble, or don't put in enough!!

The Cast of Characters- DH, DS, DSS, DDad, DBrother, DFriend (we brought along one of our 16 year old karate students who had never been to Disney), and myself.

DAY 1

We usually use our first day in Florida to get groceries and relax a bit before we delve into the Disney magic.
We had an early flight, got there around 10am....got our car, and headed to Super Walmart to stock up on all the weeks' necessities. We spent some time cruising around, seeing what had changed since we had last been there (I still cringe everytime we go by that big rainbow slingshot thingy have any of you been on that???!!). Then we checked into our cheapy hotel, got the kids some food, and the adults headed to the Boston Lobster Feast. I was traveling with some "big eaters" so this was entertainment in itself! The lobsters were flying!!!
After all the lobster we could eat, we called it an early night.....it's Magic Kingdom, MGM, and Pop Century tommorow!


DAY 2

We were up at 5am....there was no way we were going to sleep anymore when Disney was on the agenda! We get in the car and head out to the Pop Century to check in and get our txts. Of course the first thing we do is miss our turn to the resort, and oh.....did I mention that this is the morning of the WDW Marathon? OMG there were a lot of people running, and because of our missed turn we were stuck in traffic! Instead of being a bad start to the trip though, it ended up being one of the funniest moments! We finally found a bus in traffic that said "Pop Century" on the side and followed that to the resort!
We made it to PC and got our txts right away (rooms wouldn't be ready until 3pm), and headed out to the bus to head to MK (I knew it was going to be crowded because of the race, but I haveto go to MK first on every trip!) Boy oh boy was traffic a nightmare! They had quite a few streets closed down because of the race, so it ended up taking us an hour and a 15 minutes to get to the TTC (they weren't taking anyone to the MK bus stops). Again, could have been a negative, but we were so happy to be going it didn't matter how long it took!
Caught a monorail and then headed on in to Main Street. We were surprised that there weren't that many people....we figured everyone was still running, and it did get much more crowded as the day went on.
We rode Aladdins Carpets, POC, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. DH, DDad, DB, and DF tried to ride Splash Mountain, but it shut down and they had to be evacuated (it made for some really good pictures though since they got stuck right out in front!).
Then we headed to Haunted Mansion, Mickey's Philharmagic (one of the favorites of the trip!), Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Stitch (it's o.k.), the People Mover, and then we finished with a big 'ole turkey leg!!!mmmmmm!!
We caught a bus back to the PC so we could move our stuff in (we stayed in the 70's....BTW I love PC!), and then it was off to MGM!
There were quite a few people there, but we still got to ride RNRC and ToT a couple of times before Fantasmic! It was also EMH night at MGM, so we got our bracelets and checked out TGMR, Little Mermaid, and more RNRC and ToT.
Not bad for the first day!

More later (boy this TR stuff takes some time doesn't it!? )

[Pooh Fan]

I love your good attitude when some things went wrong. That is the best way to deal with the situation so that it does not ruin your trip. It sounds wonderful so far. I can't wait to read more!

[Erin]

Great so far!! :c)

[Dopey]

More Pleaseeeeee

[Dana]

I also like your positive way of thinking when little things happened. I already know you had a great trip and I didn't get passed day one. You attitude speaks volumes already. I can't wait to read more.

[lisalovesmickey]

Instead of being a bad start to the trip though, it ended up being one of the funniest moments! We finally found a bus in traffic that said "Pop Century" on the side and followed that to the resort!

Great Idea!

Also, great report. Perfect for a first timer! Can't wait for more.

Lisa

[CaraMia]

Please post more about the Pop Century. I am skeptical about staying at value resorts (bad past experience) but we are in March at the Century. Be specific...food court good or bad....best standard room location....bus transportation, etc.

Thanks!

[Jen]

When were you at WDW? We got there the 10th, day after the the marathon, the day the CLOSED DUMBO!

I too liked you attitude, I fell apart on Day 1, but that was before the Disney magic set in at Ohana's that night!

I want to hear more ~ wonder if we were at any of the same parks on the same day.

Welcome home!

Jen

[mickaholic4077]

Reading your report,I wouldn't have known that it was your first one if you hadn't said so. Can't wait to read more!!

[chiasgirl]

Great stuff so far... Keep it coming!

[tink74]

Originally Posted by CaraMia

Please post more about the Pop Century. I am skeptical about staying at value resorts (bad past experience) but we are in March at the Century. Be specific...food court good or bad....best standard room location....bus transportation, etc.

Thanks!

We really enjoyed Pop Century! We had stayed at All Star Sports a couple of times, and it was o.k., but there just seemed to be more "magic" at PC (it could be that we were in the 70's building right next to the big Mickey phone ).
We weren't real thrilled with the food court, although we did get a really great pizza one night, and it seemed like the best buy for the $. My husband really like the steak wraps, but he's got a big appetite and it wasn't enough for him (although it would have been good for me...in fact the kids meals were the right size for me, and way cheaper). We always ate in the room for breakfast (poptarts and donuts! No wonder I put on a couple of pounds! ) so I'm not much help there. We did use the heck out of the refillable mugs though. I would get one even if you only get one pop/coffee a day.
All of the buildings seem close to Classic Hall (food court, bus stops, shopping), but I would say the 60's section is the one you want to try for. I would imagine some of those are the premium rooms, but maybe on the upper floors (there are elevators too by the way). 70's should be your 2nd choice and then the 50's in my opinion.
The bus service was awesome! We very rarely waited, and only once did we have to stand (race day!).
I hope this helps!

[tink74]

Originally Posted by stusbabydoll

When were you at WDW? We got there the 10th, day after the the marathon, the day the CLOSED DUMBO!

I too liked you attitude, I fell apart on Day 1, but that was before the Disney magic set in at Ohana's that night!

I want to hear more ~ wonder if we were at any of the same parks on the same day.

Welcome home!

Jen

Welcome home to you as well! We got there the 9th and left the morning of the 15th.
I was crushed that Dumbo was closed too! I did get a cute picture of DS with the Dumbo they had out front of the ride though, so that made me feel a little bit better...

[tink74]

O.K.

DAY 3

It was EMH at Epcot so DH, DSS, DB, DF, and I went to hit Mission Space and Test Track while DDad and DS stayed at the hotel to swim (It was great swimming weather!) The EMH group also got to see Figment, HISTA (not as good since seeing Mickey's Philharmagic!), and watched the Jammitors (I love those guys!). Then DDad and DS joined us and we rode Spaceship Earth (DS's favorite), and off to the WS for lunch. A few of us ate in Morocco, the rest ate in Japan....really great food in both!
We watched the drummers in Japan as well as the candy maker....very cool!
My DB and DF got involved in the statue act in Italy....she is so good! Had everyone in stitches!
My only EPCOT regret....we didn't get a chance to see Turtle Talk w/Crush!

Then back to the hotel for a rest before going back to MK for Spectromagic and Wishes. We also had a chance to ride Buzz Lightyear about 10 times in a row.....there still is controversy on who the highest scorer, and ultimate winner was!

More later......

[Cavey]

Originally Posted by tink74

We really enjoyed Pop Century! ...We weren't real thrilled with the food court...

DW & I hated the food court, but ate there twice for convienence. Way too much garlic. Some grumpy CM's. Just not good.

We should have tried the pizza.

Welcome home. Isn't January just the best time to go!

[tink74]

Originally Posted by caver_jeffery

DW & I hated the food court, but ate there twice for convienence. Way too much garlic. Some grumpy CM's. Just not good.

We should have tried the pizza.

Welcome home. Isn't January just the best time to go!

January is by far the best! Low crowds and there is nothing like stepping off the plane into 70 degree weather after being buried in snow!!