Sweet Sixteen on the Dream! The Good, the Bad, and the Crazy!

[LuvEeyore]

Subbing to hear more. We are tenatively planning to take Amtrak from Raleigh(about 2 hour drive from home) in Dec 2013 for our Fantasy trip down then fly back(just because it will be Dec 22 when we come home.) Tell me more about the Amtrak trip. We will have a wheelchair for Mom age 77 at the time of the trip, 2 18 year old girls and my self just shy of 48 at the time of the trip. Will we like Amtrak? Did you rent a car?

 

[Scouter]

Here!

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

Checking in!

 

[mousetravel]

Thanks for everyone joining in!!!!!

How far is the Amtrak station from Disney? I've often thought about taking Amtrak, but everytime I've looked at the prices it was much cheaper to drive, and it takes 2 days just to get there. For some reason, the train that leaves here goes up to Washington DC before coming back down to Orlando! There is an Amtrak station here in the city where I work, so it would be cool to take a trip on it once, but I've just never been able to justify the price or the travel time!

The station is in downtown Orlando, so it's about 20 minute drive to Disney.
We have stations closer to where I live, but as I checked into it, the stations closer to me also went to Washington first. So then I found one in Columbia, SC that goes directly to Orlando. So for me, it was better to drive to Columbia and take that train. The cost for the train and the travel time was about the same as it would be if I drove. It cost $99 there for us both, and about $103 back. If the drive to Columbia wouldn't be very far from you, (maybe about 3 hours or so???), then you should try it.

Subbing to hear more. We are tenatively planning to take Amtrak from Raleigh(about 2 hour drive from home) in Dec 2013 for our Fantasy trip down then fly back(just because it will be Dec 22 when we come home.) Tell me more about the Amtrak trip. We will have a wheelchair for Mom age 77 at the time of the trip, 2 18 year old girls and my self just shy of 48 at the time of the trip. Will we like Amtrak? Did you rent a car?

I think you will like it. And the girls probably would love sitting in the dining car relaxing, eating, chatting, etc. My DD met a few kids and they all sat in the dining car sometimes and got snacks, etc. I sat in there a good bit doing some paperwork stuff, etc..I rented a car there since Hertz has a rental desk IN the station. Makes it so much easier!

There is also 2 plug in outlets at each set of seats, so you can plug in your Ipod, cell phone, computer, etc.

 

[mousetravel]

So we get our rental car, and head toward Disney area. We couldn't check in till 3pm, so we stopped for lunch. Then we went on to the hotel and by then it was probably about 2pm, so we just walked around and checked out the hotel and took some pics.

We stayed at the Best Western LBV inside the Downtown Disney area. I had no complaints at all about the hotel. We enjoyed it very much!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011020.jpg

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Hotel Lobby gift shop

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Inside the room

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http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011042.jpg

Closet
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011044.jpg


We loved this area of the bathroom!! 2 sets of space to get ready!!!!
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011045.jpg

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Balcony
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011043.jpg

View from our balcony
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011053.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011054.jpg

 

[mousetravel]

I forgot to add this in about the Amtrak, since a few of you were interested in how that went. They have plenty of bathrooms on the Amtrak and also a few handicap accessible ones.

Once we arrived at the station and when I got rental car, etc., before we left for Disney, we went into their bathroom, which is very large with plenty of space to "freshen up" and change clothes, etc. We took some washcloths & re-did our make-up and hair, etc since we had been on the train all night and knew we wouldn't be able to get into the hotel room till 3pm.

Also, I mentioned the Amtrak having a snack/dining car, but forgot to mention that you can take food, drinks, snacks, etc ON the train. You can even take a cooler and they will fill it with ice for you!!


Next up: After checking into the hotel, we head to Downtown Disney!!

 

[mousetravel]

OK, something is seriously wrong with me. I did not hardly take any pictures on this day of Downtown Disney!! No kidding, these are the only 3 pictures I took!

But don't worry, this would not be the only time we went there (so more pics coming soon)!

I think I was just so tired from being on the train all night with no sleep, I didn't really think much about taking pics.


So we went to Downtown Disney, and did the usual shopping, but also, I had to try to sneak around my DD and try to buy something to take on the cruise for her actual birthday - day!

She wanted to go to Rainforest Cafe that night, so we did. And that's where the only - lonely 3 pics were taken!!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011049.jpg

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[mousetravel]

For anyone that wants a "spoiler" of some birthday stuff from our cruise, I started a thread on the forum hoping to be of help to anyone looking for birthday ideas.



http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2746440




Up next: Our day at MK, along with a fun Dis'ers Mini Meet!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Thanks for the info on Amtrak. It sounds like you got a pretty good deal, and not having to drive was icing on the cake! We are about 3 hours from Columbia, so I don't think it would be worth it for us. I'm really glad that it worked out for you. It sounds like that's the way to go if you are close to a station that goes directly to FL! I'm really impressed that you can bring food onboard!

I always notice the Best Western LBV when we're in the DTD area. It looks like you made a great find...it really looks like a nice place! I'm glad that it turned out so well for you!

And I have to say that the dessert from Rainforest has me drooling! Did it taste as good as it looked?

 

[mousetravel]

And I have to say that the dessert from Rainforest has me drooling! Did it taste as good as it looked?

Yes it was pretty good, but very rich and sweet. The chocolate looks like it would be cake, but it's actually brownies! You just about can't eat it all, even with 2 people sharing.

In case anyone wants to know, the name of the dessert is Volcano and it's $14.99, which isn't really too bad, because 2-4 people could share it. And everytime someone orders one, the waiters/waitresses yell out "Voooollllcccanooooooooo", but when they brought DD's out, they sang Happy Birthday also. Rainforest is one of her favorite restaurants at WDW, so we definately had to go there.

 

[mousetravel]

We decided to go to just one park since we were going on the cruise, so it was no question that we'd go to MK. According to the touring plan calendar, this day would be a "5". The crowds were not too bad. The longest we had to wait for any of the rides was 30 minutes, and a few things were practically walk-on, like Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Philharmagic, Monsters Inc.

We normally go during Spring Break with crowd levels of 10, so we really enjoyed this day with the smaller crowds.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011062.jpg


As we go in, we get DD a birthday button

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011066.jpg



I LOVE the new way they have meet & greet with Mickey and Minnie (together!!!) at the front of MK, because where they used to be at Toon Town, we always stopped there at the end of the day, all tired, sweaty, rough looking, etc. for our pics

So I was glad to get our pictures there first and we only waited about 15 minutes, but for the Princess meet, it was a 60 minute wait!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011067.jpg

What is up with my shiny shoes???
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011068.jpg



We meet the mayor and DD chats with these ladies, and they sang Happy Birthday to her. It was cute! They were so funny!

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Love the balloons!!!!!!
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011076.jpg



My daughter trying to figure out what's up with this dude.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011087-1.jpg


As we head into MK, we always go left through Adventureland first, so our first ride of the day would be Pirates of the Caribbean. We later went back & rode it again, because our "seat mates" were irritating by taking pictures with the FLASH ON!!

I have never seen the Photopass people in there taking pictures, but there was this time!! (I'll get my photopass pics up too, soon as I get it in the mail).

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011099.jpg

Coming out into the gift shop:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011108.jpg




http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011107.jpg



So by the time we hung out in Adventureland for a little bit, it was time for our "Dis Dole Whip Mini Meet". I had joined in with the Dis meet on the cruise board, and learned that a few of us were going to MK this day, so we planned a meet at the Dole Whip stand!!!!! We all got Dole Whips and chatted for a bit. We would stop for Dole Whips twice again before we left MK.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011110-1.jpg



Coming up: DD spots another "strange dude."

 

[ctalley]

I am enjoying your trip report. It is making me want to take my DD on a Disney trip for her 16th birthday. Looking forward to reading more

 

[JMTStone]

Its all so GREAT. We're headed to the Dream on 8/2. Thank you so much for this TR!

 

[mousetravel]

I am enjoying your trip report. It is making me want to take my DD on a Disney trip for her 16th birthday. Looking forward to reading more

Its all so GREAT. We're headed to the Dream on 8/2. Thank you so much for this TR!

Thanks for joining in!!

 

[mousetravel]

We're in line for the Haunted Mansion, and you know where you're standing in que, and you can see the boat ride thing
(not sure of the name, Riverboat??, mini cruise ship??????)

Well, DD has camera at this point and spots this mysterious dude.
OK, scroll down slowly and try to figure out the mystery:








http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011117-1.jpg










Try a closer view:








http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011117-1.jpg








If you still haven't found him, here's a zoomed in look that DD got:






http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011119-1.jpg



It is so strange because it looks like this dude is looking DIRECTLY at her, but yet the boat is so far away!!!





OK, Moving on . More MK on next post. I just had to show ya'll that one!

 

[Principessa]

Hi ! Subbing!

You are right, it was a good MK day, the crowd level was very manageable. And so nice
and hot! I remember the Dole Whips, think I had two and nothing else for lunch.
It's so cold here now that we are back home. High today, 70! Eeeek!

Looking forward to the rest of the report. You have such great photos!

 

[mousetravel]

After we exited the Haunted Mansion ride, which was only 20 minute wait, we head back towards the castle to get something to eat, and get a spot for the parade.

In Haunted Mansion's que (on the expanded side). I like how they added to the outdoor que area.


http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011120.jpg





We usually get Casey's Corner while we're waiting on the parade, so this time, of course, we had to follow tradition!


http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011122.jpg


A few parade pics. It's basically the same Celebration Parade as last couple of years, but I still love it the same!!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011130.jpg

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http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011153.jpg




Here, my DD is laughing at me, and prob a little embarrased by now , but I HAD to "refresh" my feet!! You know how it is with walking around all day in the hot Florida heat!! So I had to re-apply my Body-Glide to my feet to prevent blisters. (THANKS to whoever recommended this a long ways back. This is a lifesaver if you're prone to blisters!!!!)

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011157.jpg


More random moments:


Philharmagic was only a 5 minute wait!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011158.jpg


http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011159.jpg


This is where the new Fantasyland is being constructed. It looks really neat! Can't wait to go back when this is all finished!! (the signs said it would be opening next summer)

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011162.jpg

Ice cream break!!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011163.jpg


People Mover, with no wait at all.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011165.jpg


My favorite: Space Mountain

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011168.jpg


Monsters, Inc. (5 minute wait)

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011169.jpg






Continued in next post (I've reached my pic limit)

 

[mousetravel]

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011171.jpg

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"I think you're a little too young for that right now!!!!"
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011189.jpg



Night-time balloons (lights up in the dark)

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011196.jpg



I LOVE the new night-time Electrical Parade! And also, if you haven't seen it yet, YOU MUST SEE the NEW night-time Castle lights show!! It is AMAZING!! Just couldn't believe it! I didn't get any pics, but video recorded it, but I don't know how to transfer it to youtube. My camcorder might not even have that function. I'll have to check on that.


http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011220.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011226.jpg




Can I please throw in just one more "strange person" encounter?? I noticed this looked strange after I got to looking at it. Maybe it's just my camera????

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011223.jpg



Before leaving from our day at MK, DD wanted a funnel cake. I didn't realize how HUGE it would be after they added toppings!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011207.jpg



The castle , as we head out of MK:

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/16thBirthdayWDW2011217.jpg



We had a wonderful day at MK!! (Or maybe I should have called it one of our "crazy" days of our trip!!)





Coming up next: Our stay at Port Canaveral before the cruise!!

 

[mousetravel]

Hi ! Subbing!

You are right, it was a good MK day, the crowd level was very manageable. And so nice
and hot! I remember the Dole Whips, think I had two and nothing else for lunch.
It's so cold here now that we are back home. High today, 70! Eeeek!

Looking forward to the rest of the report. You have such great photos!

Thanks! Glad you're here! We've had some thunderstorms the last few days, so it hasn't been too hot here. Did you go to the teen club open house? Did your son go in there much? I thought it was so neat! Wish they had made that into the adult area!!!!! I didn't think DD would go much, but she did! That gave me great opportunities for some "me" time, which I rarely get!!!!

 

[jenseib]

Loving your trip. I can't wait to read your thoughts on the Dream. We went in March/April and loved it.
I think it was you that suggested the Blue Lagoon Dolphin Encounter to me and showed me pictures...we did it and loved it. Thanks so much.