Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey Hi guys- Sorry it's taken me so long to post my trip report, but life in the post-Katrina era seems to be all about waiting. I've barely been able to get near the computer at all, so I apologize for this taking so long to get posted. I'm not going to give you a play by play of my trip, but just some general details. First off, we attended MNSSHP on October 2. This was my first time attending the event and I enjoyed it a lot. The "Happy HalloWishes" fireworks show was fantastic and drew many oohs and ahhs from the crowd. My mom said it was the most beautiful fireworks show she'd ever seen. The projections on the castle were really cool, and the music was great. The show was the best part of the evening. We also ate at Liberty Tree Tavern before the party started, and while I enjoyed the food I felt very rushed. It was extremely loud, moreso than any other time I've eatern there, and I just felt like our server wanted to get us in and out. I love Liberty Tree, but I don't think I'll be eating there before MNSSHP again. The parks were very clean and quite crowded for the beginning of the school year. We only used FastPass to board Soarin' (which was fantastic!), and we only waited 20 minutes for an attraction at most, but there just seemed to be a LOT of people around. THe longest line we waited in was for the bus from MK back to the AS Sports on Saturday night. I've NEVER seen a line for buses that long, even in the middle of the summer! It snaked out of the queue and went down the walkway. However, a manager was on duty and took care of the problem quickly. Bus after bus after bus came and we were back at the resort within 30 minutes. The bus lines for all of the value resorts were long - apparently, that's where everyone stayed to take advantage of the free dining plan. The lines for all other buses were extremely short. Only dealth with one "bad" CM. We were leaving MK and were exiting through the gate with my mom's wheelchair. The CM at the gate was talking to two guys and barely gave us a glance as she opened the gate: no good night, no thanks for coming, no nothing. It's like we were inconveniencing her. I reported her. The rooms at the All Stars were very well kept, and I was impressed with the housekeeping staff. Our room was ready when we returned for our afternoon break every day except one. They did a great job. The dining plan is great if you're a big eater. We had more food than we could possibly handle, and ended up saving $450 on our meals and snacks. I wouldn't purchase the dining plan because it's just too much, but if it's offered for free again I would gladly take it. All of the food was excellent: we ate at Chefs de France, Sci-Fi Dine In Theater, the Plaza, Liberty Tree Tavern and Alfredo's. All of our counter service meals were outstanding as well, especially our meal at the Sunshine Seasons Food Court in The Land. Both my mom and I had the smoked turkey with muenster on focaccia and it was fantastic. We'll definitely be eating there again and again. Lastly, I got in the hot seat at Who Wants to Be a Millionaire! After eight or ten attempts over the years, I finally made it. I answered all the way up through the 32,000 point question, but I missed the next one - four questions away from the cruise! It was a great experience though, and I can't wait to try it again. I won 10 pins, a hat and a polo shirt. All in all, it was a great trip. We had a wonderful time and I can't wait to go back in February! I'll be posting my pics within the next few days - I didn't take a ton, but I've taken a few, including pics of my gifts from my LP Fairy Godmothers! I'll have the pics up soon!
Originally Posted By melissa_m >>Sorry it's taken me so long to post my trip report, but life in the post-Katrina era seems to be all about waiting<< If anyone has a good excuse not to write a trip report, it would be you We live in Louisiana too, and experienced Rita, but nothing to the extent that you went through with Katrina, I'm sure. I'm glad to hear that you had such a nice time, and I look forward to seeing your pictures. We will be experiencing WDW for the first time in 25 days!!!!
Originally Posted By stitchcrazy Nikki it sounds like you had a wonderful trip. I'm so glad, you definitely deserved it after Katrina. Can't wait to see your pictures! How have things been at home for you more recently? Hope all is going as good as possible.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey Things at home are going well, except for the stupid politicians we have running this place - trained monkeys could do a better job. A lot of places have reopened, although they're all operating on limited hours. The mall by my house is scheduled to reopen Friday, again for limited hours. A lot of schools have reopened and most kids are staying an extra hour a day to help make up the month they lost as a result of the storm. Some schools are sharing classrooms with other schools: Archbishop Rummel High is sharing their facilities with four other schools. One of the private Episcopal schools has its kids attending during the day and another school using their facilities for classes from 4:00-9:00 in the evening. I sure wouldn't want to go to high school at night! Many areas of New Orleans are open, such as the French Quarter, but also running on limited hours-the bars are only open until 2:00 am right now. There are people down there, but not nearly as many as usual.
Originally Posted By disney pete nikki glad you had a good time after all you've been through and well done getting in the hot seat at millionaire ive always wanted to do that can't wait for your pics.
