The Museum of Pin-tiquities Trip Report

Login to post comments
112 posts / 0 new
bali's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/20/2008
Posts: 3444

ZapperZ wrote:
Vettelover wrote:
Zapperz Thanks for a WONDERFUL report. I am attending WDW through your great report and really looking forward to more of your posts Thanks again

Thanks! We're off to MK!

Zz.

Have fun! Bring me an eclair!!

__________________


May 2008 CSR mickey

Offline
Joined: 08/30/2008
Posts: 3555

We just got back from MK... it's 12:45 am... and I'm tired. Still, I want to make this recommendation.

GO DO THE WISHES FIREWORKS DESSERT!

If you go on the evening that also has SpectroMagic, you will get to see both during your dessert party. And you'll die happy with the dessert they serve. It is non-stop and it is all you can eat! And boy, did we really fill ourselves with it!

Will have pictures later. Right now, I need some sleep.

Zz.

__________________

No longer an active member.

SpaceAce's picture
Offline
Joined: 07/06/2008
Posts: 2532

ZapperZ wrote:
We just got back from MK... it's 12:45 am... and I'm tired. Still, I want to make this recommendation.

GO DO THE WISHES FIREWORKS DESSERT!

If you go on the evening that also has SpectroMagic, you will get to see both during your dessert party. And you'll die happy with the dessert they serve. It is non-stop and it is all you can eat! And boy, did we really fill ourselves with it!

Will have pictures later. Right now, I need some sleep.

Zz.

Excellent pre-review! DW and I eagerly await the photos! awesome

__________________

[url=http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/forum/'http://www.mickeypath.com/']

[/url]

2010 Beach Club Resort
2005 Port Orleans Riverside
2006 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2007 Wilderness Lodge
2008 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2009 CBR/Polynesian

Offline
Joined: 08/30/2008
Posts: 3555

Here are some sights from the pin event.

This is the pin-trading area, where hundreds of pin traders trade their pins. It is scary to see some people walking in with suitcases and suitcases filled with pins.

There are pin trading games to be played, having long lines of course. In this one, you can trade 2 pins with whatever you see on the pin board within 1 minute. The pin board is "refreshed" every hour, it seems. Some of the pins you can find on the boards are the cast lanyard series that are released for the first time at this pin event, and also a few valuable limited edition pins.

I'm getting close to the front of the line in this pin trading game. They happened to refreshed the board when I was about 6 back of the line. I managed to get a couple of good pins in this one.

Some of the decor they have around the event. Remember, the theme here is "pin-tiquitties", so it has a lot to do with archeology and history.

I like this one because of Pluto! Smile

Zz.

__________________

No longer an active member.

Offline
Joined: 08/30/2008
Posts: 3555

OK, here are pictures from the Wishes Dessert party from last night. WARNING: if your knees grow weak at the sights of amazing desserts, or if you go into a sugar shock at the sights of a lot of sugar, look away now!

laugh

Walking into MK.

The castle at dusk.

This is the area where we will have the dessert party.

The view of the castle from where we sat during the party. Great view of the hub!

Alright! Brace yourself. Here comes the delectable desserts!

Here's what we took on the first round.

Yes, the continued to replenish the desserts throughout the evening. There were also coffee, tea, juices, ice teas, and water.

We got to enjoy SpectroMagic while having our desserts. It wasn't a bad viewing area.

Here's Wishes from where we stood.

Great views, even if you lose a bit of the symmetry. Hint: the best viewing area is not way out in front, but further back along the railings, close to the service area. From there you don't have the overhanging at all to possibly block your view.

Zz.

__________________

No longer an active member.

bali's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/20/2008
Posts: 3444

AMAZING photos! Thank you so much Zapperz! (I've been following the pics on your blog, too, so I'm getting twice as much!)

Thoughts:

1. The MoP event looks fantastic. I can't believe they do such elaborate decorations--the dinosaur skeleton is huge!

2. How cool that they have the pin trading board turned around so nobody can see what's up there. Heightens the anticipation for sure. Glad you got a couple of good pins!

3. The Wishes dessert party looks just astounding. Those little creme brulees, those HUGE rice krispy treats! Wow! I would have eaten myself SICK, I just know it.

4. Um...fruit? What's up with the fruit???

__________________


May 2008 CSR mickey

MouseTraveler's picture
Offline
Joined: 01/15/2009
Posts: 919

Didn't I read that the price on this was about twenty dollars?

Looking at the spread, it seems like a real BARGAIN, compared to how Disney prices most things!

__________________

Visit our website (work in progress) http://www.mousetraveler.tv
Visit our blog (will NEVER be finished)
http://www.mousetraveler.tv/blog
On Twitter as 'MouseTraveler' and 'BigBlueMan'

bali's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/20/2008
Posts: 3444

MouseTraveler wrote:
Didn't I read that the price on this was about twenty dollars?

Looking at the spread, it seems like a real BARGAIN, compared to how Disney prices most things!

Yep! Price is, like, 17 bucks. Amazing. But the dates are practically sold out at this point. I'm hoping they'll extend it to a full-time offering...

__________________


May 2008 CSR mickey

SoloFriendly's picture
Offline
Joined: 08/18/2008
Posts: 556

Zapper, I finally had time today to catch up on your TR--all I can say is, thank you so much for taking the time to do this! It sounds like you're having a blast. You have some amazing photos here, I mean really stunning (as always!). I don't have much of a sweet tooth, but even I have to say, I'd have indulged myself quite heavily at that dessert party. WOW. And for $17??? What a steal! Of course, I'd be in a sugar coma afterwards, but it'd be worth it. laugh

So...how hot is it there? Dare I ask?

__________________

Gray
SoloFriendly.com

dsoup's picture
Offline
Joined: 07/11/2008
Posts: 2884

bali wrote:
MouseTraveler wrote:
Didn't I read that the price on this was about twenty dollars?

Looking at the spread, it seems like a real BARGAIN, compared to how Disney prices most things!

Yep! Price is, like, 17 bucks. Amazing. But the dates are practically sold out at this point. I'm hoping they'll extend it to a full-time offering...

Don't fall for it. The first dessert party is cheap, but pretty soon you're paying $100 for an eightball of cannoli and hot cocoa. laugh

Offline
Joined: 08/30/2008
Posts: 3555

SoloFriendly wrote:
Zapper, I finally had time today to catch up on your TR--all I can say is, thank you so much for taking the time to do this! It sounds like you're having a blast. You have some amazing photos here, I mean really stunning (as always!). I don't have much of a sweet tooth, but even I have to say, I'd have indulged myself quite heavily at that dessert party. WOW. And for $17??? What a steal! Of course, I'd be in a sugar coma afterwards, but it'd be worth it. laugh

So...how hot is it there? Dare I ask?

Thank you.

It's hot and humid, but not horrible. I was expecting high 90's or evein 100, but we have been "only" in the low 90's so far. If you have a hat and drink lots of water, it isn't as bad as it could be.

Zz.

__________________

No longer an active member.

Offline
Joined: 08/30/2008
Posts: 3555

We started out the morning with going back to the pin event. We were early enough this time that the sniffing dog was still there at the World Gateway when we went through the bag check. (They use sniffing dogs on us pin traders so that we won't hold up the bag check line when security has to go through our bags).

The funny thing was that this dog were extremely uninterested in sniffing our bags. The security personnel had to cajole the dog into doing its job. It appeared that the dog would rather be elsewhere! Smile

Anyhow, here are more photos from the pin event.

At 1:00 pm, Scoop Sanderson did one of his classic pin talks. He used to do this regularly on Main Street USA, but they stopped this a few years ago. Along the way there were a few surprise announcements (Oct. 1 this year will have some event to commemorate 20 years of pin trading at WDW), and next year, the Pin Celebration event will take place in ..... er .... AUGUST??!!

We picked up our parting gifts. The parting gifts actually were quite good this year.

We then ditched the pin event and went shopping at the Premium Outlet mall. They had a Disney outlet store, and a croc outlet store! Crocs, even Disney crocs, were roughly 50% off!

We then headed off to Kidani Village at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for our dinner reservation at Sanaa. The lobby of Kidani Village is very nice, but very small when compared with Jumbo House (the original building at AKL). This isn't suprising since DVC resorts usually do not have grand lobby the way Deluxe Resorts do.

Of course, we had to check out some of the outdoor areas. This is the area right out in front of the lobby.

We then headed to Sanaa for our dinner. The food was excellent, although I would prefer a larger portion when compared to the price.

Short ribs with chicken and basmati rice.

Short ribs with shrimp and basmati rice.

Sustainable fish cooked in banana leaf. They "unleaf" the dish for you at the table.

At the end of our meal, we had a surprise for three of our friends. One was celebrating his birthday, while the other two were celebrating their anniversary. So we had arranged for cakes for them. Needless to say, they were pleasently surprised! I love surprises like that!

We had an extremely wonderful evening.

Kidani Village would be some place I would like to stay. However, there were a coupld of glaring "problems". First, the parking area is atrocious. After spending so much money on the decor and themeing of the resort, the parking area looks like it could be any generic parking garage. You park under the resort itself, and it looks like a concrete jungle. Zero attempts were made at even disguising the concrete slabs and columns and pipes, etc. Very disappointing.

Secondly, if you are simply visiting and do not know where you are, there are zero directions on where to park and how to get to the lobby. We were lucky that we somehow ended up parking close to the Timon elevator, and then we walked a short distance towards the lobby. If you didn't know any better and parked at, say, the Zazu elevator, you end up walking and walking along the resort corridor to get to the lobby, along the way thinking that you are completely lost.

The viewing area, while it looks rather nice, is also a bit disappointing. You can see the "guard" fence to prevent the animals from getting too close. It used to be that they hide this behind bushes or rocks at Jumbo House. Not here. You also get to see part of the "backstage" area where the animals are kept when they are not out on the safari grounds. I don't know if they plan on growing shrubs or trees to hide all of this, but it ruins the scenary a bit. There are just some small indications here and there that they didn't pay that much attention to detail with Kidani Village.

Zz.

__________________

No longer an active member.

Offline
Joined: 08/30/2008
Posts: 3555

The pin event continues on its final day today. However, we probably won't be there anymore. We're heading off to MK this morning for the Passholder/DVC members sneak preview of the Halls of Presidents. The Barack Obama animatronic will make its first public debut. I have no idea the size of the crowd for this one, so that's why we're going to show up when it opens at 11 am. We'll see how bad it gets.

No concrete plans for the rest of the day.

Zz.

__________________

No longer an active member.

cdub's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/20/2008
Posts: 3220

Those are great AKL shots! Makes me want to go. That meal looks like a ton of fun too. So a HoP preview ranks higher than more pin-mania? I'm sort of surprised. silly

SpaceAce's picture
Offline
Joined: 07/06/2008
Posts: 2532

I've seen that Mickey cake around, Zapperz--are there any special requests to make when ordering that one, or did you just say "birthday cake" and that's what they brought?

Interesting points on the Kidani detail. I've also heard that the pool area and sports courts are quite far away from the main building. Where are the Timon and Zazu elevators? Which part of the resort would you say is the better section?

__________________

[url=http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/forum/'http://www.mickeypath.com/']

[/url]

2010 Beach Club Resort
2005 Port Orleans Riverside
2006 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2007 Wilderness Lodge
2008 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2009 CBR/Polynesian

Offline
Joined: 08/30/2008
Posts: 3555

SpaceAce wrote:
I've seen that Mickey cake around, Zapperz--are there any special requests to make when ordering that one, or did you just say "birthday cake" and that's what they brought?

You have some options on what to choose. It also depends on the location. Some locations have different options. It all depends on where the cake is made, and each resorts/theme parks have a particular cake source, I think. The one for AKL, from what I've heard, is made there.

Quote:
Interesting points on the Kidani detail. I've also heard that the pool area and sports courts are quite far away from the main building. Where are the Timon and Zazu elevators? Which part of the resort would you say is the better section?

I can't tell you where they are other than to say that the Timon elevator is closer to the lobby than Zazu. This is the elevator you take from the parking lot underneath the building. As you drive in, you simply drive through the parking area and you'll see the "names" being given to each section of the resort. I think if you're staying there, they'll tell you which section you should park in that will be closest to your room. Of course, the problem here is that for a guest that isn't staying there and is there for dinner or just to visit, you have no idea where to park to be closest to the lobby.

Zz.

__________________

No longer an active member.

Annie's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/20/2008
Posts: 1610

Awesome pictures, as always Z. Are you there for a few more days or are you headed back soon? I'm asking selfishly, as I'm getting my disney fix through you!

Did you get to see Obama??

Offline
Joined: 08/30/2008
Posts: 3555

Annie wrote:
Awesome pictures, as always Z. Are you there for a few more days or are you headed back soon? I'm asking selfishly, as I'm getting my disney fix through you!

Did you get to see Obama??

We will be there till Noon on Wednesday before we head off to the airport.

Yes, I did see Obama. He took his oath of office again, and gave a short speech.

Zz.

__________________

No longer an active member.

Annie's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/20/2008
Posts: 1610

Wonderful. Glad to hear we'll still be getting updates for a while. The Hall of Presidents must've been packed (probably more action than it's seen in 8 years!)

Offline
Joined: 08/30/2008
Posts: 3555

Yesterday, we started the morning by walking around SSR's Carriage House area and the large pool next to it, while we sip our coffee/hot chocolate.

We then went to The Contemporary. A couple in our party wanted to go to the business center to pack things and ship them home, while we wanted to make a reservation for ........ PARASAILING on Tuesday! Smile Yes, we are finally going to do what I've wanted to do for a long time! So it should be fun. If you hear someone yelling at the top of his lungs some time tomorrow morning, it will be ME!

View from an outdoor observation deck.

We then headed to MK for the preview of Hall of Presidents. They were "celebrating" when we walked in.

We are at the preview of HoP.

My review of the new HoP is that, while it is nice, it was disappointing when compared to the previous one. The last version had the presidents talking and interacting with each other. This one, most of the talking were done by Lincoln and Obama. I don't mind either of those, but there should be more of the animatronics, less "movie". We came to see the animatronics presidents, and that's what we should get, as much as possible. In my opinion, we didn't get as much as possble.

After HoP, we went to get something even more important - Dole Whip pinneapple float!

We then did Pirates and then Jungle Cruise. Our Jungle Cruise skipper was a riot! I offered her a "manwich" at the end, and she cracked up! You had to be there! laugh

We left MK and took the ferry back to the Transportation Center.

We had a leisurely evening at Downtown Disney, and had dinner at our favorite Indian restaurant around here - Dakshin at Crossroads.

Today, several of our friends will be flying back home, so the number in our group will dwindle quite a bit. It will be sad because it is the beginning of the end of our trip. We will still meet up with a few of our friends who live here, but the reality of ending this vacation is slowly sinking in.

Zz.

__________________

No longer an active member.

Annie's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/20/2008
Posts: 1610

You're going parasailing???!! I can't WAIT. Are you taking your camera up there?

Offline
Joined: 08/30/2008
Posts: 3555

Annie wrote:
You're going parasailing???!! I can't WAIT. Are you taking your camera up there?

I will be taking my camera, and my partner will be taking his camcorder when he is up there. So we plan on having both still and video shots - if they let us! Smile

Zz.

__________________

No longer an active member.

aglassslipper17's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/18/2009
Posts: 218

I can't believe it took me this long to find this thread confused

Your trip sounds amazing and the desserts look fantastic!!!!!

Thanks for all the updates.

Sarah

Brad's picture
Offline
Joined: 08/05/2008
Posts: 4357

ZapperZ wrote:
Annie wrote:
You're going parasailing???!! I can't WAIT. Are you taking your camera up there?

I will be taking my camera, and my partner will be taking his camcorder when he is up there. So we plan on having both still and video shots - if they let us! Smile

Zz.

Hold on tight, I'm imagining that if you drop it that's going to turn out poorly.

Offline
Joined: 08/30/2008
Posts: 3555

Today was a leisurely day. We spent more time relaxing than anything else, especially because we were a bit tired and decided to just take it easy.

Late morning, we met up with a cast member friend, who took us to Company D and then to property control (or what they call "Cast Connections"). I took a few pictures while we were there, and here's a couple.

We then had a lovely lunch at Kona Cafe at the Polynesian Resort.

After lunch, we walked around the resort a bit. I went into the Bou-tiki store, and they had these large carvings all over the store that I find amusing.

More sights around the resort.

We then spent some time at Downtown Disney. Went into the Art of Disney store and bumped into this Mickey Vinylmation character. I don't get the fascination with the whole vinylmation thing, and that include the pins (which I don't collect). These things scares me! Smile

We will probably turn in early this evening, since tomorrow might be a full day. Our parasailing is scheduled for 9:30 am, but the weather forecast doesn't look encouraging. So there's a chance that we might not be able to do this, but we shall see. The rest of the day will probably be spent at MK. We have a lunch reservation at Crystal Palace at 1:00 pm, and then a DVC member preview event at the Contemporary at 3:00 pm. So it will be a busy day.

Zz.

__________________

No longer an active member.

bali's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/20/2008
Posts: 3444

That's a great series of the Tiki statues in the shop at the Poly. I've always found them amusing as well, but seeing them all together like that really make them a "force." (The second one is REALLY excited about that shirt!)

Also, I'm finding myself getting into the Vinylmation thing. I think those are fascinating; and I was always the kid who spent all her money on the "surprise bags" in the five and dime, so it's right up my alley.

Fingers crossed for your parasailing tomorrow!

__________________


May 2008 CSR mickey

Offline
Joined: 10/28/2008
Posts: 278

i have to say this is the best trip report i've ever read. great photos and great ratio of text to photos. plus you did a lot of interesting activities. if you get the parasailing photos it will be perfect! good job zapperz!

Offline
Joined: 08/30/2008
Posts: 3555

I just got back, it's late, and I'm pretty tired, so this will be a short trip report.

I did get to do the parasailing, but just barely. After I was up for about 10 mins, they had to reel me in because the had to come in because of the thread of lightning and the impending storm. So my partner could not get to do the parasailing, only me. I tried to get some pictures, but because of the high winds from the approaching storm, I was buffetted a lot up there, and I had to hold on many times since I felt like I was being tossed around quite a bit. So many of the pictures were quite blurry. But I think I have a few that might convey the amazing view up there.

This is the boat crew that was running the parasailing.

Here we are leaving the marina at the Contemporary

I'm up!!

Here, you get to see my feet dangling several hundred feet above the water. Smile

It was a wonderful experience, but next time, I think I want to do this on a calmer day. I think I was getting a bit of a motion sickness during the last few minutes when it because quite rough being jostled around.

Zz.

__________________

No longer an active member.

Offline
Joined: 08/30/2008
Posts: 3555

We leave for home this afternoon (assuming the weather doesn't mess up our flight). It's been a great trip filled with lots of pleasant memories.

This will be my last transmission from the Most Magical Place on Earth. I will post more reports and pictures after I get home and recover a bit.

Zz.

__________________

No longer an active member.

SoloFriendly's picture
Offline
Joined: 08/18/2008
Posts: 556

I am SO jealous you got to go parasailing!!!!!
Why didn't you and your partner go up in tandem?

__________________

Gray
SoloFriendly.com