Boardwalk to the Beach Club.. with a cruise inbetween! April 2015

[disneybarbie]

Love your TR so far!
Can't wait to read more

Thank you for joining in!

Loving this so far! I was wondering where you were coming from that the flight was 9 hours, then I saw that UK on your phone screenshot!

You are super quick on the running pace I personally stick to walking, and a Disney vacation gets plenty of that in, even with the food. I think we averaged like 10 miles a day last year, according to my Fitbit.

I may have to steal that idea about the Fastpasses on the phone. Especially since the reception can sometimes be iffy in the parks. Nice to be able to see it without going through the app.

Looks like you guys had a fabulous trip and I can't wait to read more Plus, a Disney Cruise! That's definitely on my to-do list, but a few years into the future!

Thank you for the comments and reading so far! You're right about all the walking at Disney - the pedometer on my iPod was logging 8-13 miles a day! I do love the morning runs too, especially as Florida is so much flatter then where I live, so my pace is better
Disney cruises are amazing, I adore going to WDW - and the cruise line somehow has another level of magic!

Great AK pictures. The baby gorilla is so cute.
-Lindsey

Thank you! It was so cute, really unsteady on its feet - the cast member said they develop slower than humans.

Do you remember what time that bus was at? Just wondering how early they start running from the Epcot resorts.
Also was it easy to find a jogging route? Or had you looked at a map in advance? That loop looks perfect for me too. What time did you start at?

The bus was about 7.30am. I believe they start running one hour before the park opens
There was a map of the jogging route by the Boardwalk pool, and I believe if you ask at reception they will give you a map. I found it on the Mickey miles podcast website , they have all the jogging maps available. I set out running about 6.15am that day - still humid though!

What a great morning at AK! The baby gorilla is so cute, and those wait times can't be beat!

Thank you, it was a fantastic first morning!

Hi, Emma! Just got caught up and so excited to hear about your trip! Funny, I could have used that same title for our trip and it would have been accurate!


Wow, I thought they always kept those doors closed/locked! So strange to think of an "upstairs" on a plane - never been on one like that. Glad it went well for you, despite the delay.


I don't know how you do it!


I heard this same tip and actually did the lock screen with my spreadsheet for the day (so, FP+ and other notes/ADRs). Worked really well for taking a quick peek at things without having to mess around with the phone.

You got so much done so quick in such an empty Animal Kingdom!

Looking forward to more!

Thank you for joining in! I've just realised I've not found your latest two TRs so need to get reading

Hehe I took that photo of the cockpit before we took off, hence why the door was open. Once in the air, the crew had to stand and wait to be seen by a camera before entering.. We saw them taking some amazing looking food in for the pilots!

Yay, I'm so glad I found this at the beginning!!

Nice upgrade on the flight! I'm sure that makes those 9 hours a lot more bearable.



This idea is GENIUS! Totally stealing that for my next trip!!!

Looks like a beautiful morning at AK so far. I love the idea of trying something new in each park. It's easy for Disney trips to become routine, so it's smart to focus on doing something new each time.

I can't wait for more! Seems like it was an epic trip!

Thank you reading along so far! It was a great start to the trip with the flight upgrade and morning at AK.. it was a pretty perfect trip overall, I really need to get writing more updates

I don't know why people are so rude when they're walking/running. Whenever I jog outside, the majority of people look away or just ignore me You don't have to verbally say hi back to me, a wave would be fine right?!



I did too and makes things so much easier!



Look at all that room, that looks great!

I thought it was just a UK thing that other people look away/stare in disbelief when I'm out running! I find most other runners will say hi or nod.. appreciation that we are both out there exercising. Great job getting out and jogging too... Disney race in the future for you?!

Such dedication getting up early for your run! Out of all places though, that would definitely be a great place to exercise. I live in an apartment on the service road right off the highway so there's always a ton of traffic. There isn't much space between the sidewalk and where the cars zoom by, so even going for a walk isn't something we can do comfortably here. At times when we've had to walk there, my husband and I go one behind the other because some drivers are crazy. But the idea of that Epcot loops sounds so inviting! It seems like it'd be so peaceful in the morning, and I love that everyone was friendly and saying hello!

Using the FP list as the lock screen?! GENIUS! Haha, why aren't we all doing that?!?

Thank you for reading! The Epcot resort loop is a great walk/run, minimal traffic and first thing in the morning you get to see cast members gardening/cleaning, getting the World ready for another magical day!

 

[disneybarbie]

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And.. Flights of Wonder was really good! Not what I expected at all (something more like the Pets show that used to be at Universal Studios), we learnt a lot and it was funny too. Perfect Disney style edu-tainment











After the show we saw It's Tough to be a Bug, and then it was time for our FP safari ride.









Once again the safari was excellent, and we saw a number of different animals to our first ride that morning – including my favourites, the elephants.


[URL=http://s1142.photobucket.com/user/EmmaMarrow/media/2015%20WDW%20and%20DCL/WDW/IMG_4378.jpg.html]













We decided to get some lunch before leaving the park, Flame Tree BBQ was closed for refurbishment (but some of the menu items were available at kiosks nearby) so instead we chose our other favourite – Yak and Yeti.






DH had teriyaki beef and I had honey chicken – both were tasty, we missed the food being served in the paper boxes (I think they were low on stock?) but otherwise the meal was great.[/url]

 

[disneybarbie]

We headed out the park at about 1pm and headed back to the Boardwalk, stopping at the general store to buy a few groceries for the room (and some Ratatouille themed tea towels to take home!)













We spent an hour or so by the pool, before a thunder storm rolled in – when we decided it was time to head up to the room and get ready for the evening.






By a complete coincidence, DH's parents had booked a trip to WDW that overlapped with ours.. so we had arranged to meet up for a couple of evenings! This was one of those nights and we met on the Boardwalk at 6pm. We had planned to eat at Big River Grille – but after looking at the menu, decided it was ok, but suggested instead we walked into Epcot and graze around the F&G booths instead. They really liked that idea, so we had a drink at BRG and then headed to International Gateway and into the park.


There was a sudden rain shower just as we got the UK pavilion – so we dashed into the stores (checking out the prices on all of the candy and sweets that we take for granted at home!)






and then went into the Rose and Crown for a drink. Beers for the men, G&T for DmiL and a Pimms and lemonade for me (it's sort of an English sangria, but with gin, for those who haven't tried it).






The rain stopped quickly and we carried on our walk around the world, stopping for snacks and drinks at various booths. The pinapple hot dog with siracha mayo was a particular favourite.












We went to Tutto Gusto for some food, and decided to share an anti pasti platter.






As we left the bar, we could hear some music from the American Pavilion stage... and it was the Village People! We got there just in time for the finale song – YMCA. My inlaws couldn't believe it was the real group (not a tribute act) and that we didn't have to pay anything extra to go and watch them! They really enjoyed it as the song had been released the same year they got married.








We looked for somewhere to watch Illuminations together, but as the park felt quite busy – we decided to see it another night. My inlaws made there way back to the monorail (they were staying at the GF) and we walked back to the Boardwalk, missing the park closing crowds.


Unusually, we still had a little bit of room for dessert... so made a pit stop at the Bakery for some treats!





We got a banoffee slice and a key lime pie slice – both were delicious.






It was only about 10pm when we went to bed but the jet lag was affecting us – it meant we'd get a good night's sleep before hitting Magic Kingdom the next day!

 

[Dugette]

We always have really enjoyed the Flights of Wonder show too.

Looks like you had some really good animal viewing on the safari!

Very cool that DH's parents happened to be there and you were able to spend some time together. Wandering/grazing Epcot was a great idea!

I had never thought about it before, but it must be funny to wander through the pavilion of your own country and see things featured that you take for granted.

How cool that you got to see the Village People do YMCA! Those concerts can be really fun!

 

[disneybarbie]

Monday 13th April 2015




Magic Kingdom day and Hollywood Studios for dinner






Today we were heading to the Magic Kingdom!




Screenshot of our fast passes for the day..











We slept in a little later (until about 7am!), got ready and then went down to the Boardwalk Bakery for breakfast – bagels, fruit, juice and coffee.




Not a bad view for Monday morning breakfast









We walked to the bus stop and were on our way to the park at about 8.30am, we arrived at 8:45 but had just missed the welcoming show! I really like that show so was a little disappointed, but then pleased that the park open a little early.




Busy walk down Main Street USA, and first sight of the castle!














I asked DH where he wanted to head first... and he really wanted to go on the Mine Train! We did have Fps later in the day, but as we hadn't ridden it yet we decided to get their first.









The wait time was already posted at 40 minutes, but really it was about 25 – it's rare for us to wait that long for an attraction! But I'm glad we did it as we got to see the main queueing line and the interactive elements.


























As luck would have it, we got the front row of the train!













We thought the ride was cute – perfect for the Magic Kingdom with a mix of roller coaster and dark ride.














I had pre-purchased the Memory Maker for this trip, it worked out really well as DH's parents' photos were all added as well – plus there were on-ride videos for Mine Train and Tower of Terror (I believe more attractions are being added all the time). We didn't have to scan our Magic Bands to receive the photos, they were added to our account each time as the bands are scanned remotely while we were on the rides.
















Next we walked through Fantasyland, stopping at the beautiful Tangled restrooms!









And out to Liberty Square – we rode Haunted Mansion next as it had no line at all.




Then it was time for our first FP – Splash Mountain


And we got the front row again!





























We walked to Adventureland and decided it was perfect time for a Dole Whip.. just to check it tasted the same from the new location







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[disneybarbie]

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Next up was Pirates...



















As we walked back to Frontierland to ride Big Thunder Mountain, we stopped at the Golden Oak outpost and got a new snack to try.. sweet potato nuggets, very tasty!









After Big Thunder Mountain, it was time for our FP on the Mine Train.









This time we were sat in the middle of the train, and it was easier to feel the side to side motion.


























We walked slowly through Storybook Circus, and took the quiet pathway around to Tomorrowland.
















We rode Buzz Light Year Spaceranger Spin next – the line said 20 minutes but it was over half an hour, which was probably our longest wait of the whole trip!









Most serious Photopass picture









Then it was time for our Space Mountain FP – this was a great one to choose as the stand by line was 60+ minutes by that point









And then it was time for lunch! While we'd been waiting for Buzz Lightyear, DH had been using the MDE app to check out menus – we decided to try somewhere new (hard for us as we have a lot of favourites at MK!) and went to Tomorrowland Terrace.




DH had a lobster roll and I had a shrimp and mandarin salad... again, we had a pretty stunning view while we ate!





















There was a short rain shower while we ate, but the sun came back quickly.


















After lunch we saw Hall of Presidents, something we'd not seen for a few trips, and then back to Fantasyland to see Philharmagic











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[Sailormoon2]

OMG!! Your guys absolutely-dead-calm faces on all the rides totally cracked me up!!! And then the intensity on Buzz. LOL!!!
That shrimp salad looks awesome (seriously? Theme park food?) wow!

 

[DaisyDuck001]

IMHO, there are better food options at the F&G food booths than at the F&W ones.

 

[disneybarbie]

OMG!! Your guys absolutely-dead-calm faces on all the rides totally cracked me up!!! And then the intensity on Buzz. LOL!!!
That shrimp salad looks awesome (seriously? Theme park food?) wow!

I know.. Buzz always ends up so competitive! Once time I got 999,999 - but I've never beaten DH since that time The salad was excellent - really fresh - who said theme park food was all burgers and hot dogs!

IMHO, there are better food options at the F&G food booths than at the F&W ones.

We were really impressed with the F&G booths - some unusual items that we enjoyed trying. But we do love F&W too!

 

[disneybarbie]

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By now it was 2.30pm, I asked DH if he wanted to head back to the Boardwalk yet, but he remembered I'd mentioned the new parade – so we spent some time in the Main Street shops, bought icecreams from the plaza (scoop of birthday cake flavour for me, yum!), and found a great spot to watch Festival of Fantasy!






































We haven't stopped to watch a daytime parade for years, but so glad we did – this one was fantastic.




High school band starting the show..







As the band marched through, the Dapper Dans stood right behind us to let them pass! They were working out what key the band were playing with... I tried to take a sneaky photo but failed









Next the Main Street band came past.. playing Let It Go!









And quite a few parade photos ...












































































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[disneybarbie]

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After the parade, I stopped in Starbucks to buy the souvenir Magic Kingdom mug, and then we left the park and made our way to the bus stop.


The first one to arrive was for the Yacht and Beach Club, so we hopped on that – and on the walk back to the Boardwalk, made a pit stop at ESPN for an ice cold beer.












We had received our cruise documents from our travel agent when we'd arrived at the Boardwalk (this works out better than her sending it to the UK as it can take a long time!), and there was a form I needed to print from the website and sign (an extra health questionnaire to confirm we hadn't been to certain countries recently!). So once back at the room, DH watched some TV and I went to ask at reception where I could get the form printed... they directed me to the Boardwalk conference center – so I off I went to explore there! A really helpful CM sorted out the form for me and didn't charge anything for the printing/internet time




We spent an hour or so in the room and then got ready for an evening at Hollywood Studios.




Rain from the balcony..














Usually we would walk to the Studios, but tonight it was raining pretty hard so we took the Friendship.




























Once at the park, we walked up Hollywood Studios … the missing hat really makes a difference! I don't mind the change as I can remember the park before the sorcerer hat, and the Chinese theater is an impressive building




We had some time before our meal, so decided to try out the fourth FP+ option by using one of the kiosks. There was some availability for Star Tours, so we booked one – really just to see how it worked!


We headed over to Star Tours but noticed the standby was only 10 minutes, so we cancelled the Fps and rode it anyway.






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[disneybarbie]

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It was approaching our ADR time so we checked in at the Sci Fi Dine In. We had eaten here three years ago and really enjoyed the meal – I'd picked it more for the theme but we like the simple burgers/sandwiches menu too.


While waiting for our table, I saw a CM provide some sellotape to a Dad who was trying to limit his sons' use of their new light sabers!



We waited about ten minutes and then were led to our car, we were seated in the back of a car with another couple. Our server was really good fun – he noticed our accent and got talking to DH about soccer for most of the meal.














We shared the onion rings to start, and then I had the turkey sandwich.



After a nice meal, we made our way to an all time favourite – Muppet Vision 3D! We are pretty much word perfect on it.. but still have to see it every trip.














After Muppets, we made our way to the Tower of Terror – love this attraction and it's even better at night.




(My phone camera was not enjoying the night shots!)












The park was open for EMH, we had a look at Rock N Roller Coaster but it had a long wait still, so we decided to leave it as we knew we'd be back later in the week.


We made our way back to the Boardwalk, ready for another fun day tomorrow.

 

[khertz]

So many great updates! I am pretty impressed with all you were able to get done! It's good to know that the wait at 7DMT at park opening isn't THAT bad. We can't wait to finally get to try it later on this year.

I had to google sellotape (only to realize it's just regular tape, it sounded like something fancier! lol), and it made me realize why it was likely called Spellotape in the Harry Potter books! Interesting tidbit for the day! haha

 

[Dugette]

I was so confused thinking you had 4 FP+ until I realized that the parade was probably not a FP+ and just a schedule note.

But I'm glad we did it as we got to see the main queueing line and the interactive elements.

I have yet to see that, since I've only ridden Mine Train with FP+ or Rider Swap. One of these days!

We haven't stopped to watch a daytime parade for years, but so glad we did – this one was fantastic.

Isn't it great? I'm not a big parade person in general, but it's just so captivating! Great pics, by the way!

 

[disneybarbie]

So many great updates! I am pretty impressed with all you were able to get done! It's good to know that the wait at 7DMT at park opening isn't THAT bad. We can't wait to finally get to try it later on this year.

I had to google sellotape (only to realize it's just regular tape, it sounded like something fancier! lol), and it made me realize why it was likely called Spellotape in the Harry Potter books! Interesting tidbit for the day! haha

Thank you! It was a great MK day... and I didn't realise 'sellotape' was an English word only.. it's the most common brand here so everyone just calls it that!

I was so confused thinking you had 4 FP+ until I realized that the parade was probably not a FP+ and just a schedule note.


I have yet to see that, since I've only ridden Mine Train with FP+ or Rider Swap. One of these days!


Isn't it great? I'm not a big parade person in general, but it's just so captivating! Great pics, by the way!

I got a little confused how the 'reminders' were shown on the app too.. but it was good to have everything in one place! Festival of Fantasy was excellent, the energy of the performers is incredible and each float was great.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

I didn't realise 'sellotape' was an English word only.. it's the most common brand here so everyone just calls it that!

This is the same reason we Americans call it "Scotch Tape" -- that's our most common brand.

 

[TheLittleKatie]

Hi Emma! It's nice to see a fellow Brit on the trip reports board I've just read through your whole report so far and I've really enjoyed it, especially your photos from the Boardwalk and the general Epcot resort area. I'm really excited to try different hotels, but I feel like my heart will always be at the Epcot resorts (particularly the Beach Club, so I'm excited to hear about your experience at the villas!

Eventually it was time to board, once again we had a separate entrance to the gate for being Premium customers (I really like the perks that come with these seats!), and made our way to the upstairs section of the plane.

I hear you girl, we fly Premium Economy with Virgin Atlantic too, it's GLORIOUS There's so much more room and it's so comfy, nice food, free alcohol, definitely worth it for such a long flight!

Ok, how do you look so cute on a long-haul flight

Afternoon Tea

Our flight pictures are so similar! They've made me so excited for our trip in September.. Get me back on that plane asap!

By this time it was almost 9pm, so DH got a beer from Japan and I got a glass of key lime sparkling wine (delicious!) from the Florida Fresh kitchen, and we found a nice spot to watch Illuminations.

Sounds like such a perfect first evening

This trip I started using a screen shot of our daily Fast Passes as the lock screen on my phone – it worked out well as I could quickly see the attractions and times without having to open the MDE app.

Great tip, thanks!

Wow this looks great. When we were there in September there was so much construction around here, glad to see it was worth it.

Eeee! Cutie!

We slept in a little later (until about 7am!), got ready and then went down to the Boardwalk Bakery for breakfast – bagels, fruit, juice and coffee.


Not a bad view for Monday morning breakfast

Perfect photo!

We walked to Adventureland and decided it was perfect time for a Dole Whip.. just to check it tasted the same from the new location

.......... For science....

I had to do a double take with this photo, it looks like all the lap bars have come up!!

Great updates, can't wait to hear more

 

[ChosenBelle]

following

 

[disneybarbie]

This is the same reason we Americans call it "Scotch Tape" -- that's our most common brand.

Aah makes sense - thanks!

Hi Emma! It's nice to see a fellow Brit on the trip reports board I've just read through your whole report so far and I've really enjoyed it, especially your photos from the Boardwalk and the general Epcot resort area. I'm really excited to try different hotels, but I feel like my heart will always be at the Epcot resorts (particularly the Beach Club, so I'm excited to hear about your experience at the villas!

Hi! Thank you so much for reading along and all your comments so far

I hear you girl, we fly Premium Economy with Virgin Atlantic too, it's GLORIOUS There's so much more room and it's so comfy, nice food, free alcohol, definitely worth it for such a long flight!

Definitely - it will be hard going back to normal Economy after PE

Ok, how do you look so cute on a long-haul flight

Haha - thanks! That was right at the start of the flight.. by the end of a 20+ hour travelling day there's no photos!

Our flight pictures are so similar! They've made me so excited for our trip in September.. Get me back on that plane asap!



Sounds like such a perfect first evening



Great tip, thanks!



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I had to do a double take with this photo, it looks like all the lap bars have come up!!

Oh yeah! In the on-ride video I am clinging on to that bar - it's not even that fast a ride

Great updates, can't wait to hear more

following

Welcome!

 

[disneybarbie]

Tuesday 14th April




Epcot and dinner at the Grand Floridian




This morning we both woke up early, so decided to hit the gym!









The gym at the Boardwalk is a reasonable size and has good equipment – I ran for a while, did some strength training and then went on a bike – something I don't normally use at home, but these had virtual screens and I got to 'cycle' around Paris for 15 minutes!




After the gym we showered and made our way over to the International Gateway – ready for a morning at Epcot.




Today's MDE screenshot..







We waited a short while at the entrance, and then the Cast Members started to let us in – I really appreciated this trip how much easier it is to get into the parks without the turnstiles anymore, plus it's always fun when the Mickey head turns green and you get to walk into the park!














First we headed for Soarin' – it was a walk on as we were among the first there














Nice work pal









Next up was Test Track – DH designed our car but I got to pick the colour!


























I loved all of the topiaries around the park for the F&G Festival














We stopped at Starbucks for breakfast – latte and a blueberry crumb muffin for me, latte and a bacon cheese sandwich for DH. We sat on a bench near Mousegear and people watched while we ate.









We went on Spaceship Earth next, again no line – and then had a look in the art shop at the park entrance, just for fun!












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