Drive Like the Wind Bullseye!! March 11 - March 18, 2017 - COMPLETE

[jecskc]

Day 2 – Part One.

I was the always the one who got up first on our trip, so I would get up and make coffee and usually head over to the Contempo Café to grab some breakfast.

View from the skyway



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The amazing mural by Mary Blair. I just love it so much.



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They have a little unconventional system here where you pay for your food first and then you get a buzzer and they bring your food to you.

I got ours to go.

DH and I split the bounty platter

Bounty Platter - Scrambled Eggs with shredded cheddar, Bacon, Turkey Sausage, Breakfast Potatoes, French Toast, and seasonal fruit $11.49




This was plenty of food for us to start our first full day.

I got DD and Danish to get her started.




We left the big kids to their own devices and headed out to Magic Kingdom.

We walked over to the park, successfully navigated security and climbed the steps to the train station. Our first fast pass was for Big Thunder Mountain and DD wanted to ride the train over to Frontierland.

Train Station photos.



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We got off the train and used our fast passes to ride.



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We love this ride so much.

Continued next post

 

[jecskc]

We had Splash Mountain fast passes for right after, but DD wasn’t feeling it, so we went to check the wait for Haunted Mansion.



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45 minutes for Haunted Mansion. Nope.

But Mickey’s Philharmagic looked like it was a walk on, so we checked it out.



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Such a fun show.

DD wants to go off and explore on her own, so we say OK with plans to meet at Casey’s for lunch at 1 PM.

The park was super crowded so head back over to the peoplemover to ride that since we knew we could get right on it.



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I think this is the only day we wore shorts – it got chilly after that and we really loved the cooler weather. In South Texas, it doesn’t cool down much, so I enjoyed wearing jeans and sweatshirt the rest of the trip. Weird, I know. But I found it immensely preferable to the heat.



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Next up we checked out the Carousel of Progress.




Sing with me now – There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow ……

We had a group of cast members that were seated in from of us. They were enjoying the day together on their time off it seemed. All of them sang really well and they belted out this song every time it came on. We enjoyed their enthusiasm very much.

 

[Pixie Princess]

We love Chef Mickey! We've only been for breakfast, though. Glad y'all got a little bit of park time in after that long drive, and Wow! at getting that Pan FP!

 

[Pixie Princess]

KT will be so excited y'all enjoyed her favorite, CoP! (BTW...she was very excited you followed her on Insta.) She LOVES this attraction. Me, meh. It's fine. I enjoy getting out of the heat and sitting down, but don't need to visit it every trip. We have a deal. If I ride CoP she has to ride Small World or Living with the Land. She doesn't like either of those.

We do agree that Philharmagic is pretty awesome, though. Love that one.

We love Contempo Cafe. Before Be Our Guest opened, we used to pop over there for lunch instead of eating in the park. Great food and welcome break out of the hubbub.

 

[jecskc]

We love Chef Mickey! We've only been for breakfast, though. Glad y'all got a little bit of park time in after that long drive, and Wow! at getting that Pan FP!

I think I snagged it in the car as we were at a standstill on the Florida Turnpike. I knew we needed some park time for that evening. I was so pleased to get it!!

 

[jecskc]

KT will be so excited y'all enjoyed her favorite, CoP! (BTW...she was very excited you followed her on Insta.) She LOVES this attraction. Me, meh. It's fine. I enjoy getting out of the heat and sitting down, but don't need to visit it every trip. We have a deal. If I ride CoP she has to ride Small World or Living with the Land. She doesn't like either of those.

We do agree that Philharmagic is pretty awesome, though. Love that one.

We love Contempo Cafe. Before Be Our Guest opened, we used to pop over there for lunch instead of eating in the park. Great food and welcome break out of the hubbub.

Excited to be following KT on insta.

I like the classic attractions. There is always something new I notice when I go on. DD won't do COP, so it was nice to sit with DH and enjoy it. We missed IASM this trip. The wait was always insane - 45 minutes or more.

I'm not a big BOG fan. It seems over hyped to me and not a must do for us. it's OK, but after experiencing both lunch and dinner there, I'm good with not knocking myself out to get a ressie. The kids don't really like the food there, except the desserts. We loved the convenience of the Contempo Cafe.

 

[vikkil70]

Just found your trip report and it's great so far. I understand all about the drive. We drove from Northern PA the first time we took our boys in 2010 and it was about 18 hours. Going down we stayed overnight in GA, going back DH decided we should just press on and keep going so we drove straight through and were exhausted since we did not leave MK until 1:00PM. Never again. Now we are in Virginia and the drive is about 12 hours including an extended stop for lunch so that we do all in one shot.
Can't wait to read more.

 

[pktbMouse]

Would love to try a monorail hotel at some point but right now its just not in our budget...we think we are doing well getting into CBR lol Looks like it was pretty busy but then is always busy 1st week in June when we go every year.. and yes! how wonderful not to deal with the heat!! I can only imagine!! We seriously thought about Disneyland this year to avoid that heat but it never materialized. We love the people mover its a good sit down and rest. Loving your TR so far

 

[amy1115]

Loving all your pictures! I also understand the long drive. We usually drive from Southern Oklahoma which is about a 20 hour drive at best. We're flying for our next trip and I HATE flying! However, it will give us two more full days at our happy place, so I'm just gonna suck it up! Can't wait to read more updates.

 

[jecskc]

Just found your trip report and it's great so far. I understand all about the drive. We drove from Northern PA the first time we took our boys in 2010 and it was about 18 hours. Going down we stayed overnight in GA, going back DH decided we should just press on and keep going so we drove straight through and were exhausted since we did not leave MK until 1:00PM. Never again. Now we are in Virginia and the drive is about 12 hours including an extended stop for lunch so that we do all in one shot.
Can't wait to read more.

Driving straight is rough, but if DH will do the driving, I'll do the riding. It was worth it!! Thanks so much for following along and taking the time to say hello!!

 

[jecskc]

Would love to try a monorail hotel at some point but right now its just not in our budget...we think we are doing well getting into CBR lol Looks like it was pretty busy but then is always busy 1st week in June when we go every year.. and yes! how wonderful not to deal with the heat!! I can only imagine!! We seriously thought about Disneyland this year to avoid that heat but it never materialized. We love the people mover its a good sit down and rest. Loving your TR so far

Welcome!!

It is really great to stay on the monorail line. I hope you get to do it someday. But just being able to go and have a good time with your family is really great too. We've stayed at value resorts and deluxe and have enjoyed them all for various reasons.

It was busy, but we expected it to be.

I have always wanted to do Disneyland. I hope this is something we can do sometime. Now that we are closer to Disneyland than we used to be, it seems more of a possibility.

thanks for following!!

 

[jecskc]

Loving all your pictures! I also understand the long drive. We usually drive from Southern Oklahoma which is about a 20 hour drive at best. We're flying for our next trip and I HATE flying! However, it will give us two more full days at our happy place, so I'm just gonna suck it up! Can't wait to read more updates.

Hey Amy!!

thanks so much for following along!!

I think travelling in general is aggravating. Whether it is flying or driving. I often wish I was like the genie in I dream of Jeannie and I could just fold my arms and nod my head and "bling" we would be there - haha. I wouldn't mind looking like her either.

I agree - all worth it for our happy place.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Looks like a great start to your day!

 

[jecskc]

Looks like a great start to your day!

It was a great day. Thanks for following!!!

 

[jecskc]

Day 2 – Part Two

After experiencing a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow, we met up with DD at Casey’s Hot dog for some lunch.



DD and DH went to find a table while I got in line. It was straight up crazy town in there.

DD and I each got

Hot Dog Meal - with French fries $8.99

I just like a plain hot dog, maybe with some ketchup. I know. I’m boring.



DH got

Chili Cheese Dog - topped with chili and shredded cheddar cheese $10.79
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And as you can see, he hit the toppings bar for some extra taste.

Just a simple hot dog lunch. We liked it.

We cruised the gift shop and then headed over towards Adventureland.



Careful – he spits.

DD had found a shirt she wanted in Agrabah Bazaar, so I got it for her. Some shop décor.



I just love these little vignettes. Fun little theme.

DH and I had never seen the Country Bear Jamboree. And every trip, I try and do one thing that I have never done before. And this was it.

DD was not interested, so she took off to take more photos on her own.






Y’all – I just loved this little show. It was so fun and I loved how the audience was so familiar with it and that they sang and clapped along. What a little treasure. I can’t believe we never took the time to do this one.

After that, it was time for a Dole Whip for me.



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YUUUMMMMM!!

DH and I shared this.

After that, we met back up with DD to ride our last fast pass of the day, which was Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.



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Yay!! After that, we headed back to Bay Lake Tower to rest a little and get ready for our dinner that evening, which was at California Grill!!

 

[Pixie Princess]

I can't believe you've never been to the Country Bear Jamboree, and whAt kind of friend am I that I never drug you there??!! I LOVE the Jamboree! "Mama don't whoop little Buford."

Mmmm...Dole Whip.

 

[jecskc]

I can't believe you've never been to the Country Bear Jamboree, and whAt kind of friend am I that I never drug you there??!! I LOVE the Jamboree! "Mama don't whoop little Buford."

Mmmm...Dole Whip.

I always wanted to try it, but the kids were like - that will be boring - so we would just pass it by. Glad we got a chance to knock another thing off our list that we have never done. Still need to do Hoop de Doo as well.

 

[Pixie Princess]

I always wanted to try it, but the kids were like - that will be boring - so we would just pass it by. Glad we got a chance to knock another thing off our list that we have never done. Still need to do Hoop de Doo as well.

A - We definitely need to do a girls' trip.
B- Hoop Dee Doo will be on the agenda.

 

[jecskc]

A - We definitely need to do a girls' trip.
B- Hoop Dee Doo will be on the agenda.

DD and I would love that so much!!

 

[jecskc]

Day 2 - Part Three

After a fun day at Magic Kingdom – our first full park day – we headed back to the resort to get everyone together for dinner at California Grill.

We enjoyed a glass of wine on the balcony while my hair was air drying after a shower.


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Once everyone was ready we headed back across the skyway.

Fun carpet in the hallway




We checked in here.



After that, they take you upstairs in their special elevator to the 15th floor where we were seated right away.

It was DH’s birthday that week, so we were celebrating.




DH got some wine. I think it was a merlot, but I can’t remember.



I got a lemon drop martini



I love me some lemony vodka drinks.

The kids got sodas and the bread came.



This was a mixture of sourdough rolls and a lavender focaccia, I believe. Both were good, but we tried not to fill up.

DD is pretty much the pickiest person alive, so she got macaroni and cheese. Rather than waste 2 TS credits on her entrée, we paid for hers out of pocket.

House-made Macaroni & Cheese $9



She loved this.

The big kids each ordered

Oak-fired Filet of Beef - Gruyere, black truffle, and caramelized red onion risotto, roasted baby carrots, herb salsa verde $49


I imagine they liked it. They ate everything, said thanks and took off for the Magic Kingdom for the night. DH was irritated that they left, but I was sort of thankful to not have to deal with them, so I was good with staying and taking my time enjoying my dinner.

I was tempted by the filet myself, but I wanted to try something different. DH and I both ordered.

Slow-braised Boneless Beef Short Rib
Piquillo-Cheddar Grits, Autumn Root Vegetables, Gooseberries, Red Wine Jus $49




This was delicious!! We enjoyed every bit and we were full.

But – hey – we still had dessert coming. And since the big kids had already left, we were getting their desserts as well. Since we paid for DD’s mac n cheese out of pocket, this meant we had four desserts coming for three people. DD loves the kid’s sushi that Cali Grill always does, so she ordered that.

California Grill Signature Puffed Rice Sushi $7.00




This is basically rice crispie treats, fruit roll-ups and Swedish fish, but she loved it and was happy. We sometimes make this at home for fun.

Me?? I had to have some chocolate.

Chocolate Pudding Cake

Luscious Chocolate Cake with Nutella Filling, Meringue Kisses, and Chantilly Cream $14





This was a fabulous mixture of sweet and salty and mixed textures. Very rich and very delectable.


DH got some kind of blueberry cheesecake that I can’t find on the menu.





He loves berries and said this was very good.


We still had one more dessert credit, so we got the


Warm Homemade Fritters - apple-stuffed, Cinnamon-dusted Fritters complemented with a Trio of Dipping Sauces $13





These were amazing warm doughy carbohydrate goodness. We didn’t eat all of them, but we tried our best. We were so stuffed.


They brought DH a birthday cupcake





He ate this a few days later and said it was sort of like Boston cream cake or pi or some such. He said it was really good though.


I believe our waitress’ name was Leah and she was lovely. We really enjoyed our meal here.


After dinner, we were beat and headed back to the room to rest up for the next day – EPCOT!!!