PTR/TR: He Can Call Me Flower If He Wants To... May 2016 (TR - Completed 7/1)

[bilnsheldodisney]

Seriously this morning was so amazing!! I hope they consider doing it in other lands. It'd really be cool if Tomorrowland had something like this!

I really wanted to add this to our August trip based on how fab you made it sound. Unfortunately, the dates they are offering it (Tues & Sun) just don't work out for us.

 

[mindylee847]

I really wanted to add this to our August trip based on how fab you made it sound. Unfortunately, the dates they are offering it (Tues & Sun) just don't work out for us.

Bummer! Maybe another time. I'm really hoping that they found this to be something that works for them and that they'll continue to offer.

 

[mindylee847]

Day 3 - Part 3: A Magic Kingdom Afternoon

After we finished up our breakfast, the crowds were filling up Magic Kingdom.

Our fastpasses for this day were:
Jungle Cruise 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Big Thunder Mountain 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Splash Mountain 12:15 - 1:15 PM

We made our way over to one of my very favorite rides since it wasn't exactly time for our Jungle Cruise fastpass yet.

Pirates of the Caribbean was only at a ten minute wait so we got in line. The wait was probably a little less than 10 minutes.

After a great ride on Pirates, we made our way over to Jungle Cruise. The skipper we had was engaging and fun. Apparently I didn't take too many pictures but we were stuck in the middle of the boat.

Around this point, I updated our last fastpass and changed it from Splash Mountain to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (12:25 PM - 1:25 PM) and our reservation for Skipper Canteen was made for 1:30 PM.

After Jungle Cruise, I decided to brave Haunted Mansion again. The wait was posted at 25 or 30 minutes and that was pretty accurate. This ride is very difficult for me now in the stretching room as those who have read my previous reports know, it suggests suicide and depicts the way that my dad did pass. Mike doesn't force me on it or anything like that but it is one of his favorite rides so it's just something I challenge myself to get through.

So... while I was really upset and tried to cover my ears and close my eyes during the one part... it actually wasn't the worst part of the queue. The worst part was the CROWD.

I'm usually pretty good for the most part but I can get really claustrophobic. It's one of the main reasons we drive instead of fly. We tried to wait in back and go in after the large group in our stretching room... but we weren't even out of it when they unleashed another group from the other stretching room. I was in a panic. My husband tried to be as comforting as possible and I was really out of it since pushing through that room in the first place. I think that going forward, it's a ride I'm going to either have to go on first thing at rope drop or late at night when lines are very minimal. So but after that I enjoyed the ride. I always do. It's why I push through everything.

We saw a photopass photographer after the ride so of course we got some pictures.

After that, it was time to make our way over to one of my other favorite rides in MK. It was my favorite mountain, Big Thunder!

We had fastpasses which was good because I believe the wait was about an hour or so. Our fastpass wait was still about 15 minutes.

After the wildest ride in the wilderness, it was time to make our way over to Tomorrowland. We cut through the hub.

We found another photographer on our way!

I absolutely adore this Olaf photo!

We made our way to the Peoplemover.

After our tour, we made our way to Buzz!

I think the wait was around 30/45 minutes so it was good to have our fastpasses. I was pretty bummed out on this ride. The one in Disneyland is so much better. I used to LOVE the ride here but I guess I'm spoiled now... and it shows in our picture.

Next it was time for our lunch at Skipper Canteen!! So back on over to Adventureland we went.

We were there about 10 minutes early and they gave Mike a new birthday button.

There's a really great part of the waiting area that looks out into Adventureland. I suggest sitting there while you wait!

We were seated not too long after we had checked in and given our menus.

For our drinks, we ordered the Punch Line Punch and the Schweitzer Slush.

Punch Line Punch and Scweitzer Slush

We were really sad to find out that they no longer have the souvenir mugs here. I really enjoyed the punch and Mike loved his slush. The slush was a bit too sour for my liking but I do love boba balls!

We were given the bread service.

Skipper Canteen Bread Service

I didn't really care for this. The dipping sauce was a very thick honey sauce. I don't really like overly sweet things for my meal unless it's dessert.

I was looking much more forward to our appetizer we ordered. Since we can't get enough of falafel on this trip clearly... that's what we ordered!

Falls Family Falafel

I really loved this! The sauce and everything went really well with the falafel.

Mike ordered the crew stew for his main dish. He must have enjoyed it because his plate was completely cleared!

Curried Vegetable Crew Stew

I ordered the soup they had on the menu. I didn't really want a soup since it was so hot out, but it was a veggie option that actually came with some protein - tofu!

Rice Noodle Bowl with Tofu

I asked for extra peppers since I wanted it hot. I really did end up enjoying this. Mike tried it and said it was like a spicy mint tea... lol! It was excessively minty but I didn't mind it. I would have also liked more tofu in the dish, but overall I would get this again.

We opted not to get dessert, but our server still brought Mike over a volcano dessert for his birthday.

Overall, we enjoyed our experience at the Skipper Canteen. Our server was punny and the food was good. I don't think we'd make this a regular dining experience just because there are so many great options that are counter service here at Magic Kingdom. Mike really loved all the details around the restaurant and we did take some time to explore. I'm bummed that not enough people are fond of the menu and I have heard that they'll be making it more... "acceptable" for the average park goer. I really liked the different options here.

While we were waiting for our food, I had made one last fastpass for us to do before leaving and heading out to Hollywood Studios for the rest of the afternoon... so we were on our way, back through the hub!

Our next fastpass took place at the beginning of Main Street and on our way to it, I wanted to pick up a custom Magic Band finally and pick up some new Sorcerer's cards. We've never actually played... but I have a good collection going. Maybe in October we'll finally get the chance!

We met the most wonderful CM from Canada who helped me get my band all set up. She was fun and engaging and just as excited about Disney as we are. It was a fantastic experience.

We made our way across the street to meet Magician Mickey!! The wait was 45 minutes but we were in within 10 minutes. AND HE CAN TALK!!

We were both impressed!

He was a little delayed and I was too excited and talked too fast, but it was a really cool experience. He also wished Mike a Happy Birthday!!

I wasn't sure about making this fastpass because I didn't know what to expect but it was totally fun and worth it! It also was a great option for a fourth fastpass. There were plenty left for the rest of the day and night that were available so it may be something I always snag as our fourth option.

After that... we were headed out of Magic Kingdom. It was already after 3 at this point and we wanted to make the most of our Hollywood Studios time!

All that and more... coming soon! I ran into my picture limit... again. lol!​

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like a nice rest of the morning/afternoon! I'm glad you got to try out Skipper Canteen and enjoyed it! Your pics with Mickey came out great, nice way to end your day at MK! Oh and I love the magic band you bought!!

 

[mindylee847]

Sounds like a nice rest of the morning/afternoon! I'm glad you got to try out Skipper Canteen and enjoyed it! Your pics with Mickey came out great, nice way to end your day at MK! Oh and I love the magic band you bought!!

It was such a fantastic time! Thank you!! It was really hard for me to finally decide on a band. I really also loved the Finding Nemo one. But I had to go with Chip and Dale. The other side has little acorns all over it! So hard to resist!

 

[mindylee847]

Good Morning everyone! Today is my BIRTHDAY!!!

So I don't really have time to make an actual update today since I've been working all morning and I'm heading out to play Bingo with my mom this afternoon, but I did want to let you know that while everything is really difficult right now... on Father's Day Mike's dad also ended up in the hospital and he needs to have surgery again on Monday next week... I'm pushing through and trying to be in a great mood!

Also - I started a Facebook group with one of my Disney friends and wanted to post a link in case you'd like to join. It's small now but it's all focused on rides and attractions in Disney! Brandy couldn't find a specific group on it and wanted to start one. Please feel free to request an add!! Click here!

It is my birthday after all.

 

[missangelalexis]

Happy Birthday to you!! I hope you have a great day!

Sorry to hear about Mike's dad. Will keep you in my thoughts.

 

[mindylee847]

Happy Birthday to you!! I hope you have a great day!

Sorry to hear about Mike's dad. Will keep you in my thoughts.

Thank you. <3 I appreciate it.

 

[mindylee847]

Day 3 - Part 4: A Late Afternoon in Hollywood

After our morning and afternoon in Magic Kingdom, it was time to head over to Hollywood Studios! I don't believe it took a long time at all for the bus to arrive at Magic Kingdom to take us over there. I really love that it's so easy to get from park to park. I remember it being a real pain a few years ago, but this was much easier than I expected!!

We were there no later than 3:30 PM and decided to stop for a photopass picture! (Of course.)

We also changed our shirts to match the Star Wars theme of the night!

We had reservations for the dessert party for the Star Wars fireworks show at Hollywood Studios. But that was it - no other real plans until that point. So we went in the gates and headed right for the Trolley Cart Cafe for a pick me up!

I ordered a Mango Black Tea Lemonade and I think Mike got a Black Tea Lemonade... even though he all of a sudden does love mango. And we found another photopass photographer.

We decided to make our way over to the Launch Bay to check out Disney World's version and compare it to the one in Disneyland. We were allowed in with our drinks but we couldn't go into the character lines with them so we explored the museum.

After looking around, we contemplated getting in the 45 minute line for Chewy and decided against it. We went on a hunt to find the Visa Cardholder line for Kylo Ren instead. We found the "guy with the clipboard" as instructed by another CM and it only took 10 minutes to meet him compared to the 60 minute line that the "regulars" were in.

After meeting Kylo in a very uneventful meet and greet, we ran into some jawas! Mike tried to trade a tiny hot sauce with them.

They couldn't accept it. My guess is because it's a food item but it was still a fun experience anyways!

After that we browsed the gift shop in the Launch Bay and didn't really find anything we wanted.

Overall, I think I like Disneyland's Launch Bay a lot more. While WDW has jawas, Disneyland has Boba Fett and a much better Kylo Ren experience. The layout is also more appealing to me at Disneyland as well since it's just a large open area whereas in WDW it's basically one big hall. We didn't see the movie though here and we didn't get a chance to meet Chewy so I can't really compare on that aspect. Both are great for sure, but of course I had to make that comparison.

When we stepped outside, we caught Captain Phasma leading the stormtroopers through Hollywood Studios so that was really cool. I then decided that I wanted to try and catch the Star Wars stage show that was going to happen soon in front of the Chinese Theater.

We waited in the shade for a while and when it started, moved in closer for a better view. There was no good viewing area here in the shade - at all. And it was HOT and BRIGHT on this afternoon. It just wasn't worth it for us. I had seen some of the show on a live stream before and decided it'd be better for us to get into some air conditioning.

I saw that the line for the Frozen Sing Along was moving into the theater so we hopped in line and just made it into the theater. We were in the back row right in front of the handicap seats right next to the sound booth. So at least we were still in the middle and we had an easy escape route.

This was actually a REALLY amazing show. I don't want to spoil much of it other than the few pictures I posted, but the storytellers were absolutely hilarious! We were so far back though and didn't have any kids around us so that may be why we had such a great time. My friend had gone before and she didn't really enjoy it because of all the screaming kids - I mean, she knew what to expect but she just didn't enjoy it as much as she had hoped. Mike was probably the loudest one around us. He was making the teenage girls in front of us die of laughter. We just had the BEST time. This is something we'll be going to see again on our next trip!

After that we contemplated the Star Wars stage show again... but I checked the app to see how wait times were around us and noticed that Toy Story was only at a 30 minute wait!!

YES!! The third track was open!

We ended up on the ride within 30 minutes AND we got to ride the new track. I found it to be a much smoother experience than I remember and the themeing there is also great. It works perfectly with the "old" side. The guns were also NEW and awesome!! It was such a great time. I'm so glad that their addition of a new track seems to be working on cutting down this wait time. I always loved going on this ride, but I could never justify a wait more than 30 minutes for it.

We also caught some wall art for the new Toy Story Land.

We were starting to get a bit hungry after all this fun, but I'm going to leave you here! Coming up... what snack do we get? How is the dessert party?? How are the fireworks???

Thanks again for reading! I'm getting close to the end of my trip report so it's making me sad. Have a Happy Thursday!​

 

[missangelalexis]

Cute PP pics!

I've never had much interest in seeing the Frozen singalong but everything I read says it's so fun! Maybe one day!

That is awesome that TSMM was only a 30 min wait!

 

[disneyguy4life]

it only took 10 minutes to meet him compared to the 60 minute line that the "regulars" were in.

Oh those poor "regular" people. LOL! I have to admit that sometimes I want one just for the character meet and greets.

 

[mindylee847]

Cute PP pics!

I've never had much interest in seeing the Frozen singalong but everything I read says it's so fun! Maybe one day!

That is awesome that TSMM was only a 30 min wait!

Thank you!!

Yeah I was never really sure about the Frozen Sing Along. I do really enjoy the movie but I'm not super hyped about it like some people.... I mean, I'm not really an Idina Menzel fan. But I do enjoy it and I think it's cute. I really think it helped to make it more enjoyable since we were all the way in the back.

And YES! I couldn't believe that wait time for Toy Story. I wasn't really planning on getting on any rides at Hollywood Studios that night so it was a really nice surprise!

Oh those poor "regular" people. LOL! I have to admit that sometimes I want one just for the character meet and greets.

I couldn't resist! I really love having the Disney Visa. I know people don't like having credit cards, but it's our only universal one and we pay it off every month. It's so worth it for the perks and bonus Disney dollars! Plus, you can get 10% off at certain resort restaurants AND on merchandise. It's the perfect card for a Disney addict.

 

[mindylee847]

Day 3 - Part 5: Star Wars Night!

After our ride on Toy Story Midway Mania, we needed to eat a bit of something since we still had a little while until the dessert party. I checked around by the lake but I couldn't find a veggie option that I wanted to try at the time so I decided that we should head over Writer's Stop.

We decided to go with a warm pretzel with cheese sauce - with two cups of cheese. Us Wisconsin folks don't joke about cheese.

Warm Pretzel with Cheese Sauce

This was really delicious! And the store wasn't packed... it hasn't ever really been when I've been there. It was so open actually that we were able to even get a table! There are only about five tables here so I was glad to be able to sit for a while and enjoy our pretzel.

After our pit stop, we started walking around again just enjoying the atmosphere of Hollywood Studios. We came across these promos for Star Wars Land.

After some browsing and shopping, we decided to check in on the dessert party. Apparently it's a good thing we did because we noticed that NOTHING was set up and it was only about 45 minutes until the party was supposed to begin. We were directed over to Playhouse Disney for the dessert party. There was a small chance of rain for the evening so the party was going to be indoors.

We checked in and got our wristbands and were told to come back in 15 minutes... so of course Mike and I just snagged a seat and people watched. There were some Stormtroopers out and about interacting with guests.

Not too long after, we were allowed inside and please forgive me but the lighting was AWFUL in here. Everything was lit up red or blue so my pictures are blurry and not very good of the foods and drinks available.

First thing we grabbed was some freeze dried nutella ice cream with raspberry and chocolate sauce.

This was really good!

There weren't really a lot of decorations and there were two buffet lines - one with sweet options and the other with more savory.... but my first stop was over by the drinks!

I started with the First Order Finale.

I enjoyed this drink - I actually ended up getting two of this one!

Mike started with the smuggler's coffee.

He didn't have much to say about it. It was fine.

Here's our first plates of the sweet options. We probably should have shared the plates. I was only able to eat some bites of each thing.

It was all pretty standard. Nothing stood out as amazing... nothing was bad... but it was your average dessert party food which to me, is not really that great. It's like a bunch of over the counter desserts.

Mike was also not impressed.

We went and grabbed the other two drinks: The Force and the Jakku Juicy Cocktail. Mike liked the Force - this one was strong! lol

They did also have juice available that you could get without the alcohol on the other side of the room. They also had water, bottled juices, sodas, and coffee.

Next we went up and got our savory options.

Everything had really fun and adorable Star Wars themed names. I'm sorry that I didn't take pictures of all the placards, but this place was crazy busy and I didn't really have the time to snag pictures.

Anyways - I found most of this plate to be far too salty for my liking. I don't really add a lot of salt to anything anymore so it was really abundant and obvious to me. Mike enjoyed these food items a LOT more than the sweet options. I thought the bread ration was really cute, it's the top middle in the plate. Too salty, but a really cute idea.

Mike was given this plate for his birthday. A woman was very jealous of his chocolate strawberry.

They also had some amazing looking bread pudding that was filled with every kind of candy you could probably think of... but we passed. We were just too stuffed and we wanted to head over before the massive crowd did so that we could snag a spot close to the edge in the front.

We went to grab our Chewbacca stein which I believe you could buy during Star Wars weekends last year and we headed out.

We got some really great seats... and this is the only picture I took of the fireworks. I wanted to be in the moment to enjoy them during the show.

Surprisingly, everyone continued to sit through the fireworks shows. AND THIS SHOW WAS AMAZING!! Mike and I were just totally in awe of the music and the timing of the fireworks. It's probably my favorite out of everything I've seen at Disney... which is saying a lot. The fireworks in Disney are just amazing... but I liked this even more than Wishes!

After the fireworks were over, we headed out to the buses and were back in our room within an hour.

Overall - I wasn't really too impressed with the price of the dessert party and the quality of the food. In fact, I ended up cancelling our Hallowishes dessert party after this just because that's two dessert parties now that I've been to and both times I've felt like I didn't get my monies worth. Even with alcohol included - I just didn't enjoy it. The desserts aren't very good to me and I did like the addition of some savory options - but they were just also not up to my tastes. I know some people really love these parties, but I'd rather grab some better food elsewhere and snag my own seat earlier and wait until the fireworks started.

Next up - Kona Breakfast!!... and a very sad decision we made, but had to.

​

 

[missangelalexis]

I'm sorry you guys weren't impressed with the dessert party. Sounds like you made the right call cancelling the Hallowishes one. But I am glad you enjoyed the fireworks!!

 

[mindylee847]

I'm sorry you guys weren't impressed with the dessert party. Sounds like you made the right call cancelling the Hallowishes one. But I am glad you enjoyed the fireworks!!

Right. The dessert parties just aren't for us it seems. We did the Wishes one back in 2013 and thought it was just alright. Back then the seats were reserved and we had great seats but there weren't any speakers so the entire show was muffled and I didn't care for the desserts then either. At least I know now. I'm glad that so many other people enjoy them, but I guess there has to be something that Disney does that I don't like.

And seriously those FIREWORKS!!!!! AMAZING!!!

 

[mindylee847]

Tonight I'm going to see Selena Gomez and DNCE at Summerfest in Milwaukee!! Hey, that's kind of Disney related. I'm just so excited!!

Anyways... ​

Day 4: Breakfast Goodbyes

So this morning we got up from our last night in Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I sure miss this place.

We had decided that we weren't going to go to Magic Kingdom after breakfast. We just didn't have it in us and with it being a holiday weekend, we didn't think it'd be worth it to fight the crowds for a few hours before driving a long distance.

I was able to snap a shot of one of my favorite advertisements on the way to the Polynesian.

It didn't take long to get over to the Poly. Maybe about 15 or so minutes.

Mike really wants to stay here one day.

We made it to our reservation at JUST about time for our check in.

We waited about three minutes before being called in to get our table.

We made sure to order water, Liliko's Juice, and a Kona press pot.

Lilikoi's Juice aka POG Juice

Kona Press Pot

We don't have a lot of coffee anymore. We actually kicked that habit after our Disneyland trip. So this was the first cup of coffee I had had since the beginning of March. I was only able to drink half of a cup. It's some INTENSE coffee, but so good!

We weren't able to finish it so our server did put the leftover in a cup for us for the road.

Mike ordered the egg white omelet.

Egg White Omelet - with Roasted Red Peppers and Goat Cheese

I had to order the macadamia-pineapple pancakes. I subbed fruit for the meat option.

Macadamia-Pineapple Pancakes - with Macadamia Nut Butter, Pineapple Sauce, and your choice of Ham, Bacon, or Sausage

OHMYGOD I LOVE THESE PANCAKES!! The whole reason I booked to go here was for these pancakes again. I had them back in November and they did not disappoint. I'm not a fan of the Tonga Toast here at Kona. That's what I had the first time I had ever been and it is just way too sweet for me... but this is the perfect amount of sweet. I couldn't recommend these more. I actually just canceled our Ohana breakfast reservation to go to Kona instead again in October. I just can't resist these!

Our server was a little slow and not that attentive, but overall we enjoyed our experience here at Kona Cafe. After breakfast we walked around and checked out the shops. Our plan was to kill some time and then hit the character warehouse on the way home...

But that didn't happen. After some time passed we just decided that we actually wanted to drive all the way home instead on this day rather than bother with stopping on the way home.

We had plenty of energy drinks and tea left and some extra Kona coffee so we set off on our way home around 9:15 AM ET. We made it home by 3:30 AM CT. WE ACTUALLY DID IT! I was delirious at the end but Mike was totally fine since he had the last full energy drink to finish up the leg. It was insane, but totally worth it. I was happy to be home and get my Monday back.

And that's it. That's our whole trip! I'll make one more post with my final thoughts and our souvenir pictures. Thank you again for reading!! ​

 

[disneyguy4life]

That was a great TR. I loved it!! Again, it makes me want to go so bad!! I can't wait for your final thoughts and pics. Keep it up my friend!!

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like a nice morning before saying goodbye to Disney! Glad you had a great breakfast! Kudos to you guys driving straight through, I can't imagine how tired you guys were!

 

[bilnsheldodisney]

i am going to miss reading your report! when are you going back?

 

[rosysubmarine]

This was a great TR, I had such a fun time reading it! I also requested to join that Facebook group, so hopefully there will be fun attraction chatting on there. Can't wait to see your souvenirs!