The (Foodie)Force is Strong with Us...a Feb/Mar 2016 trip! THE END - NEW 9/13 Disneyland TR link!

[chunkymonkey]

Brrr!! We went in Sept last year and after that experience with the heat and humidity I think I will welcome some cooler temps in March... but hopefully not too cold!

Looks like a fun birthday night!!

It was definitely a much better experience being in cooler weather. The days were wonderful - they were warm and sunny. The evenings can get cold so I recommend at least a cardigan or jacket. It was just my birthday night that was super cold. Luckily it was not as bad during the rest of the week! If you're cold you can always put more layers on but when you're hot and humid...its not like you can get naked in the park, LOL.

Following! Love your reports, especially the food pics

Thank you so much!!

Awesome! Another trip report. I love reading about your adventures so thank you for taking the time to give such in-dept information and pictures.

Thank you!! I love to write about them! Thanks for reading!

You got some great photos in front of the castle! So pretty

A nearly empty park at the end of the night - a rarity! lol

Thanks! Yeah when it's the two of us we have to rely on selfies and the photopass photographers. It's our first trip with just DH and I where we've gotten the Memory maker. Usually it's more of a CS thing but I definitely thought we needed it this time.

Found your new TR so I am joining in! Happy Birthday!

Thank you!!!

Looks like it was a great day! I would love to go for my Birthday but mine is in July so it would be really HOT!! We were there for DH's B-day a few years ago and it was fun!

Yeah I would steer clear of July. I have been once, over 4th of July weekend. It was so hot and crowded! But maybe the weekdays will be a little better.

Nice lunch and dinner! Of course I am partial to the dinner since I really loved Ohana when we went on our last trip, but the new Morimoto looks really good too.

They were both great! We enjoyed lunch in a nice fancy spot then celebrated with AYCE at dinner! It was a great day! Thank you!

 

[chunkymonkey]

He does look cold! But at least the rides were empty!!

When DH makes expressions they are funny because he is usually doesn't make expressions in pictures. LOL.
It was cold that night! Not as cold as back home in NJ but we were just not prepared for the cold down in FL. Luckily it was not that cold the rest of the week.
The indoor rides still had a bit of a wait but not that long but the outdoor rides...empty...dumbo was empty and so was Peoplemover, Yay!

 

[JoAnnPan]

What a great birthday!! I guess a lot of people headed for the gates and their blankets after Wishes

 

[soniam]

Man, that does look cold. I was taking pictures at our local xmas trail of lights and realized that my hands were never going to survive taking pictures in Germany the week before xmas. So, I bought some running gloves that worked well for operating tiny camera buttons. They weren't warm enough to keep my hands out of my pockets forever, but I was able to take pictures without getting frostbite. I can't imagine it being cold, or so empty. Looks like a perfect bday celebration.

 

[chunkymonkey]

What a great birthday!! I guess a lot of people headed for the gates and their blankets after Wishes

Thank you! Yes that's our thought exactly. We actually saw quite a few people buy fleece blankets, the ones they had in the stores for purchase with purchase. Think it was between 10-15 dollars. They wrapped it around themselves because I don't think they anticipated the cold and were not prepared (think shorts and tshirts)

Man, that does look cold. I was taking pictures at our local xmas trail of lights and realized that my hands were never going to survive taking pictures in Germany the week before xmas. So, I bought some running gloves that worked well for operating tiny camera buttons. They weren't warm enough to keep my hands out of my pockets forever, but I was able to take pictures without getting frostbite. I can't imagine it being cold, or so empty. Looks like a perfect bday celebration.

Yeah it was the coldest night we've experienced in any theme park! But it was nice to have it to ourselves, especially the Peoplemover! When we go to Alaska I must remember my fingerless gloves so I can take pictures but still be somewhat warm!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Day 2 Part 1: Even princesses get cold too!

When we woke up the next day, we saw that CS was already gone. We didn't even hear her leave! I guess that's how soundly we slept! We got ready and headed out! We didn't stop for breakfast because I knew I wanted to get a waffle sandwich in Liberty Square later on, although DH did fill up his refillable mug with coffee at Captain Cooks.

Our first park today was back at MK where we would do stuff we didn't get to to last night, then we'd have an early dinner at Be Our Guest before heading to Epcot to watch Illuminations. Our FP+ today was BTMRR, 7DMT, and a meeting with Cinderella and Rapunzel. The forecast was supposed to be in the 70s today, yay, but the mornings and evenings were still a little chilly.

We did not make it for rope drop, but it didn't matter. It was not super crowded at MK today, or at least that was what the crowd calendar said. Think MK had early morning EMH the day before.

We headed over through Adventureland headed to Frontierland so we could make our first FP+. On the way though, we had to stop because Jasmine and Aladdin were there with no line! I don't have many character pictures in the parks with just myself and DH because we've not invested in photopass or memory maker before. But for this trip I did, so I channeled my inner Chunkysis and made sure we got as many pictures with characters as possible!

It was still a little chilly that morning, although it was nice when you were in complete sun. Jasmine was cold that morning so she wore a custom-made coat. I thought it was super cute!

Then we made it for our first FP+ at BTMRR. If course it wasn't crowded so we managed to go on twice, once waiting in the regular line for 10 minutes.

Such a fun ride. I love it so much!

Now we were a bit hungry so we headed to Sleepy Holly for some sustenance. I wanted to try the nutella waffle sandwich with fruit. It's been on my food radar for a long time, but somehow I've not gotten one on previous trips.

It was really good! Totally hit the spot for us! We shared it because I wanted to try some other things later and didn't want to get too full.

Next was a classic ride,

Darn piano wasn't working!

Here's the little ghost who followed us home:

We headed over to Fantasyland and realized that 7DMT was down. We had the option of waiting or exchanging our FP+ for something else. We decided to wait since we'd be at MK for most of the day anyways.

We took a quick break at Gaston's Tavern so I could try what replaced the roasted pork shank, the beef stew! Sigh. All I can say is that I miss that pork shank. The stew was fine, it just wasn't the tender fatty fall-off-the-bone shank.

And I can never resist the opportunity for a lefou's brew!

While I went to use the Ladies room, DH took this PP pic all by himself! He's learning...lol.

When I came back we took this other PP pic:

Now it was time to meet a few other princesses! We headed to PFH. 7DMT was still not operational and there was no ETA as to when it was. We still decided to keep our FP+.

Waiting for the princesses!

We got a photopass pic in front of The Little Mermaid. The day was warming up rather nicely at this point!

We headed over to Storybook Circus but the characters in the Big Top were a bit crowded and the line was approaching 25 minutes so we decided to hop on the train which was approaching the station.

On the train!!

Had to share another picture of my new watch! Sorry I'm going to bombard this TR with pictures of this watch. It looks cool in different light!

We decided to get off at Main Street so that DH could pick up some new cards for his SoTMK game. I honestly don't think he plays that extensively but he likes to collect the cards.

We saw mickey had a crazy insane line, like 85 minutes?!?! While Tinkerbell only had a 15 minutes wait. Tinkerbell it is!

Talking Mickey is soooo popular!

Tinkerbell was super cute and fun as usual.

Not sure why I'm making this face:

We both went to SoTMK so we could both get cards. I give my cards to DH.

He had to go check in at one of the story points each day he was at MK in order to get the next set of cards. You can't just go and get new cards every day if you don't' at least play one round of the game.

Then, since we were on Main Street, we got ourselves some yummy Casey's Corn Dog Nuggets!!

I went over to Starbucks to get an iced latte, and they must have seen my b-day button because when they gave me my coffee, they all sang happy birthday to me!

I'm sure everyone else was like, who's Su-Lynn??

DH had to go back to Fantasyland to check in for his game, so we got one PP pic in front of the castle. The annoying crane was there. I decided that MK pics at night was better because you can't notice the crane!

DH and I agreed to meet up in Tomorrowland after he was done.

7DMT was still down...do we ever get to ride it today?

Stay tuned!!
​

 

[amalone1013]

No complaints here because I am still loving the watch

Jasmine had her coat on when we met her last year in Disneyland too. I'd like to get more character pictures next time, but it'll probably be have to weighed with the wait times - we're going back to Disneyland this July I was voting for off-season, but we're going with family and that was the best time for them. Last year we got Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White, and hit Mickey & Minnie together on Main St right as the park was closing (I was super excited about that because it was my first trip ever, and DF proposed, so it was the perfect end to the day!)

I don't think I can wait so long (year and a half +) to do Disney World (and a cruise!) after your trip reports lol

 

[KathyM2]

I have to say...I've never had the corn dog nuggets....your picture somehow makes them look really appealing though!! Love your train pic!! I love that ride lol

 

[bcwife76]

85 minute wait for Mickey? Wow....he IS the most popular mouse in the world!

That first photo of you and Tinkerbell cracks me up....you've got a funny look on your face and what is she doing with her hands? Looking at pixie dust?

Hope you get to ride the 7DMT!

 

[soniam]

We just started playing SOTMK last trip, and I think we are hooked. Bummer about 7DMT, but yah that BMTRR wasn't busy.

 

[chunkymonkey]

No complaints here because I am still loving the watch

Thank you! Me too
It'll always be special because I bought it the day I turned 40! And because I bought it at WDW!

Jasmine had her coat on when we met her last year in Disneyland too. I'd like to get more character pictures next time, but it'll probably be have to weighed with the wait times - we're going back to Disneyland this July I was voting for off-season, but we're going with family and that was the best time for them. Last year we got Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White, and hit Mickey & Minnie together on Main St right as the park was closing (I was super excited about that because it was my first trip ever, and DF proposed, so it was the perfect end to the day!)

Wow sounds like quite the proposal! Congratulations! I'm totally going back to Disneyland this year. I haven't been since 2008. I don't even know what new stuff they have! All I know is that they don't use the magic band system and are still on old paper fastpasses. I did love DL and DCA though, I loved how convenient it was to walk back and forth between the two.

I don't think I can wait so long (year and a half +) to do Disney World (and a cruise!) after your trip reports lol

LOL, yeah it's a long time to wait, but I've waited since 1998 to take my first DCL cruise! I remember because I saw the ads on TV and totally wanted to go but I had just graduated from college and I couldn't afford it!

I have to say...I've never had the corn dog nuggets....your picture somehow makes them look really appealing though!! Love your train pic!! I love that ride lol

They are really good! I am not a huge fan of regular corn dogs, but the nuggets at Caseys...they are tons better, and crispy on the outside...so good!

85 minute wait for Mickey? Wow....he IS the most popular mouse in the world!

It was insane! It's like everyone that came into the park went into Mickey and there was no one at Tinkerbell!

That first photo of you and Tinkerbell cracks me up....you've got a funny look on your face and what is she doing with her hands? Looking at pixie dust?

I have no recollection of what she was talking about! And the photopass photog must have captured me reacting to her in some way, LOL!

Hope you get to ride the 7DMT!

Hehe, you'll have to wait and see!

We just started playing SOTMK last trip, and I think we are hooked. Bummer about 7DMT, but yah that BMTRR wasn't busy.

It's fun to collect the cards! We saw some people really into it with folders and folders of cards. One person held up her entire binder of cards at one of the interactive points...I'm don't think that's how you play the game...

 

[Dentam]

On my flight to DL and catching up on your trip report! Oh, those corn dog nuggets look good! I'll have to keep an eye out for them while I'm here!

I wonder why the crane was up during that time of the year? I know in the fall it's to put the holiday lights on the castle.

 

[BlvInMagic]

Enjoying the TR, as always

We just love the Starbucks on Main Street... it's a great blend of the real world in the Disney World! And so adorable of them to sing Happy Birthday!!!

 

[chunkymonkey]

On my flight to DL and catching up on your trip report! Oh, those corn dog nuggets look good! I'll have to keep an eye out for them while I'm here!

Hope you're having a great time!! I want to hear all about it! I forget...is DL Main Street the same as WDW Main Street? I forgot a lot about DL!!

I wonder why the crane was up during that time of the year? I know in the fall it's to put the holiday lights on the castle.

Beats me. I wondered about that too. I thought perhaps they were taking the decorations down, but that seems like a long time to take down decorations, then again the castle is very big!

Enjoying the TR, as always

Thank you!!

We just love the Starbucks on Main Street... it's a great blend of the real world in the Disney World! And so adorable of them to sing Happy Birthday!!!

It's great to have a Starbucks at each of the parks! Wait, I can't remember if AK had it's own...
I know, it was rather embarrassing but it was a nice gesture at the same time!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Day 2 Part 2: Will we ever get to ride Mine Train?

DH went to go play a few rounds of SoTMK game in Fantasyland and I headed to Tomorrowland where we would meet up.

I checked the MDE app and 7DMT was still down.

I love this Dumbo statue at the hub!

And I love the hub!! It's just so pretty!

Why oh why are you there, crane?

I tried to unsuccessfully hide the crane behind the pole.

Love this view too!

We met up at Monsters Inc because the wait wasn't too long for the next show.

DH texted a joke he heard on board the cruise to the number, but his joke didn't make it into the show. Maybe it made it into a subsequent show? Didn't realize there was a backlog of jokes!

Then we went to the Tomorroland Speedway!

DH and I went in separate cars and my car was terrible! It was acting up and really didn't do anything I wanted it to do. I ended up hitting the middle rail a lot which gave me a back ache! I felt like I just got off space mountain! DH's car seemed fine though.

Checked the app again...Mine Train still down.

Then we went on a ride that I have not been on in about 20 years...the teacups. It was a big mistake. I only went on it because it's a favorite ride of one of my sisters, not Chinkysis but Chunkytwin1. She loves them! So the plan was to videotape us on the ride and send it over, but pretty much the video was me yelling for dear life while DH kept spinning the teacup like he was the Mad Hatter.

Before the madness:

The aftermath:

Never again. Especially not with DH at the wheel. He thought it was very funny though.

Trying to shake off the queasy feeling I decided we should go take some character pics. We were near Merida so we got on line. It was a bit of a wait, but at least her area is shaded and there are cool things to see.

I love how cute Merida is, and I always tell her I love her hair. It's so voluminous and curly! I love it!

I also realize I should have worn some self tanner on my legs, they are so much paler than my upper body! I hoped that the color on my legs would at least catch up a bit during the week. That's what happens when you live in the Northeast and don't see much sun during the winter!

Mine Train still down.

No ETA of being fixed. Should we just wait or exchange our FP+? Maybe we could do Peter Pan? Well there were no more FP+ for Peter Pan anyways...so we just stuck with Mine Train.

We then went to Mickey's Philharmagic where I promptly dozed off a little bit. It's so cool and dark in there that it's hard not to, especially in the late afternoon after a full day at MK!

When we got out, we physically went over to 7DMT to see if it was up and running.

It wasn't.

The good news was that it would be up and running in about an hour. That put is close to our early BoG reservation but we thought we could make it. We still had some time to kill so we took some PP pictures.

Since I didn't want to go on anything "moving" after the teacups (until the Mine Train), I just browsed the stores, while DH sat in Pinnochio Village House to charge his phone and get some water.

A CM said he should take a picture with Chip n Dale because they'd get a kick out of his shirt, but their last meeting time had already passed. Whoops! I joined DH after a bit just to take a break and sit down.

Oh here's another gratuitous shot of my birthday bling. I wanted to show the little Mickey head charm. I think this is a great deal for watch since you get the 2 bracelets. I find I wear the bracelets more than the watch now!

After resting a bit we decided it was now or never for mine train! We headed there and guess what, it was up and running! Our FP+ was honored and we were on and off the ride very quickly! There was an initial crowd of people at the entrance because they had just reopened the ride.

Yay! Glad we didn't exchange our FP+ for anything else!

Here's our ride photo. The lighting isn't too great since the sun was setting so cast a weird shadow on the ride. And DH's face is blocked. So not a good ride photo.

We headed over to BoG for our dinner but they said there were running a bit behind so we'd have to come back to get a pager in about 15 minutes.

So I went to the Beauty and the Beast store and, oh look, they have my t-shirt as a picture!

W went back to get a pager, but they said they were able to seat us right away!

It is with deepest pride, and greatest pleasure that we welcome you tonight.
And now we invite you to relax, let us pull up a chair as the dining room proudly presents - your dinner!

Coming up...dinner at Be Our Guest!​

 

[Dugette]

Very cute pictures!

We weren't hungry so we just had drinks. I ordered the Cool Headed Monkey: Starr African Rum, Van Der Hum Tangerine Liqueur, fresh Lime Juice, Watermelon, and Pineapple Juice. CS got the Singapore Sling: Plymouth Gin, Heering Cherry Liqueur, Bénédictine, Cointreau, fresh Lime Juice, Pineapple Juice, and Grenadine.

Both sound tasty!

OK so our room number completely escapes me now but we were in the Tokelau longhouse on the 2nd floor. It was very close to the outside staircase. I really liked the building as it was convenient to both the main Ceremonial house as well as the TTC.

We stayed in Tokelau once and really liked the convenient location too.

Here's a pic of our room.

Thanks for sharing! I didn't know much about the new studios - had no idea they slept 5 and have 2 bathrooms - very nice!

OK so here's the reveal of the birthday gift I bought myself at World of Disney...

Very pretty!

The forecast was projecting it to be in the 40s!! Yikes! I've never been in Orlando when it's been cold! We just packed on the layers and hoped for the best!

The weather was trying to celebrate your 40th with 40's, I guess. We had one trip (Dec. 2010) where there was a pretty major cold snap. One night had a low of 28 degrees. It was SO cold. I was really glad that, since we'd come from MN in winter, I had my hat and scarf and mittens and jacket. The temps feel so much colder when you are outside so much too, like you are at WDW.

It was wonderful to see a classic nighttime show on my birthday!

Sounds like a great way to celebrate the big birthday! (I don't have any plans for mine, so I think I'll be spending the next 10 months just desperately clinging to my 30's...)

Fun picture!

Yum, I wish I could snack on that right about now.

While I went to use the Ladies room, DH took this PP pic all by himself! He's learning...lol.

Had to share another picture of my new watch! Sorry I'm going to bombard this TR with pictures of this watch. It looks cool in different light!

Well, at least you'll know what time things were happening, since you have so many watch pictures.

Then, since we were on Main Street, we got ourselves some yummy Casey's Corn Dog Nuggets!!

Okay, I would also like to snack on that now too. Ugh, I really want a late-night snack.

My car was terrible! It was acting up and really didn't do anything I wanted it to do. I ended up hitting the middle rail a lot which gave me a back ache!

Yeah, that's how that ride usually goes for me.

After resting a bit we decided it was now or never for mine train! We headed there and guess what, it was up and running! Our FP+ was honored and we were on and off the ride very quickly!

Glad it was finally up and running and you were able to board quickly!

 

[rndmr2]

Fun Update!! Glad it warmed up for you some

I Really liked that LeFou's Brew when I tried it on our last trip but I wasn't crazy about the Foam, I think I would ask for it without the foam. I am really sad that they took that Pork Shank away before I had a chance to try it. The beef Stew looks good though.

I can only do the Teacups if nobody spins the cup. I'm glad that the time I went with my DH we didn't spin it (he doesn't care for the spinning wither, luckily for me. I was talked into it by my nieces one year and they promised me they wouldn't spin it, well guess what they did after we were on?? I had to close my eyes the whole ride.

 

[Ruth B]

Loving your report and your watch. Happy birthday!!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Very cute pictures!

Thanks! I love his work! So glad I scored these.

Both sound tasty!

The drinks were good but strong. I would definitely like to try some others the next time.

We stayed in Tokelau once and really liked the convenient location too.

We were very happy with our building!

Thanks for sharing! I didn't know much about the new studios - had no idea they slept 5 and have 2 bathrooms - very nice!

Yup, it's similar to the split bathrooms on the cruises but a lot bigger of course (and 2 showers, one with a tub and one standing, only 1 toilet though). I thought the living space itself was a little small, especially in relation to the huge bathrooms, but it was fine.

Very pretty!

Thanks!! It was my splurge purchase! Well, one of many on the trip...

The weather was trying to celebrate your 40th with 40's, I guess. We had one trip (Dec. 2010) where there was a pretty major cold snap. One night had a low of 28 degrees. It was SO cold. I was really glad that, since we'd come from MN in winter, I had my hat and scarf and mittens and jacket. The temps feel so much colder when you are outside so much too, like you are at WDW.

Haha true! Yeah luckily we had some warm clothing, I just didn't want to wear my coat because it's bulky. But definitely the windchill made it feel a lot colder, hence no one want to be outdoors on the Peoplemover!

Sounds like a great way to celebrate the big birthday! (I don't have any plans for mine, so I think I'll be spending the next 10 months just desperately clinging to my 30's...)

Enjoy your 30s while you can! Actually being 40 is not so bad. 10 months if far away, I'm sure you'll plan something and have a splendid birthday whether it be at WDW or not!

Yum, I wish I could snack on that right about now.

Me too...sigh.

Well, at least you'll know what time things were happening, since you have so many watch pictures.

You're right!! I didn't even think about that! Hahaha, now I have a timeline!

Okay, I would also like to snack on that now too. Ugh, I really want a late-night snack.

Ugh, they are so good, and all I want is a tub to myself!

Yeah, that's how that ride usually goes for me.

Think some of those cars are in need of long overdue maintenance!

Glad it was finally up and running and you were able to board quickly!

Yeah, it became a waiting game and soon it was more about the mission of getting on the ride instead of wanting to ride it. But glad we did it in any case because I do love that ride!

Fun Update!! Glad it warmed up for you some

Thank you! Yes it was very different that afternoon from the night before!

I Really liked that LeFou's Brew when I tried it on our last trip but I wasn't crazy about the Foam, I think I would ask for it without the foam. I am really sad that they took that Pork Shank away before I had a chance to try it. The beef Stew looks good though.

My best friend went to WDW 2 years ago and she also didn't like the foam. I am perfectly fine with the foam, but I can probably take it or leave it if it was an optional thing. The stew was actually good, but I did miss that delicious pork shank.

I can only do the Teacups if nobody spins the cup. I'm glad that the time I went with my DH we didn't spin it (he doesn't care for the spinning wither, luckily for me. I was talked into it by my nieces one year and they promised me they wouldn't spin it, well guess what they did after we were on?? I had to close my eyes the whole ride.

Yeah my DH thought it would show the full effect of the ride on the video I was recording if he kept spinning. And I was so dizzy. Blech. I think I'll continue to skip that ride from now on....

Loving your report and your watch. Happy birthday!!

Thank you!!! Thanks for reading!

 

[cajunfan]

Whoo hoo for Mine Train being up and running!!