The "I Wasn't Going to Do a Trip Report" Trip Report!~May 2015-Update 5/10/16-New TR link!

[KatMark]

It's always better to plan extra time just in case you need it with Disney transportation (or drive like we do and not worry about it).

We've still never been to Cali Grill. Nicki and I were talking yesterday and we were going to book it for October, but we decided to stick with the two reservations we have at Flying Fish and Yachstman and GRAZE at Epcot the rest of the time.

Pretty picture of the monorail, and pretty pictures of Wishes (that first one is awesome ).

I can't spend that kind of money on a purse. And I prefer my Vera Bradley's...so much lighter. I'll be curious to see if you get it.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

You never know how many people can actually fit on those boats until you cram them all in!

And I hate how Walt is in a box!

OMG! I KNOW!!

The pictures are nothing compared to what it looked like in real life!

Don't you hate when that happens?

Eventually I told myself we would be back another time, and if it was still there, I'd get it, and if not, it wasn't meant to be. I just couldn't decide if I liked how big it was and if I'd use it or waste almost $400 on a huge, heavy purse.

Wasn't it possible to ask a cm to remove one for you to try if you were seriously considering one?

 

[mercydisney]

Just started reading your trip report. I am the kind of person who never realize how beautiful Disney is. I just go for the rides and atmosphere. Thank You for pointing out the scenery. I am definatly going to take my time and enjoy my surroundings in ''88" days.

 

[Dugette]

Hi, Jen!

I'm late, but I'm here and caught up! Love your report, as always!

 

[Elevationist]

GASP! Your Cinderella Castle photos are GORGEOUS!!!

 

[cinderkelly]

Your dinner at Cali Grill looks super yummy! I'm a sushi person too, so I'm totally checking out your DH's sushi plate

Once again, beautiful pics! I love the angle of your castle pics

Oh the Dooney bag debate, can't wait to hear how this one turns out. I'm a sucker for handbags but would also have a hard time with the price tag on that one. Too bad they didn't have a smaller version of it.

 

[Mrs T 2009]

Ok, to start off, I'm still in wdw, currently relaxing in our POLY studio while little monster sleeps and I LOVE IT!!!
(I don't want to go home Saturday )

Moving on, I have a hot minute to catch up on the DIS!

Ah, LOVE California's grill and their sushi!! And had sushi at kona last night- amazing!!!!! ' OHANA tonight- yum bread pudding!!!

We haven't done Ellen's ride in like 4 years? That's a ride to do when it's sweaty hot out and you NEED time out of the Sun.

We seem to always hit wishes in fantasyland lately. It's awesome to see fireworks I've the castle and beasts castle.

That dooney and Bourke is cute!!! Wish it wasn't so pricey! Haha

I need some.disney popcorn! Haven't had any yet I think I want a special bucket/ container. We are at MK tomorrow night ans Saturday before we leave, so I gotta get some then!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I'm thrilled that your migraine went away! I actually had a few headaches on this trip (I'm usually fortunate enough not to have any) so I feel your pain (but only slightly, thankfully). I think the heat, humidity, and possible dehydration don't help headache or migraine situations.

I'm glad I'm not the only person that takes five million pictures of the Epcot ball!

Now that I've seen the Wilderness Lodge in person, I agree that it's a STUNNING resort.

So, we'll just have to see if you ended up going back for the Dooney? That's fun that you found them - it seems like the Haunted Mansion bags are tough to find!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Love dinner at the Cali Grill ... and I always get the pork as well. I think I actually preferred the old version when you only got pork 1 way - but you got more or the polenta. yum! And how nice to get the free dessert!

Sounds like a nice evening in MK. I still need to get to ride the Mine Train at night - I know I enjoy BTMRR much more at night.

I know the Tangled Toilets are popular but I never thought Disney would get so crowded that you needed a FP+ to Pooh

I love, love watching Wishes from behind the Castle ... really makes you fee like you are "in" the fireworks.

Oooh, very cool pictures with the moon and the castle!

Those do look like cool bags, er, purses ... but definitely seems like something that if you are going to drop $400 on it you need to be 100% sure about it!

 

[deedee2177]

I'm all caught up. I'm so sorry to read you had a migraine that first day. I suffer from them as well, and I'm a firm believer in popping some excedrin migraine as soon as I feel "the twinge". However, there are times like you described that it just doesn't seem to help! Don't feel bad about crying on the side of the bathtub...been there done that (well not at WL, but have just gotten so frustrated that you have to let the tears flow)!

So, glad the next day was a migraine free...that makes any day better let alone a Disney Day. Your Cali Dinner looks super yummy! The Castle pictures....AMAZING!

I have to admit I may or may not have the same obsession with the HM D&B bag!

 

[Nermel9]

Okay, now I have to join in to catch up with YOUR TR!!! Just subbing now and off to bed. Hopefully I will find time tomorrow to catch up!!! So excited!

Yay so glad you're here and back on the DIS!!!

OMG I LOVED having a boat to and from the Contemporary!!! But I also totally get the unknowing-ness so leaving early was a great plan. I really found those boats to be really unpredictable. But such a fun way to get around.

I though the same thing. They were big though, I'll give them that.

Oh you HAVE to wear an anniversary button. It's the law!!

And this is how we learn!!!! Desserts are good.... FREE desserts are superb!!

THIS! I loved my trip dearly, but if there was one thing that I could point to as being a Debbie Downer, it was Walt in a Box. Seeing a much better hub is probably one the things I'm most looking forward to next trip.

Um, I think you're being WAY too hard on yourself Jen. These photos are lovely.

Awww I love that. It always tickles me too when you notice other people noticing the same thing. The community we share.

I'm a Spectro guy too Jen, but I do have a soft spot for MSEP as well. So retro.

WOW! I remember the craziness when that first launched. And I am NOT someone who would notice such things generally. To have one RIGHT THERE is pretty shocking. Now I'm curious to see if you ever gave in.

I love the WL boats, the one to MK is usually pretty reliable, but the one to the resorts is weird, you never know which direction you're going to go!

I was happy we got an anniversary button, I kinda wanted to ask for one at the WL but I didn't want to be annoying, so it was nice that this CM gave us one!

YES! I was so happy to get this dessert!

Yeah Walt in a box was just depressing. I can't wait till the hub is finished. I'm so sick of construction at MK. I feel like they're constantly messing with it. I know it will be worth it I'm just so tired of it!!

I ended up liking MSEP a lot more on this trip. And I remember watching it way back on my first trip when I was 7, so it's cool that it's still there, but the music to Spectro is like, the best music ever!

Haha, we'll see!!

You never know with Disney transportation. Sometimes, the one bus you need takes an hour to get there and drop you off where you need to be. Other times, you can hop from the TTC to the MK in 5 minutes. It's so unpredictable, so I get you wanting to leave early just in case. Besides, the CR is a fun resort to walk around and explore.

Your dish looks really good! I'm glad it was just as good as last time, and how awesome that they brought you a dessert for your anniversary. That's a nice surprise.

The ice cream at the Plaza is amazing! I love it and have to get it every visit. There's just something about an ice cream sundae in the Mk that makes it extra yummy.

Oh, wow, those Disney Dooneys look so nice! I haven't seen the Haunted Mansion one very often in the parks. I guess it's because they are so neat looking.
But I can understand your hesitation with buying one. They do look really big.
And for the kind of money the cost you want to be absolutely in love with the bag. I'm sure if they had a hipster version of the design you'd have been a lot more willing to spend big bucks on it.

Yeah I didn't mind being at the CR for a little while, I love it there!

Cali Grill never disappoints! It almost gets better every time we go! And the dessert was awesome, so nice of them!

I don't know why I was craving ice cream that night, but it was just so good!

I never see that HM bag in the parks, and I've been looking for years! And for it to be in front of me, just like that was crazy!

What an amazing MK day!!! And such a perfect dinner at CG....sigh..wish I could get an ADR there! The creme brule looked fantastic (and even better because...FREE! I totally agree with you on the FP+...they are awesome when you are actually using them and seeing that you are bypassing the line...BUT it is SO hard to do so much planning up front and know where you will be and what you will want to do months in advance...that's what I find hard about it all. But in practice once it's done I'm usually ok with it. What amazing pictures you got of the fireworks!!

Are you trying to get CA Grill, but it's booked? Just stalk, lol! Something always seems to open up!

I didn't mind FP+ so much on this trip, but there were times I was wishing for the old system. But at least I don't hate it anymore, now I kind of understand it a little better!

Thank you!

 

[Nermel9]

Oh my gosh. ARE they doing away with resort specific cupcakes? Contempo, do not do this to me. Also, BRING BACK THE PEANUT BUTTER CUP CUPCAKE PULEAASEEEEE.

Anyways...

Aww I love that the CM made yall those cute buttons! I love when CMs go out of their way to do stuff like that. Little things like that really mean a lot!

The food looks so good! So glad yall enjoyed it. And FREE DESSERT. Yessss.

That sounds like a really cool Wishes experience! I can barely stand watching it from Main Street anymore. There's like no room to breathe! And people are always holding their cameras up and blocking your view, ugh. And ya know, Wishes is magical no matter where you watch it from! Hehehe.

Those pictures of the castle and the moon, oh my goodness, so beautiful! It must have been so incredible to see in person!

Oooh, that Dooney. I'm intrigued to see if you ended up with it!

DANG I just realized how long this comment is! Hahaha. But I'm trying to fill the time until my plane boards so... DEAL WITH IT.

I don't know!!!! I hope not! I know they still had the s'mores one at the WL, but the cupcakes at the CR looked really boring!

That was really nice of the CM, she was so excited to make us those buttons! I love super excited CM's!

Yeah I'm not a huge fan of watching Wishes on Main Street anymore either. It is nice that there is that FP section now, though!

It was pretty awesome to see the moon over the Castle like that!

Hmm, we'll see!

Oh man...I just realized you wrote this on your way to Disneyland, and now you're already home!!!

Following along! I actually had to sigh at some of your pictures of the sunsets. Disney sunsets ARE the best. It made me want to zap myself there and just feel the sun on my face.

Haha, well thanks! I love Disney sunsets, I kind of obsessed over them on this trip much more than I normally do! They were just so perfect the whole week!

Your dinner at California Grill sounds amazing!!! What a great way to celebrate your anniversary!

Love the Castle shots - you can never have enough!

I'm anxious to see whether you got the Dooney or not...

It was, I love Cali Grill!

Thanks! Haha, I have so many pictures of the Castle and Spaceship Earth it's kind of ridiculous!

Maybe...

It's always better to plan extra time just in case you need it with Disney transportation (or drive like we do and not worry about it).

We've still never been to Cali Grill. Nicki and I were talking yesterday and we were going to book it for October, but we decided to stick with the two reservations we have at Flying Fish and Yachstman and GRAZE at Epcot the rest of the time.

Pretty picture of the monorail, and pretty pictures of Wishes (that first one is awesome ).

I can't spend that kind of money on a purse. And I prefer my Vera Bradley's...so much lighter. I'll be curious to see if you get it.

We always drive too, but I love the boats at the WL so I used every excuse to take them instead of using the car!

Cali Grill is awesome! But Flying Fish and Yachtsman sound awesome too! I still have yet to try either one!

Thanks!

I don't normally spend that much money on a purse, I do have 2 Disney Dooney's but I agonized over buying them for the longest time! They weren't almost $400 though, like this one! I love my Vera's too!

 

[Nermel9]

OMG! I KNOW!!

Don't you hate when that happens?

Wasn't it possible to ask a cm to remove one for you to try if you were seriously considering one?

Walt in a box was so depressing!

I suppose, but I didn't want to bother them...but I did pick it up, kind of, and it was just SO heavy! It seriously felt like a suitcase!

Just started reading your trip report. I am the kind of person who never realize how beautiful Disney is. I just go for the rides and atmosphere. Thank You for pointing out the scenery. I am definatly going to take my time and enjoy my surroundings in ''88" days.

Disney is really beautiful, I could go and just walk around and not even go on any rides and be completely happy, just taking it all in the whole time! Once you start noticing the little things, it's hard to un-notice them! Have a great trip!

Hi, Jen!

I'm late, but I'm here and caught up! Love your report, as always!

Yay, , glad you're here!

GASP! Your Cinderella Castle photos are GORGEOUS!!!

Thank you!

 

[Nermel9]

Your dinner at Cali Grill looks super yummy! I'm a sushi person too, so I'm totally checking out your DH's sushi plate

Once again, beautiful pics! I love the angle of your castle pics

Oh the Dooney bag debate, can't wait to hear how this one turns out. I'm a sucker for handbags but would also have a hard time with the price tag on that one. Too bad they didn't have a smaller version of it.

It was! I know, I totally forgot to take a picture of his, but at least it's in the background!

Thank you!

I think they did have smaller versions at one point, but I didn't like any of those...I've always loved that huge one, but it was REALLY huge!

Ok, to start off, I'm still in wdw, currently relaxing in our POLY studio while little monster sleeps and I LOVE IT!!!
(I don't want to go home Saturday )

Moving on, I have a hot minute to catch up on the DIS!

Ah, LOVE California's grill and their sushi!! And had sushi at kona last night- amazing!!!!! ' OHANA tonight- yum bread pudding!!!

We haven't done Ellen's ride in like 4 years? That's a ride to do when it's sweaty hot out and you NEED time out of the Sun.

We seem to always hit wishes in fantasyland lately. It's awesome to see fireworks I've the castle and beasts castle.

That dooney and Bourke is cute!!! Wish it wasn't so pricey! Haha

I need some.disney popcorn! Haven't had any yet I think I want a special bucket/ container. We are at MK tomorrow night ans Saturday before we leave, so I gotta get some then!

I feel like you were in WDW forever! And the Poly! I'm jealous!

Yum, 'Ohana! I need to go there, like now!

Yeah I'm good with Ellen's ride for now...every one said it's a good place for a nap, but the seats were so uncomfortable! How could anyone sleep there?

Yeah I really like Wishes in the back of the park! It's SO loud!

Those D&B's are really expensive, but I think they're worth it, they're so nice! However, almost $400? That's a bit much...

I hope you got your popcorn!

I'm thrilled that your migraine went away! I actually had a few headaches on this trip (I'm usually fortunate enough not to have any) so I feel your pain (but only slightly, thankfully). I think the heat, humidity, and possible dehydration don't help headache or migraine situations.

I'm glad I'm not the only person that takes five million pictures of the Epcot ball!

Now that I've seen the Wilderness Lodge in person, I agree that it's a STUNNING resort.

So, we'll just have to see if you ended up going back for the Dooney? That's fun that you found them - it seems like the Haunted Mansion bags are tough to find!

Thank you! Yeah it's pretty easy to get a headache or migraine in Florida! I was lucky that was the only one, sometimes I'll get them 2 or 3 days in a row, it's so annoying!

Haha, I love the Epcot ball!

Yep! Just have to wait and see!

 

[Nermel9]

Love dinner at the Cali Grill ... and I always get the pork as well. I think I actually preferred the old version when you only got pork 1 way - but you got more or the polenta. yum! And how nice to get the free dessert!

Sounds like a nice evening in MK. I still need to get to ride the Mine Train at night - I know I enjoy BTMRR much more at night.

I know the Tangled Toilets are popular but I never thought Disney would get so crowded that you needed a FP+ to Pooh

I love, love watching Wishes from behind the Castle ... really makes you fee like you are "in" the fireworks.

Oooh, very cool pictures with the moon and the castle!

Those do look like cool bags, er, purses ... but definitely seems like something that if you are going to drop $400 on it you need to be 100% sure about it!

Yeah I prefer it the old way too, but whatever, I'm glad they didn't do away with it completely! I just wonder if you can ask for more polenta...hmm...

I love the Mine Train, but it's just SO short! BTMRR is much more fun at night!

I know, it just seemed like when we were there on our last trip, Pooh was always busy, so I just got one! Why not?

I love the fireworks behind the Castle! They surround you, and they're so loud!! It's also nice not being in that huge crowd!

Thanks!

Yeah, I definitely was not sure about that HM bag that night, so I didn't think it was the right time to buy it! It was so cool finally finding it though, I've been looking forever!

I'm all caught up. I'm so sorry to read you had a migraine that first day. I suffer from them as well, and I'm a firm believer in popping some excedrin migraine as soon as I feel "the twinge". However, there are times like you described that it just doesn't seem to help! Don't feel bad about crying on the side of the bathtub...been there done that (well not at WL, but have just gotten so frustrated that you have to let the tears flow)!

So, glad the next day was a migraine free...that makes any day better let alone a Disney Day. Your Cali Dinner looks super yummy! The Castle pictures....AMAZING!

I have to admit I may or may not have the same obsession with the HM D&B bag!

Thanks! Yeah I've been trying that, and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't! Crying is just no fun in Disney, but I was so aggravated, I didn't know what else to do at that point!

Cali Grill was awesome! And thanks!

Isn't that bag beautiful? I freaked out when I saw it right in front of me!

 

[Nermel9]

I'm Almost There!

Day 3, May 4!

Hi everyone! I feel like I haven't DIS'ed in a while, so I thought I'd try to get a quick update in tonight!

Just like the day before, I was up at 6. It was tough, since we got back so late from MK, but again, it's Disney so you just have to power through! I showered and then woke Brandon and I straightened my hair again while he showered and then we were on our way. We went to Roaring Fork again and got the breakfast croissant AGAIN

because whatever, it's good! And we were kind of in a hurry, because I had to get to MK early to see the opening show!

We went outside to walk to the boat, and it was just another perfect morning with that vibrant blue sky!

Pretty sure the boat came pretty quickly, or maybe it was already there when we got to the dock, because we were at MK before we knew it! We also got a pretty great spot right in the middle to watch the opening show, which I love! If I could start every vacation by going to the MK opening show I would, but sadly we didn't get to do this until Day 3! It just gets you so excited to be in Disney, you know?

I know every has seen a million pictures of the opening show, so I'll just put up a few, and they're probably out of order, because I was using my phone and I had Brandon use the camera, so I have like 3 pages on photo bucket to sift through!

How cute are Anna and Elsa?

Time to go in!

What's the first thing we did when we got in MK? Went to Starbucks, of course! I don't remember if I got anything, maybe iced tea? It was already too hot for a hot drink, and I didn't want a Frappucino so I'm pretty sure I got iced tea. I'm guessing Brandon got coffee but I have no idea, I never bother taking notes of what we get at Starbucks in Disney!

Then we went to the new Hub grass area! I remember walking by it the night before but I didn't really stop and look because I wanted to wait and see it in the light. This was my first time seeing it and I was nervous I would hate it, but I really liked it! It was pretty and fit right in with the MK theme, it makes MK look like a pretty garden now!

Once I got tired of taking pictures in the hub grass, we went over to Liberty Square, and we walked by Princess Tiana's meeting spot. There was a line of maybe 3 people, and she was due to come out any minute. I wanted to meet her soooo badly, but I'm so terrified of the princesses! So I went and sat by the flags in Liberty Square and tried to talk myself into it...I made Brandon get up so I could play around with the camera to get the settings right, if we did end up meeting her and took a million ridiculous pictures of him

Just when I was thinking, ok, I can be brave and go meet her, she came out and walked right by where we were sitting. And I was like "nope, forget it". She totally intimidated me.

I just feel so uncomfortable around them and their perfection, I feel like a big gross oaf next to them, and I don't know what to say so I never meet them. Someday. I hope.

We went to Frontierland next and went on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which was fun! Then we went on Splash next, I was nervous about sitting in the front and getting soaked.

Where do you think we sat? In the front. What do you think happened? Got soaked. I mean, it actually felt nice, because it was so hot, so the water was refreshing, but I hate walking around in wet pants. Luckily they dried quickly, but I was having another issue...

When we got splashed, water went right into my ear. I'm prone to ear infections, so as soon as I felt that I was like "oh no." When we got off, I shook my head like a crazy person to get it out, and it wouldn't come out. And my ear immediately hurt, like it was an ear infection. I couldn't feel it sloshing around in there like I would normally be able to when getting water in my ear, but my ear was clogged and it hurt. So I freaked out. I was thinking I'd have to go to a walk in center to get antibiotics or something. Brandon told me to give it some time, but of course, I was jumping to the worst conclusion possible. I googled how to get water out of your ear, and I went in the Tangled bathrooms and tried almost everything. Nothing was helping. So instead of dragging us out of MK and going to the nearest urgent care center, I decided to just give it time. We walked around for a while and soon enough, I was distracted and totally forgot about my ear, and it ended up being fine! I was so happy once I realized it was ok, because there's nothing worse than a stupid ear infection on vacation, and I didn't want to have to lose Disney time at a walk in clinic!

Ok I know this was a kind of short update, but it's getting a little later than I'd like and I still have laundry to do, so I'll end this here! Hopefully I can finish the MK part of the day later in the week!

Up next...more Magic Kingdom!

​

 

[Dugette]

If I could start every vacation by going to the MK opening show I would, but sadly we didn't get to do this until Day 3! It just gets you so excited to be in Disney, you know?

I really miss seeing this show! Haven't gotten it in since...well, I don't even remember, but it's been too long. Looks like you had a great view!

Beautiful!

I hate walking around in wet pants.

Me too - I always ask to sit in the back couple rows on Splash. We used to use ponchos on top of that, but have braved it without the last few trips.

and it ended up being fine!

So glad it was fine! You had me worried there!

 

[KatMark]

I need to catch the Welcome Show in October with Mark...I really enjoy it.

I love that you stopped at Starbucks first...just like us.

You really shouldn't feel uncomfortable with the Princesses. I used to be...I'm taller than most, but they are just "real" like us.

I love the new hub area!

Yay for Big Thunder and Splash. I'm sorry you got drenched and water in your ear. But happy that you eventually forgot about it and it was okay.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

I just feel so uncomfortable around them and their perfection, I feel like a big gross oaf next to them, and I don't know what to say so I never meet them.

That's understandable. What you need is an ice breaker to bring with you as a talking point. I recommend starting with 1900 park fare dinner. The step family are great characters to get comfortable with face characters.

 

[NinePoundLemon]

I LOVE the MK opening show! It's absolutely the best way to start the day. Oh my goodness I wish I was watching it right now.

I'm kind of the opposite of you with the Princess meets....I'm so much more comfortable with face characters than with fur characters. Obviously I look like crap standing next to a princess, but I can kind of manage to carry a conversation. With the fur characters, they always make motions and I can NEVER figure out what they're trying to say. I just stand there and laugh awkwardly until my husband rescues me and helps me out with what they were trying to say. My husband can always tell what they are saying, and other groups of people that I see meeting the characters always seem to understand.....but I'm just hopeless, haha!