20th Anniversary Trips: "Saying Goodbye to Muppets" Disney World Edition (An April Trip Report)

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

We headed out and stopped in China to shop. We usually don’t stop in China and we wanted to make a point to stop in. Unfortunately I was really starting to feel the heat and was literally just looking for a place to sit down. And there really isn't anywhere to sit.

We did check out the chopsticks in the far back with names on them. No Ariella, Gwendolyn or Morgan… Morgan used to show up on things like that but I guess it is out of style already again. There was a place for Andy but there weren’t any.

The China store is actually pretty big but so hot! It has a lot of open doors so it was not very cool. So, I said we needed to head to Mexico, I was ready to sit on a ride for a bit!

We headed to Mexico and were greeted by the bridge to close. We were all very tired and hot at this point. We hid in the bongo area in the shade while we waited. We talked about what we wanted to do. We probably should have headed out at this point but this was kind of our only day for EPCOT stuff, so we talked about pressing on.

We finally made it over the bridge and to Mexico and into Mexico right at 5:00. (so we had been in the parks for a long time!)

We headed directly to the ride.
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

We got to see the updates they made to the ride. Nothing really stood out but it did feel fresh and new.
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

After our ride through Mexico, we decided for a few snacks.

Andy and Morgan waited in line at the Margarita stand for the beef empanadas and Andy got a regular Margarita.

Meanwhile, Gwen and I headed into the Odyssey Pavillion to get her Orange Shrimp and grab a table. It was pretty quiet in there and were able to grab a table with no problem.

5:15 PM: Got Orange Shrimp & Empanadas
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Sat inside and cooled off. Morgan and I split the Empanadas and Gwen ate most of the Shrimp. Highly recommend the empanadas from the margarita stand. They are excellent and way better than the ones across the way at the counter service. Also, sorry for my lack of photos. I was def feeling the day and it shows in my lack of photos.

Gwen loved the Orange shrimp, she had it last year and enjoyed it again this year.

We really enjoyed just sitting and resting. We discussed again what we wanted to do. At this point I had stacked a few LL to use and we wanted to do those at least. I think we had the following LL lined up: Figment, Soarin, Spaceship Earth. We did sit for awhile and really try and recharge ourselves.

We eventually did headed out. As we walked across to Soarin, Morgan found a tiny Jesus at the sculptures as we walked access. It was fairly random.
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

We headed to Soar’n first as our LL window was open.

Gwen requested a bathroom break even though we were JUST chilling in a place with a bathroom. But Morgan took the time to text her friends about her new friend.

We finally headed in.
by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
When we first got in line, and it seemed like no one is line. And then we found the line and it was not moving. Sigh and it was early on in the line. I was slightly worried by this but we all just sat down since that area is technically carpeted. And of course I waited to sit down and literally as soon as I sat down we started moving….

We got fed right into a que instead of waiting in one of the separate hallways before getting in the que. Not sure if that is new or not. But basically waiting where we were wasn’t that bad. Thankfully.

I love Soarin’ but it does take a while to do. We were front row but far right. We did get to see the new updates, less leaning eiffel tower and the updated ECOT area. The girls were excited about that. Although they said the Eiffel tower was still bendy….

After Soarin’ we headed to Figment next.

There was ZERO need for the lightening lane but we used it for the "Poops and he he’s" as Gwen says.
by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
We got our own “car”

Figment is always fun but it DEF needs updating!
by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

The last scene was not working and you could see the big reveal before the big reveal.

The area where you get dumped out into was DEAD. Character meats were done for the day and the interactive stuff is just not worth doing any more.
by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
Gwen tried to man both sides by herself.

After that we were headed to use our spaceship earth LL. But we noticed Nemo has a 10 minute wait as we were walking by. Gwen asked to go in.

It was 6:56 PM and they had a sign that the pavilion was closing at 7:00 PM so we were getting in right before it closed.

We basically walked right on. There was no one there but that que is long and hard to skip certain part!
by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

It is a nice ride but just over shadowed by so many things in EPCOT. Morgan did comment that she was feeling better now that we were riding rides again and getting to sit more again.
by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

We basically had to leave the pavilion after that, as the pavilion was closed. They had CM kindly directing folks towards the exit. They weren’t messing around. Gwen wanted to find Mr. Eel but that would have to be another time.

by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
Andy did poke into the gift shop area and asked Gwen if he could buy this hat.

by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
Gwen said no....

We headed to Spaceship Earth next for our last LL.
by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
It was empty at the front of the park and I was hopeful that we could get on Guardian's later.

by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

It was 7:15 PM There was no one in line here either, so we just went in the regular way. And we on in no time.

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
Morgan took a picture of her baby Jesus with Space Jesus.

by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Spaceship Earth has nice as always. It didn’t get Andy’s head again for some reason.
by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
Which was hilarous.

At this point, we weren’t exactly sure what we wanted to do. I needed to use the ladies room, so we headed to Connections Cafe to use the rest room there. The girls and Andy grabbed a seat and looked at food options while I used the ladies room. When I came back, Andy said he was starving and wanted something to eat. He had been debating about finding the chicken and waffles food booth or just eating here. And he decided to eat here.

It was about 8:00 by now and the eatery wasn't that busy but it took forever for our food.

Andy ordered the French Bistro Burger
Gourmet Beef Blend, Caramelized Onions, Bacon, Brie, Mushrooms, Dijon Mayonnaise, Toasted Brioche Bun
And a side order of Black Garlic, Truffle, and Parmesan Fries
French Fries topped with Black Garlic-Truffle Aïoli and Parmesan
And a soda.

We were also pretty tired by now, so no pictures of the food.

We found a table near Guardians side and we could see the line to go in the ride. We were talking about hopping in line after Andy ate. But the line was still 75 minutes. At one point it dropped down to 65 but went back up almost immediately.

Andy’s food was eventually ready. His burger was pretty good. And the Truffle fries was just enough for us all to snack a little. The girls and i had eaten a decent amount of food but Andy’s hasdn’t really eaten much.

We sat there for awhile. It felt like we were trying to convince ourselves to get in line for Guardians. We also talked about seeing Journey of Water. Andy and Morgan missed it at night last time and it was nice to see at night.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

We ultimately decided on skipping Guardians, the line was still outside so we figured the wait was pretty accurate. And just check out Journey of Water and then head back to the hotel.

We eventually headed to Journey of Water
by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

The sun had finally set and it felt much better out. We walked though Journey of water.
by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

It wasn’t as magical this time as there was still a number of folks in it. But it was still nice.
by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr


I pulled out the treats from Germany and we had a little bit of the popcorn I had gotten. Morgan said she was saving her treat for breakfast. We all relaxed and were probably in bed 10-ish. We wanted to be up early tomorrow!

 

[Disney102015]

The weather is just toying with us here, it has been warm and beautiful while we are working and then turn meh the second it's the weekend

Ugh, same here in Boston! 13th rainy weekend in a row, while it’s hot and sunny on our work days. Such a bummer!!

Morgan and Gwen pretty much love everything Japanese, Anime, voacaloids, video games..... So, they were ready for the food booth in Japan

My son is the same way - the Japan department store is always the highlight of his trip! He isn’t into the Japanese food, though, he’s super picky. Good for your girls for trying new things!!

No Ariella, Gwendolyn or Morgan

I feel you, they hardly ever have my name either! It’s usually Haley, but no Hayley.

The sun had finally set and it felt much better out. We walked though Journey of water.

Oooo this is gorgeous!! I’ve never done Journey of Water at night but it’s definitely on my bucket list. You guys were troopers through a long hot park day!!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I'm exhausted just reading about your afternoon in Epcot. I don't think I did that much in 2 days!!

I don't know if you and the fam like pizza but - the pizza at Connections is the best pizza in Disney. I actually liked it better than Via Napoli's. That one goes on the permanent must get at Epcot list for me.

And I think you just hit the Grand mariner booth at the right time. Both times I went the end of May, there was a line. Lucky you!

 

[Stasieki]

World Showcase can sometimes really be hard to get through in that beating sun. It does seem to have lower crowds during the mid day hours so that was probably nice. Those orange shrimp looked really good. I don't think they have those at Festival of the Arts? We are always just there during that festival. Or maybe I just missed them.

 

[rndmr2]

Enjoying reading your TR. I read the cruise one and then saw this one so decided to join in.

I love Disney, I haven't been in a few years though. We are hoping for a trip this Fall or winter. We haven't been to WDW since 2014 (I did get my Disney fix in 2019 (Paris) and 2022 (DLR) though so it's not quite as bad as it could be but I have been suffering from withdraw, LOL)

I am originally from Philly, born and raised (Mostly--Army brat for the first 7 years) I haven't flown out of the Philly airport since my honeymoon in 2003. Now I live in the Rochester, NY area.

Glad your daughter had a good college tour. Looked like a beautiful campus.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Oooo this is gorgeous!! I’ve never done Journey of Water at night but it’s definitely on my bucket list. You guys were troopers through a long hot park day!!

Highly recommend it in the evening. It's cooler while you are in there and sometimes less crowded. But the lighting in the area really changes all of it.

I'm exhausted just reading about your afternoon in Epcot. I don't think I did that much in 2 days!!

We really tried to pack it all in for the first day.

don't know if you and the fam like pizza but - the pizza at Connections is the best pizza in Disney. I actually liked it better than Via Napoli's. That one goes on the permanent must get at Epcot list for me.

Intersting! I will have to try it! I feel like brick oven pizza like Via Napoli's is almost a differen food than regular mom and pop pizza. 2 different things!

World Showcase can sometimes really be hard to get through in that beating sun. It does seem to have lower crowds during the mid day hours so that was probably nice. Those orange shrimp looked really good. I don't think they have those at Festival of the Arts? We are always just there during that festival. Or maybe I just missed them.

The Orange Shrimp is def a Flower and Garden item. It's from that citrus themed "booth" I say booth since it's in the odysey pavillion. I miss FARTS. It def became our favorite festival to go to.

Enjoying reading your TR. I read the cruise one and then saw this one so decided to join in.

So glad you came over!!! Welcome!!

I love Disney, I haven't been in a few years though. We are hoping for a trip this Fall or winter. We haven't been to WDW since 2014 (I did get my Disney fix in 2019 (Paris) and 2022 (DLR) though so it's not quite as bad as it could be but I have been suffering from withdraw, LOL)

How did you like DL Paris?!?! Gwen wants to go one day. These trip reports help with the withdrawl for sure!

I am originally from Philly, born and raised (Mostly--Army brat for the first 7 years) I haven't flown out of the Philly airport since my honeymoon in 2003. Now I live in the Rochester, NY area.

I was a Navy brat as a kid. I grew up on the no longer Monmouth Base. it was Army and Navy. All things concidered, Philly isn't a terrible airport to fly out of.

 

[kclark9830]

I cannot even imagine a world in which my kids would try octopus or oyster! Good for them!!!

 

[kclark9830]

Ok, one more comment. Taking a picture of baby Jesus with space Jesus

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Good Morning Everyone!!! I woke up way too early today and just couldn't go back to sleep. So, I decided to take advantage of that, and write my next installment!

We leave for Maine next Thursday, so I have a lot floating around in my head! But let's focus on this trip!

Park Day: The Best Morning in Animal Kingdom EVER!

Today, we decided to go to Animal Kingdom first for a few items and then head to Magic Kingdom. For better or worse Animal Kingdom was opening at 7:30 for resort guests. So, we were going to try and get there between 7 and 7:30. We had LL lined up for Magic Kingdom later so everything here would be without.
https://flic.kr/p/2r2DhwA]Cheet Sheet[/url]

We also decided to come back to the room at some point. Yesterday was good but Morgan wasn’t sure she could do that 2 more days in a row. We had a 2-3 LL for Tiana's, so the plan was to make it till that LL, go back rest and then come back to MK for some evening fun.

With that, we managed to wake up at 6:30 and get a bus at 7:10. It was touch and go at one point but we managed to be pretty quick getting ready.
https://flic.kr/p/2r2Evkg]On the Bus[/url] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/139829364@N03/]Ariella Saucier[/url], on Flickr

No one else got on the bus with us! So, we had a private ride to AK.

We arrived at 7:19 AM. The lines had died down as they had started letting folks into the park.
https://flic.kr/p/2r2ET2r]bus Stop[/url] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/139829364@N03/]Ariella Saucier[/url], on Flickr

We breezed through tapstile. (around 7:24 AM) and was through check in for Resort Guests and we were in the park!

We headed towards the tree of life. We saw some golden statues and tried to use the girls magic bands on them.
https://flic.kr/p/2r2z7PY]Morgan Testing out Magic Band[/url] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/139829364@N03/]Ariella Saucier[/url], on Flickr

Andy stopped for coffee at Isle of Java while we waited for 1 whole minute before they opened the rope drop to head into dinoland. Or I guess the shell of dinoland...

Andy grabbed an iced coffee for himself and 2 Tiger Tails for the girls. He was skipping riding Dinosaur with his back. So, we headed ahead of him.

Right at 7:30 AM, the CM lead the very small group of us into Dinoland
https://flic.kr/p/2r2z7PT]Heading to Dinoland[/url] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/139829364@N03/]Ariella Saucier[/url], on Flickr

https://flic.kr/p/2r2z7Ph]Closed off Dinoland[/url] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/139829364@N03/]Ariella Saucier[/url], on Flickr
It was a very cilvilzed rope drop. We were a small group and it was very quiet on this side. I am guessing the Pandora side wasn't as peaceful.

https://flic.kr/p/2r2ET2S]Dinoland Sign[/url] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/139829364@N03/]Ariella Saucier[/url], on Flickr
Into Dinoland we went.

As we were walking I realized that Emma from All Ears was in front of us. I tried to take a picture of here without looking creepy.
https://flic.kr/p/2r2Evkw]Emma[/url] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/139829364@N03/]Ariella Saucier[/url], on Flickr
I sent Andy the picture with no explanation, seeing if he could figure out why I sent the picture.

https://flic.kr/p/2r2Fj2t]Dino[/url] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/139829364@N03/]Ariella Saucier[/url], on Flickr

We were walking right into the ride at 7:33.
https://flic.kr/p/2r2DwWM]Dinosaur[/url] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/139829364@N03/]Ariella Saucier[/url], on Flickr

We waited for a brief moment, where they send you into the preshow room. But maybe just a minute.
https://flic.kr/p/2r2Evkb]Dinosaur Pre Show[/url] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/139829364@N03/]Ariella Saucier[/url], on Flickr

We were in the preshow room at 7:35 AM.

We ended up on the second truck of the day! Emma ended up just in front of us.
https://flic.kr/p/2r2Evkm]emma[/url] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/139829364@N03/]Ariella Saucier[/url], on Flickr
We were so close on being on the same truck as her! But it was still cool to be on the second truck of the day.

Ready to ride at 7:39 AM.
I had wanted to ride dinosaur one more time before it closed.

And this might be an unpopular oppinion.... but all 3 of us came off the ride saying, meh.... we are looking forward to the new ride. it's so dark, I feel like half the time you can't see the dinos...

We were off the ride by 7:45 AM. We met up with Andy who was waiting outside. Andy started to ask about Emma who we passed in the gift shop and then she came out and Andy stopped talking mid sentence… it was kind of funny.

We ended up walking behind Emma and her companion as it seemed we were both headed to Everest next.

https://flic.kr/p/2r2Ew3D]Monkeys[/url] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/139829364@N03/]Ariella Saucier[/url], on Flickr
The girls ate there tiger tails as we walked to Everest.

We made it over to Everest at 7:52 AM and headed directly into the que.
https://flic.kr/p/2rdjx85]Untitled[/url] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/139829364@N03/]Ariella Saucier[/url], on Flickr

Everest was a walk on still and we walked basically right to our seat on the train! With Emma right in front of us. Andy debated on whether to ride but decided to give it a go.
https://flic.kr/p/2r2FjG6]Everest Ready to Ride[/url] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/139829364@N03/]Ariella Saucier[/url], on Flickr

We were literally ready to ride in 2 minutes!
Everest was fun as always. And Andy survived just fine. Our ride photo has Emma in it! We joked that we are permanently in her photo.
https://flic.kr/p/2rdma57]Untitled[/url] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/139829364@N03/]Ariella Saucier[/url], on Flickr

We debated riding again but decided to just go to our next destination, Safari. I knew that the Safari traditionally doesn't open till regular open, and we just wanted to get in line before the non resort guests.

https://flic.kr/p/2r2FjFK]Tree of Life[/url] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/139829364@N03/]Ariella Saucier[/url], on Flickr
We tried to enjoy the walk even if we were trying to beat some folks. We took a selfie on the way.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

We made headed into the que around 8:15.
The line was inside the que and not long at all. The line kept moving and we were on in no time.
Everest Que by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

So, fast we were on a truck at 8:19!
Safari Ready to Ride by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
The Safari was one of our best ones!

Giraffes came right up to the truck.
Safari Giraffe #1 by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Safari Giraffe #3 by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Safari Giraffe #4 by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
This guy literally walked right past my side of the truck! I was so excitied!

The Lions were moving around and making noise.
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
You can see both kind of milling around on each side of the photo!

The Cheetah was up and moving around.
Safari Cheetah by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

We saw an elephant.
by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

We even saw a human!
Safari Human by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

We were off the ride around 8:47. It was a great Safari. The Animals were all up and about, and we all agreed that this was one of hte best Safari's we had done!

Once we got off, we had officially accomplished what we wanted to complete for AK. So, I suggested we go to the Tiger Trail. There was a baby tiger and I said maybe we would see him. So we headed that way.

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
Gwen wanted a picture, because she thought it looked like he was making the pose they need to make for color guard.

We were headed into the trail just before 9, 8:55 AM.
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

First, we saw a Kumono Dragon which Morgan loved.
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
He did only this... just stare at us... like he was ready to pounce on us.

And then we some more lizards in the room where you see the Bats. Bats weren’t out yet, but I was ok with that.
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
Morgan enjoyed seeing more lizards.

But then.... we made it to where the tigers were....

And we saw the baby Tiger! The mom and baby had JUST came out from inside. And the baby was a little hesitant but came out.
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

There was a woman who was talking about how she come to AK just to get her steps in. I was jealous of this lady and annoyed at her all at the same time. She was very nice but, lady stop rubbing it in! You have an awsome life!

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
We spent ALOT of time looking at the Baby Tiger. He was so cute!

Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr

Once we got our fill we headed out of the trail. And with that, we had done everything we had wanted to do at Animal Kingdom, so we started heading out. Seeing the baby tiger really capped off our morning! We all agreed we did the best things for a quick morning in AK!

We headed out of the park at 9:43 AM. Once we got to the sign with where the buses were, it noted that the first bus was at 10:00AM. So, we had to wait a little bit for first bus to Magic Kingdom. But thankfully that wasn’t too long of a wait.

Up next some fun in Magic Kingdom....

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Great morning in AK. I don't know if it's just my view - but none of your pictures loaded.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I don't know if it's just my view - but none of your pictures loaded.

Oh NO!!! I will have to try and fix tonight!!!!

 

[footballmouse]

I don't know if it's just my view - but none of your pictures loaded.

I thought it was just my computer.

 

[piglet1979]

I thought it was just mine as well since DH added some type of add blocker recently.