A Pink Pixie Princess - Complete!

[Ariel484]

Driving for a race is super easy. I highly recommend it. Wait, no I don't. I don't want anyone else to know how easy it is.

I knew you were going to pop in and comment on that!

I'm seriously, seriously considering it. Maybe not for Wine & Dine, but it's definitely an option for WDW or Princess weekend.

 

[cavepig]

How had you never ridden Figment or Dumbo before? Yeah the land adds up fast but usually tasty! Totally craving a Mickey waffle now! Sounds like you had a great trip! We'll drive sometimes if my brother (local) is with us, it is nice to just hop to where you want to go, although I'm just the passenger.

 

[roxymama]

Wait where are your pics of going to the Expo several times and getting your race outfits ready and taking pictures of the cute mile marker signs? I'm really confused?
(haha, j/k)

My thoughts are totally random, so here goes.

That Mickey cheesecake thing from the land pavillion looks like it would stain all my teeth weird colors, but I would eat it in a heartbeat.

I feel you on air conditioned lines sometimes being the best. I would choose standing in an hour long disney air conditioned line with my friends right now over sitting here at work eating my sad lean cuisine for lunch.

Let's see, you bought an ornament, mug and park music. Are you sure you aren't me...because it seems like you might be me. Save for the "no purses this time comment"...this reveals that maybe you aren't me

First ride ever on Dumbo???!!! I guess it is easier to ride it now that they have the two side by side. So what did you think? I personally enjoy a late night Dumbo when that side of the park is dead.

FUN CHEESE! I am stealing that asap. I'm more of a fake orange nacho cheese fan over the fundido stuff. I'm almost positive that's what wrecked your stomach...thick cheese like that always does that to me (especially when pizza places get heavy handed.)

Chocolate croissants are my #1 breakfast splurge. I had one at Disney on my honeymoon with an iced coffee one morning and I had major sugar shock but it was the best thing ever. I often try to recreate that experience...but luckily for my waist not too often.

I'm starting to get majorly excited for our October trip next year (which we have zero specific plans for so far) but there's so much new stuff that we haven't experienced yet...like the new Soaring and the Frozen ride and that Star Wars stuff. I had a list of maybe hotels and now the Poly has to be added because DUH...of course.... THE POLY!

Congrats on your races! (Ooops, force of habit)

 

[FFigawi]

I knew you were going to pop in and comment on that!

I'm seriously, seriously considering it. Maybe not for Wine & Dine, but it's definitely an option for WDW or Princess weekend.

We drove from Boardwalk for Dopey. Left around 415-420, were parked by 430-445 every day. Nice to have time in a warm car before the start. Even nicer to zip home quickly after the race is over.

 

[Ariel484]

How had you never ridden Figment or Dumbo before?

I don't really have a good explanation/excuse for Dumbo. It just never happened, I think mostly because the line was always long!

I do have an explanation/excuse for Figment - I read a description and thought it sounded lame/weird, so I never went on it. And I was right, it was weird! I hear the original version was way better.

Yeah the land adds up fast but usually tasty! Totally craving a Mickey waffle now! Sounds like you had a great trip!

Oh I agree about Sunshine Seasons being super tasty - I just was thrown when my total was $21 or whatever! I mean, it was good enough that I'd get it again, but still...

I could go for a Mickey waffle right now too!

We'll drive sometimes if my brother (local) is with us, it is nice to just hop to where you want to go, although I'm just the passenger.

I didn't mention it, but I think part of the appeal for me too would be having control over my transportation - I would want to be the driver!

Wait where are your pics of going to the Expo several times and getting your race outfits ready and taking pictures of the cute mile marker signs? I'm really confused?
(haha, j/k)

That came up! It is so unusual for me to go to a Disney park and NOT have it tied to a race weekend, but whenever that does happen, it is SO nice.

My thoughts are totally random, so here goes.

That Mickey cheesecake thing from the land pavillion looks like it would stain all my teeth weird colors, but I would eat it in a heartbeat.

Teeth, no. Tongue, yes. Would I eat it again? Yes.

I feel you on air conditioned lines sometimes being the best. I would choose standing in an hour long disney air conditioned line with my friends right now over sitting here at work eating my sad lean cuisine for lunch.

Yeah, the Soarin' queue is about as boring as they come, but given the choice between there or here at my desk...yeah.

Let's see, you bought an ornament, mug and park music. Are you sure you aren't me...because it seems like you might be me. Save for the "no purses this time comment"...this reveals that maybe you aren't me

Does it count that I didn't buy purses because I already had them?

That's not true - I had a Vera Bradley backpack in my hand that was $50 (original price $125) and was so close to getting it, but I didn't. I would have been getting it JUST because it was a good deal. I think that's the danger of those outlets for me. There were a couple of those Harveys poster totes there that I do not have (Pirates, Autopia) but I did retrain myself. I'm so proud.

First ride ever on Dumbo???!!! I guess it is easier to ride it now that they have the two side by side. So what did you think? I personally enjoy a late night Dumbo when that side of the park is dead.

First time ever! It was fun! But I'm glad we had FP+ for it.

FUN CHEESE! I am stealing that asap. I'm more of a fake orange nacho cheese fan over the fundido stuff. I'm almost positive that's what wrecked your stomach...thick cheese like that always does that to me (especially when pizza places get heavy handed.)

Honestly, I think you may be right. I remember looking at it and thinking it looked really greasy...before shoveling it into my mouth.

That's why Via Napoli seems to work for me before races, and why Naples at Disneyland did not. Via Napoli isn't greasy and they go a little lighter on the cheese - Naples had more cheese. My stomach was not pleased!

Chocolate croissants are my #1 breakfast splurge. I had one at Disney on my honeymoon with an iced coffee one morning and I had major sugar shock but it was the best thing ever. I often try to recreate that experience...but luckily for my waist not too often.

I think this is the second time I have had a chocolate croissant at WDW and it was SO good! May be my new go-to for a lighter breakfast.

I'm starting to get majorly excited for our October trip next year (which we have zero specific plans for so far) but there's so much new stuff that we haven't experienced yet...like the new Soaring and the Frozen ride and that Star Wars stuff. I had a list of maybe hotels and now the Poly has to be added because DUH...of course.... THE POLY!

Ahhh, that would be awesome! I LOVE fall and they do decorate the MK in a really cute way, so I'm sure your kiddo would like that. The Halloween party looks really fun too. Seems like it would be decent weather...Food & Wine...and THE POLY!!

Congrats on your races! (Ooops, force of habit)

I raced to the Plaza multiple times for ice cream, does that count?

We drove from Boardwalk for Dopey. Left around 415-420, were parked by 430-445 every day. Nice to have time in a warm car before the start. Even nicer to zip home quickly after the race is over.

OMG...that sounds so nice.

 

[ZellyB]

I agree that driving to the races is great. We get spoiled by just hanging out and relaxing in the car before heading in toward the corrals.

 

[cavepig]

Yes Figment is odd & not the best by any means, it's usually the "we have nothing else to do so let's ride it, ride". The Original was way way way better with just more to look at with better scenes. The current version is however better then the 2nd version, which didn't even have Figment (It was basically like it is now but without Figment). Dumbo is my favorite character so always make a point to get on it, at least with the 2 it's easier versus back when we had to rush there first.

OH & chocolate croissants I'm craving too now...hurry up Wine & Dine weekend!

 

[Dis5150]

Well, I have never done Figment either and just rode Dumbo on my last trip in February so I am right there with you! Where were you able to get the beignet at with the Float Works closed? I wanted to go there and get some on our trip in a few weeks and thought I was out of luck!

Sounds like you had a great trip! And it is so nice to see friends you don't get to see very often. Your mini TR made me even more anxious for my trip to get here!

 

[SarahDisney]

SIDENOTE: I brought non-INKnBURN tops to wear for this weekend, but I didn't actually wear them. It was way too hot for non-moisture wicking tops. So glad I brought my INKnBURN!

And this is why I don't go to Florida in the summer. I refuse to wear running clothing for non-running (I know, I'm weird), and there's no way to do Florida in August in "regular" clothing.

My review - AWESOME! I hadn't read/seen anything about it beforehand (except I knew it was "around the world" now), and I loved it!

This is good to hear! I liked the old one a lot (I love California), so I've been nervous about the new one, but I'm glad to hear that you liked it - gives me high hopes that I'll enjoy!

After that we RAN to Hollywood Studios to make it to Fantasmic! We both LOVE this show! We were late but arrived just as the Lion King section began. And we felt ALLL the feels. <3

Um ... is it possible to see Fantasmic! without all the feels?? It's legit my favorite WDW night show.

One of my favorite pictures from the trip!

Beautiful!

I made the mistake of mentioning I'd never been on Imagination, so they decided this ride had to happen. Friggin' weird.

I did Imagination once or twice ... never again. Too weird for me.

After lunch, we ventured off-property to the Disney outlets! This was part of the reason for the car. There were actually discounted Dooneys, Vera Bradley and Harveys bags! I retrained myself purse-wise, but I did get a Disneyland 60 Christmas ornament (regular price $50, I paid $15), an Adventureland coffee mug and an Animal Kingdom CD of background music (Tree of Life loop - which I love to stream but cannot find a location to download). My BFFs cleaned up a little better than I did - they each got a Harveys DL60 poster wallet like I have (regular price close to $100, they each paid $44), and one got the Jungle Cruise tote that I have (for 50% off), while the other got a Vera Bradley crossbody ($20!!). Parking was annoying, but overall it was fun, and a good break from the heat.

I'm very impressed that you didn't buy all the purses!
I'm fairly certain that if I ever make it to the outlets, my credit card would not forgive me. Which is why it's probably a good thing that I can't rent a car (I don't have a drivers license) and don't have any interest in cabbing it out there.

VACATION RUINED. (J/K!)

Stupid Crane

Momentous occasion - today was my first-ever ride on Dumbo!

Wait ... what? First ride on Dumbo? How is that possible? It really kinda has the best views of MK (at least that's why I love it so much).

Well, the monorail was down. And there were no buses to the MK resorts, just to the TTC, which had a HUGE line. We hadn't brought the car today (I forget why) and were tight on time, so we ended up taking a cab to the Contemporary and walking to the MK. We made it in time for Wishes, but Celebrate the Magic wasn't happening this evening...?!?!!?!? I was so bummed, I love that show!

What? That's craziness! Why would they not do Celebrate the Magic?

I love WDW so much.

I kinda understand this sentiment. I sorta feel the same way.

I'm glad you had a great trip! All of your pictures made me so jealous, though. And sad that I don't know if/when I'm going back. Mostly jealous.

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

Looks like you had an awesome trip. You certainly did get quite a bit done in just a few days. Even though I was just in WDW in March, your report made me really anxious to go back. I especially can't wait to see the new Soarin' and Frozen Ever After! Glad you liked Soarin'. And I too don't hate Frozen, so I'm looking forward to doing that ride.

I have to say that your Spaceship Earth picture with the flowers that you said is one of your favorites really is amazing! I saw it on your Instagram and loved it!

I am also super jealous you're staying at the Polynesian for Wine and Dine! That will make transportation for the 10K and coming back from the half so much nicer (too bad you'll still have to get a bus for the start of the half, since it's still at WWoS).

 

[Sailormoon2]

What an incredible trip!! You certainly packed a lot into minimal time!! You have gotten me so excited for what I can accomplish on the W&D weekend!!
Totally craving Mickey Waffles, and I always order kids meals from QS restaurants, plenty of food at half the cost. Glad to hear it wasn't a hassle to order breakfast even with Floatworks closed.
I hear you on the rental car front in terms of ease of travel, but as the sole driver in my house, part of what makes Disney the perfect vacation is that I don't have to drive anywhere. Yes, it means time delays and awkward detours (if trying to get from resort to resort) but it is so worth it for the reprieve from my regular car responsibilities (in case it wasn't obvious, I really don't enjoy driving!).

nd NO CUPCAKES CONSUMED. WHAT EVEN

This is an absolute sacrilege!!!

I refuse to wear running clothing for non-running (I know, I'm weird)

You are seriously missing our @SarahDisney, I just started wearing my run gear as normal-go out in public clothes, and now I can't stop!! Best summer attire ever-of course you need to have the really cute stuff that InkNBurn and Sparkle Skirts make (Blame @Ariel484 for my new debts-Lol!).[/QUOTE]

 

[Barca33Runner]

I shouldn't have read a trip report. Now I want to plan more trips to WDW so I can ride all the rides and eat all of the food.

 

[Ariel484]

I agree that driving to the races is great. We get spoiled by just hanging out and relaxing in the car before heading in toward the corrals.

Ahhhh you guys have me seriously considering this! Maybe for Goofy and/or Princess!

Yes Figment is odd & not the best by any means, it's usually the "we have nothing else to do so let's ride it, ride". The Original was way way way better with just more to look at with better scenes. The current version is however better then the 2nd version, which didn't even have Figment (It was basically like it is now but without Figment). Dumbo is my favorite character so always make a point to get on it, at least with the 2 it's easier versus back when we had to rush there first.

OH & chocolate croissants I'm craving too now...hurry up Wine & Dine weekend!

YES!! Seeing those shuttered Food & Wine booths around World Showcase got me SO excited for Wine & Dine. Just a little over 2 months to go!!

Well, I have never done Figment either and just rode Dumbo on my last trip in February so I am right there with you!

Oh good, it's not just me!

Where were you able to get the beignet at with the Float Works closed? I wanted to go there and get some on our trip in a few weeks and thought I was out of luck!

Okay, so I'm not sure how familiar you are with French Quarter...when you enter the lobby from the front of the resort, the Scat Cat bar area is to your left. They had croissants and coffee there. If you go further to the left, they had another area set up with grab & go coolers, the Coke Freestyle machine, more coffee, etc. This is where I ordered the Mickey Waffles and the beignets. So they still have a little kitchen back there somewhere...one of my other BFFs had grits and the other had the bounty platter with eggs, sausage, etc., so they still had a good selection of items for breakfast! We never ate there for lunch or dinner, but since they seemed to have a decent number of breakfast items available, I'd imagine it would be the same for dinner and lunch as well.

Sounds like you had a great trip! And it is so nice to see friends you don't get to see very often. Your mini TR made me even more anxious for my trip to get here!

It really was a great trip...so fast though! Not sure when I'll get to see all of my friends again, unfortunately, but I was so glad to have that time with them!

And this is why I don't go to Florida in the summer. I refuse to wear running clothing for non-running (I know, I'm weird), and there's no way to do Florida in August in "regular" clothing.

Not weird! I used to never do it, but like @Sailormoon2 said, now that I have cuter tops to wear, it is nice to have that option for hotter weather!

I definitely was hoping it wouldn't be quite so hot because it was *late* August...silly Shannon.

This is good to hear! I liked the old one a lot (I love California), so I've been nervous about the new one, but I'm glad to hear that you liked it - gives me high hopes that I'll enjoy!

I like the old one a lot as well, but I would say that the new film is just as good, if not better. And they cleaned the screen up!!!

But really, the scenes and the music were beautiful, and I loved the ending. Highly recommend it!

Um ... is it possible to see Fantasmic! without all the feels?? It's legit my favorite WDW night show.

So we have this standing feud in our group of 4 (me and my BFFs)...two of them claim IllumiNations is the best show, while the other two (me and the BFF I went to Fant! with) claim Fantasmic is the best. I mean, how is there even any contest?! Mickey fights a dragon with a sword that shoots fire, dances on a mountain top, and STEAMBOAT WILLIE drives a boat full of characters. FEEEEEELINGS!!

Though I will say, World of Color gives Fantasmic a run for its money. Man is that show good too!

Beautiful!

I did Imagination once or twice ... never again. Too weird for me.

I'm with you! After that first ride they looked at me like, "well???" and I was just like

I'm very impressed that you didn't buy all the purses!

Thank you!! I texted the husband to let him know and he too was impressed.

I'm fairly certain that if I ever make it to the outlets, my credit card would not forgive me. Which is why it's probably a good thing that I can't rent a car (I don't have a drivers license) and don't have any interest in cabbing it out there.

Seriously, and it wasn't just WDW stuff. They had cruise line items, Disneyland, runDisney...SO many things!!

Stupid Crane

The good news - it wasn't always up, and that means it's almost time for Dreamlights!!!

Wait ... what? First ride on Dumbo? How is that possible? It really kinda has the best views of MK (at least that's why I love it so much).

It just hadn't happened yet!!

What? That's craziness! Why would they not do Celebrate the Magic?

I don't know! I was so sad! That is at the top of my list for November!

I kinda understand this sentiment. I sorta feel the same way.

Really though - I lurk on the News section sometimes and the way people talk there it's like WDW is a complete craphole, and I just don't see it. I am admittedly a pixie dust snorter, and while there were things that I noticed (mostly the higher food costs)...I still just really love it there and I feel really lucky that I got to go. It's still my happy place.

I'm glad you had a great trip! All of your pictures made me so jealous, though. And sad that I don't know if/when I'm going back. Mostly jealous.

Thanks...and I'm sorry. I hope you get to go back soon!!!

Looks like you had an awesome trip. You certainly did get quite a bit done in just a few days. Even though I was just in WDW in March, your report made me really anxious to go back. I especially can't wait to see the new Soarin' and Frozen Ever After! Glad you liked Soarin'. And I too don't hate Frozen, so I'm looking forward to doing that ride.

I'm so over the Frozen hate, you have no idea. I don't think it's the best movie that Disney has ever made, and I don't think Norway is the proper place for that ride...but the extreme Frozen hate is getting old.

Having said that, when making FP+, I'll be choosing Soarin' from that tier. Frozen is really well-done but I like Soarin' better!

I have to say that your Spaceship Earth picture with the flowers that you said is one of your favorites really is amazing! I saw it on your Instagram and loved it!

Thank you so much!! That's a phone picture...do I really need that point & shoot?! I'm thinking no! Phone does a good job.

I am also super jealous you're staying at the Polynesian for Wine and Dine! That will make transportation for the 10K and coming back from the half so much nicer (too bad you'll still have to get a bus for the start of the half, since it's still at WWoS).

Yeah, I'm curious to see what the official monorail situation is for that weekend. But I'm sure it'll at least be there after the races, like you said...woohoo!!

What an incredible trip!! You certainly packed a lot into minimal time!! You have gotten me so excited for what I can accomplish on the W&D weekend!!

I cannot take credit for our itinerary - one of my BFFs planned pretty much the entire thing and I just went where I was told!

Totally craving Mickey Waffles, and I always order kids meals from QS restaurants, plenty of food at half the cost. Glad to hear it wasn't a hassle to order breakfast even with Floatworks closed.

Yeah, I need to look into the kids meals more often! I thought that was such a good deal!

They really did a great job with Floatworks closed...I was impressed!

I hear you on the rental car front in terms of ease of travel, but as the sole driver in my house, part of what makes Disney the perfect vacation is that I don't have to drive anywhere. Yes, it means time delays and awkward detours (if trying to get from resort to resort) but it is so worth it for the reprieve from my regular car responsibilities (in case it wasn't obvious, I really don't enjoy driving!).

I totally know what you mean - not having to worry about driving (especially at night after a day in the parks) is really nice - especially if you don't enjoy driving! But I am definitely interested in at least trying a trip with a car now!

This is an absolute sacrilege!!!

I knooooow. On my last day after riding the Peoplemover I was going to go to the Contemporary to get a cupcake and decided on ice cream instead. There WILL be at least one cupcake consumed during Wine & Dine. Mark my words!!!

You are seriously missing our @SarahDisney, I just started wearing my run gear as normal-go out in public clothes, and now I can't stop!! Best summer attire ever-of course you need to have the really cute stuff that InkNBurn and Sparkle Skirts make (Blame @Ariel484 for my new debts-Lol!).

Yes! It was so much more comfortable - for this trip it was definitely the way to go! I wasn't even going to pack any INKnBURN tanks and then I threw 4 of them into my suitcase at the last minute, and those were what I ended up wearing each day. I'm so glad I had them!

I shouldn't have read a trip report. Now I want to plan more trips to WDW so I can ride all the rides and eat all of the food.

If I had done this as a *real* trip report, that would have been a fantastic title!

 

[DopeyBadger]

Love the trip report. Looks like it was a really fun trip!

Also, btw it's race week!

Have you checked out the weather for Sunday's 10 mile race?



Looks like some spectacular weather in Cleveland (? taking a guess on race location) on Sunday morning with a T+D of 116-122 during the race time. Slight breeze, and some clouds but mostly sunny. Given the conditions we've been having all summer I'd have to say this looks SPECTACULAR! This is prime goal crushing weather. I'm excited for you!

 

[rteetz]

Awesome mini trip report! Looks like overall you had a great time with a small few hiccups but those always happen. I can't wait until I am back in my happy place for 9 days in January.

We normally use disney transportation. In 2012 we stayed at the dolphin so we used a mears shuttle to the hotel but otherwise used disney transportation to the parks. We haven't rented a car since pre-magical express which was a long time ago now.

 

[Ariel484]

Love the trip report. Looks like it was a really fun trip!

It was!

Also, btw it's race week!

Oh is it?!

(Don't worry, I didn't forget.)

Have you checked out the weather for Sunday's 10 mile race?
View attachment 190934

Looks like some spectacular weather in Cleveland (? taking a guess on race location) on Sunday morning with a T+D of 116-122 during the race time. Slight breeze, and some clouds but mostly sunny. Given the conditions we've been having all summer I'd have to say this looks SPECTACULAR! This is prime goal crushing weather. I'm excited for you!

I hadn't checked until I saw this post from you. Looks like much better conditions than what I had for the 10K, which I think adds a lot of pressure because I really don't have any excuse to not do well! I'm glad you're excited...I'm nervous!

Awesome mini trip report! Looks like overall you had a great time with a small few hiccups but those always happen. I can't wait until I am back in my happy place for 9 days in January.

We normally use disney transportation. In 2012 we stayed at the dolphin so we used a mears shuttle to the hotel but otherwise used disney transportation to the parks. We haven't rented a car since pre-magical express which was a long time ago now.

Definitely a good trip, but I am still recovering from it! Apparently my body is not in all-day-Disney-parks shape!

 

[FFigawi]

Definitely a good trip, but I am still recovering from it! Apparently my body is not in all-day-Disney-parks shape!

You better get working on this! Marathon weekend and DATW are coming up fast.

 

[Ariel484]

You better get working on this! Marathon weekend and DATW are coming up fast.

This past weekend I drank 1 beer and the only running I did was from Norway to Fantasmic, and that about killed me.

 

[Dis5150]

Okay, so I'm not sure how familiar you are with French Quarter...when you enter the lobby from the front of the resort, the Scat Cat bar area is to your left. They had croissants and coffee there. If you go further to the left, they had another area set up with grab & go coolers, the Coke Freestyle machine, more coffee, etc. This is where I ordered the Mickey Waffles and the beignets. So they still have a little kitchen back there somewhere...one of my other BFFs had grits and the other had the bounty platter with eggs, sausage, etc., so they still had a good selection of items for breakfast! We never ate there for lunch or dinner, but since they seemed to have a decent number of breakfast items available, I'd imagine it would be the same for dinner and lunch as well.

Thanks! I will try and find it.

I have another question for you, if you don't mind? I remember that you stayed at the airport Hyatt before one of your cruises. Their website says they have a running/walking track. Do you remember seeing that? We are staying there when we get in on our trip in a couple of weeks since we land at 8:20pm, DD26 lands at 11:57pm and DS lands at 5:30am the next morning. I thought it would be easier than taking a shuttle to an offsite hotel since our condo ressie doesn't start until the day after we land. DD26 and I are supposed to do a long run that day and thought we would try and get it in while DS tries to get a little sleep in after his red eye flight. And we won't be picking up our rental car until 11:00am I think so we will be at the airport for a few hours. Otherwise, it's the treadmills, again, lol!

 

[Ariel484]

Thanks! I will try and find it.

I have another question for you, if you don't mind? I remember that you stayed at the airport Hyatt before one of your cruises. Their website says they have a running/walking track. Do you remember seeing that? We are staying there when we get in on our trip in a couple of weeks since we land at 8:20pm, DD26 lands at 11:57pm and DS lands at 5:30am the next morning. I thought it would be easier than taking a shuttle to an offsite hotel since our condo ressie doesn't start until the day after we land. DD26 and I are supposed to do a long run that day and thought we would try and get it in while DS tries to get a little sleep in after his red eye flight. And we won't be picking up our rental car until 11:00am I think so we will be at the airport for a few hours. Otherwise, it's the treadmills, again, lol!

I don't remember seeing a track there, but I also didn't look for it. I just did a Google image search and didn't see any pictures, so maybe call them?

I don't remember seeing the pool or gym either, but again, I wasn't looking for it. We basically just checked in, ate and then went to sleep!