Back to Back trips in August-The How Could You's Ride Again!- Final Thoughts 4/14

[Tiggerrn2]

Yes, I definitely think the girls would volunteer.

Then you should most definitely give it a go!

Hey there!

Your ETwB photos are great! I enjoyed them so much since I missed out on it on our last trip. Next time, with FP+, I will definitely be reserving a time for it!

Thank you. Great to experience it at least once!

I did FP for it last year. I thought I wouldn't need to go back again, but I think I want to once more, just to see Maurice's cottage!

Great shots of Enchanted Tales With Belle... I love the library. And I know what you mean about the mirror. I can't figure it out either!

Thank you! I know, right?! How do they do it?!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

We last left off departing Belle's Enchanted Tales. We contemplated what our next move might be. Peter Pan would have been nice, but not with that wait time.

We had our final FP+ for the day to use at Big Thunder, but unfortunately for us, it was down for the time being.

So we made our way into Liberty Square and stopped to grab a couple of bottles of water.

We decided a little cooling off again would be a good idea (and a little education never hurts either when one is missing some school to play hooky in Disney). We headed on into the Hall of Presidents.

Showtime over, it was time to head towards the exit. But there was one last thing I HAD to do.......

There was quite a story to this Dole Whip Float! The line wasn't considerably long when we got in it. But it moved at a snail's pace, let me tell you!! And just as I finally go to the window, some lady came up the middle (you know, the middle that is used to exit from the windows!) and proceeded to start placing her order! She looked at me and said she had been waiting on the other side and the CM over there told her to come to this side. REALLY?!!! Not only that, but she wasn't even sure what she wanted. She must have changed her mind like 3 times. And then she was ordering for about 6 different people. I wanted ONE!!!!!! Just ONE!!!! Dole Whip Float. Nothing fancy or out of the ordinary.

But I got my Dole Whip!! And I may or may not have told that lady I hoped she dropped her order under my breath as she left the window.
Of course, now we had to book it out of the park and hope to catch a quick bus back to the AKL to finish packing up.

Too bad we weren't catching a boat. There were a bunch of those at the docks ready to go.

Off to bus stop number 11!

We just missed our bus!

Don't be sad because it's over......SMILE because it happened!!!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

It took quite some time for our bus to finally show up. I was getting slightly worried as I knew I wanted a quick shower, there was a bit of packing to finish and we would need a quick bite to eat before boarding our flight.

When we got back to the Lodge, DD took a quick dip in the pool instead of the shower option. Meanwhile, I showered quick and finished up the packing. DD returned to the room and went to change. While I finished up the packing, Pam ran down to the Mara and grabbed us a couple of flatbread pizzas to go to eat on the way. We were out of time for any leisurely dinner. DD grabbed her last Mickey Bar (when in Disney, desert first!) and we were on our way.

The skies were looking quite nasty as we headed out onto the road. Pam was being kind enough to drive us to the airport for our departure. By the time we reached the airport, it was a full blown thunderstorm with lightening and high winds. DD had herself worked up into quite a state. She was sooooo worried about having to fly in this weather.

Remember the Stitch she wanted at the beginning of this trip that I said she didn't need? Well, I ended up purchasing her a Stitch Pillow Pet to hang onto to help calm her nerves.

Our flight was delayed for at least an hour. This is what she did while we waited......

Though late, our flight was uneventful. DH met us at the airport and home we went.

Meanwhile, back in Disney World............

Guess the fun continues on without us!!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

OK, Pam! This is where you come in!!
Sorry guys, but I don't think Pam remembers much from their last couple of days.
Photos maybe?!
I will be back later to add some final thoughts.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Had to go back a couple of updates to get caught up. I could easily see your daughter playing the part of Rapunzel if she gets into the college program. She has the same features and would make quite the lovely Rapunzel.

We didn't go see the Belle story/whatever it's called. I can talk my guys into doing a lot of things but that's not one of them.

I hated to read that the end of the trip was here and it ended a little stressfully...having to wait on the bus, hurry and pack and then the thunderstorm. At least it was an uneventful flight home.

 

[KatMark]

Linda, caught up (we had a busy weekend).

Hall of Presidents was a good call on your part.

Sorry Peter Pan was so long. And don't you just love people who cut in line (I'm sure that CM told her to go to the END of the line on the other side).

I'm glad a bus finally arrived and you got your shower (I like DD's idea...just hop in the pool).

I love her pillow (well, not the character ) and glad she got a good rest while waiting for your flight.

Happy the flight, although late, was uneventful.

 

[pamelasu1]

I am so ashamed! I honestly remember so very little. I do know that K2 and I went to EMH that night. Since it was Labor Day weekend, I think Magic Kingdom was open until 2am with EMH or some ridiculous hour? I also know that we ate at K2's favorite restaurant, Coral Reef, on our last day there (Weds, 9/4) before we went to catch our plane, so obviously, we were in Epcot that day! That's all I have for now. I will rack my brain to come up with some more! Obviously, we rode ToT at some point, since you have a picture of us on it, lol. PITIFUL!

 

[pamelasu1]

I can also add that I thought we were going to die on the way to the airport because it was storming so badly I couldn't see the road or the other cars! I really didn't think I would get you there in time for your flight (which ended up being late anyway). I remember that part, lol!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Had to go back a couple of updates to get caught up. I could easily see your daughter playing the part of Rapunzel if she gets into the college program. She has the same features and would make quite the lovely Rapunzel.

She really is hoping to do the CP in a couple of years. I certainly hope it works out for her. And thank you.

We didn't go see the Belle story/whatever it's called. I can talk my guys into doing a lot of things but that's not one of them.

It was cute to see once, but I wouldn't go out of my way to do it again. Nor would I spend a valuable FP+ on it if we are still limited to 3.

I hated to read that the end of the trip was here and it ended a little stressfully...having to wait on the bus, hurry and pack and then the thunderstorm. At least it was an uneventful flight home.

Sad to have it end myself. Even sadder knowing there isn't another trip soon on the horizon.

Linda, caught up (we had a busy weekend).

Hall of Presidents was a good call on your part.

Sorry Peter Pan was so long. And don't you just love people who cut in line (I'm sure that CM told her to go to the END of the line on the other side).

I was so disgusted with this lady. Was rude and I really did hope she dropped her drinks!

I'm glad a bus finally arrived and you got your shower (I like DD's idea...just hop in the pool).

If I didn't need to pack up the rest of the stuff, I'd have hopped in the pool myself.

I love her pillow (well, not the character ) and glad she got a good rest while waiting for your flight.

Happy the flight, although late, was uneventful.

And to think, you and Mark left this same day, just earlier.

I am so ashamed! I honestly remember so very little. I do know that K2 and I went to EMH that night. Since it was Labor Day weekend, I think Magic Kingdom was open until 2am with EMH or some ridiculous hour? I also know that we ate at K2's favorite restaurant, Coral Reef, on our last day there (Weds, 9/4) before we went to catch our plane, so obviously, we were in Epcot that day! That's all I have for now. I will rack my brain to come up with some more! Obviously, we rode ToT at some point, since you have a picture of us on it, lol. PITIFUL!

And K2 doesn't have many other pictures for me to pick out of the stash on FB to help out with your story. So I guess it ends here.

I can also add that I thought we were going to die on the way to the airport because it was storming so badly I couldn't see the road or the other cars! I really didn't think I would get you there in time for your flight (which ended up being late anyway). I remember that part, lol!

I was very glad we were delayed. I don't think we would have made it otherwise. It was very close! That was some rough weather.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

So I said I'd be back with my final thoughts........

2 trips in the HEAT of the summer with the CROWDS! How'd we do? Well, I have to say we had a lot of fun, got a lot of things done and had some awesome pool time to go along with the trip. We did some things I hadn't done in a loooooooong time, found some firsts to do as well, and generally had an awesome time.

The BIGGEST tip I can give anyone going to the parks this summer.....ROPE DROP!!! Those early morning hours in the parks are the coolest and least crowded moments you will have. If you follow no other tips here, follow that one.

More importantly, with the FP+ system, it may be the only way to ride the Headliner rides more than once in a day without a long-ish wait. Put your FP+ options into the afternoon or evening, get to rope drop to ride those big rides early and then have a chance to repeat them later.

Pack some snacks for the park to help save some $$$. Or share your meals. You generally get enough food on a plate to serve 2 without a problem. (unless you have huge eaters in your family) If you have Magic Express and are on Southwest, check a small suitcase through with Pop Tarts, Granola Bars, fruit snacks, box of cereal and some spoons/bowls. It won't cost you anything to check the bag, and you will have breakfast options for your room and snacks for the parks. If the bag gets lost or takes a little while to make it to your resort, no biggie. It's not like you won't have your underwear or anything at least.

Go back to your resort mid-day. Enjoy a dip in the pool or a rest. That heat of the day is a killer. Or for a different option, pick a different resort to head to for a sit down lunch. You get away from the craziness of the parks, get some air conditioning, rest your feet, and have a chance to check out some other resorts while getting a bite to eat.

On resort changing.....
It wasn't too bad for us. It works better if you plan that day to be a break from the parks sort of day. Just a relax in the resorts day. And doing it mid-vacation works the best. You are ready for that relaxation day anyway. It was a great way for us to try some new resorts while still being able to go back to an old favorite. It was also a great way to enjoy a deluxe resort for a few days without breaking the bank. I highly recommend doing the value/moderate resort first and then moving to the deluxe at the end. You get to enjoy your resort/relaxation day that way at the deluxe resort.
And if you plan when you pack your stuff, you could make it so one suitcase works for one resort while the second covers your second resort.

We had a great time. I was a little tired by the time I returned home after the second trip, but I wouldn't have traded the experiences for anything in the real world. 2 totally different trips.

I hope the experiences and photos help a few of you all out when you are planning your trips this summer. I love helping others plan their trips and giving them ideas they might not have otherwise thought about.

Thank you all for reading along and for those of you commenting along the way-- It has been fun reliving all the magical moments, and I am sad to have it all come to an end.

Until next time.......

 

[RGirl]

Hello!!! Finally getting caught up on the DIS.

Enjoyed the Hall of Presidents pics - we haven’t quite made it in there yet.

*sigh* I can’t believe it’s over. What a great trip though! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Totally agree with your heat-and-crowds-of-summer tips.

 

[KatMark]

Great final thoughts, Linda, and some very helpful hints.

Thanks for sharing your trip with us. I thoroughly enjoyed reliving it with you.

 

[pamelasu1]

I am so sad it's over. I HAVE to find a way to go on the big girls' only trip next year, lol!!!!
And I just saw this little emoticon, so had to use it for no real reason other than it's K2, playing the viola!!!!

Thanks for the wonderful trip down memory lane, Linda! You really extended my magic to last a little bit longer! Until next time....

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Hello!!! Finally getting caught up on the DIS.

Enjoyed the Hall of Presidents pics - we haven’t quite made it in there yet.

*sigh* I can’t believe it’s over. What a great trip though! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Totally agree with your heat-and-crowds-of-summer tips.

You are most welcome!! Thank you for commenting along the way. I will continue to follow you along on your upcoming adventures.

Great final thoughts, Linda, and some very helpful hints.

Thanks for sharing your trip with us. I thoroughly enjoyed reliving it with you.

You are most welcome as well. Can't wait to hear about your upcoming trips! And so glad to have met you in person as well.

I am so sad it's over. I HAVE to find a way to go on the big girls' only trip next year, lol!!!!
And I just saw this little emoticon, so had to use it for no real reason other than it's K2, playing the viola!!!!

Thanks for the wonderful trip down memory lane, Linda! You really extended my magic to last a little bit longer! Until next time....

Me too!! Sad it's over that is. We had a great trip!! Will be anxiously awaiting 2015!