BEST. DAY. EVER. May '17 w/Chunkymonkey and Chubbyhubby NEW 8/28 x2 THE END!!

[ellenct]

I had to come out of lurkdom and say your pictures made me so excited to stay at Boardwalk Villas in September!

 

[3cmom]

I've read all your trip reports and never commented...but looking forward to this trip! We were AP holders in 2015/2016 and I miss it! It's fun living vicariously through the other reports!

 

[soniam]

oooh when are your trip dates again? Are you doing MNSSHP? I am toying on whether to book it for Halloween or Nov 1st. Obviously Oct 31 will be the most crowded of it all. Is it worth the extra money just to say you went on halloween? Hmmm. We got ours for Nov 2nd dinner. The F and W dinner sounds awesome. But there was nothing for the Queen Victoria Room for any other day that week. Nov 2nd is the day before the 5k. I think it should be fine, but I'd prefer a few days before or the night after we do the 5k, LOL.

I just bought tickets to the Nov 1 MNSSHP. It will be our first party. We arrive on the 1st, so it was our only choice. We haven't completely decided yet, but we are either leaving on the 6th or 7th. I had that same dilemma with booking V&A on the 2nd. I just knew that I wouldn't feel like running early the next morning. The 5th isn't ideal either. DH will run the half that morning, and then we have the post-party that night. I haven't heard enough about the F&W dinner to decide for sure. There's not a lot of info out there from previous years. I suspect the price is high enough that it won't book up immediately once it's announced. Although you never know.

 

[FSU Girl]

I'm glad you had an amazing trip! I'm excited to hear why it was the best day ever. Your hotel pictures look great! They are making me excited for my trip in 10 days and I know you mentioned that you didn't like the bed because it's too soft, which might bother my boyfriend, but I'm sooo excited about that. I love soft beds lol. The first class upgrade on the plane looked great I've never flown first class. You'll need to again so you can use the bathroom.

 

[chunkymonkey]

The BW pool doesn't bother me but I DO NOT LIKE CLOWNS!! And it's all because of that movie.....

Haha I think that movie made everyone freaked out about clowns. But really, it just reiterated what everyone was thinking anyways...

That's what I like to see! ME is Steve least favorite part of Disney; he gets extremely impatient waiting in line to board the bus and even more impatient if we get on the bus and then sit there waiting for more than say, 10 minutes But we've sat for 40 which sucked so I think he's always afraid that's going to happen again. I hope to see the area like that next week!

Totally. Waiting impatiently on ME is such a drag...you're so close to Disney yet...not. Haha.
Fingers crossed for us both next week!

It is beautiful, but I see those freaky old-time boy clowny weird chairs are still over by the fireplace lol!
We used to love the BWV and I know Steve would like to stay there again. I also know I should get past our bad experience during our 4th stay there 2 years ago but I can't..........maybe someday. I did feel a bit more at "home" there than at BC.

Sorry about your bad experience! I remember reading about it...I was a little worried but I figured that was a while ago. I do love the location.
Next on our list is the Beach Club!

Ooh, interested to see how you liked it! We used it in March but only for a day; totally getting it again next week

It was really awesome. We really enjoyed it. We're not getting it next weekend as I'm making a conscious decision to take it easy and relax and do fewer parks.

So excited for another trip report from you, they are always so informative!!

Thank you so much!!

I had to come out of lurkdom and say your pictures made me so excited to stay at Boardwalk Villas in September!

Thank you for reading and for comments! It's a great resort! Definitely between that and Beach Club is the place to be for any of the Epcot Festivals!

I've read all your trip reports and never commented...but looking forward to this trip! We were AP holders in 2015/2016 and I miss it! It's fun living vicariously through the other reports!

Thank you so much for reading! Having APs are so much fun. Although I am definitely going overboard with the trips. But, it's my only year to do so, LOL. At least until Star Wars land opens.

I just bought tickets to the Nov 1 MNSSHP. It will be our first party. We arrive on the 1st, so it was our only choice. We haven't completely decided yet, but we are either leaving on the 6th or 7th. I had that same dilemma with booking V&A on the 2nd. I just knew that I wouldn't feel like running early the next morning. The 5th isn't ideal either. DH will run the half that morning, and then we have the post-party that night. I haven't heard enough about the F&W dinner to decide for sure. There's not a lot of info out there from previous years. I suspect the price is high enough that it won't book up immediately once it's announced. Although you never know.

OK! Now I'm sold into getting Nov 1st tickets. That will force you guys to have a Dismeet with us hahaha. That is probably a good idea. During Halloween we'll have a nice leisurely meal away from the craziness. I am thinking Artist's point or Jiko. Or Citrico's or Narcoosee's...my list is a bit too long LOL.

 

[chunkymonkey]

I'm glad you had an amazing trip! I'm excited to hear why it was the best day ever. Your hotel pictures look great! They are making me excited for my trip in 10 days and I know you mentioned that you didn't like the bed because it's too soft, which might bother my boyfriend, but I'm sooo excited about that. I love soft beds lol. The first class upgrade on the plane looked great I've never flown first class. You'll need to again so you can use the bathroom.

If you like soft beds, then maybe this is the bed for you! I don't remember the contemporary beds being so soft in Feb. So maybe it's just certain resorts...or maybe it's a DVC thing. Or maybe I'm just a sensitive sleeper, LOL. I bought the same type of bed as the Westin Heavenly beds (simmon's beautyrest firm with pillowtop) and I love my bed. So all other beds feel weird to me.

Haha you are absolutely right, I'll have to go back to first class just to use the bathrooms.

 

[Dinohood]

love the trip so far the photos of waiting for the bus was funny before we will never get there in may did the zombies hit

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Yea, another chunkymonkey trip report. I'm a little late to the party but still first day at Disney. Can't wait to read more.

 

[soniam]

OK! Now I'm sold into getting Nov 1st tickets. That will force you guys to have a Dismeet with us hahaha. That is probably a good idea. During Halloween we'll have a nice leisurely meal away from the craziness. I am thinking Artist's point or Jiko. Or Citrico's or Narcoosee's...my list is a bit too long LOL.

Sounds like a plan Plus, Nov 1 is cheaper than Halloween. You can buy extra dole whip with that.

 

[dizneeat]

You started yesterday and I am 4 pages behind Going back to read now.

 

[chunkymonkey]

love the trip so far the photos of waiting for the bus was funny before we will never get there in may did the zombies hit

Haha, yup exactly, the zombies have invaded WDW. If that makes ME that empty, then they are welcome by me.

Yea, another chunkymonkey trip report. I'm a little late to the party but still first day at Disney. Can't wait to read more.

Hi!!! Thanks for reading this one!

Sounds like a plan Plus, Nov 1 is cheaper than Halloween. You can buy extra dole whip with that.

Always a plus in my book!!

You started yesterday and I am 4 pages behind Going back to read now.

Haha, don't worry it's mostly comments. I just have a few posts up.

 

[Tracy161]

I'm a 41-year-old Disney-addict

We should all be that lucky to look like you at 41!

Peoplemover

YES!!! You know I approve of this favorite ride of yours

Well let me not jinx myself as we still have four more trips this year...

Four more trips this year...

Needless to say that image of a crowded ME was stamped into our minds so imagine our amazed faces when we saw this:

What a beautiful sight!

For 29 dollars per person, you get unlimited rides between parks WITHOUT having to go through bag check.

This has got to be one of the best bargains at Disney! And if you're paying for only one or two people like we both often travel, you can't afford not to! I am SO doing this in August!

Pretty cool to see Tower of Terror from your room!

And the scary clown water slide...

Seriously!

 

[therealdisney01]

A little late but, I'm joining in!

 

[LilTinkFan]

Lurker chiming in to say hi! Loved your pretrippie. Can't wait to hear more!

 

[Dugette]

I didn’t know whether to laugh or be mad. I paid for first class and I didn’t even get to use the first class facilities.
In the end I just laughed it off, because, well, it wasn't a big deal, we had arrived safely, and I was going to Disney! All was fine, really.

But maybe I just don’t look like I belong in first class. ​

Haha, I know that feeling of looking out-of-place in first class (from our crazy price glitch HI flights). Was this the same flight attendant that worked in First Class? I hope not, as our experience (on Delta), they were constantly bringing us snacks and hot rags and stuff, so hopefully would have recognized us. I know I changed Izzy in the first class bathroom. Sorry you didn't get that immense privilege.

Needless to say that image of a crowded ME was stamped into our minds so imagine our amazed faces when we saw this:

Ha, now THIS is what most of our trips look like. Yay for off-season/weird flight times.

I think many people complain about how the Boardwalk has really long corridors. Let me tell you. Nothing is worse than staying in the farthest Garden Wing Room at the Contemporary. Even though our room wasn’t near the elevators, it wasn’t all that bad of a walk compared to February.

I think we were insanely lucky in that we stayed there twice and both times we barely walked down a hall at all. But, yes, I've heard the complaints about walking practically to DHS.

And the scary clown water slide...but I tried to ignore that part. Hahaha. #PoltergeistFears

Lucky for us, we were at a different angle and the trees blocked that part of the view.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Day 1 Part 2: La Vie En Epcot

First thing I noticed as we walked out of Boardwalk was that it was warm...like very warm. It was forecast to hit 89 that day. I was already breaking a sweat walking down the Boardwalk and it was barely 10am. I didn't know how I would survive August with 15 people, half of whom are newbies. I think I will crawl into Haunted Mansion and pretend I'm a ghost. #whereischunkeymonkey

It's hot!

In this pic you can see the red in my hair a bit better.

When we crossed over the bridge and into Epcot, there was no line for bag check, and the park was empty. Another point for early May!

Just beautiful...and serene. I wish it were like this all the time.

We stopped for this pic on the bridge:

Since the kiosks weren't open yet, we headed to Future World. Epcot is just gorgeous at this time of year:

I had an FP for SE, but we really didn't need it at that time. But I happen to like SE. Here is our future:

I am androgynous and DH is a trekkie.

We walked around Future World for a bit. There was some Muppets thing I hadn't seen before. This seemed to draw a crowd. It was cute.

We didn't stay for long though as i needed some sustenance. So back to World Showcase we go.

Look at all the fun merchandise! I bought myself the purple tank top and DH got a t-shirt.

DH admiring all the vegetation:

It's pretty cool how in the PP pics they put you in the topiary setting instead of just standing in front of it.

I was so happy to be in my favorite park during Flower and Garden!

I didn't realize UK had Peter Pan on the roof!

We walked back to World Showcase and headed to France so I could get myself a La Vie en Rose and an onion tarte which I've seen on so many people's TRs and dining reports (@ariane37 specifically inspired me to get it)

Tarte à l’Onion Alsacienne: Alsatian Onion Tart with Sautéed Onions, Fresh Thyme and Rosemary on a Flaky Puff Pastry Crust – $4.75
La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Grey Goose Vodka Orange, St. Germain Liquor, White and Red Cranberry Juice – $9.95

They were both really good! I've had the slush before and loved it and the onion tarte was flaky and savory. A hint too much rosemary for me, but I'm very sensitive to rosemary it seems. Still a nice appetizer. I ate most of it as DH said he was saving his stomach for 'Ohana later. And when he's at 'Ohana, he can eat. Oh well, more for me.

At the Florida Fresh I got the shrimp n grits. These were pretty good too.

Shrimp and Stone-ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Sweet Corn , Tomatoes and Cilantro – $6.50

At Japan I got my favorite Frushi! Fruit + sushi = Frushi! Don't worry, it's just fruit and no fish here, haha. Although the more I have these, the less interesting it is to me. It's still good though, but I feel like I should try other things. I had to get them at least once on this trip though.

Frushi: Fresh Pineapple, Strawberry and Melon rolled with Raspberry Coconut Rice, sprinkled with Toasted Coconut and Whipped Cream on the side – $5.75

Meanwhile @Malia78 (Karilynn) and I were texting and we realized we were gonna be Epcot at the same time! I told her which countries we were passing and she said she was just hopping on an express bus. Our Dismeet which was supposed to happen in MK tonight was gonna happen a lot sooner!


At Italy, Lady add the Tramp

At Germany we got some pictures with Snow White

When we passed China, I decided to see if Mulan was there, because I hadn't met her in a long time.
Turns out she was just about to appear. Although her line was pretty long, everyone wanted to meet Mulan and I was on a mission.

Finally I get to the front of the line and I quickly bring up a picture of Chunkysis on my phone and when it was my turn, Mulan asked DH and I if we were introduced via Matchmaker, and I said no but I could use matchmaker's help to find a good husband for my little sister, Chunkysis (Su-Queen), and I showed her the picture on my phone. Mulan said my sister is very pretty and that Matchmaker should have no problem finding a mate. I am still waiting for Matchmaker's call. It was a pretty funny interaction, although DH kinda got shafted in getting a picture with Mulan as he just waited on the side while I was speaking to her and then we just took some pictures and then it was the next person's turn. Oops. I thought he didn't want a picture with a princess, but he said she's Mulan of course I want a picture. So maybe we'll have to rectify that on the next trip.

Help us, Mulan, you're our only hope!

I loved the interaction with Mulan.
The PP Photographer didn't have enough light or flash so the pics were dark. So I had to lighten the exposure a bit just so you could see us!

Back outside China, I went to the Lotus Kiosk and got myself a Dragon Pearl. I had this once before and thought it was weird as hell, but the more I drank it the more it grew on me...so now I kinda like it!

Dragon Pearl: Beer, Honey, Cream and Tapioca Pearls – $8.75

It's an acquired taste for sure, but it does grow on you after a while.

At Norway, I think DH went to the bathroom and so I got a Magic Shot!

At Simba's Topiary

It was here that Karilynn texted and said she was steps way, so I looked around for her, and saw her coming towards us. Hi Karilynn!
We stopped to chat a bit. I told her how hot I was. She said we missed some big rain. That's good. She was on her way to conquer Germany's kiosks, while we had to go do our last 2 FP before heading to the Poly for our dinner at Ohana. We decided to meet up again later that night to watch Wishes in MK! Probably our last time ever, Sorry there was no pic from this meeting, but i promise there are some later on

In Mexico we had time for a ride but no time for Avocado Margarita. Darmn.

This chili pepper garden has always been DH's favorite. He likes it spicy!

Coming up, back to Future world, and we use Express Bus for the first time, plus dinner at 'Ohana!
​

 

[chunkymonkey]

We should all be that lucky to look like you at 41!

haha you are too kind. But really it's just good skincare lots of sunscreen and the occasional filter...hehehe.

YES!!! You know I approve of this favorite ride of yours

Excellent choice, my friend!

Four more trips this year...

I think I went a little overboard. I'm gonna have to curtail it next year But why!!

What a beautiful sight!

Glorious sight!

This has got to be one of the best bargains at Disney! And if you're paying for only one or two people like we both often travel, you can't afford not to! I am SO doing this in August!

Yes you have to I think it'll fit your park style really well!

A little late but, I'm joining in!

Thank you and welcome!

Lurker chiming in to say hi! Loved your pretrippie. Can't wait to hear more!

Thank you for reading!

Haha, I know that feeling of looking out-of-place in first class (from our crazy price glitch HI flights). Was this the same flight attendant that worked in First Class? I hope not, as our experience (on Delta), they were constantly bringing us snacks and hot rags and stuff, so hopefully would have recognized us. I know I changed Izzy in the first class bathroom. Sorry you didn't get that immense privilege.

The thing is, I didn't think I was looking out of place, I was actually wearing my work clothes and not my regular bummy vacation clothes. That's what was funny. That attendant lady...she blind.

Ha, now THIS is what most of our trips look like. Yay for off-season/weird flight times.

I Love it!! It was kinda like this most other times I've been too. Maybe not AS empty but pretty light...

I think we were insanely lucky in that we stayed there twice and both times we barely walked down a hall at all. But, yes, I've heard the complaints about walking practically to DHS.

That would be convenienet for me. WE did find the entrance that took u to the closest to DHS but it was still to far to walk to DHS. That is a looong walk.

Lucky for us, we were at a different angle and the trees blocked that part of the view.

That IS a good thing!!

 

[Tracy161]

I think I went a little overboard. I'm gonna have to curtail it next year But why!!

I'm of the mindset, the more the better! And isn't the purchase of an AP discounted if you renew?

 

[MamaCoop]

I cant believe how empty it looks!

My wish... well... one of many when it comes to Disney.... is to plan an adults only trip at some point during the festival, but that is wayyy down the line!

I love that you were matching with Beauty and the Beast shirts!

Can't wait to keep reading!

 

[MeghanEmily]

I was already breaking a sweat walking down the Boardwalk and it was barely 10am. I didn't know how I would survive August with 15 people, half of whom are newbies. I think I will crawl into Haunted Mansion and pretend I'm a ghost. #whereischunkeymonkey

I'm pretty concerned about this too! May will be bad enough...August heat...*shudder* Somehow you both still look lovely despite the heat!

In this pic you can see the red in my hair a bit better.

I am androgynous and DH is a trekkie.

Bahaha hilarious!

Turns out she was just about to appear. Although her line was pretty long, everyone wanted to meet Mulan and I was on a mission.

This is the best mission ever! Hmm...do I know anyone who needs a matchmaker, I wonder...

In Mexico we had time for a ride but no time for Avocado Margarita. Darmn.

Disappointing! If I still could drink, I think that would be the first thing I'd try in Epcot. I love avocado.