BEST. DAY. EVER. May '17 w/Chunkymonkey and Chubbyhubby NEW 8/28 x2 THE END!!
- Thread starter chunkymonkey
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chunkymonkey
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 27, 2009
I'm of the mindset, the more the better! And isn't the purchase of an AP discounted if you renew?
Yes you are...absolutely right!
We'll see...
Such a contrast from February!
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!
something to look forward to!
Thank you! We wanted to see if we could meet Gaston later...but you'll have to stay tuned to see if we actually meet him!
It really was sweat-inducing, I felt like I was melting. Thanks though, those pictures were taken early in the day, my friend, you'll see how straggly we look later, hahaha.
This is a highly important mission because my sister said if she'd ever get married she'd have a destination wedding at Disney...so it's sort of in my best interest too to encourage this matchmaking
Disappointing! If I still could drink, I think that would be the first thing I'd try in Epcot. I love avocado.
It really is quite good. Oh and apparently all of Epcot was at La Cava de Tequila because it always had a line!
Hi Lynn! Glad you made it over!
Thanks!! more coming up soon!
LindseyJo22
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2014
Blech. We are already talking about how we're going to have to deal with the heat this trip! It's usually hot in May, but maybe not quite this hot. I'm just hoping it doesn't hit September levels of humidity. We live in Georgia, but we are hermits in the summer because of the heat!
This looks adorable! Not sure we'll be around Future World in the mornings to see this, but maybe!
I love this topiary - one of my favorite fun little touches
Yum! I have not had this yet - it's a must-do this trip, just to try it
Really curious to see how you like Express Bus service. Pretty sure my in-laws are getting it for themselves, and we are thinking about it! It seems really worthwhile if you do want to park hop, and we have a couple of days where we want to do a decent amount of hopping.
xlsm
Snow White
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2013
Oh my gosh, you are off and running with the updates!! Mine is going to be so sllloooowww this go around!
Oh, I have been there! My ADRs for December were when we were in California last summer. That was an awfully early ADR wake up call!
It really is!! My favorite part of staying at the Boardwalk was the lobby, I think!
I'm so excited to hear about this throughout your report. I considered it, but when I hop I never go park to park, I go back to the resort for a break. But it just looks so darn convenient!!
*raises hand* It was .17 miles from our room to the elevator in December. It was crazy!
Oh, I love this view!!
Agree 100%! It's my favorite!
This was on my must do list...but I never managed to see it
I'm a huge Muppet fan
This is so cute!! I didn't see a single photopass photographer in the World Showcase during this trip. I thought it was so odd because we usually stop for several of them!
Oh, I have been there! My ADRs for December were when we were in California last summer. That was an awfully early ADR wake up call!
It really is!! My favorite part of staying at the Boardwalk was the lobby, I think!
I'm so excited to hear about this throughout your report. I considered it, but when I hop I never go park to park, I go back to the resort for a break. But it just looks so darn convenient!!
*raises hand* It was .17 miles from our room to the elevator in December. It was crazy!
Oh, I love this view!!
Agree 100%! It's my favorite!
This was on my must do list...but I never managed to see it
I'm a huge Muppet fanThis is so cute!! I didn't see a single photopass photographer in the World Showcase during this trip. I thought it was so odd because we usually stop for several of them!
chunkymonkey
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 27, 2009
I really hope it's not too bad next week. Last week was sweltering for our first 2 days...like pushing 90 degrees, then it cooled down considerably and was probably some of the nicest weather I've ever had. Similar to Disney in February but quite possibly better.
I had no idea this was there, but then again I never pick up a Times guide anymore so that's probably why. Hahaha.
I love this topiary - one of my favorite fun little touches
So cute! I should look up more often!
It's good!Yum! I have not had this yet - it's a must-do this trip, just to try it
We loved it! Probably could have used it more but I decided to add it at the end so had to rearrange some stuff just to park hop, but the times we did, it was so painless and quick.
Yay! I'm glad you can see the pictures now!!
chunkymonkey
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 27, 2009
I'm trying to get a good chunk in before we leave next for our weekend trip next week!
That is early!! But us planners will do anything for our Disney trips, right?
It was so pretty and elegant while still slightly whimsical. I do love the wall color they used too!
It was wonderful. I know what you mean about wanting to go back to your resort first. That's what we've done in the past but for this trip I added some park hopping in just for the sake of it to test out the bus! And it was really painless and quick. I loved it.
Woah that's nuts. I think it was .25 miles from our room at the contemporary to the entrance at MK, so that's pretty far!
I dont' think I've ever been able to see an attraction from my room before!
Just so pretty and colorful! I love it!
This was on my must do list...but I never managed to see it
I'll need to make time to see all the little street performances one day. I always forget about them.
They were few and far between. I had to look for them too. I don't know why since World Showcase is so popular this time of year!
AshClan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2001
Keep Writing! We are leaving this Sunday, staying at BWV, and eating dinner at Ohana later in the week. Plus I love getting some more scoop on the food booth offerings! I do believe that France will be my first stop, and the shrimp and grits is on my list too! Thanks for all the great photos!
YukiPhnx
The Minnie to my Mickey
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2009
It feels like you just came back and you're already 3 updates in!! You sure work fast!!
Too bad you had a sub-par first class experience. It also made me wonder if they didn't think you looked like a first class passenger...
OMG, ME is so empty! I really need to try an early May trip some time.
The Boardwalk looks lovely! Does the TV cabinet pull out to become a bed?
It's so nice to see your pictures again but with more story now!
That dragon pearl drink sounds pretty sketchy...
I hope Steve gets his photo with Mulan one day!
Too bad you had a sub-par first class experience. It also made me wonder if they didn't think you looked like a first class passenger...
OMG, ME is so empty! I really need to try an early May trip some time.
The Boardwalk looks lovely! Does the TV cabinet pull out to become a bed?
It's so nice to see your pictures again but with more story now!
That dragon pearl drink sounds pretty sketchy...
I hope Steve gets his photo with Mulan one day!
Grumpy's Wife
Dollar Tree gal here
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2005
The Flower and Garden Festival is my most favorite time to visit EPCOT. Especially now that they have the food booths, it's a win all around.
chunkymonkey
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 27, 2009
Day 1 Part 3: The "Real" Magical Express!
As we were leaving Mexico we saw that Donald was meeting so we got in a short line. Hola Donald!
We walked back to Future World for our next FP+, Test Track. We designed a sporty little contraption that looked like a flattened bug.
We had to wait a bit as I think they were having some technical difficulty on the ride. But it was hot and I was sweaty so not being in the sun was a relief. It was also then that I saw Victoria and Albert's called me back and left a message. They said they were able to confirm my reservation on Nov 2nd for four people. What?! I said 2 ppl. Never mind. It showed up on my app with 2 people so all was good.
TT was having some technical difficulties but the ride was still working, just that the cars you designed didn't' match up with what was shown on the screens.
What's the point of designing a car? Oh well. Here's our ride picture!
We came across this drawing on the floor. It looked like chalk but it was more permanent than chalk. It was drawn so that the images were skewed but when you take a picture of it, it gives the illusion they are 3-D and floating. There was a PP Photographer here at this time but it was probably one of the few times we saw one here. Otherwise you can take one using your camera, but it's more fun when you're actually in the picture so it looks like you're flying!
Here's one I took on my own camera. I don't know why the one from the PP photographer looks so washed out. I think his flash was too bright and the angle in which he was shooting at did not show the 3-D effect of the graphics that well.
We had our last FP+ of the day at Character Spot.
At this time it was close to 2pm. We decided to try Express Bus for the first time today and head to MK. From there we would take the monorail to the Poly before our 4pm dinner. I was hoping maybe to catch Gaston if he was there since DH had his fan-boy shirt on. The Express bus stop at Epcot is next the bathrooms on the right side of Spaceship Earth (when facing the exit of the park). There are set times that buses leave for each park but basically it is every 30 minutes. I can't remember exactly when the Epcot to MK buses leave and depart. Might have been on the hour and every half hour. DHS may have been Every :10 and :40. Don't quote me on that just giving an example. We basically just asked the Express bus hostess when the next bus was and she let us know. I think when we got to the Express bus and checked in, we had to wait about 10 minutes for the next bus. So we just used the restrooms and sat and chilled a bit. You do have to scan your band when you check in and they do say to check in a few minutes earlier of when the buses arrive.
When the bus was here we were escorted out to the backstage area where the bus was waiting. There are no pictures allowed here though. But basically we boarded a completely empty bus, waited a few minutes for any last minute stragglers, and then headed on to MK! At MK, the bus lets you off behind Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland, and then a CM meets the bus backstage, escorts us into MK, and that was it. EASY PEASY. No bag check, not waiting to scan your band/ticket. Quickest park hop ever! Now I'm spoiled. This is the REAL Magical Express! I really do hope they keep Express Bus around for a long time because I am a fan.
When we arrived in MK we decided to head straight to Gaston's Tavern. Fortunately, Gaston was out meeting and greeting! Unfortunately they closed the line at that time. The next and last time he would come back out I think we'd be at dinner, so no Gaston today. However we did stay and watch some of the interaction, and it was so funny. I especially loved this one where a little infant basically couldn't stop touching Gaston's chest. Like his bare chest. It was a riot. Gaston got a kick out of it.
(BTW, if this is your family, please feel free to take this picture!)
It's too bad we didn't get to meet this Gaston as he looked like Zac Efron. But I did have to take a picture of DH standing in front of Gaston's Tavern.
We did get a couple of pictures in front of Ariel's Grotto before going on Under the Sea with Ariel. This is a very good ride to go on when it's hot outside because it's dark and cool, and the line moves very quickly.
Ok we had time for another quick ride somewhere...we had made an FP+ for BTMRR but that was not until later that night. So we went on the ride any normal good DIS-er would go on when they don't have any FPs...The PeopleMover!
I don't think DH knows why I love this ride so much. It's just so awesome. It's like getting a tour of Tomorrowland and experiencing Space Mountain without actually having to ride it!
OK! Now that we had done The Peoplemover, I felt complete. We headed out of the park to the Poly for our dinner at 'Ohana!! Stay tuned.
As we were leaving Mexico we saw that Donald was meeting so we got in a short line. Hola Donald!
We walked back to Future World for our next FP+, Test Track. We designed a sporty little contraption that looked like a flattened bug.
We had to wait a bit as I think they were having some technical difficulty on the ride. But it was hot and I was sweaty so not being in the sun was a relief. It was also then that I saw Victoria and Albert's called me back and left a message. They said they were able to confirm my reservation on Nov 2nd for four people. What?! I said 2 ppl. Never mind. It showed up on my app with 2 people so all was good.
TT was having some technical difficulties but the ride was still working, just that the cars you designed didn't' match up with what was shown on the screens.
What's the point of designing a car? Oh well. Here's our ride picture!
We came across this drawing on the floor. It looked like chalk but it was more permanent than chalk. It was drawn so that the images were skewed but when you take a picture of it, it gives the illusion they are 3-D and floating. There was a PP Photographer here at this time but it was probably one of the few times we saw one here. Otherwise you can take one using your camera, but it's more fun when you're actually in the picture so it looks like you're flying!
Here's one I took on my own camera. I don't know why the one from the PP photographer looks so washed out. I think his flash was too bright and the angle in which he was shooting at did not show the 3-D effect of the graphics that well.
We had our last FP+ of the day at Character Spot.
At this time it was close to 2pm. We decided to try Express Bus for the first time today and head to MK. From there we would take the monorail to the Poly before our 4pm dinner. I was hoping maybe to catch Gaston if he was there since DH had his fan-boy shirt on. The Express bus stop at Epcot is next the bathrooms on the right side of Spaceship Earth (when facing the exit of the park). There are set times that buses leave for each park but basically it is every 30 minutes. I can't remember exactly when the Epcot to MK buses leave and depart. Might have been on the hour and every half hour. DHS may have been Every :10 and :40. Don't quote me on that just giving an example. We basically just asked the Express bus hostess when the next bus was and she let us know. I think when we got to the Express bus and checked in, we had to wait about 10 minutes for the next bus. So we just used the restrooms and sat and chilled a bit. You do have to scan your band when you check in and they do say to check in a few minutes earlier of when the buses arrive.
When the bus was here we were escorted out to the backstage area where the bus was waiting. There are no pictures allowed here though. But basically we boarded a completely empty bus, waited a few minutes for any last minute stragglers, and then headed on to MK! At MK, the bus lets you off behind Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland, and then a CM meets the bus backstage, escorts us into MK, and that was it. EASY PEASY. No bag check, not waiting to scan your band/ticket. Quickest park hop ever! Now I'm spoiled. This is the REAL Magical Express! I really do hope they keep Express Bus around for a long time because I am a fan.
When we arrived in MK we decided to head straight to Gaston's Tavern. Fortunately, Gaston was out meeting and greeting! Unfortunately they closed the line at that time. The next and last time he would come back out I think we'd be at dinner, so no Gaston today. However we did stay and watch some of the interaction, and it was so funny. I especially loved this one where a little infant basically couldn't stop touching Gaston's chest. Like his bare chest. It was a riot. Gaston got a kick out of it.
(BTW, if this is your family, please feel free to take this picture!)
It's too bad we didn't get to meet this Gaston as he looked like Zac Efron. But I did have to take a picture of DH standing in front of Gaston's Tavern.
We did get a couple of pictures in front of Ariel's Grotto before going on Under the Sea with Ariel. This is a very good ride to go on when it's hot outside because it's dark and cool, and the line moves very quickly.
Ok we had time for another quick ride somewhere...we had made an FP+ for BTMRR but that was not until later that night. So we went on the ride any normal good DIS-er would go on when they don't have any FPs...The PeopleMover!
I don't think DH knows why I love this ride so much. It's just so awesome. It's like getting a tour of Tomorrowland and experiencing Space Mountain without actually having to ride it!
OK! Now that we had done The Peoplemover, I felt complete. We headed out of the park to the Poly for our dinner at 'Ohana!! Stay tuned.
Last edited:
chunkymonkey
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 27, 2009
LOL I just wrote another update for today! Had a bit of time during lunch...'Ohana will be posted soon I promise. Maybe even tonight.
Wow you're so lucky! Will you be there next weekend? That's when we'll be back!
Thank you!!
My DH is also planting the spicy peppers! He's starting them in the basement with an LED lamp and they are actually growing. Maybe he's learning something from all these Flower and Garden visits.
Disney withdrawals, ya know...haha
But I feel like if I don't get a good head start once we leave on our trip next weekend it'll be so hard to get back on track especially right after another trip. So cranking this one out since it's so fresh in my mind!
Haha mind-boggles me too, but oh well.
Totally!! Maybe after you graduate! Let me know too, hehe.
Yup it does. Although it sacrificed storage space to do that. 5 people in the room is a bit tight. I feel like the studio room is a bit smaller than regular rooms. With all the beds pulled out...there will be no space to walk!
Totally sounds sketchy, but quite good. Although I am not sure I can drink it anymore. I'm' slowly becoming lactose intolerant.
We're gonna try next week!
It totally is! I just love it!
AshClan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2001
Unfortunately, no. This trip is only Sunday through Friday. Our flight out is late on Friday night, though, so I'll keep an eye out for you on Friday just in case.
BTW, I LOVE your Belle "Prince Charming" shirt!Thanks for the quick update, and I'll look forward to reading about 'Ohana! It's been a couple of years since we've been...
wdwnut61
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2002
Great ride photo on TT and the 3D butterfly's are so cool. We'll have to make sure and look for those.
The Express Transportation is amazing and worth every penny. I'm glad you described the Epcot location that's the only one I was unsure of.
It was so convenient when we stayed at the CR. After we visited AK or HS we'd hop on the Express bus to MK then an easy walk back to CR. We saved so much time.
The Express Transportation is amazing and worth every penny. I'm glad you described the Epcot location that's the only one I was unsure of.
It was so convenient when we stayed at the CR. After we visited AK or HS we'd hop on the Express bus to MK then an easy walk back to CR. We saved so much time.
therealdisney01
it's kind of fun to do the impossible~Walt Disney
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2015
What is the Express Bus and how much time does it save if any time at all?
chunkymonkey
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 27, 2009
Unfortunately, no. This trip is only Sunday through Friday. Our flight out is late on Friday night, though, so I'll keep an eye out for you on Friday just in case.
Oh cool! I think we'll be in Epcot for most of the day and the MK at night for the Happily Ever After dessert party! Please do say hi if you see me!
Thank you! I got it at Macy's when they had the Beauty and the Beast clothing release when the movie came out.
Enjoy 'Ohana!
Yeah the 3D butterflies are right near Club Cool so you should be able to spot them easily.
Really enjoyed Express Transportation. If I had known earlier I would ahve built in more park hopping into my plans! Just so fun!
Hi there! The Express Bus Transportation is like an add-on service for your park hopper (you do need park hoppers) that picks you up from inside a park and drops you off inside another park. It works for all 4 theme parks MK, Epcot, DHS and AK. They run pretty much every 30 minutes depending on the park. It's 29 per person for 7 days or 19 per person for a day pass. It starts from 10am until park closing.
Here's a link to it: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/express-transportation-options/
The biggest time saver is the lack of having to leave a park, go through bag check and through the ticket/fingerprint scan multiple times. You do have to scan when you first enter a park but then if you use the express bus to hop from park to park, you don't have to go through it again. It also drops you off inside a park in a backstage location. In DHS it was near Rock n Roller Coaster, in AK it was behind Tusker House, Epcot was near Spaceship Earth, and MK was near Buzz Lightyear. So once you're off the bus, you're pretty much right in the parks.
We really enjoyed this service. If you're the sort of person that likes to go back to the resort before going to another park though, then this probably wouldn't be of much use. But for a week-long trip it seems worth it even if you're doing a few hops. I believe it is the same price for adults and kids though.
coloredimage
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2009
Oh I know that feeling well! I'd be right there with you! lol
This looks amazing and I'm sad I didn't get it while I was there for F&G. Hopefully there's similar for F&W this year because that looks lovely!
honestly it's probably my favorite smell in any Disney park! I don't like eating peppers, but I definitely love smelling them!
CyndiLouWho
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2013
Loving the trip report! We stayed at Dolphin last fall during F &W and loved the location of the EPCOT area resorts. We easily did 3 parks in a day. Walked to HS & EPCOT, monorail to MK. Plus EPCOT is our fave Park (& Mulan is DS's fave princess)
So jealous you get 4 more trips this year and we won't go until next March
So jealous you get 4 more trips this year and we won't go until next March
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