Chunky See, Chunky Do! A Chunky Family TR - June 2025 Day 0 - Travel Day!

[Disney102015]

Always enjoyed your TRs - excited to follow along!!

 

[rdkeim]

Great to see you back - following!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Wow thanks for all the love you guys! It feels good to be back!!

Here's the Cast of Chunky Characters!

All 11 of us!

I'll begin with myself!

(RIP Muppetvision 3D)

Hi I'm Su-Lynn! I'm your resident DISboarder, trip planner, former prolific TR writer, and avid eater, traveler, and my favorite thing is to travel to eat! I live in NJ with my hubby Steve, although I grew up in NYC. I'm 49 and work in IT in a financial company in NJ. Next Feb is my milestone birthday and I have a big trip planned to Singapore to go on the Disney Adventure, DCL's newest cruse ship! Also since COVID we became Platinum DCL members! Which is a feat coming from someone who doesn't really love cruising that much (much prefer a land trip) but when you're surrounded by Disney in a relaxing environment, being on a boat is not that bad! I am currently into K-pop (any BTS Army here?), and also rediscovered my passion for videogames which is something I hadn't indulged in for like 10 years (the pandemic changes you hahaha). I've been playing Clair Obscur Expedition 33 non-stop. Anyone else? We have no kids but I act like I'm 12 half the time, so that counts, right?

My favorite Disney rides are the Peoplemover, LWTL (esp during Christmas!), Slinky and Guardians! But honestly I will ride anything except for the Teacups and ToT LOL. My current favorite Disney characters are Baymax and Stich, and I've taken a liking to the Duffy and friends characters especially Stella Lou. We travelled to Tokyo Disneyland in 2023 and 2024 and I was able to pick up some merch! My favorite food is sushi but I've since become a bougie sushi snob and only eat like good sushi (like omakase) not supermarket sushi, so I don't get to indulge as much as I want to #selfimposedbougienessfornogoodreason I also really like any CARBS but because I'm middle-aged now anything that is a sugar/carb induces borderline diabetic responses in my body so I'm really trying to refrain. #notselfimposedcarbrestrictionsucks

Me in Tokyo Disneyland, which I went to opening year in 1983 and again 40 years later:

Here's my hubby, Steve!

(This is a pic from Fantasy Springs, the newest area to open in Tokyo DisneySea, it is PHENOMENAL.)

Steve is also 49 and his milestone birthday is at the end of this year! So our trip to Singapore in Feb is really to celebrate both our milestone birthdays! He indulges me, really, LOL. His idea of a great time is just to go to the batting cages and hit some fastballs and I'd rather get on a plane to travel 14 hours for good sushi. He also works in banking but he loves to garden, play softball, and especially loves LWTL (but who does not?!). He loves thrill rides too and Guardians and Tron are his favorites! He doesn't really have a favorite character but he's game to meet anyone. He loves meat and loves a good steak, and during the pandemic became really into whiskey. We had dinner on this trip at Bull and Bear at the Waldorf and it is one of his all time favorite places! Contrary to me, he loves to eat healthy and workout, whereby I can just eat butter and sit on the couch all day but that's why we mesh well, because we will never fight over who's going to finish the salad vs potatoes.

Also I have to give a special shoutout to one of my favorite Disney experiences, the Galactic Starcruiser which I was lucky enough to go on three times before it closed!! RIP to the Halcyon. I get that it wasn't sustainable but it was one of those experiences which was so immersive and unforgettable it will be hard to replicate. I got to go twice with friends and once with Steve!

June 30th 2023 voyage of the Halcyon

Here's our middle sister, Su-Queen! Also known as Chunkysis in my TRs.
From now on she will be known as CS:

Chunkysis at Disney becomes an entirely different person. She goes from a tiktok-watching couch-loving crafter to a do-not-get-in-my-way character-crazed photopass seeker! She will literally walk all over the park in the heat to get a picture with a character and she will do it 12 times to get every single one. She met so many on this trip! Also she coordinates her outfits to the occasion or to the characters she plans to meet. CS is in her mid 40s and also acts like she's 12. Unlike me though, she actually likes ToT! Her favorite food is....you guessed it...jam. Yes JAM. If you've read this TR you will know what I'm talking about.

Our younger sisters are twins! They are the one with kids. They are obviously the ones who act like adults, while CS and I act like the kids. LOL. Here they are with their families!

Su-Ying: Chunky Twin 1 - from now on she will be known as CT1
Her DH is Kevin and her kids are Caylee (11) and Bryan (9)

Su-Ying is the oldest of the Twins! They live the town over from us. Actually all of us live within a 20 minute drive, with Ying the closest to us at around 10 minutes. She's probably the most pragmatic of the group and she also loves wine. Both her and her hubby work in finance. Here's more about her kids:

Caylee is 11 and is the sweetest most easy-going girl. Actually when asked who would we like to babysit for a day if we had to choose and all of us said Caylee! She is just so nice and quiet and goes with the flow! Such a sweetheart. She loves to read and her favorite character is Stitch! Which is funny because she used to HATE characters. On our first trip she did not want to meet any of the characters and would shy away from them LOL but now she's totally down for it! Her favorite food is pizza, but she will pretty much eat anything. Her favorite rides are Tron and Guardians.

Bryan is 9 and is he got game. No, seriously he plays basketball in a league and even though he's one of the shortest, he plays like he's in the NBA barely missing any shots! He's the only little boy of the trip and knows he's a little prince but he's so cute I indulge him hahaha. He really does like the VIP treatment. He keeps asking if we're going to "skip the line" for a ride, meaning do we have a LL? When I say no, he looks like it's the end of the world His favorite rides are Tron and EE, and he gets dizzy on guardians so he doesn't always ride it. His favorite food is shrimp tempura!

And the younger twin, Su-Ming: Chunky Twin 2! From now on she will be known as CT2
Her DH is Marc and her kids are Eva (12) and Sienna (8)

Su-Ming works as a child special needs consultant, and Marc is in finance. CT2 and both girls are gluten-free so they especially like Disney because it's so easy! Sometimes she says they take it to the next level. It's more of a gluten-sensitivity and not an allergy for her and the girls but she finds it great that they take such care in being precautious.

Here's more about her girls:

Eva, 12 is the oldest of the kids! She loves Disney a lot and got to celebrate her 6th birthday at Disney in 2017 so she remembers it the most out of all the kids. Also I kind of traumatized her when I brought her on Mine Train when she was still 5 telling her it was a train ride and then she FREAKED out and I lost my cool aunt status. But no worries there, she LOVES Mine Train now and I'm still the coolest aunt! Her favorite rides are Guardians, Tron and BTMRR although that was down for our trip this time, boo. Her favorite food is steak and ribs but she will also eat just about anything.

And finally, the baby of the family, Sienna! Sienna is 8 and I think that is the best age for Disney. She's independent enough to go on all the big girl rides, but young enough to still appreciate princesses and characters and all the things that little girls still love! She is a brave little one and super cute to boot. Her favorite food is cheese. She will eat anything with cheese, although she does NOT like blue cheese. She especially loves mac n cheese, especially the non gluten-free kind which her mom doesn't let her have outside of Disney lol.

I thought it would be fun to see the kids growing up over the past three trips:

2017:

Caylee and Bryan, aw they were so cute

Eva celebrating her 6th birthday at MK

Sienna eating her way through CHH

Enjoying time at Woflgang Puck at DS. Wow that was ages ago!

This is hilarious - Caylee did not want to stand next to Stich so her mom had to carry her, but now Stitch is her favorite! And Bryan of course is carrying a basketball LOL. I miss when they used to do the Stitch photo back in the day at Ohana breakfast!

2023:

Caylee isn't scared of characters anymore!

These kids love to jump!

Sienna now loves Orange Bird!

Their first VIP tour!

When can we come back?!?

And finally 2025:

Super excited to be back at Disney!
​

 

[summerlvr]

So happy to see you here again! Looking forward to reading more!

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

Awww love all the cousin pictures!

 

[Stasieki]

So happy we were able to talk you into a TR! Ok... I may have begged (Kim Smith on Instagram) - haha. I can't wait to hear more about the trip.

 

[footballmouse]

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Love seeing the kids grow up via Disney.

 

[chunkymonkey]

June 19th - Day 0

It's travel day!! Most of us got one of the first flights out from Newark Airport to Orlando at 8am , so it was a pretty early morning for us, but on Disney day, not early enough! The kids were so excited to be missing their last day of school haha, but it was only a half day and honestly they weren't going to do anything anyways! CS booked this trip on her own, she was staying at Pop on her own and booked her own flight and decided she didn't want to wake up so early so decided to get an 11am flight. We asked why she didn't just come with us so we can travel together but she insisted on keeping her flight because it was cheaper.

We texted each pics of each other on the way to the airport!

Steve and I have access to United Clubs since we travel so much with then so we headed to the airport even earlier just so we could have free breakfast Sorry no pictures but it was a typical breakfast buffet.

We all met at the gate right before boarding. Steve and I are group 2 and the rest of them were group 3, because Steve and I are the lowest tier elites of United. It doesn't get you much else . However, we were at the end of the line for group 2 and by the time we got to the front to scan our boarding pass they were telling everyone there was no overhead bin space and we would have to check our carry-ons. That is so unheard of especially with group 2! There was still groups 3 and 4! Everyone was so annoyed but we had no choice so we all had to gate check our carry-ons.

But literally when we got on the plane there was so much overhead bin space, there were tons of empty bins! We were all like ***?! It's as if someone working the plane wanted to annoy us all for fun. Bur anyways, aside from that I got an aisle seat and high fived my family as they boarded.

Our flight was uneventful, thank goodness. If you know about Newark and the problems with air trafficking they have been having with the near misses and overcrowding plus a runway was closed for about 6 months - we were literally told to try and change our flights to a different airport. But at that point we had no other option so we would just chance it, and by sheer luck the runway reopened a few weeks before we were due to fly out and I think that alleviated a lot of issues. Still have to fix the antiquated air traffic control but all that counts is that we all got there safely and on time.

Except for CS...but I will get to her later.

We've arrived at Orlando!

So I hustled everyone to the Faux monorail and then to our baggage claim, once we got our bags we called some Ubers.

At this point CS was about to board her 11:30am flight so we said See Ya Real Soon!

Between 10 of us we split into 2 Uber XLs which turned out to be minivans and amazingly big enough to hold our luggage! The first group was myself, CT2, her DH and the two older girls Eva and Caylee. We arrived at the beautiful Coronado Springs Gran Destino Tower! We stayed here in 2023 and loved it!

Our rooms were not ready but we walked inside to wait for the others. We were greeted by several hosts with ipads and I told them our names and that we had three rooms booked and if we could get rooms next to each other or at least on the same floor. And our host said she would try accommodate us. (Spoiler: they couldn't so we were all on different floors, so much for trying haha).

The girls decided to make a luggage fort while waiting:

When everyone arrived we had to decide what to do since today was a free day and we had no real plans other than dinner at Toledo at 5:30 and it was roughly noon at this point. We were thinking of doing the water park thing on check in day but everyone was too lazy and said they would just rather use the hotel pool. I had told everyone ahead of time to pack their swim stuff in their carry ons so that it would be easy to pull out but of course everyone had to open multiple bags and ended up doing packing tetris just to get all their stuff out and back in. #chunkyseechunkyfail

Back at Newark CS told us her plane had an engine issue, so she had to deplane. Ugh already the first setback. At this point she was an hour delayed. Hopefully it wasn't much longer.

Returning to us at Coronado, by the time everyone got their stuff situated and left their luggage with bell services we were all hangry! So we headed to the quick service El Mercado for lunch. I'm sorry I don't have pics of this since we were starving and I wasn't in TR mode just yet but Steve and I shared a giant portion of nachos and the adults got quesadillas and nachos, and kids got chicken fingers and fries. Hunger satisfied, they headed to the pool. I was not ready to get wet yet so I said I was going to Disney Springs since I rarely get to go on a weekday! I'm usually at Disney on a weekend and more often on a long weekend so it's always crazy packed and crowded.

I walked over to the bus stop and lo and behold a bus pulled up to Disney Springs. WIN WIN WIN it was meant to be! Finally I get to see an uncrowded WoD store and actually get to see merchandise!

Back again at Newark, CS said they had a new boarding time on a new plane. Boarding at 1:30 with about a 2pm departure. Fingers crossed!

I then got a text that our room was ready and I texted Steve. They were all in the pool on this very warm humid day. Someone was having so much fun!

I got myself a pink drink, which i don't have very often but at Disney it is the perfect blend of caffeine and electrolytes for hydration, lol.

Seriously though the first few days of the trip I felt like I could not stay hydrated even though I was chugging water and electrolytes like crazy. Something about the all day heat is so challenging! Or maybe I'm just getting told old for his

I saw some cute Baymax stuff!

I also walked into the Photopass center and there was no one there so I got these fun shots!

I wandered over to Ever After and saw the cutest Donald duck butt bag charm which also has a little reusable tote inside! I'm all one for a dual purpose item!

See top left for the bag and butt charm :

I also bought this t shirt for myself! It was exclusive to Ever After, so how could I not?

It was nice being able to walk around Disney Springs without the crowds, but I saw the sky was getting darker and darker so I thought it best to head back before there's torrential thunderstorms. Of course I did not bring my umbrella or poncho today, LOL. So headed back to the bus. Just as I was walking the last few yards to the Coronado stop the skies opened up! Whew I made it!

OK Back again at Newark my sister was still on her plane! There was a ground stop due storms in Newark, plus storms here as well so no one was going anywhere if you were leaving the tri-state area and heading to Florida. Oh dear.

When I arrived back at Corondo I realized that from the bus stop to the front of the tower, there were a set of stairs which had NO shelter. So basically I was going to get wet anyways. It was REALLY coming down at this point, and it didn't look like it was going to let up anytime soon so I just made a run for it and in the 5 second spring dash up the stairs I got soaked anyways.

Everyone else had already been inside due to the storms. Only two of us had rooms. Steve and I on the 14th floor and CT2 got the 10th floor. Only CT1's room wasn't ready yet. So much for being near each other hahaha. CT2 was told to just shower in the gym locker rooms so she and Kevin took the kids to shower since their room wasn't ready. I went up to our room and Steve was there with all our luggage and owners locker.

Here's a pic of our room. Love the tower rooms!

It was almost 5pm after everyone got refreshed .After the 3rd text asking what time is dinner (5:30), we got additional texts from CS telling us that she was still on the tarmac but they will have to DEPLANE again because they have reached the limit on the tarmac. They gave passengers a very small allowance for food at the airport but really, it could only buy you like a yogurt and water.

Kids were sad CS wasn't able to join us tonight.

Finally said her new flight was at 7:30pm!!! She shoulda just came with us. She saved maybe 50 bucks on the plane ticket but priceless time at Disney!

Toledo was a big hit on our last trip so we definitely wanted to eat here again. Also with the amazing discounts for Passholder days at some restaurants, we saved 40% off the bill!!! I seriously think this meal was one of our favorites, and not just because of the discount!

When we first sat down we were split into two tables which is pretty common for large groups like us, and usually I have to book two tables anyways. So when we got our two tables, we put the kids on one table and the adults sat in another, but then they told us that an adult had to be seated with the kids so the twins said fine they will sit with the kids, but because we wanted to share entrees we ended up walking back and forthe between the two tables. The service team saw this and she said lemme see what I can do. So she asked one of the tables next to us, who just sat down if they would be so kind to move so that we could sit together and they obliged. So thank you other family for moving so we could all sit together on one large table! I'm sure they would have appreciated us not yelling back and forth "You want more wine??" between the two tables. Our server, Martha was amazing, she was so sweet and kind and made sure we were so happy throughout our meal.

So there is an amazing set meal that you can get here, it says it feeds 2 people but honestly it feeds 4. There is so much food. ​

Flight of Four Pinxtos​

Chilled Mussels ‘Escabèche’, Olive Oil-poached Tuna with Lemon , ‘Tortilla Española’ Spanish Potato Omelet, Valdeón Blue Cheese with Fig and Honey

The Spaniard

Chef’s Signature Selection of Artisanal Charcuterie and Cheeses

(Choice of Entree)
Chuletón Bone-In Rib-Eye*
Tomate Frito and choice of two House Sides

Seafood Paella
Bomba Rice, Seafood, White Wine-Saffron Butter, Sofrito, Scallop Foam, Herb Peas

(Choice of Dessert)
'The Toledo Tapas Bar Dessert'
Vanilla Cheesecake, Lemon Curd, Raspberry Mousse, Chocolate Mousse, Spanish Coffee Custard

So you get a selection of apps, a charcuterie board, a choice of rib eye or paella, and a choice of dessert. The adults shared TWO of these signature dinners with ribeyes, plus we also got an extra Paella because we all wanted to try it. The kids each got their own meals. They were taught to order on their own so it was so cute seeing them tell our server what they each wanted. ​

We started with a bottle of this wine and the guys got old-fashioneds too.

Here is our charcuterie board and selection of tapas:

Remember we got two of these for 6 adults which was perfect!

Our two ribeyes:

We got different sides with each, fried potatoes, Brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes and shishito peppers. Everything was so good! The brussels were exceptionally good.

And our paella "for the table!"

It was a decent amount of seafood and a great size to share amongst us, I don't think Steve and myself alone could have made a decent dent in it, so I'm glad we're here as a large group!

The kids loved their meals, they were able to select from steak, fish, chicken, and shrimp plus they get to choose two sides, of course Sienna chose mac n cheese

One more bottle of wine later, and doing a pretty good job of finishing dinner, we got desserts, The Chocolate Bar and the Basque cheesecake. Both were wonderful! I really think this should be categorized as a signature restaurant (not sure if it is) but it definitely feels like one!

I highly recommend Toledo and it's worth a stop even if it's out of your way. You can catch views of DHS and Epcot from the rooftop too!

At this point everyone was stuffed and tired so CT1 headed to her room (which was finally ready, and on the 9th floor lol). But the other two girls were game to get some churros because at 3 Bridges, they are gluten-free! So being a good (cool) aunt, I mobile ordered them and we were to meet in the lobby.

I love the lobby of the Tower!

CS was FINALLY in the air and en route to Disney. She wouldn't be arriving until close to 11pm!

It stopped raining and it turned out lovely!

Eva and Sienna were so excited for their GF churros!

And with that we called it a night since we had such a long and early start to the day. Tomorrow was our first park day! We're going to MK!!

P.S. Chunkysis did finally get to Pop Century close to midnight!​

 

[precious pixie]

Yay! So glad to see you back here. and writing!! I took quite a break myself and its been nice to be back

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

Wow that dinner looked amazing! Your trip is off to a great start, minus your sisters travel issues

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Looks like you are back in the TR groove ... you've still got it and are cranking on this! Somehow I've never tried Toledo. I'm thinking I need to fix this ASAP. Coronado really has some fantastic dining options. I've heard Maya Grill is good as well and I love Three Bridges. Glad your sister finally made it ... what a saga!