Chunky, We're Home! A Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Double Preview! THE END 4/12 TR COMPLETE!

[chunkymonkey]

Chunky, We're Home!
A Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Double Preview
August 2019

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I started a new TR. I am still working on a few others but one of them is almost done. I really need to post this TR before it gets too late and I forget everything! We got a chance to preview Galaxy's Edge in WDW twice last August and it was amazing! As a Star Wars fan, it was priceless to visit the land in it's pristine state without the massive crowds! We went once with our AP previews but we were also guests of another special preview the next weekend from a friend! We visited on back to back weekends in August, which sounds completely crazy to everyone but to a Disney fanatic it is definitely in the realm of possibility! It just so happened the dates were on back to back weekends and I did not have the time off from work (or really, the funds as well ) to stay the entire week in between. Both trips were from Friday night to Monday evening.

First Trip: We stayed at All-Star Movies the entire time and our preview was on Sunday morning
Second Trip: We stayed a night at the Grand Destino at Coronado Springs and the last 2 nights at Saratoga Springs with our DVC points. Our preview was on Sunday evening.

I will try and update this quickly as most of the details have escaped me but I have a ton of pictures. Despite these trips mainly being to preview GE, we definitely did a lot of other stuff too and ate a ton (of course). And as always I got to meet up with a few of my DISBoard friends!

Who we are:

Hi I'm Su-Lynn and most of you know me by Chunkymonkey on the DISboards or just plain ol' Chunky, LOL. I'm 43-years-old (soon to be 44 in a few weeks) which only means I need to go to Disney more often to hold on to my youth, right? This pic was actually taken last February on my birthday trip because I will spare you the bad hair day Aug pictures because they will be in the rest of my TR! I'm an avid Disney/Star Wars/Marvel fan and am happy to call many of you on the DISboards my friends/therapists. I say therapists because I think only such a community would understand my anxiety at waking up 5 minutes late 60 days out and wailing for 10 minutes that all hope is lost in getting FP+ but then getting really excited to grab a last minute 'Ohana reservation and thinking this is the best day ever. You guys get it, right? LOL. I've written many reports on the DISboards and you can find them all HERE.

My DH, Steve, aka Chubby Hubby, he's 44 and comes along on my Disney trips only because I plan them all and he really needs to do is show up! Wow the luxury. LOL. He really does enjoy Disney though and he likes to be active and walking which we do a lot of in the World. We don't get to do that much in New Jersey as we pretty much lead boring office jobs in financial services and drive everywhere. Steve also really likes Star Wars and Marvel and he also likes Grumpy and Gaston.

We became AP holders in 2017 and never looked back! Now we also own DVC at the Polynesian and are looking forward to trying all the different resorts! We stayed in a few new to us resorts on these trips and it was a lot of fun.

Bright Suns and Rising Moons travelers! Hope you're in for a first impressions trip to a Galaxy Far Far Away....
​

 

[chunkymonkey]

Table of Contents

Intro

Trip Number 1 Aug 16-19th 2019
Day 1: 3 Parks 1 Day
Day 2 Part 1: Batuu here we come!
Day 2 Part 2: Shutting down MK
Day 3: The end of Trip #1

Trip Number 2 Aug 23-26th 2019
Day 0: Arrival at Coronado Springs Gran Destino
Day 2: Epcot all day long
Day 3: AK and Wine Bar George
Day 3 Part 2: Back in Batuu!
Day 3 and conclusion

 

[missangelalexis]

Joining in!!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Trip Number 1 Aug 16-19th
Day 1

Out first trip was August 16th -19th. We left after work on Friday evening and headed down to Orlando from Newark. I think for both trips we pretty much had the exact same flights. We arrived late at night and hopped on ME and it took us to the All Stars, stopping at Coronado first. I couldn't wait to stay there the next weekend as it looked amazing! The next two stops were All Star Sports and Music then finally it was us, All Star Movies.

Tired looks at ME:

My online check in didn't provide us a room number so we had to line up to get one. Of course when they finally get us settled, the messages start pouring in on my phone! I had booked us a preferred room and it was in the Dalmations section on the first floor room 1717.

So one of the new things we had done for the first time was to get an Owner's Locker! I should have gotten one when we got our first set of APs but I didn't even know how often we were going to go! Since we are DVC owners we got a discount so we finally took the plunge. I'm really glad I did because it's a lot of stuff to lug back and forth so to have a storage place is really nice for extra stuff. You wanna know what the best thing I have stored in our owner's locker? Liquid hand soap!!! LOL. Seriously I get so annoyed when I have to use bar soaps to wash my hands so I have a pump bottle of soap now in our owners locker and it's the best thing ever, hahaha. Owners, what is the best thing you store in your lockers? I'd love to know! Right how it's mostly toiletries (I'm sensitive to body washes so I use a hypoallergenic one), flip flops, cleaning wipes, some back up clothes and swimwear, extra tote bags, spare sunglasses and magicbands, daily vitamins. I'm really surprised at the amount that it fits but now I'm thinking I need more space because whatever we have now sure takes up a lot of space, LOL.

Anyways here was our room:

We were tired and just wanted to rest. We had already eaten in the airport before our flight so we didn't really need anything then.

The next morning we were headed to AK! I have a very important question for everyone: Do I clash?!? I really wanted to wear this shirt since we were heading to AK and I didn't know if the skirt (ok it's skort) matched. I've never worn the skort before and I got it on sale from sparkleskirts a while ago (it's now known as Bolder Athletic), but for some reason I'm having a hard time pairing it with stuff.

I texted my Epic ladies and they pretty much all said no, so I guess I was wearing this outfit out! Sometimes I can have a weird pattern mixing thing going on and I'm not sure it always works! LOL

Steve went and got breakfast and we shared a bounty platter. I stole all the waffles.

We headed out to AK on the bus. We had FP for FoP, Kilimanjaro Safari as well as the Animation drawing class over at Rafiki's Planet watch. I had to get a new AP again because mine had run out already in June.

Pandora awaits!

Waiting for FOP:

Then the Safari:

And a few obligatory animal pics:

After the Safari we went to Rafiki's Planet Watch which is where they are doing the new animation classes.

And a Chunkydump for a win! @Steppesister would be proud!

Ready Set Draw:

We were doing one of the hyenas from The Lion King. I wasn't sure which one this was. But here was mine:

And Steve's:

It was really fun, and the space is pretty big, there was also a large line of people who didn't have FP for it but they were all able to get in.

I got one of these to cool off before we left the park and headed to MK:

It rained while we were on the bus to MK - but we were at MK because we had lunch plans at:

Be Our Guest!

We had pre-ordered so just went up to pay and avoided the longer ordering line. We went to sit in the Library which is my favorite room.

I got a Sangria to drink

French Onion Soup:

Our entrees too a while to arrive though but finally we got:

The French Dip sandwich:

And the Coq au Vin:

It was all pretty good from what I remember although I liked the braised pork better than the chicken, remember when they used to have that?
As a dessert I got a masters cupcake but because we waited a while for our entrees, our server brought us two cupcakes! How nice! Double the grey stuff!

I managed a few same day FPs - we were really lucky.

Peter Pan

Haunted Mansion: (and we are missing a ride pic I think cos I can't find it!)

We also had a DISmeet with our line buddies: @amalone1013 and Zach!

Then of course we had to get some Dole Whip:

MK already had all the Halloween decorations out so got a picture before leaving the park.
Oh and I changed my shirt!

We weren't done for the day...we hopped on the Monorail and went to my favorite park...

Hello Epcot!

We mostly just moseyed around enjoying the sites. And of course we had a trip through Steve's dream greenhouse:

I believe we also did Soarin' with a same day FP, then we headed to World Showcase for dinner.

I tried this margarita, it was the La Choza Clasica - thought it would a nice introduction to their margaritas but honestly I wished I got something fruitier. It just tasted really strong.

I also picked up some Esquites, which is Mexican street corn (off the cob). It was good, nice and tangy from the fresh lime and lots of cheese.
It was a small portion but after our big lunch it was all we needed.

Keeping with the Mexico theme, we ate at La Hacienda de San Angel quick service.
We ordered a salad and nachos and it was the perfect amount of food as we were in a more snacky mood plus the heat made it hard to eat a big meal.

It was great and everything hit the spot without being too heavy. I still mourn the loss of the orange cheese sauce on the nachos, it has turned into white cheese sauce which is good and probanly less food coloring but I like me some plastic nacho cheese!
We continued to walk around the world, and I stopped at Karamel Kusche and got a pineapple to save for later. We walked all the way around the world and caught Illuminations. I didn't take pictures or video as this was one of the last times we'd see the show and I just wanted to soak it all in. RIP Illuminations, you are still my favorite show!!

Later that night back at ASM I got to eat my dessert! I was so happy, this is really one of the best snacks!

Coming up - Day 2 Star Wars Galaxy's Edge!​

 

[rdkeim]

Following! Back to back trips - awesome! 3 parks on your first day but it sounds like it was pretty low key which is what I prefer.

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like a great first day doing 3 parks!!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Joining in!!

YAY!!

Following! Back to back trips - awesome! 3 parks on your first day but it sounds like it was pretty low key which is what I prefer.

It really was a whirlwind trip x2! It was a ton of fun!

Sounds like a great first day doing 3 parks!!

Yes! We always seem to start out by doing 3 parks in a day! Just our way of wanting to do it all I guess!

 

[annie170]

I'm here, Su-Lynn. Two weekends in a row?! Lucky you!

How did you like All-Star Movies? Were you able to check out the Toy Story section? I've stayed there a few times with kids and grandkids and have never had a bad experience. As a matter of fact, I find the CMs there friendlier than most other resorts.

Three parks on your first day is getting it done!

 

[chunkymonkey]

I'm here, Su-Lynn. Two weekends in a row?! Lucky you!

How did you like All-Star Movies? Were you able to check out the Toy Story section? I've stayed there a few times with kids and grandkids and have never had a bad experience. As a matter of fact, I find the CMs there friendlier than most other resorts.

Three parks on your first day is getting it done!

We honestly didn't spend too much time at ASMo but it was cute and it fit our needs for the weekend! We didn't check out any other section, and didn't even use the pool! I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again though! I should check out all the different sections the next time we are there!

 

[Stasieki]

Is that pineapple a snack credit??? If so, adding that to my list for July!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Hi, joining in.

How nice going on back to back trips. Can't wait to hear all about it.

 

[Samrsp93]

So excited to read along! I always enjoy your chunky reports!!

 

[Cloe Colton]

I'm here! I love that you went to Disney back to back weekends. Such a Disney baller move haha

I still feel bad we couldn't meet up with you guys this day! Idk how you guys get so much done, I get tired just reading it! Lol

 

[chunkymonkey]

Is that pineapple a snack credit??? If so, adding that to my list for July!

I believe it is, I am not too sure since I never use the dining plan! But it's absolutely worth it even when paying OOP!

Hi, joining in.

How nice going on back to back trips. Can't wait to hear all about it.

Hi!! Thank you so much for joining! I still can't believe we went back to back. It's doable but I wouldn't' recommend unless absoutely necessary. In this case, it was!!

So excited to read along! I always enjoy your chunky reports!!

Thank you so much!! That is so sweet! Welcome!

I'm here! I love that you went to Disney back to back weekends. Such a Disney baller move haha

I still feel bad we couldn't meet up with you guys this day! Idk how you guys get so much done, I get tired just reading it! Lol

Hi Cloe!
Haha I'd like to think of myself as a Disney baller rather than just crazy!!
I know, I know, I barely rest when I'm at Disney, I just become alive when I'm there, ya know? I want to do it all!!
It's too bad we couldn't meet up but I'm sure there will be future trips!!

 

[suse66]

I'm here! Love the concept of back to back weekends but don't know about the reality though. I bet the two of you had a ridiculous amount of fun! I am looking forward to hear all the details!

BTW, your room at ASMo looks super cute!!

 

[natebenma]

I'm not behind yet!



Going back to read intro and first updates.

3 parks! Impressive start!!!

Sounds like the owners locker is a really smart move. Mine would have sunscreen and a brush.

The 8th grade class trip always stays at All Star Movies. I love the theming there.

OK, did not know you could get an Animation Academy FP. Smart move. Both of your pictures are excellent, but I really like the way CH did the eyes on his.

***************************************************************************

That is awesome that you got a same day PP FP.

More about the line buddies... Are they someone you knew from the boards beforehand or did they recognize you from your reports?

The Dole Whip bowl is adorable! I am so out-of-the-loop, I didn't know about these. Wonder if I can find them in DL...

*************************************************************************

The picture of you with the EPCOT ball showing through the Mickey Ears is stunning.

Street corn-off-the-cob sounds incredible.

Bye Bye Illuminations

 

[chunkymonkey]

I'm here! Love the concept of back to back weekends but don't know about the reality though. I bet the two of you had a ridiculous amount of fun! I am looking forward to hear all the details!

BTW, your room at ASMo looks super cute!!

It's easier for us since we have a direct flight that is around 2 hours and 15 mins long. As long as there are no delays, it's great!
We had so much fun! It was funny to say, "oh we won't get around to that, we can just do it next weekend!" LOL

ASMo rooms are super cute! They are just like Pop! But the nice thing is they still have the bathtub whereas Pop seems to have moved to standing showers.
I also keep epsom salt or bath bombs in my owners locker!

3 parks! Impressive start!!!

That seems to be the norm for us. We start off strong!

Sounds like the owners locker is a really smart move. Mine would have sunscreen and a brush.

Ah yes, lots of sunscreen for us too! Oh a brush is a good idea too!

The 8th grade class trip always stays at All Star Movies. I love the theming there.

It's very cute!

OK, did not know you could get an Animation Academy FP. Smart move. Both of your pictures are excellent, but I really like the way CH did the eyes on his.

It's new. It's also seasonal depending on when Rafiki's is open.
Steve says thanks!

That is awesome that you got a same day PP FP.

I know, we were lucky that day!

More about the line buddies... Are they someone you knew from the boards beforehand or did they recognize you from your reports?

We knew them! We've met a few times before! And we always seem to run into them while in line for a ride without planning it! This has happened both at Disney and Universal FL. Therefore I call them my line buddies LOL.

The Dole Whip bowl is adorable! I am so out-of-the-loop, I didn't know about these. Wonder if I can find them in DL...

I think DL may have their own bowl, but they have an entire Tiki Terrace which has yummy stuff.

The picture of you with the EPCOT ball showing through the Mickey Ears is stunning.

Thank you! #frizzyhairdontcare

Street corn-off-the-cob sounds incredible.

It was quite tasty!

Bye Bye Illuminations

Still sad about this one.

 

[DLo]

Following along. Chunky TRs are always entertaining . I love all your DisMeets . Looking forward to reading more.

 

[disneyAndi14]

Joining in! We will be trying AS movies for the first time in March for 2 nights.
Excited to hear about your weekend adventures!

 

[goofygurly]