Grumpy Challenge 2017.... A Marathon Weekend TR (Updated 3/19 Final Thoughts)

[rteetz]

Why not watch two shows in one night?

The question says it all. I hadn't seen Illuminations this trip (or wishes for that matter and now I am sad its leaving) so we hit the bus on over to Epcot!. I was able to book a FP for the viewing area while at DHS which made this plan even better!

We literally got to the viewing area 5 minutes before the show started. My grandma had to use the bathroom so actually never made it into the viewing area rather sitting outside of it.



Our spot wasn't great since we arrived late compared to everyone else here but it was good enough.







































Continued in next post...

 

[rteetz]

Can you tell I love this show?

































And that was the end of our amazing fun filled very long day. I don't know how I did all of that after running a marathon the day before but I did it!

We headed back to SSR after that. A look at our to go boxes...





There was another one with fruit and cheese but that picture didn't turn out. I will also say we didn't even come close to eating all of that. We did our best though over the next day.

Up Next: I can't believe its our final day...

 

[TheMaxRebo]

We found the same with the Joy and Sadness meet - slow moving line but they take a ton of time with each guest. Honestly I think it is worth the wait versus a somewhat shorter wait and than a quick hug-and-shove - but can be frustrating while in line

Such a bummer that you just missed the bus - but that sounds like awesome customer service to get you the "to go" boxes of dessert (and then the pictures you showed, they gave you a ton!). Great pictures of the Star Wars Show - fully agree with your review, and we loved it - you just really feel like you are "in" the show and the music surrounding you and lasers overhead and stuff - though at the same time I do understand that people might be worried about the impact on other shows if this is the direction they are going in (less fireworks, more projections, etc.) - it works for this show but I wouldn't' want the same as the replacement for Wishes

Using a FP for a night time show is tough as one of your pre-booked ones, but when you can get one later in the day as a "bonus" FP it is great to just walk up and have an area with at least a decent view without camping out for a spot. Illuminations really is amazing - that is two great shows you got to see back-to-back

 

[rteetz]

We found the same with the Joy and Sadness meet - slow moving line but they take a ton of time with each guest. Honestly I think it is worth the wait versus a somewhat shorter wait and than a quick hug-and-shove - but can be frustrating while in line

Such a bummer that you just missed the bus - but that sounds like awesome customer service to get you the "to go" boxes of dessert (and then the pictures you showed, they gave you a ton!). Great pictures of the Star Wars Show - fully agree with your review, and we loved it - you just really feel like you are "in" the show and the music surrounding you and lasers overhead and stuff - though at the same time I do understand that people might be worried about the impact on other shows if this is the direction they are going in (less fireworks, more projections, etc.) - it works for this show but I wouldn't' want the same as the replacement for Wishes

Using a FP for a night time show is tough as one of your pre-booked ones, but when you can get one later in the day as a "bonus" FP it is great to just walk up and have an area with at least a decent view without camping out for a spot. Illuminations really is amazing - that is two great shows you got to see back-to-back

I agree about Joy and Sadness. The wait is worth it since they spend so much time with people.

Customer service was at is best that night. We didn't even ask for anything they did it for us. We thought we were just out of luck since we were late. Yep, the Star Wars fireworks just work really well for DHS but I'm not sure I would want to see a show like that in MK.

I don't think I would ever use one of my 3 FP for fireworks but as an extra FP most definitely I will.

 

[Terra Nova guy]

I really like Illuminations too. It's pretty clear that it's in for a change at some point though. Like yourself and Phil, I'm a bit concerned about the move to projection technology and away from fireworks. But I guess we should wait to see what the Wishes replacement is like. Since Epcot is not really great for projections, I have the feeling an Illuminations replacement would involve drone technology. I remember one of the drone patent diagrams had a large puppet-like figure. Makes me think of the Tapestry of Nations parade going on in the lagoon with giant puppets controlled by drones. I think that would actually be pretty cool. Maybe a bit "out there", but who knows.

Wow, they really made sure you got a good sample of the desserts. It's too bad you missed out on most of the party, but at least you got to try a lot of it.

 

[rteetz]

I really like Illuminations too. It's pretty clear that it's in for a change at some point though. Like yourself and Phil, I'm a bit concerned about the move to projection technology and away from fireworks. But I guess we should wait to see what the Wishes replacement is like. Since Epcot is not really great for projections, I have the feeling an Illuminations replacement would involve drone technology. I remember one of the drone patent diagrams had a large puppet-like figure. Makes me think of the Tapestry of Nations parade going on in the lagoon with giant puppets controlled by drones. I think that would actually be pretty cool. Maybe a bit "out there", but who knows.

Wow, they really made sure you got a good sample of the desserts. It's too bad you missed out on most of the party, but at least you got to try a lot of it.

Yep, although I don't think we will see projections in Illuminations. Projections in a MK show were bound to happen. Drones are said to be incoming for Epcot.

Yes they did! We were grateful for that.

 

[soniam]

Oh that box brings back memories. I love those rice krispy treats and the pistachio cherry triangles. It's making me crave sugar so much right now. I am off sugar and carbs until our Spring Break vacation next week.

 

[rteetz]

Oh that box brings back memories. I love those rice krispy treats and the pistachio cherry triangles. It's making me crave sugar so much right now. I am off sugar and carbs until our Spring Break vacation next week.

Being off sugar would kill me.

 

[soniam]

Being off sugar would kill me.

It's not easy for me. It gets better the longer you do it, but knowing that vacation is coming up, makes it even more tempting. Anyway, you don't need to get off that stuff yet. You aren't an old fart trying to lose fat and weight from years of previous over-indulging and couchitude.

 

[rteetz]

It's not easy for me. It gets better the longer you do it, but knowing that vacation is coming up, makes it even more tempting. Anyway, you don't need to get off that stuff yet. You aren't an old fart trying to lose fat and weight from years of previous over-indulging and couchitude.

Good point. I don't eat crap constantly but I try to have some balance. Cutting sugar completely would be too much for me.

 

[ariane37]

Wow they sure were generous with your to-go boxes!
I enjoy Illuminations and you got some really nice shots. I think I'd be a little less upset to see Illuminations leave though than I am about Wishes, but I hate that the newer shows have less fireworks so I'd want whatever replaced Illuminations to still be heavy on the fireworks.

 

[nenglim]

We love illuminations. And if you get to the FP area earlier the best seat for me would be right in the middle and more towards the back. the fireworks are amazing from other areas as well but i find that spot feels more dramatic, closer.

 

[rteetz]

Wow they sure were generous with your to-go boxes!
I enjoy Illuminations and you got some really nice shots. I think I'd be a little less upset to see Illuminations leave though than I am about Wishes, but I hate that the newer shows have less fireworks so I'd want whatever replaced Illuminations to still be heavy on the fireworks.

Yes they were!

Illuminations is my fave. Wishes is great but the whole move to projections being incorporated was bound to happen.

 

[rteetz]

We love illuminations. And if you get to the FP area earlier the best seat for me would be right in the middle and more towards the back. the fireworks are amazing from other areas as well but i find that spot feels more dramatic, closer.

We didn't really have a chance to get there earlier so out spot was likely the best it was going to get. If I do FP again I will get there earlier for sure.

 

[dancingtodisney]

Hey!! Just starting reading this! I'm only part way through but had to comment when I read about the Toy Story Vans... I did EXACTLY the same thing in Paris, I wore my new ones for the first time one morning in the part and they KILLED my feet. I had to go back to our room and change!

 

[rteetz]

Hey!! Just starting reading this! I'm only part way through but had to comment when I read about the Toy Story Vans... I did EXACTLY the same thing in Paris, I wore my new ones for the first time one morning in the part and they KILLED my feet. I had to go back to our room and change!

Thanks for reading!

Yes, I learned my lesson to not wear new shoes like that to a park. I'm glad they didn't do major damage with the upcoming races.

 

[natebenma]

I have caught up on the past few updates.

It cracked me up that your grandma rode Space Mountain again. Never say never! Good for her!

Your meal at Boathouse sounded good. I haven't read two many reviews.

I'm glad your family had some successful purchases, like the Dooney bag for your mom and sunglasses for your dad.

What a sharp car you designed at Test Track!

So I haven't seen Inside Out. Or Big Hero Six. Or most of the recent animated ones- Princess and the Frog, Tangled, Brave. Saw Frozen once. I have some serious catching up to do!

Your meet with Sadness and Joy sounds like it was awesome, too bad it caused you to be late to the dessert party.

Wow! The viewing area was awesome and your pictures were incredible!

I like your thinking of two fireworks show in one night! Brilliant! And it was great move to make the Fast Pass for the viewing section. I love that vantage point! I have never seen Illuminations from there.

 

[rteetz]

I have caught up on the past few updates.

It cracked me up that your grandma rode Space Mountain again. Never say never! Good for her!

Your meal at Boathouse sounded good. I haven't read two many reviews.

I'm glad your family had some successful purchases, like the Dooney bag for your mom and sunglasses for your dad.

What a sharp car you designed at Test Track!

So I haven't seen Inside Out. Or Big Hero Six. Or most of the recent animated ones- Princess and the Frog, Tangled, Brave. Saw Frozen once. I have some serious catching up to do!

Your meet with Sadness and Joy sounds like it was awesome, too bad it caused you to be late to the dessert party.

Wow! The viewing area was awesome and your pictures were incredible!

I like your thinking of two fireworks show in one night! Brilliant! And it was great move to make the Fast Pass for the viewing section. I love that vantage point! I have never seen Illuminations from there.

Yes, She only rode once compared to the rest of us who I think rode three times during the trip but once was enough for her.

Boathouse is really good, highly recommend it.

Lot's of money was spent that week

Dee needs to watch some movies! Inside Out is a lot of fun.

The viewing area was fantastic. I had never seen illuminations from there either so it was nice seeing it from a different vantage point.

 

[roxymama]

I'm waaaaay late to the trip report party. I apologize in advance for a whole bunch of "likes" hitting your inbox as I read through it.

 

[rteetz]

I'm waaaaay late to the trip report party. I apologize in advance for a whole bunch of "likes" hitting your inbox as I read through it.

Welcome to the party! Like away!