It's not Spring Break yet, is it? Completed 3-28-2022

[Jimmy Mouse]

Day 1: Arrival Day.
Here we go. Another trip under our belts. Was it the best trip? Not even close. But I will say, cast members are getting better, well some of them. Bathrooms are still hit or miss and the food? LOL, just wait HaHa! . Anyway, here we go!

A little about us. We are a family of 4 though we do have an older daughter and grand babies who will at some time join us at WDW. But for now, just the 4 of us.
Me, Ashley, Kendall (8) and Hollis (10).



Right after school we depart on our 7+ hour drive from wonderful Winder, GA. On our way down I told my wife, things sure do look strange! This is i75 at 6:28 pm. The whole drive down gave me false hope that the parks wouldn't be crowded. As usual, I was wrong!


Finally at 10:36 we arrive! And good thing we came in late for this trip. Room ready text came in at 5:52. We usually arrive a little bit before 4:00. Glad we didn't!


We own at Riviera but due to the 50% points restriction we couldn't get a room there so we booked at Saratoga Springs for the first time. We got The Grandstand section. Only good part of that location is we were right next to the bus stop which really was a curse.
More on that later lol.


We couldn't tell much about the grounds since it was dark but our room was beautiful! Way better than expected. I'm talking about clean. I mean really clean and quiet! We never heard a peep from anyone. And I actually preferred the pillows over the ones at Riviera.
These are a little bit firmer which I really liked.











The next morning we got to see our awesome view of the golf course.
This really is a beautiful resort.



I was the first one up so I got to shower in peace then load the dishwasher while the girls got ready. And yes I always load all the dishes and wash them. You just never know lol.

Next up: Day two at Magic kingdom and a really really good burger!​

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

Table of contents.
Day 1: Arrival Day

Day 2: Magic Kingdom, part 1
Day 2: Magic Kingdom, part 2
Day 2: Magic Kingdom, part 3

Day 3: Epcot, part 1
Day 3: Epcot, part 2

Day 4: Sea World, part 1
Day 4: Sea World, part 2
Day 4: Sea World, part 3

 

[DeeBee3]

Well, sheesh, here I am making a mental note to do this next trip...

 

[Paulaparm]

LOL...I do the same thing
Looking forward to reading about your trip!

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

Day 2: Magic Kingdom, part 1.
So after I unloaded the dishwasher and motivated everyone to get it in gear, we finally head to our lunch reservation at Steakhouse 71. We were going to take a bus to MK, walk to Contemporary then walk back to the park but what the hay. We call for a Lyft and 10 minutes later we are on our way!
We arrive at The Contemporary and make our way to lunch and I already know what I will order. The Steakhouse 71 burger is one of if not the best burger on property. Plus they have yummy beer to go with it







Our girls never miss a good photo op!


We arrive in the park at 1:56. It had rained but the skies were clearing up so we are hoping for a low crowd day! Yeah, that didn't happen lol. We make our way to Tomorrowland and of course we have to take our purple wall pic.


We head into Tomorrowland and Monsters is letting in so we watch the show then head over to CCOP. Next ride by unanimous vote is TTAPM. No complaints from me! It's a family favorite.


Tron is coming along .... slowly but surely! lol.


We take a moment to watch the parade. It's been awhile so we watch it. Kids are happy and that's all that matters.




Continued ........
​

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

Day 2: Magic Kingdom, Part 2.

After the parade it's time for our next ADR at The Plaza. No we are not hungry yet lol. It's for dessert. Since our last trip, I finally figured out to make an ADR somewhere that offers good treats so we can take a break, get out of the crowds and the kids can enjoy a sweet treat. Well, all of us usually get something but I can blame it on them. They forced me to eat this banana split!



Funny thing, this is the exact table we were seated at in 2017 when both girls were made Jr. Mayor for the day! They both actually remember that day vividly.

Throwback time! This is them becoming Jr. Mayor.




We got this awesome pass, signed by the mayor, good for any ride. I didn't redeem it. I still have it put up. I need to get a frame for it.


One of my favorite photos. Kendall refused to get her pic with the Mayor. She was a little shy but Hollis jumped right up!


RIP Mr. Mayor!


Okay, back to the trip!
We exit Plaza just in time for the stage show. We had to watch from waaaaay back but it was fine. Not too exciting for me but good never less.


After the show we head back to Tomorrowland and take a spin on Buzz.


Then we head to Story book Circus because no trip is complete without a ride on Dumbo! One of Kendall's favorite rides.


So..... I am a fun guy. All about my family and it takes a lot to piss me off. Well, while waiting in the forever line to get on Dumbo, while we were in the tent, just past the door, a group of people started jumping the wall to bypass all of us waiting in the tent area. A CM seen them and announced over the mic "Please do not climb over the wall". This was a group of 7 or 8 people. 4 or 5 were already over. The other 3 stood there for a minute and as soon as the CM looked the other way they climbed over too. The CM seen them and again said "Please do not climb over the wall" but did nothing about it. When we got to the podium where the CM was I politely asked if the line jumpers would be removed from the line. The CM next to her looked at me and said we are doing everything we can. I then again politely said "Well? Are you going to remove them?" He bluntly said "No I am not" so I said "I think after we exit this ride we will come back and just cut to the front, is that okay with you?" and he walked away. The only reason we have line jumpers at WDW is because they know that no one will stop them. Things like this really grind my gears. But I didn't let is spoil my day. We rode then headed to our next ride!

Why in world is the line for 7DMT so crazy long! Oh well, The kids really really really want to ride .



Continued.........​

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

Day 2: Magic Kingdom, Part 3.

After 7DMT we we going to head over to HM but the park was still crazy crowded and we have an ADR at Be Our Guest for dinner and with the crazy long lines we know there will be no way to ride it and get back. The wait time was 90 minutes so we decided on PPF instead. It was posted around 70 but only took about 45 which was perfect timing to make it in time for dinner.

It's been a few years since we have had BOG but since the menu was different we figured why not. To my surprise it was actually really good! We all got the filet and it was tender and very flavorful.


On our way to our table we got to see the Beast.


I had told my waiter I couldn't make my mind up between the filet and the scallops. (I've done this at CRT also) and as expected, he suggested that I get the filet and he could throw in a side of scallops. Works for me!


We were all so full and the food was so good, we didn't have room for dessert so we all got the dessert trio to go. The kids ended up eating all of it but the macaroons later that night. I had to grab my macaroon before they gobbled it up the next morning lol.

A few photos before we head back to SSR.








Now the long walk to the bus stop. Once again we watched so many other resort busses pull up and leave as our line kept building. It wasn't the longest we waited but it was about 30 minutes before our bus came. I was just glad to be near the front of the line so I could get off my tired feet. I will give MK a solid 8 out of 10. Food was great, park was crowded but manageable and only one small problem with the line jumpers. Bathrooms were clean but in Tomorrowland you needed a LL+ to get in. Bathrooms in fantasy land were clean with little to no wait.

Edit: I completely forgot something. When we exited BOG after dinner and were heading out I smelled cigarette smoke and in the area in front of Tales by Belle there were at least 10 people sitting on the wall, all smoking! I noticed a CM walking briskly towards the area as surely someone reported them. My best guess is someone snuck over there to smoke and others seen them and probably thought it was allowed. But, to each his / her own I guess. It didn't ruin our day so it is what it is!

Next post: Day 3, Change of plans! ​

 

[Paulaparm]

I really think I need to try Steakhouse 71 next trip!

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

Day 3: Epcot, part 1
Epcot was not in our plans for this day. We were planning on going to Sea World for the first time but the weather was calling for storms. I didn't want to take the girls there with a good chance we couldn't see the shows so we decided to go grab some breakfast at Artist Palette then head to Epcot for the day.I figured heading into a park with absolutely no plans would suck but it actually turned out to be a great day!






First stop, Mission: Space. Me and Hollis ride orange while mommy and Kendall head to green. Only about 40 min wait on orange. After the ride they said green was walk on.


Next we head to Test Track and I design this super awesome car.


The girls designed their own and it came in last lol.


When we got to the outdoor portion it started to rain. Rain really stings at 64.5 mph lol. We exit the ride and head left towards Mexico. We stop in the pavilion that houses The Epcot Experience since it's still raining lightly.





We then head towards Mexico but the girls don't want to ride The 3 Caballeros so we continue towards Norway. Just as we reach Kringle Baker the skies open up. We duck inside before it fills with people and get in line for a snack and some good beer. We got lucky and were able to grab a table without much wait. 3 Beers later the rain lets up enough and we head over to Frozen Ever After.



We make our way around the showcase and end up at France so we had to ride the rat. It started raining again, cold but muggy and crowded but the rain did scare some away so the wait for the rat wasn't that bad.

By the time we finish riding the rat everyone is hungry. I remind them that there are food booths and no ADR's available so we walk around the showcase towards Figment and stop off for some street corn and some strawberry thing Kendall wanted.



Continued........ ​

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

Day 3: Epcot, part 2



After our snacks we head over to Figment. Kendall absolutely loves Figment and its a must do on every trip. Skies are clearing up which is a good thing!


Line for Figment was non existent. I Neve take pics on dark rides but I made sure my flash was off and there were only a few others on the ride and they were shooting video anyway.




Points of light really is a sight to see. Pictures do not do it justice.


We head back to the resort and all get ready for a late dinner at Planet Hollywood. We decided to walk which was a really really long way!


Time to sing!!


I ordered the ribs. We shared the nachos as an appetizer so most of these delicious beauties went back to the room.


Hollis got this humongous burger. She ate about half of it lol.


Kendall's chicken and loaded fries. I didn't take a pic of mommy's food. Can't remember what she ordered now. I think a salad. Boring! lol


After dinner we ordered a Lyft and hit the sack. What an awesome day with no planning! I will give this day at Epcot a solid 9 out of 10. Crowds were very manageable, bathrooms were never crowded and they were all clean. Beer at Kringle was ice cold and really good. The relaxed version of a Disney vacation seems to be way better than running from ride to ride and worrying about missing your FP+ window. We have not purchased a single LL+ or Genie+ yet and don't plan on doing so. We are having a great time just going with the flow. Next post: First visit to Sea World! ​

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

Well, sheesh, here I am making a mental note to do this next trip...

I'm guessing you're talking about washing the dishes?

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

I really think I need to try Steakhouse 71 next trip!

Yeah, that burger! It really is something special lol.

 

[DeeBee3]

I'm guessing you're talking about washing the dishes?

Yes - you are adding to my germphobia! I have enough on my plate

 

[DeeBee3]

So happy to hear you had a great time without the Genie or LL. We are going soon and only doing 2 park days so we aren't going to purchase those either. We just want to go with the flow since we expect crowds.

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

So happy to hear you had a great time without the Genie or LL. We are going soon and only doing 2 park days so we aren't going to purchase those either. We just want to go with the flow since we expect crowds.

Honestly, I don't think I will ever purchase either one. We had such a great time not planning what to do next. It felt more like a vacation and less like a quest.

 

[cccory]

Sounds like an amazing time. Glad you are enjoying your trip with your family.

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

We have been remodeling our kitchen and living room. I plan on adding more Sunday evening.

 

[maggymd]

Didn’t you need a park reservation for Epcot? I hate having to make reservations. I miss the days of just jumping on the first park bus to show up.

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

Didn’t you need a park reservation for Epcot? I hate having to make reservations. I miss the days of just jumping on the first park bus to show up.

Yes we did need a reservation which was available. We did have AK booked as a backup but I was out voted lol.

 

[rdkeim]

Love to read that you can still have a good day going with the flow. The good old days! I sure hope Disney tweaks the current system and makes it a better experience. Might be nice if they would limit capacity from whatever it is currently - not so nice if you're the family that can't get in to their park of choice. Thanks for sharing your trip!