I've fallen in love with the VGF - TR (pics from Jan. trip, 2/23, p.22)

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Gasp a swim with manatees! How amazing would that be! I did a dolphin swim at Discovery Cove which was wonderful but 'Dolly' our dolphin did not cure my autoimmune disease...

I could try a manatee.....

The dinner CP package is a must then. I didn't know they had one. I am learning so much from your TR! I am so grateful to folks that take the time and care to write TR. I get some much info and pleasure from reading them. Yours is wonderful! We are planning a 'near to Christmas' visit so I am noting all this down!

Thank you!

 

[Pinkocto]

Day 3:

It was another relaxing morning. We woke up around 8:00 and relaxed in the room for a few hours. I watched some shows on Bio, and mom read on the balcony. Our plan was to go to Blizzard Beach for the afternoon and then to Hollywood Studios in the evening.

We headed out around 11:00 and made our way to the bus stop for the first time this trip. We had a nice chat with some people who had just gotten off the Dream that morning. Although they had a nice trip they didn’t think they’d be back on DCL. They prefer the adult only offerings on other ships more, but they didn’t take part in the spa, adult pool area, or the adult only restaurants… I really hope they try another DCL, there are so many offerings they didn’t take advantage of.

At Blizzard Beach there weren’t many people, but there were more than I expected.





We perused the shop before getting settled








Then we went to find a locker. We were heading right to HS after BB so brought our phones and extra clothes. I’m sure nobody would steal our stuff but I didn’t want to take that chance.






We enjoyed a lap around the lazy river and then went in search of some sun. The only unfortunate thing about the lazy river at BB is that it’s covered by lots of trees. We needed some sun. We passed a funnel cake stand and unfortunately didn’t stop, mom wanted some sun. Well we got further and further away from food in the sun search… I should have stopped because I was hungry and she wasn’t, so when we found some sun I went in search of some food.

Not the healthiest of snacks but it was tasty. And yes, she ate half even though she claimed she wasn't hungry... I knew she would



After our delicious snacks we enjoyed another lap around the lazy river. We couldn’t find a tube for a while so ended up walking, which did not have the same relaxing effects but we eventually found tubes. After that we sat in the sun for a while. We chatted off and on and then mom read her book and I tried to nap. I wasn’t successful but still was able to relax. When we had enough of the sun we headed off to HS around 4:30.

We had overheard at BB that we could get a locker for free at any of the other parks the rest of the day if we showed our receipt. That worked out perfectly since we had a few extra things from BB. So we first got a locker and then headed to our first FP+ at ToT. We noticed on the way that the last showing of Beauty and the Beast was at 5:30. Mom had wanted to catch that if we could so we would head to that after our ToT ride.

Stand by said 30 minutes but we hadn’t seen the line snake around that long for a while.



It was pretty much a walk on, and all too soon we were in our service elevator



And had a fabulous ride, at least 4 or 5 big drops! Love it love it love it!!!

We headed right here and even though it was quite full we found some great seats in the bleachers.



It was cute show but I usually find it too long and this time was no exception. It’s only 25 minutes but it’s not my favorite. And a horrible child in front of us kept standing up the whole show. She was too far away to say anything to unfortunately.

 

[Pinkocto]

After the show we had a 6-7 FP+ for RnRC but we were both hungry so decided to skip it. We remembered the suggestion of the man we met at Pecos Bills that there is a great Greek salad somewhere in HS so I got on the phone to find which restaurant it was. It was called Studio Catering back by the Backlot Tour. We had always skipped it because I thought it only had burgers and chicken fingers, big mistake. So we headed that way.

We did detour into Sweet Spells to get mom a Pecan Caramel Roll. She looks forward to these every time we go to WDW.



I got a sugar cookie



Saw these in line, aren’t they great!



We ate our goodies as an appetizer and headed up to find dinner.

Mom’s Greek Salad, she said it was fabulous, there were tons of ingredients under the lettuce, she hadn’t tossed it yet. Romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, red onions, feta cheese, and greek dressing.



And my sandwich, this was so good. It had zucchini, mushrooms, tomatoes, watercress, provolone, and peppers which I took off, on a basil asiago bread.



We will definitely be returning to Studio Catering for these delicious items. We took our time over dinner and then headed over to the Osborne Lights.









After thoroughly enjoying the lights we headed off to our last FP+ of the evening, Toy Story Midway Mania, stand by was 90 minutes. We didn’t have a walk on but we didn’t wait more than 15 minutes to ride.






And in a rare turn of events, I won! Mom usually always wins so this was a battle to the death!



Then we headed off to Muppet Vision which was sadly under repairs



We headed around back to the store, Mom was in need of a new mini Kermit.

This was the first time I had noticed these cute details



Looks like Rizzo had a hard time staying in the lines



After making some purchases in the Muppet Store we headed here



It took a little bit to get inside, EMHs had just started and they had to check everybody’s MB to see if they were allowed to go in.

Because of EMHs there was hardly anybody in there. Look at all those empty seats!



I don’t handle this ride well, and this time was no exception. Even so, mom had a wonderful time and that’s what matters. After Star Tours we slowly made our way out of the park. We remembered our stuff in the locker and made our way to the GF.

Look at these awesome old vehicles in front of the GF!





It was about 9:30 when we got home, mom stopped to watch the fireworks on the beach and I went in to rent some movies from concierge. She came and found me and helped me choose the Haunted Mansion and Prince of Persia, both she had not seen before. We made it up to the room and caught the end of the fireworks, I think it must have been a MVMCP because they looked different than the ones the night before.

We watched part of the Haunted Mansion before falling asleep around 11:45, it had been another marvelous day.

 

[Pinkocto]

I'm totally with your mom! I could certainly sit on the balcony and drink coffee...without a doubt!

We're still drooling over those rooms. Just showed DH the pics! Love it love it love it!!! Too bad you won't be back sooner than you'd like, BUT at least you know you'll return

She thoroughly enjoyed the balcony that's for sure!

 

[Pinkocto]

Gasp a swim with manatees! How amazing would that be! I did a dolphin swim at Discovery Cove which was wonderful but 'Dolly' our dolphin did not cure my autoimmune disease...

I could try a manatee.....

The dinner CP package is a must then. I didn't know they had one. I am learning so much from your TR! I am so grateful to folks that take the time and care to write TR. I get some much info and pleasure from reading them. Yours is wonderful! We are planning a 'near to Christmas' visit so I am noting all this down!

Thank you!

I know, I think swimming with a manatee would be so cool!

Glad I'm of any help. I've learned so much here on the Dis I had no clue about before. Feel free to ask about anything, I might not know the answer but somebody on here might know.

 

[MEK]

What a great day!

Denny and I spent the morning at BB in October and we loved it. We had the park to ourselves. We loved the various raft rides although that climbing is a bit much. Nevertheless, it was a great way to grab some R&R.

Are you the one who told me about the greek salad? It definitely sounds yummy. I have to remember that since the QS pickings at HS are usually not the greatest.

Love, love, love the Osbourne lights. Sounds like watching fireworks from the beach is the perfect way to end the evening.

 

[dolphingirl47]

This sounded like a fantastic day. I am glad that you discovered a new counter service restaurant and that you both enjoyed the food. I love the photos of the lights.

Corinna

 

[Pinkocto]

What a great day!

It was! Great mixture of relaxing and fun.

Denny and I spent the morning at BB in October and we loved it. We had the park to ourselves. We loved the various raft rides although that climbing is a bit much. Nevertheless, it was a great way to grab some R&R.

You can take the 'ski lift' up to the big raft ride. I agree though, the stairs can be a killer. Most of the tube rides you have to hike what feels forever!

Are you the one who told me about the greek salad? It definitely sounds yummy. I have to remember that since the QS pickings at HS are usually not the greatest.

That was me mom said it was very delicious and very fresh. This will probably be our go to place at HS, they just don't have many veggie options.

Love, love, love the Osbourne lights. Sounds like watching fireworks from the beach is the perfect way to end the evening.

The fireworks from the beach were so cool. I was still not feeling well from Star Tours or I would have pulled up a lounger and watched them with mom.

 

[Pinkocto]

This sounded like a fantastic day. I am glad that you discovered a new counter service restaurant and that you both enjoyed the food. I love the photos of the lights.

Corinna

It was a great day, relaxing and great rides.

It was nice to find a new restaurant. We never would have even considered it if we hadn't met the guy in line who recommended the Greek salad.

 

[rentayenta]

Fun update!

Did you like BB? I always go in search of a full sun chair immediately. It's amazing to me, even in Florida, how much cooler it feels in the shade.

We like BB but I enjoy TL much more. The bright white of BB hurts my head after a while.

The lights look amazing. I am a suck for Christmas Lights.

Star Tours and I don't agree either. On our last trip, Michael was chosen to be the rebel spy. I am bummed I didn't get a pic but it was hilarious.

We'll have to give Studio catering a try. Your food looks good and I am usually at a loss for good CS in DHS.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Sounds like a full day and fun at BB.

Love the HS Christmas lights. If I had a choice, the next time I get to WDW will be at Christmas. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Pinkocto]

Fun update!

Thanks not many photos but a lot I took that day turned out blurry.

Did you like BB? I always go in search of a full sun chair immediately. It's amazing to me, even in Florida, how much cooler it feels in the shade.

We like BB but I enjoy TL much more. The bright white of BB hurts my head after a while.

BB is ok, but I prefer TL much more. Unfortunately in the winter they close one and refurb the other.

The lights look amazing. I am a suck for Christmas Lights.

Love those lights! They play Christmas music and the lights dance to the rhythm, it's beautiful.

Star Tours and I don't agree either. On our last trip, Michael was chosen to be the rebel spy. I am bummed I didn't get a pic but it was hilarious.

Cool M was picked! You'd have to be ready with the camera, that photo goes away quickly. I want to like it but I start feeling sick almost immediately. I told mom she'll have to go alone next time.

We'll have to give Studio catering a try. Your food looks good and I am usually at a loss for good CS in DHS.

This will probably be our go to CS at DH, it was delicious!

 

[Pinkocto]

Sounds like a full day and fun at BB.

Love the HS Christmas lights. If I had a choice, the next time I get to WDW will be at Christmas. Thanks for sharing.

Have you been to any of the parks at Christmas? They really make it extra magical, very worth a trip.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Have you been to any of the parks at Christmas? They really make it extra magical, very worth a trip.

Disneyland, two or three times, quite a while ago. The last time would have been in 2008.

 

[hstrickland]

The crowds look really low! Nice!! Don't ya just love DHS??!! Love it love it! I don't do well either on Star tours. Have never done it, and not sure I will And when I saw that you went to BB, I immediately thought of those little donuts I love. What I would do to have some right now!!! All these TRs are killin' me June will never get here!!!


Looking forward to more pictures!!!!
Heather

 

[Pinkocto]

Disneyland, two or three times, quite a while ago. The last time would have been in 2008.

I would like to see DL during the holidays, to see what the differences are.

 

[Pinkocto]

The crowds look really low! Nice!! Don't ya just love DHS??!! Love it love it! I don't do well either on Star tours. Have never done it, and not sure I will And when I saw that you went to BB, I immediately thought of those little donuts I love. What I would do to have some right now!!! All these TRs are killin' me June will never get here!!!


Looking forward to more pictures!!!!
Heather

It was so funny, mom saw the donut cart and said, 'too bad you didn't like those donuts, you heard such good things about them' my response was 'it was you who didn't like them, I thought they were delicious!' She completely transferred her feelings to me

I love DHS!!!

Hopefully June will get here before you know it

 

[hstrickland]

It was so funny, mom saw the donut cart and said, 'too bad you didn't like those donuts, you heard such good things about them' my response was 'it was you who didn't like them, I thought they were delicious!' She completely transferred her feelings to me

I love DHS!!!

Hopefully June will get here before you know it

Way funny!!! She's to blame!

 

[franandaj]

Sounds like a really fun day. We could never go from a water park to a park though, even if Fran napped at the water park, she would need to go back to the room and nap before going to a park!

I really want to go at Christmastime and see the Osbourne lights. I heard a rumor that they might discontinue them and that would be a shame. I haven't seen them yet!

 

[disney ny]

I am so enjoying your trip report. Trying to remember all of the things I want to comment on. I love that you travel with your mom. Aren't moms the best? I love to do Disney with my older sister and Mom. Of course now we have four kids too. They are fun though but husbands can stay home. The pictures of the water pageant from your balcony brought tears to my eyes. I just love the lake and the Contemporary in the distance and all of the lights........if I could close my eyes and be somewhere that would be it. I loved your pictures of the VGF. We bought a small add-on there and I was kind of not sure but I think I will love it. If nothing else the location alone is worth it for me. So I am planning our summer trip and if things don't work out perfectly I may be cramming all 7 of us into a studio at VGF. Yes, I know the limit if 5 + an infant but we are 5 and 2 infants so I am thinking we can make it work. My sister is used to sleeping with both her kids, Mom and I can share a bed and then DS in the murphy and DD in the pack and play. Ideal no. Can we do it? Yes for 2 nights we can make it work until we move into a 2 BR and spread out. Anyway, love your report!!!