Just Got Back

[disney junky]

DW and I did a Monday to Saturday trip. Stayed at a studio at our home resort of BW.

Flew from BWI to MCO, arriving at 10:30AM. We used Magical Express. My wife asked if we didn't have to get the luggage. I said, no honey, it will be delivered to the room.

Are you sure?

Yes dear.

My phone signaled that I had a text. We were halfway from the airport to the resort. Our room was ready (11:45AM) and we had a room number.

How did you do that, she asked?

I checked in weeks ago.

Our room was on the lobby level, a studio over Big River. Nice. What we needed. We grabbed a few things at the Screen Door General Store. We emptied what we had and headed to the parks. We activated our annual passes and admired the construction of the Gondola area. DW says no way. I'm all in.

I believe it was hot.

We had a couple FP's. We jumped on Soarin. The wait was like 30 minutes which was really 20. We did Spaceship Earth, no wait. We used our one FP for Frozen. It was our first experience on that ride.

Since we had an early flight and rarely plan meals, we headed back to the room. Our one checked bag was there, we put everything away, and then headed to ESPN club for something to eat. We ended up sharing a nachos and enjoyed a nice relaxing time.

Originally I was hoping to head over the MK for Happily Ever After, but we both were too tired. Our plans for AK the next morning were to start early. So we turned in before the first quarter of the football game was over.

Later...

 

[disney junky]

I forgot to mention, they wouldn't put the Hallmark Channel on at the ESPN Club.

Tuesday morning we got to AK about 8:30. We met this nice couple at the bus stop. They were headed directly to Pandora. We hadn't been able to get a FP for Avatar, but we did have two for the Safari and Na'vi River. They had done this before, so we followed them. There was a crowd at the entrance to Avatar, but as soon as we got there, the entire mob began moving forward. Before we knew it, we were in the ride, on the ride, done with the ride, and on our way out to Na'vi River. We walked right on that. Then headed to the safari, pretty much walked on that, and were done with our three main ride. I looked at my watch.

It was 9:40 So much for our FP.

We have seen all the shows at AK numerous times, DW isn't a fan of EE or Dinosaur, so we decided to forgo AK till evening, and head over to Epcot to do the food and wine for lunch.

We enjoyed a number of the food selections, stopped and cooled off on the Mexico ride (I use the technical names), ate a little more, headed to The American Adventure. We caught the performance of Voices of Liberty and then enjoyed the show. I'm a sap for the patriotic stuff.

We then headed back to the room after debating whether or not we should give Studios a shot. We had a FP for Rivers of Light back at AK, so we decided to cool off in the room, maybe catch a nap (it was hot), and then head out later for the show, and that's what we did.

We got back to AK a little early, and I single rode EE (no single rider lane any more, but I walked right on anyway).

After grabbing frozen drinks at one of the stands, we headed over the the seating area and waited for the show, and waited, and waited.

At 8, a couple people in costumes and makeup walked down the aisle and made faces at the kids. That lasted for 15 minutes. Then the show started. I loved Wishes, I love Illuminations, I like Fantasmic but I can make a trip without it. This presentation falls after that in my likely to return list.

We had a nice trip back to the hotel to rest up for our MK plans for Wednesday.

Later...

 

[LPnerd]

I have to agree about the river of light, however the new rides in the avatar land ( whatever), are amazing! we stood in line 30 min and I would have done it again 2-3 times. now, that's a ride to brag about. animal kingdom needs a better flow, and more misting fans. it's a miserable place to be except for maybe Jan. or Feb.

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

Thanks for your updates. We are heading down next week and I was really hoping it would be cooling off.

 

[disney junky]

Wednesday we had one of our two dinner reservations, and that was a 6:10 a California Grill.

We had a FP for BTMR later in the morning. I couldn't get one for SDMT. We've ridden it a number of times, so it was no big deal. As a couple senior citizens (according to AARP), we approach our adult trips in a leisurely fashion.

We get to the park, head towards tomorrow land for the rope drop, and wait.

I love the bus time app. Since our room was on the Lobby floor of BWV, we knew it was about a four minute walk to the bus, so I could check the app before heading out, and we always arrived at just the right time. Also, we had picked up a some Thomas's bagels at the store and were eating those for breakfast.

As we arrived at Tomorrowland, we walked right on Space Rangers, went on People Movers, I rode SM alone, and then the must see Carousel of Progress. I attended the 64 World's Fair, so I always try to ride. Then Little Mermaid, Small World, Pirates, and Hall of Presidents. Used our BTMR FP, shared some nachos and free water, and got off our feet.

I noticed extra security in Hall of Presidents. On either side of the stage, there were Disney security officers. And I thought, please, don't let some protest erupt over animatronic contraptions that look like the presidents. Has that happened?

The crowds here were the worst we experienced, we grabbed a dole whip, we realized it was hot, we looked at each other, it was early afternoon, so we headed back to the room. With our dinner reservation and our invitation to Moonlight Magic at Studios, we figured we'd cool off, freshen up and rest up. So that's what we did.

 

[jerseygal]

Following along, sounds like a great trip so far; enjoy staying at BWV; so convenient to F&W and HS for TSL! Hope that you enjoyed! Looking forward to our F&W trip coming soon!

 

[disney junky]

Later Wednesday....around 4:45, we jumped on the MK bus and headed to BLT to pick up our bands for the Moonlight Magic event. We walked from the bus stop over and were able to pick up our bands and vouchers. From there, we walked over to the Contemporary for dinner. We were early, so we checked out some of the shops. This was our first time dining at California Grill (not really. I had eaten here in 1971 when it was Top of the World), and our financial adviser told us last week that our we were in good shape, LOL, so go ahead. Great meal. Great service. Great view. Under different circumstances, we would have stayed to watch the fireworks, but with the HS party, we didn't.

We caught the bus to DS, arrived around 8, they were checking the wrist bands closely, went directly to SDD, waited about 15 minutes and rode. From there, we rode Alien Saucers, and then got in line for TSM. That was probably our longest wait of the evening. We headed across the park, saved the galaxy, headed to Sunset Blvd, found that RRC was down, walked on TT, they weren't even doing the preshow, and rode that. I would have ridden it three or four times, but DW is a once per trip person. We enjoyed the free ice cream, weren't hungry enough to use our vouchers, saw there was a 10:30 showing of Fantasmic and sat in on that. From there we walked back.

This was our first experience with a special event of this type. I thought it was amazing.

The path from Studios back to BW meanders out around the old path, and though it's not a lot longer, it's not overly enjoyable because they have the view of the blocked. That also blocks whatever breeze there happens to be. Got back home around 11:10 or so.

 

[LPnerd]

following.

 

[disney junky]

Because so much of what we had planned to do Thursday we did Wednesday night at the special event, DW decided to do a couple loads of laundry, and I visited the pool. I was able to tackle the clown's mouth with few spectators. We had a dining reservation at 3:20 for Sci Fi, so we were still going to head to DS. We saved the galaxy again, had a sampler at the Baseline Taphouse, and then were seated for an early dinner. The selections are nice. As we get older, we find the amount of food is just too much. This was certainly the case.

Thursday night was our last chance to see Happily Ever After, so we went back to the room, freshened up, and headed over to MK. We got there a little early, walked around, found a spot around 7:15 and waited. At 8, the announcement was the performance would be delayed because of thunderstorms in the area, and again at 8:10, and again at 8:20, and again at 8:30, at which time DW, who mentioned how hot it was, decided we weren't waiting any longer. We began our walk towards the exit, and just as we were about to exit the park, we heard the announcement that the show would be starting. It was 8:40. Ten minute intervals. We rushed back to our original spots, which were still available, and the show began. A wonderful, a delightful show. I loved Wishes, I really did, but this is remarkable. The only thing missing was Tink. She's a fair weather flyer I guess.

After the show, we headed out, grabbed the bus, and got back to our resort.

Our last day was Friday. We had no plans at all. We watched a little bit of the Ryder Cup, finished our bagels, and decided to head over to Disney Springs. Once we got there, we realized how really hot it was.

Disney Springs has really evolved over the years. From two bus stops to one. From the Market Place and Pleasure Island to what it has become today.

DW has a Pandora bracelet, one dedicated to our WDW trips, and there is now a stand alone Pandora store. That was our first stop. The selection was outstanding, the service delightful and the results were pleasing. From there, we decided to grab lunch, but we didn't know where to go. We looked around and were walking by T-Rex, we have an upcoming trip in June with the kids and grandkids, and we decided to check it out. What a great experience! Good food. Excellent service. Hoping to bring the whole crew there.

In April, we are returning for a few days at OKW, so I suggested we head over and check out the resort. I have stayed there one night, but DW had never seen it. Grabbing one of the boats, we headed over and walked around, just to see what we would be experiencing. Heading back to DS, we stuck our noses in a few other stores. The World of Disney is under renovation, and there wasn't much to see. I got a little turned around. The former Market Place makes a complete circle. We headed back to the bus stop. That was probably the hottest part of the trip. There is little shade, there was little breeze, and we waited quite a while for a bus.

Our only remaining wish was to see Illuminations. We headed over to Epcot, walked on Soarin (the only ride I convinced DW we could do twice in one trip) and then stationed ourselves near the lake for a view of the show. It always gets me, and I'll be sad when it ends. I have shared many special moments with those dearest to me. DW, my kids, my grandkids, dear friends. As we were waiting, a cast member came and asked if we would mind sliding over a bit, because a bride and groom were getting their pictures taken with the fireworks, water and lasers in the background. We obliged, it was pretty neat to celebrate with the newly married bride and groom, and have that as one more memory.

At the conclusion, we wished them all well, and we began our slow walk back to the room, through International Gateway, that final walk, the final night. We stopped at Ample Hills Creamery, got some ice cream, and walked back to our room, preparing to leave the next morning...

Saturday, we bid our home resort farewell, jumped on our ME bus, and headed to the airport for our trip home

As we've grown older, we have come to enjoy the laid back nature of our trips. We take a few more of them. With the kids and grandkids, it's a lot more stressful, trying to plan a schedule that makes everyone happy. But with annual passes and just the two of us, after 36 years together, we can just do what we want when we want, and enjoy the things that matter to us. We don't wait unless we want to, and if we want to, we just wait patiently. We missed having a kitchen and a laundry in the room, but we made do.

We discovered that Publix delivers, and next time, in April at OKW, we'll probably use their service.

I want to make California Grill a regular dining spot for the two of us.

It's been a difficult year. I've lost two former colleagues, friends, who both died suddenly at 71, and a close friend and co-Disney lover at 65 to gall bladder cancer, barely a year after the diagnosis. My DD and her husband and my grandkids moved from down the street to 400 miles away. And as these things happen, I've come to embrace the present, to enjoy the moment, to spend a little more than maybe I should, because there is no guarantee of tomorrow, or next week or next month or next year.

So we had a blast. And we're looking forward to April. And June with the whole clan. And since we have annual passes, we may even sneak in another trip before September 25 of next year.

 

[Mrs.Milo]

What a great trip report! Come back again before it gets hot again

 

[jerseygal]

Thank you for the great trip report! Condolences on the losses that you have suffered this year. So so true, we also try to appreciate the moments as we age. So nice to not rush around and do the parks at your own pace. Sounds like a great trip!

 

[CarolMN]

Sounds like my DH & I are around the same ages as you & your DW and have similar WDW vacation styles. . BWV is also our home resort.

Enjoyed reading your report. Thanks for doing it. Sorry for your loss.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I forgot to mention, they wouldn't put the Hallmark Channel on at the ESPN Club.



Later...

Gee, do you think that maybe they didn't think the Hallmark Channel would quite fit in with the ESPN theme?

I really enjoyed your trip report. You're in the same age group as us-we just celebrated 36 years of marriage ,last spring with a trip to OKW also.

 

[Eve & Wall-e]

...I've come to embrace the present, to enjoy the moment, to spend a little more than maybe I should, because there is no guarantee of tomorrow, or next week or next month or next year.

This is how DH and I try to live our life as well. We enjoy the moments, savor them. I enjoyed reading your trip report. Glad you had a great time.

 

[gharter]

Loved the trip report.
Heading down in 2 weeks and can't wait.
BWV is one of our home resorts as well. Haven't tackled the clowns mouth yet. Maybe this trip.

 

[to be tink]

Great trip report! Thanks for sharing. We were down there last week too. It was crazy hot!

 

[LPnerd]

Because so much of what we had planned to do Thursday we did Wednesday night at the special event, DW decided to do a couple loads of laundry, and I visited the pool. I was able to tackle the clown's mouth with few spectators. We had a dining reservation at 3:20 for Sci Fi, so we were still going to head to DS. We saved the galaxy again, had a sampler at the Baseline Taphouse, and then were seated for an early dinner. The selections are nice. As we get older, we find the amount of food is just too much. This was certainly the case.

Thursday night was our last chance to see Happily Ever After, so we went back to the room, freshened up, and headed over to MK. We got there a little early, walked around, found a spot around 7:15 and waited. At 8, the announcement was the performance would be delayed because of thunderstorms in the area, and again at 8:10, and again at 8:20, and again at 8:30, at which time DW, who mentioned how hot it was, decided we weren't waiting any longer. We began our walk towards the exit, and just as we were about to exit the park, we heard the announcement that the show would be starting. It was 8:40. Ten minute intervals. We rushed back to our original spots, which were still available, and the show began. A wonderful, a delightful show. I loved Wishes, I really did, but this is remarkable. The only thing missing was Tink. She's a fair weather flyer I guess.

After the show, we headed out, grabbed the bus, and got back to our resort.

Our last day was Friday. We had no plans at all. We watched a little bit of the Ryder Cup, finished our bagels, and decided to head over to Disney Springs. Once we got there, we realized how really hot it was.

Disney Springs has really evolved over the years. From two bus stops to one. From the Market Place and Pleasure Island to what it has become today.

DW has a Pandora bracelet, one dedicated to our WDW trips, and there is now a stand alone Pandora store. That was our first stop. The selection was outstanding, the service delightful and the results were pleasing. From there, we decided to grab lunch, but we didn't know where to go. We looked around and were walking by T-Rex, we have an upcoming trip in June with the kids and grandkids, and we decided to check it out. What a great experience! Good food. Excellent service. Hoping to bring the whole crew there.

In April, we are returning for a few days at OKW, so I suggested we head over and check out the resort. I have stayed there one night, but DW had never seen it. Grabbing one of the boats, we headed over and walked around, just to see what we would be experiencing. Heading back to DS, we stuck our noses in a few other stores. The World of Disney is under renovation, and there wasn't much to see. I got a little turned around. The former Market Place makes a complete circle. We headed back to the bus stop. That was probably the hottest part of the trip. There is little shade, there was little breeze, and we waited quite a while for a bus.

Our only remaining wish was to see Illuminations. We headed over to Epcot, walked on Soarin (the only ride I convinced DW we could do twice in one trip) and then stationed ourselves near the lake for a view of the show. It always gets me, and I'll be sad when it ends. I have shared many special moments with those dearest to me. DW, my kids, my grandkids, dear friends. As we were waiting, a cast member came and asked if we would mind sliding over a bit, because a bride and groom were getting their pictures taken with the fireworks, water and lasers in the background. We obliged, it was pretty neat to celebrate with the newly married bride and groom, and have that as one more memory.

At the conclusion, we wished them all well, and we began our slow walk back to the room, through International Gateway, that final walk, the final night. We stopped at Ample Hills Creamery, got some ice cream, and walked back to our room, preparing to leave the next morning...

Saturday, we bid our home resort farewell, jumped on our ME bus, and headed to the airport for our trip home

As we've grown older, we have come to enjoy the laid back nature of our trips. We take a few more of them. With the kids and grandkids, it's a lot more stressful, trying to plan a schedule that makes everyone happy. But with annual passes and just the two of us, after 36 years together, we can just do what we want when we want, and enjoy the things that matter to us. We don't wait unless we want to, and if we want to, we just wait patiently. We missed having a kitchen and a laundry in the room, but we made do.

We discovered that Publix delivers, and next time, in April at OKW, we'll probably use their service.

I want to make California Grill a regular dining spot for the two of us.

It's been a difficult year. I've lost two former colleagues, friends, who both died suddenly at 71, and a close friend and co-Disney lover at 65 to gall bladder cancer, barely a year after the diagnosis. My DD and her husband and my grandkids moved from down the street to 400 miles away. And as these things happen, I've come to embrace the present, to enjoy the moment, to spend a little more than maybe I should, because there is no guarantee of tomorrow, or next week or next month or next year.

So we had a blast. And we're looking forward to April. And June with the whole clan. And since we have annual passes, we may even sneak in another trip before September 25 of next year.

 

[LPnerd]

this is what I envisioned as we retire, unfortunately my husband hates disney, for many reason, some justified, some not, but he's no longer allowed to go with us. LOL, Grounded from Disney! I'm jealous!

 

[The Jackal]

Great trip report! Thanks for sharing. We were down there last week too. It was crazy hot!

We were there too, it was hot 91-95F every day. Besides the heat it was a great time.

 

[recmouse]

Beautiful trip report! I appreciate your traveling style and it's always nice to see when people appreciate their blessings! <3