Mandymouse's The Force Wasn't Quite With Us Trip Report

[mandymouse]

Wednesday 18th May 2016


Welcome to my latest trip report. This features me, my hubby Paul and our daughters Kerry (25) and Becky (23) where we’ll be spending 10 nights in Florida, staying at the Pop Century. This holiday was originally booked to co-inside with the Star Wars Weekends, which a matter of days after we booked, it was announced that there wouldn’t be any SWW this year But don’t worry, this did not put us off

I was lucky that my last shift at work had been the previous Saturday evening, so that gave me a few days to get stuck into the packing, hoovering and to clean the house within an inch of its life and to wash, dry and iron any clothes that had been breathed on wrongly before anyone could complain that the item hadn't been worn in months

Yes it was 'mum gone crazy' time in our house. Paul was working right up until 4pm and the girls had finished work a few days ago and were kindly out the way while I got stuck into all the housework (why do we put ourselves through this? it isn't like the Queen is house sitting while we're away lol)


Anywho, today was another busy one, I took my mum to Coventry, which was closely followed by a hair appointment, then one final nail appointment. Kerry & Becky headed to Manchester that afternoon, then I had one final clear up and finished the packing

Paul arrived home around 5.30pm, and after a quick pizza we were heading up the M6 too


We sailed up the M6, and except for a 10 minutes delay where the M42 met the M6 Toll Road, the drive went really well


We arrived at the Premier Inn at the Trafford Centre at 7.50pm, and after checking in with the girls, Paul & I headed over to the shopping centre as I wanted a glass of Champagne or two to kick this holiday off nicely .. and one crafty Walk in the Tropics from TGI’s too

Tomorrow ~ Orlando bound !!

 

[mandymouse]

Thursday 19th May


We slept quite well considering we were so excited. We got up just before 6am, and after a quick shower, we were all ready to leave by 6.30


The drive to the airport is just 20 minutes, so once we parked in the car park opposite departures, we were checking in by 7. There was just one family ahead of us, so within no time we had dropped off our luggage and were heading to security.


Once airside we wandered through duty free and went to Frankie & Benny's for breakfast. Paul & I had the big New England breakfasts, Becky had a The Works Muffin and Kerry had a Danish pastry and toast, and we washed it down with various drinks of tea, coffee, juices and I had a Mimosa

It was all very nice and came to about £43 with an Eat, Drink, Fly 15% off voucher that I had printed off the day before


We then had a wander around the shops. I bought some Pandora earrings, then we sat and had a drink at the bar till our flight gate was called

When we arrived at Gate 204, boarding had already began. Our seats today were in the bubble. Still Economy seats, but our first time in there. Our seats were the first row and they were brilliant, we loved it here. Our flight departed on time (10.30), and shortly later the drinks trolley came round with my fave pretzels

I settled down to watch The Martian, which was really good, and midway through our dinner was served. I had the chicken and Paul had spaghetti and meatballs, it was ok, but as I wasn't hungry I just ate that and the cheese and crackers

Next I watched a documentary about the British 80's band The Jam and a Fab lolly was served

Next I watched Spectre and an hour or so before landing we had afternoon tea of wraps, crisps and a chocolate bar

It had been a really good flight and didn't feel like it had dragged. We landed at 2.15pm, just ahead of the Manchester Thomas Cook flight, and by 2.30 we were in Immigration. We used the machines there, but Kerry for some reason ended with an X through hers so we had to line up again which seemed to take ages as there was only a few people working on them. Anyway, once through we picked up our luggage and were driving away from the Alamo garage by 3.30pm


The traffic on the 528 was really busy due to roadworks and remained busy all the way to the I4, and it didn't help that it was raining too. Before long it began to pour down, it was raining so hard that Paul dropped us right next to the Pop Century check-in, and we leapt out while he parked up and waited till we text him to come and get us. Check-in was quiet so moments later we were walking away with our wrist bands. We had requested the 80's/90's area, as it's a bit quieter and we like the computer pool, so were happy that we were in the 80's block


Paul picked us up and the rain was still lashing down. In fact it was raining so hard, we ended up trapped in the car in the 80's car park with lightning and thunder going off above us. 20 minutes later, and after a conversation about whether pizza could be delivered to the car, the rain died down and we were able to traipse through the puddles to get our luggage to the room


Our rooms were interconnecting, and it wasn't long before we were unpacked and settled in

The sun came out, so Kerry & Becky took the car and headed to Hooters and Wal-Mart, and Paul & I took the bus to Epcot. I had messaged Rachel (jjk) when I found that she was in WDW, and it turned out our first night was her last night there, and after a couple of messages we arranged to meet in World Showcase

Paul & I were hungry now, so we stopped in China for beef noodles for me and a spicy chicken meal with rice or Paul


Next we headed to Italy as a Rosa Regale was calling me, and on the way Paul grabbed a lager in Germany, shortly after Rachel and Pete joined us and we enjoyed a few glasses of vine and a few laughs there

IllumiNations was due to start at 9 so we wandered towards France and me, Rachel & Pete has a Grey Goose Slushie and Paul had a Kronenburg, and in England we said our goodbyes (thanks for taking the time to catch up with us Rachel, it was lovely to see you both)

Surprisingly we weren't flagging, I was happy to wander around MouseGear, but once I got back on the bus back to the Pop, it hit me


We had a quick Captain Mai Tai from Petals pool bar, then we called it a night


Tomorrow ~ Magic Kingdom & Be Our Guest

 

[poppyberry]

Ahhh we flew back to Manchester that day we must have passed in the airport!

 

[ukintheus]

Happy to see that you got started on your report. I don't know how you guys manage to do all that travel and then go and spend a night at Epcot I'd be dead on my feet for sure. I had to laugh when I saw the girls had a connecting room, I was imagining you all squeezed into the one room and wondered how that had worked out. Impressive start to the drink count, I knew you wouldn't let me down. Oh, and I love the earrings, and the Minnie necklace you are wearing looks new too.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

A lovely smooth first day, but the only time we went into a park on arrival we grabbed an ice-cream and decided we were too tired to do anything else, so headed back to the hotel!

Looking forward to the rest

 

[mandymouse]

Ahhh we flew back to Manchester that day we must have passed in the airport!

Hope you had an amazing holiday too

Happy to see that you got started on your report. I don't know how you guys manage to do all that travel and then go and spend a night at Epcot I'd be dead on my feet for sure. I had to laugh when I saw the girls had a connecting room, I was imagining you all squeezed into the one room and wondered how that had worked out. Impressive start to the drink count, I knew you wouldn't let me down. Oh, and I love the earrings, and the Minnie necklace you are wearing looks new too.

Good grief Jenny, I couldn't cope sharing a room with the girls, they are so untidy (lol), I had to make myself stay well away from their room for those 10 nights, I did feel sorry for the person who cleaned their room. Plenty more cocktail drinks to come

A lovely smooth first day, but the only time we went into a park on arrival we grabbed an ice-cream and decided we were too tired to do anything else, so headed back to the hotel!

Looking forward to the rest

I think this was the best first evening we've ever had, I think meeting up with friends helped too

Thanks for reading along everyone

 

[mandymouse]

Friday 20th May


I slept quite well, with just a quick look at the clock at 4.15am, 5.30 then 6.15. I decided to get up at 6.45am as it was EMH's at Magic Kingdom this morning. We drove there and parked in the Aladdin car park, which is right across from the TTC. We walked over and at 8am the ferry left for MK

First stop was Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, where I beat Paul with a 131,000 score, but Kerry won overall with a 181,000 score. Next we rode Space Mountain. Goodness I hate this ride, the one in Disneyland Paris is so much better, this one is so uncomfortable and rickety

We then rode the TTA Peoplemover, had a photo taken with Chip & Dale, then the girls got their faces painted while Paul went to order a BB8 phone case from the Space Mountain shop

After our photo op with Chip & Dale we then went for a coffee and cookie from Main Street. Out first fast pass came around, which was for the 7 Dwarves Mine Train. Then the girls rode the teacups while Paul & I went to pick up his phone case

We met Minnie and Daisy at Pete’s Silly Side Show then rode the steam train over to Frontierland as our next fastpass for Big Thunder Mountain was ready

...

 

[mandymouse]

...

After BTMR we wandered around the shops till our ADR for Be Our Guest was ready. I was really looking forward to this, especially as it was getting so hot by now. Once we checked in for our lunch, we had to wait outside in the sun for a good 10 minutes or do, then once inside we joined yet another queue. Thankfully once we had ordered our food, we went through to the seating area where there were plenty of places to sit, and it was nice to relax in the air con and wait for our food to be brought to us on a trolley. I ordered the Croque Monsieur which was a Ham and cheese toasted sandwich with fries, and although I wasn't really fussed about having a dessert, I insisted on having the Master's Cupcake, and would you believe the Grey Stuff was delicious (haha), in fact everyone enjoyed the food here

After our lunch we were starting to flag, and as the grey clouds rolled in and the wind picked up we made our exit via the Main Street shops


We took the Monorail back to the TTC and managed to get back to the car just before the heavens opened, so to avoid the rain we decided to spend an hour or so at the Florida Mall. We had a good look round and the girls bought some make-up and a Hollister shirt, but I didn’t see anything


We got back to the Pop around 4.30 and as the sun was shining, we had a good hour lazing by the pool


After showering the girls took the car to DHS and had fun meeting Kylo Ren, Chewwy and Olaf, and Paul & I caught the bus to Disney Springs. It was extremely busy, but we weren't out for shopping, so headed to Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar. Just as we ordered our drinks a couple who were just leaving offered us their seats, job done! I had a Bam’s Barnstormer, a cocktail made with dark rum and ginger beer, it was delicious, though incredibly strong, so I just had the one. Paul had a few Kingfisher lagers and I moved into Prosecco. After a wander we finished off at Raglan Road where I had a couple of pear ciders and Paul had some Stellas

We headed back to the buses, and once back at the Pop we had a Captain Mai Tai made by the lovely Dee who has worked there for years and was due to retire the following week, and as always they were delish and strong. We shared some food from the food court with our drinks then called it a night


Tomorrow ~ Animal Kingdom

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

A busy day. I did wonder with the preferred parking if the nearest spaces were reserved now for that, have you noticed any difference?

 

[mandymouse]

A busy day. I did wonder with the preferred parking if the nearest spaces were reserved now for that, have you noticed any difference?

We parked twice at the Magic Kingdom, in different areas, but both times were close enough to just walk to the TTC

 

[mandymouse]

Saturday 21st May


We slept reasonably well, and were up just before 7am as it was EMH at Animal Kingdom. We arrived at 8 and headed straight to Expedition Everest. We rode it twice, then we wandered over to Kilamanjaro Safari. As it was early and not too hot, there were lots of animals about

The girls grabbed a drink and some cookies in Harambe, and we went back to Expedition Everest as our FP had come round. I was ready for a latte, so Paul & I had one each and Paul had a choc chip muffin. We sat enjoying our coffee while the girls rode EE again then we headed to Dinosaur for our next FP. I always enjoy Dinosaur, especially the pre-show, it’s so cheesy it always makes me giggle

Anyway, after returning to the present with the Dinosaur onboard, we decided to check the shops out and take more photos before exiting the park

It had clouded over a bit so we decided to go to the Premium Outlets, we didn't see much, though Kerry bought some Converse and saw a Kate Spade bag that she may buy later in the week


Next we bought the usual supplies of water, Mountain Dew and suntan lotion from Wal-Mart, then we enjoyed a few hours by the pool back at the Pop


A few hours later the girls went off to Disney Springs and Paul & I caught the bus to Epcot. First stop was the Rose & Crown in the UK Pavillion where we had a lager and cider then we continued on Japan where we both had the chicken cutlet curry, which was delicious

Next stop was the US pavilion where a stand was selling frozen strawberry-lemon sunsets that were topped up with Grey Goose. Rachel & Pete recommended them the other day when we met up with them, and they didn't disappoint


We sat in Italy enjoying our drinks then had a Rosa Regale each before slowing heading out of the park, where I grabbed another Grey Goose concoction just as you exit World Showcase

The Pop Century bus had just left so we jumped on the one going to the Art of Animation. The girls messaged us to say they were having a drink at the Petals pool bar, so we joined them for a while before calling it a night

Tomorrow ~ Disney Hollywood Studios

 

[ukintheus]

It's great that you had some assistant photographers there for this trip - so nice when you can actually have photos taken of the two of you instead of one at a time! LOL Another busy day - the pre-7am start is a bit rough. We always end up back at the hotel in the afternoon as well and recharge and then go off out again about 5 pm. It makes it much more manageable, especially in the heat.

The first photo from EE is interesting....what's with the all-in-black from top to toe person in the front seat - and how did their hat stay on!!

 

[mandymouse]

It's great that you had some assistant photographers there for this trip - so nice when you can actually have photos taken of the two of you instead of one at a time! LOL Another busy day - the pre-7am start is a bit rough. We always end up back at the hotel in the afternoon as well and recharge and then go off out again about 5 pm. It makes it much more manageable, especially in the heat.

The first photo from EE is interesting....what's with the all-in-black from top to toe person in the front seat - and how did their hat stay on!!

Haha, he looks a right dodgy character, I hadn't really noticed before

 

[mandymouse]

Sunday 22nd May


This morning it was EMH at Disney Hollywood Studios. We were up just before 7am, and we arrived just before 8. The place was so busy with most people wearing Star Wars t-shirts, so we felt that these people would've been attending Star Wars Weekend like us before it was cancelled for this year


Our first stop was RockNRollerCoaster, then we decided to go to the Launch Bay before the park was open to the general public. We had a 15 minute wait for Chewbacca, and it was probably just 10 minutes for Kylo Ren, this was so cool, I wish they would extend it so you could meet Darth Vader and maybe Jedi Mickey

Our first FP today was for Toy Story Midway Mania, then while we waited for our Tower of Terror FP to come round, we had a cake and drink from Starring Rolls. At 10am there was The March of the First Order where Captain Phasma marched a group of Stormtroopers to the stage area, which was rather cool

Our next FP was for Tower of Terror but there must've been a problem with the ride as the FP line was right outside the attraction entrance with someone leaving saying he wasn't going to wait 2 hours with a FP, so we decided to give it a miss


Next we went to see Olaf at his meet & greet, that was so sweet, I was thrilled to meet him (lol)

To get out of the sun for a while, we watched the Muppet 3D show, then we used our final FP on Star Tours, which was brilliant as it was a new one with Finn and BB8


We watched the Star Wars : A Galaxy Far, Far Away show which was good and after seeing all these new cool things, we looked forward to coming back during the week to take more photos as we now knew what to expect, and we were also able to change our missed ToT FP to this evening


We exited the park through the shops, then came back to the Pop Century to chill for a few hours


After an hour or so by the pool we all got in the car and did a quick jaunt to Wal-Mart, then to the Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlets as Paul had seen some trainers in the Rack Room the previous day at the Premium Outlets but they didn't have his size, sadly they weren't available here either


We drove onto Disney Springs and parked in the lime car park by World of Disney. We got easily parked in the top floor, but the place was so busy. I don't doubt that Disney are onto a winner with all these new shops opening, but the place is so big and busy. I guess it's yet another way of keeping guests on-site rather than visiting shopping malls, but the majority of the shops didn’t really interest me


The girls went off to Earl of Sandwich and we wandered around World of Disney, TrenD, the Christmas shop, then as it was so warm we stopped for a drink at Raglan Road


We left shortly afterwards and the roads were so busy, we popped back to the Pop so Paul and I could have some dinner, then we headed back to DHS. We used our ToT FP, which was great as it was starting to get dark

On the way to ride Star Tours, we passed the area that is cordoned off for the Symphony in the Stars dessert party and we saw a few Stormtroopers wandering around. People were asking for photos but they said 'not while we're on patrol' lol, but they saw Kerry & Becky taking some selfies, and couldn't resist joining it, it was so funny, the girls loved it

Anyway we rode Star Tours again which was another new version yay! Then as we still had a bit of time to kill before the fireworks began, we went to watch the film at the Star Wars Launch Bay

After the film we wandered down near the park entrance to watch the fireworks which were brilliant !! we'll be back to take photos later in the week. We all left the park with the girls heading to Jellyrolls, and us heading home as we were cream crackered (lame!!)


We had one Captain Mai Tai, then Paul grabbed a Mickey Bar and I had a white choc chip cookie and we ate them as we walked back to the room


Tomorrow ~ Magic Kingdom

 

[Chilly]

You've got some fab ride photos. I love the MiB on EE.

 

[ukintheus]

I'm not up to snuff on Star Wars at all!! LOL I don't know who half the people are that you were talking about! I watched the first one at the Odeon in London wayyyyy back in the day - can't remember half of it - and haven't watched any of the others! Sounds like you had a fun day though and at least there's stuff to do at DHS now (if you are into Star Wars ). You've got some great photos from this trip - I bet you are enjoying going back through them all. That's the only reason I do TR's - ha ha!

On closer inspection, I think EE creepy-Jo is actually a creepy-Jane.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

You seem to fit so much in a day. The photos are great

 

[mandymouse]

You've got some fab ride photos. I love the MiB on EE.

Thanks hun

I'm not up to snuff on Star Wars at all!! LOL I don't know who half the people are that you were talking about! I watched the first one at the Odeon in London wayyyyy back in the day - can't remember half of it - and haven't watched any of the others! Sounds like you had a fun day though and at least there's stuff to do at DHS now (if you are into Star Wars ). You've got some great photos from this trip - I bet you are enjoying going back through them all. That's the only reason I do TR's - ha ha!

On closer inspection, I think EE creepy-Jo is actually a creepy-Jane.

I guess I'd not thought about the non-Star Wars fans out there, though we can't wait for more Star Wars stuff to open, we love it all

Creepy Jane haha

You seem to fit so much in a day. The photos are great

Thank you

 

[mandymouse]

Monday 23rd May


We had a bit of a lie in today as Paul & I were heading to the Magic Kingdom and the girls were going to The Contemporary Resort for a bit of parasailing


We left around 9.15am as they needed to be there for 10. We parked in the Contemporary car park, left the car with the girls and Paul & I proceeded to the Magic Kingdom. Wow! It was sooooo busy here, and the lines for bag checks were unbelievable. We just had time to use our first FP which was for Buzz Lightyear, then we rode the TTA Peoplemover in hope if seeing the girls parasailing over Bay Lake (sadly we didn't). Our next FP was for Pirates of the Caribbean, then as we were feeling peckish we had some Rotisserie Chicken from Cosmic Rays (yum!!)

Paul received an email from Disney saying our next FP for the Haunted Mansion was changed as it had broken down, but the selection they gave us wasn't that good, so we headed over to Liberty Square and took a ride on the Liberty Belle Riverboat

I'd had enough of the crowds by now, so we stopped off for some cookies & cream ice-cream, then exited the park as one of the parades went by

The girls messaged us that they'd had a great time doing their parasailing and had gone to Blizzard Beach. We got the bus back to the Pop Century and chilled by the pool for an hour

During the afternoon the girls came back and we watched the video that they had taken on Paul's Go Pro of their parasailing, it looked great


Later in the afternoon the girls took the car to the Magic Kingdom and we caught the bus to Epcot. Tonight we had a 7.30pm reservation at Tutto Italia, so we wandered around World Showcase enjoying the odd drinky till our time came round

We were seated at 7.25, and in no time the breads and our first Pomegranate Cosmopolitan had arrived, closely followed by our starters

Now it's our own fault for not checking the menu properly, we just assumed that many of the dishes were what we'd previously had but sadly the Parma ham this time didn't have melon with it, though it was still nice

We didn't have to wait long for our mains either, Paul's Lasagna looked and tasted lovely, and the Pollo al Forno tasted nice but looked like something was missing from it, it was just chicken with various peas and carrots

To make up for my slightly disappointing main, I had a Tiramisu, and it didn't let me down, it was delicious, but being in and out in 55 minutes and $200 (inc tip), it just felt too rushed and it just didn't hit the spot

We grabbed a drink a Grey Goose Slushie and a Kronenberg and wandered towards the exit


We had just missed the Pop Century bus so hopped on the Art of Animation one and after one last cocktail we headed home


Tomorrow ~ DHS (us) Universal (girls)

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Oh wow $200 for your evening meal (especially with the current exchange rate makes it a tad on the prices side!) I'm glad you enjoyed the cocktails and desserts though