May Vacay - Let's celebrate the end of the school year. But why is it surface of the sun hot? (Updated 7/18)

[Noreen411]

Day 1, Part 2
The Queen makes a crown
​

We left off finishing breakfast. It was about 9am now, park was open to all, and I had about 15 minutes until my first FP$$ for Space Mountain. I had gotten lucky when I booked LLs for the day -
9:15-10:15 - Space
10:30-11:30 - Haunted Mansion
11:30-12:30 - Pirates
That was without modifying in any way. So I was getting organized to head to Tomorrowland when I realized I couldn't find my sunglasses. I knew I had them on when I went to order and I remember taking them off while I was ordering. They weren't in my bag (where I usually put them), they weren't on my head because - ears, they weren't on the tray. What the heck did I do with them? I walked back toward the ordering area where one of the previously dancing CMs approached me. I explained that I had lost my sunglasses and I thought maybe I left them on the counter when I ordered. She popped in to look, but no sunglasses. Oh well, I had wanted to buy a new pair anyway so I started to turn away. She asked - did you check your pockets? I said - oh, I don't have pock...wait a minute. I have my jumpsuit on this morning. And sure enough, sunglasses in pocket. Thank you nice CM!!! (Spoiler alert - I was still going to buy new sunglasses!!)

I started toward Tomorrowland and Space mountain. As I got close to Pooh, it only had a 5 minute wait posted. I could see the whole que and there was no one in line. Well, I'm always up to bounce with Tigger so I made a quick detour to bounce along (and avoid those Huffalumps.) Weirdly, even though there was almost no one around, they put another person in the honey pot with me. Just me in the front row, her in the back row, and no one in the 2 honey pots behind us. I certainly don't care and don't expect to get my own honey pot but it felt like weird loading.

Once off Pooh, I headed to Space and still had to wait a couple of minutes before I could scan in. There was almost no wait in the LL line at that time so I walked right up to the CM's that split you to one side or the other. I went to the right. There were maybe 20 or so people in line in front of me so no big deal. One of the loading CM's came down the line, looking for a party of 2. There was what looked like a mother/daughter party a few people in front of me so they jumped out of line and went with the CM. He put them in their loading spots, they stood there for like 30 seconds, then turned around and came back to the line where they pushed their way back to their original spots by saying "He told us we could go back to our place. Let us through." Ok, no problem with going back to your spot but you could be a bit more polite about the whole thing. And also, why did you come back?? Because when it came time to load them again, they got the exact same spots. I got almost to the front of the line when the CM came by and asked for parties of 1 or 2. Pick me friend!!! And soon, I was soaring through space.
View attachment 977498

After I managed to crawl my way out of the space rocket (why can that never be graceful??), I realized I had some time to kill before heading to Haunted Mansion. Hello People Mover (wasn't it Castoney that called it the Pooper??). When I got over there, the CM at the bottom was letting people know that the moving ramps to go up and come back down were not working. Well, there was a workout I wasn't expecting that morning. But up I went anyway and soon, it was time for the iconic peoplemover picture.
View attachment 977500

As we entered the pass beneath Space Mountain, the people mover came to a stop and then went backward. That was new. We were then stalled there for a few minutes - mostly in the dark (and the cool.) I closed my eyes and took a little siesta. In a little bit, we were back moving through Tomorrowland and shortly back to the station. I do have to say, walking DOWN that ramp was almost worse than walking up it. I'll be feeling that in my legs for a bit.

I still had a bit of time before Haunted Mansion so I walked toward Buzz (already at 30 minutes and that que is HOT). But the Laugh Factory was posted as 10. I haven't done Laugh Factory since I took my nephew right after the parks reopened so why not. It was a short wait in the lobby learning about Monstropolis and then in for the show. I know the jokes are a bit cheezy but gosh I love it.

As I was coming out, I saw that I had missed a text from Scotty. He had gotten to the park for work early and wondered where I was. I texted him back my location and that I would wait on a bench in front of the old Stitch ride. When he hadn't gotten a response from me, he had looked at my LL's and headed to Haunted Mansion to try to catch me. But he turned around and headed my way. We walked back toward HM together, I bought another bottle of water to put in my bottle, and we sat in the Tangled area for a little bit until he had to go clock in and I could head to my next LL - Haunted Mansion.

The ghosts and I had a great trip through - View attachment 977501

And then I stopped for a couple of photo pass pictures before moving on.
View attachment 977502View attachment 977503

Why am I going the wrong way???

I also took a second to see about another LL. Jungle cruise had one for 1:45-2:45. I wasn't sure I wanted to still be in the park at that time, but I picked it up anyway, just in case. I then headed toward Pirates. As I passed Country Bears, I noticed there was NO ONE in the lobby waiting. I had time to waste yet so I went in and grabbed a bench to wait. If anyone had told me even last year that I would be voluntarily waiting for the Bears, I would have laughed in your face. But the update is very cute so why not?
View attachment 977506View attachment 977507

I do love my girls in pink.

After the show, I headed straight over to Pirates. There was no line in the LL lane and not a very long wait in the standby either. At this point, I was a bit surprised at the low wait times. Today was Memorial Day and I expected more people. Oh well, let's get on that boat and go find the treasure. Oops, guess I didn't get a picture from that.

As I got to the Jungle Cruise/flying carpet area, I realized that I was a bit snackish AND that I was by Aloha Isle. I haven't had a Dole whip in Magic Kingdom in forever!!! It was time to get my snack on!!

And, of course, now I have to run to do a reference call for one of the hiring committees. This vacation is going really well (insert sarcastic eye roll). I'll hopefully finish up the day soon!

Up next - I really did build that tiara. I promise!

OMG - too funny. I am always hitchhiking with the ghosts with the wrong hand too

 

[Stacybaeasm]

OMG - too funny. I am always hitchhiking with the ghosts with the wrong hand too

They should at least tell you which direction to go. Oh well, maybe the ghosts and I are going different places.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Day One, Part Three
Time to get my crown on​

When we left off, I was headed up to Aloha Isle to get a Dole Whip. I haven't had just a "regular" Dole Whip in years (just the one with Rum at AK at Thanksgiving.) It was a short wait in line and then I walked away with Pineapple and Vanilla swirl in a cup. There was no shade up in this area so I just found a spot on the low wall/bench by Aladin's carpets and sat down to enjoy. (No picture because it was melting WAY too fast.) I was sitting by a family that looked to be 2 girls in their early tweens, boy about 8, and mom. (Dad came by later. Not sure where he was.) Anyway, part way through eating, the little boy walked up to his mom COVERED in Dole Whip. He hands the dish to her and says "I'm not eating the rest of this. This is a DISASTER!!" I burst into laughter. His mom looked at me and rolled her eyes at the kid. I commented "Poor guy. It is such a disaster to get to go to Disney and get ice cream." His mom responded "Yeah. He will probably be in therapy for years." I know it probably wasn't nice to laugh because it was HOT and that makes everyone cranky but just the way he said disaster. I might be giggling as I remember it.
Dole Whip finished (ok, not really because that is a LOT of ice cream but finished as in I couldn't eat anymore), I decided it was time to head up to Main Street. I didn't feel like waiting around until my Jungle Cruise FP$$ at 2:15 because I didn't want to get stuck by parade traffic. Plus, I could hear the cool water of the pool calling to me. But, before I left, I had 1 more thing on my "must do today" list - make your own tiara.
When I first heard about this new "craft" in early spring, I couldn't WAIT to get down there and do it. In fact, when my mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday this year (yes, I still get birthday presents from my parents at the tender age of 27/27), I asked for a gift card to go toward the tiara. Mom came through! In fact, she got me 2 gift cards - one for my birthday and one for getting a "promotion" at work (really a new contract but it was a hard fight). So, with a spring in my step, I headed into Arribas Crystal Arts to make myself a new tiara.
If you ever want to do this, it is at the back of the store by the glass blowing. That was actually the only thing about the experience I didn't love. I mean, it's already 10,000 degrees outside and standing in front of the glass blowing fire for 20 minutes was not comfortable. Anyway, the first thing you do is pick out your base tiara. When I first heard about this, they had 9 to choose from - 3 different styles each available in silver, gold, and rose gold. When I got there, they only had 6 - 3 styles each available in silver or rose gold. This was fine because I wanted the rose gold (pink is my signature color!) They then show you to the template for your tiara and all the jewels. You get to pick out the jewels and lay them out in the template just the way you want. The CM then takes a special tool and puts the jewels right in to the tiara while you watch. I know it sounds like something for kids but it was so much fun. And the finished product:


I will be wearing this on the first day of classes in the fall. It joins my collection of tiaras that I randomly wear to school whenever I need to remind people who they are dealing with (LOL). I was able to use my annual pass discount for this so with everything, it came to about $81. Honestly, cheaper than a spirit jersey at this point.

As I was walking to the front of the park, I also swung through the Main Street Jewelers. Because I now have also developed an obsession with Disney jewelry. I found a couple of things I might want, but decided to wait since it was only day 1. I then headed across the street to The Emporium because, even though I had found my sunglasses, I was still determined to buy a new pair. I really wanted the glasses that have the Mickey heads for both eyes. Umm... these


Unfortunately, they didn't have them. I did find a nice black pair with gold Mickey's in the corners. I also found a random set of key chains that were crowns in various colors for the princesses - good for myself and for little presents for the folx back home. I also grabbed a bottle of water to refill my bottle and headed to the buses to head back to Pop.

Once back, I quickly put on my swimsuit and got my pool stuff together - book, sunscreen, snacks, extra water, etc - and headed to the Bowling Pin pool. It was CROWDED. It took me a bit of searching to find a completely empty chair. Because, there were empty chairs scattered around that just had towels on them. I guessed that some of them had been "reserved" by people not at the pool, but how can you tell? Luckily, I found 1 loan chair squeezed in between 2 occupied chairs that I could use. And that brings up a gripe I have with Disney pools - why do the chairs have to be so close together?? I mean, I'm sure it is to get as many chairs at the pool as possible but when there isn't even enough distance between for a person to walk next to it? I hate having to get on at the foot of the chair and crawl/scoot up to the top. I look like a whale beaching itself to get comfortable.

Anyway, I spent close to 2 hours there, reading and floating in the pool. As I was leaving, I see a CM walking around to chairs and taking towels off. She would ask people around "Is this your chair" and if no one answered, she took the towels. She must have opened up about 50 chairs. People - I get it. We all want chairs when we go to the pool but if you aren't there, don't "reserve" a spot, especially the spots under the umbrellas.

I went back up to the room to shower and make a plan for the evening. However, the storms started to roll in about 5pm. I looked at the radar/weather report and the storms were expected to last until 8:30/9pm. No thanks. Instead, I ran over to the Pop food court and grabbed a slice of pepperoni pizza (I was on a pizza kick for most of this trip. You'll see.), a Mickey shaped brownie, and a diet coke. I took it all back to the room and settled in for the night. The storms let up about 9:30 so I planned right that evening. It was early bed because I was doing Animal Kingdom in the morning.

So - how did I do with my plans? Original plans for the day - early entry to ride Peter Pan; initial LLs for Space, Haunted Mansion, Pirates; make your own tiara at Arribas Brothers; lunch at Casey's or Cosmic Rays; pool time; back to MK for the evening and Happily Ever After

Accomplished - early entry, Peter Pan, all of my initial LL's, make your own tiara, and pool time
Not Accomplished - lunch at Casey's or Cosmic Rays, evening in MK, Happily Ever After

All in, not bad at all.

Up next - it's Magic Animals Time!!

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

Can I just say that I love that you have a tiara collection, and that you wear them to work?!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Can I just say that I love that you have a tiara collection, and that you wear them to work?!

Thanks! The best part - no one even bats an eye when I do it. Students and faculty alike are just like "Yep. We don't expect anything less."

 

[amazingact21]

I'm so sorry I didn't realize you'd started your May trip report already! I'm here now, though and am all caught up.
Your tiara is beautiful. I'd love to see your collection. I also think it's amazing you'll be wearing it to the first day of school. Perfect!

Sorry your drive down was so full of storms. That makes for a long day. But I'm really glad to hear you were able to get a room in 50's. That's my favorite section, as well. And kudos to you for rallying after such an eventful drive and having a DIS meetup! Caroline is a great person to spend some time with.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I'm so sorry I didn't realize you'd started your May trip report already! I'm here now, though and am all caught up.
Your tiara is beautiful. I'd love to see your collection. I also think it's amazing you'll be wearing it to the first day of school. Perfect!

Sorry your drive down was so full of storms. That makes for a long day. But I'm really glad to hear you were able to get a room in 50's. That's my favorite section, as well. And kudos to you for rallying after such an eventful drive and having a DIS meetup! Caroline is a great person to spend some time with.

Welcome!!! I'm sneaky like that - just starting reports on the sly. LOL. I'll have to try to gather all of my tiaras for a picture. I have them split between home and my office (because you never know when I have to throw one on and remind everyone who they are dealing with.) My favorite is a replica of Princess Diana's wedding tiara. And, I'm contemplating getting a replica Anne Boleyn tiara at some point.

And Caroline is AMAZING. We had a great time visiting. Hopefully some day our trips will overlap enough that we can spend some time in the parks.

 

[LoveToDisney]

Hi there! I was delighted to find your trip report and follow along. I have really enjoyed it so far.

 

[Skywatcher1206]

Joining in! I am enjoying your trip report and looking forward to more!

 

[MamaMouse0920]

Every trip I say I am going to take it easy and just enjoy instead of pushing. Every trip, I do the opposite. And then I read trip reports from all of my Dis friends and see them spending time at the pool, doing crafts, taking breaks and I say "I want to do that!" and then never do.

Girl this is me TO A T. I can't wait to read more and see how you did- so far so good!!!

I knew it was going to be HOT and HUMID, so I thought I should bring some extra clothes in case I wanted to put on something fresh after my afternoon pool/rest. This resulted in me bringing double EVERYTHING - 2 full outfits for each day plus 2 swimsuits, etc.

omg I do this too. I was just talking to my husband about this yesterday- there literally aren't enough words in the English language to describe my DISGUST at being sweaty/hot/stinky in the parks, then going back to the hotel for an afternoon rest and/or cold shower, and then the idea of putting THOSE SAME SWEATY/HOT/STINKY/SLIGHTLY DAMP FROM YOUR OWN SWEAT CLOTHES BACK ON. No. Hard pass. So I'm with you!!

I was already melting (and not in a good way.)

Is there a good way???

I am good at seeing in the dark (I work in theatre after all) but some places felt too dark

Totally agree on this!! I wonder how many people have stumbled/fallen in that queue- I'd be inclined to imagine it's already happened at least once.

One of the loading CM's came down the line, looking for a party of 2. There was what looked like a mother/daughter party a few people in front of me so they jumped out of line and went with the CM. He put them in their loading spots, they stood there for like 30 seconds, then turned around and came back to the line where they pushed their way back to their original spots by saying "He told us we could go back to our place. Let us through." Ok, no problem with going back to your spot but you could be a bit more polite about the whole thing. And also, why did you come back?? Because when it came time to load them again, they got the exact same spots.

What on earth- this whole scenario is so confusing hahaha 1) why are you giving attitude and 2) why did you come back???? what happened up there?? Inquiring minds want to know!

As I was leaving, I see a CM walking around to chairs and taking towels off. She would ask people around "Is this your chair" and if no one answered, she took the towels. She must have opened up about 50 chairs. People - I get it. We all want chairs when we go to the pool but if you aren't there, don't "reserve" a spot, especially the spots under the umbrellas.

This thought has literally never occurred to me- when I see towels on chairs I automatically assume they are for people IN THE POOL. You're saying people wake up for the day, throw towels on chairs, then leave the pool area entirely?!?!?!??! If that's true I am appalled that people think this would be okay!! Who does that?!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Girl this is me TO A T. I can't wait to read more and see how you did- so far so good!!!

Well, small spoiler alert, the relaxing thing was AMAZING! And will now become a required part of every trip.

omg I do this too. I was just talking to my husband about this yesterday- there literally aren't enough words in the English language to describe my DISGUST at being sweaty/hot/stinky in the parks, then going back to the hotel for an afternoon rest and/or cold shower, and then the idea of putting THOSE SAME SWEATY/HOT/STINKY/SLIGHTLY DAMP FROM YOUR OWN SWEAT CLOTHES BACK ON. No. Hard pass. So I'm with you!!

Right? And, since I drive now, I don't have to worry about number or weight of suitcases. Do I look like I'm moving in? Sure. Do I care? Nope.

What on earth- this whole scenario is so confusing hahaha 1) why are you giving attitude and 2) why did you come back???? what happened up there?? Inquiring minds want to know!

There ought to be a rule that the curious people in line have to get an update on what went down when stuff like this happens.

This thought has literally never occurred to me- when I see towels on chairs I automatically assume they are for people IN THE POOL. You're saying people wake up for the day, throw towels on chairs, then leave the pool area entirely?!?!?!??! If that's true I am appalled that people think this would be okay!! Who does that?!

Lots and lots of people. I watched it happen a couple of mornings. Whole families in their park clothes stop at the pool first, put towels on chairs, and then head to transportation. They want a guaranteed spot when they come back for the pool. It is so frustrating.

 

[Mary Pops In]

Loving your Trip Report! Glad to know you are adding in some relaxation time. I've been known to slip on a crown and relax at the Grand Floridian, like I own the place. An afternoon mani and a massage are fabulous!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Loving your Trip Report! Glad to know you are adding in some relaxation time. I've been known to slip on a crown and relax at the Grand Floridian, like I own the place. An afternoon mani and a massage are fabulous!

You and I need to be best friends!! And now I want to wear my tiara over to the Grand Flo for something. Probably not the mani because I get my nails done with the powder dip before each trip but a massage?? That sounds wonderful!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Day Two, Part One
Magic Animals, Here I come!!
​

The plan today was: Animal Kingdom for early entry until I was done, lunch at Flame Tree with Stephen, pool and relax time, Steakhouse 71 for dinner with Scotty, watch Happily Ever After from the Contemporary 4th floor walkway. Let's see how we did!

Well, I was not off to a great start with my plans as I did not make early entry. As I was getting up to get ready, I asked myself why was I rushing to get to early entry? What did I plan to do? I wasn't going to ride Flights of Passage this time (just not in the mood), and my safari FP$$ was at 8:45. I ended up taking my time getting ready and eating some breakfast. Oh, and I tried a different flavor of Liquid IV (I don't remember which one. I had like 5 flavors). Still hated it. I hope someone in my life likes them because I bought 3 boxes and that stuff isn't cheap.

I headed up to the Pop buses and once again, great bus luck. There was a bus there and there was seats! I jumped on and got settled for the ride to Magic Animals (Thanks to my friend Rob, I will always call it this.) I don't have any notes from the bus ride so it must have been pretty uneventful. Once there, I had a couple minutes left of early entry so I figured I'd head in and get a little jump on the crowds. Well, that was an epic fail. I headed over to the left side where I thought early entry was but there was a crowd of people just standing around so I figured the early entry side was the right side. Headed over there only to be told nope - its the left side. By the time I got back over, it was rope drop. Oh well.

Once in, I headed into the stores. I usually don't start in stores because a) it's ride time and b) I don't want to carry anything all day. Stores are almost always the last thing as I leave the park. But I had too much time to head straight up to the safari but not enough time to go do a ride. So I wandered through the stores on the right hand side but didn't see anything I had to have. I then headed up to Africa for my morning safari. I did pop in to Starbucks to try to refill my water bottle but I didn't see the containers of ice water anywhere. Didn't they have these on the counters by the door before?? Oh well.

I had a couple of minutes still until I could check in so time for my morning selfie.

That visor became my daily headwear. It kept the hair off my neck and helped shade my face all day. My ears took a backseat for this trip.

Soon, it was time to check in for the safari. I quickly scanned in and headed up the long walk to the jeeps. Since it was only 15 minutes after park open, it was an easy walk-on. I got up to the split to put you in the jeeps and ended up behind this older couple. We got to chatting during the wait. The woman was here for the first time with her friend who was an experienced park goer. We were talking about what they had done and where they had eaten so far. As we got to the CM, the woman turned to me and said "Hey - ride with us!" Ok. Three people into the jeep and off we went.

As I have mentioned in previous trip reports, I don't try to take pictures while on the safari. I'm just terrible at it. We saw a LOT of animals out and about this morning, heading to their breakfast. I was really excited for Lion Point. When I was here at Thanksgiving, there weren't any lions out. I hit it at the time right after the old pair retired and the new lions hadn't been introduced yet. Sure enough, all 3 were out this morning. The male lion was standing, very Simba like, looking out over the land. Our safari guide was telling us that lions mostly only roar in the morning and she herself had only ever heard the roar twice and she had been driving the safari for 5 years. Just then, the male opened his mouth and started roaring!!! Oh my gosh, it was so amazing. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. What a great experience!!

Once off, I said goodbye to the nice couple and made my way back into Africa proper. I grabbed a bottle of water and then sat for a minute to make my next LL. I am not coordinated enough to do that while walking. I got one for the Lion King show for 1:30. Soon, it was time to head over to my next LL - Everest. I hadn't gotten to ride this at Thanksgiving because it was down the entire day I was there. This morning it was running just fine! I had about 15 minutes until my LL so I decided to see if the single rider line was going yet. Because...two rides on Everest is better than 1. Sure enough, the single rider line was open and I only had to wait a few minutes before I got on the train.


Once I got off, I headed back to the front to scan in for my LL. There wasn't much line so I was quickly back to the front for boarding. It was the same CM who boarded me before. She did the "How many in your..." and then really looked. She then said "Weren't you just here??" Yes, yes I was. Ok then. Once again, quickly on my way to see disco yeti!


I thought about going a third time since I had a little time to kill before my next LL but I was feeling the heat. Did I mention it was surface of the sun hot?? I decided to head over to DinoLand (RIP) and get something cool to drink before I had my goodbye to Dinosaur ride.

Up next: Did we get that dino???

 

[disneyAndi14]

I have heard the lions roar twice in all my safaris and it is amazing! I have also heard the tigers chuff this was another amazing moment. It doesn’t happen very often at all!
EE is one I pass on. I really like it until the broken tracks and the g force of going backwards ugh to much for me!
I hope you get on Dinosaur such a great ride!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I hope you get on Dinosaur such a great ride!

Small spoiler - I did get on Dinosaur. And, right before the ride took off, I said under my breath "This one is for you Caroline!"

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Real Life Update
​

Thought I would come on and share that I have officially started making plans for Thanksgiving Part 2!! Initially after I got back from the May trip, I decided that I wasn't going to go for Thanksgiving this year because of money. I found out I needed a lot of $$$$$ dental work and well, budgets are a thing. However, I ended up getting an extra project dumped in my lap and a small bonus at work so Disney became a glimmer. Then, as I was talking to people (like the chair of my department and my mom) it became clear that I really need these Disney trips. As mom and I discussed "It's cheaper than therapy" and as my chair mentioned "You need those trips to give you something to look forward to." He then said that when I first mentioned not going, his first thought was "I might have to chip in for a trip." Is he saying I'm a grumpy witch when I don't have a trip on the horizon?? Umm...yep!!

Anyway, plans are starting to come together. I'm going to renew my annual pass. I'm booked at Pop for the entire week of Thanksgiving - Saturday to Saturday. I'll drive down and Saturday and drive back the following Saturday (to allow a day at home to recover from the drive, do laundry, get groceries, etc.) I just bought tickets for MVMCP for Tuesday. And I'm thinking of doing a Fantasmic dining package for Hollywood and Vine and also doing Crystal Palace for Thanksgiving this year. I know it's only July, but I'm already counting the days.

 

[ckmiles]

Mostly a lurker here- but I wanted to let you know how much Im enjoying your trip report.

Im planning my solo trip for Sept (and I appreciate the hot as the sun reference) and I find your adventures very inspiring!

 

[LoveToDisney]

Be sure to put a link in this TR for your next one once started so I won’t miss it.

 

[Chief Powhatan]

I have enjoyed both of your trip reports. I am glad to hear you are going back at Thanksgiving!