May Vacay - Let's celebrate the end of the school year. But why is it surface of the sun hot? (Updated 9/18)

[kclark9830]

Ooh, the Villains show looks great!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Ooh, the Villains show looks great!

It is AMAZING!!! I can't wait to see it again at Thanksgiving.

 

[amazingact21]

How frustrating about the Pizzarizzo and Muppets! I can't believe they closed the show THAT early. Maybe it was down? Who knows, but I don't blame you for being irritated.

The new Villains show is so, so good! I also love that it can change based on the crowd you are seeing it with. This one gentleman behind us was shouting "Go Hook!" soooo loud because he wanted him to win.
I didn't notice all the details in the curtain and will have to look at it next time I'm there!

When you have a destination in mind, it's easy to overlook stuff sometimes. So I get why you walked past the wristband area.

Hope the start of classes goes smoothly! Landon's taking theater this year, and it's his absolute favorite class. Thursdays are tech days, and he cannot wait to tell me what he did as soon as he gets home. He thinks it's very cool that one of my DISboards friends' careers is in a theater program at a college.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Hope the start of classes goes smoothly! Landon's taking theater this year, and it's his absolute favorite class. Thursdays are tech days, and he cannot wait to tell me what he did as soon as he gets home. He thinks it's very cool that one of my DISboards friends' careers is in a theater program at a college.

That's so exciting!!! Well, tell Landon and Landon's teacher that I am happy to zoom in for a class or something to talk about life in professional theatre. And maybe, just maybe, we can bring Landon to the dark side (insert evil laugh here!).

 

[Stacybaeasm]

First week of classes. Oofff...it's been a long haul already. Besides all the normal classes, we had first rehearsal for our first show on Monday night; I had a strategic planning meeting for the SMA on Tuesday night; last night was the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design welcome picnic; tonight is the majors' meeting. Thank goodness for a 3 day weekend because my social and physical battery is dead. Oh, and next week is auditions for the 2nd show so I am here 14 hour days for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. No rest for the wicked, I guess. Only 86 days to Thanksgiving break and checking in to Pop!!! Anyway, back to our May trip:

Day Three, Part Three
After Hours!!!
​

I believe we left out trying to wait out the storms and see if Fantasmic was going to run. I spent some quality time sheltered on a bench, people watching and repeatedly hearing the announcement about Fantasmic being postponed and please don't line up. About 8:15, I realized I hadn't heard the announcement in a bit and it looked like people were heading toward the entrance to the theatre. So, I jumped up and followed along. Sure enough - they were starting to seat. And thus began the LONG trek up to the theatre. But, I got there early enough to get a centerish seat and have time to get some water and settle in.

I always have to send a picture to my friend Rob to torment him with the fact that I'm at Fantasmic. Don't worry, he does the same to me (LOL). That pole in the center of the picture was the bane of my existence this evening but still - Fantasmic!!!! I don't know if I've mentioned this previously, but this is my favorite nighttime spectacular at Disney.

After the show and the long trek back out of the the theatre, it was After Hours!!! I headed straight back to Tower of Terror. Walked right in to the library!! And, it is important to note, I was in the left library for the first time ever!!! Yep, I don't know how many times I've ridden Tower but I have NEVER gone to the left library.


Once off and through the gift shop, I went right back around to ride again. And, once again, left library. So interesting!!


Next, I headed to Rockin' Roller Coaster. I hadn't done that one in a long time so it was good to get a ride in before the change to Muppets. They didn't have you stop in the pre-show room tonight. The doors were open and you just walked through (although the video was playing). Soon enough, I was off to the concert in my super stretch limo!


I thought about riding it again, but the line was actually a 20 minute wait and by now, it was about 11:15. There was more to be done!! I stopped at the stand right outside the entrance to Fantasmic and got an ice cream bar, a popcorn, a water, and a diet coke. Yep, I took it all. I mean, I'm going to get my money's worth of the "free" stuff y'all.

After a little break, I headed up to Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railroad. They also weren't showing the pre-show so I was able to walk right though. There was a short line once inside but I was quickly on the ride. I love the dancing with Daisy section. I got the entire car to conga with me!! Once done, I got some more popcorn (because Disney popcorn is the best!!) and debated what to do next. Rise was listing a 20 minute wait and I hadn't done that in a long time either so I headed back to Galaxy's edge. Along the way, I passed a meet and greet for Mary, Bert, and the penguins. I should have stopped but decided I would hit it on my way back...Rey was waiting for me to help the resistance!

I got to the start of the que for Rise and just started walking. Sure, the wait was still listed as 20 minutes - but that's how long it takes you to walk the que! I never stopped walking until I was at the Rey pre-show. It was nice that the Kylo automatrons were working. But when are we fixing those darn cannons???

Off the ride, it was decision time again. Falcon? Slinky Dog? Star Tours? What's the plan, Phil? (Modern Family anyone???) I looked at the time and it was midnight. And my body was saying "Friend, we are done. We are hot, tired, and just want to lay down." Ok, time to head out then. Of course, as I went by the Poppins meet area, there was now a long line and I just didn't feel it. Did I learn nothing from the Muppet experience earlier today?? Follow your gut, friends. Always. And if you want to do something, DO IT. Don't say maybe I'll come back later.

I grabbed another Diet coke, water, and pop corn on my way out and headed to the buses. I knew the Skyliner wasn't running for After Hours so bus back to Pop was my way home. I also get that Pop doesn't need a bus very often but it had to be the bus stop furthest from the entrance??!!! I slowly plodded along and finally got to the line. Then, it was at least a 20 minute wait for a bus. Thank goodness I was close to the front because I don't think I could have stood even for the short ride back to Pop. Once back, I rinsed off quickly in the shower (because what a sweaty mess I was) and jumped into bed. It was almost 2am by this time and I had an early breakfast at Toppolino's in the morning - poor planning on my part, I admit! But, lights out. Tomorrow is another adventure and my aunt was coming!

How did I do on my goals for today?
Goals - breakfast at Pop, pool and relaxing time, the new Villains Show, say goodbye to the Muppets, dinner at Pizzarizzo, Fantasmic with Danielle (VAmassey's daughter), After Hours with priorities being Tower of Terror and Rockin Roller Coaster.
Accomplished - breakfast, pool time, new Villains show, Fantasmic, and After Hours
Not accomplished - goodby to Muppets, Pizzerizzo, meeting Danielle

Up next: Breakfast with Mickey and Barb arrives.

 

[vamassey1]

You look like you're having a great time.

Fantasmic is our favorite night time entertainment too. I'm so happy you got to see it, aside from the pole you had great seats. I'm sorry you and Danielle did not connect. She is a theater kid at heart.

I need to learn to maximize on the free treats like you do. I never get my fair share.

Toppolino's breakfast was one of our favorites.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

You look like you're having a great time.

I had a blast!!! I'm glad I did it and I'm glad I took the early part of the day off to be rested. I'm going to follow that plan at Thanksgiving for the Christmas party.

Fantasmic is our favorite night time entertainment too. I'm so happy you got to see it, aside from the pole you had great seats. I'm sorry you and Danielle did not connect. She is a theater kid at heart.

I love theatre kids (I guess I have to LOL). Maybe we can connect at Thanksgiving when I'm down.

I need to learn to maximize on the free treats like you do. I never get my fair share.

I usually don't either but I decided I was just going to grab stuff. I had a ziplock bag in my backpack to dump popcorn in to carry around.

Toppolino's breakfast was one of our favorites.

I LOVE Toppolino's. I've done it 2 trips in a row and it is totally worth the $$. I'm passing on it for Thanksgiving though. I'm going to do a Hollywood and Vine breakfast for Fantasmic seating instead.

 

[vamassey1]

I had a blast!!! I'm glad I did it and I'm glad I took the early part of the day off to be rested. I'm going to follow that plan at Thanksgiving for the Christmas party.

Sounds like a good plan!

I love theatre kids (I guess I have to LOL). Maybe we can connect at Thanksgiving when I'm down.

Maybe, we trying to get her to come home for the first part of the week before Thanksgiving and Festival of the Holidays start.

I usually don't either but I decided I was just going to grab stuff. I had a ziplock bag in my backpack to dump popcorn in to carry around.

That's what I need next time a big ziplock bag.

I LOVE Toppolino's. I've done it 2 trips in a row and it is totally worth the $$. I'm passing on it for Thanksgiving though. I'm going to do a Hollywood and Vine breakfast for Fantasmic seating instead.

So many choices.

 

[missjackiemcg]

I'm late to the party, but read all the updates so far to catch up! I thought I had quoted a few things, but the DIS keeps eating my quotes!! Your trip is off to a fabulous start.

I'm a teacher, too. Having a countdown certainly does keep me in a happier mood, especially during the school year, ha! We're going for Christmas this year, so my countdown is at 111 days today. So close, yet SO FAR!!!

I've never done an After Hours event, but it seems like you got your money's worth, especially taking home some goodies and bringing a bag for popcorn--brilliant.

I used to not make Fantasmic! a priority, but my son loves it, so we tend to do it on all of our trips, for him. We have the DDP for our upcoming trip, and I was glad to see that we can actually use it for the Fantasmic! reserved seating. That will definitely be in our plans.

Looking forward to reading more about your adventure!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I'm a teacher, too. Having a countdown certainly does keep me in a happier mood, especially during the school year, ha! We're going for Christmas this year, so my countdown is at 111 days today. So close, yet SO FAR!!!

You HAVE to have something to look forward to or the little things will get to you. Yay for Christmas!!

I've never done an After Hours event, but it seems like you got your money's worth, especially taking home some goodies and bringing a bag for popcorn--brilliant.

Listen, you don't get to be a fluffy girl like me without figuring out how to get the most bang for your food buck. (But honestly, I saw that tip from someone else and stole it!) The after hours event was great! I think I would have lasted the final hour if it hadn't been so hot the whole time (did I mention it felt like the surface of the sun??)

I used to not make Fantasmic! a priority, but my son loves it, so we tend to do it on all of our trips, for him. We have the DDP for our upcoming trip, and I was glad to see that we can actually use it for the Fantasmic! reserved seating. That will definitely be in our plans.

I've never done the Fantasmic dining seating. But I figured it might be needed around Thanksgiving so I don't have to wait in line for hours.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Day Four, Part One
Breakfast and Epcot
​

Goals for today: Breakfast at Toppolinos with Stephen, meet up with Eli, one of my former students, Barb comes, enjoy Flower and Garden

I had to get up super early this morning because I had a breakfast ressie at Toppolino's at 8:20am. Yeah, I wasn't thinking when I made it. After the late night yesterday and a REALLY bad night of sleep, getting up and moving was hard. But Mickey and friends are waiting for me to have breakfast so get up and get moving friend!

Once dressed, I headed out to the Skyliner line. It was LONG this morning. I ended up joining the line all the way back to the 1958 sign. Yikes!! I had left myself an hour to get over to the Riviera, but now I was wondering if it was enough. Like always, I found people around me to talk to so the time went quickly and I think I got on a gondola at about 7:50 - so 30 minutes after getting in line. As I got on, I got a text from Stephen that he was on his way. The trip to Riviera was lovely, as always, and once there, I headed up to Toppo's. As I was getting in the elevator, Stephen texted he was parking. Good timing all around. I got us checked in, Stephen showed up, and we were quickly seated.

We had a fantastic waiter. I never write down their names and I really should so I can send in cast compliments. But I fail every single time. After chatting with us for a minute, he took our order for drinks. Soon enough, he was back with the pastry bucket and beverages and we ordered - scrambled eggs and bacon for me, waffles for Stephen. As the waiter was walking away, Stephen and I were talking about our order and Stephen mentioned that he had trouble deciding between the waffle and the french toast. This is important for later.

Food always comes out quickly here (because unless you are having the steak, breakfast is easy to cook) and soon enough we were enjoying our food.


And shortly, the characters started to stop by. First was Donald


Then Daisy


Then there was a brief pause for the little song and dance thing. During that time, the waiter came by to check on us and showed up with a plate of French toast. He said the kitchen had accidentally made an extra one and he thought we would like it. We said thank you so much!! Now, I find it very interesting that the kitchen made an extra plate of the exact thing that Stephen was trying to decide between and DIDN'T order but pixie dust is pixie dust and let me tell you, that french toast is AMAZING!!! Next time, that's my breakfast.

Soon enough, Minnie came by


And finally the big man himself


And it was perfect timing because we were pretty much done eating as soon as Mickey left. The waiter brought our check and to go cups of our beverages (I never turn down a Diet Coke to go!!!). I tipped extra, extra well because a) he was wonderful and b) FRENCH TOAST!!

Stephen had set aside time to spend part of the day with me at Epcot so we headed back out to the skyliner and over to the International gateway. Once in Epcot, I messaged Eli. She was getting her "graduation" pictures with Mickey for finishing her CP so she would join us in a bit. Stephen and I headed over to Living with the Land to see the Flower and Garden overlay.


I love this Beauty and the Beast display




And then, these pink flowers!!


Once off, we still had time to kill to meet Eli and before my guardians fancy ride. We headed over to Nemo because we wanted a short line and we also wanted to be in air conditioning. Oh my goodness, it was already surface of the sun hot and it was only like 10:30. Nemo actually had a bit of a wait but hey - it was dark and cold. Barb started calling about then. She was supposed to have gotten to Pop at 10 but, as always, she didn't even leave her house until 9:30 so she was running late. I gave her our room number AND directions to the room and then told her to call/text when she was on her way to Epcot. Soon after, we were exploring the big blue world!!

And that's where I leave you for this update. Allegedly, I have to teach classes. Whatever - LOL. Up next - Eli, Guardians, and where the heck is Barb?

 

[missjackiemcg]

Toppolino's is always a maybe on our list and ends up getting axed! I don't know why because everyone always says how good it is, and your pictures with every character are just so cute!! On the maybe for December list....again....we shall see!! But my son DOES love french toast, maybe that will entice him!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Toppolino's is always a maybe on our list and ends up getting axed! I don't know why because everyone always says how good it is, and your pictures with every character are just so cute!! On the maybe for December list....again....we shall see!! But my son DOES love french toast, maybe that will entice him!

Toppolino's is amazing but it IS pricey. I think $50+ per person for breakfast. I also just looked at the menu and it looked like maybe they changed the french toast??? Because now it says french toast bread pudding and it definitely wasn't that in May.

 

[SaraSpringsIsHome]

I'm loving your updates!!!

(Also, the characters at Topolinos are sooo adorable)

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I'm loving your updates!!!

(Also, the characters at Topolinos are sooo adorable)

Thank you!!! Although (Spoiler alert) - there's some not so fun things coming up.

And I LOVE the characters at Topolino's. I'm a little sad to not be going at Thanksgiving but I gave priority to Hollywood and Vine for the Fantasmic Seating.

 

[vamassey1]

I can't believe you made it to an early breakfast after your late night. Kudos to you.

Love the breakfast at Topolino's . I miss the days when you could order a side of another entre choice and not get charged for it. Getting pixie dusted is even better.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I can't believe you made it to an early breakfast after your late night. Kudos to you.

Thanks. Although the late night/early morning caught up with me later in the day. And now as I'm planning my Thanksgiving trip, I'm faced with a similar scenario - doing MVMCP on Tuesday night and then wanting Hollywood and Vine breakfast for Fantasmic! dining. However, I'm ok losing some park time for this ressie so I'll make it a LITTLE later in the morning (and not plan on early entry either.)

Love the breakfast at Topolino's . I miss the days when you could order a side of another entre choice and not get charged for it. Getting pixie dusted is even better.

I never made it to Topo's when they had the extra side. But the pixie dust was lovely. I also think it helped that our server was CLEARLY flirting with Stephen the whole time. Not that he ignored me in any way, I just noticed extra smiles, etc sent toward Stephen. And I'm ok with that. I know I will flirt with anyone for any reason so hey - get me that lovely french toast!

 

[vamassey1]

And now as I'm planning my Thanksgiving trip, I'm faced with a similar scenario - doing MVMCP on Tuesday night and then wanting Hollywood and Vine breakfast for Fantasmic! dining. However, I'm ok losing some park time for this ressie so I'll make it a LITTLE later in the morning (and not plan on early entry either.)

This sounds like a good plan, more of a brunch.

I just noticed extra smiles, etc sent toward Stephen. And I'm ok with that. I know I will flirt with anyone for any reason so hey - get me that lovely french toast!

I would never turn that down either.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

This sounds like a good plan, more of a brunch.

Definitely brunch. I make ressies in less than a week so I'm trying to figure out timing now. I always just want to be able to jump on at 6am and get it done fast.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Day Four, Part Two
Well, this doesn't bode well
​

I believe we left off heading out of Nemo (after paying a short visit to the manatees of course.) Eli was on her way but we still had a few minutes to kill. I mentioned that I had STILL never done the Moana water thing. Stephen thought that was blasphemy so we headed right over there. It was great to walk through with Stephen because he was able to guide me through, tell me the story for each part, and show me how it "worked." It was cute but honestly, I don't fully get the hype. Maybe it was just too hot to enjoy.

We finally met up with Eli - one of my former students from Virginia Tech. She went down after graduation and did her 2nd College Program and had now moved into "part time" work as Guest Relations at Epcot while she is also working with a local theatre and also getting ready to audition for the Candlelight Processional choir. She and Stephen had never met so after introductions, we started meandering toward Guardians because I had a Fancy Ride FP for that. As we got to Connections/Creations, Eli asked me if I had gotten my passholder magnet yet. I can't believe I had forgotten to pick that up. There was no line so I was through quickly with my beautiful Maleficent magnet. Stephen was hungry so he mobile ordered something from Connections while Eli and I headed to Guardians. Once we got to the tapstyles, she broke off to go talk to friends under the blue umbrella while I went in to ride.

There wasn't much of a line today so I was quickly into preshow rooms and then onto the ride. Disco Inferno was my song for today!


When I got off, I found Eli and then we found Stephen. About this time, Barb called and said she had gotten to the room and was headed to the skyliner to get to Epcot. She had a mission we HAD to accomplish today. The daughter of a friend of hers was getting married and she needed to get a Mary Poppins something for a wedding gift. Eli mentioned that there was some Poppins merch in the UK shops so we told Barb to meet us there and headed that way ourselves.

We got to the UK, found a bench, and waited. And waited. And waited. We were probably waiting for 45 minutes. I kept trying to call Barb because it does NOT take 45 minutes to get from Pop to Epcot on the skyliner but she wasn't answering. Finally, I spot her strolling into the UK. I still to this day don't know what took so long although she did immediately scold me for not reminding her that she had to switch at the Carribean Beach station. Honestly, I can't keep track of what information she knows and what I have to tell her. This was not getting us off on the right foot for the trip.

Anyway, we headed into one of the shops and Eli led us to the back where there were about 6 items of Mary Poppins merch. And then Eli, Stephen and I stood there for another 45 minutes while Barb picked up each piece, but it by a 2nd piece and "styled" the gifts. ARRGGGGG!!!! And then she started chatting with other people in the area. I could feel Eli and Stephen getting bored and I was getting more and more frustrated. I went over to her and tried to push her along but she was still deciding. Finally, I told her to take her time and the rest of us were going to head up to France and get grand mariner slushies. She doesn't drink so she wouldn't want one anyway.

Now, I want to add this to the story...after some of the feelings after Thanksgiving (both of us feeling like we didn't get to do exactly what we wanted), we had a talk and agreed that we would do some things together on this trip but it was no big deal if we decided we needed to split up occasionally. In fact, we had already made separate plans for later in the day because she wanted to head to Animal Kingdom and do the character drawing and I was going to the pool. I figured this little split up was no big deal. Boy was I wrong! But that's in the future - first back to heading to France.

Stephen, Eli, and I headed up to France and got in line for my FAVORITE drink in all of Disney.

We grabbed a seat by the fountain that doesn't appear to have water in it and sat so I would drink it. (No one else got one but I don't care!!) However, alcohol, the heat, lack of sleep the night before, and the early morning quite quickly caught up with me. I was close to being done. We waited and Barb finally showed up AFTER I finished my drink. That has to mean she spent more than an hour trying to choose from SIX items. Anyway, she got there and I said I was ready to head back because I needed to get out of the heat and take a nap. I was even giving up on the pool for sleep. Barb was MAD! She kept saying she just got there, there were things she wanted to do, etc. And of course, this was going down in front of Eli and Stephen. I tried to remind her that we had agreed to split up AND that she wanted to head to AK to draw (and it was already well after 1pm) but she ended up just storming away.

I decided I wanted to head up to the bakery and get myself a half baguette before heading to the skyliner. If you've read any of my other trip reports, you know there is nothing that tipsy me likes better than some bread and butter. Eli suggested we do the Beauty and the Beast sing along first. Stephen rolled his eyes but I was JUST tipsy enough to want to do karaoke Beauty and the Beast. Eli and I had a great time singing along. Stephen mostly scrolled on his phone. We then headed into the bakery to get my "lunch." It was at this point that I realized today was supposed to have been about trying things at Flower and Garden and here I was getting ready to leave without having gone to a single booth. Oops. Good thing I have another day planned for Epcot.

The line for the bakery came out into the shop. And I spotted the t-shirts. There were 2 Belle t-shirts that were gorgeous. Very modern/French looking - one pinkish and short sleeved and 1 gold with long sleeves. I may have started drooling. Evil Queen and Belle - those are my biggest triggers for buying at Disney. But, I still had a few days left in the parks. Since I knew that I was coming back to Epcot for my last park day, I decided to wait to see if I still felt like I needed one of the shirts at the end of the trip.

Baguette in hand, I said goodbye to Eli. She was going to be working on my last day so I promised to find her in Epcot to give one last hug. Stephen and I headed back to the skyliner and parted ways at Riviera. He went to get his car and go home and I continued on to Pop. Back at the room, I ate some baguette and then put my pjs on and crawled into bed and took a nap. I was so exhausted that sleep was my only option. I don't think I could have even gotten down to the pool. But, I set my alarm for 5pm. I figured I would get up then, shower, and then figure out what Barb and I were going to do for the evening.

Up next: an evening of frustration