Mum and moi take Orlando: the never-ending trip report (aka we are nuts) NEW 5/20 x4!!!

[LifeIsDis]

I started my love affair with your TR's and mad photo skills back when you had your trip with The Other Prople (which I still think is one of the most hilarious things ever) and I continue to check in at least weekly to see what new awesomeness awaits. You are so mature for a 15 year old and I love chatting with you on occasion about whatever. I can't wait for our next trip down so I can actually meet you and Mum cause like...#DisCelebs thanks for entertaining us and helping me get my Disney fix!

Your love affair with my TRs
When I go back and read "the other people" trip, I realize how ridiculous that trip actually was. Fun times.
Thank you! And I love chatting with you too!
Omg, I am so not a #disceleb. But thanks! I can't wait to meet you too!
No, thank YOU!​

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

Lurker here . . .

Glad you are loving living in FL! It's great when life works out like that. That feeling that even though things aren't always easy they are always worth it . . . it's great.

Question. The Campfire Sing-a-long. Did you like it? (There weren't too many pics). I have 2 boys- a 4 year old and a 6 month old. We missed it last month- it was about to rain and we couldn't really take the chance of being caught in the middle of nowhere with the little guy and I wasn't sure the rain coverage at the campfire location. We were still over at the Settlement as we had just had Trails End for dinner. Worth trying for again on a non-park day?

P.S. A New Englander here . . . Boston is the best city if you can't live at Disney . . . but if you can, there is no real choice!

 

[LifeIsDis]

Lurker here . . .

Glad you are loving living in FL! It's great when life works out like that. That feeling that even though things aren't always easy they are always worth it . . . it's great.

Question. The Campfire Sing-a-long. Did you like it? (There weren't too many pics). I have 2 boys- a 4 year old and a 6 month old. We missed it last month- it was about to rain and we couldn't really take the chance of being caught in the middle of nowhere with the little guy and I wasn't sure the rain coverage at the campfire location. We were still over at the Settlement as we had just had Trails End for dinner. Worth trying for again on a non-park day?

P.S. A New Englander here . . . Boston is the best city if you can't live at Disney . . . but if you can, there is no real choice!

Hello!
Exactly! Crap can happen but good things balance it out.
Well, first off, don't go on a day that it might rain. I am not sure if the sing along was rained out or we just missed it. I would ask a CM and hopefully they would know. I am just not sure when it actually starts. I have heard things about it though and people love it. And there is no rain coverage over by the campfire whatsoever.
Amen to that!​

 

[LifeIsDis]

July 19th (part 1): Beignet break

I didn’t really know what I wanted to do on this wonderful 10000 degrees Saturday in July. I really just wanted to just take pictures at resorts aka my kinda day. I really wanted to go to Riverside and French Quarter so we parked at the TTC and took the bus over to French Quarter. And omg that AC felt so nice.

I really wanted to focus on details around the resorts, so that is what I did.

Before I continued, we had to take a beignet break. This was important.

Aka biggest mess ever.

After we were covered in powered sugar and got another drink, we went outside.

That drink didn’t last long though since SOMEONE spilled it all over my leg. It felt so good.

Anyways

After I finished up taking pictures at French Quarter, we made our way over to Riverside.

And then this happened.

 

[LifeIsDis]

July 19th (part 2): Why do we try new places?

Yeah, you’re welcome for those pictures.

We went into the gift shop and looked around. I saw a new pin that I wanted in there and of course, I picked up some Mickey crackers.

We saw that they were selling the Disney food magnets in there. Ya know, the turkey leg, the donut, mickey bar, god knows what else, and they are so overpriced. But they ripped off the magnets on them and they were selling them for the same ridiculous price! Like, what are you supposed to do with them now?!

We made our way outside and down to the DTD boat.

On the boat, no one would sit on our side. People were sitting in front of us and then they got up and moved. Did we stink or? Oh. I know. #Discelebs in da house. Star struck and all. Understandable.

When we pulled up, we noticed that they got a lot of work done on the places near Raglan Road, shockingly enough. But first can we finish the parking garage? Thanks.

Let’s decorate the walls with plants cause that looks great.

We went into WoD for a few and then over to the Co Op.

They had an awesome new display at Co Op. They also added benches in there.

I just wanted to go in there for the new Wonderground Gallery section. That was like the point in going to DTD, duh. Nothing else there to do.

I got a new postcard from the Hipster Mickey collection (#JerrodMaruyamafangirl) and another one with Little Pinky on it. I love them.

I paid for them and then we headed down to the bus stop.

We were both hungry and we wanted to try something new.

So we decided on the Pepper Market at Coronado.

Neither of us had been to Coronado before so why not! I had heard awesome things about the resort from many different people.

We were dropped off at Coronado and walked into the lobby.

I am going to save my “rant” for the end of this so just you wait.

But first, here are some pictures.

So we went down to the Pepper Market and we had no clue how it worked, so the CM explained it to us and then handed us our ticket.

Now, we should’ve gotten the hint when we walked in and it was dead silent because like no one was in there. I would say there were about less than 10 tables filled. There are like 200 tables in there for crying out loud. I can imagine this place is hoppin’ at breakfast, but I was still surprised considering it was 5:30.

We looked at all of the choices and I decided on a turkey burger. I was supposed to get guac on it but he forgot that or something. Who knows.

And Mum got some pasta with a crap load on grease and cheese. She didn’t eat ¼ of it because of the amount of grease. She was not thrilled with her choice.

And the woman who served it to her had as much personality as a door.

We ate and then left that joint.

That food was not worth the price whatsoever. I can’t imagine ever going to the Pepper Market again the end.

But bokeh.

 

[LifeIsDis]

July 19th (part 3): The Land of No Theme

We went into the gift shop aka Panchito’s or whatever, and I felt like I was in one of the Disney outlets at the Orlando Premium Outlets. The walls were beige and…. It was just ew. No one wonder no one was in there.

Now, here comes my “rant.”

When I walk into a Disney resort, I get that “Disney feeling.” The only way I can explain it is that I feel like “this is a Disney resort.” I don’t get that “Disney feeling” at the Swank or Fish, and I did not get it at Coronado, and this is a legit Disney resort. I walked in and I felt disappointed, I guess. People are always like I LOVE CORONADO and I am not one of those people.

Now, moving onto the theming. With every other resort, I walk in and see “ok, this is the theme.” I look for theme everywhere. I think that is one of the most important things at Disney and you should make your guests feel like they just walked into another world. Well Coronado made me feel like I just walked into the Land of No Theme. All I can say about the theme is that it is like Mexico threw up or something. I don’t even know. There are ten thousand different colors everywhere with weird Mexican artifacts and nothing matches. I have seen pictures of the rooms and those don't match either. I don’t know who the crap designed this resort, but they epically failed at it because I can’t tell you what the theme is. Oh, and then you have the Rix Lounge and where in god’s name does that fit into the "theme?!"

This is what wdw.com says about Coronado: “Relive the romance of Spanish-colonial Mexico as you follow in the footsteps of explorer Don Francisco de Coronado at this Resort hotel. Find your own mythical city of gold in a Southwestern-themed haven of brightly colored Casitas, rustic Ranchos and beachfront Cabanas encircling a glimmering 22-acre lake. Each accommodation provides a unique escape and a welcoming home away from home.”

Excuse me?! Where does that come in at all? A "Southwestern-themed haven of brightly colored Casitas...."?! Well they got the brightly colored thing down. But what? Like, I see more of a theme at an All Star for crying out loud. And that is saying something.

And the CMs we encountered were pretty bad. Like, did you work at MGM before or? They had no personality whatsoever.

I was not impressed.

I know many people like Coronado or whatever, and there is nothing “wrong” with the resort, but I will not be staying here. I would rather stay somewhere else. Minus a few places, but ya know.

We needed to leave that joint so we hopped on an MK bus.

PEACE OUT LAND OF NO THEME.

We got to MK and we just walked around. We really didn’t do anything at all. Just chilled and popped in and out of gift shops and such.

They have these guys now in the Pooh Dump Shop (cause that makes sense) but they are really cute!

Sir Mickey details.

Da Liberty Tree.

We got an ice cream in Tomorrowland and then sat by the Plaza.

LOOK AT THIS VIEW WOWOWOWOW.

After we finished our ice creams, we headed back to the TTC because I had fireworks to shoot!

Now, I like these shots that I got but I wasn’t sure where I could stand at the boat dock so I was a little farther back and now I know for next time because I always had people walk in front of me and that wasn’t cool. So if some of my shots are “cloudy,” that would be why.

While we waited, a mouse ran by us and he became Mum’s new pal. Oh dear god.

But anyways

I am happy with these, but I need to shoot from a different spot next time, and they will be even better!

I packed up my tripod and we took the wonderful tram back to the car.​

 

[enchantedmansion]

Your summary of the year in Florida was great reading. Wow. I can't believe I have been following your tr for that long. I have enjoyed your sense of humor and absolutely awesome photography. I am happy for you that school has worked out so well and that you will be part of the school newspaper this year! I miss WDW now that I live in Texas. For three winters I lived in the Orlando area and had annual passes. At least this past year, I have been able to "see" it again through your eyes. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

 

[KelleyK75]

Gorgeous pictures!! I especially love the ones of the fountains and water at Port Orleans. We stayed at Riverside in March and I thought it was a beautiful resort. I've never stayed at Coronado, but it sounds like it's not a place to put on my list. The fireworks pictures are awesome!!!

 

[LifeIsDis]

Your summary of the year in Florida was great reading. Wow. I can't believe I have been following your tr for that long. I have enjoyed your sense of humor and absolutely awesome photography. I am happy for you that school has worked out so well and that you will be part of the school newspaper this year! I miss WDW now that I live in Texas. For three winters I lived in the Orlando area and had annual passes. At least this past year, I have been able to "see" it again through your eyes. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

Thanks!
I know, right?! It feels like just yesterday that I started this thing.
Thank you
I am glad that I can give you a Disney fix while you are not here!
No problem!

Gorgeous pictures!! I especially love the ones of the fountains and water at Port Orleans. We stayed at Riverside in March and I thought it was a beautiful resort. I've never stayed at Coronado, but it sounds like it's not a place to put on my list. The fireworks pictures are awesome!!!

Thanks!
I LOVE how the water ones came out.
Riverside is my favorite moderate. I think it is really pretty.
I mean, it's not like there is anything wrong with the resort, except the theming and CMs. I just wasn't a fan.
Thank you!
​

 

[LifeIsDis]

July 27th (part 1): Cause yelling at guests makes sense

We got to MGM way too early. Ew.

We got into the parking lot and there were no CMs telling people where to park. Now, I get that tourists are stupid aka they are on vacation and you would think they would know where to park. But sadly, you have to have CMs tell you to park in a certain spot. They should’ve been out there doing that. You had one guy at the end of our row telling cars to pull into spots.

Yes, you read that right. At the end of the row. He was like 100 feet away. We are dealing with tourists, buddy. Why aren’t you closer?!

So of course, people were parking in the wrong spot and this CM threw his hands in the air and started yelling at people.

Rule number 20839084908 for CMs: You are not supposed to yell at a guest.

Finally, this idiot walked closer. But he was still yelling at people.

MGM CMs were winning on this day.

And for some ridiculous reason, the tram lines were RIDICULOUS. We decided just to walk to the front because we didn’t want to deal with more people.

Oh, Olaf. Poor baby. Having to spend your whole day in MGM. Gag me.

We entered that wonderful park and found a spot for the parade aka the procession.

While we waited, we watched the Hollywood streetmosphere. A ton of them were out and they are amazing. That is like the only good thing about this park, let’s be real now.

I had never seen this woman out before. She was absolutely hysterical.

Hollywood details.

Poor Olaf.

Pretty soon, the snoap started. And this time around, there was a TON of it. Picture-wise, I loved it. Getting it in my mouth-wise, not so much.

Winter in FL.

Pretty soon, the procession started. I noticed that they changed up the order so now Anna and Elsa are at the end. And for some reason, it seemed a lot longer.

 

[LifeIsDis]

July 27th (part 2): "Snow," sing alongs, and flying shoes

After the procession ended, I had a plan.

We didn’t want to get caught in the mess that is the awful Let It Go sing along again at the stage. Since the procession stops at the stage, they aren’t stopping you from crossing the street down by American Idol.

We went around Echo Lake, down by Star Tours, and down to the Streets of America to get a ticket for the sing along. They let you pick whatever time you wanted, which was different than last time.

After we got our ticket, we headed towards TSM and into Wandering Oaken’s we went.

And guess what?!

THERE WAS NO LINE.

My plan = success.

We walked right in and Mum had the brilliant idea of wanting to do the Do You Want to Build a “Snow”man activity.

Guys, the “snow” is actually the stuff they scrape off the ice rink with the zamboni. It ain’t snow.

While we were in line, I noticed that the CM at the front looked very familiar.

I asked him if he was on the DISunplugged and it was who I thought it was, but actually on the DIS, it is his evil twin bother Mocha.

Yes, it was Shaun Michael Noah. I didn’t know he was on his CP working this wonderful event. We talked for a few about Tokyo Disneyland, other things, and other things. It was great to meet him and he was really nice.

We were let in and Mum just wanted to feel the “snow.” Cause that was worth waiting like 20 minutes for. And then I put some “snow” down her shirt.

I am so nice.

Flip flops in winter.

#monkeytoes

I had enough of the Frozen Funland or whatever the crap it is called so we went into the merchandise area.

By the way, they fixed the wonderful misspelled Arendalle sign in the Frozen Funland or whatever the crap it is called.

Now, they make you go back outside and get in line once again for the merch. It’s not like we waited long but still.

HI FAMILY

They had the same crap as before. What else is new.

It was time for DA FROZEN SING ALONG so we went down to the Premier Theater and got in line.

PICTURE TIME!

HEYYYYYY SAME KRISTOFF AS LAST TIME.

I don’t get the hand on the hip though. Like, what.

And here comes the interpretive dancing. Someone shoot me.

It was cute, as always. I really do like that show. Those picture opportunities though >>
And they even added some new jokes at the beginning from the storytellers. The Friends one >>

Of course, we had to get an Olaf cupcake after the sing along got over.

After we devoured that puppy, we headed towards the entrance of the park and watched some more streetmosphere.

We left MGM and hopped in da car and drove over to Typhoon Lagoon. We hadn’t been since the first time we went and we really wanted to go back. And plus it was SO hot.

Now, I left my camera in the car because it can be a pain in the neck, so I won’t have any pictures , but I do. That makes no sense, but you will see.

Some highlights from the day:
1. I got a shoe thrown at me in the lazy river. I don’t even know.
2. I fell in the wave pool like 1000 times and scraped my knees. Fun times.
3. Everything got shut down because of lightning so we hung around and ate food.
4. We did the Crush n Gusher 3 times in a row and now, they take your picture at the end.
I have no words for these.

And my personal favorite thing that happened that day:
5. Someone’s kid was too short to ride the Crush n Gusher and the dad pulled the “My kid has been on this all day” thing. The CM told him that she wasn’t going to allow his son to ride because he could get hurt—Safe D begins with me—and she could end up getting fired. The father told his son and they left, but not before calling the CM a Nazi.

FUN TIMES AT TYPHOON LAGOON WHOOP WHOOP.

We stayed for about 5 hours or so and then we headed home.​

 

[KelleyK75]

Love all of the Frozen pictures. I really wish this would have started earlier this year when I was at the parks, but I am having fun seeing all of the pictures. I've only seen pictures of that Kristoff. Have you seen a different one yet?

Sounds like a fun day at Typhoon Lagoon. "Calling the CM a Nazi" = Some people are too much.

 

[alli817]

I can't believe it's been a year! I "found" you back with your Nov trip with your family. I found it hilarious and was impressed you were 14 (or were you 13?) regardless I've enjoyed your photos and stories! Thank you for sharing your DISLIFE with me! I helps my post disney depression (which is going on almost 4 months now...)


When we went in April I looked everywhere for you! LOL Never found you! Ah well next time!

 

[dawnmichele]

I just switched our October reservations from CSR to Port Orleans Riverside! I think your posts were a sign I did the right thing!

(Do I even need to say your photos are fantastic again? Especially the fireworks over the water. We all just know that now, right?)

 

[LifeIsDis]

Love all of the Frozen pictures. I really wish this would have started earlier this year when I was at the parks, but I am having fun seeing all of the pictures. I've only seen pictures of that Kristoff. Have you seen a different one yet?

Sounds like a fun day at Typhoon Lagoon. "Calling the CM a Nazi" = Some people are too much.

I think that should've started this event a little earlier instead of waiting till July. But, we have to compete against Diagon Alley so.
I have seen pictures of a different Kristoff but not in person.
People are ridiculous the end.

I can't believe it's been a year! I "found" you back with your Nov trip with your family. I found it hilarious and was impressed you were 14 (or were you 13?) regardless I've enjoyed your photos and stories! Thank you for sharing your DISLIFE with me! I helps my post disney depression (which is going on almost 4 months now...)


When we went in April I looked everywhere for you! LOL Never found you! Ah well next time!

I know! Time goes by so fast.
When I started that TR, I was actually only 13!
Thank you!
4 months is much too long.
Oh my god! Hopefully next time you see yours truly

I just switched our October reservations from CSR to Port Orleans Riverside! I think your posts were a sign I did the right thing!

(Do I even need to say your photos are fantastic again? Especially the fireworks over the water. We all just know that now, right?)

Riverside is so much better. I guess so!
I mean, you can say that, but everyone does so thank you!​

 

[iluvdoombuggies]

That was a wonderful update on your first year in Florida!! Your post hit home because my daughter is your age and had all the same issues last year at her new school. I hope Sophomore year will be great for both of you

I am so glad you included your review of CSR. I am booked for CSR next month but I was thinking of changing to POFQ. I have never been to either but I pretty much always agree with your opinions and I know if you did not like the theme then there is a pretty good chance I wont either. Decisions, decisions

Thanks again for sharing your experiences and your photos with us!!! (Loved the photopass photo your posted)

 

[lovegrumpy]

Has it really been a year for you guys. My first move to Fl it took about two years before I could wear pants. It's funny looking at Christmas pictures and we are all wearing jeans and sweatshirts it was that cold but it was warm for people just visiting.

 

[LifeIsDis]

That was a wonderful update on your first year in Florida!! Your post hit home because my daughter is your age and had all the same issues last year at her new school. I hope Sophomore year will be great for both of you

I am so glad you included your review of CSR. I am booked for CSR next month but I was thinking of changing to POFQ. I have never been to either but I pretty much always agree with your opinions and I know if you did not like the theme then there is a pretty good chance I wont either. Decisions, decisions

Thanks again for sharing your experiences and your photos with us!!! (Loved the photopass photo your posted)

Thanks! I hope your daughter has a great school year.
I think POFQ is an awesome moderate. I think it is really pretty there and the location is great. I would definitely pick POFQ over CSR
I am glad you liked those PP pictures

Has it really been a year for you guys. My first move to Fl it took about two years before I could wear pants. It's funny looking at Christmas pictures and we are all wearing jeans and sweatshirts it was that cold but it was warm for people just visiting.

Yes it has!
I can't stand wearing shorts anymore. At Christmastime, I do think it can be cold, and that is coming from someone who lived in MA their whole life.​

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

Thanks for the info on the Campfire Sing A Long! I am super glad we didn't try to tough it out then!!

We think that my mum had an allergic reaction to the snoap. She got all puffy eyes and such after being out in it. It is the only thing that was different that day and she hasn't had any issues since.

Your picture technique has definitely improved with your classes and practice! Loving all the excellent pictures.

 

[LifeIsDis]

Thanks for the info on the Campfire Sing A Long! I am super glad we didn't try to tough it out then!!

We think that my mum had an allergic reaction to the snoap. She got all puffy eyes and such after being out in it. It is the only thing that was different that day and she hasn't had any issues since.

Your picture technique has definitely improved with your classes and practice! Loving all the excellent pictures.

I can't imagine going to the campfire in the rain. Not fun.
That's not cool!
Thank you!​