Oops, We Forgot to Leave Our Weather at Home! A Fantastic Festival of the Arts 2025 TR! (RL Update 5/27!!)

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Love your TR! Count down to summer!! We are scheduled for September. Waiting for the F&W dates to be released.

Thank you!!! We'll also be there in September and waiting impatiently for F&W info to come out! Also foolishly hoping since it's the 30th year they'll bring back some of the special events. I know it's unlikely at this point, but still have hope!

 

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Day 5, Part 3: A Few More Food Booths!​

We last left off heading out of MK. It was a bit difficult to make our way out, I think with the weather finally being decent, and a Saturday, everyone in the Orlando area decided to descend upon the parks this morning, the masses streaming in was absolutely nuts! Thank goodness we enjoyed the park before everyone arrived!

We finally made it out and made our way over to the monorail. The express monorail was down (again, I feel like it’s always down when we want to use it), so we hopped on the resort monorail.

We took it to the TTC where we hopped on the Epcot monorail (which was thankfully waiting for us!)

On the ride over to Epcot I was browsing facebook and I suddenly saw tons of posts from people complaining that Epcot was completely sold out of reservations for the day! Uh oh, that didn’t bode well for our plans.

Sure enough, Epcot was crazy busy. One downside to finally having nice weather after over a week of cold weather and rain!

It took almost 30 minutes to get through the tapstiles and into the park, not even including security, that was just the tapstiles line! Yeah, the line was crazy long. Once in the park we got a quick picture at the front before making our way in.



Our goal this morning was to go to some of the food booths we had missed and revisit some of our favorites.

Our first stop was the Craftsman’s Courtyard where my mom wanted to try the bone marrow. She’s been wanting to try it (I’ve already had some here in VA and it was a hard pass for me ), but when we got there the line was bonkers. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a line that long at any festival we’ve been to over the years, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was at least a 45-60 minute wait!

Seeing that line we quickly decided that we didn’t really need to get anything there.

Since we were in the area, we decided to stop by Pop Eats next to get the fancy grilled cheese again, we LOVE this dish. The line here was also long, but not nearly as bad as at Craftsman’s Courtyard, and we were getting a bit hangry, so decided to wait in line. Plus we figured with the crowds all the food booths would have long lines at this point.

Fortunately, while the line was long, it moved quickly, and only ended up being about a 20 minute wait. While waiting we were chatting with some locals in front of us and got to talking about how long the lines were this day, they said it was the longest lines they’d seen so far for this festival, and some of the longest lines they’ve seen in years. I of course had to joke that maybe Disney will try to monetize these lines soon and start to offer Lightning Lane for the food booths too! (seriously though, I wouldn’t put it past Disney to do this….)

When it was finally our time to order, we both got the fancy grilled cheese again and I got the IPA. There were zero open tables to be found, but we found a wall of a planter to sit on to enjoy.



After finishing up there was one art booth I wanted to revisit. It was the Rob Kaz booth where I had seen a print I couldn’t stop thinking about, and since it had been a few days and I still couldn’t stop thinking about it, I realized I had to buy it. Budget may have been thrown out the window at that point!

We made our way over there and I found my print and purchased it. I LOVE this so much!



We decided to do a loop of WS at this point. We didn’t have anything planned, but figured we’d stop at any art of food booths that caught our eye. On the way we stopped to get pictures and a super nice woman asked if we would like a picture together, which we gladly accepted!



Funny thing, after she got our pictures we asked if she would like us to get pictures of her and her family, and her parents were just like "no, we don't need a picture with her" (I know it seems mean but it was done in a funny way!)

Like the front of Epcot, WS was also packed. I was suddenly missing those rainy cold days from earlier in the week!

We didn’t stop until we got to Germany. A few weeks before our trip Disney released country specific Mickey shirts in WS, and I loved the one from Germany, so we decided to pop in the store and see if they had them.

Somehow I got crazy lucky since they only had one left, AND it was in my size! I love this shirt!

Our next stop was at Italy where my mom wanted to try the Cannoli and the sangria and I decided to try the Mela Spritz.





The drinks were really good, the cannoli was just ok. While Italy did a better job this festival (again how can you go wrong with fried cheese?), it still fell flat. I swear this is one of the greatest mysteries of the universe. Italian food is normally AMAZING, so how on earth is this food booth usually so subpar?!?!

We continued our way around WS looking at art and checking out food booth menus.

The next stop was Vibrante & Vivido. On the way to the line I saw an open table so told my mom to grab it while I got in line.

The line didn’t look too long, probably one of the shortest looking lines we’d seen that day, but it moved painfully slow and took over 30 minutes to get to the point where I ordered my food!

While waiting I chatted with a super nice woman behind me which helped pass the time. Mom got pictures of me waiting.



Here I got the empanada and the tropical berry smoothie with rum.



Both the food and drink here were amazing. I was thrilled, last time I had the empanada here the one I got was a bit burned and just wasn’t very good, so I’m glad I tried it again since this time it was perfect! The drink was also delicious!

By the time I finished the food it was almost 2, and we were getting tired and wanted to take a break before dinner so made our way out.

Next up: Flying Fish!​

 

[Wood Nymph]

It took almost 30 minutes to get through the tapstiles and into the park, not even including security, that was just the tapstiles line! Yeah, the line was crazy long.

I've never seen a line that long for Epcot. Was it around lunch time on a weekend?

We made our way over there and I found my print and purchased it. I LOVE this so much!

It's really cute.

Italian food is normally AMAZING, so how on earth is this food booth usually so subpar?!?!

We usually avoid the Italy booth. It never seems to have anything we want.

 

[VAtink]

I've never seen a line that long for Epcot. Was it around lunch time on a weekend?

It was the weekend, but it was a bit early for lunch, it was around 10:30. I think being the first nice and not freezing day in over a week was probably to blame for the huge increase in crowds.

It's really cute.

Thanks! I'm glad I went back to get this one!

We usually avoid the Italy booth. It never seems to have anything we want.

Yeah, I usually only go there for the Italian margarita, but I do wish they would step up their food game. I feel like they could do some amazing things!

 

[buzzrelly]

Since we were in the area, we decided to stop by Pop Eats next to get the fancy grilled cheese again, we LOVE this dish.

I loved that too but I got the spicy one and always meant to go back and try the regular one but never did!

We made our way over there and I found my print and purchased it. I LOVE this so much!

So cute!

We didn’t stop until we got to Germany. A few weeks before our trip Disney released country specific Mickey shirts in WS, and I loved the one from Germany, so we decided to pop in the store and see if they had them.

Somehow I got crazy lucky since they only had one left, AND it was in my size! I love this shirt!

Yay! Those are really cute. My DH got the Canada one

 

[Stacybaeasm]

It took almost 30 minutes to get through the tapstiles and into the park, not even including security, that was just the tapstiles line! Yeah, the line was crazy long.​

And that's when I would have turned around and gone somewhere else. Good for you for continuing!

I of course had to joke that maybe Disney will try to monetize these lines soon and start to offer Lightning Lane for the food booths too! (seriously though, I wouldn’t put it past Disney to do this….)​

SHHHH!!! Why do you have to give them ideas????

I realized I had to buy it. Budget may have been thrown out the window at that point!​

Budget??? I don't think I know that word? Can you explain?? LOL.

Somehow I got crazy lucky since they only had one left, AND it was in my size! I love this shirt!​

No picture??

I swear this is one of the greatest mysteries of the universe. Italian food is normally AMAZING, so how on earth is this food booth usually so subpar?!?!​

I hear this same sentiment from all the social media folx. I also wonder why Disney doesn't do something about it? I mean, how many times can you hear "this is bad" before you DO something?

All in all, it sounds like you had a good time, despite the crowds.

 

[VAtink]

I loved that too but I got the spicy one and always meant to go back and try the regular one but never did!

It's funny, I've never had the regular one! I always end up getting the fancy one, but it's so good it is really hard to try something else!

So cute!

Thanks! I'm really happy I went back to get it, I really love this print!

Yay! Those are really cute. My DH got the Canada one

Aren't they adorable? I'm so happy I was able to get one!

 

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And that's when I would have turned around and gone somewhere else. Good for you for continuing!

Haha, well we were hungry, and we had to walk through Epcot anyways to get back to the Boardwalk so we pushed on!

SHHHH!!! Why do you have to give them ideas????

I know I know, not a smart move on my part! But seriously, I wouldn't be surprised if this has been considered already!

Budget??? I don't think I know that word? Can you explain?? LOL.

HAAA!!!!! Seriously, I'm horrible at budgeting, especially when it comes to trips. I do try though!

No picture??

Eek! Ok, mine is buried in my laundry pile, so here's one I stole from the internet.

I hear this same sentiment from all the social media folx. I also wonder why Disney doesn't do something about it? I mean, how many times can you hear "this is bad" before you DO something?

Weird right? Hopefully one of these years they'll step up their game!

All in all, it sounds like you had a good time, despite the crowds.

Yeah, it was a nice visit, and we managed with all the crowds. I'm glad we got to check out some additional food booth items too, we always feel like we don't try enough of them!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Realizing I am part of the problem, but lightning lane for the food booths is something I would probably purchase. Bonus if it comes with a guaranteed table. Basically the VIP experience from years back. Love the print you got. I'm the same way, when I keep thinking about something for days I know I "need" it. Can't wait to hear about Flying Fish!

 

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Happy Friday everyone! So I'm going to try to get at least this or my other TR completed in the next week or so because in just two short weeks (ish) we're going back to Disney World! It's hard enough keeping two reports going at once, so three is just not going to happen

So a few weeks ago I posted about my mom hurting her foot. I can't remember if I posted an update, but she got x-rays and no bones were broken so that's good, but her doctor wanted her to get an MRI since she thought it was sprained and wanted to see the extent of the injury. We're still waiting to hear the results on that, but good news is my mom is walking better and in less pain, so hopefully by the trip she is back to 100%!

I think we're finally done making changes to the schedule for this trip. We've had so many it's kinda ridiculous. Originally we were going to do a 4 park (maybe 5 including a water park) day, but with my moms foot we decided that this was not the trip to do that, plus we ended up booking Celebration at the Top the day we planned to do that and that would make the day even more hectic. Although we 100% could have done it, last time we did the 4 park challenge we had the hurdles of not being able to park hop until 2pm AND the parks closed early for the hurricane and we still managed, so these days a 4 park challenge should be easy even with plans at night!

Speaking of Celebration at the Top, we're doing some really fun dining/events this time. So obviously there is Celebration at the Top, but we're also doing Capa at the Four Seasons (hopefully can spend some time exploring too since we're looking to stay there next summer), Hoop Dee Doo, and of course Tiffins because we can't have a trip without Tiffins or Nomad. I'm so excited about these, I love trying new places/things, and even Hoop Dee Doo is basically new since it's been decades since I've seen it.

We are also staying club level, and at a new one, this trip! Well, a new two for me. For the bulk of the trip we'll be at Wilderness Lodge, and since I'm coming in a day early, I booked an amazing AP rate at the CSR club level! Our goal is to try every club level, so after this we'll have GF, Poly, YC, and the Contemporary tower club to experience (although my mom argues that since we're already stayed at the Contemporary atrium club that counts for that hotel, I disagree ).

Alright, that's about it for RL updates today, hope everyone has an amazing weekend and keep an eye out for a TR update soon!

 

[VAtink]

Realizing I am part of the problem, but lightning lane for the food booths is something I would probably purchase. Bonus if it comes with a guaranteed table. Basically the VIP experience from years back. Love the print you got. I'm the same way, when I keep thinking about something for days I know I "need" it. Can't wait to hear about Flying Fish!

Haha, when I read your first sentence I immediately thought they should just bring that VIP thing where the CMs ran and got food for you, and then I read further. Seriously though, I would LOVE if they brought that back, maybe even more than the special events at F&W...maybe.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We are also staying club level, and at a new one, this trip! Well, a new two for me. For the bulk of the trip we'll be at Wilderness Lodge,

We really like the CL at Wilderness Lodge. It is the most relaxing lounge to sit in, too. And Hoop Dee Doo will be really easy to get to from the WL. The easiest way to get there is the resort boat. But there is also the bus that will get you there.

 

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We really like the CL at Wilderness Lodge. It is the most relaxing lounge to sit in, too. And Hoop Dee Doo will be really easy to get to from the WL. The easiest way to get there is the resort boat. But there is also the bus that will get you there.

That's great to hear! I'm so excited to check it out. We're planning a lot more resort time this trip, so having a place to hang out will be nice. Do you by any chance know if the boat is still running after the last show of Hoop Dee Doo? We're planning on taking the boat over, but can't find info on how late that boat runs.

 

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Hello everyone, I have updates! Some good, some not so good.

We'll start with the not so go to get that over with. So my mom had an MRI the other day and just found out her foot is actually broken! NO!!!!!!!! Her main doctor said she thought she might need surgery, but she's sending my mom to a foot specialist to be sure and see what other options there are. So fingers crossed she doesn't need surgery! We'll still have fun regardless, but if she has surgery that would eliminate pool time, which with the temps in FL these days sounds not so fun. Thankfully we were planning on a much more laid back trip this time, only two real park days, so hopefully with the extra downtime she'll stay comfortable and it'll help me with the amount of time I'll need to push a wheelchair.

Ok, so that was the bummer updates, now let's get into some fun stuff. First of all, I bought myself a little birthday present that is slightly ridiculous....




Yes, I bought the YC curtains. I realize I should have looked at the measurements first, they didn't seem so big when in the YC rooms, but I now realize the rooms at the YC are quite wide compared to the rooms in my house. They're also incredibly heavy, the box was 44lbs, and it was just the pair of curtains plus the box, so yeah, I might need to purchase a heavier duty curtain rod. I'll also need to hem them a bit, they're just a tad too long for my old house. Oh well, I still love them and can't wait to get them hung up!

Another fun thing, and yes I'm way behind the curve with this, is I discovered you can turn your pets into Disney animals!






Yeah, these are adorable, and so cool!

Alright, those are the updates for now, hope to get this TR updated this weekend! Hope everyone is having a great week!

 

[dizneedoll]

Oh no. Im sorry about your mom's foot. I broke mine once too and same thing, they told me it wasn't broken but MRI showed otherwise. I didn't need surgery and hopefully your mom won't either.
Also, where did you buy the YC drapes? And I must be behind too because I didn't know about the Disney pets either.

 

[HappyGal]

Fingers-crossed for no surgery! Poor mom!

That’s so cool that you bought the curtains, they sound really nice and well-made.

Your fur babies turned out cute, how’d you do it? An app?

 

[buzzrelly]

So my mom had an MRI the other day and just found out her foot is actually broken! NO!!!!!!!! Her main doctor said she thought she might need surgery,

Oh no!! Your poor mom! Praying for the best outcome!

Yes, I bought the YC curtains. I realize I should have looked at the measurements first, they didn't seem so big when in the YC rooms, but I now realize the rooms at the YC are quite wide compared to the rooms in my house. They're also incredibly heavy, the box was 44lbs, and it was just the pair of curtains plus the box, so yeah, I might need to purchase a heavier duty curtain rod. I'll also need to hem them a bit, they're just a tad too long for my old house. Oh well, I still love them and can't wait to get them hung up!

How fun! Where would you buy those?

 

[Wood Nymph]

That's great to hear! I'm so excited to check it out. We're planning a lot more resort time this trip, so having a place to hang out will be nice. Do you by any chance know if the boat is still running after the last show of Hoop Dee Doo? We're planning on taking the boat over, but can't find info on how late that boat runs.

There is a sign on the WL dock that lists the run times for the resort boat. I think it is 3:30pm - 11pm. Maybe someone will post the picture to be sure.

I hope your mom's foot is okay and she doesn't need surgery. This is a tough time to find out, since it is so close to your trip.

 

[VAtink]

Oh no. Im sorry about your mom's foot. I broke mine once too and same thing, they told me it wasn't broken but MRI showed otherwise. I didn't need surgery and hopefully your mom won't either.

Thank you! Yeah I'm really hoping she won't need surgery. From my own experience, back when I sprained my ankle really really badly all the doctors at the ER told me I would definitely need surgery, but once I met with a foot and ankle specialist he was "eh you'll be fine without surgery" so hopefully the more general doctor was being overly cautious with my mom and the foot doctor won't think she needs the surgery!

Also, where did you buy the YC drapes? And I must be behind too because I didn't know about the Disney pets either.

Ebay! It's a dangerous place if you're a Disney fan, there are some pretty cool old theme park and hotel items on there! Haha, glad I'm not the only who had no idea about the Disney pets.

 

[VAtink]

Fingers-crossed for no surgery! Poor mom!

Thank you! Really hoping for some good news today!

That’s so cool that you bought the curtains, they sound really nice and well-made.

I'm shocked at how heavy duty they are, they didn't seem so thick when in the room hanging up!

Your fur babies turned out cute, how’d you do it? An app?

Thank you! I just used ChatGPT, I can't believe how well it worked!