Oops, We Forgot to Leave Our Weather at Home! A Fantastic Festival of the Arts 2025 TR! (Updated 6/1!!)

[Wood Nymph]

When we arrived there was a ton of people milling around outside, so I figured we would have to actually wait, but I checked with a CM and she said they were ready for us! All the people milling around the entrance didn’t know they had to book via the app so were booking/waiting their turn, looks like we had amazing timing and beat the rush!

It's a good thing you know how to work the system.

I really do not understand why they weren’t utilizing the other tables that night, it was so odd. Even our server made a comment that the CMs seating people were being weird about the seating!

That was very strange about the seating. I bet the group of six was not happy about that. At least you had a nice visit.

It is a good thing you were able to take te green out of the Gepetto pictures. I have a mind block about photo editing and can't do too much with it.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Wow, you are braver than I am! There was a slight chance if it was around 45 degrees when I was living in MA I would wear shorts for track practice, but that was only if we had to run like 8 miles. I don't think I could handle shorts any other time back then when it was that cold or colder, and certainly can't do that these days. What can I say, I've become a wimp.

Well, I can't do it NOW. Just in high school. Now, I'm cold if it is under 70. I blame that on the hot flashes. After you have one, you get REALLY cold.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Looks like a fun, albeit cold evening! Oga's in general is somewhat of a disappointment to me. I hate the mostly standing room only, feel like the drinks are just ok, it's often too busy to really appreciate the atmosphere and I want snacks! Really hoping the new Pirates lounge in the MK learns a thing or two from Oga's and addresses some of it.

 

[VAtink]

Great shots with Geppeto and Jiminy

Thank you!

We also took the opportunity to visit Oga's. We actually went right as the park was closing, so there were still regular guests in there, but they were only letting AH people go in. It was still relatively busy and we had a standing table. We enjoyed it though and it was so good to be able to experience it with no wait!

Yeah, it's nice to get in without waiting, and nice when it's not packed and shoulder to shoulder. I don't think I can go again during the day since I hate being packed in there, but at AH it's nice that the crowds die down a bit so it's not as cramped.

 

[VAtink]

It's a good thing you know how to work the system.

Haha, I remembered having to join the list via the app on my last AH there, so I was prepared!

That was very strange about the seating. I bet the group of six was not happy about that. At least you had a nice visit.

Right? Maybe if like 4 of that group were kids they may have fit, but I can't see how they expected 8 adults to squeeze into that booth seat!

It is a good thing you were able to take te green out of the Gepetto pictures. I have a mind block about photo editing and can't do too much with it.

Yeah, I used to be a lot more proficient with photoshop and lightroom, but over the years they've gotten way more powerful and my knowledge has lessened (I swear you need take a few college courses on how to use them these days), but fortunately I can still do basic stuff like fix lighting.

 

[VAtink]

Looks like a fun, albeit cold evening! Oga's in general is somewhat of a disappointment to me. I hate the mostly standing room only, feel like the drinks are just ok, it's often too busy to really appreciate the atmosphere and I want snacks! Really hoping the new Pirates lounge in the MK learns a thing or two from Oga's and addresses some of it.

Yeah, the only time I really really liked Oga's was during the pandemic when they were only letting like 4-5 groups in and we all had chairs and tons of personal space. That was really nice. These days I wouldn't go during the day, it's not fun being squished at a standing table, especially when the people you're squished with aren't very friendly (I swear people just get pissed when they realize they got stuck at a standing table and are grumpy the whole time they're there). I don't mind popping in during AH though, it's usually a lot less crowded, and it has my favorite beer.

I'm still wondering if they're going to actually serve alcohol at the Pirates lounge. I do hope they make it a bit more of an enjoyable experience though, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's more of the same.

 

[VAtink]

Ok, I need to crowdsource some ideas for our June trip. I'll be coming in a day before my mom, and staying at CSR club level that first night before moving over to WL CL. I've been debating what I want to do that first day and I cannot make up my mind! I should be getting in sometime in the morning so have a good amount of time that day for something (and yes, I realize I probably just jinxed myself ) So far the options I've come up with are:

1. Spend the day exploring the resort and enjoying the pool and grounds (and club level).
2. Head to AK to get food at Nomad and see the baby tiger.
3. Go to MK to get another silhouette or two done of my other pets. (and I also kinda want to get a funny one of me with the dolphin we met on the Dolphins in Depth tour).
4. Go to Disney Springs for food and retail therapy.

Soooo, what would ya'll pick? Or do you have other ideas? I'm open to anything! (mostly)

 

[VAtink]

Day 2, Part 9: HS After Hours Part 3!​

We last left off heading out of Oga’s.

It was about 10:30 by the time we left, and we were getting hungry so decided to head back to TSL where they had a bunch of food carts set up. This is one BIG improvement from the last time I did this event. Last time there were only like 4 food carts open in the entire park, and only one had popcorn. This evening there were so many carts open, and each one we saw had popcorn and ice cream. TSL alone had two carts set up!

We ended up grabbing some popcorn, coke, and Mickey ice cream bars because who doesn't love eating ice cream outside when it's 30 degrees!



We took our goodies to the tables at Woody’s Lunchbox to enjoy, I was surprised how crowded it was back there, it was hard to find an open table! TSL stayed busy all night long, definitely not the empty park feel we’ve experienced at past After Hours events. It wasn't daytime crowded of course, but it was just always full of people.



I was still able to get some "empty park" pictures though!



After eating it was time to get back to the rides!

We made our way back to MF:SR, and were shocked at the stream of people heading in, it seemed busier than it does often during the day!

Fortunately the line kept moving so the wait was minimal, but we did run into the rudest people here. After the preshow room when you go into the “jetbridge” and get back into a line with your group, there were multiple groups coming from behind shoving people aside to get ahead of them. So ridiculous, they even shoved my mom aside and I was livid, like who pushes an older woman!??! These jerks apparently. And to make it somehow worse, these weren’t kids or teens who might not know any better, these were like 40 year olds.

To make matters worse, they got just in front of us before we got to the CM, so we ended up having to ride with that horrible group, and if they hadn’t shoved in front of us we would have been pilots too. Ugh.

After MF:SR we headed over to MMRR. Again there were a ton of people streaming in here, but the wait was still very short. Again, oddly enough, there were groups of very pushy people here. In the preshow room, since it wasn’t packed, everyone mostly stood a bit further away from each other than normal, like 18”-24”. Well, just before the preshow started this group came in and pushed in front of my mom and I so they were actually touching us, and then the teenage son proceeds to sit down and sits right on my feet! Like what on earth was going on this night?!?! There was SO much space for them to stand elsewhere!

Fortunately the people behind us were far enough back we could shift back again, but seriously, some very rude people there this evening.

And then, I swear this was just not our night, we get to the load zone, and almost every group there is a group of two, and every single one is assigned their own row. But for some reason, the CM decided to assigned two other adults in our row, and they were a bit larger, so it made for a super uncomfortable fit. When we got to the Daisy dancing scene where you can look in the mirror at every other car, each row only had two people but ours, and everyone in our row looked super uncomfortable!

On the way out of the ride, we ran into the couple we had sat with at Oga’s and had a quick chat and learned that Rise had been down ALL NIGHT! No wonder the crowds seemed so much larger this evening!

After those two unfortunate ride experiences, we decided to give up on rides and go find more characters to meet. We had seen the White Rabbit earlier around Muppets, so made our way over there to find him.

Sure enough, he was hanging out just before the entrance to Galaxys Edge, and there was no one meeting him!



We had a great meet, and again since there was no one around, he spent a lot of time interacting with us.

After the meet we headed towards Muppets Courtyard to get some pictures since we didn’t know if it would be gone before our next trip. (Spoiler – it closes during our next trip…we’re always there when something closes!)





I had to point out the “It’s Rat Pizza” to my mom since she never noticed it before.

It was around midnight at this point, so only 30 minutes left of the event, so I asked mom what she wanted to do, and her answer was Slinky! So we made our way back to TSL.

The line for Slinky was practically non-existent at that point, we waited maybe two minutes. After the first ride, we saw the line was even shorter, so we decided to ride again! And finally, after that second ride, the line was EMPTY, so of course we ran around to get on one last time!







It was 12:20 after the last ride and mom was done with rollercoasters for the day, so we decided to grab some more popcorn and soda to enjoy (and bring home), and then made our way towards the exit.

On the way out we of course had to stop for a photopass picture!



We then made our way to the boat dock, and lucked out since there was a boat waiting! We squeezed on (seriously it was packed), and soon after we were off. We decided to get off at the Swalphin since it would be much faster walking to the Boardwalk than having to wait for the stop at the YC/BC before the Boardwalk stop.

Once back in the room, we relaxed with some wine, chocolate, and popcorn before calling it a night!

Next up: The Crowds Brave the Rain!​

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I've not done an after hours event in quite a while now - partly because I'm mostly a day guest these days and also because it is way past my bedtime - but it sounds fun (except for the cold and the rude people!). What on earth is the matter with people??

For your extra day in June all of your options sound great. Weather permitting, I think I'd be inclined to enjoy a lazy day at the resort and club level. I've heard the club level there is extra amazing ... can't wait to hear your thoughts.

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I’m sorry for all the rude people - it’s never acceptable to push anyone but pushing an older person (or child) is a step above. I’m glad you and your mom were able to enjoy your evening despite the rude folks - three rides on Slinky Dog sounds fantastic!

Of the options you listed, I’d relax and enjoy the resort. You can ease into your trip and not burn yourself out if you get poor sleep leading up to your trip. There is SO much good food (not to mention the great pools) at CSR. You can enjoy your club level offerings, eat at Three Bridges (or even Toledo!), and enjoy a drink at the Dahlia Lounge. That sounds like the most lovely way to start a trip!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

We too experienced SEVERAL groups of rude people during our vacation too! Groups of sometimes 15+ holding hands and shoving their train through people not caring who was in their way. We experienced this at GotG, ToT, and around the parks in general at EP and DHS.

We had a huge foreign group sitting in the 3 rows behind us on Safari that were obnoxiously loud. I don't know if they didn't understand English or just didn't care. We couldn't hear the CM talking about the animals. Several times the CM would loudly remind everyone to keep their arms inside the vehicle and to stay seated and they didn't comply. About 2/3 of the way through the trek, the CM finally started loudly saying "SSHHHHH!!!" The group then proceeded to repeat the shushing almost mockingly. I am not a confrontational person and I usually just go with the flow......BUT...... As we exited the ride, I couldn't hold my annoyance any longer. I loudly exclaimed that that was the most obnoxious, rude group of people I have ever encountered on a ride at Disney.

 

[VAtink]

I've not done an after hours event in quite a while now - partly because I'm mostly a day guest these days and also because it is way past my bedtime - but it sounds fun (except for the cold and the rude people!). What on earth is the matter with people??

I really enjoy after hours, I may even like them better than the Halloween and Christmas parties. And yeah, those rude people were ridiculous, I don't get what is wrong with some people!

For your extra day in June all of your options sound great. Weather permitting, I think I'd be inclined to enjoy a lazy day at the resort and club level. I've heard the club level there is extra amazing ... can't wait to hear your thoughts.

Yeah, I'm sooooo torn. Originally that was my plan, but at the same time it's so exciting to be at Disney I feel like I may want to go to a park when I get there. I've only been over to CSR once for the sangria class, so I don't know much about it, but I'm worried I'll run out of thing to do if I get in early. Tough decision, but not a bad one I have to make!

 

[VAtink]

I’m sorry for all the rude people - it’s never acceptable to push anyone but pushing an older person (or child) is a step above. I’m glad you and your mom were able to enjoy your evening despite the rude folks - three rides on Slinky Dog sounds fantastic!

Right? Like I can see a little kid pushing past someone since they just don't know better, but a full grown adult? What on earth?!? We really lucked out with Slinky at the end of the night, I do wonder if it was so empty because of how cold it was, or if that is standard towards the end of AH.

Of the options you listed, I’d relax and enjoy the resort. You can ease into your trip and not burn yourself out if you get poor sleep leading up to your trip. There is SO much good food (not to mention the great pools) at CSR. You can enjoy your club level offerings, eat at Three Bridges (or even Toledo!), and enjoy a drink at the Dahlia Lounge. That sounds like the most lovely way to start a trip!

Oh that's a good point, we do tend to run around like crazy and our trips are anything but relaxing. I've only been over to CSR once for the sangria class so haven't really explored it or know much about it. There was a bar I wanted to check out there when we were there for the class, but it didn't open until I think 3, so I missed out. Think it was the Barcelona bar? Is there enough to do there to spend a full day?

 

[VAtink]

We too experienced SEVERAL groups of rude people during our vacation too! Groups of sometimes 15+ holding hands and shoving their train through people not caring who was in their way. We experienced this at GotG, ToT, and around the parks in general at EP and DHS.

Ugh, that is so ridiculously annoying. I don't understand what is wrong with people!

We had a huge foreign group sitting in the 3 rows behind us on Safari that were obnoxiously loud. I don't know if they didn't understand English or just didn't care. We couldn't hear the CM talking about the animals. Several times the CM would loudly remind everyone to keep their arms inside the vehicle and to stay seated and they didn't comply. About 2/3 of the way through the trek, the CM finally started loudly saying "SSHHHHH!!!" The group then proceeded to repeat the shushing almost mockingly. I am not a confrontational person and I usually just go with the flow......BUT...... As we exited the ride, I couldn't hold my annoyance any longer. I loudly exclaimed that that was the most obnoxious, rude group of people I have ever encountered on a ride at Disney.

Oh wow, I would have been livid! I never used to be confrontational, but I've been getting more and more the older I get. My new thing is yelling at people who stop short in the middle of a path to look at a map or just chat, it drives me nuts! Like would you stop short on a highway to look at a map? No, so move over!

 

[VAtink]

Happy Sunday everyone! I decided to do a bit of spring cleaning today, and the big task was organizing my Disney stash. Guys, I have so much Disney stuff from decades worth of trips, and I've come to realize I'm a total pack rat so don't throw anything away. I have guide maps all the way back to 1996 (which reminds me I need to work on that throwback TR again), random wrist bands from events, lanyards, about 1000 ears (I need a better way to store them, anyone have any good ideas??), and then of course magic bands. I realized that I may have a slight magic band problem....



But at least I have a fun way of storing them, and it was basically free. I took a wreath making class back in November, and my friend paid for it as a Christmas gift, so I had the wreath frame from that. I saw other people doing this on various social media sites, and loved it, so of course had to make my own. And bonus, I have room for about 6 more magic bands! (yes, I have a problem)

I'm also slowly working on finishing up the F&W trip report (yes, that's still going on, but I think I should wrap that up before the June trip, which is record time for me).

And, in my free time, I'm working on a new Disney puzzle!



Basically it's been a big Disney weekend. We've also been discussing our upcoming trips a lot! It turns out APs are very very dangerous if you don't want to give Disney all your money. So we have the June trip coming up, a short September trip, a BIG December trip (club level at GF for the first time, eek!). Then next year we're taking my dad back for a big April trip, and then keeping our usual F&W trip in September. But now we're looking at adding another FArts trip, and another June trip for my birthday, and for June we're looking at staying at the Four Seasons because I'm a princess and deserve to be spoiled for my birthday

I know, it's a bit excessive. But we're only planning on keeping the APs through next year, so we want to really get a lot of use out of them. Then after 2026 we'll cut way back and probably just do the F&W trip most years since we do miss traveling outside of the US (it's been 6 years, that's kind of unacceptable, I do really miss exploring other countries).

So yeah, big Disney weekend, so it's been pretty awesome even with all the cleaning/organizing! Hope everyone else is having a great weekend! ​

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

That’s such a cute idea with the MagicBands!

 

[Araminta18]

But at least I have a fun way of storing them, and it was basically free. I took a wreath making class back in November, and my friend paid for it as a Christmas gift, so I had the wreath frame from that. I saw other people doing this on various social media sites, and loved it, so of course had to make my own. And bonus, I have room for about 6 more magic bands! (yes, I have a problem)

Oooooh I saw this too and did it with mine! You have way more magic bands than I do Guess that means I need to do more Disney trips! But it looks so good almost all full! I love it.

Basically it's been a big Disney weekend. We've also been discussing our upcoming trips a lot! It turns out APs are very very dangerous if you don't want to give Disney all your money. So we have the June trip coming up, a short September trip, a BIG December trip (club level at GF for the first time, eek!). Then next year we're taking my dad back for a big April trip, and then keeping our usual F&W trip in September. But now we're looking at adding another FArts trip, and another June trip for my birthday, and for June we're looking at staying at the Four Seasons because I'm a princess and deserve to be spoiled for my birthday

So exciting!! That is the danger of APs, but still so exciting! I hope you love GF - love to hear your thoughts when you get back (hint hint TR )

 

[zanzibar138]

Ooh, love your MB storage idea! Being infrequent visitors, I can't see us ever getting more than 1 MB, and I only have a small collection of ears too. I got a bunch of stick on headphone hooks (designed for computer gamers) and have stuck them on the wall in my office to display my ears. I love being surrounded by my Disney stuff while I work!

You had bad luck with rude people! But good luck with the White Rabbit and Slinky. You really can't beat those short wait times at the end of the AH party! We just missed the White Rabbit and after a pretty big day, we couldn't be bothered to wait for him to come back. I just got a quick pic as he was walking off.

 

[Sajchinook2015]

Okay I am turning 60 in sept what is this about Four Season. Please tell,

 

[VAtink]

That’s such a cute idea with the MagicBands!

Right? I saw it online and just had to copy it. I've seen some versions where they get smaller wreath frames to make ears, which is also super cute, but for now I'll work on filling in this one wreath.