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[Orreed]

"The Wilderness Must Be Explored!"
A father daughter January 2013 Trip Report


Hello and welcome! My name is Olivia. This is my first ever trip report! I wasn't originally planning on writing a trip report, but I had such a fantastic time and still remember a lot. Better late than never!

Joining me this trip is my dad. For a certain birthday, he promised to take us on a daddy daughter trip anywhere is the United States. My last Disney trip was in 2010 at Disneyland and my last Walt Disney World was in 2009 so I was SUPER excited to come back to the best place in the world!

I love the movie UP, and many times when I am about to do something new or fun, I'll chant "The Wilderness must be explored." I thought it was a fitting title for this report. [=

January 30th- February 3rd
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
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[Orreed]

Table of Contents

January 30th
*Chapter 1 (Travel and Check in) ~ Page One
*Chapter 2 (Hollywood Studios) ~ Page One
*Chapter 3 (Dinner, Test Track, and Illuminations) ~ Page One

January 31st
*Chapter 4 (Islands of Adventure) ~ Page One
*Chapter 5 (Universal Studios) ~ Page One

 

[Orreed]

Wednesday January 30th
Chapter One - Travel and Check In

Normally I wouldn't be too pleased waking up at five in the morning, but today was Disney departure day! My dad picked me up and we drove to the airport. Our American Airline flight departed on time at 7:45am and landed at MCO at 11:10am. The Magical Express was a breeze. Being the first stop, we arrived at the gorgeous Caribbean Beach Resort. I loved all the foliage and architecture, it's such a relaxing resort. We got a great package deal through Expedia, which I wholeheartedly suggest.

One really neat thing about our trip was there was a bunch of College Program Interns training. I am extremely looking forward to applying for the College Program when I go to college and enjoyed talking to them about the program, including the check-in cast member.

Are room was Martinique (2206), the closest non-preferred building. The room location was awesome. It faced the bus stop making a super close walk, but it wasn't an ugly view because there was a lot of foliage. It was also a shorter walk to Old Port Royale than many rooms which was super nice when returning our mugs to our rooms in the chilly mornings. http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/cbrmap.htm

DF and I dropped off our luggage in our room, and headed to Old Port Royale. I'm honestly not a big Nemo fan, but I liked the room. I think the new rumored remodel looks even better and I'm looking forward to that. I really liked Old Port Royale. The food court was never busy for us. I'm sure it may have been a pain in the peak time however. It was around 1:00pm now. We bought refillable mugs and Cuban Sandwiches, which were great. Then it was off to the bus station to visit our first park of the trip. Which bus would we hop on? Stay tuned!

By http://www.flickr.com/photos/disneyworldsecets/ [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

 

[disneylvr4vr]

Subbing! Looks like a great start of your trip! You went to the world right before I did! Can't wait the hear about the rest of your trip!

 

[Orreed]

Subbing! Looks like a great start of your trip! You went to the world right before I did! Can't wait the hear about the rest of your trip!

That's awesome. I loved visiting at that time of the year. Thanks for subscribing!

 

[Orreed]

Wednesday January 30th
Chapter Two - Hollywood Studios

After a extremely short bus ride (I love CBR's location), we arrived at DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS! Our first stop was to take a picture in front of the Sorcerer Mickey Topiary. (As you'd probably already realized, I'm not comfortable posting personal pictures. I wish I taken more, but I will post the few pictures without me here and some from the Wikipedia Commons.) It was gorgeous out that day. I was very comfortable in my t-shirt and jean capris, and could of even worn shorts.

At this point I was extremely happy and excited. I was so happy to be back at Walt Disney World. I had been planning this trip for almost three years. It was surreal. It was on the way to RNRC, so we checked the times board to see if TSM had any Fastpasses left. Nope, but I had figured. (We also used the Undercover Toursit app a lot during the trip, it worked great.)

After picking up Tower of Terror Fastpasses (4:45-5:45) I hopped in the RNRC single rider line. My DF doesn't do well with loops. The single rider line was a blessing. I wish WDW had more. It was my first time and of course I had a great ride! After was another first, The Great Movie Ride. DF never never even knew it existed because of the dreaded giant hat... My last trip in 2009 I had little interest, and the trip before that I was five so I did not know about it then either. We waited about twenty minutes. It was a fun and unique attraction and glad we rode it. I think GMR would really benefit adding some new movies.

My favorite childhood movie was Toy Story, and I still love it to this day. DF and I got in line at Pixar Place to meet Buzz and Woody. It was midday and with all the whiny kids I think I was the happiest one there. I don’t do a lot of character meet and greets, but this one was magical. When I was next in line, randomly a green army man popped in and interacted with me. The army man was really animated and fun. Then I got to meet Woody and Buzz! It was such a great encounter and the Photopass Photographers got some AMAZING photos I wish I could share. I felt like a princess and left glowing. Even the green army man left with me. It was a magical moment.

Another first (Well I rode the old version at DL.) with virtually no line was Star Tours. I think this was DF favorite attraction of the day.

Before heading to TOT, I decided to use the single rider line at RNRC again. This was an awful idea. The ride was going great until the end. We were in the dark hallway before the unloading room and our car was stuck for twenty minutes! Nobody came to check on us and they did not turn off the sound. It wasn't even music, but Steven Tyler and his fans screaming.

After it was time to ride TOT, twice! My dad was afraid of motion sickness so I used both of the Fastpasses. I have been on the TOT is DCA but it was my first time on the HS one. Wow, that attraction is incredible. I love the theming and thrill. When I do the DCP, I would love to work at this attraction. I’m in theatre and playing the role of a 1939 bellhop would be extremely cool.

We were dreading waiting 50 minutes for TSM, but we did not want to miss this attraction. DF were really hungry, but wanted to eat and EPOCT. The Disney gods must have been on our side because a random couple gave us their TSM fastpasses!! We had a fun ride, and headed on a Friendship Boat for EPOCT.

We knew the boat ride would be around 30 minutes, but it was really enjoyable. Boats are our favorite transport at Walt Disney World. On the 2009 trip, taking a ferry from the Wilderness Lodge was nice. We always tried to sit outside on the boats, and waited for people to depart if it wasn't open. It was dark and the Crescent Lake hotels looked magical! Behind my number one dream hotel the Grand Floridian, I’d love to stay at the Boardwalk Inn.

I only took one photo the first day. The internet is so great for getting a Disney Parks fix, that I really just wanted to enjoy and be in the moment. I really want a nice camera although for life and hopefully soon future trips. I just used my android phone. Stayed tuned for EPOCT for an Avenger approved dinner, New Test Track, and Illuminations.

 

[Orreed]

Wednesday January 30th
Chapter Three- Dinner, New Test Track, and Illuminations

My DF loves Mediterranean food, so our destination was Tangerine Cafe in the Morocco Pavillion. We eat here on our last trip, and is one of our favorites. I forgot what DF ordered. I am a huge fan of The Avengers and all MCU movies, so I had to get Shawarma. It was really tasty and our table outside had a lovely view of the lagoon and Spaceship Earth changing colors.

Test Track was my favorite attraction my last trip, so I was eager to try out the updated version. Wed normally used the single rider line, but I wanted to try out designing a car. It was having some technical difficulties and the cast members still hadn't figured out how to flow well, but we waited. About 45 minutes later we boarded our car, and had a great time! I love the upgrade and think it was the right move. I beat my DF at the designing the car with a score of 107. My car was really balanced. DF designed a big truck and mostly cared about the power. We enjoyed the post show too.

It wasn't our plans, but we exited ten minutes before Illuminations, so why not? After a quick restroom break we found a great spot in showcase plaza. This was both our first time seeing the show. Wednesday and Thursday were definitely days of firsts. It was awesome (And the soundtrack is hands down my most listened too Disney music) but we left a tad early in the show to get out before the crowds and my dad got something from the fireworks in his eye.

It was a great day and I was super excited for our the next day at the darkside!

By Edward Russell (Lamb Shawarma Uploaded by Partyzan_XXI) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
(This is a very similar platter. I got the plate instead and it had smaller portions that were plenty big for me and peeta bread. )

 

[wiigirl]

In for your TR!

 

[Orreed]

In for your TR!

Thanks for joining in!

 

[Orreed]

Thursday January 31st
Chapter 4- Islands of Adventure

A Mears taxi at picked us up at 8:30. DF and I were heading to Universal Orlando Resort! Being a huge Harry Potter and Marvel fan I was really excited for this new experience. I was literally bouncing in my seat when we approached Universal. We arrived at around 8:50. DF wanted Starbucks coffee in Citywalk on the way so we did that first. He was very pleased with his drink. He really doesn't care for Disney coffee.

I watched many Universal videos on Youtube, but my dad hadn't seen much, and was very impressed. We both liked the cool Californian vibe of City Walk. He had visited USF before IOA and Citywalk. The Port of Entry at IOA was really well themed. It was very calming, and being there so early there was few people.

After a picture at the lagoon we cut through Suess Island (Which was really cute and I bet very fun for kids) and headed to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Wow, it was incredible. I was crying happy tears. It was so well done and I felt like I was in the books and movies. We headed for breakfast at the Three Broomsticks and it was literally empty. The team members were super friendly. If I didn't love Disney so much and wasn't planning on doing the DCP, I would for sure try to do a summer job at WWOHP.

I’m so glad I missed three days of High School and went in January. If you are debating on or letting your kids out at this time, I suggest going for it. My teachers were excited for me and I had no problem with make-up work and my grades were still good.

My dad ordered the Traditional English Breakfast and I had the Continental Breakfast. The pastries were good but I was really too excited to eat so I mostly eat fruit. It came with a drink, I got milk. Butterbeer was an option I think, but did not sound appealing at nine in the morning. We made a point to get a cup later, but never got around to it.

Walking to HPFJ, we cut through the connected Hog’s Head Pub. After putting our things in a VERY CROWDED free locker (It was so packed, Universal should add some more if they can.) we got in line. We waited around forty minutes. The really ironic thing was there was a French family I saw at the CBR food port behind us in the que!

I can not say enough praise about the attraction and line. It is a fantastic. We looked in some of the shops, but I didn't want to stay in them for long. I appreciate that JK wanted it to be like the books, but It makes it really packed. I don’t really do well with big crowds. Unfortunately Dragon Challenge was closed until 12, but we never came back. I took a picture in front of the Hogwarts Express and Hogwarts castle and we headed to Jurassic Park.

I was really excited to ride the Jurassic Park River Adventure, but it was just too cold. I think it was around 60 degrees, in shade, and windy. It just wasn't the best choice. Instead we watched the boats for a little. I was really disappointed.

In Toon Lagoon there is just water rides, so we skipped that Island and used it as a passageway to Marvel Superhero Island.

I am a huge fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so Marvel Superhero Island was a treat for me. I just wish they didn't blast the music so loud. It was WAY too loud. Even my DF who was a drummer in a band complained. Around eleven, we were in a shop browsing when a loud speaker announced the heroes would come out soon. It was perfect timing.

We headed outside and Spidey, Captain America, and some of the X-Men came out on dirt bikes. It was really cool and exciting. After they did meet and greets. I headed to meet Captain America. I was totally geared up, I was wearing my awesome hoodie. It looks like Captain America’s uniform, complete with a hood that looks like his mask you wear over your face.

Captain America was superb. He is one of of the nicest characters in the parks I've ever met. After I met Spidey, would was good too! I'm not really into the X-men, so we moved along.

I was really excited to ride Spider-Man and see what the hype was about. I miraculously refrained myself from watching from USO rides on Youtube, so this was completely a surprise. It was super cool. I wish Disney would use that technology. It also being practically a walk on was icing on the cake.

After I did Single rider on the Hulk. One of my few memories from my trip when I was five was passing by USO from afar driving to Disney and thinking how majestic it looks. It was very intense but awesome. I was very happy to drink a soda afterwards, it made it slightly sick.

Considering we skipped the water rides, we were ready to park hop to Universal Studios Park! Islands of Adventure was a great experience, and I was excited to explore the other park.

 

[msbiscuit]

Sounds like fun! I'm on board!

 

[niallsprincess]

In for the TR. I love it!

 

[abidale]

Subscribing!!

 

[Orreed]

Sounds like fun! I'm on board!

In for the TR. I love it!

Subscribing!!

Thanks for joining in!

 

[Orreed]

Thursday January 31st
Chapter 5- Universal Studios

It was a pleasant walk to the other park, Universal Studios. I first rode the Rip Ride Rock It roller coaster using the Single Rider Line. The cool thing about the ride is you get to pick out out of a list a song for your speakers. After that was Revenge of The Mummy. I LOVED this roller coaster dark ride hybrid. I Hopped back in the single rider line again after riding. We then saw Disaster. It was neat but a little long. The first part is a show, and then you ride a subway and see a flood in the station a little like HS Backlot Tour.

We decided to have lunch at Lombard's Seafood Grill. I really enjoyed the decor and it was nice only waiting two minutes. Our table was by a window opening up into the fountain seperating the check in area and dining it. The setting was pretty. DF got the Cobb Salad which he thought was decent. We both agreed my salad was the best. The Asian Chicken Salad was really tasty.

Next was MIB. I was excited, as two of my friends raves about the shooter game attraction. Honestly, it was a let down. I imagined the setting a lot more immserive, it smelled terrible, and it was confusing where on the aliens to shoot to get points. On the contray, Simpsons exceeded DF and I's expectations. It's done really well. I laughed a lot and it was thrilling. It is similar to Soarin'.

Having no wait because of the both wonderful Off-Season and Single Rider line I rode The Mummy for a third time. Unfortunatly, I was in a car (These cars are similar to Dinosaur, Many people close together.) with a South American middle school girls dance team....

The whole trip there had been a bundle of dance and cheer teams. It didn't bother me at all. They were all respectful. This team was terrible. I got in the car and the girl next to be gave a rude look. They talked a lot not in English a lot and It was awkard. The worst part was twenty girls SCREAMING AT ALMOST EVERYTHING! I was happy to get off the ride that was truly scary that time. It was rather funny because I sat in the front row and in the picture I am covering my ears. (Which I had to do for most of the ride.)

During the ride DF has gotten another Starbucks (He's excited that it is now at Disney.) and a Rice Crispie Treat for me. I decided to ride Rip Ride Rock it again. At the end of the ride in about the same spot as RNRC the car got stuck.... It was really ironic. Luckily the music stopped. It was at the chilly outside, but the sun helped and I felt comfortble. After probably 15 with people checking us before we got evacuated. Being the last on off of a ride failure with no behind the scenes backstage look is not exactly fun, but Universal handled it well. Great job to the team members, they were extremely friendly. I got a Fastpass to use on any attraction in the resort (YAY!) so DF headed to the attraction with a long line all day, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. What a cute show. They had a banana gun instead of a fart gun that smelled nice. The Minion dance party afterwards was fun. We stopped at the gift shop near the entrance to buy a wand and chocolate frog for my DS, and left the park.

It was a really great day. Disney will always be my favorite, but Universal was fantastic too. We took a Mears bus back to the resort but first picked up people at Sea World. Our bus driver was really nice and funny. He told us Mickey was upset with us for visiting Universal, but was slightly OK because Mickey likes Spider-Man. We had to apologize to Mickey. Hooray for knowing a lot about Disney. He asked a triva question which I answered correctly so he went to our hotel first! He asked the largest WDW park and I was the only one who knew the answer, Animal Kingdom. We had dinner at the food court, and watched part of Batman Begin in the room. We were toast, and crashed quickly.