Springtime is the Best Time- Flower & Garden, a taste of Dapper Days and Earth Day -April 2024- Side Trip to Epic Opening Day

[buzzrelly]

Everything is so pretty and there is so much to see and do. I'm finally getting to posting this trip report as we get ready for another Springtime trip report to see Flower and Garden again. Our trip this year is a little latter and bordering on an early Summer trip. I want to get this report done as we build excitement for this years trip.

Yay! It'll be here before you know it!

This trip was another Girls Trip.

The best!

We both wanted to go to Disney but had to do a budget trip so the husbands wouldn't complain too much.

he get 50% off resorts when she stays in the room with us. I'm sorry but I can't pass that savings up

That's too good to pass up!

We picked up Robin and headed to the airport. Keep in mind we did not know what we were doing.

What a crazy travel day! So stressful!

We were very happy to finally see this.

Yes!

Danielle and Robin had to scan into another park first. When Danielle went to make park reservations she couldn't get one for Epcot. CMs work on a pool of reservations. They are blocked out when the crowds are high like holidays and they have a limited number of reservations at certain parks. We started our day on a bus to Studios.

What a pain! But why did Robin have to scan in the DHS?

While we were on our way to Epcot, Danielle mentioned that they had a list of restaurants that CMs could get 40% off for a limited time.

Nice!

Both Danielle and I felt something touch our feet and jumped. We were joined by a mother duck and her ducklings.

Aw, so cute!! I love the Springtime in WDW

es we're going to be those crazy people who go to Epic on opening day. We have the 2 days park to park tickets for Uni/IOA with 1 day at Epic tickets. Guess what we did today to make sure we get to ride some rides at Epic? We splurged and purchased the Epic Express Pass!

Oh my gosh, you're brave! But that'll be so much fun!

 

[Steppesister]

Trying to get caught back up after a little break from the DIS- finally finished off my Asia-Australia TR and am working on getting into a new routine with my new job! So hopefully a bit more regularity here.

We went to Blizzard Beach in May of 2007 and planned to hit TL too but never made it there.

In all the years I've been going to WDW I've never done a water park. I"m always so anxious to just get in the parks!

She better be off in time, cause we already purchased the tickets.

OR ELSE!!

Thursday, May 22nd starts our Universal side of the trip. Yes we're going to be those crazy people who go to Epic on opening day.

Oh my heck!! I'm going to hold back a bit. I'm going in October for a conference before Caroline and I meet up - maybe I should head there instead of getting a separate Uni ticket. Hmmm....

Guess what we did today to make sure we get to ride some rides at Epic? We splurged and purchased the Epic Express Pass! I'm shocked we got it. The pass includes 1 ride on each attraction except for Ministry of Magic, Mine-Cart Madness and Dragon Racer's Rally.

Nice!!! I need to look into prices and see what's what.

The hidden Mickey was pink before the scene turns to bluish purple. I think we got stopped here for a bit so I was able to really look.

Great find! Love when I find a new one!

We lucked out and he was coming out in a few minutes.

That's actually a character I'd meet. Always loved his mischief!

I got my favorite Viking Coffee with alcohol and we grabbed a table so we could relax and visit.

Ok, THIS I've got to try! Yummo!

Dis Meet with @amazingact21 and we got pictures.

What a fun Meet! Hi @amazingact21

 

[vamassey1]

We're going to be there mid-July. Definitely NOT the time of year we wanted, but with schedules it was just the only time that worked. We're making a big trip up to Minnesota in June to visit Alex's sister. Then 4th of July, Alex works the on-call shift so his lower ranking coworkers can have the holiday off. And by the beginning of August, Landon will have orientations and club starts for middle school.

Guess what? We found out on April 1st that Dennis has another work conference in mid July. Not a time I would want to go either but can't pass up the opportunity to have half our trip paid for by his company. Looks like we'll be there July 12-15 at the Hilton again and then a Disney resort July 16-19. Do any of these date match with you?

We haven't bought anything other than our 1 day Epic tickets yet, but we do have a hotel reservation at WDW. If nothing else, we're going to use the free water park entry. I want to visit DAK, but we're just not sure if it'll happen. They released another FL resident summer ticket, but it's not park hoppers and blocks out the MK. So who knows?

I hope you get some more Disney time.

We're trying to leave time open this trip so we can explore different neighborhoods and get a feel for the areas. Alex has the potential to retire by next August, so we figured it would be a good idea to start knowing what places to start house hunting. Just in case.

Now, this is exciting news!

I'm so happy we had the opportunity to meet up again! The first time around, I met your DH, and this time you met mine. Maybe one day down the road all 4 of us will be able to visit.

Maybe in July? Michelle isn't coming this time but if he has an annual work conference she'll come next year.

Disney did what it needed to in order to keep her around. In all fairness, though, doing a role you prefer can make all the difference in the world. I'm really glad she was able to move on and see if this new position is the right fit.

She loves her new position and the team she's working with. Being in the heat not so much.

Great meet and greet! And your outfit was perfect for it.

Thank you!

Her and I have that in common. Pretty sure Alex has a photo series on his phone of different spots around WDW that I've grabbed a power nap.

I'll have to tell Danielle and you need to share those photos.

Best snacks in Epcot. And it's so nice they accept the discount!

It's not often we don't go here on a trip.

 

[vamassey1]

Yay! It'll be here before you know it!

It really is coming up fast. This is such a busy time of the year.

The best!

I think it's my favorite time to go.

What a pain! But why did Robin have to scan in the DHS?

Robin was using Danielle's free pass. She has free passes to bring friend's and family into the parks but they are subject to whatever restrictions she is subject too.

Aw, so cute!! I love the Springtime in WDW

Me too!

Oh my gosh, you're brave! But that'll be so much fun!

It should be a very interesting day.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Finally joining in for the fun! Too much to comment on thus far but I'm here!

 

[vamassey1]

Trying to get caught back up after a little break from the DIS- finally finished off my Asia-Australia TR and am working on getting into a new routine with my new job! So hopefully a bit more regularity here.

I know your life has been very busy with lots of big changes.

In all the years I've been going to WDW I've never done a water park. I"m always so anxious to just get in the parks!

I'm usually very anxious to get to a park too, but now that we've been so much lately I'm ready to try new things.

Oh my heck!! I'm going to hold back a bit. I'm going in October for a conference before Caroline and I meet up - maybe I should head there instead of getting a separate Uni ticket. Hmmm....

Let me know what you end up doing.

That's actually a character I'd meet. Always loved his mischief!

I'm really glad we did meet him finally.

Ok, THIS I've got to try! Yummo!

I think you would like it.

What a fun Meet! Hi @amazingact21

It was the best.

 

[vamassey1]

Finally joining in for the fun! Too much to comment on thus far but I'm here!

Lisa! So happy to have you here!

 

[amazingact21]

What a fun Meet! Hi @amazingact21

Hope you're doing well! I fell off the DIS for awhile and am slowly trying to return. I've seen your flooding photos online, and I really hope you are doing all right with that terrible weather. It breaks my heart to see how many areas were hit.

Looks like we'll be there July 12-15 at the Hilton again and then a Disney resort July 16-19. Do any of these date match with you?

As of right now, we are going to be at Stella Nova the 13-17 and All Star Music the 17-22. We will be melting in the FL heat together!

Maybe in July? Michelle isn't coming this time but if he has an annual work conference she'll come next year.

Are you bringing the boys even though Michelle can't make it?

 

[vamassey1]

As of right now, we are going to be at Stella Nova the 13-17 and All Star Music the 17-22. We will be melting in the FL heat together!

I'm so jealous you're staying at Stella Nova. Dennis is in the conference from Sunday thru Tuesday so I'm on my own those days. We'll do some parks together starting on the Wednesday thru Friday and we're driving home on the Saturday. I hope we can cross paths. I know Danielle will be with us starting on the Tuesday and Wednesday. I'm hoping she takes off Thursday and Friday since it's her "dead time" between festivals.

Are you bringing the boys even though Michelle can't make it?

We thought about brining JP again but there's no way I could handle more than 1 boy on my own. We're hoping to plan another big trip next year.

 

[amazingact21]

We'll do some parks together starting on the Wednesday thru Friday and we're driving home on the Saturday. I hope we can cross paths. I know Danielle will be with us starting on the Tuesday and Wednesday. I'm hoping she takes off Thursday and Friday since it's her "dead time" between festivals.

We'll be going to the water park that Thursday, but Friday is open as of right now. We might spend the morning visiting a few neighborhoods in the area. If we end up buying the military Disney tickets, then we'll probably spend the evening in one of the parks, but we still haven't decided.
All that to say! Hopefully, yes, we'll be able to meet up.

This has really made me realize that I need to start making plans.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that Danielle gets those days off and you can spend it with her.

We thought about brining JP again but there's no way I could handle more than 1 boy on my own.

I understand.
With how moody and grouchy Landon's become, Alex and I keep jokingly asking my mom if she wants to keep him after our Epic day. A few more eye rolls and we'd be happy to drive 6 hours to drop him off at her house.

 

[vamassey1]

This has really made me realize that I need to start making plans.

Dennis is well into making plans for July. I'm letting him take charge since I'll be there without him in May.

All that to say! Hopefully, yes, we'll be able to meet up.

Fingers crossed.

I understand.
With how moody and grouchy Landon's become, Alex and I keep jokingly asking my mom if she wants to keep him after our Epic day. A few more eye rolls and we'd be happy to drive 6 hours to drop him off at her house.

Oh nooo. Landon use to be your Disney buddy. I bet he's excited for Epic. JP told me I had to meet Toothless for him. I think whatever souvenirs I get for the grandkids will come from Epic.

 

[vamassey1]

More Epcot Beauty and Meeting Walt- Friday, April 19, 2024
We were ready to make our way back to the front of the park but we were feeling hot and tired. We did something I haven't done in a long time. We took the Friendship boat from near Morocco back across. It was so nice to sit down. I think my age is starting to show.

Once we were back on the other side I had to stop for pictures of the Encanto topiaries. They were so pretty. We do love this movie and the music. I think they light up at night but we didn't get a chance to see that.




Here's the PB&J garden. We were too late to get a free Uncrustable. My kids ate their fair share of these when they were little.



The line wasn't too long so we rode Spaceship Earth. Danielle and I rode together. She fell asleep in here too but I did not get a photo. I was worried it would not come out and I'm pretty sure flash photography would be frowned upon. I did get a good photo in the Rome area while we were stopped. I also got a few of our "Future" before Danielle fell asleep.



I can't say that I ride SSE on every trip but I don't like to miss it either.
It was time to finally meet Walt. I had been wanting to get a picture with him since this area opened. It's so moving to see him and have him be a part of Epcot.


After meeting Walt is was time to start making our way to The Boardwalk for our dinner at Trattoria. We walked back to WS to make our way to the International Gateway. I grabbed some photos of Tinkerbelle's Garden on the way. Those little Fairy Houses are soooo cute. I've always had a thing for miniatures and use to collect them. The wild flower display is the perfect backdrop.




We caught the boat to the boardwalk to rest our feet once again. Trattoria al Forno is very close to where you get off the boat. We checked in and had to wait a bit for our table.

Continued in next post.

 

[vamassey1]

We were seated in the main dinning area as you walk past the check in area. This was my first time having dinner here and Robin's first time to eat here at all. Danielle had been here with friends. Our drink orders were taken and bread and garlic oil was soon brought to the table.






This was really good and a great way to start our meal.

Robin and I didn't order an appetizer but Danielle got the Insalata Caprese-fresh Burrata, Ripe Tomatoes, Extra Virgin Olive Oil. She enjoyed this too, except for the tomatoes. Michelle and I are the only ones who enjoy tomatoes.



Robin and I split the Lasagna al Forno-blended Italian Cheeses, Beef, Veal, Pork, Herbed Ricotta and the Pizze Pepperoni. Between the 2 of us we could not eat it all. We brought the pizza back with us but it ended up just sitting in the fridge until we left. The lasagna and pizza were pretty good.


Since Mom was buying and we were using her 40% off, Danielle was going to eat good. She got the Oak-grilled Strip Steak Florentine-Hearth-roasted Vegetables, Olive Oil Potatoes, Amarone Butter. She did end up with the best meal and I did get a taste.



We had a great meal and a good experience. We enjoyed it so much we went back in January with Dennis and it ended up being one of our worst meals. The service was bad and the food was just ok. I guess it was just a bad night.

After our bellies were way too full, we stepped outside to take a look around. It was just getting dark and the Boardwalk was beautiful. We stopped to watch some of the entertainment before catching another boat back to International Gateway.






Continued in next post.

 

[vamassey1]

My goal before leaving was to experience Journey of Water at night. It is so pretty and a lot less crowded.





I like trying to find the different hidden characters in the rock formations. I know I have yet to find them all.





We ended our night with the "Wish" topiary.


We didn't stay to watch Luminous and I have yet to see it. We exited right before it started.

We took the bus back to Sports and got ready for bed and for our next park day.

I walked 21,513 steps even with taking some boats.

On a closing note I want to mention that we did start seeing some groups of kids and parents from High School Band groups. As we got further into our trip those groups gave way to the International Cheer groups. We even had some staying at Sports. I remember seeing Poland, China, France and Mexico. All the groups we saw were well behaved.

 

[pkondz]

We took the Friendship boat from near Morocco back across.

Done that. I always forget how nice it is!

I think my age is starting to show.

Nah. Just good common sense.

"World Celebration"...

We do love this movie and the music.

Just re-watched it a few weeks ago.

My kids ate their fair share of these when they were little.

Wait... you mean they've stopped??

Danielle and I rode together. She fell asleep in here too but I did not get a photo.

It was time to finally meet Walt. I had been wanting to get a picture with him since this area opened. It's so moving to see him and have him be a part of Epcot.

:

I've always had a thing for miniatures and use to collect them.

I wonder if that's where Danielle gets her Lego collecting from?

This was my first time having dinner here

I'm not sure if I've eaten there or not. hmm...

Whoa that looks good.

And that looks amazing!

Since Mom was buying and we were using her 40% off, Danielle was going to eat good.

She did end up with the best meal and I did get a taste.

Really! I'm surprised. All the other dishes looked so good!

We enjoyed it so much we went back in January with Dennis and it ended up being one of our worst meals. The service was bad and the food was just ok. I guess it was just a bad night.

well, shoot!

Nice shot.

I like trying to find the different hidden characters in the rock formations. I know I have yet to find them all.

I didn't even know that was a thing!

Like this shot.

We didn't stay to watch Luminous and I have yet to see it.

Still!?!?

I walked 21,513 steps even with taking some boats.

On a closing note I want to mention that we did start seeing some groups of kids and parents from High School Band groups. As we got further into our trip those groups gave way to the International Cheer groups. We even had some staying at Sports. I remember seeing Poland, China, France and Mexico. All the groups we saw were well behaved.

That's good at least.

 

[suse66]

Alice was meeting in the Tea Garden. We didn't stop for a photo. We were enjoying looking around the Tea Garden.

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We did take a turn in the shops after walking through the Tea Garden. I saw a set of tea timers for different types of teas on a trip and thought it would made a great gift for Jimmy ( Michelle's husband). He drinks lots of tea. I didn't get it when I had the chance so I keep checking to see if they would have it again.

We looked around for the topiaries and found Mickey, Dumbo, Pooh, Rabbit, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet.
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The UK was pretty deserted this early in the morning. I knew it wouldn't look like this later in the day. This area always make me miss the World Showcase Players and the King Arthur show they performed.

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We used the ladies room and then left some Pixie Dust in the phone booth. We did hang around from a distance to see a young pre-teen find it.
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We found Tick-tock, Captain Hook, Peter Pan, Flower, Thumper and Bambi before leaving the UK.
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It wasn't 11 yet so we still had some time to kill before we start eating from the Food Booths.

Sounds like such a perfect start to the day! A 40% discount is nothing to sneeze at, so I would definitely go for dinner at Trattoria. I love nothing better than wandering around Epcot during F&G and just soaking it all in so your plans sound perfect to me.

 

[suse66]

Epcot- More Beauty and Finally Some Food!
April 19,2024

We needed to pass some time so we made our way to The Land. We saw Goofy, more beautiful flowers, Woody and Bo Peep along the way.

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We joined the standby line for Soarin'. It was showing 40 minutes but I'm pretty sure it didn't take that long. When we exited it was finally time to eat.

We headed back towards World Showcase and hit two spots along the way. Danielle waited in line at Florida Fresh while Robin and I headed to the Honey Bee-stro. We meet back up at a standing table by the Honey Bee-stro. The table was pretty much in the sun but had some shade. Here is our haul.

We got Chicken and Waffles (Crispy Chicken and a Honey Sweet Cornbread Waffle with Whipped Honey Butter and Spicy Honey), Honey-glazed Cauliflower (with Honey-roasted Carrot Puree, Wild Rice Pilaf, Spring Vegetables, Honey-blistered Grapes and Sunflower Brittle) and the Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze (to help with the heat).
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I think we actually got 2 of the Chicken and Waffles because Danielle and Robin both wanted it. We shared everything but they both felt they needed more.
I'm not big on Chicken and waffles but they said it was good. I did enjoyed my Cauliflower and everyone loved the Cobbler Freeze.
Danielle came back with the Grilled Warm Water Lobster Tail (with Key Lime Butter) and a Cubanito (with Mojo-marinated Pork Belly, Ham, Swiss Cheese, Pickles and Stone Ground Mustard Sauce.
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These were both really good! I think it really helped that we were getting our food not too long after they had opened. Everything was fresh.


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We finished off our meal with dessert. The Liquid Nitro Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake (with fresh Honey, Granulated Honey and Honey Mead Blueberry Compote) from Swirled Showcase.
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It was Delicious!!!!

We had set ourselves up in the perfect place to hit 3 booths.

Oooh, I loved that honey roasted cauliflower! It was "best of the fest" for me last year to use a Mollyism. I really wish I had tried the nitro cheesecake. It looked so good!

 

[missjackiemcg]

We were too late to get a free Uncrustable. My kids ate their fair share of these when they were little.

Uncrustables are Jimmy's go-to for days when he has a lacrosse game after school. They get right on the bus to head to wherever they're playing, so he throws a couple extras in his lunchbag and eats those after school to power up for his games. It makes me laugh because he, too, grew up eating them as a little guy, but they're still a favorite!

It was time to finally meet Walt. I had been wanting to get a picture with him since this area opened. It's so moving to see him and I

I haven't been back to Epcot since this statue was unveiled!! I won't get to see him until December finally, and I'm sure I'll cry, LOL. When the Disney 100 exhibit was in Chicago, they had a silver version of the partners statue at the end, and I bawled walking into that room to take a picture with him. Seems so silly, but he gave us the magic!!

This was my first time having dinner here and Robin's first time to eat here at all.

I've only ever eaten at Trattoria al Forno once, back in 2018 when they had the Bon Voyage breakfast with Price Eric and Ariel, Flynn and Rapunzel. The service was painfully slow and the breakfast was just OK. Your food all looked amazing for dinner!

 

[vamassey1]

"World Celebration"...

It's still Future World to me.

Wait... you mean they've stopped??

Everyone still eats PB& Js but just not Uncrustables. I do have some in my freezer right now hoping the Grands will try them.

I wonder if that's where Danielle gets her Lego collecting from?

Maybe. There's a 13 year gap between her and my oldest Brent. He loved Legos and had tons, I still have some for the Grands to play with. I think Brent influenced her some. She also like video games due to his influence too. And Manga. And all things Japanese. I always say Danielle is the combination of Michelle and Brent.

Really! I'm surprised. All the other dishes looked so good!

They were but she had the best.

well, shoot!

If there is one thing Disney is consistent with on food is being inconsistent.

Nice shot.

Thanks! This was taken when we were waiting for the boat. It shows how close the restaurant was to the dock.

I didn't even know that was a thing!

When you make it there, be sure to look closely.

Like this shot.

Thanks. There are so many great photo ops in this area especially at night.

Still!?!?

I have another shot next month and again in July.

 

[vamassey1]

Sounds like such a perfect start to the day! A 40% discount is nothing to sneeze at, so I would definitely go for dinner at Trattoria. I love nothing better than wandering around Epcot during F&G and just soaking it all in so your plans sound perfect to me.

It was a really good no pressure day. Danielle has another list of 40% off for when we come in May but sadly we didn't see anything that would work with our plans.

Oooh, I loved that honey roasted cauliflower! It was "best of the fest" for me last year to use a Mollyism. I really wish I had tried the nitro cheesecake. It looked so good!

I have the cheesecake on my must do for May.