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

[vamassey1]

I miss that ride. It was out favourite place to cool off and doze a little.

I'm happy to hear I wasn't the only one.

Wow it really is empty. Thanks for sharing.

It might stay empty now that it's more widely know.

I’m going to have to make notes for future trips. Thanks again

I use trip report to learn from and take notes too.

Love this photo. Happy smiley people!

Thank you!

Yup! I’m with you on this

Another Fan! Michelle likes him too. We have the same taste in Handsome actors.

You certainly got a lot done this morning. Seems like it was worth making it there early. Looking forward to seeing where you settled on for lunch.

It really does pay off to hit rope drop.

 

[vamassey1]

I just adore spring and it's best for me to travel in spring. So I hope to go on a vacation with my husband soon.

I hope it works out for you to do that.

 

[vamassey1]

I am one of those that gets ready in 15 minutes and out the door. I don't wear makeup or really do my hair. It is either just down or in a ponytail. I like my sleep too much. However, when I am in Disney I do my hair and makeup so it takes me longer. I also have no problem waking up at 6 at Disney. At home I should be working at 7:30 (from home) and I roll out of bed around 8-8:30 and get to my computer (still in my PJ's). Thankfully work only cares that we make our meetings and work 40 hours so start time can be flexible.

I wish I could get ready faster but I just can't do it. I also have no problem getting up early in Disney. I work from home every other week and get much more sleep. I also don't wear makeup or do much with my hair. I don't like to go anywhere on those weeks.

 

[pkondz]

I was checking her story all day.

I bet you were!

Not every trip, but we do try to get an Italian meal each trip so it's in the rotation. I'm going to miss it when it closes.

It's closing?!?!?

I sure hope brushing you teeth was included in that time.

Of course. I mean... ewwww.

She know the secrets and wants to make sure to hit them.

And not have someone steal them from her

 

[missjackiemcg]

I've only ever been on Rise of the Resistance ONCE if you can believe it!!! When we're there in December, Rob and Jimmy want to ride again, so we will use your strategy!

I haven't stopped for the Indy show since before Jimmy was born, I think!!! That may be another one to do next trip. I bet he'd really like it.

 

[buzzrelly]

I don't know how people wake up and are out the door in 30 to 45 minutes.

That's me But I shower and put my clothes out the night before and my makeup is mostly just powder and mascara. I slap it on, brush my teeth and I'm good to go. I'm also just a naturally early riser even without an alarm so I don't hit snooze and linger in bed!

And I just shared a secret with you. Don't follow the crowds around Echo Lake.

Good tip...we will definitely try that next time. Mike always likes to rope drop Rise

We were evacuated from the show due to a medical emergency down front.

Yikes!

 

[Steppesister]

I was the first one up as usual since I take the longest to get ready. I don't know how people wake up and are out the door in 30 to 45 minutes.

Nope! 30 minutes max! I don't wear makeup or do my hair other than put it up in a clip.

And I just shared a secret with you. Don't follow the crowds around Echo Lake.

Good intel!

I'm going to share another secret. When you're getting ready to leave this room hang back a little. You walk outside to the transporter from here. Try to enter towards the back so that you right besides the doors you just entered from. While all the excitement is going on the room is actually turning and those doors you entered from will actually be the same doors that open for you to leave the transporter. I'm sure there are lots of people who already know this but just incase there is someone out there who didn't know.

This is such a clever use of space and "magic"! I did know that, but it's so cool!

It was good but I much prefer the lunch version. I don't think anyone of us finished our Roaster.

This is 1,000% a sharable. I can't even come close to finishing one. I can get half of that deliciousness down though- the lunch one. Love me a Ronto!

Ohh, nice details shot! Love the set!

While Gaston was having his big number the show all the sudden came to an end.

OH dear! Hope everyone was A-ok!

 

[amazingact21]

Her pictures from Epic looked awesome! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it next month.

Good tip about walking past ABC Commissary to get to Rise. I never thought of that.

 

[vamassey1]

I bet you were!

I was doing some serious stalking.

It's closing?!?!?

I'm afraid so. When they close the area to transform it to the new Monsters Inc area. It's going to be themed after the sushi restaurant from the movie.

And not have someone steal them from her

 

[vamassey1]

I've only ever been on Rise of the Resistance ONCE if you can believe it!!! When we're there in December, Rob and Jimmy want to ride again, so we will use your strategy!

Let me know how it goes for you.

I haven't stopped for the Indy show since before Jimmy was born, I think!!! That may be another one to do next trip. I bet he'd really like it.

It's past time to do it again. I has changes from the original show. They don't pull people from the audience anymore.

 

[vamassey1]

That's me But I shower and put my clothes out the night before and my makeup is mostly just powder and mascara. I slap it on, brush my teeth and I'm good to go. I'm also just a naturally early riser even without an alarm so I don't hit snooze and linger in bed!

I'm from the South and was raised not to leave the house without your face on. When I work from home it's different and don't want to go anywhere that week. I enjoy my sloppy clothes and makeup free face.

I'm early riser too and actually like having time to myself before everyone else gets up.

Good tip...we will definitely try that next time. Mike always likes to rope drop Rise

I hope it still works.

 

[vamassey1]

Nope! 30 minutes max! I don't wear makeup or do my hair other than put it up in a clip.

I wish I could do that. Old habits are hard to break. I also have naturally curly hair but not the pretty kind of curl. I have to tame it or fix it. Michelle can just let hers curl and it looks great. Mine become a great big powder puff.

This is 1,000% a sharable. I can't even come close to finishing one. I can get half of that deliciousness down though- the lunch one. Love me a Ronto!

When Dennis is with me he finishes off what I can't.

Ohh, nice details shot! Love the set!

The only decent photo I have.

OH dear! Hope everyone was A-ok!

Me too.

 

[vamassey1]

Her pictures from Epic looked awesome! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it next month.

She really had fun. Gave me warnings on what I should not ride too. I'm really excited to see it in person. I hope the dragons are flying that day.

Good tip about walking past ABC Commissary to get to Rise. I never thought of that.

I hope it still works.

 

[pkondz]

I was doing some serious stalking.

I'm afraid so. When they close the area to transform it to the new Monsters Inc area. It's going to be themed after the sushi restaurant from the movie.

Hmm... while I'm sad it's closing... a good sushi restaurant would be nice.

But... I can't see that... in a theme park. I mean... it would have to be mass produced, no?

 

[vamassey1]

But... I can't see that... in a theme park. I mean... it would have to be mass produced, no?

We'll just have to wait and see.

 

[vamassey1]

Well we're 23 sleeps away for our next trip. I'm excited to see Danielle in the flesh and to experience Epic park.

So remember last year when we went to Disney in the heat of July and said we never wanted to do that again. Well Dennis got an email on April 1st telling him he needed to register for the Orlando Conference in July! Now, this was after they were told they would not be included in the conference this year and it would only be an every other year event for them.

I told him it had to be an April Fool's Day joke. But guess what? It's not. Looks like we'll be sweating in Disney again, cause I do NOT pass up a trip to Disney that is partially paid for. Sadly it will just be Dennis and I visiting with Danielle. It was too short notice for Michelle and the boys. She already had John Paul signed up for camps that she can't remove him from especially since he had a friend signed up for it too. Now that it looks like it will be every year we can make better plans. I don't think I'll ever get use to the heat at that time.

Dennis and I will arrive on Saturday, July 12th staying at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek like we did last year.




This is a resort that includes Early Entry but doesn't let me do Multi LL 7 days out . We'll be there until Wednesday, July 16th. We'll switch over to Riverside with Danielle until Saturday the 19th. The is the same Resort we're staying at in May. We have the 5th sleeper reserved for both stays, so we'll be in Alligator Bayou. We stayed 1 night in an AB room in December of 2022 and Dennis wants to stay there again. I'm having Danielle to keep checking to see if her discount will open up for Caribbean Beach.



Dennis has a food safety class on the Sunday so we're arriving a day early. He has required session on Monday and Tuesday and planned events on Monday and Tuesday nights, so I'll be having some solo park touring time. I do plan on working remotely 1/2 day on the Monday and Tuesday. Danielle will be off on the Tuesday so hopefully we get some Mom and me time. This trip should be laid back compared to last year.

Dennis is once again planning the dinning, cause he's all about the food. No big plans this trip like we had in January. I'm hoping to slip in the "Behind the Seeds Tour" at Epcot. Danielle has done it before, but we haven't. Dennis won't have time to hit all 4 parks but I'm hoping I do. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the new stuff I will just miss in May like the Villain's show and the updated Little Mermaid show in Studios. I'm hoping the new nighttime parade will be running in MK and Test Track will be reopened in Epcot. I'm very curious to see if the crowds will be affected by Epic park. I'm hoping to find some time to meet up with Alicia @amazingact21 and her family too.

I did see where there will be AP extras for while I'm there for both trips. Maybe I'll get a chance to take advantage of some of those.

 

[pkondz]

Well we're 23 sleeps away for our next trip. I'm excited to see Danielle in the flesh and to experience Epic park.

Coming up!

So remember last year when we went to Disney in the heat of July and said we never wanted to do that again. Well Dennis got an email on April 1st telling him he needed to register for the Orlando Conference in July!

So much for that!

I'm hoping to slip in the "Behind the Seeds Tour" at Epcot. Danielle has done it before, but we haven't.

Heard good things.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Your plans sound great Vanessa and I’d totally be like you-there’s no way on earth I’d pass up the chance of a partially paid Wdw trip!
Just over 3weeks now until your trip. Very exciting

 

[suse66]

Rope Drop is a Must- Studios - Saturday, April 20,2024

Before I get started I just wanted to give a shout out to Danielle. If you follow her on Instagram you've seen that she is in Epic Park today. She's there with her friend Sara who just finished training to work at Epic. She also still works for Disney. I've enjoyed the photos she has sent but I'm also a little jelly.

Moving along.

Today was our DHS day. This was Danielle's work location when we were there. The plan was to be there for Early Entry rope drop at 8:30 so we could hit Rise first. This was one of the 2 days we purchased Genie +. We had an ADR @ Oga's for 2:50 and a dinner ADR @ Mama Melrose's @ 6:40. We had a list of rides we wanted to ride and things we wanted to experience. Let's see how we did.

I was the first one up as usual since I take the longest to get ready. I don't know how people wake up and are out the door in 30 to 45 minutes. I just can't do that. I know it's going to take me longer so I plan ahead. I'm not naming any names but I also know people who take a long time to get ready but don't plan ahead so we're left waiting (Danielle). We purchased Genie + and at 7 am Danielle got our first LL for Slinky Dog but it was for much later in the day.

I'm also being Extra again today so be prepared for another bright outfit.

Today ended up being the only day of our trip we made Early Entry Rope Drop. I took this picture at 8:19 am.

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As you can see the crowds are making their way to their preferred destinations. Ours was Rise so we headed that way, but we did not take the path most traveled. Danielle took us a different way. We cut down Commissary Lane. Look no crowds.
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And I just shared a secret with you. Don't follow the crowds around Echo Lake.

We were in line by 8:26 am and pretty much keep walking.
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We saw BB8 at 8:36 am.


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I'm going to share another secret. When you're getting ready to leave this room hang back a little. You walk outside to the transporter from here. Try to enter towards the back so that you right besides the doors you just entered from. While all the excitement is going on the room is actually turning and those doors you entered from will actually be the same doors that open for you to leave the transporter. I'm sure there are lots of people who already know this but just incase there is someone out there who didn't know.

I have a blurry 1st ride photo, but hey it was our 1st ride of the day.

View attachment 957827

We had a great ride and did NOT get Mode B which seems rare for me. We were off the ride before the 9am official opening of the park. It was time for a little bit of food. Robin had never had a Ronto Roaster so we headed there. It was breakfast so we had the breakfast version-egg omelet, grilled pork sausage, shredded cheese, peppercorn sauce wrapped in a pita. It was good but I much prefer the lunch version. I don't think anyone of us finished our Roaster.



View attachment 957832

Our bellies full we headed to Toy Story Land to ride Toy Story Midway Mania. The area was not crowded at all yet. Stand by was listed at 25 minutes and we ended up waiting about that long. Robin and I rode together and Danielle rode alone. She prefers this and does better. She always outscores us. Her normal score is over 200k.

View attachment 957836

I think we had bathroom breaks and maybe some shopping because my next picture has us in Indian Jones Epic Stun Spectacular for the 10:30 show. I'm not the biggest fan of this show but I do like to see it every couple of trips. I do love the Indy movies and part of that might be because I really like Harrison Ford. Since Danielle started working in Studios she likes to see it. She was working at Backlot Express so they could hear the explosions going off and they always knew to get prepared for the crowds once the big explosion at the end of the show went off.


View attachment 957839

After Indy it was time for a caffeine break so we headed to the Trolley Car Cafe where I got a Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino and Danielle got a Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher. These were just what we needed to get some energy and to cool off.



View attachment 957841

After our caffeine break we headed down Sunset Blvd to see Beauty and the Beast Live. I was excited to see the new custumes and they did not disappoint. They were so vibrant.

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Continued in next post.

I am an easy peasy get ready person. It usually takes me less than 15 minutes. Thanks for the great tips about Commissary Lane and holding back before the transport ship. I will definitely remember that. I love Studios in the morning and it looks like you got a lot done. It's nice to round out the morning with treats from the Trolley Car Cafe and seeing some shows. I am always a sucker for the Carrot Cake Cookie!

 

[suse66]

I told him it had to be an April Fool's Day joke. But guess what? It's not. Looks like we'll be sweating in Disney again, cause I do NOT pass up a trip to Disney that is partially paid for. Sadly it will just be Dennis and I visiting with Danielle. It was too short notice for Michelle and the boys. She already had John Paul signed up for camps that she can't remove him from especially since he had a friend signed up for it too. Now that it looks like it will be every year we can make better plans. I don't think I'll ever get use to the heat at that time.

So exciting! So do you find the Orlando heat worse than Baton Rouge heat? I actually love the heat but I do plan on rest time from 1 until about 5 each day during the summer months.

This is a resort that includes Early Entry but doesn't let me do Multi LL 7 days out . We'll be there until Wednesday, July 16th. We'll switch over to Riverside with Danielle until Saturday the 19th. The is the same Resort we're staying at in May. We have the 5th sleeper reserved for both stays, so we'll be in Alligator Bayou. We stayed 1 night in an AB room in December of 2022 and Dennis wants to stay there again. I'm having Danielle to keep checking to see if her discount will open up for Caribbean Beach.

Both those resorts are great but CBR does have the advantage of the Skyliner. Have you had a chance to see the jazz band at Scat Cats? I really enjoyed them last summer. Plus having Beignets while listening to music is always good!

I did see where there will be AP extras for while I'm there for both trips. Maybe I'll get a chance to take advantage of some of those.

Nice!!