The One Where We Used All the Transportation : A March 2025 Sister’s Trip

[amyjoq]

Welcome to my most recent trip report: The One Where We Used All the Transportation : A March 2025 Sister’s Trip

This was my 5th trip to Disney World, my sister’s 7th (in a shorter time period than my 5 but who is keeping track, really).
We arrived to our destination on Sunday, March 23, and sadly left the Disney bubble in the early hours on Thursday, March 27.
Spring Break; Epcots Flowers & Garden Festival; and the most relaxed plan I’ve ever set off to DW with resulted in a lot of laughs and lots and lots of walking…we are not as young as we once were…and we used every form of transportation Disney has to offer.

Who went on this trip? Myself - Amy - Disney Addict - Sister #3; stalker of the DISBoards and forever planning my next trip. High School English teacher by day…Disney dreamer and aspiring Disney Travel Agent by night. A first for me - left the soon-to-be college graduate daughter and husband at home this time. I had always wanted to take a solo trip, at the time my DH encouraged me to just do it…a tragic event had happened on Disney property with a person with an allergy. Personally, I’ve crazy careful, know my limits, but also know mistakes can be made (we’ll save the Silver Dollar City incident for another time but you can read all about it in my previous trip HERE).

Sheri - Sister #2 - volunteered as tribute when we decided I shouldn’t travel to Disney alone with my allergy…just in case. She might also be the one person with me during the SDC incident, clearly my choice of supervision is not always on par. Sheri has been to Disney more times in the last 5 years that I have in my whole life and I am working really hard to not be salty about it. She generally travels to DW with her DS, his wife, and their twin 2 1/2 year olds - who have been more times than I in their 2 1/2 years. Again, working on the level of saltiness.

Our younger sister - Nicole - Sister #4 - passed away in 2016 - we took her with us in spirit and every piece of purple clothing and Loungefly.


That’s me on the Left and Sheri is on the Right. Ready for our Sister’s Trip!

Hopefully, you stick around and read all about it!

Up Next - Travel Day AND Arrival

 

[rlk]

I'm looking forward to reading about your sister's trip.

 

[amyjoq]

I'm looking forward to reading about your sister's trip.

Welcome! Thank you for following along!

 

[amyjoq]

I realized I left off some pretty important details in the introduction…not my greatest moment in this trip report so far…

I am a high school English teacher, the most opportune time for me to take off was to add a few days to our (way too short) spring break. District was off Wednesday thru Friday, I took that Monday and Tuesday off as well.

We decided the most economical option was to rent a car and drive. Using my sister’s points - it would have completely depleted her stash and still cost us $$. She had recently experienced a rough return from Disney via plane and was ready for a, mostly, worry free trip.

Our district’s Assistant Superintendent gave out ‘free hour’ passes as door prizes one during one of our early professional development days where she would cover your class for an hour - an hour of your choosing. I happened to win one of those passes and used it wisely for my last hour of the day on Friday, March 21 - I had to get to my sisters house to rent our car and I teach an hour away from her house. I can not tell you how awesome it was to use that pass!

I left school at 3:00 and was waiting in her driveway at 4, car rented by 4:30 and I headed back home to pack. Sheri had been packed for weeks - I don’t work like that.
My daughter had gotten home from college for spring break, I went by her house and helped unload some of her things she doesn’t need at school the rest of the year. She came on home with me and helped get me organized. By 9:30 I was ready to go! (But did I sleep…barely…I was too excited to sleep!)

Travel Days and Arrival at Caribbean Beach!
​

Saturday morning, my DH drove me to my sister’s house 30 minutes from our own. By drive, I mean he was my passenger princess while I drove. He hates driving - spent years driving out of state for work so I gladly drive us both around.

Got the rental car loaded, said goodbye to DH and our pure bred good boy River who refused to be left at the house this morning, and we were on our way!

First stop - QuikTrip - less than 1 mile from my sisters house. We were getting out of the car, I was trying to figure out how to lift the driver’s seat up, and some strange man is waving at our car. It’s a rental - has out of state plates on it - who in the world would be waving at us at 6:15 on a Saturday morning???

I looked up - OH! That’s Devon! - my DH nephew was headed to work and saw us pull in. Nice little send off at QT!

In case you were wondering, I did not get the seat figured out…yet.

We would drive through Illinois South, pass through a small portion of Kentucky, stop in Paducah for our first fill up (we filled up at half tank each time). It is here that I got out the book and searched how to raise the seat. I was using the correct handle, but I had to pump it, repeatedly! This is NOT that old of a car, has the monitor in the middle with Apple Car play - but seat controls…ancient.

All pumped up - we headed across Tennessee, and everything was rolling along smoothly till about an hour east of Nashville and we were rudely reminded that it was in fact spring break. We were in traffic all the way to Valdosta, Georgia. We would be driving smoothly for about an hour then everything would slow to a crawl anywhere from 15min to 45min. We were expected to arrive at our hotel in Valdosta at 7:30, we checked in at 10:30. We only stopped a few times for gas and one quick stroll through Buc-ee’s.

Sunday, March 23 - DISNEY DAY!!!

Leaving Valdosta…Next Stop: DISNEY!

We checked out after a minor incident with the shower…someone (not me) almost had a panic attack when there was no hot water. Someone else (me) had to show that other someone where the hot water was on the handle.

Crisis averted, we were on the road by 6am. Stopped once for donuts; once for our Sunpass - which we failed at the first attempt; one final time just outside the magic at the station between the highways. Successfully purchased our Sunpass and set it up.
**highly recommend setting that up through the app BEFORE you arrive in Florida**

Continue in next post…

 

[amyjoq]

Continued from previous post

We were very distracted by the vehicle countdown…


In no time at all we were driving under these arches - we literally counted down to leaving all real world crap behind, we were entering the safety of the DISNEY BUBBLE!


My sister’s favorite resort is Caribbean Beach so naturally, this was our home away from home for a few days. Pulled up to security at 10:30am.





I had already checked in using the My Disney Experience app but had not received confirmation our room was ready. I had put in a request to stay in either Martinique or Aruba through Touring Plans on the second floor - I figured my chances would be greater with a 2nd floor request. The cast member (I failed to get her name) saw our request and was trying to accommodate us - she asked how connected I was to a second floor…I am not…just want closer to a Skyline.

She had a room at Martinique but it was not ready yet. We parked in the Martinique lot, under some shade, as a Disney Springs bus was pulling up. Hopping on, we headed out on our first mode of Disney Transportation.

Once at Disney Springs, we shopped at all the familiar places:


Just me, Stitch, and some people I do not know.


Lego store line was long all week, never got to peek inside, probably a good thing for my wallet.

We took a tip from the ole tickey-tock and purchases cookies from Summer House on the Lake - no line and oh so good! Sheri got a chocolate chip while I went with the same but as a vegan option (to avoid any possible milk).

We had reservations at 2pm at Chef Art’s Homecoming, we checked in early at 1:15 and was seated by 1:30, food arriving at the table for this photo to be taken at 1:50.

Fried Chicken and Doughnuts $32
I believe I discussed ordering fries as my side but for whatever reason, I ordered green beans.

I do have a milk allergy. Chef Art’s chicken is marinated in buttermilk for 48hrs. Whatever I am allergic to (lactose) is reduced enough during the frying process that I have never had a reaction - not even a minor one. This was my 3rd time enjoying Chef Art’s chicken, second after knowing exactly what I am allergic to. Always know your limits, I do not take my allergy lightly and am very careful.



On the bus ride over, we got the text our room was ready. After lunch, we took a bus back to Caribbean Beach and unloaded, unpacked, and organized.

Room 2628 Ground Floor King Room
Building 26 - close to bus depot and Old Port Royale. We were close enough to the Riviera that we took advantage of their Skyline Station rather than walk all the way around to the Jamaica Skyline Station.
**Keep in mind, unless you are going to Epcot, you must still transfer at the Jamaica station**


Up Next: Our room and a late afternoon visit to the Magic Kingdom with three more modes of transportation utilized.

 

[footballmouse]

 

[amyjoq]

Arrival Day Part 2

Earlier in the day we had checked in without a room assigned…yet. We were on the bus headed towards Disney Springs when we got our text that our room was ready.
Once we were done at DS, and had ate an amazing lunch at Chef Art’s, we headed back to Caribbean Beach via Disney Bus Transportation.

Our room was in building 26, we had easy walking access to the bus, to the Old Port Royal main building, and - most importantly - the Riviera Resort Skyliner. I had never stayed at CB before, but my sister had…it is her favorite resort.


The TV - notice that is NOT the welcome screen, slightly disappointing but more on that later in the week - refrigeration hidden in that center section, and plenty of drawer space for us to unpack.

We are unpackers - feels more like home.


One King bed - plenty of room but Sheri still put something between us. Been a few years since we’ve shared a bed - I think I was 10.


Love the barn style doors and separate section for the shower/toilet. Did not get a pick but on the far left side is a bar the full length of the wall for hanging clothes, a shelf above with an extra blanket and pillow.


Table and chairs in front of the window. Lots of space, never felt too crowded (even after all of the shopping).


View of door with handy hooks for our loungefly bags.


View from our door - we had a courtyard with benches and umbrellas.


View of beach area and Aruba section from our side of the lake.


View of Riviera Resort.

Unpacked and organized for our stay, our destination was Grand Floridian to see the Easter Eggs on display. Logically, you take the Epcot skyline to Epcot and transfer to the Monorail then on to Grand Floridian.

Well…let’s just say some mistakes were made. How can you ride ALL Disney Transportation options unintentionally if you don’t make a few mistakes?

We rode the skyline from RR to Epcot, getting off at the International Gateway…quite a ways away from the Monorail.

Once we went through the magic turn stiles, we wisely made a left and took a little walk.

Us, inside Epcot.
We aren’t even upset - happy to be in a park at Disney World.

Side note - see that purple loungefly strap? That’s my special Minnie Mouse Loungefly backpack with butterflies on the front pocket I carried to represent our sister who had passed away back in 2016 - we think she would have loved to join us on this trip even through she wasn’t a big parks fan, more of a cruise girl.

Continued in next post…(met my photo quota)

 

[amyjoq]

Continued from previous post…


We stroll through Epcot, hopping into a few shops and meandering our way towards the exit in order to hop on the monorail towards Grand Floridian.

We had one goal … to see the Easter Eggs and they were not a disappointment. The art work and creativity = Chef’s Kiss. Photos do not do these justice!










Continued in next post…

 

[amyjoq]

Continued from previous post…










After a quick restroom break we decided to take a boat over to Magic Kingdom.

We waited about 15 minutes and when the deck hand came to let us on the boat he asked “Are you ready Princess?”

I replied “OH! You’re talking to me!”

My sister replied “Well, he ain’t talking to me!”

I had no idea he was actually calling ME a princess! The three of us had a good laugh and he entertained us with memories of his own trips with his wife. Such a sweet man.

The boat takes you from the Grand Floridian, over to the Polynesian Resort for drop off and pick up, then on to Magic Kingdom. It was slightly windy but a nice ride with beautiful views.

Up next…Our first evening at a resort and a first for me.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Joining in and am excited to hear all the details. We are Caribbean Beach lovers through and through so I am hoping you loved it.

 

[amyjoq]

Joining in and am excited to hear all the details. We are Caribbean Beach lovers through and through so I am hoping you loved it.

I am so excited to see you have joined in! I’ve been a stalker of your reports for YEARS!
I told my sister about your daughter ‘shopping’ for Disney shirts in your closet and it immediately reminded me of her! Caribbean Beach is her favorite as well - you’ll just have to stick around to see how I feel about it

 

[amyjoq]

Day 2 - All the Transportation Part 1

Up bright and early, our plan was to get to Animal Kingdom for early entry - I had one goal - Flights of Passage - one ride Sheri was not going to ride.

First mode of transportation: Disney Bus

Less than 5 minutes and our bus was pulling in.

Official Animal Kingdom Photo while waiting for Early Entry to open


We were behind this really cute, older couple. We had commented on their tennis shoes - clearly professional mall walkers, they were no amateurs.

As we entered, I continued to the left to get to the next stopping point, I noticed the couple ahead of me…I could NOT keep up with them! I ended up being directly behind them as the initial line made the turn around and started the walk back towards Flights of Passage. We walked continuously, only stopping a few times.



The person in front of this couple had asked them about the ride, the person asking had not gone on it before. The person asked how often the couple came to AK, the gentleman answered ‘More than most’ and they smiled a knowing smile to each other.
Here I was worried THEY didn’t know what was coming and they know ‘more than most’.



As the CMs divide you up into the rows before entering the pre-show rooms, we barely came to a stop and the CMs were calling for a single rider. My hand shot up so fast, I had to look to make sure it was my hand in the air…I have never had this experience before and it was amazing! I got to bypass at least 20 people, jog up the stairs as rider #16 to a pre-show room to some onlookers as I stepped onto my number.

“There’s number 16.”
“Here I am.”

Vigorous ride as always. Walking out, a little girl told her dad she screamed the whole time. He told her we all knew that, we could all hear her. LOL



FoP is my number 1 favorite ride. 100% worth getting on an early bus and utilizing early entry and the 25 minute walk on strategy.

After a quick run the to the restroom, I headed for the Tree to meet up with Sheri. She was sitting on the short wall in front of one of the shops watching families get their pictures with the Tree.

Sheri had gone to Starbucks (maybe Jofferies) for a morning drink, walked around the shops, and then sat and people watched.

We walked through two shops - made some mental notes on items we couldn’t live without, and headed toward Asia. We had a new member to the Disney family to ogle at.



We walked a short path that used to be one of the lines for ‘It’s a Bug’s Life’ to get a closer look.



Beautiful view of Everest this morning.
The other side isn’t half bad either.



We’ll be coming back for this one real soon.

Up next : It’s the BABY!

 

[amyjoq]

Day 2 : All the Transportation Part 2

When we left off we were headed toward Asia and THE BABY.


Small detour as I got distracted by a view of the Tree I had not noticed before.


Another small distraction by these two - so cute!
After one teeny tiny u-turn, we had found our destination.
Maharajah Jungle Trek

We were headed towards the Tigers! In order to see these magnificent beasts we had to endure the bats and probably a few primates but we had one goal and on goal only:



This little cutie-patootie
There was quite the crowd surrounding all available viewing points so we moved on quickly as to give others a chance at a decent viewing.



Making a safe exit from the Jungle, we headed back across the park towards Africa to see our last must do: The Festival of the Lion King.

Just in time for the first showing and always amazed at the efficiency the CMs load everyone into the theatre.

We were in the Giraffe section so we have no idea what we sounded like because…giraffes have long necks…who knows what they sound like! LOL

Enjoy these fuzzy photos:




After the show, we headed back towards the shops to pick up some necessary items. I got myself a pair of white crocs with Mickey heads as the holes and a Mickey Hat key chain that says ‘Best Teacher’ - why not promote myself, am I right?

Picked up a popcorn bucket and headed towards the buses.

We took transportation #2 of the day - Disney Bus to Caribbean Beach where we dropped off our goodies, shared some chicken strips and fries, and headed off to our 3rd mode of transportation for the day.

Up next: We walked…A LOT…

 

[rdkeim]

Following!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I am so excited to see you have joined in! I’ve been a stalker of your reports for YEARS!
I told my sister about your daughter ‘shopping’ for Disney shirts in your closet and it immediately reminded me of her! Caribbean Beach is her favorite as well - you’ll just have to stick around to see how I feel about it

I'm glad to be here! I hope that you'll post in my trip report so I'll know you are sticking around.

I'm anxious to hear what you think of the resort.

 

[mickeystoontown]

What a great time at Animal Kingdom! Nothing better than a short line to ride Flights of Passage, seeing little tiger cub and watching a fantastic show!

 

[amyjoq]

What a great time at Animal Kingdom! Nothing better than a short line to ride Flights of Passage, seeing little tiger cub and watching a fantastic show!

It was definitely a magical morning with all the favorites experienced.

 

[amyjoq]

So many steps…

When we had left off, we had taken a bus back to Caribbean Beach and shared some classic Disney chicken strips and fries at the resort quick service Centertown Market.

We were then going to embark on quite the journey. A co-worker of my sister had not been to DW and therefore had not experienced Art of Animation and the Cars area. She wanted to take some pictures for him and I happened to have a young cousin who wants her dad to take her to Disney and stay in a Cars room so I happily encouraged this with my own photos I sent to her.
Staying at Caribbean Beach gave us a direct route to Art of Animation via the Skyliner. Today would mark the first of MANY rides along the Skyliner - our first stop Pop Century and Art of Animation.


Away we go …

At Art of Animation - I was unaware of the size of this resort! So thankful the Cars section was close to the Skyline station.


IN LOVE with the paper hanging over the buildings!












Really want to stay in a Cozy Cone Motel - too bad it is the swimming pool area…




The details here with the street lights and road signs - Disney Imagineer Brilliance

Continued in next post…

 

[amyjoq]

Continued from previous post…


Proof for my young cousin that I was really there!

We left AoA, hopped on the Skyliner and traveled over to Hollywood Studios. We had used the Staying on Disney property perk of purchasing LL in advance for this afternoon and had 3 pretty solid LL reserved.


First up: Mickey and Minnie’s Run Away Railroad. So crazy cute - I don’t think you are ever able to absorb all the details - we will just have to return and ride it again. It is a burden I am willing to carry….over, and over, and over, and over, and over…

Earlier that day, prior to the chicken strips, I had made a necessary wardrobe change in preparation for Hollywood Studios and the one and only Edna Mode. Spoiler alert - she loved my shirt and my glasses.


The hallway leading to Edna’s character meet and greet.

Proper wall of accomplishments.


The one and only! She was attempting to show me how to pose - I am clearly not understanding the assignment.


I did it .. not well, but I did it.


Giving proper thanks before I moved on.

Where was Sheri? Not an Edna Mode Character Meet fan - she waited on a bench outside people watching. The wait said 15 minutes but it ended up being under 5.


Can not leave the Pixar area without a shot of Jack Jack.


We then took a walk through Toy Story Land of funsies. We had a LL to get to but it was not with TSM…yet.

More on that next time.

 

[amyjoq]

A few lingering photo’s from the last update:



End of Mickey and Minnie’s Railroad - I love this portion of the ride.



Mickey Shaped fireworks!



I’ll stop everything for a good drumline and these three are the very best! Took a video back to one of my Seniors and told him I saved him some college money and found his real future! Our school drumline will escort athletes through the building to celebrate and lead the football team onto the field - my absolute favorite part of any school band!

Next update coming up…