This is Magical, this is Horrific, and this is Epic! TR 8/27-9/7/25, updated 10/7*

[disneyAndi14]

I miss you too! When I saw the Candlelight Processional dining packages announced I was SO sad!!!! We would be in full planning mode with ADRs and day plans. Ugh! Can this current specialness please end soon?

I will miss you when I am there at Thanksgiving! The specialness has elevated to such a crazy, awful level, enough is enough, ugh Maybe we can cruise together at some point! That would be fun.

I can't do mochi either. Just blech for me.

Yeah not for me, very weird and not worth the texture, the flavor was just meh

I love the CR shops!

Same, it is really fun to browse around here, of course I found so many cute things in there but to big to take back!

Sounds like a great event! I am just like Andi...no PDA, lol!

It really was, haha Andi is the same, she will sometimes let me hold her hand for a few minutes on a walkway but that is it!

Love it! It seems pretty decent for everything you get.

It really is for the current price, hopefully it won’t increase a ton like so many things do at the World!

I did love the curtains!

Same, the new ones are fine but the constellation ones top notch!

Yeah.... It's why I hate fireworks most of the time.

Same we always are invisible to people because we are small and I detest this. We can have a great spot and inevitably people come and stand right in front of us ugh

I am glad we got to see the guns move cause I really don't think they will ever work again.

Same, I don’t they will ever work again!

If you can, try the ice cream version. I prefer that form over the regular. The ice cream compliments the mochi. In my oppinion. But there is a lot of fun things to try there!

I may try that. I really like the gummy candy in Mitsokoshi and Poki is pretty good but we can get that here!

We're planning to see the Villians show during our upcoming trip. I don't know if we will try for Little Mermaid. It isn't a fan favorite for our group.

I really want to see the Villain show. I really enjoyed the LM show it was way better than the old one!

I'm glad you gave a little bit of a description. The mochi thing doesn't appeal to me.

Yeah weird texture somewhat like a marshmallow but slightly moist inside flavor wasn’t the best.

This looks like a great party.

This is a great way to view the fireworks and enjoy delicious food and drinks!

Is this quite new? I don’t recall hearing about it when I went last in 2022.

I think it is newer!

Tell us how you really feel about it!

Haha wait until my next installment I really digress on it!

Heh… even when the weather is perfect I bet I look miserable when I run.

Power to you if you like running, these people looked miserable!

Someone(s) knows where the camera is.

Thanks to Andi, I have learned where all the cameras are on every ride now!

How did it compare to the old mermaid show?

I thought it was much better, really cool blend of puppets and live actors!

Just be careful. Those old rundown hotels sometimes have problems and faulty equipment.

I fall for it every time!

You were holding on with your right hand, weren’t you?

You know my secret I can only enjoy the ride if I hold on some and keep my feet firmly planted!

I don’t remember the ride well enough to remember the big guns

I think they worked the first few times and never again. It is the scene where you can see out of the ship and all the fighting going on out there in space! You are in the room with the big guns!

I’d like to try that too. I never did get around to trying the old place.

We loved Tokyo Dining and this place was also quite good, I did like the menu here, many choices!

I’ve tried it a few times, and yes, the texture is a little weird. I too haven’t decided if I like it or not.

It must be an acquired taste!

That seems like a lot of food for someone who didn’t want to eat too much.

It looks like it but you know Japanese food, you are hungry again in a couple hours! it was actually pretty small bites all around

Can’t go wrong with an arrival mimosa.

It was a nice touch!

It’s a good thing you had sushi earlier!!

I tried a little here and probably from being made earlier the sushi we had earlier was much better

That sounds really good.

The shrimp was very good, Ravioli was my favorite, but everything I tried overall was very tasty!

While the slider seemed the most… pedestrian of the lot, they certainly caught my eye.

I know but these were my second favorite really good!

Good for you. Sometimes it’s more important just to be present in the moment.

It really was! Andi and I haven’t watched HEA together in quite sometime

That’s not bad considering all the food there is.

I agree, hopefully they won’t increase the price any time soon, but we all know they will!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Hello There!

In just over 2 weeks I will be heading back to Florida for a Disney trip with the “free” dining plan. I decided to do this since my AP has expired and I will buy a new one when I arrive using my 5 day PH tickets I have for this current trip! Did I have a little sticker shock with what “free” dining costs? I did just because I never pay rack rate, never buy tickets, and I would never in a day spend money on a DDP but this trip is going to be loads of fun! I am finally traveling with Liesa @Steppesister again! Yay! We will also be meeting up with Kelly @buzzrelly and hopefully also run into Sue @Wood Nymph.

My trip starts on 10/21. I fly out of my hometown around 1200 with a layover in Minneapolis for a couple hours before heading to Orlando. My flight is scheduled to arrive around 8:30pm. I will Lyft to AS Sports for the first night.

I got a really good AP price for the one night and picked a room on TP so we shall see if I get the area I requested.

I plan to get a little something to eat from the food court before calling it a night!

Wednesday I plan to head over to Universal Studios and IOA for a few hours to get a little more Halloween fun and ride a few things (ET I am looking at you!) I have an AP so why not.

I will have my luggage sent over to AKL before I head to Universal Studios. I plan to take a Lyft to Hard Rock Hotel and walk to the parks. No Epic this trip, it is not included in my AP, boo

I will head back late afternoon to AKL and hope we got our room requests which I did on TP (my track record lately with TP requests not great but a girl can hope right?)

This is when my trip starts with Liesa, The BFP, haha her pre trip report has the days outlined and our dining plans, so I won’t go into that here.

I will be in Disney until Monday 10/27. My flight leaves at 6:20pm so I will want to leave for the airport around 4-4:30pm. I hope to make use of my snack credits with items from F&W, top priority!

I also have a solo trip planned for the week of Thanksgiving! My family is abandoning me so why not head to Disney/USO by myself! My husband and son have their annual Pheasant Hunting trip in South Dakota this week and Andi has plans with Kait and friends to celebrate her 26th Birthday which is the day before Thanksgiving.

My family is all getting together and doing a family gathering before this week.

My plan for my trip is fly to Orlando on 11/25 arrive in the evening and I will be staying 6 nights at The Swan. I could not beat the AP price for a deluxe resort, it is cheaper than POFQ which was my other choice. I have never stayed at The Swan but I love the location and will be able to check another resort of my list! I fly back on Monday evening. I will also be spending some time with Stacy, @Stacybaeasm we met up for the first time on my May trip. Stacy has invited me to Thanksgiving dinner at Crystal Palace with Pooh and Friends!

I’m planning to do that and meet up with her the next day at Epcot for Festival of the Holidays. I am not doing any extra add on events this year. The Jollywood sounds interesting but not a must do with the price and I like the Christmas party but I did this last year and it is not as good as the Halloween party in my opinion. I also have done Candlelight Processional many times and have decided not to do it this year. My goals are checking out decorations, Festival of the Holidays, Magical Menagerie and Dinosaur!



I have one more trip planned after this. This trip will be the last week of January with Andi. We will spend 3 nights at Disney for FArts, yay! We love this festival and missed it this year. I have The Swan booked but will see what the price is
for a bounce back at BWI or BC and if decent could change it up.

We will spend 2 nights at Stella Nova resort close to Epic and spend 2 days at Epic, we will then move over to Royal Pacific for 2 nights using the express pass for US and IOA parks and head home on Saturday! Things may change some depending on Epic tickets and if we can add Epic to our APs. I have heard rumors that at the beginning of 2026 Epic maybe added to APs. We shall see! There you have it my travel plans through the first part of 2026. I’m sure another trip will be done in late April or early May for a little F&G time and Andi, Kait, and I will be returning for Halloween fun in early September.

I have decided to end my TR writing after my current report. I will add in a little to Liesa’s report for our October trip then hang up my hat. I will still read all the other great reports out there and comment but I think by now you all know how I travel, haha

Thanks so much for reading and I do have more installments of my current TR coming up very soon. My plan is to have it done before my October trip! So please stay tuned!

 

[amazingact21]

You have a lot of fun trips in the works!
If you happen to find yourself in DS the day after Thanksgiving, let me know! Same for if you do decide to go to WDW in April.


Not going to lie, I was sad to read that you're not going to write any more reports. I completely understand and they're something that's meant to be fun and relaxing. Once they become a chore, that's when it's time to step away. I do hope if you ever change your mind or want to recap events, you know we are all happy to read whatever you want to share!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Hello There!

Today is a Dinosaur day, followed by DS for drinks, and Epcot in the evening!

We had FP$$ for Dinosaur (shocker), Everest, and Safari with a fancy ride on FoP.

We had a little breakfast with coffee in the room before heading to the bus Again we were not rushing and left past the RD crowds at the bus. Both Andi and I were avid RD enthusiasts before Disney changed the extra hours. The 30 minute early entry just doesn’t work for us. It is complete chaos most of the time and at all 4 parks everyday. The old extra 1 hour was so much better, it kept the crowds a little lower at the specific park for that day. The extra hour was at only one park each morning! Huge difference in our opinion. Non resort guests often went to a different park on this morning so the 1 hour and the next 2-3 hours in this park remained at a low crowd level. So for now we mostly avoid RD and head into the park after crowds have dispersed some.

This morning we arrived around 9am. Guess where we went first? If you said Kali River Rapids who are you?

Dinosaur was our first choice! It was perfect timing to see a PPCM at the big replica of the T-Rex Sue. We stopped for a few pictures before doing the ride twice.


During the ride when Dr. Seeker says 4 wheel drive now, Andi with her dry sense of humor leans in and says you would think traveling to the end of the Cretaceous period, we would already be in 4 wheel drive! Funny pictures again,

#1

#2

Our next stop was Everest for Andi. We saw a PPCM on the bridge before Everest and the CM was very nice.

He gave us a typical Minnesota day, lol

Also a AK day, love seeing Everest in the background

Andi rode EE with the FP$$ x 2, thanks to my fear of this ride, haha

I looked around the gift shop while she was on the ride.

I was able to get a NRJ FP$$ so we headed over to Pandora and rode the ride. We did a mobile order for Satuli Canteen after the ride. We took a few photos waiting on our order. It would be an early lunch. It was before 11:00.


I decided on the cheeseburger pod kids meal with the veggie chips. I also asked for a side of the creamy herb dressing. I also got a Diet Coke with my meal.

Andi had the grilled chicken bowl and the Hawks Grog beer. It is the green beer made just for Pandora. Our food was delicious.

We had a FoP fancy ride up next. This is such a great ride! I think this will take over as my favorite ride in AK when Dinosaur closes.
More AK fun coming soon….

 

[buzzrelly]

We will also be meeting up with Kelly @buzzrelly

Yay! See you at Beak & Barrel, me hearties!

I will have my luggage sent over to AKL before I head to Universal Studios. I plan to take a Lyft to Hard Rock Hotel and walk to the parks. No Epic this trip, it is not included in my AP, boo

Did they add this for 2026? I thought I heard that but I might also be making it up!??

I also have a solo trip planned for the week of Thanksgiving! My family is abandoning me so why not head to Disney/USO by myself!

Aw! Perfect excuse for a trip though!

I like the Christmas party but I did this last year and it is not as good as the Halloween party in my opinion.

This trip will be the last week of January with Andi. We will spend 3 nights at Disney for FArts, yay! We love this festival and missed it this year.

Yay! What are the dates? Me and Mike will be there January 25-February 1st. We went last year for the first time and loved it!

I have decided to end my TR writing after my current report. I will add in a little to Liesa’s report for our October trip then hang up my hat.

Nooooooo

I get it, I took a long break myself and now that I've started again it's fun again. I don't do all my trips though so maybe just grace us once in a while if you feel like it.

He gave us a typical Minnesota day, lol

Hah! That's great!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Did I have a little sticker shock with what “free” dining costs? I did just because I never pay rack rate, never buy tickets, and I would never in a day spend money on a DDP but this trip is going to be loads of fun! I am finally traveling with Liesa @Steppesister again! Yay! We will also be meeting up with Kelly @buzzrelly and hopefully also run into Sue @Wood Nymph.

We did free dining back when the moderate resorts had the table service dining plan, instead of the quick service they have now. But once was enough for us.

I would love to run into you and Liesa.

I will head back late afternoon to AKL and hope we got our room requests which I did on TP (my track record lately with TP requests not great but a girl can hope right?)

Is this your first time staying at AKL? It looks like a really nice place to stay.

Stacy has invited me to Thanksgiving dinner at Crystal Palace with Pooh and Friends!

That will be a nice way to spend Thanksgiving.

There you have it my travel plans through the first part of 2026. I’m sure another trip will be done in late April

We have an April trip - Apr 12-16.

I have decided to end my TR writing after my current report.

I will miss your TRs, but I understand. I've learned a lot from them.

We had a FoP fancy ride up next. This is such a great ride! I think this will take over as my favorite ride in AK when Dinosaur closes.

Did you have any trouble getting the time that you wanted for FoP? I'm planning to buy it for our upcoming trip but only if I can get a morning time.

 

[disneyAndi14]

You have a lot of fun trips in the works!
If you happen to find yourself in DS the day after Thanksgiving, let me know! Same for if you do decide to go to WDW in April.

I’m excited for the upcoming trips, will you be in DS on Black Friday? Cool. I wonder if it is a madhouse there on that day! Will you be doing any parks or just DS?

Not going to lie, I was sad to read that you're not going to write any more reports. I completely understand and they're something that's meant to be fun and relaxing. Once they become a chore, that's when it's time to step away. I do hope if you ever change your mind or want to recap events, you know we are all happy to read whatever you want to share!

Thank you, I think I go fairly often so writing for each trip becomes a little bit of a chore! I do love having all the reports here to look back on! Maybe I will do one 1x a year!

Yay! See you at Beak & Barrel, me hearties!

I’m really excited to see the new lounge! Our ressie overlaps yay!

Did they add this for 2026? I thought I heard that but I might also be making it up!??

I’m have heard rumors Epic will be added in 2026, I wonder how much more it will cost?

Aw! Perfect excuse for a trip though!

Yes, I told my husband I’m going to Disney and he said I am not surprised haha

Yay! What are the dates? Me and Mike will be there January 25-February 1st. We went last year for the first time and loved it!

We will be there 1/24-1/31, first part at WDW, we should meet up and say hi

I get it, I took a long break myself and now that I've started again it's fun again. I don't do all my trips though so maybe just grace us once in a while if you feel like it.

I love reading all the TRsa d writing but I do travel frequently so maybe just one a year? Like our big Halloween trip!

I would love to run into you and Liesa

Same, I hope it works out!

Is this your first time staying at AKL? It looks like a really nice place to stay.

No, I have stayed at AKL many times I do love it!

That will be a nice way to spend Thanksgiving.

I’m excited for the solo trip! I loved the one I did in May!

We have an April trip - Apr 12-16.

I’m thinking the end of April or beginning of May

I will miss your TRs, but I understand. I've learned a lot from them.

I’m glad the reports have been helpful! I do love writing and reading others! Just will take a break and maybe write one a year!

Did you have any trouble getting the time that you wanted for FoP? I'm planning to buy it for our upcoming trip but only if I can get a morning time.

No not at all, plenty of morning times when I booked!

 

[Steppesister]

I am finally traveling with Liesa @Steppesister again! Yay! We will also be meeting up with Kelly @buzzrelly and hopefully also run into Sue @Wood Nymph.

FINALLY! Should be some fun meet ups!

I will head back late afternoon to AKL and hope we got our room requests which I did on TP (my track record lately with TP requests not great but a girl can hope right?)

Let's hope for the BEST!!!

I hope to make use of my snack credits with items from F&W, top priority!

YES!!! Plan it to eat dinner leftovers for breakfasts and save those credits for F&W.

We had FP$$ for Dinosaur (shocker), Everest, and Safari with a fancy ride on FoP.

Glad you got Navi later!!

The 30 minute early entry just doesn’t work for us. It is complete chaos most of the time and at all 4 parks everyday.

I will RD with EE and try to get a couple of the headliners pounded out. BUT, now with my knee I won't be able to go fast and fear wrecking it worse.

I was able to get a NRJ FP$$ so we headed over to Pandora and rode the ride.

Now we're talking. Speaking of talking... I can't think of a huger pet peeve of mine when people talk on this ride. I LOVE the soundtrack and the sounds of the Navi forest and everyone is always yacking through it. Ugh!! SHhhhh!!!!!

 

[pkondz]

Haha wait until my next installment I really digress on it!

Power to you if you like running, these people looked miserable!

I run… I do NOT like it.

thought it was much better, really cool blend of puppets and live actors!

Good to hear!
Maybe someday I’ll see it.

I fall for it every time!

I see what you did there.

You know my secret I can only enjoy the ride if I hold on some and keep my feet firmly planted!

think they worked the first few times and never again. It is the scene where you can see out of the ship and all the fighting going on out there in space! You are in the room with the big guns!

Huh. Then I guess I’ve never seen them… or don’t remember. Were they in the way and move back? (Vague recollection)

I tried a little here and probably from being made earlier the sushi we had earlier was much better

Surprised by that. Thought CG had the best sushi.

I agree, hopefully they won’t increase the price any time soon, but we all know they will!

In just over 2 weeks I will be heading back to Florida

Soon!

I am finally traveling with Liesa @Steppesister again! Yay! We will also be meeting up with Kelly @buzzrelly and hopefully also run into Sue @Wood Nymph.

Sounds like a fun group.

picked a room on TP

Let us know if you get it. Know you said you haven’t had much luck with it lately.

I also have a solo trip planned for the week of Thanksgiving! My family is abandoning me so why not head to Disney/USO by myself!

I have one more trip planned after this.

Another!

I have decided to end my TR writing after my current report.

But I get it. These are a lot of work.

We had FP$$ for Dinosaur (shocker),

What?!?!?

We had a little breakfast with coffee in the room

And beer…

The 30 minute early entry just doesn’t work for us

Wish they’d change that back.

This morning we arrived around 9am. Guess where we went first? If you said Kali River Rapids who are you?

During the ride when Dr. Seeker says 4 wheel drive now, Andi with her dry sense of humor leans in and says you would think traveling to the end of the Cretaceous period, we would already be in 4 wheel drive!

Never thought of that!

Funny pictures again,

You’re hilarious in both.
Those two kids suffering away in the second shot.

He gave us a typical Minnesota day, lol

Andi rode EE with the FP$$ x 2, thanks to my fear of this ride, haha

Afraid that yeti’ll getcha, huh?

Our food was delicious.

I’ve always been leery of that burger pod… might have to give it a try.

 

[buzzrelly]

We will be there 1/24-1/31, first part at WDW, we should meet up and say hi

Yes!

I love reading all the TRsa d writing but I do travel frequently so maybe just one a year? Like our big Halloween trip!

Sounds like a good plan and no pressure! Take the break if you need it! Do whatever feels fun to you!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I will have my luggage sent over to AKL before I head to Universal Studios. I plan to take a Lyft to Hard Rock Hotel and walk to the parks. No Epic this trip, it is not included in my AP, boo

This is crazy how they are doing the tickets right now! I get but as an AP holder to not have it is wild.

have decided to end my TR writing after my current report. I will add in a little to Liesa’s report for our October trip then hang up my hat. I will still read all the other great reports out there and comment but I think by now you all know how I travel, haha

But I just got back over to the boards!!!

Today is a Dinosaur day, followed by DS for drinks, and Epcot in the evening!

Dinosaur Day. I love it.

 

[disneyAndi14]

Should be some fun meet ups!

Yes I’m really excited!

Let's hope for the BEST!!!

We have had some nice AKL rooms so I hope so

YES!!! Plan it to eat dinner leftovers for breakfasts and save those credits for F&W.

Is it one snack a day? I think so

Glad you got Navi later!!

We love NRJ except now they cram 4 people in each small seat!

I will RD with EE and try to get a couple of the headliners pounded out. BUT, now with my knee I won't be able to go fast and fear wrecking it worse

Oh no! I hope your knee behaves! I always bring KT tape!

Now we're talking. Speaking of talking... I can't think of a huger pet peeve of mine when people talk on this ride. I LOVE the soundtrack and the sounds of the Navi forest and everyone is always yacking through it. Ugh!! SHhhhh!!!!!

I know some people talk through the whole ride, ugh

 

[disneyAndi14]

I run… I do NOT like it.

I think most people are like that! Good exercise but not all that enjoyable

Good to hear!
Maybe someday I’ll see it.

LM It is worth seeing at least once

Huh. Then I guess I’ve never seen them… or don’t remember. Were they in the way and move back? (Vague recollection

Yes they would move towards you and back again as you went through that room

Surprised by that. Thought CG had the best sushi.

May have suffered a little from being prepared ahead of time

Sounds like a fun group.

I agree and always fun to meet up in a new lounge!

Let us know if you get it. Know you said you haven’t had much luck with it lately.

We will. I sure hope we do. I requested a higher floor with a partial savanna view since we have a standard room

Wish they’d change that back.

I do as well. We loved the extra hour in the morning!

You’re hilarious in both.
Those two kids suffering away in the second shot.

Living my best Dinosaur life for sure! Kids are usually so funny on here! They are always dazed and unsure about the experience haha

Afraid that yeti’ll getcha, huh?

Well. I feel like my neck is going to snap with the g force once you head backwards after the track breaks!

Sounds like a good plan and no pressure! Take the break if you need it! Do whatever feels fun to you!

Aww thanks I’m so glad to see you back on here writing again. I love it!

Yes

I hope it works out for a little meet up!

This is crazy how they are doing the tickets right now! I get but as an AP holder to not have it is wild.

I know! US APs are so much cheaper than Disney I wonder how much it will increase when they add Epic as an option!

But I just got back over to the boards!!!

Haha I am glad to see you back on here and enjoy your reports!

Dinosaur Day. I love it.

 

[disneyAndi14]

We had a FP$$ for Safari next. We saw more animals on this Safari. There were quite a few giraffes out and about.

I saw a Crash of Rhinos and also a full moon,

Andi wanted to head back to DS for a drink and possibly getting into Jock Lindsey’s Halloween Bar.

We took a Lyft to DS and we picked the west side for drop off. We picked up a couple drinks at Splitsville. They have an outside walk up bar. It was once again stinking HOT out and we decided on frozen drinks. Mine was a Dolewhip and mango nonalcoholic frozen drink. Andi decided on a rum slushy drink. I loved my drink. It was filling.

Jock’s had a long wait again even for outside. We did a walk up at The Boat Club. I was not really hungry so we decided on the calamari appetizer. Andi continued with a rum drink and I had the famous Duck Duck Razz. We also had the delicious warm buns. I love the buns. I would have been happy with just the buns and my drink. The calamari was good but we hardly put a dent in it.

We finished our drinks and headed out. We decided to take a bus, of course it was there, Andi ran ahead and the bus driver waited for us. We did have to stand, boo we got to be right up front with the driver. It wasn’t horrible but I was happy to get to the YC.

We needed to cool off and relax some before our evening in Epcot. We had great Mousekeeping this trip. Our room was always done before we came back for our afternoon rest. I had been making FP$$ for Epcot and had Remy, Soarin, and LwtL lined up. Our ADR at Geo82 was at 7:45pm. The EMH was from 9-11pm. We didn’t plan on doing too much during that time. We would see what the wait times were like and go with the flow.

Soon it was time to walk over to Epcot. It was around 6pm. Our first attraction was Remy.

We love this little “rat” ride, Andi in her dry humor says I don’t care how cute Remy is, I don’t want a rat making my dinner!

We constantly are laughing on our trips, sometimes at our own expense, sometimes others, and definitely at Disney’s expense.

It was time to head to our other FP$$ in future world or whatever it is called now!

We rode LwtL, they had a few new displays for F&W


Next, we had a ride on Soarin. We got B row 2, not bad!

It was time to start working our way to SE for our Geo82 reservation. I saw a PPCM in a spot I usually don’t see one and we got a few pictures. He didn’t offer a magic shot so I figured weird but must not have one here. Well to my surprise another couple comes along and says it this the area for the special magic shot? He says yes, WHAT?? I was a little salty he didn’t even offer a magic shot to us.

We must be chopped liver
We laughed it off but Andi did not want to go back for the magic shot, so we left the area.

Here is our picture! Nothing fancy for us!

It was sad seeing SE all closed up. It was down for refurbishment during our trip as was Buzz, Big Thunder, and Bugs Life. I think that was it but several of our favorites on the list.

We found the entrance to the lounge in Projects of Tomorrow. You got upstairs to the check in area. They give you a rolled up wet washcloth but it was cold?? We thought this was odd.


Follow me to the next post….

 

[disneyAndi14]

The lounge and artwork are beautiful. We were seated at the bar. This was fine but our back was to the windows. There is a fireworks package and those seats are saved for the people with the ADR for fireworks


I did walk around and take pictures. It is a lovely lounge and I would definitely come back and maybe do the fireworks package at sometime.


Our bartender CM was wonderful. He made Andi a special spicy margarita from scratch and I went with a dirty martini with Grey Goose vodka, my favorite We both loved our drinks and these came in around $17 a drink which actually was quite a bit less than the $24 old fashioned and other specialty drinks on the menu.



We ordered 2 of the Funghi Flatbread for our food.

This was our dinner and Andi wasn’t interested in any of the other offerings.

This flatbread was heavenly. Chefs Kiss we really enjoyed this.

The description of this is roasted mushrooms, miso-mascarpone, mozzarella, fontina, pickled red onion, and black garlic molasses. We loved the atmosphere in here, the drinks, and definitely the food!

2 thumbs up give it a try! We didn’t stay for the fireworks which started at 9pm, I guess I don’t know if you have that limited time in here like Oga’s cantina? We were never told this and no one was rushing us out. We could have definitely had another drink. Epcot fireworks nowadays are just meh to us so not a priority.

We headed over to Moana at night! We just walked through and did a few of the water features. We made music and waves and ended with a picture.

 

[disneyAndi14]

We headed over to Nemo right before park closing. We always like this ride. This night was really fun because we were able to spend time looking at the aquarium without a ton of people. Literally there was like 4 people left in the aquarium. We had so much fun checking out all the fish without fighting for a peek with tons of people around.



Pro tip ride Nemo right at closing and enjoy the aquarium without fighting the crowds!

It was now extra hours, we didn’t want to wait in any long lines so we did Soarin, LwtL, Gran Fiesta, and Remy on our way out! It really was nice walking through the WS without a ton of people around.






We love gran Fiesta and we had a boat to ourselves!

Also really nice to walk back to our resort! Another day in the books

Steps today 25431

 

[Steppesister]

We have had some nice AKL rooms so I hope so

Is it one snack a day? I think so

Yes, they downgraded it. BOOOOO!!!! (Oh sure, I probably couldn't even eat 2, but I'd sure try!!!)

We love NRJ except now they cram 4 people in each small seat!

I'm not sure the solution to this. Hmmm, ask to wait for front or back row?

Oh no! I hope your knee behaves! I always bring KT tape!

Well.... I got some bad MRI news

IMPRESSION:

1. SUSPECTED PRIOR LATERAL MENISCECTOMY WITH POSTOPERATIVE CHANGE, DEGENERATION AND POSSIBLE RECURRENT TEAR EXTENDING TO THE INFERIOR ARTICULAR SURFACE AND LATERAL FREE EDGE WHERE THERE IS A 4 MM PARAMENISCAL CYST.
2. SIMILAR ACL DEGENERATION WITHOUT COMPLETE RUPTURE.
3. EARLY QUADRICEPS TENDINOPATHY.

It super hurts right now. Lots of Aleve and an Ortho Eval on the 30th.

Jock’s had a long wait again even for outside.

UGH. It's high on my list, soooo... ?

The calamari was good but we hardly put a dent in it.

Sometimes sacrificial purchases have to be made for the sake of... well, a drink.

Our ADR at Geo82 was at 7:45pm. The EMH was from 9-11pm

Perfect timing!

We rode LwtL, they had a few new displays for F&W

Super looking forward to the overlay.

It was sad seeing SE all closed up.

BUT!!! It opens up on the 25th! (Or so they say....)

 

[Steppesister]

Fun how the chandeliers look like fireworks in the reflections.

We both loved our drinks and these came in around $17 a drink which actually was quite a bit less than the $24 old fashioned and other specialty drinks on the menu.

Ohhhh, I'll keep that in mind. I don't really need a fan$y drink, but the one for $25, but this non-alcoholic one sounds very intersting!

A Walk Through the Garden: Seedlip Garden 108 Non-Alcoholic Spirit, basil, fennel, lemon, Hella Cocktail Co. Orange Bitters, The Bitter Truth Celery Bitters, and bubbles $17.00

We ordered 2 of the Funghi Flatbread for our food.

That's exactly what I'd planned to order there. It sounded so good to me.

We headed over to Moana at night! We just walked through and did a few of the water features. We made music and waves and ended with a picture.

I'm hoping to see this at night too. I'm sure it's really pretty at night.

It was now extra hours, we didn’t want to wait in any long lines so we did Soarin, LwtL, Gran Fiesta, and Remy on our way out! It really was nice walking through the WS without a ton of people around.

What a perfect ending to a great day! Lots done!

We love gran Fiesta and we had a boat to ourselves!

NICE!!! Remind me I need to sit on the left side of the boat!

 

[suse66]

In just over 2 weeks I will be heading back to Florida for a Disney trip with the “free” dining plan. I decided to do this since my AP has expired and I will buy a new one when I arrive using my 5 day PH tickets I have for this current trip! Did I have a little sticker shock with what “free” dining costs? I did just because I never pay rack rate, never buy tickets, and I would never in a day spend money on a DDP but this trip is going to be loads of fun! I am finally traveling with Liesa @Steppesister again! Yay! We will also be meeting up with Kelly @buzzrelly and hopefully also run into Sue @Wood Nymph.

I cannot even tell you how jealous I am......wah!

I also have a solo trip planned for the week of Thanksgiving! My family is abandoning me so why not head to Disney/USO by myself! My husband and son have their annual Pheasant Hunting trip in South Dakota this week and Andi has plans with Kait and friends to celebrate her 26th Birthday which is the day before Thanksgiving.

You know I wish I could go too!

My plan for my trip is fly to Orlando on 11/25 arrive in the evening and I will be staying 6 nights at The Swan. I could not beat the AP price for a deluxe resort, it is cheaper than POFQ which was my other choice. I have never stayed at The Swan but I love the location and will be able to check another resort of my list! I fly back on Monday evening. I will also be spending some time with Stacy, @Stacybaeasm we met up for the first time on my May trip. Stacy has invited me to Thanksgiving dinner at Crystal Palace with Pooh and Friends!

So nice!

I also have done Candlelight Processional many times and have decided not to do it this year. My goals are checking out decorations, Festival of the Holidays, Magical Menagerie and Dinosaur!

Honestly I wasn't that impressed with the list of narrators for Candlelight this year.

I have decided to end my TR writing after my current report. I will add in a little to Liesa’s report for our October trip then hang up my hat. I will still read all the other great reports out there and comment but I think by now you all know how I travel, haha

Nnnnnnooooooo! Maybe you'll be ready to write again when I can travel south again.

Andi had the grilled chicken bowl and the Hawks Grog beer. It is the green beer made just for Pandora. Our food was delicious.

We had a FoP fancy ride up next. This is such a great ride! I think this will take over as my favorite ride in AK when Dinosaur closes.
More AK fun coming soon….

Love Satuli!

We had a FP$$ for Safari next. We saw more animals on this Safari. There were quite a few giraffes out and about.

Jock’s had a long wait again even for outside. We did a walk up at The Boat Club. I was not really hungry so we decided on the calamari appetizer. Andi continued with a rum drink and I had the famous Duck Duck Razz. We also had the delicious warm buns. I love the buns. I would have been happy with just the buns and my drink. The calamari was good but we hardly put a dent in it.

Did the Duck Duck drink make you as tipsy as it did on our Christmas 2023 trip??

The description of this is roasted mushrooms, miso-mascarpone, mozzarella, fontina, pickled red onion, and black garlic molasses. We loved the atmosphere in here, the drinks, and definitely the food!

Yum!!!!!!

2 thumbs up give it a try! We didn’t stay for the fireworks which started at 9pm, I guess I don’t know if you have that limited time in here like Oga’s cantina? We were never told this and no one was rushing us out. We could have definitely had another drink. Epcot fireworks nowadays are just meh to us so not a priority.

I would definitely do fireworks here. You know how much I love Luminous!

 

[pkondz]

I think most people are like that! Good exercise but not all that enjoyable

Maybe so. I’m just always glad when it’s over.

Yes they would move towards you and back again as you went through that room

I think I’ve seen that?

Living my best Dinosaur life for sure!

I saw a Crash of Rhinos and also a full moon,

Andi wanted to head back to DS for a drink and possibly getting into Jock Lindsey’s Halloween Bar.

I heard that’s pretty cool.

We picked up a couple drinks at Splitsville. They have an outside walk up bar.

Did not know that.

Mine was a Dolewhip and mango nonalcoholic frozen drink.

Whoa. Sounds amazing.

and I had the famous Duck Duck Razz.

Looked it up. Hadn’t heard of it! Sounds really good.

We also had the delicious warm buns.

Sure, after the full moon and all…

I love the buns

I would have been happy with just the buns and my drink

I bet you would!

We decided to take a bus, of course it was there, Andi ran ahead and the bus driver waited for us. We did have to stand, boo we got to be right up front with the driver. It wasn’t horrible but I was happy to get to the YC.

Better than waiting 20 minutes I think.

We love this little “rat” ride

Andi in her dry humor says I don’t care how cute Remy is, I don’t want a rat making my dinner!

Just rewatched it the other day. He dies wash his hands at least.

We constantly are laughing on our trips, sometimes at our own expense, sometimes others, and definitely at Disney’s expense.

He didn’t offer a magic shot so I figured weird but must not have one here. Well to my surprise another couple comes along and says it this the area for the special magic shot? He says yes, WHAT?? I was a little salty he didn’t even offer a magic shot to us.

Well that’s not okay. Does he not know who you are????

It was sad seeing SE all closed up. It was down for refurbishment during our trip as was Buzz, Big Thunder, and Bugs Life. I think that was it but several of our favorites on the list.

Lots of headliners.

They give you a rolled up wet washcloth but it was cold?? We thought this was odd.

Maybe because of the Florida heat?

It is a lovely lounge

Sure looks nice! Like the chandeliers.

This flatbread was heavenly. Chefs Kiss we really enjoyed this.

Noted!

This night was really fun because we were able to spend time looking at the aquarium without a ton of people. Literally there was like 4 people left in the aquarium.

Must remember this.