"When life gets you down do you wanna know what you've gotta do? Just keep swimming" 10 year anniversary trip 8/24-8/30 at CSR

[disneylove16]

The wait for IASW was low, so we hopped in the queue. I haven't been able to persuade DH to ride it since our first trip.




Then we headed over to CHH for lunch. CHH is a must do for us every trip, because DH loves their tuna sandwich he never even eats tuna at home. I got the trio of shrimp, chicken, and fish.

 

[disneylove16]

We stopped in Memento Mori






I picked these up for the puppers.




We rode a few more rides, and explored a bit more.

 

[disneylove16]

The crowds were really picking up now, as it was early afternoon. It was getting too crowded for my liking. We worked our way back to Fantasyland to Storybook Treats so I could get the Peter Pan float, which I had been dying to try.




It was so worth the wait. This was probably my favorite treat I tried on this trip (the Cannoli from Italy in Epcot is a very close 2nd)

I was ready to leave by this point, because it was HOT and the crowds were becoming unbearable for me. But, we had a FP for HM to use, so we headed over there.








I also stopped in the Christmas shop, to look for an ornament. I get (at least) one every trip. I was so excited to see these:






I could not believe they had Oliver & Dodger! I purchased the 3 of these, as well as had an ornament personalized for our 10 year anniversary.

 

[disneylove16]

We made our way back towards the front of the park to head back to the hotel. I planned on stopping at Starbucks on our way out.

I think these are so beautiful:





They had the moat drained. I was trying to take a photo of it, and DH thought I was trying to take his picture. This happened quite a bit this trip, and resulted in lots of photobombs by DH.
We picked a bad time to make our way to Main Street, as the parade was starting soon, and it was packed. I do not do well in crowds. We made our way over to Starbucks.

 

[disneylove16]

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The Instagram donut:



Ok, I need to tell y'all about this. This was the 1st of a few turning points in this trip for me. I ordered my drink, and asked the CM if I could get the donut to go, so I could take it back to the room. She said no problem, they could put another plate over it and put it in a paper bag. I waited for my items in the waiting area, while there was a huge crowd waiting right at the counter (I don't understand why people do this, just back up and wait for your name to be called, so the 10 people who ordered before you don't have to say excuse me and push by you to get their things.)

A different CM called my name and put the donut on the counter. I said I'm sorry but I was going to get it to go (politely), and she literally rolled her eyes at me, and yelled that they don't do that. At this point, the crowd waiting for their drinks are all staring at me because of her raised voice. I said the CM who took my order said they were able to put a plate on it and put it in a bag. She got visibly frustrated with me, said "I'm not doing that, but you can do it" and kind of tossed the plate and bag at me/the donut. It was such a miniscule situation, but I was already really anxious from the crowds, and being the center of attention. I could feel the anxiety rising, and the more I tried to push it away, the worse it got. We walked out onto Mainstreet, and I had a full fledged anxiety attack while trying to keep up with DH who was making his way out of the park (and completely oblivious to what was happening). I felt ridiculous, but here I was, a 36 year old woman, downright sobbing while walking down Mainstreet at Magic Kingdom. (Thank goodness for sunglasses)


DH finally realized I was meandering and not really keeping up, and I told him what happened. He got upset, but helped me make my way out of the park and to our bus. I ended up throwing the stupid donut out (after taking a photo for my TR of course) and the whole situation just really left me off kilter.

 

[disneyAndi14]

I just want to tell you, I refused to go back to that Starbucks this trip after a similar rude CM interaction!
I ordered a refresher and it literally was 40 minutes later and I still had not been called for my drink I think they just pour into a glass with some fruit, ugh!
I was so hot and I needed some water, I was by myself. I went up to the counter and asked very politely if I could get a water and the rude CM says, you can’t lean on this counter or be this close. She was very loud. I literally had seen several customers ask for water before me. She was so rude, she makes me wait about 10 minutes or more and finally just throws the water on the counter.
I had it by this point, I threw my receipt at her and say keep my bleepity bleep refresher! I was so mad. I have never seen so many people in that place just standing there and waiting forever for drinks, ugh!!
I’m sorry you had a panic attack over it but I get it! I refuse to go in there for a long time! rant over, lol!!
I did not enjoy MK much this trip, it was way to crowded for my liking!

 

[disneylove16]

I just want to tell you, I refused to go back to that Starbucks this trip after a similar rude CM interaction!
I ordered a refresher and it literally was 40 minutes later and I still had not been called for my drink I think they just pour into a glass with some fruit, ugh!
I was so hot and I needed some water, I was by myself. I went up to the counter and asked very politely if I could get a water and the rude CM says, you can’t lean on this counter or be this close. She was very loud. I literally had seen several customers ask for water before me. She was so rude, she makes me wait about 10 minutes or more and finally just throws the water on the counter.
I had it by this point, I threw my receipt at her and say keep my bleepity bleep refresher! I was so mad. I have never seen so many people in that place just standing there and waiting forever for drinks, ugh!!
I’m sorry you had a panic attack over it but I get it! I refuse to go in there for a long time! rant over, lol!!
I did not enjoy MK much this trip, it was way to crowded for my liking!

Oh no! I'm so sorry you had that happen. It has to be the same CM. It sounds exactly like this CM's mannerism. The CM I dealt with was so visibly angry with everyone. I understand it's very stressful being as busy as they are, and dealing with rude guests, etc. And that's the only reason I didn't make a complaint, but she was just downright mean. I agree with you about MK, the crowds were too much. I hope you had a great trip otherwise!!

 

[disneylove16]

We got back to the resort, showered, and got ready for dinner. We wanted to stop at Barcelona Lounge for a drink before our Toledo ADR.

 

[disneylove16]

Barcelona lounge is beautiful. DH agreed it's beautiful, but said he felt like it's "too fancy" He got a bloody Mary (you'll notice a theme in this TR, I feel like that's all he drank), and I got the café bombon, which I couldn't wait to try. We both loved our drinks, and the café bombon was divine. The CM said they serve it in the layers that are perfect for Instagram photos, but she recommended stirring it before drinking. It's espresso with condensed milk.







When we finished, we headed to the top of the tower for dinner at Toledo.







We checked out Dahlia Lounge, which was also beautiful. The outdoor balcony is amazing, and the view is spectacular.









Then it was time for dinner! Let me tell you, if you are on the fence about trying Toledo... DO IT! This was hands down the best meal we had this trip. The food is so flavorful, and there's just so many different flavors going on.








I got the hibiscus mint lemonade, which was so refreshing, and DH got an Estrella Damm.






Can you tell I love the décor?

We got the pan con tomate appetizer. DH is begging me to try to copycat this here at home. It was heavenly. So simple, but absolutely delicious.





We ordered a couple of the pintxos. Left to right is the anchovy and manchego, Spanish potato omelette, and Valdeon blue cheese with fig. The blue cheese was the favorite for both of us, and neither of us liked the anchovy and manchego.

 

[disneylove16]

For our entrees, DH got the hanger steak, and I got the scallops. We both loved every part of our meals. We also got a side of the olive oil potato puree.






For dessert, I got the Toledo tapas bar, which I had my heart set on the restaurant opened. DH got the café con leche choux. I ended up liking his way more.

 

[disneylove16]

After dinner, we made our way to the gift shop to check it out and walk off some of our dinner.











Outside, we saw the most majestic bird sunning himself.



We headed back to the room for an early night, since the next day was going to be a long one.

Next up: Epcot , Via Napoli, Coral Reef, our disappointing night at DAH-AK, and Rix Sports Bar & Grill

 

[Eeyore daily]

Following along! I'm sorry about the Starbucks CM and the crowds. Have you thought about sending an email to guest services or whoever appropriate about that incident? It's pretty unacceptable.
Also your sleeves are pretty amazing and beautiful!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Wow, Destino is gorgeous, thanks for all the beautiful pictures!!
The lounges look amazing and Toledo sounds like a great choice. I am going to check out the menu for our January trip!!

 

[disneylove16]

Following along! I'm sorry about the Starbucks CM and the crowds. Have you thought about sending an email to guest services or whoever appropriate about that incident? It's pretty unacceptable.
Also your sleeves are pretty amazing and beautiful!

Thank you so much! I can't wait to finish my Oliver & Company arm
I did note the CM's name, and was going to complain to guest services, but just didn't have it in me. I was hoping she was just having a bad day, and don't want to get anyone in trouble. I'm sure if that's her personality, she's going to upset the wrong guest, and they will make a complaint.

Wow, Destino is gorgeous, thanks for all the beautiful pictures!!
The lounges look amazing and Toledo sounds like a great choice. I am going to check out the menu for our January trip!!

Thanks! It is really stunning. Toledo wasn't even on our radar, and we happened to watch a dining review vlog, and thought everything looked amazing. I'm so glad we tried it, it's definitely a must-do for us for now on! I'd love to know how crowds are when you go in January, we are hoping to go in January 2021, and I'm hoping the crowds will be more manageable!

 

[disneylove16]

DAY 2: EPCOT/ DAH @ AK
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We were up bright and early and at the bus stop by 7 am. We would be doing Epcot all day, then head to AK after dinner for DAH.






The coverings were up in the entrance to Epcot, making for some ugly pictures.









It was already crowded.






We decided to rope drop Soarin, as did half of the rest of the mob.






After Soarin we rode Living with the Land.









DH had been wanting to try the bloody Mary from Refreshment Port, so we went there as soon as it opened. This was his favorite bloody Mary the whole trip. I ate his shrimp and it was delicious.




We had an ADR for Via Napoli for lunch, so we headed over to Italy.

 

[disneylove16]

We ordered the Caesar salad to split, and DH ordered an individual size pepperoni pizza, I ordered the quatro formaggi. I always get the strawberry agua as well.









We skipped dessert, because I really love the cannoli from the Italian gelato kiosk right outside.



It's soooo good.

We hit a few shops.






I purchased this one.






We got a pretzel and pink grapefruit beer from the kiosk in Germany. The CM was beyond rude, and the pretzel was so dry and stale. But the beer was delicious!




I love Disney ducks




We made our way through WS, since we had a FP for Test Track.










We stopped for a drink at Choza de Margarita, I got the fiesta margarita, and DH got a michelada.




We finished our drinks on got on the FP line for TT.




Then we headed to the Seas to kill some time before our ADR at Coral Reef. We did Turtle Talk with Crush for the first time, and it was adorable.

 

[disneylove16]

Then we headed to CR. This restaurant was on the chopping block when they changed their menu, and took off my beloved salmon. But it's always been a must do for us, so we decided to keep it. They added a seafood boil, which I planned on ordering but without the sausage. Our server informed me they're unable to do that, as it's premade (which is odd to me for a seafood boil), so I ordered the mahi mahi, and DH ordered the steak. I got the pina colava to drink, and we ordered our desserts (key lime tart, and cheesecake) to go.












The meal was ok. But, I think we will be taking CR out of rotation next trip. When we left the restaurant, it started downpouring. We headed back to the resort to rest a little bit before our DAH event at AK. While there, it started thundering and lightening pretty bad. I called guest services while at the room, and asked if the event would be cancelled, and they said no. We ventured out in our ponchos right before the event started. I barely took any pictures since it was pouring, and I didn't want my phone getting too wet. During one of the breaks in the rain, we saw a rainbow!

 

[disneylove16]

I planned on EE being closed due to the thunder and lightening. At 9 we headed straight to Pandora, and FOP showed a 120 minute wait. We headed over to Na'vi River, and it showed a 20 minute wait, but ended up being a walk on. When we got out, FOP still showed 120 minute wait, and guests without DAH wristbands were still getting on line. (The park was supposed to close to the public at 8:30). We crossed back to Dinosaur, and CM's were out front saying it was closed. Triceratop spin was closed. ITTBAB was closed. EE was closed. There were no vendors out with the "free popcorn, ice cream, and drinks". We kept checking the app, and everything was closed except for the 2 Pandora rides. We walked back that way, and I asked a CM if the wait was really 120 minutes, she said no, to go ahead and go on the FP line. It was so disorganized, and the CM's seemed overwhelmed. We got on line, and still ended up waiting a while, but were able to ride. Since everything else in the park was closed, everyone at the event ended up congregating in Pandora, which made it feel packed. We only did this event because it's worth it to me to pay for a less crowded way to tour the parks. I overheard so many people complaining that they paid hundreds of dollars for 2 rides. We decided to leave, and I planned on stopping at guest services on the way out to complain. We paid $250, rode 2 rides, and were done after an hour. We made our way over to guest services, and the line was ridiculous. I guess many others had the same problem. I didn't feel like spending the rest of the night waiting in line, so we called it a loss. We finally found a vendor with popcorn/ice cream, etc. I grabbed a popcorn, and it was so stale. I was so disappointed in this event. I completely understand that Disney can't control the weather, but I really felt like they should have cancelled the event and refunded everyone's money, or issued anytime FP's to attendees to use another day. We decided to head back to the resort, and try out Rix Sports Bar & Grill. While there, our server said that lightening had struck the hotel and MK, causing some issues with some of the rides. Maybe this happened to AK as well? Regardless, it was such a waste of money. Anyway, the meal at Rix was surprisingly delicious.






DH got... you guessed it, a bloody Mary. And we got the guacamole to share. DH got a burger, and I got a turkey burger, but I'm not sure where the photos of our burgers went.




I purchased a few souveneirs to bring home:







We called it a night.
Up next: Disney Springs, Earl of Sandwich, Maya Grill

 

[Eeyore daily]

I’m sorry DAH was a wash out for you! I would’ve hated wasting the money to do just two rides.

 

[disneyAndi14]

What a bummer! I would have been down about the DAH also! We have done it 3x at MK and have always been able to ride so many things! Once I got so many waters and diet cokes, it lasted the rest of the trip!

You definitely should have got your money back, 2 rides that stinks!!

You really take some nice pictures, I am enjoying them!!