Why does Flight of Passage always make me cry? ~ An 11 day August/24 Disney extravaganza! complete 01/25 + new TR link

I had lunch at the Summer House last November and loved the restaurant. We added it to our March trip. :)
 
HOORAY for getting your DVC accommodations booked! Your trip to Hawaii sounds amazing.

What a lovely Magic Kingdom day! I love the Photopass pictures - especially the one where everyone looks so excited.

I’m looking forward to seeing the Country Bears! I usually skipped the original but hear all the new songs on DisneyHits (Sirius XM) and think they’d be fun to hear in person. I’m sure it’s a tough change for those who loved the original version.

Good grief, your airline went bankrupt?! I’m glad you enjoyed an extra Disney day but getting drenched at OKW sounded rough. At least you had a dinner with friends and the drone show to look forward to.
 
Terrific! More Christmas at Disney. :)
Always the best! Although I will be watching closely to see if I feel US travel is advisable.
oooohhhh.... Loved the North Shore.
We had looked at staying at Turtle Bay resort BUT it was $1230/night! A little rich for our blood. So we are at the Courtyard Marriott on the North Shore instead. Maybe we'll go for lunch at Turtle Bay. :)
Try surfing lesson on the North Shore. Lots of fun and very un-intimidating. You'll have someone hold your board while you climb on and even give you a push. I see North Shore Surf Girls are still in business. Was years ago, but thought they were great. Make sure not to miss Matsumoto Shave Ice. Be warned, though... Once you have that, you'll never want the kakigori at Epcot Japan again. There's just no comparison. Horseback riding at Kualoa Ranch is breathtaking. And make sure you stop at Giovanni's shrimp truck for the freshest and best garlic shrimp you'll ever have.
Bill will love the shrimp... I can't bring myself to eat them. They look too much like bugs to me. I am looking forward to trying shave ice and the malasadas.
This is terrific! Look at Billie's happiness! :goodvibes
Isn't it perfect?
I'm glad this travesty was corrected.
I will never make that mistake again.
Billie is smart.
Agreed!
Um... why do I have a feeling that you might wait... forever.
Right??? I've called my bank several times and they said they were looking into it but no refund yet.
Huh! Interesting. But I guess makes sense. If even just one drone poops out...
I understand why they have to cautious but I really miss the boat transportation along the Sassalouga.
Finally tried one of those... and it's not for me.
Aperol is something you either enjoy or you don't.
How was that?
Interesting. it's a lot of work to get the artichoke flesh out.
This would've been my choice. Sounds delicious!
Melinda really enjoyed it.
This is new, isn't it? At least I don't remember it. How was the ice cream?
Yes, it opened in 2022. I really enjoyed the ice cream although I stuck with a toffee chocolate blend. Some of their flavours are quite adventurous!
Loving all the MK photos.
Looks like you girls had great craic together. Definitely a fun day from start to finish ( except for the being like a drowned rat bit 😂).
It was a fabulous day. Sadly that was my last day with Billie
Your time spent with friends looks lovely, great meals and park fun! I remember you telling me about the airline debacle yikes! Silver lining it was Disney you were stuck at! I would have loved to see the Drone show, it looked really cool!
I finished my USO report yesterday. Let me know when you start the December one
Yes, there are certainly worse places to be stuck! I loved the Drone show, it's a really nice addition to DS. We had such a fun day together. Disney is always great with friends. :) I have one last day on this report and hopefully will be ready to start our December TR this weekend.
 
I had lunch at the Summer House last November and loved the restaurant. We added it to our March trip. :)
It's such a great restaurant! Unfortunately I had to cancel my March trip as flights were so expensive. :( Although I am going to Vancouver to see which my sister. :)
 
HOORAY for getting your DVC accommodations booked! Your trip to Hawaii sounds amazing.
Thank you! We are so excited for this trip!
I’m looking forward to seeing the Country Bears! I usually skipped the original but hear all the new songs on DisneyHits (Sirius XM) and think they’d be fun to hear in person. I’m sure it’s a tough change for those who loved the original version.
Disney fans are a tough crowd. We love the nostalgia of tried and true favourites and sometimes resist change, even when it is positive.
Good grief, your airline went bankrupt?! I’m glad you enjoyed an extra Disney day but getting drenched at OKW sounded rough. At least you had a dinner with friends and the drone show to look forward to.
Canada is having a tough time with low cost airlines. There is such a monopoly with our two major carriers (Air Canada and West Jet) that others have a hard time competing.
 
We had looked at staying at Turtle Bay resort BUT it was $1230/night! A little rich for our blood. So we are at the Courtyard Marriott on the North Shore instead. Maybe we'll go for lunch at Turtle Bay. :)
We stayed at Turtle Bay resort back in 2001. They were filming the movie Blue Crush while we were there and some of the film crew members were staying at the resort. I was sad that the famous surfing beach, Waikiki, was closed because of the filming. But there was a small surfing beach adjacent to the resort. The surfers were fun to watch. It wasn't that expensive back then. :)
Unfortunately, I had to cancel my March trip as flights were so expensive. :( Although I am going to Vancouver to see which my sister. :)
Flights are high for us, too. Round trip is running close to $400. Luckily, I was able to use rewards points for one of the two flights. But I don't think we will be going to WDW in March again if flights stay that high.
 
Although I will be watching closely to see if I feel US travel is advisable.
I completely understand this. Was thinking the same thing.
We had looked at staying at Turtle Bay resort BUT it was $1230/night! A little rich for our blood.
Yikes. We were staying in Honolulu and just drove up.
I will never make that mistake again.
:laughing:
Right??? I've called my bank several times and they said they were looking into it but no refund yet.
Good luck!
I understand why they have to cautious but I really miss the boat transportation along the Sassalouga.
It’s a highlight of staying at any of those hotels.
Yes, it opened in 2022. I really enjoyed the ice cream although I stuck with a toffee chocolate blend. Some of their flavours are quite adventurous!
Sigh.
One more thing to add to my ever-growing list.
 
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Those cute little boys are turning 23 and 25 this year... time goes by so fast!
I love the old photos! And it does go by too fast!!

Yes , we are going to Hawaii!
Exciting!!! How long will the flight be for you guys?

All Oahu/Aulani advice is most welcome!
We went to Oahu on our honeymoon. We loved it. I would recommend just driving around the north shore and finding a food truck. There are a lot selling shrimp and prawns. Fresh and delish!

e decided to stroll towards Adventureland and head to Pirates. We were passing the spring roll cart and I mentioned I had never tried the spring rolls from there. Billie decided this must be rectified immediately and we stopped and got three orders (1 pepperoni, 1 cheeseburger and 1 mixed). We all enjoyed these immensely and they will be a MK must do for me going forward.
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They are soo good!!

and the new costumes look great but I miss the cheesy, corny original. It's just not the Country Bears without "Blood on the Saddle" after all.
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This will always be a good filler on busy days for us.
 
We stayed at Turtle Bay resort back in 2001. They were filming the movie Blue Crush while we were there and some of the film crew members were staying at the resort. I was sad that the famous surfing beach, Waikiki, was closed because of the filming. But there was a small surfing beach adjacent to the resort. The surfers were fun to watch. It wasn't that expensive back then. :)
We will definitely go for lunch there as I would love to see the resort.
Flights are high for us, too. Round trip is running close to $400. Luckily, I was able to use rewards points for one of the two flights. But I don't think we will be going to WDW in March again if flights stay that high.
$400 would be a bargain out of Toronto for March Break. Flights were close to $1200 each for a Saturday to Saturday return. There is a huge premium on travelling over March Break.
I completely understand this. Was thinking the same thing.
We will just have to wait and see. I really don't have a good feeling though.
It’s a highlight of staying at any of those hotels.
Agreed! Water transportation is always my favourite.
One more thing to add to my ever-growing list.
You will love it!
I love the old photos! And it does go by too fast!!
It does go by so fast! Jack will be 25 this June and I can't believe it. Where does the time go?
Exciting!!! How long will the flight be for you guys?
It's a 10 hour flight for us. We'll fly Toronto to Vancouver, then Vancouver to Honolulu.
We went to Oahu on our honeymoon. We loved it. I would recommend just driving around the north shore and finding a food truck. There are a lot selling shrimp and prawns. Fresh and delish!
I've heard so many great things about the North Shore! :)
 
Yesterday I booked an island gardens view studio at Aulani!!!!!! Yes , we are going to Hawaii!!
Very nice! Sounds like such fun!
We followed this up by checking out the new Country Bears show.
Meh. I tried it, and wasn't impressed. Why do they always have to just recycle movie music instead of coming up with new and creative stuff for park attractions? Same songs, different arrangement.
Luckily my OKW room was ready but was about a 5 minutes walk from the bus stop and even with a raincoat and umbrella I got completely drenched! Of course my luggage hadn't arrived yet so I grabbed a hot shower and wrapped up in towels under the covers until I had something dry to wear again!
I can't think of a more perfect way to remedy a wet situation. :) :goodvibes
Melinda had the buena vista cobb (avocado, egg, corn, cucumber, tomato, bacon, blue cheese, herb vinaigrette)
This sounds either identical or very close the HBD version. Yes?
The show was really sweet!
I was sad this had ended by the time I got there. Ah well...
 
Very nice! Sounds like such fun!
We are so looking forward to it! Our anniversary this year is our "champagne anniversary", 26 years on the 26th of June. So a Hawaii trip felt like a perfect way to celebrate.
Meh. I tried it, and wasn't impressed. Why do they always have to just recycle movie music instead of coming up with new and creative stuff for park attractions? Same songs, different arrangement.
Agreed!
This sounds either identical or very close the HBD version. Yes?
Similar for sure. Although a Cobb salad is pretty standard. This one had corn and an herb vinaigrette which was different than the HBD version. The one at Grand Floridian Cafe is my favourite so far. :)
I was sad this had ended by the time I got there. Ah well...
Perhaps they will run it again this summer. Do you have any trips tentatively planned out?
And every day... every headline... makes me feel worse and worse.
So true! That thing is definitely a "special friend" (my code word for unmentionable language). We have to be very careful here that the same thing doesn't happen. It's time to mobilize.
 

Last day fun at Epcot!

Once I packed up from my one night at OKW and sent my stuff off with Bell Services, I headed for the bus stop and fun at Epcot. I will say this is the first time I have not been crazy about my room that I was assigned. I did receive the upper floor I requested but I was in building 39 which bordered Bonnett Creek Parkway. It was so loud and honestly the room was looking a bit rough. It was fine for one night but if I was there longer I would have asked to be moved. I much prefer buildings 32, 33, 34 or 35.

Arriving at Epcot I browsed around the pin shop and Creation Shoppe before heading to Connections Eatery to meet Melinda for an early lunch. We were both craving Disney chicken tenders..it's a must do each trip. A kids meal fit the bill nicely, then we shared the matcha Baumkuchen. It was delicious!


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Next up was our last ride on Guardians for this trip. Of course I still didn't figure out the camera...one day!IMG_6952.JPEG

We did a fun photo shoot in front of Guardians next. :)
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Last day drinks were in order so we headed to La Cava for avocado margaritas.IMG_6690.JPEG
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I am carrying the bag Melinda made me here...it's Tomorrowland themed and absolutely perfect. We strolled through World Showcase and just enjoyed the ambiance and conversation during the last of our time together.

Flying home I was with Porter and took advantage of the Plaza Premium lounge for a few hours. The new terminal C building is very swish with some of the restaurants
available at Disney Springs (Art Smith, Wine Bar George, Summerhouse). I wish I had chosen one of them instead rather than the lounge as it was super crowded. Oh well, lesson learned! I had smooth trip home and many happy memories made with friends in my happiest of happy places.

Thank you all for reading along and joining in the chat. It was a pleasure to share my adventures with you!



 

Last day fun at Epcot!

Once I packed up from my one night at OKW and sent my stuff off with Bell Services, I headed for the bus stop and fun at Epcot. I will say this is the first time I have not been crazy about my room that I was assigned. I did receive the upper floor I requested but I was in building 39 which bordered Bonnett Creek Parkway. It was so loud and honestly the room was looking a bit rough. It was fine for one night but if I was there longer I would have asked to be moved. I much prefer buildings 32, 33, 34 or 35.

Arriving at Epcot I browsed around the pin shop and Creation Shoppe before heading to Connections Eatery to meet Melinda for an early lunch. We were both craving Disney chicken tenders..it's a must do each trip. A kids meal fit the bill nicely, then we shared the matcha Baumkuchen. It was delicious!


View attachment 932716

Next up was our last ride on Guardians for this trip. Of course I still didn't figure out the camera...one day!View attachment 932728

We did a fun photo shoot in front of Guardians next. :)
View attachment 932730

View attachment 932729View attachment 932720

Last day drinks were in order so we headed to La Cava for avocado margaritas.View attachment 932717
View attachment 932718

I am carrying the bag Melinda made me here...it's Tomorrowland themed and absolutely perfect. We strolled through World Showcase and just enjoyed the ambiance and conversation during the last of our time together.

Flying home I was with Porter and took advantage of the Plaza Premium lounge for a few hours. The new terminal C building is very swish with some of the restaurants
available at Disney Springs (Art Smith, Wine Bar George, Summerhouse). I wish I had chosen one of them instead rather than the lounge as it was super crowded. Oh well, lesson learned! I had smooth trip home and many happy memories made with friends in my happiest of happy places.

Thank you all for reading along and joining in the chat. It was a pleasure to share my adventures with you!



Great trip report! Looking forward to your next one!
 
We did a fun photo shoot in front of Guardians next. :)
You both look very cute in your summer dresses. :)
I had smooth trip home and many happy memories made with friends in my happiest of happy places.
I'd like to see the new terminal C some day, but I don't think Southwest will ever have flight over. there.

That was nice to have a problem free flight home. It is a good way to end a fun trip with friends. :)
 
I will say this is the first time I have not been crazy about my room that I was assigned. I did receive the upper floor I requested but I was in building 39 which bordered Bonnett Creek Parkway. It was so loud and honestly the room was looking a bit rough.
Ugh. Glad it was only one night.
Better if it had been zero nights.
We were both craving Disney chicken tenders..it's a must do each trip.
You both had kids meals? Or shared one?
we shared the matcha Baumkuchen. It was delicious!
I'm not a matcha fan, but that does look good.
I still didn't figure out the camera...one day!
I've no idea where it is!
Fun pic. :)
I am carrying the bag Melinda made me here...it's Tomorrowland themed and absolutely perfect.
She made that?!? Wow!
The new terminal C building is very swish with some of the restaurants
available at Disney Springs (Art Smith, Wine Bar George, Summerhouse).
oooohhhh...
Thank you all for reading along and joining in the chat. It was a pleasure to share my adventures with you!
Thanks for taking the time to write! :)
 
Sounded like a nice relaxing last day. Jealous that you flew out of the new terminal. The terminal we fly out of has literally the worst food options if you are waiting.
 
Great trip report! Looking forward to your next one!
Thank you so much!
You both look very cute in your summer dresses. :)
Thank you! Mine was the IASW dress from Disney Dress Shoppe. I really should have worn it in Mk but I think it works for World Showcase too.
I'd like to see the new terminal C some day, but I don't think Southwest will ever have flight over. there.
It's very new and bright but I miss Terminal B. All my Disney memories start there.
Better if it had been zero nights.
Yeah definitely not my best experience. At least I only used 10 DVC points for it rather than forking out cash.
You both had kids meals? Or shared one?
We both had kids meals. They are just the right portion in the heat.
I'm not a matcha fan, but that does look good.
I am not a matcha fan either but I'm glad I tried it.
She made that?!? Wow!
Not only is she an incredible lawyer, she is a very talented seamstress.
Sounded like a nice relaxing last day. Jealous that you flew out of the new terminal. The terminal we fly out of has literally the worst food options if you are waiting.
The new terminal is very fancy but I actually missed terminal B.
 












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