Why does Flight of Passage always make me cry? ~ An 11 day August/24 Disney extravaganza! updated 10/02

[franandaj]

Arriving at PPF, it was under delayed opening but we hopped in line anyways and were rewarded with it opening up about 15 minutes later. It was so fresh and lovely with everything cleaned up and the offensive scene removed.

What scene is that? The one with the Indigenous people? I didn't hear anything about a refurb, because certainly there was no date rape going on in Peter Pan? They took that out of Snow White here.

We opted for Jungle Cruise next right at the official rope drop time of 8:00 am. It was a perfect and very punny cruise with an awesome skipper. We crisscrossed back through the park to Haunted Mansion and were rewarded with a walk on time of 13 minutes.

You got a lot done in a short amount of time!

I had heard people talk about the churro waffles here and let me tell you, they did not disappoint! Imagine that churros and Mickey waffles had a baby and this was the result...fresh, hot, crispy, with a cinnamon sugar crunch. They were incredible. And even better with syrup and butter!

I've never heard of that! Not sure if I would like them, might be a little bit too sweet for me.

We were there for almost two hours and had so much fun!

You got some great pictures with the characters!

I was excited to see my room and get settled into my home for the next three nights.

Is this the one with the spectacular view?

 

[franandaj]

This trip is a reprise of last year's fun with Caroline. We are staying at Gran Destino again in a water view room with a great AP rate.

85 days to go!

You leave on the 8th right? We get there on the 10th. I have a concert on the afternoon of the 8th. I'm already missing our Fall concert for travels, so I had to plan around the Holiday concert if I wanted to play that.

 

[suse66]

What scene is that? The one with the Indigenous people? I didn't hear anything about a refurb, because certainly there was no date rape going on in Peter Pan? They took that out of Snow White here.

You got a lot done in a short amount of time!

It was a really productive morning. Party days are great for rope drop.

I've never heard of that! Not sure if I would like them, might be a little bit too sweet for me.

I admittedly have a giant sweet tooth (except for drinks) so they were right up my alley.

Is this the one with the spectacular view?

Not yet! Resort number three for the view.

You leave on the 8th right? We get there on the 10th. I have a concert on the afternoon of the 8th. I'm already missing our Fall concert for travels, so I had to plan around the Holiday concert if I wanted to play that.

We leave the evening of the 9th....can't believe I am missing you by ONE day!

 

[suse66]

A perfect POFQ evening!

I received my room ready text as we were at the bus stop and was happy to learn I was in building 5 along with Kathy, Irene and Evan. I had a ground floor room within a 3 minute walk to the pool, hot tub, laundry, pool bar and food court. I really couldn't have asked for a better location.

While this resort is currently under refurbishment I didn't hear any noise or experience anything that detracted from my stay. The room was spotless with a cute Mickey towel animal on the bed to welcome me. I adore the table and chair set up and hope they keep seating in the new refurbed rooms too.





Happily my luggage had arrived from Sports when I called down and I was able to unpack and organize everything before getting ready to join Kathy at the pool. I was happy to be relaxing poolside on a gorgeous afternoon.




After enjoying the pool for an hour or so, Kathy had to head out as she was meeting a friend at Yactsman Steakhouse for dinner. I decided to head over to MardiGrogs pool bar for their signature drink, the Hurricane! Don't you love how the umbrella is blown out like it was in a hurricane? So fun!

Irene and Evan came down to the pool for a bit and we decided to hit up the hot tub. I liked how it was in it's own private area with jazz music playing. Very relaxing and secluded!

Around 6:30 we decided to head back to our rooms to get ready for an evening at the Scat Cats Club. I loved the band performing (Fri-Sun starting at 7:30) and we had so much fun!

Drinks arrived for all of us... I went for the Big Easy Whiskey Sour (Maker's Mark Bourbon, Lemon Juice, and Pure Cane Sugar with a float of Fess Parker Big Easy Red Blend), Irene chose the Raspberry Mojito (Bacardi Raspberry Rum, Mount Gay Eclipse Rum, Lime Juice, Mint, and Raspberry Purée topped with Soda Water) while Evan went for the Pineapple Mule
(Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, Hella Cocktail Co. Ginger Bitters, Pineapple Juice, Ginger Beer, and Mint). All our drinks were on point.

We went with the Pimento Cheese Fritters (House-made Pimento Cheese Fritters with Pepper Jelly) and the Andouille Sausage Nachos.


Of course we had to have Beignets although I think they should be called BeignYAYS. Oh my gosh they were delicious!!! Why did I never try these before? I loved the caramel dipping sauce best although the strawberry was really good too.

As the band had finished their second set we decided to meet up with Kathy and her friend and walk over to Riverside to check out YeeHaw Bob. This show was definitely more geared to families and we regretted leaving the relaxing and sophisticated vibe of Scat Cats. It certainly was a beautiful and relaxing walk though and we all enjoyed the evening together. We decided to turn in after getting back to POFQ as Kathy and I had a rope drop date the next morning at Studios. That's next!​

 

[pkondz]

I had a ground floor room within a 3 minute walk to the pool, hot tub, laundry, pool bar and food court. I really couldn't have asked for a better location.

Best of all worlds. Sounds just about perfect.

While this resort is currently under refurbishment I didn't hear any noise or experience anything that detracted from my stay.

I've noticed that. I've stayed a few times where refurbs were going on and it's never been a problem. I guess maybe if you're relaxing at the resort during the day, it could be, depending on what it is they're doing. I remember staying at... either POP or ASMu and the pool was being redone (including jackhammering), but it never bothered me as I was at the parks during the day and they didn't work at night.

How nice that they have a painting of someone taking a selfie over the table.

I was happy to be relaxing poolside on a gorgeous afternoon.

Sounds wonderful.
I really need to schedule longer vacations so I can actually have the time to do that and not feel guilty!

Don't you love how the umbrella is blown out like it was in a hurricane? So fun!

Love the umbrella.
But since I don't drink rum, I'll not be getting one. Unless they make a virgin Hurricane, or can swap out the rum for something else.

we decided to hit up the hot tub. I liked how it was in it's own private area with jazz music playing. Very relaxing and secluded!

I've seen it and noted it was removed from the pool area.

an evening at the Scat Cats Club.

I've been to POFQ but don't recall this. I probably saw it, but didn't register the name.

I went for the Big Easy Whiskey Sour (Maker's Mark Bourbon, Lemon Juice, and Pure Cane Sugar with a float of Fess Parker Big Easy Red Blend)

Nope. Not a huge fan of licorice flavour. (But might have ordered it if I hadn't googled what the heck Fess Parker Big Easy Red Blend was!)

Irene chose the Raspberry Mojito (Bacardi Raspberry Rum, Mount Gay Eclipse Rum, Lime Juice, Mint, and Raspberry Purée topped with Soda Water)

Rum again. Nope.

Evan went for the Pineapple Mule

Not a fan of ginger beer, so... nope! Strike three, I'm out!

We went with the Pimento Cheese Fritters (House-made Pimento Cheese Fritters with Pepper Jelly) and the Andouille Sausage Nachos.

Okay... the food on the other hand... I'm all in!

Of course we had to have Beignets

although I think they should be called BeignYAYS.

Why did I never try these before?

Never? You've been missing out, girl!

we decided to meet up with Kathy and her friend and walk over to Riverside to check out YeeHaw Bob.

This show was definitely more geared to families and we regretted leaving the relaxing and sophisticated vibe of Scat Cats.

True... but it is a fun show.

 

[suse66]

I've noticed that. I've stayed a few times where refurbs were going on and it's never been a problem. I guess maybe if you're relaxing at the resort during the day, it could be, depending on what it is they're doing. I remember staying at... either POP or ASMu and the pool was being redone (including jackhammering), but it never bothered me as I was at the parks during the day and they didn't work at night.

The only resort where I found the construction overwhelming was the Grand. Usually they keep it pretty contained.

How nice that they have a painting of someone taking a selfie over the table.

It's the latest thing!

I really need to schedule longer vacations so I can actually have the time to do that and not feel guilty!

Relaxation is an essential part of vacation. Otherwise what's the point?

Nope. Not a huge fan of licorice flavour. (But might have ordered it if I hadn't googled what the heck Fess Parker Big Easy Red Blend was!)

They wasn't any licorice flavour to the red wine float that I could discern. I would order the drink without the red wine float next time and maybe do an extra whiskey shot instead.

Never? You've been missing out, girl!

Won't be making that mistake again.

True... but it is a fun show.

It was just too much of a vibe shift. Quiet, dim lighting with jazz to loud and raucous with bright lights and lots of kids just didn't do it for me. Maybe if we had started the night with Yeehaw Bob I would have enjoyed it more.

 

[pkondz]

Relaxation is an essential part of vacation. Otherwise what's the point?

The point is to GO! GO! GO! from dawn til dusk (and beyond) while cramming in as much as humanly possible without any regard to mental or physical health and relaxation.

At least, that's how I usually do it.

They wasn't any licorice flavour to the red wine float that I could discern. I would order the drink without the red wine float next time and maybe do an extra whiskey shot instead.

In that case, I might try it.

Won't be making that mistake again.

It was just too much of a vibe shift. Quiet, dim lighting with jazz to loud and raucous with bright lights and lots of kids just didn't do it for me.

Totally can see that.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I decided to head over to MardiGrogs pool bar for their signature drink, the Hurricane! Don't you love how the umbrella is blown out like it was in a hurricane? So fun!

I love the blown out umbrella. I wonder if that was intentional from the beginning.

Of course we had to have Beignets although I think they should be called BeignYAYS.

My sister loves their gluten free beignets. She'll make a special trip over to FQ just to get them.

As the band had finished their second set we decided to meet up with Kathy and her friend and walk over to Riverside to check out YeeHaw Bob. This show was definitely more geared to families and we regretted leaving the relaxing and sophisticated vibe of Scat Cats.

We finally saw Hee Haw Bob during our trip. We had good intentions for years to see his show, and this time it worked out. I think the fact that POR was really empty during our trip - Aug 25-29, helped. We were able to get a table upfront. Bob was fun, but a little crazy. I loved some of it. But I agree that it was chaotic.

 

[suse66]

I love the blown out umbrella. I wonder if that was intentional from the beginning.

It's such a cute addition!

My sister loves their gluten free beignets. She'll make a special trip over to FQ just to get them.

The beign"yays" are a new favourite for me. Yum yum!

We finally saw Hee Haw Bob during our trip. We had good intentions for years to see his show, and this time it worked out. I think the fact that POR was really empty during our trip - Aug 25-29, helped. We were able to get a table upfront. Bob was fun, but a little crazy. I loved some of it. But I agree that it was chaotic.

I think if I had been there since the beginning of the show I would have enjoyed it more. I love that they have entertainment available at both resorts.

 

[vamassey1]

Loved your first night at POFQ it was so relaxing you got to enjoy what the resort has to offer. I haven't found that balance yet. We only stayed at POFQ once but really enjoyed the New Orleans flavor, it also so much cleaner than the real French Quarter.

I've passed by while the Jazz music was playing but didn't stop to enjoy. I have tried to see Bob several times, but it was just too crowded.

Someday you need to enjoy a true Hurricane drink at Pat Obrien's in the French Quarter where the drink originated.

 

[suse66]

Loved your first night at POFQ it was so relaxing you got to enjoy what the resort has to offer. I haven't found that balance yet. We only stayed at POFQ once but really enjoyed the New Orleans flavor, it also so much cleaner than the real French Quarter.

I was really happy to have time at the resort.

I've passed by while the Jazz music was playing but didn't stop to enjoy. I have tried to see Bob several times, but it was just too crowded.

I loved the jazz group! Hopefully you will get to see them one day.

Someday you need to enjoy a true Hurricane drink at Pat Obrien's in the French Quarter where the drink originated.

It's top of the list!

 

[suse66]

We rise to ride Rise!

Kathy and I were up bright and early as we wanted to rope drop Rise of the Resistance. We only waited 5 minutes for a Studios bus and were third in line at the tapstiles! We really thought we were in with a chance until we heard the dreaded words from the CMs "Rise of the Resistance has a delayed opening today". Ugh!!

We pivoted and decided to head to Minnie and Mickeys Runaway Railroad which was fun as always. My favourite is the fireworks room while Kathy loved the dancing room with Daisy. Which scene do you like best? I love the "Ushers only" door as you exit the attraction...a nice nod to the Great Movie Ride!

We headed to Rise again as we heard it was back up. We made progress in the attraction and were feeling hopeful. That is until we heard "all missions are delayed". We thought we'd stick it out and waited about another 10 minutes and then heard "all missions are suspended". Seriously!!! Would we ever get to ride? The CMs gave everyone a recovery FP. Now Kathy and I had already bought a SLMP with hopes of riding twice. But now with all the breakdowns we were second guessing that decision and decided to head to guest services to see if we could get a refund. $22 USD is not exactly peanuts with the exchange rate these days.

Our MLFP was next with another spin on Mickey and MInnie's Runaway Railroad. We headed to Toy Story Land with hopes of breakfast at Woody's. We both went for the kids grilled cheese with potato barrels and an orange. It was a perfect portion and delicious!
We got a couple of cute photos near the Toy Story sign with this one being my favourite.

We grabbed a couple of fun shots in Galaxy's Edge before heading to Rise for the third time.



Finally we got on Rise and it was awesome. Everything was working perfectly and was super fun! We headed into the marketplace area after and I had to get some Outpost Mix and Kat Saka's Kettle. I loved the sweet and spicy mix and this will be a snack I get on a regular basis.


Now we headed back to Toy Story Land (yes lots of crisscrossing Studios this morning) to finally ride Toy Story Midway Mania. It was one loading one track and the FP lane was anything but. We finally got on and Kathy promptly wiped the floor with me. Still fun though!


We were both ready to head back to the resort now for some R&R. We browsed the shops on the way out and I indulged in a little pin trading (and buying!).

Arriving back at POFQ, I popped by the food court for a delicious Mediterranean Curry-Chickpea Salad (with Grilled Pita Bread and Tomato-Cucumber Salad)
. This was light and refreshing but a good portion for $9. I filled up my mug with sparkling water from the Freestyle machine. I don't understand why every resort doesn't have these! Next was pool time followed by a stroll around the resort before heading back to get ready for a fun evening at Epcot!




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[disneyAndi14]

Catching up! I love all the updates and your outfits are amazing!
I’m so glad you like POFQ, I knew you would. It is a favorite of ours.
Rise, ugh so many issues lately. I was also surprised at the cost for the fancy ride $$. With it down so often and parts of the ride not working the price should be way less to the skip the SB line!

 

[Wood Nymph]

The CMs gave everyone a recovery FP. Now Kathy and I had already bought a SLMP with hopes of riding twice. But now with all the breakdowns we were second guessing that decision and decided to head to guest services to see if we could get a refund.

It's really nice to get a recovery pass. It's even nicer to get a refund on your single lane purchase. We never would have been able to ride Indianna Jones at DL if it wasn't for a recovery fp.

We headed to Toy Story Land with hopes of breakfast at Woody's. We both went for the kids grilled cheese with potato barrels and an orange. It was a perfect portion and delicious!

Your breakfast sounds good. The kids' meals are a bargain, too.

Your photopass pictures turned out really cute.

 

[pkondz]

Kathy and I were up bright and early

Good for you! Best I can ever do is "early"

We only waited 5 minutes for a Studios bus

and were third in line at the tapstiles!

Nice job!

We really thought we were in with a chance until we heard the dreaded words from the CMs "Rise of the Resistance has a delayed opening today". Ugh!!

My favourite is the fireworks room while Kathy loved the dancing room with Daisy.

Hmmm... Neither of those is my fave...

Which scene do you like best?

Actually... I think my favourite is in the room where you wait and watch the cartoon. I love the "exploding" film screen that you walk through.

I love the "Ushers only" door as you exit the attraction...a nice nod to the Great Movie Ride!

I've never noticed that. Must look for it if/when I get back there.

We headed to Rise again as we heard it was back up. We made progress in the attraction and were feeling hopeful. That is until we heard "all missions are delayed".

Oh, poop.

$22 USD is not exactly peanuts with the exchange rate these days.

No kidding. That's roughly $750CDN.

Now Kathy and I had already bought a SLMP with hopes of riding twice. But now with all the breakdowns we were second guessing that decision and decided to head to guest services to see if we could get a refund. $22 USD is not exactly peanuts with the exchange rate these days.

Our MLFP

Okay... What?
Admittedly, I'm not familiar with the new systems, but... Aren't they Lightning Lane Single Pass (LLSP) and Lightning Lane Multi Pass (LLMP)? What are your acronyms?
SLMP - Single Lane Money Pass?
MSFP - Multi Something Fast Pass?

Cute shot of you both.

All right! High fives all around!

No?

Cute Porg shot too.

I had to get some Outpost Mix and Kat Saka's Kettle. I loved the sweet and spicy mix and this will be a snack I get on a regular basis.

You know... I made a point of trying that and... I don't remember if I liked it or not!

We finally got on and Kathy promptly wiped the floor with me.

Way to go Kathy! (sorry Susan)

Note to self, do not ride with Kathy! (To avoid embarrassing myself.)(

I indulged in a little pin trading

Ya know... you don't hear about that as much as you used to.

Arriving back at POFQ, I popped by the food court for a delicious Mediterranean Curry-Chickpea Salad (with Grilled Pita Bread and Tomato-Cucumber Salad)

That sounds good.

 

[vamassey1]

We really thought we were in with a chance until we heard the dreaded words from the CMs "Rise of the Resistance has a delayed opening today". Ugh!!

Oh noooo!

Which scene do you like best?

I think I like the fireworks/picnic scene best too.

But now with all the breakdowns we were second guessing that decision and decided to head to guest services to see if we could get a refund. $22 USD is not exactly peanuts with the exchange rate these days.

Wise move and you still rode it once.

Very cute!

We grabbed a couple of fun shots in Galaxy's Edge before heading to Rise for the third time.

These are fun photos!

It was one loading one track and the FP lane was anything but.

This happened to us in July. It was horrible especially with 3 young boys.

 

[suse66]

I think I like the fireworks/picnic scene best too.

It's so cute!

Wise move and you still rode it once.

We were happy to get "A" mode with everything working properly!

This happened to us in July. It was horrible especially with 3 young boys.

Oh my gosh, that would be awful with three littles!

 

[suse66]

Fireworks and dinner with a view!

After some R&R poolside and in the room, Kathy and I met up to catch the bus to Epcot. Billie was meeting us there and we had hoped to catch the Encanto music show. This was not the quality we had hoped for with mainly clips from the movie and dancing. Am I wrong in thinking there was a Columbian band performing in that area? In any case we moved on to take some photos and grab a few rides before our dinner reservation at 7:30.


​

We were pleased with our photos and headed over to Soarin to use our ML. Of course we waited for B1 and we were rewarded with the perfect seats. Living with the Land was next, followed by the Seas, a visit to the manatees and Spaceship Earth. Not a bad lineup before dinner!

We were dining at La Hacienda de San Angel this evening and were meeting Irene and Evan there. We hoped to merge the two reservations so we could dine together and the CM (Ernesto) could not have been more accommodating. We requested a window table if possible and received the perfect table with a dead centre view of the fireworks. It really could not have been better! I started with my beloved cucumber margarita (Tromba blanco tequila, fresh cucumber and lime juice, vodka, Abasolo corn whiskey, Rhubarb bitters, Tajín chile-lime powder rim). This was excellent as always.


We shared a variety of appetizers for the table.... guacamole, two orders of the flatulas (Fried tortillas filled with chipotle chicken, potato, and cheese topped with romaine, crema Mexicana and ranchera sauce), tortilla chips with salsa and queso fundido (Melted cheese with chorizo, peppers, onions, and avocado mousse, served with flour tortillas). We devoured these so quickly there is no photographic evidence but they were all delicious.

For my main I went with the stuffed poblano pepper. I don't see it on the current menu which is not surprising. It was mostly rice in the stuffing with a few beans. I could have made it far better at home.


The real star of the evening was our fireworks view. With the lights dimmed, the music piped in and the company of good friends, the performance of Luminous was really special. I dare say it is beginning to grow on me. Still not Illuminations of course but I do enjoy it.


​

​

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I had heard people talk about the churro waffles here and let me tell you, they did not disappoint! Imagine that churros and Mickey waffles had a baby and this was the result...fresh, hot, crispy, with a cinnamon sugar crunch. They were incredible. And even better with syrup and butter!

I want to go here just for those churro waffles! I think I heard you can get the churro waffles on the cruises? So I am hoping for that!

The whole gang!

For a solo trip, you have a lot of companions! Sounds like it will be a perfect blend on time with friends!

This trip is a reprise of last year's fun with Caroline. We are staying at Gran Destino again in a water view room with a great AP rate.

YEAH!!! I am so jealous!! I am dyeing to go back during the holidays!

MardiGrogs pool bar for their signature drink, the Hurricane! Don't you love how the umbrella is blown out like it was in a hurricane? So fun!

That little umbrella makes the drink taste 10x better! Well, to me it would.

Drinks arrived for all of us... I went for the Big Easy Whiskey Sour (Maker's Mark Bourbon, Lemon Juice, and Pure Cane Sugar with a float of Fess Parker Big Easy Red Blend), Irene chose the Raspberry Mojito (Bacardi Raspberry Rum, Mount Gay Eclipse Rum, Lime Juice, Mint, and Raspberry Purée topped with Soda Water) while Evan went for the Pineapple Mule

All of those sound like good choices! I want all of them... well, not right now, it's 8:00 AM on a Wednesday.

My favourite is the fireworks room while Kathy loved the dancing room with Daisy. Which scene do you like best? I love the "Ushers only" door as you exit the attraction...a nice nod to the Great Movie Ride!

It's hard to choose! All of the rooms are great, but I guess the carnival room with the twister is my favorite. That and the photo of Walt when you leave.

I filled up my mug with sparkling water from the Freestyle machine. I don't understand why every resort doesn't have these!

I get so excited when they have the freestyle machines!!! I found it so interesting how different each resort can be so different with the counter service options.

we had hoped to catch the Encanto music show. This was not the quality we had hoped for with mainly clips from the movie and dancing.

I have heard so little about that show! I forgot it was happening!

We were pleased with our photos and headed over to Soarin to use our ML. Of course we waited for B1 and we were rewarded with the perfect seats. Living with the Land was next, followed by the Seas, a visit to the manatees and Spaceship Earth. Not a bad lineup before dinner!

It does sound like a great lineup before dinner!

The real star of the evening was our fireworks view. With the lights dimmed, the music piped in and the company of good friends, the performance of Luminous was really special. I dare say it is beginning to grow on me. Still not Illuminations of course but I do enjoy it.

You know, sometimes the food doesn't really matter. This does!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Billie was meeting us there and we had hoped to catch the Encanto music show. This was not the quality we had hoped for with mainly clips from the movie and dancing.

I last saw Billie when we ran into her in MK many years ago. She used to write a great trip report. I don't think she posts on the Dis anymore.

That's disappointing about the Encanto music show. They should come back with a permanent "good" show.

We requested a window table if possible and received the perfect table with a dead centre view of the fireworks. It really could not have been better!

Your view is great! You got very lucky. I haven't been excited about the new show, but I suppose it will grow on me, too.