Trip Report SummerPalooza: When 1 resort reservation morphs into 5 resorts

We have had a few trips this year that were odd for us. The trip where my family had to end their vaction but I stayed on for 3.5 more weeks. I didn't even book a return ticket. Never did that before. My April/May Flower Trip Report: https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/the-one-way-ticket.939721/#post-8162457

This report will start out mostly of semi in-the-moment of the day posts at least for the first half of 3 weeks as we all will be arriving at different points. Like the above report I am not overly wordy but enjoy posting photos of WDW and Food along with adult beverages. Sometimes a tad odd to me behaviors in the parks.

This trip kept expanding in days and as a result resorts this time for reasons I will get around to explaining later, for now mostly photo's of the day. Hope you enjoy.

EDIT: Most of these photos will be Apple Live photos for those of you with Apple devices.

 

[Gabe1]

Sometimes you will see a group of pin traders set up around/near the pin kiosk. They will have an assortment of pin books guests can look through and if you had something of value they are looking for they will make a trade. These are the hardcore traders from the area who can get to the parks for all the various events, pin exclusives etc. They purchase multiples of pins and pin sets so they can have ones to sell or trade. Even if you dont trade they do have some amazing pins to view.

Thank you. I'm guess I am just a bit surprised that Disney allows them to set up 'shop' in their parks, very different that walking around with a lanyard on your neck. The one I have seen many times near where the sidewalk dances with lights in the evening near the large pin booth in Future World. That gentleman had huge boards set up on the wall, each at least the size of posterboards. Just odd, never thought Disney would allow all that. Go figure.

 

[Gabe1]

A boat was boarded destined for the Swan and Dolphin one of our favorite resorts. It is beyond beautiful and possibly the last time we will experience the two hotels ground level lobby areas as they are currently. A refurbishment of all the common areas and lobbies of both hotels is to begin shortly, lots of construction I would think. Guessing with the completion of the 3rd resort behind these Marriott wants to bring these up todate also but they are still beyond functional and beautiful inside and out.

Beautiful, original architecture design unlike many of the Disney Rectangle Buildings and so very well maintained and landscaped.

It was time to cool down, very warm and humid. Very peaceful place for lunch.

From the Dolphin's lovely quick service, The Cluck. It is shredded chicken in a spicy mustard on a Hawaiian Sweet Roll. (can't taste mustard)

If you prefer Yogurt over Ice Cream we've yet to find Yogurt on property to compete with this quick service. Just look at all the toppings they offer!!!! Slurp.

And back to the boat to head to the Studios to talk the long long walk to the current and temporary bus stops there. The sky was turning dark and nasty thunderstorms heading in so a resort break in order.

Along the way out the Swan Paddle Boat that should never be considered in this type of temperature (let alone with heavy life jackets). But lovely to guest watch others.

Interesting. There is not Gator protective nets in this area. Hmpf.

 

[Gabe1]

Note, if you have Live Photo some have great sound effects, like backside of water, brings ya right there.

Rain is over. It was time to head to the MK. While some of the lines were very short others we beyond ridiculous to consider standing in even with a FP+ for them in hand. Thunder FP+ line extended to FP+ entrance to Splash. The Buzz line extended all the way to Laugh.
Still others were walk ons.

Entering the MK for the first time greeted by this gentleman. A true fan. Sign reads
244 straight days.

Backside of water. One of our favorites.

The Puppy still hasn't shared the keys.

Every single time we pass this Tent we must enter, even for just a few minutes. The piped in aroma is my DD all time favorite.

You can hear Ursula in this photo

And yes the Fall decorations are up in the Magic Kingdom.

With 3 anytime FP+ to burn a photo with Town Square Mickey was in order. We've skipped this a few years because we found Talking Mickey creepy. Sadly the preschool girl ahead that lived in the area and obviously met Mickey many times before was beyond perplexed that Mickey would not talk to her. Bursting into tears after many attempts to engage in a conversation. Not a Magical Moment for that little one.

Good Night Magic Kingdom even if you forgot to light up the Mickey Flowers tonight.

That concludes Saturday, Day #2

 

[Gabe1]

Sunday, Day #3

Well say Goodbye to the first resort that was the last booked for 2 nights, All Star Music.

Review being it was perfectly adequate and worth being at the World 2 more nights. The next four resorts SHOULD be better. The upside room was ready at check-in Friday. A
University of Illinois college student did the check-in. Nepotism??? Room, first floor pool side on the main path.

The room was clean and in order. Sure it is likely on the list to get a remodel. Outside the brick area needs to be replaced, everyone dumping over their suitcases as they tried to roll on uneven bricks. Pop has a better set up for QS and Store.

Bus. If you are returning to resort mid-day it is a pain and is even packed at this time of the year. Why they combine All Star Sports, Music and Movies. The bus was packed like sardines early afternoon like most buses are after Illuminations. Crazy.

Ultimately it is perfectly fine and of course better than not going for those extra 2 days.

 

[Gabe1]

Having to depart for next resort at 7:15, Uber made for rising early. Needing to work today for Hotel Room is still better than working at home or office. The wish was granted and at 8am the room was READY!!!! No working in the lobby needed. *Phew*
9 minute round trip to get tea/coffee. After check-in there was 15 minutes until work. Unload laptop, connect monitor and fortunately connect to the internet. *woot*

So the vacation resumed at 130pm. Unpack and head to Animal Kingdom. Lunch needed.

and of course the berry cheesecake pod. Slurp

and since this is one of the few park QS that lets you fill your own fountain drinks, when food was gone the refillable water bottle was filled with ice and cold water to go.

his baby took her first steps today to go greet Donald a few minutes ago and gave him a hug. If you have Live Photo you can hear the cheers.

The photopass photographer was brought to tears and crying. Magical moment.

Safari was first up

And then off to Pandora via the still pretty secret bridge from Africa to Pandora. Note though that bridge is often sealed in the early morning hours if FoP standby line is long, meaning they send you back to the Tree of Life intersection and then the normal route to Africa. This happened to us in December. So many ANGRY guests, that is a lot of useless walking and zero signage indicating in route to Pandora that the cut over bridge is closed.
Management.

So a few new to us things in Pandora. As you enter the queue for FoP now you are given one of these. Then being respectful of the environment they are collected for reuse. Clearly the signs posted outside most thrill attractions was not enough, it needed to be right in front of guests faces. Wonder what brought that on......

And upon exiting FoP this Guy was greeting guests. Don't believe he was around for our April/May trip.

Young boys seemed impressed.


This baby took her first steps today to go greet Donald a few minutes ago and gave him a hug. If you have Live Photo you can hear the cheers.

The photopass photographer was brought to tears and crying. Magical moment.

 

[Gabe1]

Warm is an understatement in AK today so ducking into a store late in afternoon a good idea.

I have a large collection of antenna toppers. Been collecting them for years. Other than what my trucks antenna is wearing they live in a Very expensive Crystal Bowl. Never really knew what to do with this heavy bowl I received as a Wedding gift unexpectedly so its good use has been my Antenna Toppers. Since I have a boatload of money invested in these little toppers it is only fitting they are placed in a bowl of honor right?
New'er ones I'm going to have to buy.

and I bought this one already but gave it away, so it's back on the list.

And suddenly the skies turned black. Boarding the bus the skies let loose and it was pouring with little warning. That is two days in a row, it waited until the bus was boarded.
And now the rain is pretty much done at least in this portion of 40 sq miles of WDW.

 

[Gabe1]

And some observations. Bus loop at studios changing locations long anticipated and expected. Still provisions for guests comfort and safety from the elements seem to be ill thought out. While temporary it isn't for a day or even two...this is just nuts for a freak'n themepark.

Just look at the video posted by The Theme Park Kid and the photos of the area.



We've all seen the queues for buses out of the parks late at night and during storms. Just how many guests will fit under a portible umbrella or seek shade waiting for a bus to come along as the temps have been in the 90s.

While pretty visuals has been added to attempt to make this area look viable where is a guest to turn for shelter?

 

[FlaggNL]

Great TR so far! Thanks for sharing. Pics are great! Can't wait for more!

 

[LeighM]

I love Big Top Souvenirs. The scent is what makes it my happy place within my happy place. But I asked a couple of CMs (at different times) if they piped in that smell and they each told me that they did not pipe in anything and that it was just the natural mix of the popcorn and all the desserts they made on site.

 

[Figgy1]

Day #2, Saturday. A quick top back to Toy because S'more was breakfast.

Who gets up at 5am at WDW for a 7am opening at the Studios????
View attachment 306115

5am is sleeping in

 

[Figgy1]

Sorry I'm late to the party. I have one little suggestion. You should move down it would be cheaper at this point for you to visit up north

 

[Figgy1]

And an ill advised walk from studios to Epcot

Walk on to frozen and Test Track as it was still really early with Studios opening at 7am

Look @figmentfan423 interactive.

View attachment 306123

The Land is still one of my favorites. They can do more with these tanks though

View attachment 306127
Melons huge
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Anyone know what is up with these guests that set up shop to pin trade? Seen it many times in route to the Character spot too.

View attachment 306132

Just noted the pretty shadow of the palm trees on the sidewalk. An accidental capture for @figmentfan423

Thank you xoxo

 

[Gabe1]

Wrapping up Sunday evening....

Disney Springs-

Uniglo in Disney Springs seems to have found another niche for Resort Guests. It is no secret Disney has had issues trying to keep the fake wood floors in some of the refurbished resorts resulting in dirty socks or feet. Enter Disney Room Shoes!!!! Complete with hidden Mickey's. $14.90 Comfy too.

I have had a thing for Orange Bird since I was a little squirt. Wallet $50 Going to have
to give that some thought.

The new Food Truck that mades its Debut last week. Better location than the other
Food Trucks, not so many choices on the old side of Disney Springs. They'll likely have
better business.

But Earl's Thanksgiving still won out. $3.99. $5.00 credit for signing up for rewards.

And isn't this S'more just beautiful??? Ganachery. A hike but so pretty.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I love Uniqlo's room shoes, they are super comfortable and hold up very well even with washings in the washing machine. I bought a new pair in July like yours but I haven't taken them out of the package yet because my old ones (over a year old) are still in good shape.

 

[Gabe1]

Mid-Day heavy thunderstorms at MK sent guests looking for other places to hide for a while. Second storm a few hours later and still misty. Some sunshine but mostly not.

Hiding: Blurg doesn't that look fun?

Better than MK QS

This little cake is awesome. Glad it stuck around. I had one delivered to our table in April by a very nice CM who noticed my Birthday. It was a free dessert and nobody sang Happy
Birthday! A Double Win! Try this at the Contempo you won't be sorry.

Break time over, the rain has stopped for the moment

 

[Gabe1]

I love Uniqlo's room shoes, they are super comfortable and hold up very well even with washings in the washing machine. I bought a new pair in July like yours but I haven't taken them out of the package yet because my old ones (over a year old) are still in good shape.

Good to know about washing them in machine. Did you air dry them?

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Good to know about washing them in machine. Did you air dry them?

I put them in the dryer on low for a short amount of time and then air dried them the rest of the way. I don’t know if they are supposed to be washing machine and dryer safe but it worked for me.

 

[Gabe1]

I put them in the dryer on low for a short amount of time and then air dried them the rest of the way. I don’t know if they are supposed to be washing machine and dryer safe but it worked for me.

Perfect. Thank you.

 

[Gabe1]

The LIVE PHOTO's turned out real well today and the sound is pretty good too. Apologies to those not using Apple products. The photos are clearer as moving picture on Apple products but its a gamble what 'still life' it grabs for other operating systems. As an example the Log makes it all the way down the flume in the live photo.

 

[krisri18]

Wrapping up Sunday evening....

Disney Springs-

Uniglo in Disney Springs seems to have found another niche for Resort Guests. It is no secret Disney has had issues trying to keep the fake wood floors in some of the refurbished resorts resulting in dirty socks or feet. Enter Disney Room Shoes!!!! Complete with hidden Mickey's. $14.90 Comfy too.
View attachment 306479View attachment 306480
I have had a thing for Orange Bird since I was a little squirt. Wallet $50 Going to have
to give that some thought.
View attachment 306485
The new Food Truck that mades its Debut last week. Better location than the other
Food Trucks, not so many choices on the old side of Disney Springs. They'll likely have
better business.


View attachment 306481
View attachment 306483
But Earl's Thanksgiving still won out. $3.99. $5.00 credit for signing up for rewards.
View attachment 306484
And isn't this S'more just beautiful??? Ganachery. A hike but so pretty.
View attachment 306478

How have I not heard of room shoes?! They're so cute!