Trip Report “Parents please supervise your children, and children please supervise your parents” 2018 Graduation Trip Report! *COMPLETE*

Well, it’s been three days, but I’m back from “The World”. Still trying to recover and catch up on sleep . I was pretty exhausted, but we had a great time! The Disney depression has officially kicked in, but I’m hoping this TR will help alleviate some of the pain.

For those of you who are just joining and are wanting to know the Who, When, Where, and Why, feel free to read my PTR!

https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/the-captain-is-headed-home.940164/

This is my first TR, and the bar was set pretty high for first timers (cough cough @becca_ cough cough). Seriously, if you haven’t read her first TR, you need to! Anyways, I hope everyone bears with me and enjoys the 2,000+ pictures that I made, along with this TR!

Up next: Travel Day!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Hee hee . . . we all have our own fixation on odd details! I can relate.

Idk why I thought they were so cool. I wish my dresser had them.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

More Sports

Love these trash cans

I went to the food court and got the only thing suitable for the final Disney meal of the trip.

You can’t go wrong with Mickey Waffles! They were soooo freakin’ good! (I wish I had some right now)

L got the same, but I can’t remember what M had. After breakfast, I walked over to the gift shop so I could pick up my print that I got from EPCOT.

M and L soon joined me in the gift shop. After glancing around for a few minutes, we decided that it was time to head on out. The plan was to go to Disney Springs. M and L we’re gonna drive over and I was going to take the bus. While they headed to the parking lot, I grabbed a few more pictures of the lobby.

I love this picture of Danica Patrick.

Up next: Leaving Sports

 

[Jedi Stitch]

WS continued

The miniature garden railway always has and always will be a favorite of mine.
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Greetings from Italy!
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We went into La Bottega Italiana to get some chocolate (a must do every trip). Sergio was performing outside, so I stepped out to watch. M and L came out and we leisurely strolled around.
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Honestly, Italy wasn’t that crowded, which was nice.

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It was starting to get close to our SE FP, and M wanted to get something to eat from France before we headed back to Future World, so we rushed on by the American Adventure, Japan, and Morocco.

Wadup Ratatouille construction!
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I’m actually very excited about this attraction. If you haven’t seen the version from DLP, I highly suggest that you check it out!

Up next: More WS

Hey Capt. I have been enjoying your trip report. I just noticed something from the Italy pavilion. the bell tower. It just occurred to me that the main square at the University of Washington had the same Italian theaming, and just now clicked seeing the photo. It is funny what people see from their perspective. You have a good eye for interesting snap shots.

 

[Jedi Stitch]

WS continued

I ducked my head inside the gift shop next to the AA as it started to drizzle once we got out. It lasted for about 5 mins, then we were off to Morocco.

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We stopped inside the Mitsukoshi department store in Japan along the way. As usual, it was sooooooo crowded, so we didn’t stay long. I think a lot of people ran inside to avoid the rain. Also, there were these 3 unsupervised hellions, maybe 10 years old, but old enough to know better, who were sword fighting with umbrellas. There’s no telling how many people they almost hit. It’s at times like this when I have no problem yelling at other people’s children.

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We walked around the bazaars and went into the shops for a while.

I don’t think they tried very hard to hide this one.
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I love this little area so much.
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It’s secluded and peaceful, and shaded to, so it’s a great place to relax and cool off.

The Morocco pavilion is underrated, imo. There’s so much more to it than what you see when you walk by. All the shops and numerous places in the back where you can sit and chill, makes it a hidden gem.

We then continued on towards France.
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I’m completely obsessed with these F&G banners!

By the time we reached France, I was hungry (again ), and I could hear Les Halles calling my name.

Jambon Beurre (aka the norm)
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Usually I get it cold, but this time I got it toasted, which made it even better. Sooo good!! I don’t think there’s a sandwich on the property that I look more forward to than this one.

M and L might have gotten something, but if they did, I can’t remember what.

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Oh the irony!

At this point, the plan was to continue on to FW so we could ride SE and LwtL before coming back to WS to get our spot for Illuminations.

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Up Next: More EPCOT

I personally wish we spent more time at EPCOT when we last went. The Morocco pavilion was awesome. We did the Kidcot passport with my daughter, and the ladies working the Morocco pavilion new how to party. They started belly dancing, and then I threw my Shakira impression into the ring, and that amped them up. My wife couldn't stop laughing for the next two pavilions. Great times.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Hey Capt. I have been enjoying your trip report. I just noticed something from the Italy pavilion. the bell tower. It just occurred to me that the main square at the University of Washington had the same Italian theaming, and just now clicked seeing the photo. It is funny what people see from their perspective. You have a good eye for interesting snap shots.

I personally wish we spent more time at EPCOT when we last went. The Morocco pavilion was awesome. We did the Kidcot passport with my daughter, and the ladies working the Morocco pavilion new how to party. They started belly dancing, and then I threw my Shakira impression into the ring, and that amped them up. My wife couldn't stop laughing for the next two pavilions. Great times.

Glad you’re enjoying it! I fall more in love with the Italy and Morocco pavilion each time I visit.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Leaving Sports

As I was about to head out, I spotted Pluto!

He was at Sports as a part of the Character Caravan.

I then made my way to the bus stop.

After waiting in line for about 5mins, a bus arrived, but it wasn’t for Disney Springs.

What the heck?

Definitely not Riverside I take it that someone was loss.

A Disney Springs bus finally arrived.

I told ALL-Star Sports goodbye and was off to DS.

Up next: Disney Springs!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Disney Springs!

I was able to catch a glimpse of the Skyliner construction.

We soon arrived at DS.

M and L were already here and were in the temporary World of Disney, so I made my way over there.

I had troubles finding M and L because it was so crowded! Also, the temporary store is very small. We didn’t stay in there long before we got tired of the massive crowd in such a small space.

We stopped at the Pin Traders so L and I could get some pins.

We thought about getting a bite to eat from Earl of Sandwich, but we weren’t very hungry, so we opted for some free samples from the Ghirardelli shop instead.

Can’t wait for the work to be finished!

I think this one is my favorite.

This guy was just chillin’

Up next: More DS!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

DS continued

Next we made a stop at the Disney Corner.

I wanted this so bad!

I really do regret not buying it.

It was about 1:30, and we decided that it was time to leave DS and hit the road. We had a long drive back ahead of us.

Riviera Resort construction

Skyliner station construction at CB

More Skyliner work

Up next: Leaving “the World”

 

[MinnieM123]

I really do regret not buying it

I wanted this so bad!

Should have bought it. (Then again, there's always Christmas and holidays coming up -- you could hint to someone that you kinda like it .... )

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Should have bought it. (Then again, there's always Christmas and holidays coming up -- you could hint to someone that you kinda like it .... )

Haha, true! I really don't know why I didn't buy it.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Leaving “the World”

Yours truly may or may not have started to cry at this point. It had been such a good trip, and now it was over.

I kept telling myself it’s not goodbye, but see you real soon!

We made good time getting through Orlando.

We stopped at Chick-fil-A just south of Jacksonville around 4:30.

Since it was Memorial Day weekend, they had this table set up honoring those who serve our country and those who’ve died while serving. Someone is paying the price for our freedom. We can’t thank the brave men and women who defend our country enough for their service.

We made it back to the Palmetto State at 7.

Instead of driving all the way back home to the midlands, we ended up stopping and stayed the night at my grandparents (M’s parents) who live in the low country.

I didn’t want to take my MB off. I think I slept with it on.

I drifted off to sleep that night, reflecting on the past 5 days and the memories that were made.

Up next: Final thoughts and merchandise review!

 

[MinnieM123]

Since it was Memorial Day weekend, they had this table set up honoring those who serve our country and those who’ve died while serving. Someone is paying the price for our freedom. We can’t thank the brave men and women who defend our country enough for their service.

That table service is very nicely arranged. What a lovely tribute.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Final Thoughts

We had such a great time on this much needed trip. We all got to do what we wanted, along with trying new things. All 5 days were good, but I’d have to say that our day at AK and our 2nd day at EPCOT were the best. They were just really good days.

There are many memorable moments, but the highlight of the trip for me has to be the Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour. I’d been wanting to go on it for a long time and was so happy (and still am) that I did.

In terms of trying new things, I was glad I got to ride Navi River Journey, Flight of Passage, and Soarin’ Around the World. NRJ and FoP were awesome and I enjoyed the new film for Soarin’ better than I thought I would. It was also our first time staying at ALL-Star Sports. Our room was spacious, comfortable, and clean. I know this might sound crazy, but I think it was better than any room we’ve had at Movies or the one time we stayed at Pop. We didn’t care for the food court or the gift shop because they were so small. Definitely bigger/better over at Movies. Bus service was good. There was only one morning when we had to wait for a lengthy amount of time. We didn’t have a bad experience at Sports, but I think it’ll be a while before we stay there again.

Overall, it was a great trip. The crowds weren’t too bad, and the rain held off. But most importantly, I was able to be at WDW with the people I love.

And with that, this TR is over. Thank you to all that stuck around for the past 4 1/2 months. I didn’t intend to drag this out at all. Hope you all enjoyed reading it!

Plans for future trips

I have to get back so I can see Illuminations one last time. As of now, I’m hoping to go to WDW during spring break in March. No concrete plans yet, but I’m working on it. (fingers crossed) M, L, and I are gonna try to go back in May. Hopefully everyone’s schedules will allow us to go. But til then, I will continue to live vicariously through the TRs of others.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Merchandise Review!

I’ve been meaning to do this the past couple of weeks, but school has kept me crazy busy! Thank God for fall break!

I ended up not getting a lot. Only came back with 7 bags, which is light for me.

There were several things that I looked forward to getting, but was disappointed when I learned they were no longer being sold. So, here’s what I got.

AK 20th pin

Wasn’t a whole lot of merch for the 20th, but this is the pin I got. M actually picked it up for me on her way out while L and I were on FoP. She got it from either Island Mercantile or Discovery Trading Company.

TMBOSTT pin

This is the pin I got from the tour. Absolutely love the backing!

Larry Dotson print

This is the print I got from the Puffin’s Roost. As you can see, I had Larry sign it. I’d been wanting to get one of his prints for a while. There were so many prints to choose from, and I had a tough time making up my mind, but when I found one of the Roy, I knew I had to get it. I love how Larry included the statue of Roy and Minnie sitting on the bench. I’m a little embarrassed to say that I still haven’t hung it up yet.

American Adventure postcard

Along with Disney pins, I also like to collect postcards. I thought this one was really cool. I found it over at Heritage Manor Gifts. It’s so hard to find postcards in WDW nowadays.

EPCOT 35th hat

I was so excited when I saw this hat! I had forgotten about the possibility of there still being merch for the 35th. M asked if I wanted it to be one of my graduation presents. I couldn’t say yes fast enough! She got it from a merch stand in front of the American Adventure. Love how they took the original EPCOT logo and added the flags of the countries represented in WS.

EPCOT Center pin

It had me at Center. From Mouse Gear.

Treasures from the 7 seas

Not exactly merchandise, but these treasure cards, and particularly the maps, make great souvenirs.

POTC pin

Love at first sight. Thought this pin was so freaking cool. To me it screams classic Pirates. Also, it says Dead Men Tell No Tales, which is a bonus. Got it from the Emporium.

Up next: More merch!

 

[MinnieM123]

Merchandise Review!

I’ve been meaning to do this the past couple of weeks, but school has kept me crazy busy! Thank God for fall break!

I ended up not getting a lot. Only came back with 7 bags, which is light for me.
View attachment 324446
There were several things that I looked forward to getting, but was disappointed when I learned they were no longer being sold. So, here’s what I got.

AK 20th pin
View attachment 324450
Wasn’t a whole lot of merch for the 20th, but this is the pin I got. M actually picked it up for me on her way out while L and I were on FoP. She got it from either Island Mercantile or Discovery Trading Company.

TMBOSTT pin
View attachment 324448
This is the pin I got from the tour. Absolutely love the backing!

Larry Dotson print
View attachment 324447
This is the print I got from the Puffin’s Roost. As you can see, I had Larry sign it. I’d been wanting to get one of his prints for a while. There were so many prints to choose from, and I had a tough time making up my mind, but when I found one of the Roy, I knew I had to get it. I love how Larry included the statue of Roy and Minnie sitting on the bench. I’m a little embarrassed to say that I still haven’t hung it up yet.

American Adventure postcard
View attachment 324452
Along with Disney pins, I also like to collect postcards. I thought this one was really cool. I found it over at Heritage Manor Gifts. It’s so hard to find postcards in WDW nowadays.

EPCOT 35th hat
View attachment 324455
I was so excited when I saw this hat! I had forgotten about the possibility of there still being merch for the 35th. M asked if I wanted it to be one of my graduation presents. I couldn’t say yes fast enough! She got it from a merch stand in front of the American Adventure. Love how they took the original EPCOT logo and added the flags of the countries represented in WS.

EPCOT Center pin
View attachment 324449
It had me at Center. From Mouse Gear.

Treasures from the 7 seas
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Not exactly merchandise, but these treasure cards, and particularly the maps, make great souvenirs.

POTC pin
View attachment 324451
Love at first sight. Thought this pin was so freaking cool. To me it screams classic Pirates. Also, it says Dead Men Tell No Tales, which is a bonus. Got it from the Emporium.

Up next: More merch!

Wow. That' some really nice loot you got.

Hands down, my favorite item is the Larry Dotson painting (print) of the Roy. And you got it autographed, too! Nice!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

More merch!

The last three items were purchased from Disney’s Pin Traders at DS

EPCOT 35th pin

Another one of those “had to have” items. I was excited when I saw it because I was hoping there would be a pin for the 35th.

Riverside pin

I saw this one and realized I didn’t have a Riverside pin. Problem solved! L got one too.

WDW 2018 pin

M actually got this for me as a surprise graduation present. She wanted me to have something that said 2018 with it being my high school graduation year.

And that’s all of the merchandise from this trip. For once I didn’t buy a mystery pin set. I just didn’t see any sets that I liked. I also made a bunch of press pennies, but didn’t take any pictures of them.

Hope y’all enjoyed it!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Wow. That' some really nice loot you got.

Hands down, my favorite item is the Larry Dotson painting (print) of the Roy. And you got it autographed, too! Nice!

Haha thanks. The print of the Roy and the EPCOT 35th hat are probably my favorites.

 

[MinnieM123]

Haha thanks. The print of the Roy and the EPCOT 35th hat are probably my favorites.

You have good taste!

Here, have a cupcake! (P.S.: My favorite Disney cupcake--the Darth Vadar one--for the taste, that is!)

 

[dtng2000]

Hope the tiger was ok! I've always wanted to see a procedure there involving a larger animal. I'm sure they had to have a lot of staff members just to carry him.

I love Rafiki's too! It's sad that most people don't understand or appreciate the message that it represents.



You are correct. All three locomotives are 2-4-2T diesel-hydraulic steam outline locomotives built by Severn Lamb in the U.K. Severn Lamb also built the locomotives for the Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad.

I could be wrong, but I think they burn bio-diesel just like the WDWRR and the buses. For numerous safety reasons, you can't operate a steam locomotive in a theme park filled with animals.

Severn Lamb also built the #4 Eureka steam locomotive at Disneyland Paris. The first three were built by Hugh Phillips. The Eureka steam locomotive is most likely the last Severn Lamb steam locomotive still in operation. At PortAventura in Spain, they used to have Severn Lamb steam locomotives, but both were converted into diesel powered locomotives in the 2010s (these reuse the steam locomotive but replaces the steam tender with a diesel one).