Trip Report 10 days goes too fast in Disney World! July Trip Report

So.. I debated back and forth on whether or not I should write a trip report! Bringing back all my Disney memories is bittersweet, I wish I was still there! However, I do not want to forget anything about my wonderful, amazing trip so here goes! Hope you enjoy :)

I went to Disney from July 14-23, got stuck in Orlando so we didn't really leave until the 24th, with my best friend. This is my fourth trip to Disney and this was her probably 14th, haha. We had never been on vacation together, but we are inseparable at home, so we knew we'd have no problems!! I'm an Ariel lover, Disney World obsessed fan, who comes on these forums WAY TOO MUCH :) My name's Nicole and the girl with the brown hair is my best friend! :) Her favorite princess is Aurora, and is pretty upset there isn't a sleeping beauty ride, or show, or really anything in Disney World! We had tons of plans, we wanted to do the cupcake challenge, where you eat a different cupcake everyday, we wanted to drink around the world, we had a ton of things on our must do lists. Disney here we come!

Day One:

Our flight to Disney was at 6:00 AM from Newark so we had to be at the airport around 4 AM! We TRIED to go to sleep early, but all our adrenaline and excitement made that impossible! Finally around 10 PM we fell asleep, and set our alarms for 3:15 AM to go to the airport. When my alarm went off, I was a little cranky and wondered why we picked such an early flight, but then the excitement of going to Disney World crept up, and I was fully awake.

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I'm the blonde!

Our flight there was super fast, and we arrived at 8:40 AM. We planned this right! We'd have a full day!! Off it was to find the magical express, did I mention, my friend and I are directionally challenged.
We went all the way downstairs and saw a bunch of Disney cruise buses only to find out we were on the wrong side of the airport, the magical express in on the B side just so everyone knows :) Back up the stairs and off to the other side we went.



We found the magical express area right away, and since it was early, it wasn't crowded at all! I remember when I went to Disney in November the lines being super long, but the lines were really short when we arrived! We hopped right on the bus, and we were off! Driving through the Walt Disney World sign gave me goosebumps, I could not believe I was really here! My level of excitement increased with each big purple sign with Mickey ears on top we passed.






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Stop one was Old Key West Resort, stop two was Saratoga Springs, and stop three was our new home, Port Orleans French Quarter! I had never stayed here before, but just seeing the signs saying "Welcome Home" made me all teary-eyed. I'm such a Disney sap.

We checked in immediately, there was no lines at all, and since I had done the online check in, our room was ready! We were in building 4, room 4309, near the bus stop and food court. We had a garden view, and the room was so pretty! We couldn't have asked for a better room!







We quickly unpacked our carry-ons since our luggage hadn't arrived yet, and then began exploring! We each packed all our headwear in our carry-ons, so for our very first day we decided to wear matching minnie-ears. While we unpacked, we watched Stacey! What kind of Disney trip is it if you don't watch her must dos! Unt pretzel, unt beer!





We walked along the Sassagoula River, checked out the pool area, and checked out the food court. This resort is BEAUTIFUL. It's small and easy to get around, and the landscapers were even the friendliest people. They offered to take our picture in front of the fountain. Thanks again!











After we made our way full circle around our resort, it was off to Magic Kingdom! It was around 1130 AM when we hopped on the first Disney bus to the parks! Hearing the themed music, where the horns are blaring to welcome you to the Magic Kingdom, made me instantly emotional! We put our key to world card up to the new Mickey turnstiles, watched Mickey light up green, and were inside! AHHHH!!!

We hurriedly picked up our photopass and continued on. That first walk down main street is still a blur in my mind. As soon as I saw that castle, I realized I was truly here, my happiest place on earth. The tears started welling up in my eyes, I could not believe it! After months of visiting these forums and looking at everyone's pictures, it was finally my turn! I was so happy and overwhelmed and then BAM the "move it, shake it, celebrate it" parade started going on. I swear it's like they were celebrating our arrival :) We both were laughing and dancing, and waving at every character that passed by. It was the best entrance I've ever had.









We couldn't decide what we wanted to do first, we had no plan! So we started wandering! We took as many photopass pictures and we could, and then decided to head to new fantasyland. We both had last visited in 2011, so we were excited! On the way, we saw a Tiana, and there wasn't a line, so we had to meet her right away! She was extremely nice, and really pretty!



New fantasyland did not live up to my expectations, I guess because the huge mine train is in the middle of everything. It kind of takes away from the whole immersive experience. I think I may have rathered they open everything up at once, instead of in stages. Don't get me wrong, all the detailing in this area of the park is one the reasons I love Disney World so much.. they truly go that extra mile.
 
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prfctlyximprct

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Lol I totally have the same dream of staying at every place, experiencing every restaurant, show, etc :)

I swear I am trying not to repeat too much so hopefully I can get it accomplished! It will get hard, and expensive lol.. oh the deluxes!

Loving your report!!! You girls are awesome! I like how you pick the head piece and outfit to go with the park for the day. Great idea! Can't wait for more, especially Kona. My DH and I have a date there for our next visit in a few days. Hope it is good. :)

Thank you for the compliment! I wish I could wear my crowns more often LOL.. guess walking around real life isn't the same as Disney!
 

prfctlyximprct

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
We began getting ready for dinner.. we put on nice dresses, did our hair, did our makeup.. only to discover.. it was POURING outside. Not a drizzle, not rain, it was a torrential downpour! What were we to do?!



We decided to take our own photoshoot to kill some time. Our reservation wasn't until 7:40, so we thought maybe the rain would let up sometime soon. We knew we had to give ourselves at least an hour, because we had to take a bus to MK and then hop on the monorail. We waited..

Self timer really comes in handy when there's two of you!



Took some classic mirror pics, I always hate how pictures like this turn out but I never fail to take them! Haha!





And it was still pouring. So we took pictures with the one and only beast!



This is not LOL


My friend hates the beast!! :( :(


We then debated back and forth on what to do. Should we cancel our reservation and just eat at the resort? We could put on sweats and lay in bed and watch Disney movies. While it seemed very tempting at the time, we convinced ourselves we were in Disney World, we could do that at home! We had to man up! We had planned this trip over six months ago, we weren't gonna let a little rain spoil our plans! We put on our ponchos, took a few necessary deep breaths, and trekked outside.

We were the only ones at the bus stop.


We waited for a Magic Kingdom bus, and lucky for us, it was the first one to come!



We got on the bus, and NOBODY else was on the bus. We were the only two people! Our bus driver, Ron, asked if we were really going to the Magic Kingdom in such weather. We told him we had reservations at the Polynesian, and had to go catch the monorail. He told us to hold on, and he called his manager and asked if he could drive us directly to the Poly. His manager said YES!!! We were so excited, and grateful, I could have cried! When we pulled up directly to the door of the Polynesian, I was overjoyed! I tried to give Ron a monetary tip, but he insisted his job is to make people happy, and he would not accept. He said it was no big deal, he is retired, and just enjoys sharing the magic. We also asked if there was anything we could do to thank him, such as call and give him name somewhere, but he kept insisting it was nothing. He made our night, and it is something I will remember for the rest of my life. It's the little things that make your vacation the most magical. I wrote a letter to Disney commending him. I hope he gets it!

This is what they sent back to me, so it seems like he will know we were grateful!

Dear Nicole,
Thank you for writing to us about your visit to the Walt Disney World® Resort.
I am very glad you had such an enjoyable experience and truly appreciate the time you took to share your compliments for Ron. Your email reinforces how our Cast Members can make a tremendous difference with each Guest. It is heartwarming to know that Cast Members such as Ron exemplified Walt Disney’s dream to create happy and memorable experiences for all of our Guests. Please be assured your comments will be shared with the appropriate leadership so he can be commended for the great service he provided you.
Once again, thank you for writing to us. We look forward to future opportunities to entertain you.

Best Regards,
Kimmie DuPont
Guest Experience Services
Walt Disney World Resort

We made it to Polynesian, and we were early! What a change of pace for us! We looked around the gift shop, and got a bag to put our wet ponchos in. If you ever don't want to carry your wet poncho, just ask a CM for a bag!







I love the Polynesian. I ate at 'Ohana my very first trip to Disney, so the resort always holds a special place in my heart. It was the first monorail resort I ever went to, and I remember being amazed at riding the monorail! Our original plan was to walk along the beach, have some drinks, and watch the fireworks here after dinner. The rain changed all that, so we just enjoyed the inside!





We made our way over to the Tambu Lounge, and from the forums I knew I needed to try a Lapu Lapu!
A drink served in a pineapple! What could be better! And if we couldn't be outside on the beach, we could enjoy the tropical decor inside, sipping on tropical drinks!







First Lapu Lapu, and I'm hooked! Be careful though, these things are strong!!


The Polynesian is beautiful, I'd love to stay here one day! Maybe this will be the next resort on my list... who wants to come?!



 

prfctlyximprct

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
We put our name in and waited maybe 5 minutes before we were called. Good thing, because we were hungry!





I forgot to take a picture of the bread, I blame the Lapu Lapu, but it was soooo good! It was sweet bread, with macadamia nut butter. We ate our bread in probably 1 minute flat, so I'm sorry I don't have a photo! It honestly just melted in your mouth. I would go here again for dinner based on the bread alone. :)

Next up was our entrees, my friend got the pan seared duck breast, and I had the pan Asian noodles with chicken. I hadn't eaten anything like this all trip and it was nice to break away from the ordinary! It was really yummy. I was full about half way through. It's a big serving!



Kona is bright and cheery, and it truly reminds you of being on an island. I loved the atmosphere. It's an open setting, so you can still see out to the hotel lobby. The service was great, our drinks were always filled! I feel like I recommend every restaurant but I'd certainly recommend this one too! It was really delicious! Next time I have to go for breakfast, I need to try the tonga toast!



Up next was dessert! I got the banana-chocolate creme brulee, and my friend had pineapple upside down cake. We shared so we both got to sample each! I want to try everything! The creme brulee makes my mouth salivate just looking at the picture. It was GOOD. It tasted only slightly of banana, you really had to break off a hunk of the banana to get the taste. I liked it this way though, it wasn't overpowering. I wish I could eat the picture.. I want to lick my screen!



After dessert, we were full.



It was still raining out, so we decided to just get on the monorail, and find a bus back home to POFQ. I was so full, it felt like Thanksgiving. It was nice to just relax on the monorail for a bit!



We caught a glimpse of the Electric Water Pageant! I want to really watch this one day! What resorts can you see it at? I'm guess Poly, Grand Floridian, and the Contemporary? It was really neat watching everything light up. It sort of built, where one thing would light up, then two, then three, etc. My camera didn't do so well taking pictures from the moving monorail, but you get the picture.



We soon made it back to our lovely abode, and got ready for bed. One last photo for the night with Beast!



Day 6

We let ourselves sleep in a little bit today, but we were out the door by 9:00 AM nonetheless! I guess the excitement just does not allow you to sleep for very long! Epcot here we come! Today we planned to do the world showcase only, but since we didn't finish future world on our last visit, we decided to just do both!



Of course we had to get more photopass pictures!








I love Epcot! I swear Spaceship Earth and Cinderella Castle must be the two most photographed things in the U.S. I could be bias, but they are just too beautiful not to take pictures of!







I love you Epcot!
 

prfctlyximprct

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
We grabbed a fastpass for Test Track, but it wasn't until 3 something in the afternoon! Guess if you snooze, you really do lose! We headed over to Mission Space, the green side had a shorter wait time, about 30 minutes compared to 60 for orange.. so green it was! The last time I was here I was on the orange, and before that they didn't have teams.. so I wasn't sure how un-thrilling the green side would be!















While in line, they tell you over and over again to not ride because of this, or get out of line because of that.. it's really repetitive! There are so many warnings! I guess ever since someone died due to a pre-existing condition, they have to cover their butts! We were not too smart and started looking up the news stories on our phones while we waited in line. Don't do this! It added to the fear factor, I'll say!





Soon we were on our mission, my friend was the navigator and I was the pilot! We screamed and laughed so much, thankfully we were with a young couple who joined right in with us! When it was the pilot's turn to press the button, everyone was screaming "Go, pilot, go!!" I love having fun happy people on rides with you. It can make or break an experience! We all congratulated each other when we got to Mars. I don't really know the difference between green and orange.. it felt the same to me? I guess the orange side spins? I didn't think going on the "less intense" side took away from the ride at all! Hey, whichever side has a shorter wait.. go for it!





We were on a mission today to buy new headgear. This was option one. I think I'm ready for Nasa!


We then watched the Jamminators for awhile. I love the sidewalk entertainment. They were really into it, and the crowd was clapping and dancing along. We really enjoyed them! The guy with the purple hat was my favorite!







It was only about 11 AM and we were hungry. We didn't get breakfast today, so we decided on having an early lunch. I'd never eaten at the electric umbrella before.. so off we went!



We both got bacon cheeseburgers with mac and cheese on them. Yes, on the burger. It is probably so unhealthy, but calories don't count in Disney World! It was really good!!! I now want all my burgers to have mac and cheese on them. :) We split a chocolate mickey cake and chocolate chip cookies for dessert, but we barely had room for it after devouring these ginormous burgers!



Get in my belly! Haha!



We were stuffed, so we headed over to Mousegears to do some shopping. We both wanted new hats, so we tried on a bunch! I loved the Figment one.. I wish I bought it!!



My best friend, the clown!


Eventually I settled on the classic mickey hat. I wanted to buy this my last trip but never did. I got my name embroidered on the back. Another hat to add to my ever growing collection. I think my next trip will have to be 14 days so I can wear everything! Who wants to go?!

 

prfctlyximprct

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Here we are with our final decisions! Mickey and Minnie hats! Awkward photo in the Mousegears fitting room area LOL :)



We decided on doing the Universe of Energy attraction next. I love Ellen, and I love this! It may be a little outdated, but it is still hysterical and makes me laugh every time. It was also nice to just sit, relax, and enjoy because this attraction is about 40 minutes long! It gets you out of that Florida heat!

Took a photo of the Wonder of Life pavilion on the way over. It's really a shame they don't put something in there besides using it for the food and wine festival. I want to go inside! When I came in 2005 this pavilion was "open seasonally." I only know that because I looked at my maps from the trip, I guess it wasn't open when I went.. or I just didn't go in.. who knows?! Either way, I wish I got to experience it! Maybe one day it will house an attraction again! I wish they still had that DNA structure outside of it. It looks so sad off in the distance. :(









After joining Ellen back in time with the dinosaurs, we wanted to head to the World Showcase. We hurried and grabbed a times guide; my friend needed to meet princess aurora again! She was meeting soon in France, so we decided we would take the boat across the lagoon. Another first for me! I'm becoming quite the Disney expert! We grabbed some photopass pictures on the walk over.







We made it to France just in time!





My friend had to get her one on one time with her favorite princess, so I stood back and snapped some pictures. Of course the photopass man's equipment wasn't working.. so I was the sole photographer! Thankfully he offered to take pictures with my camera, and apologized profusely. It's something out of his control so what can ya do! He felt really bad!







Princess Aurora was super nice, and talked to my friend about Prince Philip, and asked if we liked her pink dress or if she should have made it blue. PINK!!! We all agreed. :)





We found a working photopass man right in front of the fountain, so here we are in France! Such a beautiful place. I love the whole concept of the World Showcase, there really isn't anything like it! To walk from one country to the next, and immerse yourself in that culture, it's really mind blowing! I hope one day they add more countries, because World Showcase is my favorite part of Epcot. Ask me tomorrow, and I may change my mind. Gosh, I love everything about Disney. :)









We wanted to make sure we made it to every country, so we started walking toward Canada! The rest of our day would be spent enjoying each country individually!
 

prfctlyximprct

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
you have the best TR ever!!! So many pictures and it is so great to see you have such a wonderful time and you don't complain about anything... You truly enjoy Disney!

Thank you! I love Disney so much.. I guess it really shows! :)

Thanks for sharing a great trip report! I just spent a good hour of my life living vicariously through your trip. You guys had a blast!

Glad you got to join in on the trip! I love reading everyone's trip reports, it makes me feel like I'm there!
 

PineapplePrincess

Well-Known Member
You ladies are troopers to brave the rain like that! I'm glad it was worth it and you got a heartwarming CM story out of the deal. When I retire, it's my dream to work at Disney and make people happy everyday!
 

ShookieJones

We need time for things to happen.
Rain Smain!!! It don't mean nuttin' at the World. Still lovin this report.
We ate at Kona a few years back and it was ridiculously good. After reading your report and seeing the pics I may have to move some things around for our upcoming trip to get back there!!
 

jabbamfhutt1

New Member
We had to wait just a few minutes before they called our names. I felt like I had been up for awhile already, so I was hungry!! I'm usually bad at home and never eat breakfast, I'll grab just a granola bar or something. In Disney though, I need my three meals! I need that extra boost of energy! Crystal Palace was really pretty inside, it reminded my kind of like a greenhouse with various plant life, or a sunporch that you could sit in and sip tea and read books all day long in a rocking chair. That's the kind of vibe I got. My descriptions are weird, I know. :) I filled up my first plate until there was not any room left, and began to dig in!









I couldn't eat much though, because soon I was being hugged! Eeyore snuck up behind me! It's so funny in the picture it looks as though I'm petting his nose. I really think some characters I treat like dogs, I want to pet them and cuddle them. I really must stop!





Eeyore is my friends favorite character from Winnie the Pooh, so I tried to capture some candid moments. I'm not a great photographer, and this is blatant proof!







We kept joking that we wanted to ask a character to take a selfie with us, where you hold the camera in front of yourself and take a picture, but we never went through with it. I think that kind of photo would be funny to have. Maybe next time I'll have the courage! We ate for a little and then Pooh was there! He gave such good hugs. I think his little belly makes his hugs the best. :)





Continued eating, oh man I love Mickey waffles! I love waffles, and to make them in the shape of a Mickey, just makes them 1000 times better. Again, nothing in Disney is average. They truly go above and beyond, and the shape of their food is just another excellent example of something "magical." Soon Piglet was at our table, he was really bright! Pink is my favorite color so I could have stared at Piglet all morning long. I wish I had a shirt in the color of his skin LOL.



I love eggs and my friend HATES them. I always joke with her whenever she sleeps over that I am going to serve her breakfast in bed of scrambled eggs. She gets so angry. Muhahaha. I made sure to eat scrambled and hard-boiled eggs that morning. I kept trying to offer her some, and let's just say she wasn't having it! Here I am being a brat, eating my hard-boiled egg.



We were both stuffed, but we had not yet met Tigger! The CMs are really on top of everything, and they make sure each character comes to your table. They have a little clipboard with them, I guess they mark off where they've already been. It's really no big deal if you get up to get food and the characters are headed your way. They will come back! Tigger was over soon enough. I wanted to bounce away with him. I think I have a secret crush on Tigger. Don't tell!



Got this nice shot of his tail.



We thanked our waiter for being so attentive, and bringing us about 10 glasses of orange juice each, and made our way back into Magic Kingdom. Sometimes, when I'm in a restaurant, I totally forget I'm still in a theme park. Oh the magic. All we had to do was walk out the door and we were transported back to Magic Kingdom. I loved Crystal Palace and would definitley eat there again!!





The first picture of you hugging Eeyore is adorable. Your smile is so sweet it makes me smile every time I look at it. My daughter and I love him too.

Best trip report EVER! I'm going in 3 weeks and wish I could put one together half as good as yours.
 

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