Trip Report 6 In 1!!

DisneyNorthFan · Feb 8, 2022

Long time reader, first time poster. I'm really enjoying following along on your trips. Love your WDW touring style - rides, shopping, pool, good food, and drinks! You do it right!

fractal · Feb 9, 2022

So I'm feeling stupid.

I thought this was a pre-trip report and you were going to do all this in 2022!

Anyway, enjoying all your report from last year!

Songbird76 · Feb 10, 2022

riverside said:
#1
WHEN: Tuesday, August 10th-Tuesday, August 17th

WHERE: Saratoga Springs 2 Bedroom Villa
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WHO: Myself, E, JSR & J
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#2
WHEN: Thursday, September 23rd-Saturday, September 25th

WHERE: Saratoga Springs 1 Bedroom Villa
I figured a pic isn't necessary since there's the one above!!

WHO: E & myself(no J--gasp!!)
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#3
WHEN: Thursday, October 7th-Saturday, October 9th

WHERE: Walt Disney World Swan
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WHO: Me, myself & I
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#4
WHEN: Thursday, October 28th-Tuesday, November 2nd

WHERE: Saratoga Springs 2 Bedroom Villa
Again, no pic needed

WHO: My niece M, J, my sister B(M's mom), E & myself
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#5
WHEN: Thursday, November 11th-Saturday, November 13th

WHERE: Animal Kingdom Lodge
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WHO:
I was traveling solo again
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#6
WHEN: Thursday, December 2nd-Saturday, December 4th

WHERE: Home
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WHO: 3rd go around alone!!
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So, I had lots of mixed feelings as if I even wanted to do TR's on these trips. Other than the 2 longer ones the other 4 were really just to visit with a dear friend who had just moved there(I mentioned that in my last TR). She moved from Pittsburgh to about 1/2 hour from Disney. When visiting her I chose to stay at Disney b/c for the most part I was by myself so I felt safer. Also, in my down time when I wasn't visiting her I could go to the parks "for free", so to speak, since I have an AP. I looked at that as a "free" source of entertainment.

Since I really didn't plan on doing TR's for these I don't have great notes. Most of what is going to trigger my memories will be my pictures!!

As always, a huge welcome to all who will be following along!!

I'm really late to the party, but you went with E and NOT J???? What did he have to say about that?? Ok...let the binge reading begin!

Songbird76 · Feb 10, 2022

riverside said:
#1
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11TH

It was time for lunch. Everyone wanted Peco's Bill. I was excited the Columbia Harbour House was finally open & wanted to get something there. I originally planned to get my food & meet everyone at Peco's Bill but then I decided just to eat it there. It was a whole heck of a lot easier that way.
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How I missed the lobster roll sandwich!! It was just as good as I remembered!!
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As I was going to meet the rest of the crew I noticed THIS Who would let their kid do that? Then, after standing there for about 30 seconds, I realized that there was no parent around this kid. All the other guests just kept walking by like it was normal to see a kid, by himself, laying on the ground. Gotta admit, I continued on my way also. I've always heard that Disney is the safest place to lose a kid so I figured he would be just fine!!
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We went to Memento Mori. Way too much going on with these pants.
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I thought the next 2 items were adorable!! Too bad I have a german shepherd. No way could she eat out of something that small!!
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I thought this picture turned out pretty neat!!
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A trip on the Peoplemover was next.
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Maybe that's the dad of the kid who was laying on the ground in Liberty Square??
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I'm really surprised no CM had gone to check on that kid! That seems pretty bad, even in a place that is supposed to be safe.

riverside · Feb 10, 2022

amjt660 said:
The shorts were a little revealing

Just a little!!

amjt660 said:
but did the pics actually make it to A?

No, I didn't have the heart to do it. When we got back I did tell her that we were going to but didn't. Everyone in the family has seen the video & thinks it's hysterical so now she actually gets a kick out of it herself!!

amjt660 said:

That it was!!

DisneyNorthFan said:
Long time reader, first time poster. I'm really enjoying following along on your trips. Love your WDW touring style - rides, shopping, pool, good food, and drinks! You do it right!

Welcome & thanks for posting!! Thank you very much--we definitely take a more laid back approach than we used to years ago!! Hope to hear from you some more!!

fractal said:
So I'm feeling stupid.

I thought this was a pre-trip report and you were going to do all this in 2022!

Anyway, enjoying all your report from last year!

Don't feel stupid--I understand how this can be very confusing. Heck, you should see the paper I have sitting here next to my computer so I can keep all the dates, people, resorts etc. straight!!

Thanks so much!!

Songbird76 said:
I'm really late to the party, but you went with E and NOT J???? What did he have to say about that?? Ok...let the binge reading begin!

He was a little bummed at first but he was going back soon so he was alright with it.

Songbird76 said:
I'm really surprised no CM had gone to check on that kid! That seems pretty bad, even in a place that is supposed to be safe.

Right?? I was thinking about doing it but my luck the parent would have came out of nowhere & got upset for me approaching their kid. It definitely is something a CM should do as opposed to a guest.

Songbird76 · Feb 11, 2022

riverside said:
Just a little!!

No, I didn't have the heart to do it. When we got back I did tell her that we were going to but didn't. Everyone in the family has seen the video & thinks it's hysterical so now she actually gets a kick out of it herself!!

That it was!!

Welcome & thanks for posting!! Thank you very much--we definitely take a more laid back approach than we used to years ago!! Hope to hear from you some more!!

Don't feel stupid--I understand how this can be very confusing. Heck, you should see the paper I have sitting here next to my computer so I can keep all the dates, people, resorts etc. straight!!

Thanks so much!!

He was a little bummed at first but he was going back soon so he was alright with it.

Right?? I was thinking about doing it but my luck the parent would have came out of nowhere & got upset for me approaching their kid. It definitely is something a CM should do as opposed to a guest.

Was there no CM in the area? Usually they are all over. I think you're right....best let a CM deal with it, but if there wasn't one there, I'd probably have done it myself, or I have the advantage of having kids myself, so I'd have sent my daughter over. She's great with kids, and it would probably be a little less frightening when it's not a fully grown adult approaching you? I'm just wondering where the parents were....I'm sure it's easy to get separated, especially on a crowded day. There's a lot going on, a lot of stimulation, and kids are good at stopping to look at something and getting swept up in all the excitement and not realize where mom and dad are...I'm sure it happens a lot. But most kids don't just lie down on the ground immediately...I would think he'd have been wandering for a while before he did that, so where were mom and dad that it took such a long time that he gave up like that? So sad. I hope it all worked out.

riverside · Feb 12, 2022

Songbird76 said:
Was there no CM in the area? Usually they are all over. I think you're right....best let a CM deal with it, but if there wasn't one there, I'd probably have done it myself, or I have the advantage of having kids myself, so I'd have sent my daughter over. She's great with kids, and it would probably be a little less frightening when it's not a fully grown adult approaching you? I'm just wondering where the parents were....I'm sure it's easy to get separated, especially on a crowded day. There's a lot going on, a lot of stimulation, and kids are good at stopping to look at something and getting swept up in all the excitement and not realize where mom and dad are...I'm sure it happens a lot. But most kids don't just lie down on the ground immediately...I would think he'd have been wandering for a while before he did that, so where were mom and dad that it took such a long time that he gave up like that? So sad. I hope it all worked out.

I didn't see a CM around. I'm sure it worked out. Someone had to have noticed what was going on in short order--I would hope!

riverside · Feb 12, 2022

#3
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7TH

If my memory serves me correct I believe my flight was around 4:30 which means I would have had to leave work a few hours early to make it to the airport. I definitely flew with Spirit on this trip.

I went to Primanti Bros. for a late lunch.

I had the Italian Hoagie.

Yes, those are Spirit seats.

In no time at all I was in Orlando!!

Getting a reservation was extremely tough for this trip. I'm sure part of the problem was I was booking last minute. The 50th had started the week before so I'm sure that was the biggest issue!! The cheapest room I could find was at The Boardwalk & it was going to be something like $1600.00 for 2 nights!! I tried seeing if I could get anything through David's DVC rental but there was nothing available there either. Then a light bulb went off in my head. Why don't I try the Swan & Dolphin? They didn't have much available but I ended up getting a king size at the Swan. For about $800.00--half of what The Boardwalk was going to be!! And it's right next to it!! The best part was that if you applied for the Marriot credit card you got a $500.00 credit so I only ended up paying $300.00 for the room!!

The lack of Disney touches were definitely noticeable.

Some room pics....

riverside · Feb 12, 2022

#3
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7TH

Some more room pics....

I immediately thought of @Tuvalu when I saw this!!

I was quite pleased with the room.

It was very spacious!!

They give you free waters!!

No 50th Anniversary blend though....

riverside · Feb 12, 2022

#3
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7TH

I stepped out onto the balcony.

And this was my view!! Now I felt like I was in Disney!!

It was in a great location!!

They still have pen & paper there!!

I had made a park reservation for Epcot in the event I would have some time to go to one. I did have a little time before dinner so I walked over.

No surprise as to where I went, I'm sure!!

The traditional family photo was very lonely looking!!

riverside · Feb 12, 2022

#3
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7TH

I headed out of Epcot after my visit to Rose & Crown. I saw this on the way out. How cute!!

I thought this was nice!!

Hi Yacht Club!!

Some Boardwalk shots.

I noticed that this bar was closed.

It was time for dinner!!

I enjoyed what I was seeing for about the whole 5 seconds that I was able to see it.

In no time at all they seated me here.....

In a room, all by myself....

riverside · Feb 12, 2022

#3
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7TH

I felt like I was being punished for something!!

It was very awkward!!

I was going to order a half bottle of wine but they were out of the one I wanted.

The complimentary appetizer they give. I can't remember what it is but it was good.

My waitress talked me into a full bottle of this. It was very good. She told me that I could take with me what I didn't finish.

Not sure why I took a second picture. Maybe b/c it was all I had to look at!!

I had the Spaghetti Carbonara. It wasn't bad but the dish I get at The Cheesecake Factory is better than this was!!

Off to bed I went!!

riverside · Feb 12, 2022

#3
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8TH

I figured I would try to get a boarding group & hoped that I would get a time that worked out for my schedule. Unfortunately, this did not.

I headed out for my breakfast reservation.

I was eating at Trattoria al Forno for the first time!! And they seated me with other forms of human life!!

I had the Caprese Omelet with bacon. It was AMAZING!!

Some juice to go!!

Breakfast was at 7:30. I was out of there in no time at all. I had a few hours before I was going to visit my friend so I headed over to Epcot for a bit.

20 minutes. Why not?

riverside · Feb 12, 2022

#3
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8TH

I will spare you the photographic evidence but when I got off of Frozen my backside was soaking wet!!

Ugh....

Anna was out.

The wait for Soarin' was low so I hopped on there!!

LWTL was a walk on so I went on that next.

Saw Pooh on my way out!!

With that it was time for me to leave Epcot. I headed back to the Swan & caught a Lyft to go visit my friend. So, the day before they had closed on their new house!! The primary reason for this trip was to help clean the house before their belongings(which were in Pittsburgh in storage) arrived the next day. Not much work needed to be done though. The previous owners left the house darn near spotless!! It was amazing. It was still nice to do our own cleaning though!!

On my way back I got the notification that my boarding group had expired. That's ok, there's always next time!!

riverside · Feb 12, 2022

#3
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8TH

I wanted to stop at The Poly for a beverage. Surprisingly, they allowed the Lyft driver to drop me off at the resort.

It was getting dark & it looked like rain was coming. My server told me if it started to rain they couldn't serve guests anymore. We could still sit there but we would have to go up & order our drinks. I guess for safety reasons they don't want them out in the rain.

I decided to pop in MK for a bit. I ended up changing my mind pretty quickly. I don't know what was going on but when I went to get off the monorail there were tons of people on the platform & it looked like total chaos. I put one foot on the ground then changed my mind & brought it right back in. My guess is everyone was hanging out there under cover from the rain.

Next time MK!!

riverside · Feb 12, 2022

#3
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8TH

With MK out of the question I decided to stop at The Enchanted Rose.

I love their martinis!!

I decided to catch a bus to HS. The time kept changing later & later. I finally gave up. HS closed at 9. By the time I would get there it would be time to leave.

Back to the monorail I went.

And back to Epcot. That's 3 times in this short trip!!

I was a bit hungry so I got the Roasted Irish Sausage. It was just ok. Not something I would get again.

riverside · Feb 12, 2022

#3
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8TH

When in Rome....

Cheers!!

I can't believe it. I actually watched Harmonious!! Probably b/c I could walk back to the resort & didn't have to worry about crowded buses!!

I thought it started out good but then I was pretty much totally lost.

Having lost interest I went into Rose & Crown to get a beer for the walk back!!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9TH

Nothing really exciting this day. The car service was picking me up at 8:30. I stopped at Ruby Tuesday's for breakfast. I flew home & went straight to work & was there by 2:30!!

riverside · Feb 12, 2022

#4
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28TH

Of course I would get a room ready text in the morning when our flight wasn't leaving Pittsburgh until 6:50 that evening!!

It worked out well for my sister B & her daughter M. They were taking a 5:30 am flight so I forwarded her the text & they were able to go right to the room.

M was excited about this bed!!

They spent the day at HS while E & I were still working & J was in school.

On a side note, remember JC from the July trip? B is his mom!!

I was leaving work & got this text. There was no sense in waiting to leave for the airport b/c the traffic would only get worse so we still left when J got home from school like we planned.

Oh yay!! They moved it up to 7:38 then it went to 8:19

And 8:19 is where it stayed.....

E parked the car while J & I took in the luggage.

Then he & I headed through security.

riverside · Feb 12, 2022

#4
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28TH

We went to Penn Brewery for dinner.

J wanted to get a few macaroons.

He got this joke book in the gift shop.

I needed some coffee. I was freezing!!

One of my former team members works at the airport. I texted him to see if he was around. He came over to our gate to say hello!!

Instead of reading the safety instructions he went for the joke book!!

Bad picture but you know I was watching SVU!!

riverside · Feb 12, 2022

#4
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29TH

I headed out early for a walk.

I saw this on an FB post. It made me think that I should see if our resort was doing anything for Halloween so I headed to the main building to inquire.