Trip Report 7 Day Journey with a Couple of Twenty Somethings

Hello everyone! I am so excited to be writing my first trip report about Walt Disney World from October 13th-19th. I brought back many pictures and a lot of memories that I'd like to share. The first thread I created had some image problems so hopefully they will work this time around.

My name is Matt and I went to Walt Disney World with my girlfriend, Melissa. Here we are on the Magical Express.

We probably had the best bus driver. He was super friendly and had an amazing accent. I took a video because I loved it so much.



So on we went to the Wilderness Lodge. I was so excited to get there because it has been 9 years since I was last in Disney. We finally get there to check in and was bummed because there was no way we would be able to use Magic Bands. Wilderness Lodge started testing the bands the following day after our arrival so there was no way of getting them. Oh well! Onto our room!

We have a studio room booked in the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge. My girlfriends parents are DVC members so we were able to use some of their points. Thank you! As we are heading to our room, we find out there is so far from everything else in the hotel. I couldn't believe how long the hallway was. It just kept going and going. Finally we get to our room and first thing I do is capture a quick video of the layout.



One problem with the room though, there is a musty urinate smell...

We decide to grab food because we are starving at this point so we head to the Roaring Fork to get a meal. I end up getting a pulled pork sandwich with zucchini salad.

After we eat we head back to the room. The smell was still lingering so we had to call the front desk to complain. Within minutes they gave us a new room! Thank goodness because it ended up being really close to the main lobby, Merchantile and the buses! So close to everything so I'm glad there was a smell that allowed us to change rooms. A little less walking to do.

Anyways, after we unpacked we wanted to head straight to the Magic Kingdom. By the time we left for the park, it was around 5 or 6pm.

I took some photos of the WL on the way out to the boat.

Finally the boat has arrive and we are on our way to the Magic Kingdom!

It was so surreal stepping into the Magic Kingdom after so long. I still couldn't believe that I made it. On our way in, we decided to grab a couple photos.

The Halloween Decorations were so cool!

 

[GrimGrinningGhost15]

Great trip report, LOVE THE SELFIES!

 

[zeebs758]

Great trip report, LOVE THE SELFIES!

Thanks! I'm so busy this week, I'm trying to find time to write up the next part.

 

[ginadee]

Love your TR. The pics are great. AK is my fave. Tusker House is my fave character meal. So glad your having a fun time.

 

[zeebs758]

Here we are on Part 2 of Day 2: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!

After a wonderful day in Animal Kingdom and a quick nap, it was time to get ready and head over to the Magic Kingdom for the Halloween Party. There is so much to do at the party and you'll never be able to do all of it in one night. There are two showings of the Boo To You Parade, Hallowishes fireworks show, several Villains Mix and Mingle shows, dance parties and many character meetings.

We didn't have a set plan going into it but the only thing I really wanted to do was meet Jack and Sally from The Nightmare before Christmas. We got into the park around 630 and it was packed! Jack and Sally were meeting right in the front of the park at the Town Square. We debated whether to meet get in line for that first or make our way through the park. The line looked pretty short so we decided to hop on. It was 6:40 by this point and had to wait 20 minutes before he even came out. We became friendly with another couple behind us and we ended up taking each others picture.

We dressed up as Mickey and Minnie! Melissa's mother was very creative and made us our shoe covers and put the white spots on my shorts. Thank you once again!

It was finally 7pm and a PA announcement went throughout the whole park telling us that it was the start of the party. They played different renditions of all the classic Halloween songs like "Grin Grinning Ghosts" and "This is Halloween." Jack and Sally finally came out as well!

Now Melissa and I don't have much experience meeting characters. It's usually not our thing but I was on a mission for selfies. Also, in this case, I really wanted to meet Jack and Sally. Well, we were totally bad at judging how long the line would take. Waiting in line for characters and a ride are totally different. After 45 minutes of waiting we almost left the line but decided to stick it out. People starting lining up for the first parade and we were right by the end of it. It was 8:15 when the first parade was starting and we were still in line but it was almost our turn.

The Headless Horseman comes riding out at the beginning of the parade and the rest of the parade slowly follows him. I grabbed the only picture I could of him.

A few minutes later it was finally our turn to meet Jack and Sally!

They were awesome! No wonder the line took so line, they were all about meeting and interacting with us which was wonderful. Jack told us that we were dressed up as rodents...

Sally proceeded to grab my arm and look up my sleeve.

I have a tattoo on my arm but she thought it was some strange stitching. I told her that I didn't have as many stitches as her and Jack said she is very clumsy and gets new ones all the time.

No wonder the line took so line, they spent a good amount of time with each group. It was well worth the hour and a half wait to meet them. The one thing I loved the most was the way Sally moved because she kept in character with Sally from the film. It was the small detail that made it a little more awesome. It was time to wrap things up but first a couple of photos.

I think Jack said something about how small they looked as I was talking a selfie. It was a great experience but if you go to the Halloween Party in the future, don't visit them in the beginning of the night. Jack and Sally are one of the most popular character meets at the party. We saw that the line at the end of the night was a lot shorted. It was well worth the wait.

 

[zeebs758]

As we finished, we made our way down Main Street and the front of the parade was just getting there. Perfect timing! I started taking pictures and a guy was kind enough to let us in front of him to view the parade. His wife and kids were sitting on the curb and he didn't care much for it so it worked out well. Here are some of the good photos I grabbed from the parade.

As the parade ended, we were really hungry by this point. We headed over to Tomorrowland to go to Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe. I feel bad because I didn't take any pictures of our food . It wasn't anything special, just burgers and fries. By the time we were finished eating, it was almost time for the fireworks which I believed started at 9:30. We were on one of the bridges between the castle and Tomorrowland. Pretty much near the entrance where Merida meets. It wasn't a great view but we didn't want to enter the huge crowd in front of the castle.

After watching the fireworks for a bit, we decided to make a break for the Haunted Mansion. We were going to see HalloWishes again later in the week so I didn't feel so bad not watching them. We thought while everyone was watching the fireworks, no one would be on the Haunted Mansion. We walked briskly through Tomorrowland, around the back of the castle through Fantasyland and made it to the Mansion as the fireworks were ending. It was perfect timing because there was little wait for the ride.

After we got off the ride, it line was huge! I'm glad we rode it when we did. After that, we decided to take our time and walk through Frontierland. We stopped at a Trick or Treat location on our way and grabbed some candy. Not sure what to do as this point, we walked through Adventureland and found another trick or treat spot. Captain Jack Sparrow was having a meet and greet near by as well. The line was about a 15 minute wait but we didn't really want to wait anymore ha. But we said, what the hell and hopped on line.

But guess what, it was time for him to take a break and he'd be back soon. We said screw it and moved on. There is one thing that I have never had in my life up to this point and it was a Dole Whip. We were passing Aloha Isle and I said that we had to stop to get one. Everyone raves about them so I figured that I must try it. In the end, I wasn't all that impressed. I think my expectations were too high at this point. Sorry

It was after 11 at this point and we were really tired. It was a long day and it got the better of us. We found a lonely photopass photographer so we had him take our picture.

We had a great time at the party but I wouldn't do it again. It is definitely worth doing at least once when you get the chance. If you want to meet characters like Jack & Sally or the Seven Dwarves, try visiting them at the end of the night when the lines are longer. The Boo To You is definitely one of the best parades Disney World has and was worth seeing.

Coming up next is Day 3 at Hollywood Studios!

 

[zeebs758]

Sorry for the delay but I have been so busy and I finally have time to write about Day 3. It was time for Hollywood Studios!

We started out the morning slow pretty from being too tired the previous day. As we were getting ready, I wanted to make sure I packed those Fastpasses that we got after we were stuck on Splash Mountain. Remember that happening? Well, I'm always the one to read the fine lines and I didn't read that the Fastpasses were only for Magic Kingdom. They also expired today so they went to waste. Our plan was to use them for Toy Story Mania since it's always difficult to ride it.

For the readers that don't know about Toy Story Mania, it is a fairly new ride in Hollywood Studios that is similar to the Buzz Lightyear Ride in Magic Kingdom. You have 3D glasses, a gun and you challenge the player next to you by scoring as many points as possible by playing circus games. It is definitely one of the most popular rides in all 4 parks. If you don't rush over to the ride at park opening to get a fastpasses, then you are SOL. During the day, the ride won't go below an hour wait time.

Anyways, enough about Toy Story Mania and on with our day! We arrived around 10am and headed straight for Tower of Terror (ToT) and Rockin Roller Coaster (RRC). The fastpass for ToT was shorter than RRC for we grabbed fast passes for ToT.

There was about a 40 minute wait for RRC but I felt like it was a lot longer than that. I usually don't mind waiting in Disney queues but RRC has probably one of the worst ha. Its boring and nothing good to look at. We noticed there were a lot of people going on the single riders lines and thought that we would do hop on that line the next time. We finally rode it and it was as awesome as I remember.

After RRC our fastpasses were ready for ToT. I was scared to go on because I remember this making me pretty sick even with Dramamine. Oh well, had to go on anyways.

I just love the mist that they have going as you walk through the queue.

I just love the attention to detail inside of the hotel.

I didn't get too sick after riding it! Woo! But I never rode it again for the rest of the trip...
We continued on through the park and I couldn't help but get a picture in front of the hat. As you can see, I am wearing my R2D2 Mickey eyes and my Toy Story t-shirt.

We were on our way to Star Wars and saw Indiana Jones was going to start in a bit, so we decided to go check it out.

 

[zeebs758]

We got seats close to the front but pretty far off to the left. I was just excited to see the show since its been so long.

Now they started choosing volunteers to be part of the show. I wasn't going to raise my hand but Melissa convinced me. The next round of volunteers were being chosen so I stand up and raise my hand like a maniac. And what do ya know, I got picked! I think it was because of the Mickey ears. I was brought on stage with two other women and the MC wanted us to act a bit. She had the girls do a cute giggly laugh while I have to an an evil maniacal laugh. I think I was pretty well.

After we were done, she sent us to the top of the amphitheater for wardrobe. Here is my costume.

The group that was picked sat and watched the first act together. Then it was our time to shine. The MC brought us to the stage and talked to us about what we were suppose to do. Pretty much we were told to pretend to be shopping then all hell will break loose and fighting will start to occur. In the following pictures, you will see us being moved around the stage, following Indiana and cheering for him. I was the only person wearing a hat so I'm pretty easy to spot.

I never expected to be a part of the show but it was a lot of fun! It was a great experience and gave me a wonderful memory.

 

[zeebs758]

After the Indiana Jones show was over, we finally made our way to Star Tours. I haven't been on it since it was updated and apparently it will be different every time you go on. I thought it was great and I couldn't wait to go on and try it again.

Muppet Vision 3D was next on our list but before we went we spotted The Writers Shop. I heard you are able to get an amazing Carrot Cake cookie. This was kind of hidden and I would have walked right past if Melissa didn't see it. Sure enough, they had the Carrot Cake Cookie and it was fantastic! Yummy!

On we went to the Muppets and it is funny as always. After that, my mind is fuzzy and I don't really remember what we did ha. I am confident around this time, we went back to RRC to grab fastpasses. I definitely remember doing that. Our dinner reservations at the Brown Derby was soon so we headed towards the Captain Jack Sparrow ride which I knew nothing about.

We waited probably like 30 minutes to go on and it was probably the worst attraction that we went on so far ha. Not worth the wait at all ha. We only waited because we had time to kill. Pretty much you stand in this room with a pirate ship and it tells you a lame story. Don't go on it...

We had early dinner reservations at the Brown Derby for 3:30. I signed us up for the Fantasmic Dinner Package which gives up VIP seating for the show. This is one of Melissa's favorites restaurants in Disney and this was my first time eating there.

The package gives includes a 3 prefixed meal. I honestly can't remember what we ordered for our appetizers and I'm upset that I didn't get pictures of it ha.

For my dinner I got All-Natural Herb-roasted Rack of Lamb over a Buttermilk Blue Cheese-Corn Pudding with a Chianti and Sweet Onion Reduction. Melissa got Duck Two Ways - Sautéed Confit with Swiss Chard over a Herb and Goat Cheese Polenta Cake finished with a Pan-seared Maple Bourbon, and Duck Margret in a Sun-dried Cherry Sauce. Everything was amazing!

For dessert I got Warm Seasonal Fruit Cobbler with Crème Fraîche and Orange Blossom Honey. Melissa got Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake with Macerated Strawberries and Dark Chocolate Caviar Crisps. The cheesecake was amazing but the cobbler was a little too sweet for me.

We were so full from dinner but it was time to venture out through the park some more.

 

[zeebs758]

After dinner we head into the Magic of Animation and I didn't realize that you were able to meet a lot of the characters.

We didn't want to meet all of them so I decided that I wanted to meet Wreck it Ralph and Vanellope von Schweetz!

When we were done we decided to head back into Pixar Place.

The queue was still really long for Toy Story Mania but Buzz and Woody were out so we went to go meet them. As we were standing in line we said that we weren't feeling up to riding RRC again. We decided to give away out Fastpasses to a lucky couple standing outside and they were very happy and thankful for the passes. Then we got to thinking, instead of waiting for Buzz and Woody, we should wait for Toy Story Mania instead. It was only an hour wait and we had time to kill. So on we went!

The queue had a lot of cool things that reminded me of the movie. I took plenty of pictures.

There was a huge animatronic of Mr Potato Head that was constantly talking and entertaining his guests.

After waiting 45 minutes we got some very good news... The ride broke down and we had to leave the queue. Boy was there a lot of ed people. I was too but couldn't help but laugh at the situation. After everyone cleared the area, the Green Army Men came out and I was one of the first people to see them so I grabbed a selfie.

 

[zeebs758]

It was almost time for Fantasmic as this point so we head back towards Star Tours to take a walk around Echo Lake.

As we got closer to the amphitheater, they were selling the Glow with the Show Mickey Ears. This was the first night the ears were debuting in Walt Disney World. They have been at Disneyland for awhile but this was the very first time people could see them in action in WDW. Glow with the Show ears is exactly how it sounds. The Mickey ears will sync up before the show starts and glow along with the show. We were debating on buying them but at $25 bucks a hat, we decided not to.

We walked through a special entrance where Fastpass+ holders and VIP's go. I felt pretty special ha. I had no idea where they were going to sit us and I thought I remember reading that the seats weren't that great. I did the dinner package so we didn't have to wait in a really long line to see Fantasmic. As we walked in, little did I know but they sat us in the very center on the amphitheater! It was awesome, I was so excited.

Soon enough, the MC's started to come out to get everyone excited and they started talking about the hats. They were saying how the show was going to be live broadcasted. Since it was being filmed, they need more people to have hats so they gave our entire section free hats! We were the only section in the theater to get hats. We were right in front of the cameras so they needed more hats. I couldn't believe how lucky we were.

The hats were so awesome in action and you really have to be there to be immerse in the show. Videos don't do it just but here are a couple that I took.

I always loved Fantasmic and the show was so much better with the hats. I'm so happy we were able to get them. We got lucky a couple times today. It had been a really long day and were going to head back to the hotel but I looked on the Disney Experience app and Toy Story Mania only had a 40 minute wait. We said screw it and booked it over as fast as we could! We made it before a lot of other people got there. The wait only ended up only being 30 minutes.

No wonder everyone is so crazy about this ride, it is so much fun! I wanted to go on it again and again! It was finally time to head back to the hotel for some much needed rest. Hollywood Studios was an amazing day which brought us some surprises.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Loving your trip report! I wanted to take selfies with the characters the last time I was there!! Such a cute idea

 

[PineapplePrincess]

I'm really enjoying your trip report! You seem to have a really great attitude, especially when things don't go as you had planned. That's why the good karma comes back to you!

 

[ginadee]

This is fantastic!

 

[zeebs758]

Sorry for the long delay. My schedule has been crazy and I can never find time to finish out my trip report. Hope I can finally finish it up!

So here we are on day 4. I scheduled to give us a little break in the morning so we can have a little more rest. I made 9:30 reservations for The Whispering Canyon Café and if you know the place, it has anything but whispers. The waiters are loud and a little obnoxious but its all in good fun. Melissa ordered the egg white omelet with Spinach, goat cheese and chipolte pico served with fresh fruit and a biscuit. I ordered the House-made Banana Bread French Toast served with your Sausage.

Both were delicious, especially mine. Melissa had asked for Ketchup and our waitress brought more than enough…

After breakfast we wondered around the lodge and took a few photos but we were eager to get to the pool and relax!

The pool at the Wilderness Lodge is beautiful with all the surrounding rocks and trees. They have a waterslide and all the kids thought it was hilarious that a big guy like me was sliding down it. The parents thought it was for kids only but once they saw me going down it, they joined in on the fun.

Once we were finished up at the pool it was time to go get ready and head over to Epcot to enjoy the Food and Wine Festival! Our first stop was Spaceship Earth. It's one of Melissa's favorite rides in Disney and I haven't been on it since it was updated so I was eager to check it out. See what our future looks like.

Once we were done with that, we headed directly towards the International Showcase for some good eatin'.

 

[zeebs758]

We headed towards Mexico first because I was very eager to try the food in Brazil. We first ate the Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Onions, Avocado and Cilantro. Holy cow, was it delicious! It ended up becoming my favorite snack from all the kiosks.

We kept on moving and stopped at the Australia kiosk and ordered the Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies. Sorry I didn't take a picture of it but as you will notice, I forget to take pics of a few of them. I ate them way too quickly ha.

After that, we kept on moving but didn't stop for more food until we reached South Korea but here are some pics along the way.

Before we got to South Korea kiosk we wanted to walk around in Norway and go on the Maelstrom. Apparently the ride is going to be changed into a ride that incorporate the film, Frozen. Hope that happens but the ride is a little outdated and could use a makeover.

After riding we finally made it to South Korea which was located near the China Pavilion. We ordered 3 things from there: Kimchi Dog with Spicy Mustard Sauce, Lettuce Wrap with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw, and Bohae Black Raspberry Wine.

Once again, everything was amazing and the wine was superb. I'll have to try and find that wine in my local liquor store. We Continued on all the way to Germany!

 

[zeebs758]

There were two stations near Germany, the Cheese Kiosk and the Brewers Collection. We got the Artisan Cheese Selection: Flagship Reserve Cheddar, La Bonne Vie Triple Crème Brie, Wijngaard Goats Gouda and a flight of beer that included: Schöfferhofer Grapefruit, Warsteiner Premium Verum, Warsteiner Premium Dunkel and Altenmünster Oktoberfest. The Grapefruit was my favorite and its odd since I hate grapefruit everything.

We spent a lot of time as this particular spot and had a great view of the lake.

Most of the tables always had people at them but everyone is willing to share. This couple was kind enough to share with us and we began to chat with them. They were nice enough to take our picture as well.

The one couple left and soon after another came to our table and chatted with them. Everyone is so friendly is Disney, its awesome. We hanging out and becoming very full from all the beer, we continued on.

On the other side of Germany was the Poland Kiosk and we couldn't resist eating there. We ordered the Kielbasa and Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream and Zapiekanki (Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Cheese Bread with House-made Ketchup). Melissa wanted to try the Temptation Zinfandel so we got that also.

Again, everything was great. No complaints in Poland. After eating in Poland we went to Italy and walked around there for a bit and then made our way to the American Pavilion.

I really wanted to try the Lobster Roll with Lemon Herb Mayonnaise and New England Clam Chowder with a side of Tabasco but ended up being very disappointing. It was very bland and not enjoyable ha. At least Melissa liked her La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.

 

[zeebs758]

We continued our merry way being full and somewhat drunk but not sure how we had room in our bellies for more. After making our way past Japan and Morocco, I couldn't resist getting a Harissa Chicken Roll from the Morocco Kiosk.

It was awesome! Glad I got it but it was a quite stop and we were making out way into France and saw that Belle from Beauty and the Beast was out and about. We got lucky because they cut the line off not too far behind us. The New Zealand Kiosk was near so I had Melissa wait in line while I grabbed a Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney.

It was so good and was my 2nd favorite item of the day! When I came back to the line, Melissa chatted up with the family behind us who was somewhere from the midwest. It was finally our turn to see Belle.

I remember asking her if she had any good book recommendations but I can't remember what she said. I wish I did. Oh and don't worry, I got a selfie with her.

She was lot of fun to talk with but we had to move on. We continued on through France.

We are eating we Les Chef de France later that evening so we will soon be back.

 

[zeebs758]

As we were leaving France, we saw that Aurora from Sleeping Beauty was chatting with people. She was awesome to speak with and she had so much to say, it was crazy! I wish I could remember what she was talking about ha. I do remember her mentioning her horse but that's about it.

Before I left, I asked her if she likes to take naps and she responded with, "It was only that one time!" It was great. She was a pleasure to talk to. Didn't forget the selfie!

After that, we stopped at the Rose and Crown Pub in England for a pint! But that gave us an appetite and went to the Canada Kiosk and ordered the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup and “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce. Everyone said to get the soup because its amazing and it was, so damn good.

We left the International Showcase and headed over to the Finding Nemo ride which we've never been on. I always loved those seagulls.

 

[zeebs758]

After Finding Nemo, we got to meet with Mickey, Goofy and Minnie. Here are the photos with our Meet and Greets!

Goofy was waiting for the next group ha

 

[zeebs758]

It was almost time for Dinner. It's surprising that we had any room for more. But I had to take a few photos.

ay.

Finally it was time for dinner at Les Chefs De France! We starting by sharing Soupe a l'oignon Gratinee which is an onion soup and it was delicious.

I'm not sure what Melissa got ha. I looked on the menu to recall what she ordered but it doesn't really match anything. Oh well, here's a picture.

I ordered the Duck breast and leg confit with cherries, sweet potatoes puree and patty pan. It was amazing. Loved it!

We had a great meal and the restaurant had a great atmosphere. We decided to skip desert and see what the other kiosks had to offer.

I stopped by the Ireland booth to get the Warm Chocolate Pudding with Bailey’s Custard and got a little surprise. They messed up the order and ended up giving me a free Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s Pie as well! Who said nothing was free in Disney? Loved both of them!

It was time for Illuminations and I picked us out a spot to watch the show. Melissa went to the bathroom and brought back a few treats with her ha. She got the Chocolate Orange Cupcake, Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake and Frozen S’mores. Liked everything besides the cupcake, wasn't a big fan ha

After watching Illuminations, it was time to head out. It was a wonderful day and we ate sooooo much. I think we tried 25 different foods and drinks from the booths. If you ever get a chance to do the food and wine festival, do it. It is totally worth it. Just know that you will spend a good chunk of money ha. Anyways, that is it for day 4! I hope to have day 5 up within the next week instead of two months.