Trip Report A live solo trip report (Completed)

Ok I’ve never done a trip report before, but tomorrow I’m heading down for 3 nights by myself and I thought it would be fun to do the live report.

WHO: Minthorne (Neal)

bearded

unbearded



WHERE: SSR studio
WHEN: 9/10-9/13

The original plan was traveling with my friend’s family for a week where they were staying in a 2 bedroom at BCV with the in-laws for their daughters 4th birthday. The room was full with the extended family so I was staying at the Swan with my friend’s dad to be close by. We joked we were the bad boys who needed to be separated to not keep everyone awake.

With the state of things Covid wise the big group decided that they would postpone this trip last month. Well, I have an active Gold AP, the flights paid for and cheap on SW, I’m vaccinated, and I was able to find 3 nights on points at SSR which was a big savings over paying for the Swan. So gosh darn, it I’m going alone!

GOALS
See HEA one last time.
See Ratatouille with my AP preview.

THE PLAN
Early flight tomorrow arriving at 9:50am
Friday: Epcot - hop to Mk for HEA
Saturday: HS day. Either stay for fireworks there or hop to MK to get emotional at HEA again. (I can go the distance!)
Sunday: AK day. Hop to Epcot for AP preview of Ratatouille at 7 and then watch Epcot Forever (or for another 2 weeks)
Monday: Leave bags with a bell services. MK in AM and back to room for DME at 2pm

Hope you’ll tag along and keep me company. I’m packing right now knowing…

 

[Minthorne]

On a bus to Epcot. Spent a bit of time messaging friends and family so I missed a bus (or two) I also found it is rather difficult to determine what the cost of soda is in the vending machines (pro tip: you have to push the item button for it to be displayed)

 

[BigDis]

Not to jinx myself yet but on a nearly full flight I was in the 4th row aisle seat with the middle seat empty. At MCO mine was the first bag to come out at the baggage carousel. In line for DME for less then 2 min and then in the bus and we are on the way WDW!

Got my room is ready text. Didn’t get my room location (Grandstand) request but I may ask at the front desk if any pixie dust is around.

do you want a butterfly on your nose?!
View attachment 586041

Following along. Silly story in reference to your bag coming out first at the baggage carousel...I have always wished that my bag would be the first one to come out at the baggage carousel. Soon after 9/11 I was flying from Portland Maine to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. When I checked in I was told I was the only passenger on the flight. I knew I would get my wish fulfilled...first bag out when the flight landed in Pittsburgh. About 10 minutes before boarding, another passenger arrived. They had just purchased their ticket. That cut my odds in half of my wish coming true. So...we get to Pittsburgh and go to baggage claim. You guessed it...my bag came out second. I still wait for my silly wish to be fulfilled to this day.

 

[Minthorne]

A picture is worth 1000 words so here’s a montage worth a bit. Don’t let the wait time fool you - It’s walk on in Epcot.

 

[Minthorne]

With the voices of liberty audible in the background I post my quest from Canada to Japan for my most favorite Epcot treat. The frozen beer.

 

[Minthorne]

So frozen is closed for technical difficulties. Mexico has

 

[Minthorne]

The smart inner me says water and food next. The crazy goofy me says test track.

 

[Minthorne]

December bee.

can you guss the Disney film I’m making a very slight reference to?

hint. I’m in Mexico.

 

[MinnieM123]

So frozen is closed for technical difficulties. Mexico has
View attachment 586147

Sometimes, I think they pretend that there are mechanical difficulties on attractions -- so that the park guests will buy a drink or two, , while waiting for the ride/attraction to fixed and back up again.

 

[Minthorne]

Sometimes, I think they pretend that there are mechanical difficulties on attractions -- so that the park guests will buy a drink or two, , while waiting for the ride/attraction to fixed and back up again.

It worked. Cider at Odyssey

 

[macefamily]

Love your pics. Very crisp and vibrant; kind of like your cider

 

[Nunu]

Ok I’ve never done a trip report before, but tomorrow I’m heading down for 3 nights by myself and I thought it would be fun to do the live report.

WHO: Minthorne (Neal)
View attachment 585857
bearded

View attachment 585858
unbearded



WHERE: SSR studio
WHEN: 9/10-9/13

The original plan was traveling with my friend’s family for a week where they were staying in a 2 bedroom at BCV with the in-laws for their daughters 4th birthday. The room was full with the extended family so I was staying at the Swan with my friend’s dad to be close by. We joked we were the bad boys who needed to be separated to not keep everyone awake.

With the state of things Covid wise the big group decided that they would postpone this trip last month. Well, I have an active Gold AP, the flights paid for and cheap on SW, I’m vaccinated, and I was able to find 3 nights on points at SSR which was a big savings over paying for the Swan. So gosh darn, it I’m going alone!

GOALS
See HEA one last time.
See Ratatouille with my AP preview.

THE PLAN
Early flight tomorrow arriving at 9:50am
Friday: Epcot - hop to Mk for HEA
Saturday: HS day. Either stay for fireworks there or hop to MK to get emotional at HEA again. (I can go the distance!)
Sunday: AK day. Hop to Epcot for AP preview of Ratatouille at 7 and then watch Epcot Forever (or for another 2 weeks)
Monday: Leave bags with a bell services. MK in AM and back to room for DME at 2pm

Hope you’ll tag along and keep me company. I’m packing right now knowing…
View attachment 585865

Following!

 

[Swissmiss]

Tagging along

 

[Minthorne]

So the thunder and lightning sent me back to my room for my umbrella!

But I’m going back to Epcot

 

[Minthorne]

Room snack!

Room snack

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Have a great trip!

 

[Minthorne]

So I headed back into Epcot and rode Test Track, had a few more bites, and watched Epcot Forever. After that I headed back to the room.

The mega cat toy looks good. Waiting for those lights!

TT was about 15 min for single rider. It was just coming off a short down time when I joined the queue.

Epcot was pretty quiet.

Seafood salad from Spain was yummy.

Another Lobster Roll? Why yes please!

And some fireworks. It is not my favorite show - but it is fireworks! There was no wind, so by the finale it was hard to see the shells through the smoke.

I bought a caramel pecan turtle in Germany that I brought home. Maybe breakfast….

got my RotR boarding pass - so I’m gonna get a little more beauty sleep now…

 

[Minthorne]

wearing an old favorite

breakfast of champions!

wait is that my Subaru?! But I flew here!!

25 minutes for Runaway! 3rd car is best show.

is tune in lounge open with Julie and Alena? Yes!

 

[Minthorne]

anyone looking for a droid?

mmmm ace space hard cider

yes, I told him the falcon popcorn lights up. Took me months at home before I realized…

because everyone needs a club

mines the margarita fan club

cause they are good!

time to resist

That’s the Droid I’m looking for!
.

I take pictures of people, not troopers…

I had a nice swim and now bed!

 

[Songbird76]

View attachment 586376
That’s the Droid I’m looking for!

Nice photobomber in the back there. Where was this?

 

[Minthorne]

Nice photobomber in the back there. Where was this?

The Tune in Lounge at Hollywood Studios. Very nice ladies I was chatting with who bombed the photo. Loved it!