Trip Report A Not So Scary Very Merry Wine and Dine Dashing TR *updated 12/15

Finally getting around to writing my Trip Report!

If you want to read my PTR check it out here:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/a-not-so-scary-very-merry-wine-and-dine-dashing-ptr.888402/

In summary:

Dates:

Arrival Date: 24th October

Departure Date: 11th November

18 NIGHTS IN DISNEY!!!!!!!!!

Accomodation:

24th October – 4th November – All Star Sports
4th November - 7th November - Animal Kingdom Lodge (renting vacation points) with dining plan
7th November - 11th November - Art of Animation

The Cast

Me - Karen (26)

My Sister – Rachel (21)

My boyfriend – Sleepy

Here we go!

 

[LisaBelle]

So excited you are starting your TR! I have been looking for it.

 

[dancingtodisney]

Day 1
Friday 24th October: Travel Day

We woke up bright an early on a typical chilly October morning in Dublin, but this was not just any morning, today was the day we’d been planning/wishing/waiting for and it was FINALLY here. WE’RE GOING TO DISNEY!

Sleepy booked his flights at a later date and for his outbound journey had to go a different route altogether as the prices has gone up quite a bit. He was due to fly out an hour earlier via Chicago whereas we were going via Philly. When we arrived to check in we realised that Sleepy’s flight was with American Airlines and ours was US Airways and even though they had already merged at this stage and our confirms looked the same there was two separate queues. Ours was empty but Sleepy’s took a good 30mins. We then find out his flight is delayed and due to depart at the same time as us which meant he’d be cutting it pretty tight in Chicago. I’m a bit of a stress head when it comes to flying and being on time so this did not sit well with me.

ANYWAY we went straight to immigration pre-clearance (if you fly direct from Ireland to the states you can complete immigration in the special preclearance facility staffed by U.S. Customs and Border protection – this is AWESOME and a huge time saver and benefit of flying with a stopover in the states as opposed to via the UK like we did last year) and chilled out with some very average airport food. We kept an eye on the flight information board and listened to the constant updates on the speakers about which planes were boarding. So our flight changes to ‘boarding’ and we gather our stuff to head to our gate. I check the screen again as we walk past and it’s changed to ‘Final Call’ HOLY CRAP! We realise our gate is up a level and they’ve not been broadcasting the boarding calls for that gate in the area we’ve been eating! OOOOOPS! A super quick goodbye to Sleepy and we SPRINT to our gate where most passengers have already boarded. Thanking our fairy dust we settle in for the first leg of the journey. US Airways btw has no entertainments systems which is a first for us on a long haul but luckily we had our laptops and books etc and didn’t mind.

Some pics from the journey:

WAKE UP RACHEL LOL

That's better...

We arrived in Philly on time and had a couple of hours to kill so we went exploring!

A Benefit vending machine! I’ve never seen one of these before...

Mmmmmm airport food

Rachel is obsessed with dunkin’ donuts so this was a must

Finally we were on route to ORLANDO BABY!

Arrived as a domestic flight and there was a massive taxi journey to our gate… I thought the plane was taking us all the way to All Stars!

Tram ride… totally counts as a ride

Sleepy was waiting for us so and had already collected the rental car keys so we were off! We arrived on property and I attempted to get a pic of the welcome sign…

I was super distracted and didn’t realise we’d taken the turn off for Hollywood Studios! We ended up going through the parking lot, out the other side and then in the complete wrong direction towards Downtown Disney. All we had to do was turn around but with the construction going on traffic was ABSOLUTELY BAT CRAZY! It took us a good 30mins to get back around to All Stars… DOH!

Check in was a breeze, we picked up magic bands

We then made our way to our room, we were in building 7 Touchdown on the ground floor.

Mickey Towel!!

WE'RE IN DISNEY!!!!! But also really tired after all that traveling.... It was almost 1am at this point, time to get some Zzzzzzzz's

 

[dancingtodisney]

So excited you are starting your TR! I have been looking for it.

Thank you! Have fun reading along!

 

[dancingtodisney]

Day 2
Saturday 25th October: Typhoon Lagoon, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train & 1900 Park Fare

So the plan for today was to go to Typhoon Lagoon, it was due to close the next day and we had missed it last year so although I wouldn't pick a water park as my day 1 park this time we made an exception.

Now... considering we'd had a long day traveling, gotten into bed at 1am (which was 6am Irish time so we'd been up a full day) you'd think we would have tried to sleep in a bit and arrive at Typhoon Lagoon for opening... right? RIGHT?!! HELL NO! HS had extra magic hours starting at 8am... ToT was calling!

Myself and Rachel got up early and made our way to the newly refurbished food courts at All Star Sports.

What else were we going get??? Has to be MICKEY WAFFLES!

We left Sleepy in bed and hopped on the bus to HS arriving just as the park opened.

We headed straight down Sunset Boulevard to this beautiful site

ToT is probably my favourite ride... I love that it is both a thrill ride and really well themed and then you have the super creepy cast members too!

I was scared I grew a double chin!

We took note of the fast pass plus location between ToT and RnR

Next up..

So we get a text about this point from our Dad "You guys up and about yet? C'mon, I'm a little disappointed in you. You sure you're mine!" so we replied with a pic of Rachel in the RnR pre show!

Granted it looks like Rachel is just pointing at this random dude but Dad came back with " Guess you guys might be mine after all "

"Hey Chris... Can you grab my black les paul???"

5.....4.....3.....2.....1.....

Unfortunately the ride photo was down on RnR so we didn't get one

We decided to have a wander round the park while it was quiet and headed straight for Wandering Oaken's Trading Post..

We were hoping to get an Olaf Cupcake but they didn't have them available until the normal park opening time

We had a quick browse and then strolled back towards the exit via the Streets of America

You can see the Osborne lights are all up and I was SO EXCITED to run down here during our W&D half marathon later in the trip...

It was already SUPER sunny out but still pretty chilly in the cold, it was only 8.45AM! I LOVE Florida weather!

We continued our ramble towards the exit and came across this shy squirrel.. we don't see that many of squirrels out and about in Dublin..

From there we went out to the bus stop to get a bus back to All Star Sports but there was just no sign of one coming! I gave Sleepy a text and asked him to pick us up so we could head straight to Typhoon Lagoon.. THAT didn't work out too good as he was SLEEPY and took AGES, there was quite a bit of traffic too coming into HS... It really suprises me that people show up to a park that has morning EMH at 9am... The park is going to be super busy with resort guests that have arrived early to take advantage of the extra hour so it just doesn't make sense to me...

 

[dancingtodisney]

Day 2 Continued...

We arrived at Typhoon Lagoon

We made our way into the park and got a nice spot close to the wave pool. We headed straight for the slides with Crush 'n' Gusher being our first choice, it was SO MUCH FUN! We rode a couple of times, 3 people is NOT a good number for a water park BTW!

Now earlier we thought it was quite warm but these water parks are designed to help you shade from the sun and cool you down with COLD water sprays which is great on a hot day... today we were FREEZING! We had great fun dipping and jumping around all the random cold water sprays in queues (this then became a bit of a fun game where we'd try hide some by blocking them with our hands and then letting go when one of us was right in it's path... mwahahahahaha!)

We went on pretty much all the slides and also tried out the shark reef which was really good fun! I love how they had fish that looked just like Dory.

We went for a lap around the park in castaway creek and again had great fun trying to avoid/push other people into the really cold water sprays!

After our little journey Sleepy decided to have a mess around with his gopro in the wave pool but me and Rachel had other priorities

FUNNEL CAKE!!!!

While Rachel got this I popped back to the locker for my camera and took a couple of snaps...

She told me when I came back that loads of people had come up to her asking what this was and where to get it! It did not dissappoint! SO YUMMY! We were nice enough to save some for Sleepy after his swim.

Rachel chilled out on the sunbeds as me and Sleepy decided to swim right out to were the waves start and 'surf' back in on them.. .This was lots of fun!

Around 1pm we were feeling pretty hungry and cold so decided to head to DTD. After a quick shower on our way out we got some pics!

Aw look a nice happy smiley picture

Then we tried our Lagoona Gator faces... I think we just look a bit constipated

Next stop was DTD! Now.. I didn't realise that there were two Wolfgang Puck Express restaurants so we parked close to the World of Disney Store and walked the whole way over to West Side for food... DOH!

We got a pizza and a pasta dish and shared between the three of us

It was nice and hit the spot but nothing really special and I wouldn't be rushing back...

We headed over to Goofys Candy Store... (and walked by the other Wolfgang Puck RIGHT BESIDE IT )

Mmmmmmm Candy... I love the Goofy's Glaciers so we tasted a few...

Aw Goofy my favourite!!

We both decided on the apple glacier (after trying almost all flavours!)

They were so nice!!! Next stop was the World of Disney Store... we both wanted a tiara for our dinner that night at 1900 Park Fare..

Sleepy was not really 'into' all the Disney shopping so he came in for a bit and then waited outside.. He did look pretty good in the Goofy hat though

Sadly I could not convince him to get one... boo

We had a little trouble collecting our $150 voucher that came with our UK reservation but eventually all was sorted and I decided on Belle's crown as she is my favourite princess! Rachel's favourite is Jasmine but her crown was a wrap around and it didn't fit! Rachel picked up the Jasmine bow clips instead.

Time to head back to the room and get ready! SDMT & 1900 Park Fare coming up!

 

[PineapplePrincess]

Enjoying your TR so far! I'm trying to read it with an Irish accent.

 

[Tiggertoo56]

Love the report so far. Have been looking forward to it. I was there from 30 Oct - 13 Nov too & had a great time. Maybe I will get around to a TR at some point when U get real Disney blues!!!

 

[LizC]

Loving the report so far! 18 days in Disney, wow! Can't wait to read the rest.

 

[Longers]

I have been waiting for this one as I read your last report and enjoyed it - i was there from 5th to 21st Nov and did my first trip report it will be interesting to read yours to see if our paths did cross. I did look out for you! Looking forward to following along

 

[mrdrift]

What a great start to the trip report. I have been looking forward to this report since you announced the pre trip report. I hope to see some of the famous Sleepy poses in this report that we have seen in prior report. Pictures are turning out very well. Following along.

 

[dancingtodisney]

We got back to our room, showered and got dressed up as we had BIG plans for our first proper night. Our plan was to head to MK before our dinner reservation at 1900 Park Fare, I had three fast passes booked,
they were to meet Cinderella and Rapunzel, the seven dwarfs mine train and Space Mountain. The only one we HAD to make was the mine train. When we booked our trip originally we didn’t realise that one of Sleep’s friends from the UK would be there at the same time with his girlfriend, we found this out a month before so I scrambled to get them a reservation for 1900 Park Fare at the same time as us in the hope that we could combine reservations as there were none left for 4 people. Luckily I managed to get one within 5mins of ours.
We realised while getting ready that we were probably only going to make the mine train but we had plenty of time to do the others another day…

We waited a bit for the bus to MK as it was EMH so there was a bit of a queue. We eventually arrived at MK about 7pm which gave us an hour to get in, ride the mine train and get to our reservation at 1900 Park Fare.

FIRST LOOK AT MAIN STREET

I know we’d been in Disney for almost a day at this stage but getting into our first proper park was really the ‘we’re here’ moment for me… Unfortunately we didn’t have too long to savor the moment and had to duck and dive our way over to the Mine Train.

A NEW RIDE!!!!!! I love going new rides!

Rachel excited to ride...

I think Sleepy was trying to see if his RFID scanner on his phone would be able to read his magic band… No idea what was up with the stupid face though!

I was SO EXCITED at this point…

I tried but failed to get a good photo of the boarding area

Now I had read a LOT of trip reports before coming on the this trip and most people seemed disappointed with this ride. I wasn’t expecting an amazing ride…
Well we got in and took off on our mine train adventure… there was a brilliant atmosphere in our train, I think it might have been a lot of people’s first time riding but the energy was great and it was dark at this point too which I liked. The rocking motion is pretty cool and makes the turns feel really odd!

Ride Photo

Also I didn’t know at the time that they take a video! That’s really cool!

We enter into the mine itself and I’m blown away. The dwarfs look INCREDIBLE! So life like! I wanted to give dopey a big hug but I don’t think that would have been appreciated!

The next bit though was my favourite… We’re climbing up to exit the mine and the final dwarf (I don’t know which one? I was just so overwhelmed with everything I was seeing at the time!) shouts out ‘HEIGH-HO’ and everyone in the train shouts back ‘HEIGH-HO’ it was one of those moments that just gives you butterflies in your tummy and you really feel the magic of Disney! I was bouncing around in my seat at this point singing along as we climbed.

The scene in the house towards the end is really cute too! I really enjoyed this ride and I’m so glad we made it in for our fastpass.

I think it was around 7.20 at this point so we walked briskly back to the exit stopping for a quick photopass on the way as we’d all made an effort to look nice!

We left the park and made our way to the monorail… Now here’s where I was a bit silly. I was thinking the Grand Floridian is right next to MK it won’t take long, only one stop…. BUT IT TOOK AGES!!!! I forgot the monorail goes in the opposite direction so actually it was the LAST stop AND because it was EMH in MK there were loads of people getting on and off at every stop. I was starting to get nervous at this point… we were still on the monorail at the time that our reservation was booked for and Sam’s friend was already waiting on us…. Would we make it????

 

[dancingtodisney]

We finally got off at the Grand Floridan about 5mins late for our reservation. We met our friends and I quickly went over to check in. I was given a pager and told it was no problem to seat us at one table. We waiting in the fabulous lobby.

Even if you don't have a reservation here I would recommend a visit.

After a short wait they were ready for us

We got a lovely picture on the way in that was included in our memory maker package

Our waitress Karen was lovely and she came over to us right away.

I love the decor inside

Drizella was our first visitor and she was HILARIOUS!!! So funny I loved her... she was slagging off cinderella and flirting with the two boys.

Prince Charming was over right after... well how do I put this... he was a bit of a square! Probably the worst character interaction I've ever had, he literally had no personality and just responded with 'yes' and 'no' and then stood there posing waiting for us to stand beside him for a photo

This was my starter... it was yummy! I was really looking forward to trying the famous strawberry soup.. to me it was just a smoothie in a bowl but I liked it!

Around this point Lady Termaine came over and was SO DRAMATIC as she stopped at our table. She demanded that we compliment her so Sleepy said she had nice hair, she then looked to me and I said 'That's all we got' WELL, she did not like this and made a horrible face at me and stormed off... It was SO FUNNY and everytime she came by our table for the rest of the night she made a nasty face at me and gave me evil eyes. I loved the interaction but was disappointed we didn't get a photo!

Next up was Cinderella and she was sweet as always and complimented our crowns

The boys were very keen to get a pic with this princess

We had a great interaction with Anastasia as well but I don't have a photo... We really enjoyed the interaction with the ugly sisters and step mother. They came back over to us regularly as they were passing by too. The boys said the ugly sisters weren't very ugly which was true!

We were one of the last groups to finish up and unfortunately they didn't have much of a desert selection and we missed some things we really wanted to try.

Empty Restaurant

I have to say... I wouldn't rush back for a meal here. I wasn't blown away by the food and my favourite park was the interaction but I just don't think it's worth the price for what we ate. I'm still glad I went it's just not one that would stay on my list for next time.

We took some photos in the beautiful lobby on our way out

And just like that our first big reservation was over! We got a cab to DTD and had a drink with our friends. Back to bed at a reasonable hour as tomorrow we were going to MK!

 

[mrdrift]

1900 Park Fare is one of my ADRs for the family upcoming trip. Glad to hear the food was good. You did get some pretty good interaction with the characters with some great pictures. Following along.

 

[dancingtodisney]

Enjoying your TR so far! I'm trying to read it with an Irish accent.

Haha that's hilarious... I'd love to hear your irish accent!

Love the report so far. Have been looking forward to it. I was there from 30 Oct - 13 Nov too & had a great time. Maybe I will get around to a TR at some point when U get real Disney blues!!!

Oh we may have been right beside each other at some point and not known!

Loving the report so far! 18 days in Disney, wow! Can't wait to read the rest.

It sounds like loads of time but you just NEVER have enough time in Disney!

I have been waiting for this one as I read your last report and enjoyed it - i was there from 5th to 21st Nov and did my first trip report it will be interesting to read yours to see if our paths did cross. I did look out for you! Looking forward to following along

Oh great I'll have to read it! I was in my own world the whole time so I probably wouldn't have recognised anyone although one member on here did recognise us later in the trip!

What a great start to the trip report. I have been looking forward to this report since you announced the pre trip report. I hope to see some of the famous Sleepy poses in this report that we have seen in prior report. Pictures are turning out very well. Following along.

I'll keep you in suspense on the sleepy photos! As for 1900 Park Fare I'm sure you'll really enjoy it and if you are up for it the characters can be really funny!

 

[Tiggerish]

We finally got off at the Grand Floridan about 5mins late for our reservation. We met our friends and I quickly went over to check in. I was given a pager and told it was no problem to seat us at one table. We waiting in the fabulous lobby.

Even if you don't have a reservation here I would recommend a visit.

After a short wait they were ready for us

We got a lovely picture on the way in that was included in our memory maker package

Our waitress Karen was lovely and she came over to us right away.

I love the decor inside

Drizella was our first visitor and she was HILARIOUS!!! So funny I loved her... she was slagging off cinderella and flirting with the two boys.

Prince Charming was over right after... well how do I put this... he was a bit of a square! Probably the worst character interaction I've ever had, he literally had no personality and just responded with 'yes' and 'no' and then stood there posing waiting for us to stand beside him for a photo

This was my starter... it was yummy! I was really looking forward to trying the famous strawberry soup.. to me it was just a smoothie in a bowl but I liked it!

Around this point Lady Termaine came over and was SO DRAMATIC as she stopped at our table. She demanded that we compliment her so Sleepy said she had nice hair, she then looked to me and I said 'That's all we got' WELL, she did not like this and made a horrible face at me and stormed off... It was SO FUNNY and everytime she came by our table for the rest of the night she made a nasty face at me and gave me evil eyes. I loved the interaction but was disappointed we didn't get a photo!

Next up was Cinderella and she was sweet as always and complimented our crowns

The boys were very keen to get a pic with this princess

We had a great interaction with Anastasia as well but I don't have a photo... We really enjoyed the interaction with the ugly sisters and step mother. They came back over to us regularly as they were passing by too. The boys said the ugly sisters weren't very ugly which was true!

We were one of the last groups to finish up and unfortunately they didn't have much of a desert selection and we missed some things we really wanted to try.

Empty Restaurant

I have to say... I wouldn't rush back for a meal here. I wasn't blown away by the food and my favourite park was the interaction but I just don't think it's worth the price for what we ate. I'm still glad I went it's just not one that would stay on my list for next time.

We took some photos in the beautiful lobby on our way out

And just like that our first big reservation was over! We got a cab to DTD and had a drink with our friends. Back to bed at a reasonable hour as tomorrow we were going to MK!

Look at you all glammed up!! You look gorgeous!!

Can't wait to get to the race part--you know, where you are astounded that someone calls out your name as you cross the finish line...

 

[dancingtodisney]

Look at you all glammed up!! You look gorgeous!!

Can't wait to get to the race part--you know, where you are astounded that someone calls out your name as you cross the finish line...

Aw thank you!! I've been so busy lately I've not had a chance to update, just back from Barcelona with Sleepy!

Haha that's the BEST part!

 

[dancingtodisney]

Day 3 Sunday 26th October: MK, EP, Chef de France & California Grill

Busy day today! We were up early and made it to MK for the opening show but with the railroad out of action it wasn’t the same! I love seeing the characters coming in on the stream train…

The crowds were pretty light which is always nice!

Our first ride of the day was Space Mountain! I LOVE THIS RIDE!!
There was no queue at all, don’t you just love it when the parks are quiet!

Ready to board… Almost time to BLAST OFF into Space

Check out our ride photo... all smiles!

I also love the exit to this ride, that really long bouncy walkway & the cool screens you appear in... SO MUCH FUN!

Next up we headed to shoot some Z’s!

FOCUS PEOPLE

I am normally really bad at this ride but this time I got the highest score… WHOOOP!

Next up headed over to meet Ariel… There was pretty much no wait. I love this photo, mid hair flick, you gotta try blend in with these princesses

Sleepy looks delighted...Ariel is his favourite

After our adventures under the sea we went to new fantasyland for one of my favourite character meet and greets... Can you guess who???

This whole area is really cool with lots of theming. Has to be ladies first!

There was a girl dressed like Rapunzel in front of us, probably about my age, she was speaking like the princesses do when you meet them and was wanted about a million different poses with both Minnie and Daisy telling both of them… it was a little OTT!

FINALLY it was our turn

Big hugs all round..

I think this one is super cute

Next up was Rachel's favourite...

I think Sleepy tried to pose like Minnie here but it looks more like jazz hands..

This shot Sleepy got on my camera turned out nice too

 

[dancingtodisney]

We got straight back in the queue to meet Goofy and Donald.

First up was MY FAVOURITE!! We double high fived

Then we danced..

And finally we eskimo kissed....... swooooon

I decided to spread the love and let the others get some pics...

We had quite a long interaction with Goofy so Donald by this point was free and started taunting Goofy doing his usual Donald is number 1 pose... Well Goofy was not impressed and marched right over to tell him off. Donald was quick to react though and hypnotised Goofy! Goofy stayed still for ages in a complete trance... The cast members told us we needed to help him snap out of it by shouting his name so we did just that. He snapped right out of it and gave Donald a telling off before coming back over to his spot. It was so much fun, I tried to snap a few photos but well, they weren't that great...

Next up was Donald... time for more hugs

Making sure the camera gets my good side...

Group Photo..

We told Donald that we were impressed with how he hypnotised Goofy and he decided to have us all give it a go...

We've always had great character interaction at this meet and greet, so much fun!

Afterwards we explored Big Top Souvenirs, any excuse to try on a hat

We each got a little treat too...

Sleepy got chocolate covered pineapple and that was yummy!

Me and Rachel went for macaroons

Unfortunately they were not very nice, maybe macaroons are different in the states than at home but the texture was really weird and dry… I made Sleepy share because I had major food envy!

 

[dancingtodisney]

We had a fast pass to ride the mine train so we did that next. I LOVED it again but I think our first experience at night was better, not everyone shouted Heigh-Ho this time!

Random light in the queue

There's our train

Mine train selfie

Rachel sitting behind us

Ride photo!

Ride photo number 2

Motion mine train selfie

Twas getting a bit sunny for us Irish/UK folk

Snapped a quick photo on the way out of the ride

We decided with the sun out it was time to cool down with arguably my favourite 3D show

Don't we look excited

We were really taking it easy this morning and trying to just soak it all in instead of running from ride to ride like did last year.We got some photopass photos by the Beauty and the Beast castle...

Look who it is

Me and Rachel were feeling pretty thirsty after our dry macaroons so we grabbed a LeFou’s Brew from Gaston’s Tavern, it was really refreshing and a nice way to cool off as we wandered around.