A Poutine Less Trip Report: Four Days of Zoology, Deluxe Resorts and Lots of Rain

And so I am back. While I do love typing up these reports, to do so means that you have to be back from your trip . However this was another successful trip and my 10th to the World. So it is official, I have now hit double digits! So may consider that a bit much but I say the more the merrier.

Tim was at home this time, which was a bit of a bummer after introducing him to the World. Everything that we did, I wished he was there and wanted him to experience everything that we were. It just solidifies how much I want him to be by my side for all trips. However, he was extremely supportive of me needing a much needed break from what is currently my reality and the stress that is flooding my life. He had jetted out to Vegas a month or two prior and knew how much fun I would have down there. When the opportunity presented itself to have a mini getaway with one of my best friends, he did not hesitate at all. He told me to have fun, not think of work and enjoy myself.

So on this trip, we had myself. To refresh of those who don't really know me, here's a brief bit of info:

I work in Food & Beverage, am a massive Foodie, a HUGE kid and lover of all things Disney. Mary Poppins is my all time favorite Disney character and Disney movie, followed closely by Toy Story and then UP. I am also a big Star Wars and Pirates fan. I am by no means a girlie girl and would rather by a pirate then a princess any day.

Although Tim could not join me for this trip, I had the absolute next best option. I re-introduce to you...dah dah dah dah... Jennie!

Jennie and I have been friends for almost 15 years. We met at our Dance School and have stayed such great friends throughout the years. She dropped in during my last trip in October several times with her boyfriend and this time was a ladies trip! Jennie left for the Disney College program 8 years ago and had been bitten by the Disney bug ever since. She is now a cast member and loves all things Disney as well. Like me, a giant kid and the biggest Star Wars fan I have ever met. It is completely her fault that I am the Star Wars fan that I am. She took three days off to hang and play with me. It amazes me and thrills me that she still enjoys playing in the parks as much as I do. Thankfully she put up with my craziness for these days and all the photos that came with it.

So here we go! Because this here is the wettest wild in all the wilderness!!!! :sohappy:

 

[MillerPoppins]

This trip starts off with a crazy schedule due to work. I worked from 10pm-7am on Monday night into Tuesday morning. Then went back into work at 5pm-12am on Tuesday. So I was in bed by 12:30am and then back up at 3am for the flight on Wednesday. I gathered my things and Tim crawled out of bed to drive me to the airport. A few hugs and kisses later, I made my way into a completely empty airport. It was actually quite creepy. After I sailed through security, I made my way towards my gate. Our little breakfast place wasn't even open yet, so I made my way towards the Hudson News to grab a water and a magazine. As badly as I wanted a coffee, I passed because I desperately wanted to get some sleep. I knew I had a busy day ahead of me and wanted to get a nap.

I grabbed some breakfast, my stuff and headed towards the gate. At this point, after all my drama with the airlines, I had been very apprehensive about the trip. It pretty much dampened my excitement of going to Disney World because I was so afraid that something was going to happen to my reservation. (See my pre-trip report as a reference to the saga). My feeling and normal luck that follows me was that due to the trip being booked under this mystery set of vouchers that suddenly appeared in my account, there was a good chance that something would come up. So at this point, I wasn't even really excited. It felt like it was too good to be true. Our plane was on time, loaded and was off on schedule. Sadly, I did not sleep a wink during this flight. I don't know if it was the kid behind me who sounded exactly like Russell from UP, the fact that I don't sleep well on public transportation or just knowing where the plane was headed. But when we finally touched down, I had a big sigh of relief. Everything finally hit me as a stepped off the plane. I was here...really here in Orlando. I was back to the happiest place on earth and one of the few places that I could forget literally everything for the amount of time that I had.

This blissful thought was interrupted by the fact that I forgot my pedometer on the plane. I will freely admit that I am on Weight Watchers and not exactly in the shape that I care to be. I had gained some winter weight after our last trip and am in the process of trying to lose it. Tim and I had both gotten pedometers to track our activity and I had all intentions of wearing it through the trip to see just how much walking one does while in the World. Thankfully, some of the airline employees found it and I was officially off!

I texted Jennie to inform her of my arrival and puttered around the airport while I waited. An iced coffee accompanied me as I made my way through the Magic of Disney store and took in some of the merchandise that I was going to view over the next few days.

Jennie arrived and I found that she was in the same state as I was: ridiculously tired from only two hours of sleep but ready for fun! We caught up in the car about current stuff and talked of the plan for the next few days. After a quick stop at Publix and a drop off of my suitcase to her apartment, we made our way to Animal Kingdom.

The weather was cloudy and humid when I arrived, but nonetheless, we were determined to have a bit of fun for the afternoon.

Oh so pale from the winter!

We arrived as the sun was peaking out and decided on lunch at Rainforest.

I didn't make many ADR's for this trip because the intent was to be low budget and just go with the flow. We headed in and within minutes were sat. The restaurant was full but not mobbed. Thanks to being in the business I am, I have a very low tolerance of crowds. I prefer to go to WDW when business volumes are low and there isn't much to deal with. Last trip, we encountered many of the infamous Brazilian Tour groups. This time, I knew it would be a battle of spring breakers. While Spring isn't my top choice of times to visit WDW, I will take a trip when I could get it at this point!

Our server was fantastic at Rainforest! I forget her name off hand, but really impressive with how attentive she was. We split an order of Spinach Artichoke Dip as an app which unfortunately I did not get a shot of because we were famished. It disappeared rather quickly... :slurp:. Lunch however I managed to get. I had the coconut shrimp platter and Jennie had the Tuscan Chicken.

Sorry these are slightly fuzzy. I hadn't gotten back into full Disney Camera swing yet. Everything was DELICIOUS! We chatted and munched away before packing up leftovers and heading out.

 

[MrsWhiffo]

ooohh Can't wait to hear more!
I'm on WW too, how you getting on?

 

[oommggitskait]

So far so good! Can't wait for more

 

[HollyBelle]

I'm here... following along! :wave: While I'm sad Tim wasn't along for the ride this time, I'm happy you were able to get away for a few days. I can only imagine how it must've felt to finally set foot on Disney property after all the airport drama you've experienced as of late.

 

[tiaragirl]

Looks good! Great pictures and narrative.. gotta appreciate a good, balanced TR =)

 

[MillerPoppins]

While I do love Animal Kingdom, it was the park I knew I had the least to see in. We only had a couple hours there so we wandered and picked a few things to do.

We made our way to Dinosaur to inspect the standby line or pick up fast passes.

Standby was 50 minutes long at this point, so we grabbed FP's but not before Jennie made a new friend.

Everest was our next spot, and we decided to attempt the single riders line for this one. Although neither of us put this one on our top 5 attractions, we feel that it is a must do while you are at this park.

He was heading to the single riders line also but didn't match height requirements...

Sadly at this point, my camera battery was beginning to die and where were all my AA's??? In my other bag at Jen's apartment :brick:. I couldn't believe it! I brought about 10 of them! Oh well, at least I had my cell phone for this trip which was a big accomplishment considering it didn't make it on the last two trips. We hopped on board and the intent was to get some cool action shots but alas, it was not meant to be. I did manage one "Here's proof I made it on " shot.

The yeti is completely gone! So is the bird! The bird I can deal with but I thought I was losing my mind when we flew through the mountain and I didn't see anything! No crotch grabbing, no mode at all. Jennie confirmed to me afterwards that he had been completely taken out. We'll see where that goes...

We then wandered through Asia towards the Tree of Life. My former roommate and best friend Sam was also in the park so we kept texting back and forth trying to locate each other. But timing was just off and it didn't work out for us to see each other. Oh well, next time.

We headed in to a couple shops and wandered a bit before heading to It's Tough To Be A Bug.

 

[MillerPoppins]

ooohh Can't wait to hear more!
I'm on WW too, how you getting on?

Thanks! I'm getting back on track because I did not count points at all while I was down there. I lost almost 6 pounds before I went so that was good. But I was not thrilled at all with how I looked in these photos so that was a big help to get back on track.

So far so good! Can't wait for more

Thank you! :wave:

I'm here... following along! :wave: While I'm sad Tim wasn't along for the ride this time, I'm happy you were able to get away for a few days. I can only imagine how it must've felt to finally set foot on Disney property after all the airport drama you've experienced as of late.

Thanks Holly! I keep checking every day for wedding photos and thought of you two often especially when we were at the Polynesian. It was the best feeling to just be in the airport once we landed. It was like this huge wave of relief just washed over me!

Looks good! Great pictures and narrative.. gotta appreciate a good, balanced TR =)

Thank you so much! :wave:

 

[MillerPoppins]

You know, I've heard that it's really tough to be a bug. So we thought we'd go hear a little bit more about it. I decided though that some photos of the tree of life were in order. If you read my last trip report though, you know that Tim went camera happy on our trip. Our grand total of photos was over 2000 between my camera and Photo Pass. My challenge this time was to take photos of things that I didn't already have from past trips. So to start, I looked for new creatures on the Tree of Life that I hadn't gotten before. It worked..we had no repeats!

My new favorite...

Jennie and I were both goofing off at this point due to us being deliriously tired. We had already starting chugging the smart water and were just being our normal, dorky selves. It was a lot of fun going into the show and listening to the newest humans to the bug world. Both of us got a kick out of it. The crowds in this park seemed a bit heavy, but not unbearable. However getting out of the tree of life took a bit, so I snapped away.

We then made our way over to Dinosaur as it was FP time. I took photos on the way of course. Thankfully with Jen knowing me as long as she has, she knows I come from a family of camera happy folks as well as am dating the new King of Kodak. She was very patient with me the whole time...

We hit up Dinosaur where we continued our nerdy jokes and delirious comedy. We also continued with our pin trading and Jennie was on the hunt for some different Vinylmations.

We had time for a bit more playing in the kitschesque gift shop of them all!

Food related Mickey ears! Who doesn't love that???

On the way out, Sam texted me saying that they were leaving the park to go back to their hotel in order to beat the storm. Storm? It was sunny...what is this storm that you speak of? We also had to head out, not because of the weather, but that Jennie had to head in to her one shift that she had to work while I was down. I felt bad that she had only gotten so little sleep and had to go work 8 hours, but she assured me that it would be fine. So we headed out.

So long Animal Kingdom...see you next time.

As we were walking back to the car, I noticed that it was windy. Really windy, like I had never seen it in Florida. It had gotten more cloudy but nothing really bad. We hopped in and made our way to Jen's drop off. It was now time for me to take over driving. I hadn't driven through Property since 2003. Thankfully Jen trusted me with her car and gave good directions on how to get back to her apartment. It also helped that I have a very good directional sense and a decent memory. So I made my way off property back to Jen's place which is literally right outside of WDW. En route though, the radio kept breaking up to announce thunderstorm warnings and a tornado warning as well for certain counties. It occurred to me then that I didn't even realize what county WDW was in :hammer:.

My plan was to head back to her place to grab a quick nap before going out to play more that night. It looked like I had timed it right. I got back, laid down and passed out. 15 minutes later though I was awakened by crazy rain, lightning and winds! The sky was BLACK. I passed back out for another two hours.

 

[MillerPoppins]

When I woke up, I was really sluggish. I could have probably slept straight through until Thursday morning. However, I reminded myself that I was in Disney! And this was my only opportunity I thought I'd have for DTD. However, my plan was to hit up DTD for a bit, then bus it over to the Poly for dinner at Kona then come back and wander around DTD some more. However, I knew that I had the energy for DTD but not for jumping over to the Poly. Sadly, I gave up that plan and just headed for some shopping fun. I figured I would go with the flow for my dinner and go with what ever struck me as a plan.

So off I went... into this...

You know, some would think I was nuts. However I think that becomes more apparent as this trip goes on. More on that later. I have no problem with rain and after the winter we had in Jersey, as long as it wasn't snow, I didn't care. It was still warm and in the 70's. I threw my jeans back on and grabbed an umbrella. DTD was packed as all the night time shows were cancelled. I braced myself for the crowds and headed in.

If you are from the Mid-Atlantic Region, then you will appreciate my trusty red friend here...

I headed in to WOD as I parked near there with a pretty decent spot. As expected, it was completely packed. So much so, that it was a bit too much for me.

I checked out a few things, especially the kitchen/snack area.

I decided to come back to WOD after some of the madness had died down. It was around 7pm so prime shopping time. I hit up Pin Traders and then headed to one of my most favorite spots in all of WDW...Goofy's Candy Co!!!!

I stepped inside and took a deep breath. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! The cast member behind the slushie area cracked up. She told me so many people do that and it gets her every time. I mentioned before and will say again that I am not a sweets person. I will take an appetizer over dessert any day. But once I am in Disney, I change completely. While I still love my savory items, I eat cookies only in Disney because they have spoiled me rotten. With these bad boys...

The food here gets a little out of control. Blackthidot, I hope this makes you proud. It also helps me when I want to drool a little.. Here's just a sampling of what I took.

 

[foreverbelle]

Ok first off your food shots, making me really crave some Disney goodness right about now.

Second, look at that rain, maybe you are just a little nuts but I don't blame you one bit. Congrats on making it out there.

I am sorry to see your Tim couldn't make it, that must of sucked but hey a girls trip totally rocks. I really am trying to get my best friend to do the same thing. Just us girls.

I was just there two weeks ago and was sad to see the Yeti missing as well. It was just really sad, still a good ride but without the Yeti, I agree its just not the same. But we will have to see where it leads.

Can't wait to read the rest!

 

[MillerPoppins]

After grabbing myself a cookie, I wandered over to Wolfgang Puck's Express. The line was out the door. A bright idea then struck my mind. Westside can't be as busy as Marketplace is. I'll finish up here and then bus it over to Pleasure Island to hit up the other Wolfgang. Before that though, I hit up the Christmas Store, The Art of Disney and a few others. I hopped on the bus, knowing that this was a bit illegal in Disney Etiquette but it was raining pretty hard at this point. Plus I was exhausted. Thankfully I found out some other folks had the same idea as I was not the only one to pull this. I shared the bus with some "Wet Canadians" who I got to talking to since Tim is from Canada.

I got out at Pleasure Island and made my way to the Westside area. I also had to call my staff at work to let them know that I had made it to FL. They were all aware of my saga with the airline and how apprehensive I was about my trip. They were relieved to hear I made it and wished me a fun trip!

I took some photos of Characters in Flight as I had not seen it in person yet and my girl was on the side.

Mary!

My plan worked! West Side was empty compared to Marketplace. It was good also because I hadn't seen a lot of the new stores that were put in over here either. So I strolled along and enjoyed how empty it was.

I made my way into D Street, which I had never been in before. Had a really interesting conversation with some cast members, who were completely surprised that I was from Jersey. Yeah, not all of us fake tan and have giant poof's on our head. If they showed South Jersey on a tv show, I think people would cry false advertisement. We are a whole different crowd south of Long Beach Island.

I purchased a Canadian Vinylmation for Tim, not that we are collectors, but I am all for the Canadian Themed merchandise for him. Along the trip I also managed to snag a cool Canada pin for him on the trip too. Now it was time for dinner!

I have long had a soft spot for Mr. Wolfgang Puck. I am certified as a Chef after going to Culinary School. My Mom had a huge influence on me as she cooked and baked a lot as I was a child. But the first real Chef that I ever truly knew was Wolfgang. I remember watching him cater the Oscars and thinking "Wow...I want to do that". I credit my foodie ways to Mr. Puck and my Mom.

Always a tough choice between pizza and something else as I love his pizzas. But I ultimately went with the Warm Turkey Melt that I have long admired and a Miller Lite. I camped out at a spot outside at a dry table and took in my surroundings. Ahhhhh it was good to be back!

The sandwich was absolutely DELICIOUS! Warm, melty and just enough of what I needed. The kettle chips that came with it were amazing too. And the beer really hit the spot. A perfect first night meal.

 

[MillerPoppins]

Ok first off your food shots, making me really crave some Disney goodness right about now.

Second, look at that rain, maybe you are just a little nuts but I don't blame you one bit. Congrats on making it out there.

I am sorry to see your Tim couldn't make it, that must of sucked but hey a girls trip totally rocks. I really am trying to get my best friend to do the same thing. Just us girls.

I was just there two weeks ago and was sad to see the Yeti missing as well. It was just really sad, still a good ride but without the Yeti, I agree its just not the same. But we will have to see where it leads.

Can't wait to read the rest!

If you think that rain is bad, you have no idea what else is in store!! Standby for further rain stories...lol

A girls trip was awesome! We haven't done one since 2003 so it was great to hang out and just be silly for four days. The whole Yeti thing was shocking. Sadly, I have never seen the Yeti in his full glory. The first time there was barely a strobe light on him, last time he was in crotch grabbing B mode and now he's gone. It's a shame. I wish they would just take a few dollars out of that Fantasy Land money and finish him.

Thanks for the comments! :wave:

 

[MillerPoppins]

I wandered around Westside a little longer and snapped a few more photos.

This is just great!

I made my way back to the Marketplace and wandered through Pleasure Island too. At this point the rain had let up and was just sprinkling a bit. It was getting late and most of the area had cleared out.

I made my way through WOD and then Once Upon A Toy. Found two of my favorite Disney pals...

First Boo Sighting!!!!!

Not official, but I'll take what I can get for now.

I made my way through a few more shops and stopped by my favorite fountain.

Afterwards, I hopped in the car and headed back to Jen's apartment. After a quick shower, I crashed soon afterwards.

Edited to Add: Final Tally on Pedometer at Day's End-19,413 steps taken and 8.27 miles walked.

Next up, a day at the MK that has been like no other I have ever experienced...

 

[accord99cutie]

Oh my! I am LOVING this report!!!! I would love to do an all girls trip some day! I am sure I would feel a bit sad not having my DH and our kids with me, but doing a "just the girls" trip would be sooo fun! I have two great friends who are both Disney lovers so maybe some day we can make it happen! In the mean time I will just continue to enjoy your report and dream of the day I can have one of these trips myself!! Can't wait for the rest!!

 

[skeletor1990]

Hi :wave: I read your last trip report and really enjoyed it and I'm loving this one already!

AND....

I know what this is! I am from CT so we don't have any, but sister goes to school in NJ and her friends bust on her all the time for never having been to one :lol: I think I stopped at one once on the way home from the Jersey Shore but I'm not sure. Anyway looking forward to reading more!
-Eleanor

 

[MillerPoppins]

Hi :wave: I read your last trip report and really enjoyed it and I'm loving this one already!

AND....

I know what this is! I am from CT so we don't have any, but sister goes to school in NJ and her friends bust on her all the time for never having been to one :lol: I think I stopped at one once on the way home from the Jersey Shore but I'm not sure. Anyway looking forward to reading more!
-Eleanor

I love it! Thanks for the lovely compliments too! So nice to hear. :wave:

 

[MillerPoppins]

Day 2-The Wettest Ride In All The Wilderness

We woke up bright and early to find more rain and clouds. We didn't care though, I had brought ponchos and a baseball cap. Bring on the rain, it wasn't getting me down!

First stop-The Beach Club. Jennie had made an ADR at Cape May Cafe for us so off we went. This is what the conditions were like...

Nevertheless, we were determined to have some fun. We made our way to our first Deluxe Resort stop of the trip.

We checked in and wandered around a bit while we waited for our turn.

This was the awesome cake that was at the entrance to the restaurant.

Minutes later our buzzer went off and we were in. This was a first for me as I had never eaten here and had heard mixed reviews. Our food was delicious and the characters were fun!

Being from Jersey, I loved the whole beach theming of the restaurant and the characters costumes.

More tomorrow...the day only gets better from here...:ROFLOL:

 

[WishIWasAtWDW]

loving the trip report! it stinks about all the rain on your trip. good call on the ponchos. can't wait to read more about your fun girls trip! as much as i love going to wdw with the soon to be hubby, it was really fun to go on a girls trip last september.

 

[corey154]

Love your report so far! I'm from Florida, but I know what Wawa is b/c my family is from Jersey and my cousin made me get a cup of coffee from there, after visiting Florida and drinking our 7-Eleven coffee she said I had to have some 'real' coffee..LOL! And I hear you about tv giving people a false idea of what everyone from Jersey is like....my cousins get so upset, they are not like that, and their from Brick.