Trip Report A Very Merry Sweet 16!! (Completed)

And we are off…

 

[Figment Forever]

Hope wanted to watch the Festival of Fantasy parade, so we walked over towards Liberty Square to get a spot in the disability section.

I appreciate they have these areas because it helps Hope not having to be smooshed between people. We spoke to a cast member and he directed us to a space behind the rope. We sat down on the rocks while Hope sat in front of us on the ground. While we were waiting, the people next to us commented that we should not be there because it was a section for disability. Ross and I looked at each other blankly. Were they really scolding us? I get that Hope’s not in a wheelchair, but I can’t remember when anyone questioned us. After all, a CM had to admit us in, so we obviously didn’t sneak in. Perhaps that’s what they thought. I would have be happy to just ignore them, but they wouldn’t give up commenting to us. Finally, I said that we fully understood that it was a disability area and that my daughter had the disability. They absolutely did not believe us and warned us that we should be careful that the cast member doesn’t find us. It was quite a bizarre interaction.

As we were waiting for the parade, it started to rain really hard. The sky just opened up out of nowhere. People scattered around – including our buddies next to us . We decided to try to stick it out. After all, even though the rain was coming down, the sun was still shining. It is Florida. We threw our ponchos on and convinced Hope to stay. She was not liking the rain, but we figured it would only last a bit- the sun was shining in the sky. She stuck it out which was the right thing to do because although the parade was 15 min delayed, it did go on!! It was so worth it!!

Did the dragon stop breathing fire???

 

[Figment Forever]

Once the parade was over, we had a return time for Haunted Mansion. As we walked over, the stand by line went all the way down to the riverboat landing area!!! Even though, it moved quickly and we weren’t in a rush. We never got our picture!

We went to see the bears. Although we didn’t have to wait more than 10 minutes to go into the theater, There wasn’t one free seat left in the house!! It was packed!

Time for a treat!! Floats for everyone… vanilla for Ross , swirl for Hope and coconut for me.

 

[Figment Forever]

We walked over to the Jingle Cruise. I was sad that Julia was missing out, but it was never her favorite to begin with, so I don’t think she really minded. It was cute. But like I’ve said before, I want to like this attraction more than I do these days. Even the Christmas version.

Once we returned from our journey, I was on a hunt for something yummy. Cheeseburger spring rolls! Ross and Hope we’re not interested. That's okay - all for me!!!

 

[Figment Forever]

We walked over to pirates. While most other attractions had more than long weights, pirates was holding at only 20 minutes.

We got such a surprise. As we were walking in the line, Captain Jack Sparrow went by us while in be for pirates! H startled the crowd. The cm behind him looked flustered trying to catch up to him. She was yelling, “Jack wait up!” lol

We wanted another visit with our dear friend Mike...

 

[Figment Forever]

We stopped into Pinocchio's for some dinner. We always enjoyed this location, but not this night. It was very disappointing. They used to have such good flat breads, but no more. The chicken parm hero was only a chicken tender with some sauce on it. Not very good.

Since we were close, we wandered over to Ariel.

We walked back over to Buzz where Ross got the Galactic Hero!

 

[Figment Forever]

Hope wanted to see HEA again, so we walked over to Main Street to find a spot.

I didn't take any pictures, I just really wanted to enjoy the show.

We took our time leaving the area, the crowds were just insane!!

We were going to head back to POP, but the crowds leaving were so nutty, it made sense to hang out a while longer. Hope was happy because she really wanted to ride Tron.

And then she requested Pooh.

 

[Figment Forever]

We finished off the night with our dear friend Mike

Joffrey’s coffee for me and ice cream for Ross and Hope.

I snapped a few pics before leaving since I wasn’t sure if we would be coming back to MK this trip.

When we got back to the hotel, Julia was in bed sleeping. She woke up long enough to tell us she was feeling much better.

I was hopeful she would be back with us the next day.

 

[Figment Forever]

A few more pictures from the day...

 

[Go.Nijntje]

Hope wanted to watch the Festival of Fantasy parade, so we walked over towards Liberty Square to get a spot in the disability section.

View attachment 845076View attachment 845077

I appreciate they have these areas because it helps Hope not having to be smooshed between people. We spoke to a cast member and he directed us to a space behind the rope. We sat down on the rocks while Hope sat in front of us on the ground. While we were waiting, the people next to us commented that we should not be there because it was a section for disability. Ross and I looked at each other blankly. Were they really scolding us? I get that Hope’s not in a wheelchair, but I can’t remember when anyone questioned us. After all, a CM had to admit us in, so we obviously didn’t sneak in. Perhaps that’s what they thought. I would have be happy to just ignore them, but they wouldn’t give up commenting to us. Finally, I said that we fully understood that it was a disability area and that my daughter had the disability. They absolutely did not believe us and warned us that we should be careful that the cast member doesn’t find us. It was quite a bizarre interaction.

As we were waiting for the parade, it started to rain really hard. The sky just opened up out of nowhere. People scattered around – including our buddies next to us . We decided to try to stick it out. After all, even though the rain was coming down, the sun was still shining. It is Florida. We threw our ponchos on and convinced Hope to stay. She was not liking the rain, but we figured it would only last a bit- the sun was shining in the sky. She stuck it out which was the right thing to do because although the parade was 15 min delayed, it did go on!! It was so worth it!!

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Did the dragon stop breathing fire???

I can't believe how rude the people were while you were waiting for the parade. No one should have to explain themselves for being in the disability area. I'm glad the rain cleared and you got to enjoy the parade.

 

[erstwo]

Hope wanted to watch the Festival of Fantasy parade, so we walked over towards Liberty Square to get a spot in the disability section.

View attachment 845076View attachment 845077

I appreciate they have these areas because it helps Hope not having to be smooshed between people. We spoke to a cast member and he directed us to a space behind the rope. We sat down on the rocks while Hope sat in front of us on the ground. While we were waiting, the people next to us commented that we should not be there because it was a section for disability. Ross and I looked at each other blankly. Were they really scolding us? I get that Hope’s not in a wheelchair, but I can’t remember when anyone questioned us. After all, a CM had to admit us in, so we obviously didn’t sneak in. Perhaps that’s what they thought. I would have be happy to just ignore them, but they wouldn’t give up commenting to us. Finally, I said that we fully understood that it was a disability area and that my daughter had the disability. They absolutely did not believe us and warned us that we should be careful that the cast member doesn’t find us. It was quite a bizarre interaction.

As we were waiting for the parade, it started to rain really hard. The sky just opened up out of nowhere. People scattered around – including our buddies next to us . We decided to try to stick it out. After all, even though the rain was coming down, the sun was still shining. It is Florida. We threw our ponchos on and convinced Hope to stay. She was not liking the rain, but we figured it would only last a bit- the sun was shining in the sky. She stuck it out which was the right thing to do because although the parade was 15 min delayed, it did go on!! It was so worth it!!

View attachment 845078View attachment 845079View attachment 845080View attachment 845081View attachment 845082View attachment 845083View attachment 845084

Did the dragon stop breathing fire???

I swear - some people just love to hear themselves talk and have never figured out that some thoughts don’t have to be said out loud.

So incredibly entitled of them to think they are experts in the rules of who gets access to that area and who does not. Sorry that happened to you - they are lucky that you are kind people and weren’t rude right back to them!

I think the dragon caught on fire a while back and now there’s no more fire breathing???

 

[Rista1313]

I know I’ve been gone awhile, but it’s not possible for Hope to be 16!!!! I hope you are all doing well!

 

[fractal]

When we returned from our flight, we were STARVING!! I was so hoping to eat right there in Pandora, but Ross did not want to. He does not like the food here… several years back he got a little sick after eating at Satu’li Canteen… he called it the Pandora Poops, so he refuses to give it another shot.

We did all get Night Blossoms and 2 orders of the cream cheese egg rolls to split until we got better sustenance.

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We all needed to agree on another spot to get some nourishment before we wanted to killed each other from hangriness. We settled on Flame Tree BBQ. Believe it or not, we have never eaten here before!

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This guy was scouting for food. I was good – I do not feed the wildlife, but many people did!

We found a spot to sit and then mobile ordered. Our meals were excellent – we were very satisfied.

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Glad you made it to FlameTree!

I appreciate they have these areas because it helps Hope not having to be smooshed between people. We spoke to a cast member and he directed us to a space behind the rope. We sat down on the rocks while Hope sat in front of us on the ground. While we were waiting, the people next to us commented that we should not be there because it was a section for disability. Ross and I looked at each other blankly. Were they really scolding us? I get that Hope’s not in a wheelchair, but I can’t remember when anyone questioned us. After all, a CM had to admit us in, so we obviously didn’t sneak in. Perhaps that’s what they thought. I would have be happy to just ignore them, but they wouldn’t give up commenting to us. Finally, I said that we fully understood that it was a disability area and that my daughter had the disability. They absolutely did not believe us and warned us that we should be careful that the cast member doesn’t find us. It was quite a bizarre interaction.

Some people.

As we were waiting for the parade, it started to rain really hard. The sky just opened up out of nowhere. People scattered around – including our buddies next to us . We decided to try to stick it out. After all, even though the rain was coming down, the sun was still shining. It is Florida. We threw our ponchos on and convinced Hope to stay. She was not liking the rain, but we figured it would only last a bit- the sun was shining in the sky. She stuck it out which was the right thing to do because although the parade was 15 min delayed, it did go on!! It was so worth it!!

Veteran move.

 

[Figment Forever]

I can't believe how rude the people were while you were waiting for the parade. No one should have to explain themselves for being in the disability area. I'm glad the rain cleared and you got to enjoy the parade.

Thanks!! I'm glad I've learned not to let others rudeness upset me.

I swear - some people just love to hear themselves talk and have never figured out that some thoughts don’t have to be said out loud.

So incredibly entitled of them to think they are experts in the rules of who gets access to that area and who does not. Sorry that happened to you - they are lucky that you are kind people and weren’t rude right back to them!

I think the dragon caught on fire a while back and now there’s no more fire breathing???

I think some people just like to hear themselves talk... crazy...

I know I’ve been gone awhile, but it’s not possible for Hope to be 16!!!! I hope you are all doing well!

YAY!! I hope this means your back to the forums!! Missed you !!!

Glad you made it to FlameTree!



Some people.

Veteran move.

lol YES! C3PO says it perfectly!!!

Flametree was great, but I did want those cheeseburger pods....

 

[Figment Forever]

Day 7 – December 15th

At 7 AM I woke up and managed to get a virtual queue for guardians.

I woke up really hoping that Julia was feeling better and I was so excited that she was much better this morning and ready to rejoin our group! It was an Epcot day and it was our reservation for the Candlelight Processional with Gary Sinise. We were all very excited!

We originally had breakfast plans for this morning, but with changing all our schedule around with Julia being sick the day before, I wasn’t able to get an ADR for today. But I did manage to get one for the following day, so no loss. Probably better because now, we could eat all those delicious cookies around Epcot and not be terribly full from breakfast!

We took our time and boarded the Skyliner and head on over to Epcot. I think this was the first time that I realized how much longer the journey to Epcot was versus Hollywood Studios!

As we relaxed on our journey, Julia and I tried to get our cookie strategy together. lol

We started off our Epcot day with some delicious maple popcorn!

 

[Figment Forever]

We wandered into the scent garden. It was very cute, but why on earth wouldn’t they put those scents higher up??

We wanted to ride Figment, but he was experiencing some technical difficulties, so we settled for a few photos instead.

Julia was loving her new ears! But boy did they give her a headache after a while!

We grabbed a snack near the imagination, pavilion, and by the time we were done with our snack and a restroom break, figment was once again greeting guests!

 

[Figment Forever]

We noticed that at the end of the ride, one of the sections was missing in the area where the walls go down, and the wind blows in your face.

As we exited the ride, Hope saw Figment and noticed that there was practically no line to meet him waiting to meet him. How could we possibly pass up the opportunity to meet our favorite dragon? But can I just ask why they do not dress him in his holiday sweater?

 

[Figment Forever]

He walked over to the land to ride Soarin.

I got one of the holiday cookies from Sunshine Seasons. Unfortunately, for Julia, she does not like peanut butter so this was not her jam. For me, I have to say this was my second favorite cookie!

We walked over to the seas to go try to find Nemo. Can you tell that this is one of Ross’s favorite rides? lol

As we exited the ride, our group was called for Guardians, but Hope wanted to go see Turtle Talk With Crush first. We all enjoy the show. It’s a very cute. And when you get a good group of kids, you can really laugh! It’s so funny though… my little girl has grown up so quickly! She doesn’t even attempt to go sit with the little kids. She commented as we walked in. That’s the little kid section up front. I’m going to sit in the back.

Since we were passing spaceship earth, Hope asked to ride, but unfortunately, it was down was down.

 

[Figment Forever]

We headed over to Guardians of the Galaxy. Once again, we got the song I hate!!

Spaceship was running by the time we saved the galaxy, so we walked over.

 

[Figment Forever]

Julia had never visited with the Walt the Dreamer statue, so we made sure to stop by and say hi. I was surprised that there was no photopass photographer around.

After that, we made our way back to World Showcase because it was nearing time for our dinner reservations for our candlelight processional dining package.

Julia stopped in China to pick up a bubble tea.

 

[Figment Forever]

As we entered, it’s Italy Pavilion, La Belafonte was out so we stopped a few moments to watch since we had time. I was sad that we hadn’t been able to catch the right time for these storytellers.

Our dinner reservation was for 4 PM at Via Napoli. We waited about 10 minutes to be seated. They took us into the restaurant and seated us all the way in the back right next to a serving table area. The area didn’t really bother me, but as we were seated, I just had a bad feeling that this was not going to be a magical dinner.

We actually ate at this restaurant once before, and did not have the greatest experience with it. If I’m correct, we all got pizza that time, not that that should make a difference, but I just remember that it wasn’t the greatest food and it wasn’t great service.

I held my breath and really hoped that this time would be different. I picked this restaurant because it had a meal that each of us would get. Julia would get the pizza, Hope would get the spaghetti and meatballs, and as long as there’s chicken Parm on the menu, I knew Ross would be happy. My mouth was watering for the beef filet. Reading @Tuvalu Past TR’s, made me so excited for this

When we sat down, we ordered our drinks and got the first bump in the road. While they had a lemonade, it was Italian lemonade, which was carbonated. And Hope does not like carbonated beverages. It’s weird, because regular lemonade was on the menu, but our waiter insisted they do not serve it. I encouraged her to try it, but also ordered water for her in case she didn’t like it. She did OK with it in the end. Not her favorite, but she had water when she had enough of the carbonation.

Our waiter was very kind and very sweet, but we had a heck of a time trying to understand him! I’m Italian - Shame on me! I should do so much better with that Italian accent!


I also tried to remember the drink that Em always gets, I think I got it – it was the Tequila Sunrise. Did I get it right? Regardless, it was really good. I should have ordered a couple more. lol

I had talked up the beef filet so much, Ross decided that’s what he absolutely wanted! When we gave our order, the waiter informed us that they did not have the filet tonight. Yup, it all went down from there!

Ross and I both ended up ordering the chicken Parm, which honestly was no better than the Olive Garden. It needed more sauce, which we asked for , but never got.

Hope loved her spaghetti and meatballs. She ate almost the entire plate.

Julia was really happy with her pizza.