Trip Report C’mon Everybody, Here We Go….*COMPLETED*

Think of all the joy you’ll find
When you leave the world behind
And bid your cares goodbye!


Ahh, a relaxing getaway from reality. No cares or concerns. Just bliss.

Not exactly a perfect picture of vacationing at Walt Disney World during Spring Break, is it?

But we’re going anyway. We’re Spring Break Veterans and it’s time for the annual reunion.

Two years ago we missed out on our usual adventure thanks to Covid. The stay-at-home vacation just wasn’t the same! (Although you can read about it here: https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/the-“no-trip”-trip-report-completed.964173/)

Last year we were able to return, albeit under Covid protocols. We believed that enduring masks 24/7, plexiglass and vinyl dividers on attractions, mobile order Door Nazis and limited shopping/dining/entertainment would be acceptable in exchange for the very low crowds that we’d experienced on earlier pandemic trips. But the parks were packed and we ended up spending a lot of time at the pool (which wasn’t a bad thing. We’re pool people.)

Now that park capacity has increased and nearly all Covid restrictions are gone, we expect to find the shoulder-to-shoulder spring break crowds of yore. And long lines. So we’re packing our patience and “It is what it is” attitudes.

Because in spite of all the negatives WDW is still our happy place.

We can’t wait.

Who: Tuvalu and Em
When: April 3-9, 2022
Where: Our favorite moderate resort

My plan is to go live upon our departure. Fingers crossed that Disney WiFi will be my friend.

Speaking of friends, we hope to meet up with a few. You’ll have to follow along to see if we do.

 

[amjt660]

Just remember that you need a license to drive a car, a boat and to fish…

But any two idiots can become parents

Sorry you had a bad last meal at Disney


Max

 

[Spash007]

I had to chuckle a bit when you said the toddler was testing his vocal chords, because that is exactly where my son is right now. Even trying to get him to stop is a painstakingly long endeavor sometimes.

That said - we rarely take him out to eat because we know it’s difficult and choose locations wisely as “training grounds”. And if he won’t stop, we take turns outside of the restaurant so he doesn’t bother other diners.

Sorry you had a bad last meal and the parents didn’t have that decency

 

[Swissmiss]

So sorry to read about your dinner. One of my proudest mother moments was on IASW in DLP - my daughter must have been 13 or 14 at the time and there were some unruly kids in the boat (hands in the water, climbing over seats, etc) and DD turns to me and says she was glad I taught her to behave

 

[RememberWhen]

Also sorry your meal was so disruptive.
The restaurant should not have put a two-top between their tables. That was just asking for trouble. Though it sounds like your server was a bit distracted at the end there anyway.

When my family, a group of 17, had dinner at Trattoria al Forno, I’m sure we were somewhat disruptive to the tables near us. But we never would let kids just run around or scream.

I found out later that my sister paid for the first round of drinks for the other table in our little area. She doesn’t have kids, but she’s a waitress. I guess she knew what would make them happy.

Hopefully the rest of your evening was better!

 

[MinnieM123]

Funny you should mention fuel.

Gas prices in metropolitan ATL when we left on 4/3 hovered just under $4/gallon. (Not doing the metric conversion, Max ) When we arrived at WDW, the pump price was $4.19/gallon.

I had to stop for gas in middle (rural) Georgia on our way home. The exit had a Kroger gas station (unbeknownst to me at the time). I collect Kroger fuel points and had enough to save $1 off each gallon, which I had planned to use sometime later in the month at home.

The price of gas here was $3.24/gallon. With my discount I paid $2.24/gallon!!!

I felt like a bandit!

HA! Leave it to you, Tuvalu -- Shirley Status apparently extends even BEYOND WDW for you!!!

Unfortunately this table is between two tables of a single party of 14 (6 adults and 8 children under 8 yrs of age) that has been split. You can see this party in the background of the pictures of Em and I below.

The kids are completely out of control. One has plopped herself down....shoeless....in the aisle next to us. She rolls around on the carpet, singing. The boys behind me keep running around between both tables, occasionally stepping on aisle girl. A toddler is screaming....not in discomfort, merely testing his vocal chords. The parents/grandparents are totally ignoring the chaos.

Most families are reasonable, but I've also seen a few that had kids way out of control. All it would have taken was a warning to the kids to tone it down a bit, from either the parents or grandparents. It's too bad that all the adults were so self absorbed, that they completely missed the fact that their kids were interrupting dinner for other restaurant guests. (Granted, I grew up in the Stone Age, but my parents would have never let that type of behavior go unchecked for a minute, in public (especially in an indoor restaurant with other patrons) .

 

[lindawdw]

I'm feeling frustrated just reading your post Tuvalu so I can only imagine how you both were feeling! I do think that the Cast Members need to speak up when these things occur because all the other patrons are paying good money for their meals. Sorry you last night had so many disappointments.

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

While I was hoping for the exact location, @slipperalwaysfits is the closes

Yay! I had no idea how close it was to Starbucks! This is a great reminder to really notice the details.

I collect Kroger fuel points and had enough to save $1 off each gallon, which I had planned to use sometime later in the month at home.

The price of gas here was $3.24/gallon. With my discount I paid $2.24/gallon!!!

@Tuvalu You and I think alike because this is how I roll with gas, too! Kroger fuel points! How do I get discounts so frequently, you may ask? #disneygiftcards for the win!

I do think that the Cast Members need to speak up when these things occur because all the other patrons are paying good money for their meals.

I agree, the CM's should say something to the family. We were at Boma in November and DH couldn't get back to his seat because kids were JUMPING ROPE at the table next to us. He said excuse me and they moved to BEHIND HIS CHAIR. Like, really?
To be fair, Boma was so slammed that morning, I'm not sure any CM's noticed...

 

[MickeyCB]

The kids are completely out of control. One has plopped herself down....shoeless....in the aisle next to us. She rolls around on the carpet, singing. The boys behind me keep running around between both tables, occasionally stepping on aisle girl. A toddler is screaming....not in discomfort, merely testing his vocal chords. The parents/grandparents are totally ignoring the chaos. And as a result, our server is ignoring us. (While I understand his desire to avoid the fracas, we would like our drinks refilled and dirty plates removed from the table.)

In addition to this c**p being beyond annoying it is also dangerous. Both for the kids and the servers.
A server is carrying something hot, kid is under foot and the result is a nasty burn as something is dumped on the kid. And, that will somehow not be the fault of the kids or neglectful parents.
Or the server trips and goes bum over tin cup and gets an injury.

My best friend in med school was this kind of parent. When our kids were little, she would let her kids walk (no lie) on the tables.
I used to get hives. Especially when Aleisha would look at me with a, why can't I do that, look on her face.

 

[93boomer]

Our Last Night

What could have been a stellar conclusion to our vacation ends on a disappointing note.

After a relaxing afternoon at the pool (and a little too much sun) we return to the Magic Kingdom. There isn't quite enough time for an attraction before our dinner ADR, so we check in at the podium and wait on the porch until our name is called. It's a good people-watching spot and I really hope to catch a glimpse of @Sillysidewalker and her family.

I do not. (Disappointment #1)

We are escorted inside the restaurant ten minutes past our reservation time.

View attachment 633510

Woody and I had such a wonderful meal at Crystal Palace in October that Em was persuaded to eat here tonight, now that the buffet has returned. (She and I had dined here last summer when food was plated and served to us.)

We are seated at a lovely window table.

View attachment 633511

Unfortunately this table is between two tables of a single party of 14 (6 adults and 8 children under 8 yrs of age) that has been split. You can see this party in the background of the pictures of Em and I below.

The kids are completely out of control. One has plopped herself down....shoeless....in the aisle next to us. She rolls around on the carpet, singing. The boys behind me keep running around between both tables, occasionally stepping on aisle girl. A toddler is screaming....not in discomfort, merely testing his vocal chords. The parents/grandparents are totally ignoring the chaos. And as a result, our server is ignoring us. (While I understand his desire to avoid the fracas, we would like our drinks refilled and dirty plates removed from the table.)

Getting to the buffet proves challenging for Em and myself, so we limit our food intake. Which is too bad, because we both agree the food is fabulous.

View attachment 633512

View attachment 633513

It's soon clear that the kids are DONE with dinner and one of the dads even makes that observation: "They're getting pretty wild over there."

DO YOU THINK??!!??

But do any of the adults say anything to the children? Not one word. They continue to laugh, drink, and talk amongst themselves for awhile longer.

I have reached my tipping point. Em senses it. "I'll get dessert for both of us," she says. While she is gone, our server settles the bill for the large party. He then swings by our table and asks if we want beverage refills. (Of course we do!)

View attachment 633514

The rude party finally leaves. Our server brings our drinks. I tell him I have an AP and show him my card. "Be right back with your bill," he says.

We don't see him again for several minutes. Then he shows up with a broom and dustpan. He and another server begin to clean the awful mess left behind by the party of 14.

I watch in disbelief. WHERE IS OUR CHECK?

Eventually I get his attention with a wave. He nods and fetches our check.

It does not have the AP discount.

He has already resumed cleaning the table behind Em. I have to get his attention a second time. He takes the bill back and says he will find a manager to adjust it.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

At last the check arrives corrected.

When all is said and done, Em and I have been at dinner for a frustratingly long 90 minutes. (Disappointment #2)

And I receive a text from my friend @Darstarr, informing me she has decided to stay at Epcot and we won't get to see her. (Disappointment #3)

So sorry about that. I know how much you were looking forward to that meal. I am glad the food was at least good.

 

[donaldtoo]

I had to chuckle a bit when you said the toddler was testing his vocal chords, because that is exactly where my son is right now. Even trying to get him to stop is a painstakingly long endeavor sometimes.

That said - we rarely take him out to eat because we know it’s difficult and choose locations wisely as “training grounds”. And if he won’t stop, we take turns outside of the restaurant so he doesn’t bother other diners.

Sorry you had a bad last meal and the parents didn’t have that decency

Our 3 (now adult) children are 3 yrs. and 2 mos. apart from oldest to youngest, with a special needs DS in between 2 DD’s.
DWifey and I used to always shop together with the kiddos when they were young, as we wanted them to learn social skills from an early age, even though it was like tryin’ to herd cats, much of the time…good times…!!!!!
One particular incident comes to mind…
If one (or more) of the kiddos was havin’ issues, it was my job to remove them from the store and take them out to the van.
We were in Walmart one time, and youngest DD (3 at the time) decided to throw a fit because we told her no about something she wanted. I gathered her up, kicking and screaming, and headed for the parking lot. Just as soon as we exited the front doors she started screaming “HELP, MOMMY, HEEEEEELLLP…!!!!!” The little rat…I had people lookin’ at me like I was a kidnapper…I explained that she was my daughter, my wife was inside with our other 2 kiddos, and I was headin’ to that white van (I pointed) so she could be strapped into her car seat to chill…!!!!!
It was definitely fun gettin’ her strapped into that car seat, but, her meltdown ended a few minutes later, and she never pulled that carp again…!!!!!
It just takes a little effort, and it will pay off in the long run…!!!

 

[Darstarr]

And I receive a text from my friend @Darstarr, informing me she has decided to stay at Epcot and we won't get to see her. (Disappointment #3)

I was also disappointed. I would have loved to see you again and to meet @TrolleyFollower91

Just remember that you need a license to drive a car, a boat and to fish…

But any two idiots can become parents

Sorry you had a bad last meal at Disney


Max

Hey! I resemble that remark!

 

[Tuvalu]

So I mentioned Tuvaleen is turning four.

And that she loves Encanto.

This is her cake (note the Minnie head on the door ).

DD4 is all unicorn princess and anything that glitters.

Must be a requirement of being 4.

 

[RememberWhen]

So I mentioned Tuvaleen is turning four.

And that she loves Encanto.

This is her cake (note the Minnie head on the door ).

View attachment 634037


Must be a requirement of being 4.
View attachment 634040

Happy birthday!

 

[lindawdw]

That cake is so adorable! Happy Birthday to Tuvaleen!

 

[93boomer]

So I mentioned Tuvaleen is turning four.

And that she loves Encanto.

This is her cake (note the Minnie head on the door ).

View attachment 634037


Must be a requirement of being 4.
View attachment 634040

Happy Birthday Tuvaleen! Hope you liked all the birthday presents from your Grandma! That cake looks delicious!

 

[MinnieM123]

So I mentioned Tuvaleen is turning four.

Happy 4th Birthday to Tuvaleen!!! (Love the cake -- the Minnie head on the door made it extra special. )

 

[joshsprincess921]

Our Last Night

What could have been a stellar conclusion to our vacation ends on a disappointing note.

After a relaxing afternoon at the pool (and a little too much sun) we return to the Magic Kingdom. There isn't quite enough time for an attraction before our dinner ADR, so we check in at the podium and wait on the porch until our name is called. It's a good people-watching spot and I really hope to catch a glimpse of @Sillysidewalker and her family.

I do not. (Disappointment #1)

We are escorted inside the restaurant ten minutes past our reservation time.

View attachment 633510

Woody and I had such a wonderful meal at Crystal Palace in October that Em was persuaded to eat here tonight, now that the buffet has returned. (She and I had dined here last summer when food was plated and served to us.)

We are seated at a lovely window table.

View attachment 633511

Unfortunately this table is between two tables of a single party of 14 (6 adults and 8 children under 8 yrs of age) that has been split. You can see this party in the background of the pictures of Em and I below.

The kids are completely out of control. One has plopped herself down....shoeless....in the aisle next to us. She rolls around on the carpet, singing. The boys behind me keep running around between both tables, occasionally stepping on aisle girl. A toddler is screaming....not in discomfort, merely testing his vocal chords. The parents/grandparents are totally ignoring the chaos. And as a result, our server is ignoring us. (While I understand his desire to avoid the fracas, we would like our drinks refilled and dirty plates removed from the table.)

Getting to the buffet proves challenging for Em and myself, so we limit our food intake. Which is too bad, because we both agree the food is fabulous.

View attachment 633512

View attachment 633513

It's soon clear that the kids are DONE with dinner and one of the dads even makes that observation: "They're getting pretty wild over there."

DO YOU THINK??!!??

But do any of the adults say anything to the children? Not one word. They continue to laugh, drink, and talk amongst themselves for awhile longer.

I have reached my tipping point. Em senses it. "I'll get dessert for both of us," she says. While she is gone, our server settles the bill for the large party. He then swings by our table and asks if we want beverage refills. (Of course we do!)

View attachment 633514

The rude party finally leaves. Our server brings our drinks. I tell him I have an AP and show him my card. "Be right back with your bill," he says.

We don't see him again for several minutes. Then he shows up with a broom and dustpan. He and another server begin to clean the awful mess left behind by the party of 14.

I watch in disbelief. WHERE IS OUR CHECK?

Eventually I get his attention with a wave. He nods and fetches our check.

It does not have the AP discount.

He has already resumed cleaning the table behind Em. I have to get his attention a second time. He takes the bill back and says he will find a manager to adjust it.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

At last the check arrives corrected.

When all is said and done, Em and I have been at dinner for a frustratingly long 90 minutes. (Disappointment #2)

And I receive a text from my friend @Darstarr, informing me she has decided to stay at Epcot and we won't get to see her. (Disappointment #3)

So sorry your last meal ended this way! That would have caused me so much anxiety. Being in Disney always shows us how fortunate we are to have a well behaved child. I couldn't imagine just carrying on with my meal while my kid was rolling on the floor much less disturbing other guests.

 

[joshsprincess921]

Happy Birthday, Tuvaleen! I love her cake. We don't talk about Bruno in our house either.

 

[Tuvalu]

I meant to include this cake picture. Strawberry cake with buttercream, chocolate ganache on top, with a few hidden Minnie mini chocolate chips in the buttercream. A family favorite created by a family friend.

 

[cgersic]

YUM!!!! And I seriously cannot believe she is 4 already!! Time, please stand still!