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.

 

[Tuvalu]

Happy birthday!

That cake is so adorable! Happy Birthday to Tuvaleen!

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

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

Happy Birthday, Tuvaleen! I love her cake.

Thanks, friends! I can't believe how quickly she is growing up either.

Happy Birthday Tuvaleen! Hope you liked all the birthday presents from your Grandma!

I must confess the gifts were a giant hit

 

[Tuvalu]

I have a pair of Teva's that I have had for around 3 years and just can't seem to get them broke in. I probably haven't worn them enough but they sure would not be comfortable to wear to Disney.

Any tips for breaking them in or do I just need to wear them more often? I wold like to take them on my upcoming trip in September.

@MinnieM123 's advice below is spot-on.

All my 3 pairs of Tevas are old now, but very comfortable. (There was a newer pair I bought a few years ago that was very uncomfortable though, so I returned just that pair. )

Teva comes out with new styles from time to time, and it might be that whatever style you presently have, just might not be the most comfortable to adjust for your feet. Maybe you might want to look online at their other various styles, and perhaps a different one might be better for you. Or, perhaps a different brand of sandals might fit you better. I hope you find some comfortable sandals in due course.

@MissViv I also have three pairs of the same style with one being more comfortable than the other two. They are the perfect footwear for Disney rain/floods. No fear of slipping or falling even when they are wet.

 

[Tuvalu]

Those Easter eggs are unbelievable!

Aren't they though?!! I wonder how they are disposed of....what a shame if they just get dumped in the trash.

Oh there is The Cone! welcome back mister Cone! Hopefully it was a good and smooth ride

Mister Cone.
Continuously riding the TTA Peoplemover since 2010.
(Not sighted before then, as Disney would have considered that "poor show".)

I had the cheeseburger pods from Satu'li Canteen in 2019. Did not like them.

But I'm willing to give that place another try.

PLEASE try one of the bowls (you can modify it exactly to your liking.) You might be pleasantly surprised.

Sorry for the likefest! Just catching up! Sad that it's your last day. It's so fun to see your adventures together. Thanks for the live broadcast!

And thanks for continuing to read the not-so-live parts! (Although I am replying LIVE, so there's that. )

By the way, I really like Em's backpack -- a very cute and colorful Disney design!

She purchased it in December at the Vera Bradley store in Disney Springs and is quite pleased with it.

 

[Tuvalu]

I miss riverside - enough said!
Thanks for the photos

I hope you get to stay at your HOME resort again soon. Gotta hit 325+ nights there! (I'm at 45.)
I have spent the most nights at the Poly (shocker!) Current total is 189 nights.

The Riverside Mill food selection has definitely gone downhill since they reopened.

Hopefully the menu will continue to improve!

@slipperalwaysfits we are FINALLY heading back to WDW in July. I’d love to go to Mama Melrose’s but it’s always a struggle to balance new places we want to try with old favorites. We haven’t made our final decision as yet!

Can you really pass up an opportunity for a Mama's steak with mac & cheese?

I know someone who will be there in July too.

I want to stay there just because they have ceiling fans in the room!

We had that fan on, girl!!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Thanks for the pool pics @Tuvalu and it looks amazing. We have bought the Olaf towel clips we saw in another of your past TR‘s and look forward to using them.

I had a panic Olaf towel clips moment earlier in the week. We arrived at the pool with our usual bag and the clips were missing! My heart sank. (I knew I couldn't replace them as they are out of stock here in U.S.)

Happy to report the clips were discovered in Em's (similar) bag back in the room.

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

If only I could claim that status at home!

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

We don't talk about Bruno in our house either.

 

[Tuvalu]

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

Sadly the hard work of parenting often boils down to this.

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

Parenting is not for the weak. Thanks to you and your wife for staying strong. It will pay off! (See @Swissmiss comment below.)

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

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.

Em and I had this exact thought ~ there should not have been a table in-between that large party. Or at least don't seat anyone there until the party has finished!

Your sister was very thoughtful and generous.

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) .

I grew up in Bedrock with you, @MinnieM123. My parents did not allow us to disrupt or inconvenience others. Ever.

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.

If only there had been a CM around.....

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.

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 stared 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…!!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Our Last Night, con’t

We had planned to do an attraction or two before heading out.

But our dinner experience has taken away my last shred of patience with inconsiderate people. Standing in a crowded queue is not going to help my mood. Em senses that I have reached my limit.

“We should go,” she says.

I don’t want to disappoint her. I want us to stay and play and make final memories. The end of vacation stinks.

“No….” I begin to object.

“It’s ok,” she reassures me. “We have to get up really early if we want to beat spring break traffic. We need to be alert for the drive. If we stay for just one ride, it’s going to be another hour or two before we are back in the room. Then we have to pack. You have to call Dad. It will end up being a late night and we’ll regret staying.”

Em is a wise woman.

We say goodbye to MK. Or more accurately, “See ya in 65 days!”

We awaken the next morning well before dawn. The first 90 minutes of our drive is in complete darkness. It is disconcerting and a little scary.

“But worth it!” declares Em, when we arrive home in record-setting spring break travel time. Traffic reports that day are horrific. Being an early-bird had paid off.

Up next: Final Thoughts

 

[93boomer]

Our Last Night, con’t

We had planned to do an attraction or two before heading out.

But our dinner experience has taken away my last shred of patience with inconsiderate people. Standing in a crowded queue is not going to help my mood. Em senses that I have reached my limit.

“We should go,” she says.

I don’t want to disappoint her. I want us to stay and play and make final memories. The end of vacation stinks.

“No….” I begin to object.

“It’s ok,” she reassures me. “We have to get up really early if we want to beat spring break traffic. We need to be alert for the drive. If we stay for just one ride, it’s going to be another hour or two before we are back in the room. Then we have to pack. You have to call Dad. It will end up being a late night and we’ll regret staying.”

Em is a wise woman.

View attachment 634238

We say goodbye to MK. Or more accurately, “See ya in 65 days!”

We awaken the next morning well before dawn. The first 90 minutes of our drive is in complete darkness. It is disconcerting and a little scary.

“But worth it!” declares Em, when we arrive home in record-setting spring break travel time. Traffic reports that day are horrific. Being an early-bird had paid off.

Up next: Final Thoughts

Yes she is!!! Thanks for sharing your vacation.( Even though I was there for all of it.) Looking forward to your final thoughts. I am anxious to see how many we have in common.

 

[MissViv]

@MinnieM123 's advice below is spot-on.



@MissViv I also have three pairs of the same style with one being more comfortable than the other two. They are the perfect footwear for Disney rain/floods. No fear of slipping or falling even when they are wet.

Thanks Tuvalu! I have been wearing them more lately and tightened the velcro straps and they do fit a little better. I wore them all day once and they were not as comfortable as my flip flops but I wore flip flops in the rain once at Animal Kingdom and it was a disaster. I was slipping out of the shoes and we were trying to book it to FOP.

I am not even sure what style I have so my daughter and I are planning to visit a local store that sells them and try on different ones. I told her I would buy her a pair.

 

[lindawdw]

Glad you made the wise decision to head back to your room and pack up for your early start the next day! It sounds like a great drive home!

 

[Wicked Sisters]

Thank you so much for sharing your latest adventure with Em. Loved all the photos of POFQ and next year cannot come soon enough. We look forward to your next TR.

 

[Tuvalu]

Glad you made the wise decision to head back to your room and pack up for your early start the next day! It sounds like a great drive home!

It would have been a perfect drive…..except for a nasty stone on the highway.

Not my car, but you get the idea.

Thank you so much for sharing your latest adventure with Em. Loved all the photos of POFQ and next year cannot come soon enough. We look forward to your next TR.

I know you’ll enjoy the resort. The horse-drawn carriage rides between POR and POFQ are back, so you may enjoy doing that one evening. It was charming to hear the clip clop of the horse outside our door.

 

[lindawdw]

It would have been a perfect drive…..except for a nasty stone on the highway.

View attachment 634563
Not my car, but you get the idea.


I know you’ll enjoy the resort. The horse-drawn carriage rides between POR and POFQ are back, so you may enjoy doing that one evening. It was charming to hear the clip clop of the horse outside our door.

That's certainly a bummer.

 

[ShookieJones]

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)

First all great pics here.

Secondly, I am pretty positive minded person all the way around and I try to not let most things get to me... especially when in WDW. but I got to say the wild kids at restaurants thing.....
Grrrrrr. My wife and I worked so hard for so many years making sure that we balanced our kids being able to 'be kids' without them bothering other human beings by being complete animals.

It wasn't easy mind you, it's a tough task, but you know you have kids...it's part of the job . It sounds like they have quite a few able body adults who could have taken lead and curbed the "Lord of the Flies" behavior.

Anyway! I am super behind on this TR but making my way through and getting psyched for my upcoming trip.

 

[amjt660]

curbed the "Lord of the Flies" behavior

Nice!

Max

 

[Tuvalu]

First all great pics here.

Secondly, I am pretty positive minded person all the way around and I try to not let most things get to me... especially when in WDW. but I got to say the wild kids at restaurants thing.....
Grrrrrr. My wife and I worked so hard for so many years making sure that we balanced our kids being able to 'be kids' without them bothering other human beings by being complete animals.

It wasn't easy mind you, it's a tough task, but you know you have kids...it's part of the job . It sounds like they have quite a few able body adults who could have taken lead and curbed the "Lord of the Flies" behavior.

Anyway! I am super behind on this TR but making my way through and getting psyched for my upcoming trip.

Appreciate your feedback. The saying, “Parenting is the toughest job you’ll ever love” is so very true.
Where are you staying in May? Same as last year?

Nice!

Max

Me too!

 

[ShookieJones]

Appreciate your feedback. The saying, “Parenting is the toughest job you’ll ever love” is so very true.
Where are you staying in May? Same as last year?


Me too!

We're doing AoA Cars Suite this year. We're back to just being a four pack this time around.

 

[Tuvalu]

We're doing AoA Cars Suite this year. We're back to just being a four pack this time around.

The only non-DVC resort I've yet to stay at. Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

 

[LisaBelle]

I hope you get to stay at your HOME resort again soon. Gotta hit 325+ nights there! (I'm at 45.)
I have spent the most nights at the Poly (shocker!) Current total is 189 nights.


Hopefully the menu will continue to improve!


Can you really pass up an opportunity for a Mama's steak with mac & cheese?

I know someone who will be there in July too.


We had that fan on, girl!!!

We will be there July 11-19! I would love it if our dates match up!

 

[Tuvalu]

We will be there July 11-19! I would love it if our dates match up!

We’ll miss each other by 4 days.