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]

It's on my list.

 

[Tuvalu]

I think the nickname "Plant Safari" is a keeper

 

[Tuvalu]

That's sone beautiful dryer lint

And long-lasting! Did you notice the use by date?

 

[DryerLintFan]

And long-lasting! Did you notice the use by date?

I don't mean to brag but I've had some dryer lint in the bin by my dryer for at least a year. Pretty sure dryer lint doesn't expire.

 

[93boomer]

I don't mean to brag but I've had some dryer lint in the bin by my dryer for at least a year. Pretty sure dryer lint doesn't expire.

 

[Tuvalu]

Friday, con’t

Woody wanted some pool time. Who am I to say no?

We did have to wait for a mattress removal. Not sure I want to know the story behind that.

It was a picture-perfect afternoon. We spent a couple hours lounging in the cool pool water and I couldn’t have been happier.

Then we sat outside and watched others having fun in the main pool. We were sure spoiled with our room view this week!

Our original evening plan was to visit Epcot. Ambrosia was the Garden Rocks concert band and I thought it would be an entertaining trip down memory lane for us. Also I was hoping to meet @cgersic, as we’d been trying to connect.

However there were two strikes against this plan. The first, of course, was the cold I battled. The second was the weather forecast. It was not predicted to be a picture-perfect night. The chance for thunderstorms was high. We did not want to risk being at the America Gardens Theater when the skies opened up. It’s a long walk back to the buses!

I opened the app to search dinner options. I really didn’t want another turkey sandwich tonight.

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

Tuvalette likes dryer lint cotton candy.

What a good grandma to bring her back some quality dryer lint!

What a lovely Pecos Bill lunch. We ate in that exact spot last summer but, being summer, it was far more chaotic!

I didn’t know they had donut holes but I do LOVE their ground beef nachos!

 

[lindawdw]

Aww I'm sure Tuvalette loved her gift! We keep forgetting about that room in the back that is usually quiet at PB! It's too bad the weather was not predicted to be good. Hope you found something more appealing for dinner!

 

[Tuvalu]

Friday, con’t

We boarded our last boat of the trip. The weather was still pretty.

Recognize these doors?

Dinner was at The Plaza. I was happy to see the return of paper menus here too.

Huh. Thought I had taken a picture of the food offerings. Blame my cold.

Woody and I were seated in our favorite little room and Wei was our server!

Wei knew exactly how I wanted my chocolate shake….extra thick.

It was amazing!

Woody’s shake was the way he likes it, more on the runny side.

The shakes were filling so we opted to share the French Dip and fries.

This sandwich was tasty. It was basically the former cheesesteak (minus the cheese) with dipping sauce. It was either not a good seller or there’s a supply shortage of shaved beef because it is no longer on the menu.

I was lucky to score an ADR because the restaurant was at capacity.

 

[Tuvalu]

We weren’t quite ready to say goodbye to the Magic Kingdom. But wait times were high and we felt like we were on borrowed time, unsure when the storm would roll in.

“How about one more ride on the Peoplemover?” I asked Woody. I really wanted Haunted Mansion but not the 75 minute wait.

“Sure!” was his reply.

The line wasn’t too long and we waited less than 15 minutes to board. Of course we did feel a bit underdressed.

Fashionistas know the proper Peoplemover attire!

When the ride was done so were we. We made the sad walk down Main Street.

We weren’t the only ones!

 

[Loco_driver]

Woody and I were seated in our favorite little room and Wei was our server!

That table looks familiar(ish). Nice shirt btw!

 

[MinnieM123]

Woody’s shake was the way he likes it, more on the runny side.

The shakes were filling so we opted to share the French Dip and fries.

Tuvalu, just a general question -- do the TS restaurants normally allow ordering just 1 entree, to be split by two guests? (If so, I think that's great. -- perhaps for those times when neither guest is overly hungry, especially when shakes are ordered with the meal.)

 

[Tuvalu]

That table looks familiar(ish). Nice shirt btw!
View attachment 644484

Woody’s shirt was a gift from Em. He loves it.
I like the one you’re wearing.

Tuvalu, just a general question -- do the TS restaurants normally allow ordering just 1 entree, to be split by two guests? (If so, I think that's great. -- perhaps for those times when neither guest is overly hungry, especially when shakes are ordered with the meal.)

I have not an issue with sharing at the TS restaurants. I tip extra when I do share.

 

[amjt660]

We did have to wait for a mattress removal. Not sure I want to know the story behind that.

Huh. Thought I had taken a picture of the food offerings. Blame my cold.

Fashionistas know the proper Peoplemover attire!

The obvious attire for MPB 2.0
(if you don't get it I understand)

Max

 

[Tuvalu]

The obvious attire for MPB 2.0
(if you don't get it I understand)

Max

 

[lindawdw]

How perfect that you were able to score a reservation at The Plaza on your last evening!!! We must go there just for the milkshake alone! I guess I'll have to remember to dress up the next time I plan on taking a spin on the Peoplemover. Hope you made it back before the storm hit!

 

[sheriffwoody]

I was out in that storm you were avoiding

 

[Tuvalu]

I was out in that storm you were avoiding

I know. I saw the Insta pics.

 

[Tuvalu]

Friday, con’t

Attention @ajrwdwgirl, @93boomer, @rshell68 and anyone else who has been waiting with bated breath.

It’s time for the conclusion of my Piña Colada tale!

The cold medicine I was taking had left me perpetually thirsty. I hydrated as best as I could with lots of water but I needed something icy with flavor. The milkshake had done its job earlier but its soothing effect had worn off.

“Can we stop in Territory Lounge for a Piña Colada?” I asked Woody.

“Of course.”

The lounge is adjacent to Artist Point. There were a few open tables but we walked right up to the bar. “Do you make Piña Coladas?” I asked the bartender.

“We usually do, but we gave our blender to Geyser Point,” she replied. “It’s the bar by the pool.”

WHAT’S WITH THE BLENDER SHORTAGE??!!!

Wonderful Woody offered to walk over to Geyser Point for me. I was too wiped out.

I waited for him on our balcony. The zero proof Piña Colada was even better than my chocolate shake!

(I was playing it safe tonight. No giggles!)

 

[Tuvalu]

It’s always fun to watch a Florida thunderstorm blow in.

When you aren’t out in it.

As I sipped my longed-for Piña Colada we marveled at the lightning show in the distance. Suddenly a big lightning bolt and a LOUD clap of thunder jolted us and everyone at the pool below. The lifeguards blew their whistles and folks scurried out of the area just before the deluge began.

The poor people returning from the boat dock didn’t make it in time. They were completely soaked as they approached the Lodge. We were so glad we hadn’t gone to Epcot!

The MK fireworks were delayed over 30 minutes. I know this because we could hear them from our room.

So sorry @sheriffwoody and @cgersic and anyone else unlucky to be caught in the storm on Friday the 13th.

But Woody and I were unlucky too. We were packing up to hit the road at dawn.

The next day while en route home, I discovered a great new feature in MDE — the ability to “officially” check out online, so that housekeeping can immediately know the room has been vacated and can begin cleaning for arriving guests. Perhaps this will help alleviate two current issues:

1. Disturbing guests who are not ready to check out before 11am
2. Having rooms ready for arrivals before 5 or 6pm (when rooms are supposed to be ready by 3pm)

I appreciate y’all for following along! Thanks.