Trip Report **COMPLETE** 'Tried the grey stuff it's delicious... don't believe us ask the dishes!!!

Welcome to our first trip report! I've loved reading through lots of fantastic trip reports on here, the pictures and stories got me very excited for my recent trip to Orlando so I figured it would be the perfect opportunity for me to write my very own. First a little background information, I’m Karen (25) from Dublin in Ireland and had my first trip to Orlando at the age of 9 and have since been hooked! I've been a grand total of 6 times including the most recent trip (not nearly enough!). Myself and my sister Rachel (20) read tonnes of trip reports, drooled over all over the Disney treats, researched the magic band system like crazy and planned the out the holiday in advance. Our trip involved 3 completely different types of accommodation, we stayed in a villa in Kissimmee for the first 6 days, Art of Animation at Disney World for 2 nights and finally the Quality Inn Suites on International Drive (at the junction of Sand Lake road).

A relative of ours had booked the house as part of a round the world trip so our accommodation there was free, he won’t feature much in our trip report but when he does we will refer to him as Grumpy. My boyfriend, who shall be known as Sleepy for the duration of our TR, also joined us on the trip for 10days.


Introducing the cast!

Me (left) and Rachel - both from Ireland

Sleepy (my boyfriend) - from the UK, had visited Disney once as a kid but has very vague memories

& Grumpy - our uncle

 

[dancingtodisney]

Last few photos before we left for the airport...

In the bag were Sleepy's souvenirs for his parents, he got a Simpsons cup for his dad which I really wanted! Sorry no pics

We drove Sleepy to the airport and I said goodbye I would be seeing him in less than a week but still!

 

[dancingtodisney]

So now it was just us sisters..... Don't worry there is still plenty more to come!

We hit DTD after the airport from some retail therapy!

These displays are beautiful...

And my favourite princess....

We were tired after a long day so it was time for everyone to get tucked in for bedtime...

Rachel had picked up Minnie on our shopping trip...

And I got Donald... he was just so soft and fluffy!

Off to sleep for us.... tomorrow the family would be back from their cruise!

 

[dancingtodisney]

Day 11 - Discovery Cove & Shopping

As part of our tickets for this trip we had purchased a discover cove non-swim ticket. We had been before and swam with the Dolphins on our last trip and it worked out that it only cost a little extra on top of our ticket choice so why not??!!

Last time we we there we really enjoyed swimming in the lagoon with the sting ray and tonnes of fish!

So we decided to have a bit of a sleep in so we arrived a bit late... Breakfast was just finishing up and there was barely anything left I asked one of the staff if there was any chance of anything else so he asked one of the chefs who came out to see what I wanted. I decided to chance my arm and see if there was any possibility of getting a couple of waffles as there was nothing really there that appealed to us... He told me to head out to a table and he would do his best and come find us...

Well... this is what he came out with...

OMG SO MUCH FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!! I actually felt guilty because I knew there was no way we'd be able to get through it all....

It was so yummy though and we really made the most of our food being included for the day!

So considering today involved a lot of swimming I don't really have many photos! We had a free underwater camera that I never got developed... we still had fun trying to take photos though

We got a sunbed right at the lagoon and decided to head in... There is this shallow bit you can stand in while building up the courage to venture across the lagoon.. The sting-ray however are oblivious to the fact that those in the lagoon may be a little nervous and like to pop out and scare the crap out you One literally barged into the side of my leg...

It took us quite a while to do it but eventually we were lying down, snorkels on and moving slowly out into the deep area. It's absolutely breath taking when you transition from the shallow end to what looks like the middle of the ocean. The number of fish is astounding!

We swam all the way across to the sharks (behind glass) and tried taking some underwater snaps that would make it look like there were in the same area as us... The way the glass that separates you from the sharks tilts if you're leaning against it and they swim by the glass it's like they are swimming underneath you. The first time it happened I jumped!

While we were in the lagoon the rain started... We took this opportunity to grab our lunch.

 

[dancingtodisney]

Icky weather

After lunch we went to the aviary... This is a really cool experience..

Rachel was the first to find a friend!

Here was my first

This one got really friendly

Close up...

These birds were so pretty...

On the walk back from the aviary we stumbled across these cute otters...

Just in case we got lost... I think what I call the lagoon is the 'Grand Reef' as per this sign!

Last photo of Discovery Cove because then the heavens really opened and we decided to call it a day!

 

[dancingtodisney]

We went to collect our free picture but they couldn't find it on the system (this is one they take on the way in) so they took another one which ended up being really nice... We both got a copy, I've no digital copy sorry guys!

On the way back we stopped into a Walgreens and picked up a few cheap souvenirs, I also got a Goofy teddy as I had wanted one originally but went for Donald as he was so soft and fluffy as well as cheaper! It was only really when I got him home and compared him to Donald that you could see the MASSIVE difference in quality, I mean I wasn't expected the same quality but although significantly cheaper it wasn't exactly a steal either. I kept the receipt in case I wanted to return it.

Our family had returned that night so we ventured back out to the Cheesecake Factory with my cousin and a family friend... When we suggested it the family friend said no straight away as she doesn't like cheese...
We don't have the Cheesecake Factory back home but I wish we did! We took a detour and hit the Florida Mall first for some more shopping, my cousin bought LOADS in Aeropostal, me and Rachel got a few bits too as they had a sale on. We also popped into the Disney Store and they had their plush medium size on special, I picked up the Goofy and fell in love, it was 10times nicer than the Walgreen crap I'd bought earlier. So I got myself a Goofy and Rachel was out for Simba but settle on Nala as they had none in stock. We did notice a difference in the plush that was available at DTD vs Disney Store in Florida Mall. For example Rachel picked up a Minnie Mouse and it's fingers were sown together in Disney Store however at DTD there weren't. DTD seemed of superiour quality but only just, is it perhaps that Disney Store is last seasons maybe? There was a price difference due to the offers that the Disney Store had but we were still happy with our original purchase at DTD due to the slight difference. For us I think getting our favourite at DTD and then an 'extra' as treat at a cheaper price in the Disney Store worked out well.

Next stop was Mall at the Millenia for last bit of shopping and dinner! My cousin got the same dish Sleepy had the last time, it was A POUND of chicken and she practically licked the plate!

 

[dancingtodisney]

Day 12 - Magic Kingdom

***Spoiler Alert*** Today was my favourite day of the trip in terms of what we did. I was actually sad that Sleepy missed out on this day! With Grumpy gone home and having been to MK already it was far more chilled.

So... We had obviously checked out of AoA a few days previous but as our tickets had been connected with our bands we were still able to make fastpass plus reservations. The reason this worked out for us is because although our tickets were linked to our bands we also have paper tickets, we had the benefit of being able to use our tickets before check-in (which I don't think you can do if your tickets are simply on your band?). We also decided to try something very naughty indeed... As our bands were still working we decided to head to MK for early morning magic hours, it wasn't going to be a busy day so we weren't all that fussed if we didn't get in early. We arrived at the parking booth and the girl waved us on as if we didn't have to pay, I then noticed that I still had the free parking sheet on my dashboard which at this stage was out of date. I stopped the car and took it down and said that we'd actually checked out and the CM just smiled and said thanks for your honesty and waved us on anyway! First bit of magic for the morning.

We parked up and walked across to the Monorail. There was a CM asking for key to world cards but as we had our bands visible we weren't asked. The queue for the Monorail was crazy! Had I actually been a resort guest I would have been annoyed as this wait was eating into EMH but I'm guessing because it's for resort guests and Disney provides free transportation from hotels perhaps they just don't run a good service from the carpark?

We eventually made it and I'd say at this stage it was 8.30AM so we were only looking to steal about 30mins in the park! We walked to the turnstyle, put our magic bands up....... and....... GREEEN! We were in! I would think this little flaw has probably been fixed now as we participating in the testing phase, I would think that the resort reservation date is probably linked to the band too?

Our first stop of the day was Space Moutain, I had renewed by love for SM on this trip. It's just so violent! Unfortunately the ride photo was down

Next was the little mermaid ride. With Sleepy missing we had plenty of room for a special guest.

Sorry this pics are not the best!

 

[dancingtodisney]

We had a fastpass plus to visit Ariel a little later so we went over to Gaston's Tavern for some breakfast.

This was my second one of these of the trips and although it looks very moist I did find it to be quite dry, still very tasty though. I remember having a cinnamon roll from main street bakery a couple of years back and nothing has been as good since.

Rachel went for...

Our companions for the day

Rachel's best Gaston impression

And the man himself hanging proudly over the fireplace

After filling our bellies we felt ready to meet Ariel and wandered back to her grotto.

Ariel was lovely and was asking if we were sisters, she complained about her own sisters too!

 

[dancingtodisney]

We decided to head back to Space Mountain next... Minnie was very excited

I like all the screens on the way in now and the interactive sections although I don't have any memories of riding it before the renovation.

Check out the ride photo with special guests!!

Next we ventured over the the meet and greet we had found the night of EMH with sleepy, it only opened at 10am and we arrived shortly after.. There was only a small line.

The greeting area is really well themed! I think this was my favourite meet and greet location of all.

There were two queues, one was for Minnie and Daisy and the other for Donald and Goofy.

First up:

I think we were blowing kisses here but I'm not sure

Next up was Rachel's favourite:

We had a wait a few minutes after meeting Daisy as Minnie had just popped behind the curtain to powder her nose lol While we were waiting the photopass photographer offered to take a picture on the set which was nice.

As you all know we'd brought along some friends with us today, we have had Minnie, Donald and Goofy. I have to say that this was a brilliant way of getting great character interaction. Rachel was up first with her Minnie Doll and Minnie was so excited!

I was up next, Minnie was also pretty excited about my Mickey Mouse top

AND group photo

 

[mrdrift]

Love the report, missing sleepy from the report but glad you were able to pick up were he left off with the poses.

 

[Goofnut1980]

I love how the fridge was full of booze.. and ONE box of poptarts! BAAAHAHAHAHAHHAHAA

 

[dancingtodisney]

Love the report, missing sleepy from the report but glad you were able to pick up were he left off with the poses.

Aw we missed him too
We tried our best to keep the posing up though

 

[dancingtodisney]

I love how the fridge was full of booze.. and ONE box of poptarts! BAAAHAHAHAHAHHAHAA

Haha that's how we roll

 

[dancingtodisney]

We hopped straight back in the queue on the other side to meet Donald and Goofy.

Up first:

Goofy looked happy to see Rachel and went straight in for a hug:

Goofy was great fun and got Rachel to strike a pose with him

Then it was my turn with my favourite!!! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!

Goofy was so excited that I had his plush

Next was Donald

The first thing Donald saw was my Mickey shirt and he drew a big X with his finger so I knew he didn't like it but then he saw his plush and that sure changed his mood! He held it and started waving at the photopass photographer so he saw the plush was him! Then he held up 1 finger to indicate that he was number 1 lol

I have a slight complaint here, Donald was BRILLIANT he spent so much time with me and was really funny! He made a big fuss about the plush and got down on one knee as if he was proposing... well when he did this the photopass photographer had already dropped his camera and was kinda just looking at us.... So when Donald realised he hadn't gotten the photo he got back down on his knee again and eventually got this

Rachel came up next and despite getting lots of interaction with Donald we only have two photopass pics.

We were in great form after this meet and greet, it was so much fun and left us feeling the Disney magic!

From one meet and greet to another, we were off to see the princesses in their new location! So while we were visiting we got to see the princesses in town square as well which was nice. The new set up is pretty fancy!

I took a few snaps on the way in

Waiting for our turn

 

[dancingtodisney]

Hahahahaha ye right apples are dangerous, this next princess was a bit loopy

Time to head off

This was the corridor out... so pretty

 

[dancingtodisney]

Our paper fastpass window was open so we decided to grab one for Space Mountain...

Look who we bumped into on the way!

Alice told us that she was waiting on the White Rabbit but that he was running late!

Lucky enough he arrived just in time for a group photo!

This is the only picture we got and Rachel is mid blink
I could just edit her out if I ever wanted to use it for something haha

After getting our passes we saw that Stitch was out so couldn't pass up that photo opportunity!

We were really enjoying our surroundings today and decided to talk a slow wander back around towards Storybook Circus... We had such fun meeting Donald and Goofy that we decided we might as well go back in! This time I let Rachel hold the Goofy plush (I'm such a good sister) and I had Donald.

What happened next was one of the best moments of our trip and I kinda managed to capture it with some photos. So Rachel rocks up to meet Goofy with the plus in had and Goofy immediately snatches it off her

and then runs behind the curtain!

The CM that was his 'minder' as I call it (I'm not sure if they have a title?) had no clue what had happened and looked a bit panicked! Sure enough Goofy popped his head back out through the curtain looking very cheeky and snapped them shut again straight away. We were in stitches laughing because it had really taken us by surprise! Again this was another moment where I felt like the photopass photographers need to me on their toes and capture these sorts of moments as the only reason we have pics is because I had my camera. Overall the photographers were great though so I was still really happy with the photopass plus. Although I will note that I think you should always have a camera with you as there were maybe 3 or 4 times on our trip when the photopass person had a problem with their camera and took the photo with mine instead.

Anyway... back to Goofy... He eventually came out but kept walking away as if he really didn't want to give Rachel back her plush!

And finally we got some photopass pics!

Rachel got it back in the end

Again it was Goofy that put us in this pose!

He also got us in position for a group shot

This Goofy interaction was by far the most memorable and fun of the trip!

Next up was Donald and he too was incredibly excited to see that I had his plush. This time the photographer was quick to action and although Rachel snapped some photos the photopass ones captured all the good bits too

Donald then got creative for our group shot! He showed us how to do our arms, it was supposed to be a heart but I don't think we quite got it...

Hugs goodbye

Donald fancied himself as a photographer for the day!

 

[dancingtodisney]

Our plan for lunch today was BOG so we decided to head that way now. We saw that Tiger and Pooh were meeting along the way so we hopped in line. I'm not that fussed on Winnie the Pooh but I did really want to meet Tiger. As we were in line the characters were escorted off for a quick honey break but we were assured they'd be back shortly. Unfortunately Tiger didn't come back

We still got some nice pics though

Big hugs goodbye

 

[Longers]

Still loving the report. Shame about the photo pass photographers - I get the feeling that sometimes they take more notice if you have kids but us adults are just big kids anyway and we probably appreciate those moments being caught on camera just as much as anyone else

 

[Daxiegirl]

LOVE the Dino posing......I fell off my chair I'm laughing so much. Looks like FUN!

 

[dancingtodisney]

Still loving the report. Shame about the photo pass photographers - I get the feeling that sometimes they take more notice if you have kids but us adults are just big kids anyway and we probably appreciate those moments being caught on camera just as much as anyone else

Ye I do get that impression as well but I think if the character is going to all that effort they should really try to capture the moment. I found the photographers great though for just getting pictures in the parks and some of them did manage to get a few nice photos even when the interaction we had with the character was short.

I'm still very happy with all the photos we got I'm just so glad I bought that camera while away, should've really gotten it day 1!

 

[dancingtodisney]

LOVE the Dino posing......I fell off my chair I'm laughing so much. Looks like FUN!

Haha glad you're enjoying it, I was giggling myself posting them up... we'll have to do version 2.0 this October!