Trip Report COMPLETED - After 2 1/2 years we finally made it back to WDW

So as the title suggests we finally got back to WDW.
It was every bit as magical as I expected and was much needed after years away due to Covid.
We had such a great time. I’m not going to lie it was a different experience which I’ll explain more of but this holiday was so needed.
I’ve thought long and hard about a TR as the honest truth is I kept no notes as I just wanted to live in the moment but I’ll share with you some of it the best I can.

So let’s rewind slightly here. We already have a trip booked for Sept this year but in early November the US borders opened for us UK folk and myself and Chris watched live on u tube as the Virgin and British airways planes took off together and we both got a bit emotional. After take off we both looked at each other and the words came out of my mouth “I don’t think I can wait till Sept , if Covid has taught us anything it’s to do what you want. Can we book another trip for March?” Without hesitation Chris said yes - he is a keeper! And so the planning started. I checked out various bits of data and found the lowest weeks in terms of spring break crowds, I prepared myself for a busy trip knowing full well that there is a lot of pent up demand and just considered myself lucky to finally be able to plan a trip.

We decided to plan 10 days from 26th Feb. Disney was so expensive that we decided as this was an additional trip we would book elsewhere and settled on Sheraton Vistana Resort as it was close to Disney with no resort fees or parking costs. Our trip was still just over £4000 but money well spent in my books (and as we’ve been stuck at home for 2 1/2 years we’ve hardly spent anything!)

I’ll get into more of the detail over the next few days and I’ll try to get some pictures posted rather than it being text heavy but for now I’m back………. Hello again Disney friends

 

[Longers]

Soarin I think was a 20 min queue which we had spotted on the app hence the reason for walking all the way back from WS - can you tell we don’t care how much we walk when we are away? This day we were going backwards and forwards but we still on,y clocked up 11.1 miles 26,449 steps which was close to yesterday but didn’t beat it.

After Soarin it was LWTL (or as some other affectionately call it “the farm ride” ) on another LL which had been deferred from the morning due to the ride breaking down. We didn’t thin’ we would need it but when we arrived the queue was quite long. The man at the LL touch point laughed and made a joke saying we were only 3 hours late and that was the highest he had seen today.
LWTL is a favourite of ours, funny how a ride that literally is a boat can be special to ride.

 

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Before we ventured back to world showcase we went back to SE as we had managed to grab another LL. that was another one we were grateful to book.
I always chuckle at this lady with her yellow tights! Wonder what I would look like dressed like that!?

We headed back to World showcase for another lap.

The flowers at this point of the evening really smelt lovely. I think as the nighttime draws in the fragrance is lovely. You could just turn a corner and bam it hit you. So beautiful.

 

[Longers]

Off strolling again.

Testing the lights?

*****. Trip report interruption*********

Found this photo randomly on the camera from this day and originally had no clue where I was but looking at it now I think it’s a picture from TT earlier (look at the wallpaper) am I right? Either way that guy has super long hair in front!

 

[Longers]

At this point we were shattered. So we decide to go to the American adventure o for a sit down. During a full day backstage magic tour in the early days of our trips we had been taken behind the scenes of this ride to see how it all comes together and the work involved so we try to see it at least every other year and this was the right time our feet were aching and the seats were comfortable.

On the plus side as well I thin’ there were only about 20 people on this show.

Next up we finally get to see harmonious but what do we think?

 

[Tiggertoo56]

Sorry to hear the work news was not what you wanted ☹ I took VR a few years ago, had a 6 month break then took another job - have now just taken retirement and can look forward to trips to WDW without having to book off leave!! Lovely photos and memories being made for you & Chris.

 

[Longers]

Sorry to hear the work news was not what you wanted ☹ I took VR a few years ago, had a 6 month break then took another job - have now just taken retirement and can look forward to trips to WDW without having to book off leave!! Lovely photos and memories being made for you & Chris.

So disappointed as I just wanted to leave but I guess it pays for my Disney trips - What I need to do now is claim overtime for all additional hours which I’ve never done in all the years I’ve worked! No wonder I’m tired.
They will see a different side to me now as it appears you have to be bad at your job to be paid to leave. I get why but it sends the wrong message. I know I could just leave and it may come to that but if I can get money I am waiting!

 

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We exited to American Adventure to nighttime and a warm breeze. Just perfect. We took a walk to find a spot.

I used to love the announcement before illuminations started when the beacons were blown out (insert blowing sound)

Every night we go to bed when Chris turns out the light he makes a blowing sound and I think we probably both go to sleep with a smile on our face.

 

[Longers]

The show finished and normally with illuminations I would be crying and to be honest I expected (and so did Chris) for this to happen again after all I had cried loads this holiday but I was disappointed.
Not with the fireworks as no one does fireworks like Disney but this is the kind of show I expect for Magic Kingdom. Epcot is a different park and all previous fireworks have kind of represented what you would expect with nods to countries or the world in general. But this was very MK like if that makes any sense at all?

I just hope that they don’t try to change Epcot to another MK - and I love MK I just think the parks need to keep their own identity.

In years gone by myself and Chris would just drive to Epcot to see the fireworks and that’s all. We have even driven the car to the car park when we’ve been too late and sat there singing to ourselves with the windows open watching what we can’t over spaceship Earth but I’m not sure that will be happening again unless we just need to give it another go but at this point we were left with no emotions like we would normally be and agreed we wouldn’t be rushing back any other night to watch it again.

We headed out of the park and saw this beautiful sight.

SE was so pretty at night. I had said to Chris we needed to watch the little show I think they do now but we never got back.

We walked out of the park singing the hailer shailer music to ourselves - well I may have been singing out loud. I used to love watching the fireworks and leaving to that music it set you up for the night - I don’t even think any music was playing but I could be wrong!

We reached the front of the park and had to stop for some pictures

We’d been out all day (to be honest that’s what we normally do). But we were tired and ready for bed so we left the park still singing hailer shailer music (for this of you wondering it was from the tapestry of nations parade they used to have around world showcase)

Another day done we needed our rest for tomorrow.

 

[Tiggertoo56]

So disappointed as I just wanted to leave but I guess it pays for my Disney trips - What I need to do now is claim overtime for all additional hours which I’ve never done in all the years I’ve worked! No wonder I’m tired.
They will see a different side to me now as it appears you have to be bad at your job to be paid to leave. I get why but it sends the wrong message. I know I could just leave and it may come to that but if I can get money I am waiting!

I can see why you would be disappointed too.Go for it with the claims - hope it pays off.
My job went due to a review and being a manager of a team of 8 to being told the role was no longer needed, and that they would be self managing after 10 years, I immediately asked for VR - that was a shock as the HR manager for whom I worked was convinced I would fight it.BEST decision I ever made.
I loved my last job, but I never claimed for my overtime for the last 2 years working from home ( we were told we shouldn't be doing it) - was so busy didn't even get chance to take all of my leave and wasn't allowed to be paid for it (nor was my boss for hers) so she told me to claim it as overtime and add dome extra on too as she was so exasperated with the situation.
Remember work pays for trips

 

[Tiggertoo56]

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The show finished and normally with illuminations I would be crying and to be honest I expected (and so did Chris) for this to happen again after all I had cried loads this holiday but I was disappointed.
Not with the fireworks as no one does fireworks like Disney but this is the kind of show I expect for Magic Kingdom. Epcot is a different park and all previous fireworks have kind of represented what you would expect with nods to countries or the world in general. But this was very MK like if that makes any sense at all?

I just hope that they don’t try to change Epcot to another MK - and I love MK I just think the parks need to keep their own identity.

In years gone by myself and Chris would just drive to Epcot to see the fireworks and that’s all. We have even driven the car to the car park when we’ve been too late and sat there singing to ourselves with the windows open watching what we can’t over spaceship Earth but I’m not sure that will be happening again unless we just need to give it another go but at this point we were left with no emotions like we would normally be and agreed we wouldn’t be rushing back any other night to watch it again.

We headed out of the park and saw this beautiful sight.

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SE was so pretty at night. I had said to Chris we needed to watch the little show I think they do now but we never got back.

We walked out of the park singing the hailer shailer music to ourselves - well I may have been singing out loud. I used to love watching the fireworks and leaving to that music it set you up for the night - I don’t even think any music was playing but I could be wrong!

We reached the front of the park and had to stop for some pictures

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We’d been out all day (to be honest that’s what we normally do). But we were tired and ready for bed so we left the park still singing hailer shailer music (for this of you wondering it was from the tapestry of nations parade they used to have around world showcase)

Another day done we needed our rest for tomorrow.

I loved Tapestry of Nations and quit often sing the hailer shailer music when at Epcot - so you're not the only one.

 

[fractal]

I love "hailer shailer" but have never heard it called that.

The Millennium Celebration CD is constantly playing in my car. Tapestry of Nations parade was amazing and one of the things that got me hooked to WDW.

Bummer about Harmonious; that seems to be the consensus opinion.

 

[Longers]

I loved Tapestry of Nations and quit often sing the hauler sailer music when at Epcot - so you're not the only one.

I didn’t think we would be alone it was such a catchy little tune.

I love "hailer shailer" but have never heard it called that.

The Millennium Celebration CD is constantly playing in my car. Tapestry of Nations parade was amazing and one of the things that got me hooked to WDW.

Bummer about Harmonious; that seems to be the consensus opinion.

You’ve just reminded me that I am sure we have that millennium celebration CD somewhere - must go find it!

Was disappointed with Harmonious but maybe seeing it a few more times might change our minds but at this stage we have agreed we won’t be making special trips to see it which is sad.

 

[Longers]

Friday 4th March

Another day in MK awaited us. I purposely booked more days here as I knew that would be where I wanted to spend the majority of my time.

We were up early and Chris made me a toasted egg sandwich for breakfast.

I think he had cereal or something. Our little kitchen had come in handy for breakfast some mornings and today was one of them.

Breakfast done We jumped in the car leaving our resort behind.

Not long after we were parked and on our way to MK

This picture suggested we arrived after 10 (not sure why so late but the picture doesn’t lie) I guess that’s the trouble with MK it’s never easy to just pop in as you either have to monorail or boat over.

I loved the gold clock.

I had seen a sweater at the start of our holiday that said “glad to be home” or something similar but they didn’t have my size so I wanted to check first thing just in case

Chris snapped a “ready for shopping” pic

I left empty handed - there weren’t even any left on the shop!

We headed towards the castle and I think there may have been more happy tears.

 

[Longers]

Remembering the tripod we decided to take a couple of pictures

Back to the old fashioned way for one more

We were heading to HM so took a stroll there

Here we are

Our ride vehicle stopped so I took the opportunity to get a photo
Didn’t turn out too bad considering

Chris did a good job of looking scared, I just look like I’m shouting or something!

 

[Longers]

We decided to go for a spin on the tea cups so off we went
Cogsworh and Lumiere spotted along the way.

We either go full out or chill out on this ride - today we were going full out to spin as much as we could!

There were times I couldn’t even see. I had to just keep looking at Chris for fear of everything blurring.

By the time we finished I couldn’t walk straight to get off.
I bet everyone would have laughed had I fallen over but I managed to stay standing (just)

Once we got our legs back we headed back to the hub to appreciate all the activity and tunes

We were enjoying the sunshine and decided as everyone else was thinking of lunch we would think of ……

Yep - Ice cream

We went for the cookie sandwich again. As I said before Chris loves mint choc chip and I normally want the chocolate or cookie and cream but for this trip I sacrificed (as he normally always does) and went with his choice.

It was very refreshing sitting on the hub grass eating ice cream in the Florida sun.

 

[Longers]

After our ice cream I decided to do a mini photo shoot of my own but as it was so hot the cap cast a shadow over my face and my hair was messy without it!

Chris decided to take over and play with the settings on the camera

I present to you blue highlights.

I kind of like how this one turned out.

And a green highlight to show off the hub grass.

And a few random shots.

 

[Longers]

I think at this point we had been sitting chilling for a while and Chris went off so I checked my phone.

I knew that Megan @Doc Disney was going to be in Disney when we were but I didn’t want to plan anything with anyone before leaving as I just wanted to take things at our own pace and not to be anywhere at any set time.

I had wondered where she might be today just in case she was in MK too.

I checked her Instagram and she was here 2 hours ago but would she be here now?

I sent her a DM and she replied saying she was here and heading to the hub - I told her I would wait. I was so excited to finally see her again.

Picture from Nov 2016

We saw each other from a distance and just ran towards each other like long lost friends. It was a good job I had my sunglasses on as tears were rolling down my cheeks. I was so happy to be in Disney and to finally see each other again made my day.

We spoke for ages about lockdown, her trips, Covid, Disney - so much.
It was just amazing to see her and even now I feel the emotions of that meet up!

We obviously captured the moment before we forgot and sent a picture to Nicole saying we missed her!

We said our goodbyes and hoped it wouldn’t be as many years before we saw each other again.

This meet up made this day extra special.

 

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Grinning from ear to ear after our meet up we headed to TTA

Next stop HM for our LL

I always try but can’t seem to get a decent picture so here are some blurry ones

What happened to the mermaids and the smoke scene at the front? More cut backs.

Our failed attempt at a pirate selfie

 

[Longers]

It had been a really hot morning at the park so we headed out for lunch

Finally back in the car with the air conditioning on.

We ended up at Golden Corral for a late lunch or early dinner as I think it was about 4pm by the time we arrived

Yes I’m strange! Salad, chips, mash and chicken bites.

And of course ice cream for dessert!

Stomaches full we headed back in the car to AK to see if we could catch golden hour for some photos and to try to ride FOP

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

Oh,these photos are making me homesick for disney too even after all that has been changed!
I especially love the topiaries in WS!
As far as Yak and Yeti, it has always been a quick in and out for us. I have the honey rice chicken with veggies and it is always delicious. Roger always gets the coconut chicken. It's kind of nice to sit in air conditioning and rest a bit.
Really enjoying your TR