Trip Report **Completed** Leave for Disney World on Friday The 13th They Said. It'll Be Fun They Said. A July 2018 Trip Report.

Hello Disney Friends. Welcome to my long overdue trip report!

My daughter @TheMARVELousAllieBrown posted a pre-trip report for this trip.

Here's whatcha need to know:
Who: DD Allie @TheMARVELousAllieBrown, Me Lisa @LisaBelle , DH Paul, my sister Tina @TangledTina, my BIL Mark, my nephew Spence and DS Adam

When: Friday, July 13 :eek:-Sunday, July 22, 2018
Where: The Contemporary Resort Garden Wing
Why: Ten Year Anniversary of our last whole family vacation, Allie's high school graduation and Paul & Lisa's 29th anniversary. In the pre-trip we dubbed it our Vacaygraduversary Trip!
How: Road Trip!
I created treat bags for every state that we would drive through. The idea being that as we crossed the state line we would open the bag and enjoy a treat that is representative of that state. For Ohio, naturally I chose Buckeyes candy.

For Kentucky I chose Ale 8 soda. Bourbon would have been the obvious choice, but since not everyone was of legal drinking age I had to go with a soft drink.

For Tennessee it was Goo Goo Clusters

Georgia was Peanut M & Ms

And Florida would be orange juice from the Florida Welcome Center.
Because we were driving, I placed the small bags inside of an insulated cooler bag to keep the chocolate from melting. I made one bag for our car and one bag for Tina's.

Day 1 Friday, July 13, 2018
Tina and her family live about an hour north of us. They planned to leave home around 7, drive toward Cincy and meet us at the Chick-fil-A at our exit around 8. We were hoping to have breakfast and be on the road by 9. We would spend the night in Valdosta, Georgia and arrive at Disney around check in time on Saturday. Sounds like a great plan, right?
Tina has a tendency to run late, so when she hadn't texted by 7:15 to say that they were on the road, I wasn't too concerned. When I still hadn't heard from her by 7:30 I texted to see how things were coming. Instead of a text, I get a call saying, "Maybe you guys should just leave without us." What????!!!!!! And there goes the plan!
Because there was a medical situation they would be taking a short trip to the hospital before they could leave for the trip to Disney. We decided we would wait it out for a bit so when we left they would not be too far behind us. With bellies full of Chick-fil-A, we were finally on the road at about 12 (about 3 hours behind schedule so not too bad). A bumpy start but glad to finally be en route to the happiest place on earth. We crossed the border into Kentucky about 15 minutes later. We opened our first treat and continued on our way. We had just passed Lexington, KY when Tina called to say that they were on their way! We figured that we should be able to meet up somewhere down the road.
We stopped for an early dinner at a Subway in Knoxville, TN. Back in the car to continue our journey, we decided to enjoy our Goo Goo Clusters for dessert. We noticed the car was not getting cooler. We turned the a/c off and back on again. No cool air. We pulled into a parking lot, turned the car off and back on again. Still no cool air. By now the Goo Goo Clusters and M& Ms are starting to melt and it is approaching 5pm on a Friday night. Adam and Allie researched nearby Firestone Auto Repair shops. The closest one said their a/c charger was not charging. We found another one about 15 minutes away. It was July in Tennessee. It was a lovely sunny day and the temperature was well into the nineties! We were melting by the time we arrived at Firestone.

We arrived hopeful and left with our spirits dashed as the problem was not something they could fix and it would have to be repaired at the dealership. On the road again, we were looking forward to nightfall and hopefully cooler temps. We were forced to ride in style with our windows down to avoid heatstroke. This prevented us from hearing the dialogue from our dvd player. To keep up morale Allie had the aux and we jammed out. We were headed further south and although our spirits were high, the temperature was higher. Our unsuccessful Firestone detour allowed Tina's family to close the gap a bit. By now we were only about an hour ahead of them. Fast forward an hour and Tina's a/c also went out as they drove through Knoxville. Lucky for them, their's was an easy fix and Mark was able to re-charge their a/c. Just before sundown we stopped for gas. At this point we decided it was vital to document our misery. Please enjoy this photo at a gas station somewhere between Knoxville and Atlanta.

Paul and Adam smiling through the pain. So proud of our little troopers!
We forged on and eventually were able to meet up with Tina's crew at a truck stop with a Wendy's around 11pm.

We rallied after our Wendy's pit stop (which was the longest wait at Wendy's on record) and finally made it to our hotel in Valdosta at 3am. Let me say that a shower and air conditioning have never felt so good!
Due to our late arrival we decided to sleep in a bit and would check out at 11 and grab lunch before hitting the road.
 
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TangledTina

New Member
Day 5 Continued
We arrived at Epcot and decided to commemorate our visit with a few Photopass pictures.





Tink wanted to join us!


We noticed that Daisy was out so we went to visit her.



We didn't really have a plan. Our Fastpasses were scheduled for later so we were mainly hoping to shop and maybe try a few new things.

After our visit with Daisy we ran into these guys. We'd never seen the Muppet Lab, so we enjoyed our first experience with them. Beaker is my husband's favorite Muppet character. I was a little bummed that he missed them, but I sent him a picture.





It was hot and we'd never tried the pop in Club Cool so we headed there next.



Tina was the first to grab a cup. Allie and I watched in astonishment as she reached for the Beverly. We glanced at one another, didn't she know? We were giddy with anticipation but didn't want to give it away. I got my camera ready. Would she like it or hate it?





I think the pictures speak for themselves :hilarious:. I hate to admit it, but I knew those images were trip report gold! Sorry to laugh at your misery @TangledTina !
Definitely NOT a fan of the Beverly. I eventually forgave the other biddies for their moment of selfish fun at my expense. I’ll have to find a way to pay them back on our next trip!
 

LisaBelle

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh the Beverly....at least you all tried it together! Solidarity Biddies! Mousegear, it really is a great store! I tend to drop more money around World Showcase and I think if I have one store where I've done the most damage over the years, it's either the Japan Pavilion or the Art of Disney!
Art of Disney. I could spend a small fortune in there!
 

LisaBelle

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 5 Continued
We headed for The Land. We went down to Sunshine Seasons and had a snack. Apparently I didn't take a photo so I have no idea what we had. Paging @TangledTina and @TheMARVELousAllieBrown. Do you have any clue what we snacked on? I want to say I had a bag of chips. Super exciting.
After our snack we headed for Living with the Land. I always enjoy this ride. It is relaxing and I enjoy seeing the variety of foods grown in the greenhouse.



You have to take a vegetable boat ride selfie, right?



The house we all want to live in.



Sit back and enjoy our tour through the greeenhouse.






Hello Hidden Mickeys!



Mickey shaped plants are the best plants.
 

LisaBelle

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 5 Continued
Our ride through the greenhouse continued. You can see some guests on the Behind the Seeds tour in the background of this picture.









Another hidden Mickey!



A few photos of the decor in The Land. I think I take this photo everytime.





Spence and Adam had returned from golfing and all the boys were getting ready to head to Epcot. Biddies hours was coming to a close, but we had time for another new experience-meeting Joy and Sadness!

Waiting in the queue. I want to say that the app said it was a 15 minute wait. I am pretty sure our wait was doubled.



Joy came out to escort you back to the meet and greet area.



Up next: Meeting Joy and Sadness. The boys arrive at Epcot.
 
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LisaBelle

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 5 continued
I was really excited to meet Sadness. Inside Out was released at a very emotional time in our lives. Our mom had dementia and then our dad lost his memory and began to show signs of dementia as well. Tina and I were taking turns living with and caring for our parents in 24-48 hour shifts. We were physically and mentally exhausted. Allie and two of her friends wanted to see Inside Out. I am friends with the moms of the girls so we decided to make a girls day of it. The moms and daughters had lunch and went to the movie. At that time of my life, I was sad all of the time. I remember sitting in the theater feeling so sad that after the movie I would have to take Allie home and go back to my parent's house. I felt an immediate connection to Sadness and I have loved that character ever since.

"I've been waiting so long to meet you!"





It was a bit awkward trying to hug her with her big hair.










It was a fun meet and greet. Joy was very peppy and she definitely brought a smile to our face. Sadness was very lovable.
 

MegRuss626

Well-Known Member
Day 5 continued
I was really excited to meet Sadness. Inside Out was released at a very emotional time in our lives. Our mom had dementia and then our dad lost his memory and began to show signs of dementia as well. Tina and I were taking turns living with and caring for our parents in 24-48 hour shifts. We were physically and mentally exhausted. Allie and two of her friends wanted to see Inside Out. I am friends with the moms of the girls so we decided to make a girls day of it. The moms and daughters had lunch and went to the movie. At that time of my life, I was sad all of the time. I remember sitting in the theater feeling so sad that after the movie I would have to take Allie home and go back to my parent's house. I felt an immediate connection to Sadness and I have loved that character ever since.

"I've been waiting so long to meet you!"





It was a bit awkward trying to hug her with her big hair.










It was a fun meet and greet. Joy was very peppy and she definitely brought a smile to our face. Sadness was very lovable.

Same here about Inside Out! I had suddenly lost my uncle (who was the father figure in my life) a few months before and life was rough for a while. We saw it at the drive in and the idea of “sometimes you have to be sad to be happy again” really hit home. I was so excited to meet her on our 2016 trip! And I made Joy grumpy when I said Sadness was my fave!
 

TangledTina

New Member
Day 5 Continued
We headed for The Land. We went down to Sunshine Seasons and had a snack. Apparently I didn't take a photo so I have no idea what we had. Paging @TangledTina and @TheMARVELousAllieBrown. Do you have any clue what we snacked on? I want to say I had a bag of chips. Super exciting.
After our snack we headed for Living with the Land. I always enjoy this ride. It is relaxing and I enjoy seeing the variety of foods grown in the greenhouse.
@LisaBelle I’m pretty sure @TheMARVELousAllieBrown and I split something, but I can’t remember what it was, even after looking at the menu. Maybe Allie’s young mind has retained that detail!



You have to take a vegetable boat ride selfie, right?



The house we all want to live in.



Sit back and enjoy our tour through the greeenhouse.






Hello Hidden Mickeys!



Mickey shaped plants are the best plants.
 

LisaBelle

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 5 Continued
While we were meeting Joy and Sadness we received a text from the boys saying they had arrived at Epcot. We met up with them and headed to The Land. I believe the boys had a snack (probably the mac & cheese as that's Adam's favorite) and then we headed to our FP+ for Soarin'. Tina, Mark and Spence had never ridden Soarin' and we hadn't ridden since it changed to Soarin' Around the World.







We lucked out and we had the best view! I was really happy that our first experience with Soarin' Around the World wasn't completely distorted. Everyone liked the ride. I still love Soarin', but I think I prefer the original version.

After our trip around the world Tina and I made some new friends.




Then we headed into the Big Blue World to look for our friend Nemo.







 

LisaBelle

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 5 Continued

After we found Nemo we enjoyed looking at the exhibits.





Why are you two so grouchy?



:eek: Spence was eaten by a shark!



As was Allie!



She was recreating a photo from our 2008 trip.



Luckily, we were able to save Spence and Allie from the sharks and we headed for World Showcase.



We had a dinner ADR, but we needed an appetizer.



CRONUT!! Paul, Adam, Allie and I had tried them back in 2014, but Tina's crew had never had the pleasure. We bought two and shared them. They were sold! Oh the sugary goodness. I would love to be eating one right now.



Up next: Cocktails and dinner.
 

LisaBelle

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 5 Continued

Tina and Adam stopped into the Rose and Crown for a beer. Tina and Mark honeymooned in Ireland and she loved the original Strongbow Cider she tried there. They have a newer formula here in the states that she doesn't like as well. She was hoping that the Rose and Crown would have the original.





While we waited for them I realized that I wasn't wearing my ears. Someone decided we needed to document the moment.







No luck for Tina :(. The bartender gave her a few samples and she decided on the Bass Ale. Adam is pretty sure he went with the Strongbow.



Tina and Adam enjoyed their beer on the way to to our dinner location.







Tina modeled the ears she bought earlier at Mouse Gear.



Up next: Bisque and Escargot
 

LisaBelle

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 5 Continued

Paul and I ate our anniversary dinner here in 2014. We raved about the lobster bisque, so almost everyone ordered it. It was as good as we remembered. Look at that, I actually remembered to take a picture of it!



Mark had never tried escargot so he ordered that.



Adam wanted to try it, so Mark shared with him. They both liked it.





I knew I wouldn't have much room after the lobster bisque, so I ordered A la flamme Alsacienne (Alsace specialty flatbread) with creme fraiche, onion and bacon. It was tasty and I was glad I hadn't ordered a bigger meal because I couldn't finish this.



Adam ordered the Gratin de Macaroni. I tried to warn him that it wouldn't be the ooey gooey type of macaroni he loves, but once he had the idea of macaroni and cheese in his head he couldn't resist ordering it. He was disappointed. It was very dry, not even enough cream sauce to coat the macaroni.

I can't remember what Spence and Mark ordered, but most of the group ordered the Boeuf Bourguignon. Everyone who ordered it loved it. I was kind of sad that I hadn't ordered it too. Allie let me taste hers and it was delicious.



For dessert Adam ordered the cream puff and Allie, Tina and I ordered the creme brulee. I have no recollection of what the rest of the crew ordered.





Up next: Evening EMH at Epcot
 

LisaBelle

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Same here about Inside Out! I had suddenly lost my uncle (who was the father figure in my life) a few months before and life was rough for a while. We saw it at the drive in and the idea of “sometimes you have to be sad to be happy again” really hit home. I was so excited to meet her on our 2016 trip! And I made Joy grumpy when I said Sadness was my fave!

Sorry for the loss of your uncle. I love that Disney movies always find a way to connect with us. It's so funny that you made Joy grumpy!

I have been meaning to read your TR but have been busy writing mine. I just power read it all in one sitting! Your family looks like so much fun!!!
Thanks for reading! Our family usually has a great time together. I started your report, but haven't gotten back to it yet.

WOW!!! What a powerful story about Inside Out! We went through dementia and Parkinson's with my father in law for 10+ years. Completely overwhelming for him and the caregivers. I'm glad the movie helped you and you got to meet Joy and Sadness.
Thanks! Sorry you've had to deal with dementia and Parkinson's. Both are very cruel diseases. I loved meeting Joy and Sadness. It's ironic how happy it made me to meet Sadness!
 

LisaBelle

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 5 continued



Adam and Spence entertained themselves.





On to Japan



America



Pretty sure this is out of order, but I love these lights with the planters.



Germany and everyone's favorite Karamell Kuche



I love this caramel corn so much! I could eat it all day.



The cousins took a break.



EMH were coming to an end. The standby time for Frozen Ever After was only 10 minutes so Tina, the kids and I jumped in line. Mark and Paul decided to sit this one out.



Up next: Frozen Ever After
 

LisaBelle

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 5 continued

In the Frozen Ever After queue











Our super exciting ride photo



I am a huge fan of Frozen, especially of Olaf. None of us had ridden FEA before and we all enjoyed it.

Sister selfie



Hello gorgeous!





With that the park was officially closed so we said goodnight to Epcot for now and headed back to the Contemporary and bed.

Up next: Another Epcot day
 

Songbird76

Well-Known Member
We celebrated our escape from the Yeti with some photos!





We were heading for Africa.

On the way we passed the theater for the new Up! bird show. Allie HATES birds so we made her pose in front of the theater. Watch out for those birds Allie!


We can trace Allie's hatred of birds back to our first family WDW visit in 2004. Allie was only 4. We were at Epcot and while we were eating at La Cantina (I think that's what it's called, the outdoor quick service in Mexico) there were a number of birds lurking around waiting for food. I set Allie's food down on the table. Because of the birds she was a little scared to get up on the seat. As I was trying to get her up on the seat a bird came right up to the table and stole Allie's quesadilla! She was one scared girl! This was taken at another time, but here are the culprits!

I love these statues!
Those birds are aggressive little thieves! They jumped up on our table at Typhoon Lagoon and stole the fish off DS's plate and flew off.
 

slipperalwaysfits

Well-Known Member
Lovely night at Epcot! I love exploring all the pathways of Morocco back there! Can't believe your standby time was 10 minutes. We felt lucky waiting only 35 for Frozen Ever After!

You are right! The lobster bisque at Chefs de France is incredibly delish! I love ordering it for a treat at home a couple times a year but it's especially good in Epcot!
 
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