Trip Report *COMPLETED* No Ring (delayed), No Rivers Light, & Donald Duck’s the President

As I stir my pasta noodles for dinner, a single tear slides down my cheek. DEPRESSION. It’s cold, it’s dark, and I am home…this unfamiliar place that is not my Disney World hotel room. (PLUS WHY AM I COOKING?!) This cold Philadelphia air chills me to the core, and when I woke up this morning I contemplated chucking my cell phone out the window. I knew my alarm was waking me up for work, not to catch a Disney bus. What is this life?! WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY does it have to end?! The hardest part of planning, and changing your plans, and obsessing over your plans, and then finally living out your plans is the part at the end. The part where it’s all over, it’s all done, and going on a Disney website, or checking a restaurant menu is like pouring salt on an open wound.

As you can tell from my title, no I didn’t get my Disney World proposal and no I didn’t get to see Rivers of Light. Thought I would throw all the heartbreak right at you from the get go, so we can move on to happier memories. (This just means my boyfriend owes me a BIGGER diamond, and a trip back! Maybe when ROL opens?!)

I have just returned from the most fabulous trip to Disney, and I am already itching to go back. I am trying to convince someone, anyone (hello out there!) to book a weekend getaway… That’s the thing with Disney, they always leave you wanting more! Unless it’s it just something us Disney addicts feel, we are always eager for our next fix!

For those who don’t know me, I’m Nicole, and I love Disney World. I have loved Disney World for 11 years now. (This is how they start these meetings right?!)

I was in the Disney bubble from November 4th to November 13th and it was not enough time. NOT ENOUGH TIME I TELL YOU!!! I stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and fell truly, madly, and deeply in love with this BEAUTIFUL riverside resort. My last two trips have been in July and August, and I think those trips (in the summer nonetheless) were MUCH less crowded. SO MANY PEOPLE! It was the end of a race weekend, the last week of food and wine, NJ teacher convention week, and election week. One word of advice, DO NOT EVER GO AT THIS TIME! (keep rereading the go at as goat LOL)

Let’s begin!



November 4th-

Our flight was not until 5:50 PM Friday night. I originally was planning to work in the morning, but it turned out I was able to take the whole day off. Of course I woke up super early with excitement, did all my last minute packing, and then stared at the clock for hours on end. Go figure!

This text arrived and my anxiety immediately started kicking in. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN! Will we not have room? Will they downgrade us to a tent along the riverbank? Will I have to fight off alligators and zika mosquitoes while sleeping outside? My boyfriend tried to calm my fears, and decided we should get a move on it. Airport here we come!

SEPTA was on strike (public transportation buses, etc) so of course traffic was nightmare! I tried my hardest not to freak out and bite off all my nails before even reaching Orlando.

After what seemed like forever, we made it! Hustled through security and straight for the bar!

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3—oops?

And our first food picture of the trip! Chicken tenders! My anxiety was so high all day that I forgot to eat, and I was feeling pretty tipsy. Food is always a good idea!

We paid our tab, and decided to wait by the gate for our magical plane to Orlando! TAKE ME HOME BABY!!!

Ummm.. where is our plane?

Come to find out our flight is delayed until 7 PM… I was too hyper and couldn’t sit still so off we went to check out the airport shops and burn off some energy.

We stumbled upon this wonderful sight, and couldn’t resist.

So much for trying to stay hungry to use up those quick service meals tonight!

The time ticked by soooooooooooo slowly. We watched a woman scream at the American Airlines attendant because he was making her check her bag… SCREAM. She kept threatening him, saying she was going to call Disney and tell them he ruined her trip. There was a family standing beside us, and they told the father he had to go on a later flight because they oversold the plane, and even he didn’t go as ballistic as this woman. Getting to Disney is stressful people!

Soon I was admiring this stunning view. HAPPY PLACE HERE I COME!

And we’re off!

Our flight was quick and painless, and soon the announcement came on that we arrived in Orlando!! A little boy a few rows behind us screamed out “NOOOOOOOO, we went to the wrong place! We are supposed to be in Disney World!”

I showed my boyfriend what I pro I was at maneuvering through the Orlando airport, B side, you can’t hide from me! My Mickey turned green and all my anxiety from earlier in the day melted away. The familiar aroma of the Orlando airport, the big Mickey hands waving you home, the smiling cast member’s faces, it didn’t matter if I’d be sleeping in a river, I was here!

Our magical express filled up quickly, and I didn’t even mind that we were one of the last stops. I soaked up that arrival feeling, the feeling that a full trip is ahead of you, that this really is the ultimate moment of beginning, that the possibilities are truly endless. Plus, it gave me more time to answer trivia questions! I think everyone on the bus thought I was psycho with the amount I got right!

And off we drove into the night. Even though the sign wasn’t lit up due to construction, I still felt it. The transition to being “on property”. That butterflies fluttering in your stomach feeling, when you know you’ve truly been welcomed home.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Where can you get the rum dole whip? The cronut must be tried it is really quite good! I may have to plan on a hard root beer float next trip.

It was at the refreshment port.. not sure if it's always there or just for food and wine? and definitely try the float! It was really good, I am going to be making them at home in the summer!!

 

[CaliKris]

Where can you get the rum dole whip? The cronut must be tried it is really quite good! I may have to plan on a hard root beer float next trip.

You can get a Dole Whip with regular rum or coconut rum in Animal Kingdom at Tamu Tamu in Africa. I think the one in Epcot was just for Food and Wine, but I could be wrong. They are yummy!

 

[Mrhappyplace]

You can get a Dole Whip with regular rum or coconut rum in Animal Kingdom at Tamu Tamu in Africa. I think the one in Epcot was just for Food and Wine, but I could be wrong. They are yummy!

I knew you could get it in AK but this was the first time I ever heard of it being available in Epcot.

 

[MinnieM123]

I knew you could get it in AK but this was the first time I ever heard of it being available in Epcot.

I've only had the regular Dole Whips. Sometime, I'll try the one that includes rum!

 

[mlegerto]

Would the Canadians start judging us and treat us poorly so we didn’t plan to immigrate to their country depending on the election results?

Psssh...never. You'll always be welcomed, I'll make sure of it. We will just apologize and say sorry for it taking so long and giving you the thought that we may not let you in LOL

 

[Tiggerish]

If you look closely, you can see my ears are resting on Joe’s face.

Maybe because of 2 Grey Goose slushies?

Has anything ever tasted so wonderful?

Not much tastes as wonderful as grapefruit beer when it is consumed at Epcot. Having found it at home, I can say that with authority. It's really good at home, but it's better at WDW!

Guess those Strongbows really caught a hold of me!

Strongbows are good stuff! Also, see if you can find McKenzie's near home, it's a NY-brewed cider, they make regular red apple, green apple (my fave, and since you like the grapefruit beer, I think you'll like green apple cider too) and black cherry, which is enjoyed by my hubby and @Tuvalu.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

You can get a Dole Whip with regular rum or coconut rum in Animal Kingdom at Tamu Tamu in Africa. I think the one in Epcot was just for Food and Wine, but I could be wrong. They are yummy!

I think it may have just been for Food and Wine, but I hope they make it regular!!!

I knew you could get it in AK but this was the first time I ever heard of it being available in Epcot.

And maybe one day it'll be available in MK?

I've only had the regular Dole Whips. Sometime, I'll try the one that includes rum!

You must! If you need someone to try it with, well here I am

Psssh...never. You'll always be welcomed, I'll make sure of it. We will just apologize and say sorry for it taking so long and giving you the thought that we may not let you in LOL

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH Canada! LOL

Maybe because of 2 Grey Goose slushies?

Not much tastes as wonderful as grapefruit beer when it is consumed at Epcot. Having found it at home, I can say that with authority. It's really good at home, but it's better at WDW!

Strongbows are good stuff! Also, see if you can find McKenzie's near home, it's a NY-brewed cider, they make regular red apple, green apple (my fave, and since you like the grapefruit beer, I think you'll like green apple cider too) and black cherry, which is enjoyed by my hubby and @Tuvalu.

Haha, yes.. maybe I did over indulge..
I agree, I've ordered grapefruit beer at the bar before, and it's just not the same. There's something with the Florida heat, the ambiance of Epcot, and the feeling of vacation that cannot be duplicated! I even tried closing my eyes and sipping it, to no avail
And thank you for the recommendation, I will be looking out for it!!!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Nov 8th

As we followed the hostess, we were transported into a stone arched wine cellar. I was instantly reminded of The Parent Trap (the Lindsay Lohan verison) when Nick Parker had THE ULTIMATE wine cellar in Napa Valley. Such life goals! The lighting was dark, there was an absence of windows, and the atmosphere had a hint of romance. Candles were lit on every table, and although all the cellars I’ve encountered in my life have been cold and unwelcoming, I couldn’t feel more warm and fuzzy as we made our way inside.

We were given menus, and I didn't even need to open mine to know what I was ordering. The sick life of an obsessed Disney guest, stalking menus on the internet!

I was goofy excited. Joe captured me struggling with a straw.

Unfortunately, for my first signature, I was looking like a hot mess. My choice of attire was not intentional! I was cold! After a full day of drinking and stuffing my face, I guess I don’t look toooooooo shabby. Right? Don’t answer that. Wearing sweats in a signature…I am one of those people they talk about on the forums!!! THE HORROR, oh Nicole!

First up was the bread… we meet again, pretzel roll.

Along with our bread, came this glorious, GLORIOUS, appetizer…

The cheddar cheese soup alone made this meal. I had fallen in love at the Food and Wine booth, and now I that I had an actual size BOWL of it, I was head over heels. Joe and I debated back and forth if we should split one, because we didn’t want to spoil our entrees, but in the end we each got our own. Share this cheesy, cheesy goodness from our neighbors up north? I DON’T THINK SO. Sometimes, sharing is not caring…

We finished our soup in 2 seconds flat. They brought us more bread (they do this?!) and we tried to ignore it looking all fresh in the basket. Ignoring food is not our forte. The best was yet to come!

HOLY GRAIL OF STEAK. Joe and I each ordered the Filet Mignon, what can I say, we like the same things! This may have been the best filet I’ve ever had in my life. It was honest to goodness delicious. It melted in my mouth like butter on a hot summer day.

It was served over mushroom risotto. I was leery at first, because I’m more of a steak and potatoes kind of woman, but man oh man, I was not disappointed. I am a risotto lover now! Le Cellier has converted me!

Halfway through the meal, I started regretting all the food I had devoured that day. I should have saved all of my appetite for Le Cellier! It was so delicious, and I most definitely will be returning. I need to go with an empty stomach! I was forcing down forkfuls; I could not waste a bite of this divine meal! Joe ate faster than I have ever seen in my life, and was finished with his plate in no time. I, on the other hand, started to struggle.

Word of advice: do not eat all day at Food and Wine when you are going to Le Cellier. DO NOT DO IT PEOPLE. SAVE ROOM FOR GLORIOUS STEAK. DO NOT MAKE MY MIS-STEAK. HAHA.

Joe sampled a few bites of my leftovers, but even he had no more to give. Our waitress insisted I take a box, and I told her I didn’t think I should because we were staying for Illuminations. She would not take no for answer and soon my steak was wrapped up in a doggy bag.

We tried to catch a second wind as we glanced over the dessert menu…

After reading so many rave reviews, I ordered the maple crème brulee. Joe copied me, after I insisted he would enjoy it. One of my first memories of Disney World is trying crème brulee at San Angel Inn. I swear they once had a sampler of three crème brulee flavors, and my friend and I each ordered it on my very first trip to Disney. I remember being blown away at how freaking fantastic it tasted. Come to think of it, I’ve only ever had crème brulee at Disney. This is a dessert I hold dear to my heart! LOL

So you know how I was sooooo stuffed? Welp, somehow I found some room for this. HELLO MAPLE CRÈME BRULEE, YOU ARE MY NEW BEST FRIEND. This is AHHHHHHHH-MAZING. I am drooling as I type. This is the dessert you MUST get if you go to Le Cellier! Joe loved it too… SEE I TOLD YOU! He has a new all time favorite dessert! Now I need to start researching crème brulee recipes as well as Butterbeer!

We finished our dessert, swiped our Magicbands and waddled out in to the night. I think Le Cellier is now my new favorite World Showcase restaurant. I am thrilled I finally had the chance to eat here, and it did not disappointment. It far exceeded my expectations, and I will be returning, hopefully in a cuter outfit! LOL

Oh Canada!!!

People were starting to claim their spots for Illuminations so we figured we might as well join them. We found a spot right on the bridge before you get into France. I plopped my now ten pound heavier self down on the ground, and Joe went to get us one last drink. The last call for a most perfect day.

We witnessed the coolest thing, these boats started to pull up about 15 minutes before show time. What a view! I vow I must do this once in my life! To watch Illuminations out there on the water has got to be amazing! I was super jealous of everyone below! Hello down there! Got room for one more?

Joe and I sipped our drinks and reflected on the day. Reflections of Earth, reflections of Disney World, what an ideal finish! I kept watching the flames dance back and forth; I absolutely love the huge torches. I think I could stare at them for hours and not realize that time was passing. The narrator soon interrupted my trance, and out went the fire. Every time they blow out the torches, I get goosebumps. And it’s not the goosebumps you get when you’re cold, but rather quite the opposite. It’s the type you get when your body is so full of emotion, so overcome with feeling, so wonderfully warm inside.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Nov 8th

I am a huge flip-flopper. Some days I’ll say Wishes is my favorite night time show, some days it’ll be Illuminations. If you asked me right now, I’d whole heartedly confess my love for Illuminations: Reflections of Earth and convince you it’s at the top of my list. There’s just something so magical about the subtle story it tells. "Chaos, meaning, order." From the beginning of time, to the present, and all mankind’s accomplishments in between. We went from a vast world, full of uncharted frontiers, to “it’s a small world” after all. We now have the technology to communicate with someone across the planet at a touch of a button, and the means to travel anywhere we choose. Reflections of Earth reminds us that we are all spinning around the sun together, and we must appreciate our differences. Cultures, religions, political views, we’re all in this together.

I love when the globe comes out! I read that it is three stories tall! It just glides out there so effortlessly, and it’s such a sight to behold. (here's looking at you lotus flower, I am still waiting for you!)

“With the stillness of the night there comes a time to understand, to reach out and touch tomorrow, take the future in our hand.”

I had never seen so many LASERS!!! Joe and I both gasped- this definitely was new! The lasers added so much to the show. We were both so impressed.

“We can see a new horizon, built on all that we have done, and our dreams begin another, thousand circles around the sun.”

I was on the verge of tears, what else is new? Joe wrapped his arms around mine and we both just swayed along to the music. This show just never gets old. I really hope they never replace it!

“We go on through the joy and through the tears. We go on to discover new frontiers. Moving on with the current of the years, we go on moving forward now as one.”

When the torches around the lagoon are relit, I’m a goner. Full fledged eyeliner down my face crying. GOSH DISNEY! I swear things in real life don’t make me cry. But once I’m in Disney I’m a blubbering mess. The Earth globe opening and revealing that internal torch is so stunning. That fire burns to show us we are all united. HUMANITY AS ONE.

“Moving on in the spirit born to run. Ever on with each rising sun to a new day. We go on.”

Joe and I clapped for a good few minutes, before slowly trudging to the bus. Illuminations ended the most perfect day. But our bubble could only protect us for so long! We both knew the calm was over, it was time to go back to the room and check out what was going on with the presidential election. We had ignored it all day, but it could escape us no more.

“Every evening brings an ending, everyday becomes a legacy. Every sunset leads to morning with the promise of opportunity. We can reach for the stars we find along the way, dreaming as we learn to love everyday. Promise you will take my hand as tomorrow comes, we’ll go on. There is music, if you listen, in the rhythm of each breath we take. Destinations undiscovered, revelations from every choice we make. And I know, there are diamonds dancing in the sky. All we have to do is open our eyes. Promise we’ll walk side by side as a new day dawns, we’ll go on. We’ll go on, growing closer through the years. Moving on, through the good times and the tears. Ever on, another thousand circles round the sun. And we live to keep the promise…We’ll go on.”

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Nov 8th

Now I know the rule, no political debates on the forums, and I will try my hardest to write this in unbiased type of way. But we were in Disney for the election, so it’s a post I cannot ignore.

Joe and I got to the bus stop and of course everyone was buzzing with presidential talk. We chatted with a couple from NJ and they informed us Trump was ahead. It was only about 9:30, so of course the swing states had not yet been called. We conversed back and forth with them about what we thought the final outcome would be, all civilly. Joe showed them a post he saw on Facebook, it was a picture of NewsWeek magazine with of Hillary Clinton on the cover, titled Madam President. Books stores all over the country had supposedly received shipments. (I know, I know, I hear all the FAKE NEWS on Facebook stories. I don't have Facebook.) A man behind us joined in the discussion declaring Trump was definitely going to win. “No one’s believes me, but Donald’s going to be our president.” At this point, the couples' little girl exclaims “Donald Duck is going to be our new president?!” We all laughed, and it really lightened the mood before we all boarded the bus together to Riverside. I admit I took my phone off airplane mode and started to watch the Electoral College map change colors as states were being called. The Disney bubble only shielded me from the real world for so long!

We got back to our room and switched on CNN. Trump was still ahead, but it was still so early. Joe went to fill up our mugs, and I, high on adrenaline/election night jitters, took this photo in my new sweatshirt.

Joe came back, we changed into pajamas and we were both all over social media. I signed into Twitter, and saw this.

N: “Why would Hillary post this if it’s not over?”
J: “I think it really might be over, all the polls must have been wrong.”
N: “Seriously? They said she was going to win with a landslide victory, and so many of the states aren’t in yet. Wait til they call Cali, they have 55 votes!”
J: “I wonder what way PA will go.”
N: “Honestly, I am going to say Trump because I’ve never seen so many yard signs in all of my life for one candidate.”

The map looked like this as our eyes grew heavy.

What was going to happen?!?

At this point, Joe and I decided to call it a night and go to bed. Whatever happened was going to happen regardless if we were watching or not. We had another full day ahead of us (election schmection), and it looked like it was going to be a long haul before they called it. Off went the TV and the lights.

Who can soundly sleep on election night? Not me! I woke up at 4 AM and started fumbling for my phone. I stared at my phone with one eye open, one eye shut, and immediately clicked on Twitter. Donald Trump has been elected president. DONALD TRUMP HAS BEEN ELECTED PRESIDENT. I thought to myself, I must still be sleeping; there is no way he actually won. I rub my eyes and look again.
Regardless of your political party or preferred presidential candidate, I think the country was collectively surprised he really won. I shake Joe and tell him Donald Trump’s the president. He yawned and told me, “Well, guess that little girl was right, Donald Duck’s the president.” before rolling back over and going back to sleep.

I followed suit, and thought of my favorite Hagrid quote. "What's comin' will come, an' we'll meet it when it does."

*Phew, glad this post is over! I hope I have written this in an acceptable way! I do apologize for politics on the forum!

 

[Doc Disney]

We’re the three caballeros, three gay caballeros, they say we are birds of a feather!!! (Try to read that and NOT sing it, I DARE YOU!)

Totally sang it out loud

I am a risotto lover now!

After all that concern about the California Grill risotto!

 

[sheriffwoody]

Wearing sweats in a signature…I am one of those people they talk about on the forums!!! THE HORROR, oh Nicole!

Girl, please. You were still wearing that cute dress! You looked fine, I promise. It's the short shorts and tank tops that annoy people. A zip up hoodie doesn't look that bad to me, especially over a dress.

I followed suit, and thought of my favorite Hagrid quote. "What's comin' will come, an' we'll meet it when it does."

Oh that's a perfect quote for this. I was feeling the same! Just complete shock! You handled that post very elegantly

 

[AuburnBelle919]

Love your post about Illuminations-I agree about not being able to decide which one I love more between Wishes and Illuminations. They are both so amazing-when I go to non-Disney fireworks I'm always slightly unimpressed. I always cry at least once during Wishes and Illuminations!

 

[DonnaOnTheRocks]

Nov 8th

I am a huge flip-flopper. Some days I’ll say Wishes is my favorite night time show, some days it’ll be Illuminations. If you asked me right now, I’d whole heartedly confess my love for Illuminations: Reflections of Earth and convince you it’s at the top of my list. There’s just something so magical about the subtle story it tells. "Chaos, meaning, order." From the beginning of time, to the present, and all mankind’s accomplishments in between. We went from a vast world, full of uncharted frontiers, to “it’s a small world” after all. We now have the technology to communicate with someone across the planet at a touch of a button, and the means to travel anywhere we choose. Reflections of Earth reminds us that we are all spinning around the sun together, and we must appreciate our differences. Cultures, religions, political views, we’re all in this together.

I love when the globe comes out! I read that it is three stories tall! It just glides out there so effortlessly, and it’s such a sight to behold. (here's looking at you lotus flower, I am still waiting for you!)

“With the stillness of the night there comes a time to understand, to reach out and touch tomorrow, take the future in our hand.”

I had never seen so many LASERS!!! Joe and I both gasped- this definitely was new! The lasers added so much to the show. We were both so impressed.

“We can see a new horizon, built on all that we have done, and our dreams begin another, thousand circles around the sun.”

I was on the verge of tears, what else is new? Joe wrapped his arms around mine and we both just swayed along to the music. This show just never gets old. I really hope they never replace it!

“We go on through the joy and through the tears. We go on to discover new frontiers. Moving on with the current of the years, we go on moving forward now as one.”

When the torches around the lagoon are relit, I’m a goner. Full fledged eyeliner down my face crying. GOSH DISNEY! I swear things in real life don’t make me cry. But once I’m in Disney I’m a blubbering mess. The Earth globe opening and revealing that internal torch is so stunning. That fire burns to show us we are all united. HUMANITY AS ONE.

“Moving on in the spirit born to run. Ever on with each rising sun to a new day. We go on.”

Joe and I clapped for a good few minutes, before slowly trudging to the bus. Illuminations ended the most perfect day. But our bubble could only protect us for so long! We both knew the calm was over, it was time to go back to the room and check out what was going on with the presidential election. We had ignored it all day, but it could escape us no more.

“Every evening brings an ending, everyday becomes a legacy. Every sunset leads to morning with the promise of opportunity. We can reach for the stars we find along the way, dreaming as we learn to love everyday. Promise you will take my hand as tomorrow comes, we’ll go on. There is music, if you listen, in the rhythm of each breath we take. Destinations undiscovered, revelations from every choice we make. And I know, there are diamonds dancing in the sky. All we have to do is open our eyes. Promise we’ll walk side by side as a new day dawns, we’ll go on. We’ll go on, growing closer through the years. Moving on, through the good times and the tears. Ever on, another thousand circles round the sun. And we live to keep the promise…We’ll go on.”

Illuminations is hands-down my absolute Favorite nighttime show in Disney!!

 

[Figgy1]

Illuminations is hands-down my absolute Favorite nighttime show in Disney!!

I can't agree more but check with me tomorrow and I might say it's Wishes

 

[blreinsel]

The Root Beer drinks.. Always there? Where!?

MUST. HAVE.

Le Cellier.. now officially on my bucket list.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Totally sang it out loud
After all that concern about the California Grill risotto!

I know Guess I'm a risotto type of gal now!

Girl, please. You were still wearing that cute dress! You looked fine, I promise. It's the short shorts and tank tops that annoy people. A zip up hoodie doesn't look that bad to me, especially over a dress.
Oh that's a perfect quote for this. I was feeling the same! Just complete shock! You handled that post very elegantly

Thank you! I didn't feel underdressed at the time but now that I am looking back at the pictures, I am not so sure! I wish I looked cuter! LOL... thanks for the confidence boost! It was cold at night! Should have brought a cardigan!
And I thought the Hagrid quote was perfect! I still can't believe it! But all we can do is sit back and watch now!

Love your post about Illuminations-I agree about not being able to decide which one I love more between Wishes and Illuminations. They are both so amazing-when I go to non-Disney fireworks I'm always slightly unimpressed. I always cry at least once during Wishes and Illuminations!

They are just so amazing, both of them! I don't know which one I like more, Wishes for the childhood Disney movie nostalgia feeling, and Reflections of Earth for the adult all humanity coming together to appreciate our accomplishments feeling. I will never decide! And I swear, I cannot watch 4th of July fireworks without wishing I was at Disney LOL

Illuminations is hands-down my absolute Favorite nighttime show in Disney!!

Such a beautiful show!

I can't agree more but check with me tomorrow and I might say it's Wishes

LOL, we are really the same person!!

The Root Beer drinks.. Always there? Where!?

MUST. HAVE.

Le Cellier.. now officially on my bucket list.

Fife and Drum in America! GET IT!!! It's more of a dessert than a drink, but totally worth it!!! And I was afraid of "wasting" 2 credits of Le Cellier, but it was so delicious it made up for not experiencing 2 restaurants!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Nov 9th

After going back to bed for a few more hours, we finally woke up for the day. It was a brand new day of vacation, and nothing going on outside of Orlando could change that! Time for our second Universal day! Here we come Universal Studios!

I was ready first, and decided to go fill up my mug with coffee. After a restless night sleep, I needed it! Me going off by myself entailed a photoshoot that probably should not have happened

It was a beautiful morning view on the way to Riverside Mill. The fountains looked so peaceful in the foggy morning! If I was a bird, I know where I would be taking a bath!

I love the point of your trip when you know exactly where you’re going, and finding your room, or the pool, or the food court all become second nature. It’s when you can’t imagine your mornings ever being different, and you hope to hold on to this feeling forever.

I didn't need no sign, this place was my home!!!

Acadian House was the Southern Mansion of my dreams. I daydream about the view to this day. Waking up and looking out at fountains, and the river, it was just so tranquil. This resort offers such a peaceful, serene change of pace Disney vacation. Even though the parks were more crowded than I have ever seen them, the resort showed no signs. Riverside is definitely larger than POFQ, but it felt so calm and relaxing, you would never know!

I chugged my coffee before I even returned to our room, and hustled Joe out the door.

We headed back out towards the front of the resort to wait for an Uber. I intently watched this cast member water flowers. I was seriously in a trance. I love all the landscaping at Disney, and I admire all the people who keep everything looking so pristine! It's all in the details!

Does anyone else take pictures of the cast members watering flowers? Only me? Okay moving on!

Our Uber arrived promptly, and after a short drive we are back at Universal. Who the heck am I? Two days of leaving Disney? I wasn’t sure how I felt about it either!

I thought I read somewhere that the Minions ride gets a crazy wait time, so that’s where we headed first. I am not sure if there is any truth to this, or if I just made it up in my head, but it was a fun first attraction and the 3-D effects definitely woke us up!

Joe and I both really enjoyed it! We had watched the minion movie a few years ago.. gosh I am horrible, it’s Despicable Me isn’t it? But anywho, we agreed it was really cute. I wish I could have a minion as a friend!

BANANAAAAAA!!!!!! I really should have made this purchase! And look at me, a typical Uni newbie tourist- holding a map!

We somehow skipped over Shrek- but I always disliked that movie so oh well! I just remember they had Smashmouth sing “I’m a Believer” for the movie and growing up my mom was a huge Monkees fan. I don’t know, something about it really irked me so I think I always had a sour feeling for Shrek and all the sequels. And for the attraction, what the heck is 4-D anyway? Is that real life? Is this a show? What did I miss people!!!

We did, however, end up on this beauty.

Rip Ride Rockit was amazing! The wait was seriously less than five minutes, so we were seated in no time. I had no idea what I was doing, so of course I missed picking a song! Music blasting in your ears, the wind blowing through your hair, there is just no better wake-up call! I loved this ride, and the whole concept of listening to music while you rattled around in your seat! It was awesome! We got off and watched our video, we looked so hysterical. I don’t know who buys these things! I never wanna watch my face on a roller coaster again-I sure am scary looking LOL!

Our stomachs must not have liked being rattled around on empty! It was time for some food. The most nutritious breakfast it was.

This time we each got our own. Sometimes not sharing is caring, as I said previously at Le Cellier!

We had no idea where we were going, so to Transformers we wandered. I had never seen this, Joe had, so I had no idea what it even was. I am horrible, I know. Guess Princesses just appeal more to me than cars that change into talking robots?

The ride was cool, but it was at this moment when I really started to realize how heavily Universal utilized screen technology. I always read about THE SCREENZZZ and it always just seemed like people were exaggerating and complaining to complain. Maybe it’s just the fact that Universal doesn’t have as many attractions as Disney and that’s why it feels like so many of the same? I don’t know. I used to feel sad for Universal, like all the bloggers were big bullies. “At least Universal is pumping out the rides faster than Disney!” I would argue. But now I kind of get it, the screens kind of make everything blend together. Okay, rambling again, moving on.

We walked out and saw this…

The employees (not cast members right?!) keep shooing everyone away. I’m not sure how I even managed to get these pictures, they were so persistent! They told us they were filming a commercial and we could not stand by and watch. At first I thought they were lying, I told Joe they must do this every day to create publicity, but now I think I am wrong. HOW COOL WAS THAT! I am looking all the time for a new commercial with a Transformer in it. I can’t wait to say, “I was freaking there!!!!”

I started craving butterbeer, so our next stop was Diagon Alley! I swear, I am addicted! Put me in a mile radius of this glorious goodness and I will sniff it out. I was sooooo excited to enter the Wizarding World again, I kept tapping and poking Joe.

As we went through the broken brick walls, both our mouths hung open.

There are absolutely no words to explain what was going through my mind as I walked in. It was perfect. Everything far exceeded my expectations. I think Joe and I just stood there for a good 30 seconds, dumbfounded. It was like we were hit with a spell! We watched as others filtered in; we watched the astonishment in their eyes. I must hand it to Universal, when it comes to Harry Potter, they know what they are doing. Even my overactive imagination, and crazy dreams could not compete.

“Diagon Alley is a cobblestoned wizarding alley, completely hidden from the Muggle world, which is right outside its boundaries.” Completely, utterly, sincerely PERFECT.

Repello muggletum, I’m living in the Wizarding World now.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Nov 9th

We stared at the Gringott's dragon for a good few minutes, but it did not spit out any fire! I've read too many times of people who get engrossed in this trap, waiting and waiting for it to breathe fire. Is there any rhyme or reason when this occurs? I know my photography skills are lacking, so even if I captured it, it would not turn out as well as an image I could find on google

Yep, mine do not compare!

I think my favorite part was the fact that all the buildings seems crooked! (diagon-alley, diagonallyy, diagonal... ahhhhhh!!!!) How do they do this? It amazed us both! I kept thinking with Florida's hurricane history, there is no way these buildings will last! Joe assured me they know more than I do, so we shall see

We wandered around in some of the stores, I love how true to the theme they stayed with being so small! It was crazy to think of the Emporium at Magic Kingdom, and then compare it to Ollivanders. It's so tiny and intimate! The stores were pretty crowded, but less so than Disney this week! Universal crowds were so low compared to the Disney ones! I was expecting so many more people here! My friend had visited when Harry Potter first opened, and she said she had to wait over an hour to get into a store. I guess this horror story really prepared me! I wonder if Pandora will have this problem...

I wanted to buy a wand, but I remembered watching a vlog where the box wouldn't fit in the locker. I told myself I'd have to get one on the way out, because there were too many rides I needed to go on! Joe was so shocked at the prices, he kept wishing he was the creator of Harry Potter LOL! You and me both, Joe!
J: "50 bucks for a stick of wood!"
N:"BUT IT'S MAGIC!!!!!!"
He kept trying to tell me he could carve me one for free with a stick of wood from our backyard, but I am still waiting....

Somewhere in between walking in the stores, we rode Escape from Gringotts. This was unlike anything we've ever done before. It was spectacular! It felt like we were in the middle of the action right from the movie. It was my favorite Harry Potter attraction and favorite "screen" ride of the trip. It encompassed the best things of screen technology, but also had the thrills of a coaster! (Hulk holds the top for overall ride at Uni!! .) I definitely think it's superior to Forbidden Journey. You walk through this grand marble lobby and see goblins working. I had to reach out and touch the marble because I was so impressed. Talk about immersive experience!

After the ride, I NEEDED my butterbeer. I am surprised I even lasted this long without it! GIMME GIMME GIMME!!!

The line of 2 people felt like it took forever! I could see it being poured, smell it in my nostrils, and almost taste it on my tongue. I need to go to Butterbeeraholics anonymous.

FINALLY IT WAS MINE.

I tried so hard to sip it slowly, but I managed to give myself numerous brain freezes as I indulged. THE TASTE ONLY WIZARDS AND WITCHES COULD CREATE. Joe sampled what I would allow, he wasn't as addicted as I was! GOOD! MORE FOR ME!!! We watched people performing spells with their wands, it was hysterical to see the water functions when unsuspecting victims got wet! I loved watching everyone walking around in their robes, from young to old and all in between. It made the land seem that much more immersive. It's crazy to go from Disney where you encounter princesses in dresses, to Universal, where you encounter wizards and witches in robes! We are all lovers of the power of imagination!

We hung out in Diagon Alley for a good few hours! There was just so much to see! After my second frozen Butterbeer, Joe finally convinced me to wander elsewhere. I didn't want to be with the muggles!

Off we went to see what else Universal Studios had to offer! There's a first time for everything!! Universal virgins no more!

 

[CaliKris]

So glad you got to experience Le Cellier for the first time! It is a "must do" for our family.

My 25 year old son was chosen at the Ollivander's Wand Shop Show to receive a wand. How could we not purchase it after the wand chose him?! We ran around like little kids casting spells and squirting unsuspecting muggles with water from the fountain. It was so worth it!

I love your trip report! So entertaining and educational - I never even connected Diagon Alley with "diagonally."