Trip Report * COMPLETED* The Let's Never Go Home Trip

Hey everyone! I don't have all my pictures and videos sorted or anything yet but its a rainy cold day here in Buffalo so why not work on my trip report I took over 4000 videos and pictures (I started a youtube channel for my videos ) so bear with me as I sort through them all! All and all we had a great trip and I wish we weren't home already

For those of you who want to see my PTR here it is: http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/the-dole-whip-extravaganza.910063/

Let's get started!

Who?:
From left to right: My Dad (Jeff), My Mom (Mary), Nick (Jill's Boyfriend), My Sister Jill (@Disney Dentist ) and Me (Megan!)

When?
Jill and Nick were there from April 29 - May 6
My parents and I were there from April 30 - May 12

Where?
We stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter! Its our favorite hotel (moderate wise) for sure and it did not disappoint this trip We had a great time there and after not having stayed there for a few trips we really enjoyed being back at our "home."

Why?
Why not? We planned this trip before my mom and I went to DL and WDW by ourselves; it was originally a trip to help us get through our post Disney depression from February 2015 but we also ended up going twice more before this....haha

The Title?
We were there for a record (for us) 13 days and it seemed like we were never going to have to leave...unfortunately day 13 did come and we did eventually have to go home. Even after being there for so long I still wasn't ready to leave!

T-1 Day to go:
Jill and Nick were already in Disney but my parents and I could not leave until Saturday because I have clinic on Fridays which is non-negitionable (we get our vacation in two week blocks so technically my vacation didn't start until May 2 but luckily I was able to get the weekend off before). Anyway we had Jills dogs to take care of for one day. I was off my from regular rotation in the morning which was nice because we had time to get our nails done. However, just about an hour before I had to go to clinic my sister's one dog had some issues Here I am bathing him (with my fresh manicure) right before having to go to work...

Meanwhile this is the text I get when I am at clinic....

Must be nice... Anyway we got him cleaned up and when I got home from work we got the dogs all situated at their respective places to stay. We then checked we packed everything and I made my Dad sit down with me and make sure he had everything he needed. This will come into play later since he really wasn't paying attention to me

Day 1 Travel Day
Well our flight was leaving at 6:50 am so we got up around 4:00 am to get ready to go. Luckily we live close to the airport but still planned on leaving around 5 am to make sure we had time. I had a weird feeling all morning that the airport was going to be packed so I was a little more anxious than usual

Anyway we shoved our five (yes five, and my 2 were both full size) suitcases into my Dad's car and off we went to the airport. We ended up leaving a little before 5. We got to the airport and we parked and had to drag our suitcases into the terminal. Its not that far but I was spoiled by our last few trips where my Dad dropped us off at the door haha. Anyway as we were on the elevator I was super anxious and my Dad was like calm down its never that crowded. Literally as soon as he said that the door opened and what did we see? A HUGE line for security...like out the entrance for it all the way through the airport. I almost panicked but instead thought "oh no worries we almost always get TSA pre-check." So we check in and the tickets come out and no pre-check for my Mom and I. My Dad always gets it because he is a government/army employee. He was going to wait in line with us but I told him to go ahead so in case we were so long we didn't get to board on time he could save our seats. I also assumed maybe he would get us breakfast...spoiler alert he didn't haha
Anyway my poor mother had to deal with me through the almost hour we waited in security..I was so nervous we were going to miss our flight (or at least boarding). Luckily we got out around 6:15 and our boarding was 6:25.
My mom and I met my Dad at the gate and while he didn't get us breakfast he did get us cookies so there is that Thumbs up we made it on time, as I am sure many people did not make it! In fact our flight definitely left without some people.

My penguin and dinosaur were ready to go!

We were in the early A's so we got a good seat and immediately put on our magic bands

Next up: traveling continued

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 9 continued
I forgot to add this picture of me on Living with the Land! One of my favorites

Time for Nemo!

After the ride we briefly walked around the aquarium then headed over to see Turtle Talk! We love Turtle Talk and this one did not disappoint

There was a kid sitting behind us who legit though Crush was talking directly to him every time he said something! It was so cute
They added in some of the Finding Dory characters (PS we loved Finding Dory...it was so cute and pretty funny!)

While on Nemo I added a Fast Pass for Figment

Figment was actually down but the CM said he did not think it would be for long so we hung around a little bit
I must live under a rock because I don't ever remember seeing these jumping fountains! We watched these forever!

Figment was still closed but we found a Photopass guy so headed over the get our picture! The monorail made it for the picture!!! so cool!

I wish I could remember his name because he was so nice! He was from Yonkers, NY but said his son played football for University at Buffalo so he had some ties to us His son was still playing football somewhere in the NFL
He made me act sassy...

I'm not good with poses
Finally after this Figment was open so we headed in

Next up: dinner with Donald

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 9 continued
We had reservation in Mexico so headed towards World Showcase
First we stopped for a quick Mother's Day picture...minus my two sisters haha

We had a little bit of time before our reservation at San Angel Inn so we took a quick trip on the Three Caballeros before checking in.

I was excited to show my Dad the original Animatronics that had returned
This dinner choice was my Mom's (aka ladies choice). It is not typically my favorite restaurant, but she really likes it!
When we checked in a woman in front of us asked for a table on the water and they told her it would be an extra 30 minute wait. My Mom and I said it would be cool to sit on the water again but we figured it would not happen after that comment about the wait
We were seated at our table right around our reservation time and look where we were!

Right on the water! We were so excited!!! The last time we sat there was when we first ate there several years ago

For dinner we started off with the nachos they give you, obviously haha

It was so dark in there its so hard to get pictures
For dinner we all ordered the same thing: the Mole Poblano
I did the best I could to lighten the picture so you can somewhat see it

This was so good! So out of the 4 times we have eaten here I only had one bad meal so thats good haha. This was very flavorful and we all really liked it!!!
After eating my Mom had her sights on a drink from America that we had during the Food and Wine Festival.
I think its called a Strawberry Sunset (frozen strawberry with vodka) or something ... I don't even have a picture of it She was too full though and actually did not drink much of it.
You can kind of see it in this Photopass picture haha

Anyway, the Gin Blossoms were playing so we watched them for a bit before continuing along the World Showcase.

Next up: Illuminations!

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 9
I somehow had it in me to eat more food and was planning on getting a creme brûlée in France my changed my mind and picked something else! A crepe! This is the strawberry preserve one

As you may be able to tell I ended up eating in the UK because France was too crowded! The crepe was good, but my eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach and could only eat a few bites
After this we decided to pick a spot to sit for Illuminations. We typically get to fireworks last minute, but sat down about 45 minutes early for this
I took a bunch of pictures while sitting there. We were sitting around the cronut stand right outside Canada and it was a great view

We passed the time playing Heads Up on my phone. They have a Disney board which is free to download if you are in Disney so we had a lot of fun with that one! It was around this time that we noticed tons of helicopters out and about, but weren't exactly sure why. I knew the Invictus games were going on so thought it had something to do with that.

Finally it was time for Illuminations!

I love Illuminations so I was so happy we were able to see it! Luckily since we were so close to the entrance of World Showcase we got out of Epcot super fast and on the first bus back to Port Orleans
We had the funniest bus driver on the way home. He told jokes, told us random facts, etc etc. The girl sitting next to me was not having it, though. She could not believe the guy was talking so much and cracking jokes after a "long day." She literally complained the whole way home about how annoying he was . Well to each their own I guess, but my parents and I enjoyed the bus ride haha
Remember when I said I pushed my parent out the door before Epcot? I figured the gold cart was delivering this:

I ordered my Mom flowers and a balloon about 2 weeks before the trip to be delivered on Mother's Day. They actually gave us two flowers, maybe because it took so long to deliver it? I was so nervous all day about these coming because I wasn't sure if they were ever going to make it! My Mom loved the surprise The flowers came in a mug with cute little Mickey feet and small Mickeys in the flowers as well

After this it was of to bed!

Next up: I oversleep and its Star Wars Day

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Looks like a great day in EPCOT!

 

[MinnieM123]

I ordered my Mom flowers and a balloon about 2 weeks before the trip to be delivered on Mother's Day. They actually gave us two flowers, maybe because it took so long to deliver it? I was so nervous all day about these coming because I wasn't sure if they were ever going to make it! My Mom loved the surprise The flowers came in a mug with cute little Mickey feet and small Mickeys in the flowers as well

That was so sweet that you ordered flowers for Mother's Day. I'm sure your mom loved the gesture even more, because you remembered her on her special day, even while you were all down at WDW.

 

[Doc Disney]

Looks like a great day in EPCOT!

Thanks it was!

 

[Doc Disney]

That was so sweet that you ordered flowers for Mother's Day. I'm sure your mom loved the gesture even more, because you remembered her on her special day, even while you were all down at WDW.

She was really surprised with the flowers! Since they brought two of the flowers my Dad stole one of the cards and wrote his name on it pretending like it was from him too haha

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 10
This morning I woke up and looked around and realized both my Mom and Dad were ready. Usually my Mom gets up first, then me and then my Dad! I was so confused, but I realized I "overslept." The only reason I cared was because I needed to make dining reservations for our next trip! I rushed around to get ready and made some reservations based off the half hearted schedule I made before going on the trip. I was not prepared enough, though, and ended up just making random things I would change later. Oh well! I could not believe of all days I slept past 7 haha. Ah! I was too excited about this trip to fully plan the next. First World Pains
Anyway we headed to the food court (not sure why I keep calling it cafeteria) and grabbed our usual bagel, waffle, crumb cake breakfast. Our original plan was to head to Hollywood Studios later in the day but we were ready so just decided to head out
Look who I spy in the gardens

When we got to Hollywood Studios I believe it was already open

The sky was much clearer than our last trip to HS in the rain!
We had a reservation for dinner around 430 or 5 which why we planned on going to the park later (we are not ALL day park people without breaks....we just can't do it haha) so I looked while we were walking and we were able to move our dining reservation up to 235 which worked out better for us! With that done we headed to check out the Launch Bay

My Mom is not even remotely a Star Wars fan but tolerated us going through here!
We watched the short little film before heading in

The movie was cute, but I like the option that you have of skipping it on future trips!
I was walking when I took this but the rug was cool!

We looked around a bit inside. It was pretty neat in here with lots of little things to look at

I liked how the CMs in here play their parts so well...and they are "from" places in Star Wars instead of their actual cities!
Hello BB8!

Next up: Launch Bay continued

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 10 continued
We wanted to meet Chewbacca, but his line was pretty long so settled for Kylo Ren instead. My Mom had no clue who he was haha. I semi-remember reading stories about how scary Kylo Ren was and they are so true! He just stared at me the whole time and all I could do was nervous laugh. My Dad and I both said after meeting him we could not think of anything to say to him haha

As we were leaving the M and G area my Mom snapped a picture of Kylo and he started after us walking really fast. She asked him if he wanted to see and he said "GO!!!" I didn't know he talked! It was horrifying haha
We needed something a little more pleasant after this so hopped in line for Chewbacca. His wait was posted at 20 minutes, but we waited no more than 5!
He is so tall!!!

My Dad asked him how he fit in the Millennium Falcon and he said he didn't know haha
They shook hands like they were good buddies haha

Meeting Chewie really lifted our spirits after Kylo Ren and we were ready to make our way through the rest of the Launch Bay. We walked past the Visa Meet and Greet area and it was starting in about 5 minutes. We were really hoping it would be Darth Vader!
Instead....

Kylo Ren again!
Where is my hat you may ask? On the ground. Because he took it off my head and threw it
In all seriousness its kind of odd to have him in two different meet and greet areas. We were not the only ones in line who just met him and were a little disappointed. I would imagine this may confuse kids who just saw him elsewhere! Oh well!
We had enough of Kylo so we decided to exit the Launch Bay only to run into these guys

My Dad told us the last time we were at Hollywood Studios that when I was in the bathroom (shocker) I missed these guys. Honestly, Jill and I thought he was making it up! Turns out he wasn't haha
This was cool to see although after seeing it about 10 more times after this it got a little old haha

Next up: onto something happier...or so we thought!

 

[DisneyJeff]

Day 10
This morning I woke up and looked around and realized both my Mom and Dad were ready. Usually my Mom gets up first, then me and then my Dad! I was so confused, but I realized I "overslept." The only reason I cared was because I needed to make dining reservations for our next trip! I rushed around to get ready and made some reservations based off the half hearted schedule I made before going on the trip. I was not prepared enough, though, and ended up just making random things I would change later. Oh well! I could not believe of all days I slept past 7 haha. Ah! I was too excited about this trip to fully plan the next. First World Pains

You gotta love being able to say "Day 10" on your trip report!!! I'm so jealous!!

 

[ScarletBegonias]

I HATED out Kylo interaction! It was the most awkward thing ever. Won't do that one again.

 

[Doc Disney]

You gotta love being able to say "Day 10" on your trip report!!! I'm so jealous!!

I feel so lucky that we were able to stay as long as we did! I will never forget this trip it was definitely one of my favorites

 

[Doc Disney]

I HATED out Kylo interaction! It was the most awkward thing ever. Won't do that one again.

Agreed. It was super awkward

 

[Brian & Jill]

Hey Doc!!!!!!! We are loving the trip report so far!!!!! Cannot wait to read the rest to see how close we were to bumping into eachother. We watched your latest episode on you tube and we are loving it!!!!! On a side note we are counting down until "Halloween on the High Seas" our next 4 day Disney Cruise which is at 98 days. We are still debating on what we will do for next year for our trip/trips!!!!!! Any way enough of my rambling again cannot wait for the rest of your report!!!!!

 

[Richterbon23]

I feel so lucky that we were able to stay as long as we did! I will never forget this trip it was definitely one of my favorites

I made the "mistake" of going for 10 days a few years back and now I find it very difficult to go for anything less. We are leaving on August 12th for 2 weeks! Really enjoying your trip report! What is the link to your video page on YouTube?

 

[LisaBelle]

I have been slacking on my TR reading, but am finally all caught up with your report. That said, I have a ton of things to comment on.
Love the gift exchange idea. We may have to steal that for our next family trip (whenever that may be!).
I've never met the Tweedles they looked like so much fun.
I never knew they put birthday signs, etc. on the speedway cars. You learn something new about Disney every day! Which reminds of the girls who thought they were "Disney Experts" lol!
Loved your Ride Shirts theme. Another great idea I might have to steal!
Chef Mickey's looked like a ton of fun. I've always disregarded it because I assumed it was more for families with small kids, but your report provided a new perspective for me. My husband loves Goofy so I think it would be a blast for him to meet Goofy and get a picture of them together. My list of future ADRs just keeps growing and growing……...
We loved the wave pool at TL. Have only been once but really enjoyed our time there. Mini Golf looks like fun. If we can manage a longer trip the next time we go, we will have to check that out. Our son is a pretty good golfer so he will probably kick our butts.
Glad the Mother's Day flowers arrived. They were really pretty and that was a very nice surprise for your mom.
Love that you still have a few more days to report on. It is helping me with the Disney blues. When we take family trips we usually go to Disney in mid-July so I am feeling very sad that we are not there right now and don't have any new trips on the horizon. I am hoping that by spring I will be able to book a trip for 2018. Until then, I will just keep living vicariously through the trip reports of my friends here on the forums !
Looking forward to more.

 

[Beckett]

I LOL'd when I saw you got Kylo again. I can imagine your faces after both your father and you admitted you had no idea of what to say to him. I have a crush on Kylo (all that luscious hair under that mask) so I will have to try it at least once! I know my daughter will be freaked out by it. She is very protective of me and will probably pull me away. But I love me some villains!

 

[Doc Disney]

Hey Doc!!!!!!! We are loving the trip report so far!!!!! Cannot wait to read the rest to see how close we were to bumping into eachother. We watched your latest episode on you tube and we are loving it!!!!! On a side note we are counting down until "Halloween on the High Seas" our next 4 day Disney Cruise which is at 98 days. We are still debating on what we will do for next year for our trip/trips!!!!!! Any way enough of my rambling again cannot wait for the rest of your report!!!!!

Thanks for reading and watching! My first videos are pretty lame since I was still testing it out but next two trips get better haha. OMG you are in double digits for the cruise! Thats so exciting! I didn't know they did a Halloween themed one thats so cool!

 

[Doc Disney]

I made the "mistake" of going for 10 days a few years back and now I find it very difficult to go for anything less. We are leaving on August 12th for 2 weeks! Really enjoying your trip report! What is the link to your video page on YouTube?

OMG I know right? We almost always go for 10 days and the one trip recently we went for 8 my Mom and I were like "this is too short" haha Have an awesome trip!!!! 2 weeks is so exciting! So...I don't have a personalized URL yet because I'm still working my way up to 50 subscribers. My name is D.O. Disney and if you search the title Episode 1 Disneyland Day 1 you should be able to find me. Once I get 50 subscribers I can get a personalized URL

 

[Doc Disney]

I have been slacking on my TR reading, but am finally all caught up with your report. That said, I have a ton of things to comment on.
Love the gift exchange idea. We may have to steal that for our next family trip (whenever that may be!).
I've never met the Tweedles they looked like so much fun.
I never knew they put birthday signs, etc. on the speedway cars. You learn something new about Disney every day! Which reminds of the girls who thought they were "Disney Experts" lol!
Loved your Ride Shirts theme. Another great idea I might have to steal!
Chef Mickey's looked like a ton of fun. I've always disregarded it because I assumed it was more for families with small kids, but your report provided a new perspective for me. My husband loves Goofy so I think it would be a blast for him to meet Goofy and get a picture of them together. My list of future ADRs just keeps growing and growing……...
We loved the wave pool at TL. Have only been once but really enjoyed our time there. Mini Golf looks like fun. If we can manage a longer trip the next time we go, we will have to check that out. Our son is a pretty good golfer so he will probably kick our butts.
Glad the Mother's Day flowers arrived. They were really pretty and that was a very nice surprise for your mom.
Love that you still have a few more days to report on. It is helping me with the Disney blues. When we take family trips we usually go to Disney in mid-July so I am feeling very sad that we are not there right now and don't have any new trips on the horizon. I am hoping that by spring I will be able to book a trip for 2018. Until then, I will just keep living vicariously through the trip reports of my friends here on the forums !
Looking forward to more.

Thanks for catching up! We love doing the gift exchange! Its a neat way to buy a gift someone probably wouldn't buy for themselves Chef Mickeys was awesome and the characters definitely spent a lot of time with us! Its nice when you are a party of adults and the characters still spend time interacting with you! Goofy and Donald spent the most amount of time with us so it would be perfect for your husband! ADR lists get so long! My Mom and I were just talking about a new place to try in November and there are just too many options haha. Honestly anyone can be good at the mini golf its very downhill-y so the balls make their way to the holes pretty easily haha. Its how my Mom and I beat my Dad for once
I would say if anyone is interested in getting flowers to the room they look much better in person than on the website. They are semi expensive but worth it Hope you get to plan a trip soon-ish Maybe one will pop up on you!