Trip Report **COMPLETED** The Tail of Slinky Dog

Hey everyone!
We have been back for a week now so I suppose it is time to start our TR!

Who
Just my Mom and I (Mary and Megan)
This is a picture from our last trip!

When?
July 9-July 16 2018

Why?
To celebrate my 30th Birthday

Where?
The Grand Floridian - thanks to a pretty good bounce back or AP deal (I can't actually remember which one )

The title?
We are obsessed with Slinky Dog Dash - plain and simple

Day 1 July 9, 2018
I had to work most of my usual day before we headed to the airport. Why is this day of work always the LONGEST day of work?
My Dad was actually out of town for work so he couldn't drive us to the airport, but my brother in law Nick kindly offered to drive us (thankfully)
I was super stressed about leaving on time (I thought our flight was earlier than it was ) hence my flushed cheeks

Oh hey Nick

Of course we made it to the airport, checked our bags and made it through security in little to no time
We decided to eat dinner at our usual airport dinner place - Anchor Bar

We shared the appetizer sampler and some fries. Wings, boneless wings, mozzarella sticks I realize now this isn't the best of pictures to actually show the food

After our delicious dinner we headed to the gate to wait to leave.
Petey was ready to go

Soon enough we were on the plane!

Next up: finishing Day 1 (quick day!)

 

[Doc Disney]

Do you know if they have any gluten free options for the tea? I've always wanted to do it, but I don't think I could eat ANY of that stuff!

I have no idea sorry

Your mom with that Cool Xing sign!!

I made her pose!

 

[Doc Disney]

Afternoon tea looks sooooo fun! If I ever do a girls trip again, i think that needs to be on the agenda. I can't see R enjoying it

You know I would do it with you

Glad to read about your experience with the GF tea. I was thinking of doing it with my SIL in March but the reviews scared me off.

I would definitely recommend it!

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 4 continued
After our tea we spent some time at the pool but the sun got to us pretty quickly so we decided to go to MK instead
We first stopped for a PP picture

We had a FP for Buzz so headed there first

We rode the Peoplemover after this

Then we headed to POTC (picked up a FP!).

We headed over there because I needed to pick up something else for my sister. I had a hard time actually finding them so I was happy when I spotted them behind the counter

After POTC we headed out because the the sky looked like this.

Next up: something new!

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 4 continued
It was a bit windy on the boat

We made it to the room JUST as it started pouring. We were so bummed. It was the one night we literally needed it to not rain. We sat in the room for a bit debating what to do. We had tickets to H20 glow and we needed to leave within the hour but also didn't want to get soaked. We ended up racing to Gasparilla Grill to get a snack. We intended on eating at Typhoon Lagoon but that wasn't happening. We ordered 2 sides of Mac and cheese (aka a Dixie cup size of Mac and cheese that was dry and tasteless ) and chips and fries. We weren't starving so it worked out fine but I will say Gasp. Grill is not our favorite quick service I did not take any pictures because we raced over in the rain. By some miracle it stopped raining just around the time we had to make a decision. Woohoo!!!

While we waited for our Minnie Van driver (way easier than transferring buses) we noticed this limo pull up with a bunch of luggage attached. Oh darn, we forgot to drive our limo

Our Minnie Van pulled up and it was the same driver we had last trip who wasn't super pleasant This time, however, he was super cool. We chatted mostly about Pixar movies and shorts
We made it right around opening of H20 Glow at 8!
H20 glow is based off the Pixar short Partysaurus Rex who happens to be the "DJ." To refresh your memory that is the short where Rex ends up in the bathtub and throws a party

I read a review online that said to get all the character M and Gs done before you got all wet from the water. We liked that idea so we headed out to find Buzz Lightyear.
There was literally no one around. Buzz spent a ton of time with us!

We actually weren't planning on meeting Woody and Jess but Buzz was so quick we figured we would find them! We got a bit lost but eventually we wandered right into them - again with no line!

Next up: more H20 Glow

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 4 continued
Oh, I forgot. It turns out it didn't even rain at Typhoon Lagoon/DS area The Minnie Van driver was confused when we said it was pouring!

We were a bit concerned because there were actually way more people there than we thought. However, the short wait times continued onto the slides.
Please enjoy 100 blurry photos to come Waterproof camera in the dark does not do well
We went on Miss Adventure Falls and Crush n' Gusher right away

We then headed towards the lazy man river!

They had a bunch of speciality rafts in there and we made it our mission to find them! People were hoarding them so it was a tougher job that we thought

Next up: more H20 glow

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 4 continued
Honestly it was SO hard to get these pictures and they still aren't even close to good

Really our ultimate goal was to get one of the ducks.
Success!!

We finally dragged ourselves out of the lazy man There were a ton of activities going on on the beach but we just watched them and then headed to the wave pool for a few waves!
Some random photos

Next up: finishing off H20 glow

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 4 continued
We did a bunch of waves then got out of the water and changed into dry clothes.
We wanted a bit of snack so we grabbed a sundae from Happy Landings Ice Cream.
We got a twist sundae with caramel and whipped cream
Dare I say this sundae was 10 x better than our sundae and Beaches and Cream without everyone feeling sad about it?

We were exhausted so we headed out after this! We actually made it a lot longer than I thought we would
We had an absolute blast!!! I bought those tickets on a whim when I saw the ad on Facebook. I really wasn't sure what it was going to be like but it was so much fun! They had specialty food and drinks too we just didn't have any Highly recommend it! Its a good option if you don't have water park tickets too because it was actually pretty cheap and every slide was a walk on!

We took another Minnie Van home and our driver was so sweet!!! She chatted with us the whole way about her daughters, and colleges, and majors and told us some cool Disney facts.
When we pulled up the GF she asked me if I could go on any ride (other than 7DMT) for my Birthday the next day which one would I pick. I said Space Mountain and then she presented me with this early birthday present!
Golden Ticket!!

It was such a sweet surprise and a wonderful touch of Disney Magic!

Next up: my Birthday!!

 

[krause]

So many “checks” on this trip!!

 

[DryerLintFan]

Day 4 continued
It was a bit windy on the boat
View attachment 301075
View attachment 301076
We made it to the room JUST as it started pouring. We were so bummed. It was the one night we literally needed it to not rain. We sat in the room for a bit debating what to do. We had tickets to H20 glow and we needed to leave within the hour but also didn't want to get soaked. We ended up racing to Gasparilla Grill to get a snack. We intended on eating at Typhoon Lagoon but that wasn't happening. We ordered 2 sides of Mac and cheese (aka a Dixie cup size of Mac and cheese that was dry and tasteless ) and chips and fries. We weren't starving so it worked out fine but I will say Gasp. Grill is not our favorite quick service I did not take any pictures because we raced over in the rain. By some miracle it stopped raining just around the time we had to make a decision. Woohoo!!!
View attachment 301078
While we waited for our Minnie Van driver (way easier than transferring buses) we noticed this limo pull up with a bunch of luggage attached. Oh darn, we forgot to drive our limo
View attachment 301079
Our Minnie Van pulled up and it was the same driver we had last trip who wasn't super pleasant This time, however, he was super cool. We chatted mostly about Pixar movies and shorts
We made it right around opening of H20 Glow at 8!
H20 glow is based off the Pixar short Partysaurus Rex who happens to be the "DJ." To refresh your memory that is the short where Rex ends up in the bathtub and throws a party
View attachment 301080
I read a review online that said to get all the character M and Gs done before you got all wet from the water. We liked that idea so we headed out to find Buzz Lightyear.
There was literally no one around. Buzz spent a ton of time with us!
View attachment 301081
View attachment 301082
View attachment 301083
We actually weren't planning on meeting Woody and Jess but Buzz was so quick we figured we would find them! We got a bit lost but eventually we wandered right into them - again with no line!
View attachment 301084

Next up: more H20 Glow

WHERE DID YOU GET THOSE OVERALLS?!?!?!?!

 

[Songbird76]

Day 4 continued
Oh, I forgot. It turns out it didn't even rain at Typhoon Lagoon/DS area The Minnie Van driver was confused when we said it was pouring!
View attachment 301085
View attachment 301086
View attachment 301095
View attachment 301097
We were a bit concerned because there were actually way more people there than we thought. However, the short wait times continued onto the slides.
Please enjoy 100 blurry photos to come Waterproof camera in the dark does not do well
We went on Miss Adventure Falls and Crush n' Gusher right away
View attachment 301098
View attachment 301099
View attachment 301100
We then headed towards the lazy man river!
View attachment 301101
They had a bunch of speciality rafts in there and we made it our mission to find them! People were hoarding them so it was a tougher job that we thought
View attachment 301102
View attachment 301103

Next up: more H20 glow

I love your swimsuit! It's so cute! Is it new?

 

[Songbird76]

Day 4 continued
We did a bunch of waves then got out of the water and changed into dry clothes.
We wanted a bit of snack so we grabbed a sundae from Happy Landings Ice Cream.
We got a twist sundae with caramel and whipped cream
Dare I say this sundae was 10 x better than our sundae and Beaches and Cream without everyone feeling sad about it?
View attachment 301128
We were exhausted so we headed out after this! We actually made it a lot longer than I thought we would
We had an absolute blast!!! I bought those tickets on a whim when I saw the ad on Facebook. I really wasn't sure what it was going to be like but it was so much fun! They had specialty food and drinks too we just didn't have any Highly recommend it! Its a good option if you don't have water park tickets too because it was actually pretty cheap and every slide was a walk on!
View attachment 301123
View attachment 301124
View attachment 301125
View attachment 301127
We took another Minnie Van home and our driver was so sweet!!! She chatted with us the whole way about her daughters, and colleges, and majors and told us some cool Disney facts.
When we pulled up the GF she asked me if I could go on any ride (other than 7DMT) for my Birthday the next day which one would I pick. I said Space Mountain and then she presented me with this early birthday present!
Golden Ticket!!
View attachment 301129
It was such a sweet surprise and a wonderful touch of Disney Magic!

Next up: my Birthday!!

Awwww!! That is so sweet!

I have two questions about the event. I saw this advertised and it looked fun, but is the specialty food free or do you have to pay extra for that? I'm thinking about it for next Summer if they do it again, but it doesn't seem like it's worth the extra ticket if the extras aren't included with that. And did you take a minnie van because there was no free transportation at that time?

 

[Doc Disney]

So many “checks” on this trip!!

Yep!

WHERE DID YOU GET THOSE OVERALLS?!?!?!?!

Forever 21

 

[Doc Disney]

I love your swimsuit! It's so cute! Is it new?

Awwww!! That is so sweet!

I have two questions about the event. I saw this advertised and it looked fun, but is the specialty food free or do you have to pay extra for that? I'm thinking about it for next Summer if they do it again, but it doesn't seem like it's worth the extra ticket if the extras aren't included with that. And did you take a minnie van because there was no free transportation at that time?

Thank you. Its pretty old actually. I got it on amazon
No nothing is included. However, we paid about $35 for the party with the AP discount. That is half the price of a regular water park ticket with no waits for anything so its a pretty good tradeoff. And no, as I said we only took the Minnie Van because it was just quicker than transferring buses. They had buses running to DS (the transfer point) constantly!

 

[mlegerto]

We LOVE afternoon tea at the GF. We had it booked for our upcoming September trip, but I ended up canceling it so far because I can't have that much tea/caffine while pregnant and some of the sandwiches are things I cannot eat - so it kind of seems like a bit of a waste. I am SO tempted to put it back in our plans though because we really did enjoy it.

I DO love me some Beaches n Cream, but I will admit that the sundaes at TL are awesome!! The H2O party looks awesome, I'd love to be there in the dark.

 

[DryerLintFan]

We LOVE afternoon tea at the GF. We had it booked for our upcoming September trip, but I ended up canceling it so far because I can't have that much tea/caffine while pregnant and some of the sandwiches are things I cannot eat - so it kind of seems like a bit of a waste. I am SO tempted to put it back in our plans though because we really did enjoy it.

I DO love me some Beaches n Cream, but I will admit that the sundaes at TL are awesome!! The H2O party looks awesome, I'd love to be there in the dark.

We're going back in September as well. We're park schedule buddies

 

[MeeskaMooska0714]

H2O Glow looks like so much fun! I love that short, and had no idea that is what it was based on! Are the snacks included in admission, or is it extra?

 

[Songbird76]

Thank you. Its pretty old actually. I got it on amazon
No nothing is included. However, we paid about $35 for the party with the AP discount. That is half the price of a regular water park ticket with no waits for anything so its a pretty good tradeoff. And no, as I said we only took the Minnie Van because it was just quicker than transferring buses. They had buses running to DS (the transfer point) constantly!

Ah, sorry, I must have missed where you said that about the buses. Transfering IS a pain in the tushy though.
That's a pretty good price then, if you have the AP. Then it totally seems worth it.

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH H2OGlow!!! What a fun party!!! You guys lucked out on the wait times! Sounds like a really fun night!
Isn't it funny how pouring showers happen in one place in Disney but not in another? Glad you and your mom are having a blast!!
HOW SWEET of the Minnie Van driver to give you a Golden Ticket!! Those unexpected Disney magic moments are the best!!!

 

[Doc Disney]

We LOVE afternoon tea at the GF. We had it booked for our upcoming September trip, but I ended up canceling it so far because I can't have that much tea/caffine while pregnant and some of the sandwiches are things I cannot eat - so it kind of seems like a bit of a waste. I am SO tempted to put it back in our plans though because we really did enjoy it.

I DO love me some Beaches n Cream, but I will admit that the sundaes at TL are awesome!! The H2O party looks awesome, I'd love to be there in the dark.

I would save it for a time when you can truly enjoy it That Sundae was sooooo good!!!

H2O Glow looks like so much fun! I love that short, and had no idea that is what it was based on! Are the snacks included in admission, or is it extra?

They are not included sadly

 

[Doc Disney]

Ah, sorry, I must have missed where you said that about the buses. Transfering IS a pain in the tushy though.
That's a pretty good price then, if you have the AP. Then it totally seems worth it.

OMG sorry --- I don't know why I said it like that I was clearly in work mode haha

OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH H2OGlow!!! What a fun party!!! You guys lucked out on the wait times! Sounds like a really fun night!
Isn't it funny how pouring showers happen in one place in Disney but not in another? Glad you and your mom are having a blast!!
HOW SWEET of the Minnie Van driver to give you a Golden Ticket!! Those unexpected Disney magic moments are the best!!!

Thank you so much for reading!! I agree it is those small unexpected moments that make Disney so great