Trip Report ** COMPLETED ** You left your babies at HOME? Heck yes we did!

SighI’ve been meaning to start this report for a while! It did happen almost 4 months ago, but with my last trip report dragging on, end of school and an early summer vacation, life had different plans!

Anyway, let’s gooo!

The quick deets:

Who: Me and my wife K

When: February 25 - March 3
Where: GF villas and Wilderness Lodge

As for the why and how we got here: The short story is that we were celebrating our 10 year anniversary.

There is a lot more to it than that though -

We knew for the last 2 years we wanted to go away for our 10 year, but could not figure out where. We toyed with everything from an all-inclusive beach vacation, to England, to our other favorite Cape May and everything in between. We realized though we are not just sit on the beach people anymore - we are busy, and like to be going and doing things. When the pictures of the Wish came out, it seemed perfect. Romantic and fancy, enough of a Disney touch, and we get to get to the beach too. All of our favorite things! So we booked a 4 day cruise, and since we were traveling to a Florida anyway, we booked a 2 night stay at Grand Floridian by renting DVC points (figuring we would never stay there in the near future with kids).

And then a wrench was thrown - the Wish actually sailed, and reviews were less than ideal.

We tried to ignore them, but so many of the negatives were focused on the adult side of things, with the positives being the kids areas. In the end, we just weren’t excited anymore and with the best parts being the kids areas, it did not seem to be a good way for us to spend our money. So we cancelled, but we still had that 2 night stay at GF, and with it being a point rental, we could not really cancel. Luckily, a Disney+ promotion had just came out, and we were able to score a great deal on a WL room! And so the trip was born!

 

[Tuvalu]

 

[Spash007]

I know, I know. The start of the school year hit with a doozy with my job also wanting me to come in more often, and then youI keep thinking to finish it, and then think “does anyone actually even remember it?” And do I remember enough to write it?

But if anyone still actually cares, I’ll wrap it up!

 

[cgersic]

I know, I know. The start of the school year hit with a doozy with my job also wanting me to come in more often, and then youI keep thinking to finish it, and then think “does anyone actually even remember it?” And do I remember enough to write it?

But if anyone still actually cares, I’ll wrap it up!

We always care! Can't speak for everyone, but a trip report unfinished feels like a book I didn't get to the end of, no matter how long ago I started it.

 

[Spash007]

Ok, let’s keep this going. Not sure how many details I’ll have, but I’ll try!

This was our last full day, March 1st and we were finally heading to MK.

Once again, woke up a bit early around 6:30 to catch the sunrise on the balcony, and eat something (probably a cookie to be honest from Gideons)

It was shaping up to be another beautiful day.

We left the room around 7:15 to try to be on the dock by 7:30.

While still nice and cool, as we got closer to the water, that perfectly clear morning we saw from our balcony faded into a foggy mess! It was honestly a bit creepy given how quiet it also was!

Our boat emerged from the fog just before 7:30, and almost at the same time, the dock filled with people.

Over by MK, there was not a lick of fog.

Early Entry didn’t start until 8:30, and it was only 8, so we took our time on Main Street, taking our time with photos (unlike the usual snap while walking/pushing a stroller with one hand)

Knowing this would likely be the last time I would see the 50th decor, I WDW really wanted to capture it.

 

[Spash007]

After hanging around Main Street, we joined the crowds going to the Tomorrowland bridge.

Where we spotted this little guy still getting his breakfast!

Crowds were quickly forming, but we had a feeling they would disperse quickly

Being on an adults trip for an anniversary, there were many times we would see an older couple and say “aww that’ll be us in years” or see a Honeymoon couple and tell them congratulations and think back to our own Honeymoon in Mexico.

But then we saw one couple that defied expectations.

He was literally pulling her by her pack. She was probably looking at wait times, or making a LL reservation, but this was not a cute “let me guide you through the crowds.” He was very much speed walking and dragging her along. K looked at me and said if I ever do that to her, the ring will be given back. Which is honestly a less violent reaction than I would have expected!

But like the Pullers, we also went to Space Mountain. We ended up on the left, which seemed shorter and slower than we remembered, so we decided to try again later to get on the right side.

After that, I believe we went to Buzz (where I can pretty much guarantee that K won, even without photo evidence) and while I wanted a Shakin Jamaican, the Joffreys stand was closed.

So instead we headed to the Cheshire Cat, and I got an iced coffee with some Caramel flavoring. Since this is an hour after open, I’m wondering if we did Tea Cups too

We then made our way back to Gaston’s to grab a cinnamon roll.

I never noticed the name of the beer before

Honestly, each time I have this, I like it less and less. It’s just too doughy and yeasty for my liking.

After a 20 minute break, we headed back out

Hi Figaro!

 

[k8einwdw]

He was literally pulling her by her pack. She was probably looking at wait times, or making a LL reservation, but this was not a cute “let me guide you through the crowds.” He was very much speed walking and dragging her along.

I just want to know the conversation behind that. "Okay, you get our first Lightning Lane, I'll get us through the crowd to Space Mountain." I'm with K, although my response probably would have involved more violence.

 

[Spash007]

I just want to know the conversation behind that. "Okay, you get our first Lightning Lane, I'll get us through the crowd to Space Mountain." I'm with K, although my response probably would have involved more violence.

Seriously! And you can tell in that picture this was after the crowds! It wasn’t a “hey I’m nervous we’ll get separated”. We made jokes about this poor couple for the rest of our day!

 

[Spash007]

Trying to not lose momentum here. I will get this done!

With our bellies full and no kids in tow, it was time to leave Fantasyland.

I have to admit, I think Haunted Mansion grows on me every trip. I had not gone on it after the refurb where they really plussed it up many years ago, until we took C when she was very young. And it was a lot creepier than I remembered. Now though with that shock out of my system, I really appreciate the length, complexity and charm it somehow all wraps together!

On the way out, I took a nice long look at my namesake off in the distance hoping the updates won’t rely too much on screens.

I love just how unassuming Frontierland is.

I wanted to get a closer look at the ride formerly known as Splash (and we were on our way to Big Thunder anyway)

Why they decided to do away with the tree on top is beyond me. Now it’s just another mountain. Oh well

Anyway, after Big Thunder, we headed over to the land of Adventure, and jumped on one of K’s favorites, Pirates. And actually got some decent pictures this time!

We honestly normally skip Jungle Cruise, but we haven’t seen the new additions, and we are more likely to enjoy the jokes than the kids, so we jumped in line (which wasn’t terrible)

 

[Spash007]

Our skipper was good, but for me it’s just not a must do every time. Especially given the wait that it gets.

But this is -

Treats in hand, we headed into the Tiki Room just as a show was starting

I just remembered too that while in here, the man in front of us layed down across the bench and put his hat over his eyes. Dude, I get it. But you also had kids with you who were not exactly quiet, and your wife was too busy on her phone. One of those moments when we felt like we still were at home with the kids!

I left in search of a more quiet place, and wanted to check off the last attraction I think I’ve never done - Swiss Family!

I have an odd love for this movie, and while the walk through really is nothing special, I still enjoyed it (K did not want to deal with the stairs and called back home)

While it was very cool to see everything from the movie, this view just could not be beat

I finished up right before noon, which was when the egg roll cart was opening, so we got two of each (the cheeseburger, and pastrami at this time)

The parade also had started at 12, so we decided to head to Main Street to enjoy our lunch and also grab some shade. Soon after, the parade came through!

A nice part of not having the kids was that we did not have to try to find a spot in the front or have to hold them the whole time. However, that meant that certain people felt they could just jump in front of us.

Like this lady who decided to record the ENTIRE parade right in front of us.

Actually, not the entire, she showed up about 5 minutes in, claimed the 5 Ft of space next to us, and leaned over so that her phone was directly in front of me.

We could still see it, but we could not now get the pictures of the parade with the castle behind it. I know, first world problems, but it was just beyond rude. Especially because she also kept bumping into me (to which I would bump back with increasing force, which got K to give me a glare or two once she noticed what I was doing )
Finally she did decide to move towards the castle and claim another unexpecting victim’s view, so we were able to fully enjoy the parade

 

[Spash007]

A few more pics of the parade:

I can never get a good picture of Mickey and Minnie together

It was around 12:30, and after 4 hours had gotten done most of what we wanted, plus there were extended hours tonight, so we followed the parade out.

There was quite the wait for a boat, but we really weren’t in a rush at this point

It was absolutely beautiful on the boat!

We got back and while K was a bit peckish, the over indulgence of sugar for me the past few days was making my stomach not that happy. She ate something from Roaring Fork, while I just sat on the balcony and read a bit.

Coming up - our last night!

 

[k8einwdw]

Especially because she also kept bumping into me (to which I would bump back with increasing force, which got K to give me a glare or two once she noticed what I was doing )

 

[Spash007]

 

[fractal]

View attachment 748150

Our skipper was good, but for me it’s just not a must do every time. Especially given the wait that it gets.

But this is -

View attachment 748151

Treats in hand, we headed into the Tiki Room just as a show was starting

View attachment 748152

I just remembered too that while in here, the man in front of us layed down across the bench and put his hat over his eyes. Dude, I get it. But you also had kids with you who were not exactly quiet, and your wife was too busy on her phone. One of those moments when we felt like we still were at home with the kids!

I left in search of a more quiet place, and wanted to check off the last attraction I think I’ve never done - Swiss Family!

View attachment 748156

I have an odd love for this movie, and while the walk through really is nothing special, I still enjoyed it (K did not want to deal with the stairs and called back home)

View attachment 748157

While it was very cool to see everything from the movie, this view just could not be beat

View attachment 748158

I finished up right before noon, which was when the egg roll cart was opening, so we got two of each (the cheeseburger, and pastrami at this time)

View attachment 748159

The parade also had started at 12, so we decided to head to Main Street to enjoy our lunch and also grab some shade. Soon after, the parade came through!

View attachment 748160

A nice part of not having the kids was that we did not have to try to find a spot in the front or have to hold them the whole time. However, that meant that certain people felt they could just jump in front of us.

Like this lady who decided to record the ENTIRE parade right in front of us.

View attachment 748161

Actually, not the entire, she showed up about 5 minutes in, claimed the 5 Ft of space next to us, and leaned over so that her phone was directly in front of me.

We could still see it, but we could not now get the pictures of the parade with the castle behind it. I know, first world problems, but it was just beyond rude. Especially because she also kept bumping into me (to which I would bump back with increasing force, which got K to give me a glare or two once she noticed what I was doing )
Finally she did decide to move towards the castle and claim another unexpecting victim’s view, so we were able to fully enjoy the parade

View attachment 748163

I can't tell you how much I hate when people block your view with their phones or Ipads! Especially if they just show up and move in front of you. Makes me wanna got Vader on them.

 

[MickeyCB]

We could still see it, but we could not now get the pictures of the parade with the castle behind it. I know, first world problems, but it was just beyond rude. Especially because she also kept bumping into me (to which I would bump back with increasing force, which got K to give me a glare or two once she noticed what I was doing )

 

[lindawdw]

Some people are just so rude and inconsiderate when it's parade time. I would have reacted just the way you did! Glad you got to enjoy some fun attractions at MK before heading back to WL.

 

[Spash007]

After a couple of hours in the room, we headed to our dinner at Disney Springs. But first, even with me being sweetened out from all my snacks, we made a stop at Gideons to get some cookies to bring home.

And as a testament on how low the crowds were - there was no VQ! We just walked right in.

My stomach when it realized where we were -

Cookies in hand, we made our way to one of our favorites - Homecomin. K got a peach sangria that she has enjoyed before, and I got their sweet tea which was just as good as expected!

K got the fried chicken and mashed potatoes.

Hot take - I am not a fan of the mashed potatoes. I find them a bit too “wet”

For my meal, and trying to give myself a break from some carbs, I got the Fried Chicken Salad, which was really really good!

After dinner, we headed to the Lego store to look for one more souvenir for C (and struck out)

Around this time, a plan started hatching in our minds. Since we didn’t make it to the Poly the other night, why not just catch a bus there, get our hit in, and then catch the monorail to MK?

The wait for a bus was a bit longer than expected, and we started worrying if we made a mistake. But one eventually came, and we were soon in a tropical paradise!

After a quick restroom break and loop around the lobby, we headed upstairs and got on the monorail. With 10 minutes to show time, we were walking in.

We clearly were not going to make it to the hub, and we were also interested in seeing the Main Street projections so this wasn’t bad considering we walked right in. And like I told K, it’s not like it was HEA! (Which had yet to return at this point)

 

[Spash007]

Photo dump of the fireworks -

Other than that one tree (who remembers all the trees in the hub??) I really enjoyed this view. It was nice to be able to see the castle with the fireworks all around it. That said, with kids I think this would have been a bit harder because we would have had to hold them higher than in the hub where they can just look straight up.

 

[lindawdw]

It sounds like a wonderful evening together. We love standing in the back on Main Street to watch the fireworks because it's a nice view of the whole show and it's easy to get out right away with the crowds at that point.

 

[Spash007]

It sounds like a wonderful evening together. We love standing in the back on Main Street to watch the fireworks because it's a nice view of the whole show and it's easy to get out right away with the crowds at that point.

Yes! Except, we weren’t just quite done yet

 

[Spash007]

Before this trip, K learned of a life changing offer at MK - the make your own popcorn station at the Confectionary. Since we were pretty close to it at this time, and didn’t want to feel like fish swimming upstream as the crowds dispersed, this seemed to be the perfect opportunity. After a quick game of frogger across Main Street, I was in heaven and ordered myself and C one (as her last souvenir)

By the time I was done, most of the crowds left Main Street, and we made our way to Tomorrowland to take advantage of the last hour of park open time, and see how long we could stay for Evening Hours.

First we had a rematch on Buzz, which I lost once again. I think my laser is always mis calibrated

Then we headed to Space, where we had a slight snafu, as K wanted to go on the opposite side than we did earlier, and I didn’t mention it to the CM. But the wait was short, and this was fixed with a quick re-ride. And we also determined that the right side definitely goes faster.

Now it was about 10 pm, and extra hours were just starting. As much as the popcorn was keeping me going, I needed something stronger. And the Joffreys was actually open, so I could get the Shakin Jamaican that I love so much!

Coffee in hand, it was time for a lovely evening ride on the PeopleMover. Just what we needed to recharge!

They were testing the lighting on Tron this night, which was very fun to watch

Once done, we jumped for a quick spin on the Tea Cups, where K treated me to her infamous spin moves.