Trip Report englanddg's Getting a bit Enthusiastic Escapade...

Well here we go again...

Pre-trip?

I don't know...

 

[MinnieM123]

So....we haz plans!

In the past, I have planned the heck out of these trips. The last trip we did to Disney (outside of the trip that fell through that was supposed to be to Disneyland Paris)...was a weekend trip for a Halloween Party.

And, for that trip, I didn't plan much at all. We stayed at the now defunct Nickelodeon Resort (which I actually enjoyed). And, overall, had a blast and just did our thing.

So....this trip, with a very tall (she's 5' 2" now, whaaa?) kiddo, I decided to let her in on the planning.

And, this is what she's decided.

1) She wants to see Pandora (I do too, so...great)
2) She wants to eat at Be Our Guest (I...well, that's a tall order, but ok....great)
3) She wants to see Cirque (they aren't open right now it appears)
4) She wants to see Harry Potter (ok, great, we'll peel off a few days for Universal)

So, here's what she and I came up with.

THIS COMING SAT - Fly in. I arrive a few hours before her, because she's flying alone. She loves....LOVES flying alone. The whole "adventure" aspect of it, I suppose. So, she is very excited about that. The issue is, I had to book my flight to arrive early, and hers to arrive a few hours later, and with prices, that means that her flight doesn't land until around 5p or so. That basically cuts off the whole day as travel, and we probably won't be checked in and settled at the hotel until close to 8p.

Now, that isn't such a bad thing. I've tried all sorts of "meet up" concepts over the years to get her, and we always end up with one day that is basically a "waste" for travel getting down there.

So, the general plan is that she will arrive, and we will Magical Expressify ourselves over to our hotel (Pop Century). Drop off the bags. And, then make a choice. Either we'll do some stuff around the hotel, or maybe, if things go quicker than expected, head to Disney Springs and hit up Splitsville! But, I suspect we'll just hang out around the hotel.

Sun - Animal Kingdom, all day. No ADRs, no hassle. We will review things on the bus the night before to see if there's anything she wants to ADR for. Fastpass is really limited because, well....I didn't buy the tickets until today (yeah, this whole trip has been a kerfuffle)...and, frankly, I'm willing to wait until Sat and see how things go at this point. Na'vi River Journey doesn't have anything available all day, so we'll be standby. I'm hoping with the lower crowd levels, not too bad....so we'll see.

May I step in here and say....I still really don't like FP+....

Mon - Epcot, all day. "I gotta get my Figment on!" says the kiddo. I agree, I agree. Again, no plans, no ADRs.

Tue - Hollywood Studios / Magic Kingdom. HS for the morning. As half the park is torn up, not such a bad thing. She isn't interested in anything outside of Toy Story Land and Rock N Roller Coaster. After that, well, this is where things get interesting.

So, I called WDW-DINE to find out when (and if) Be Our Guest was even an option. Frankly, I was tired of poking through the site / app, and it's still silly to me that they don't allow you to check an entire date range for an opening, considering how much they push these restaurants as part of the experience (especially places like BoG).

But, whatever, a quick call to WDW-DINE, and they could do it. And, there were only two. TWO. One was Tuesday Night at 8:45, the other Friday at 4p. Well, Friday she had indicated she'd rather do Sea World (maybe, that's still a maybe)....but, Tuesday works.

However, Tuesday Night...something is going on and MK is closing early. What?

This is what...



How interesting....

So, I booked the Be Our Guest, and called the kiddo to ask how to proceed. She started with the question we all should ask...

"Halloween? It's only August!!?!"

But, overlook that, she was thrilled at a chance to go again to the party, so I booked that...and then we got to talking costumes. I was planning to do as I did last time and go as Waldo, and she could do whatever (last year she did Assassin's Creed). But, no...she wanted to go as a "themed costume" we both share.

At first she wanted Harry Potter, but then thought about the heat of the robes and decided on...Pokemon.

Yes, we are going as Pokemon. She is going as Pikachu, and I'm going as Ash Ketchum.

How...fun. I really don't mind this choice, actually, as the costumes we decided on (after about an hour and a half poking around online together) are basically built around normal clothes for the most part. So, this makes travel and packing and such easier.

Maybe she'll want to do some facepaint for Pikachu....or not, we are still working that part out. But, the costumes themselves are going to be pretty easy to travel with.

Weds and Thurs will be Universal.

Friday, we have a Disney Park Ticket for this, but may not use it if she decides she wants to go to Sea World (which, she is iffy about since she found out that the Shamu Show is no longer).

Sat - Whatever we want to do.

Sun - Breakfast at hotel (one final chance to massacre a Mickey Waffle!) and travel back home.

And, I have to say...I started this process not very enthusiastic...but, I'm getting there...I'm getting there!

I'm feeling this bubbling....it could be...it could be...magic!

That's the spirit! Sounds like your reasonably paced plans are coming along nicely, and I can tell you're a lot more upbeat about the trip now. That's great, as your daughter will also feed off your enthusiasm.

I do have a tip for AK, as I presume you won't be able to get a FP for FOP. Get an early bus (just this one morning of the trip only) and get to the park early. Go directly to Pandora when they let in the guests at opening, and get in the queue for FOP. You'll still have to wait a while (in Standby) to get into the ride, but it's nothing like if you arrive after regular park opening--or anytime during the day into evening--wait times are insane. So, if you and your DD can drag yourself on to an early bus, go for it. Also, I don't know if that is an EMH on the day you're going, but if so, that's even better. Also, go to Na'vi River Journey after FOP, as you won't run into nearly the long lines, as for FOP.

 

[englanddg]

That's the spirit! Sounds like your reasonably paced plans are coming along nicely, and I can tell you're a lot more upbeat about the trip now. That's great, as your daughter will also feed off your enthusiasm.

I do have a tip for AK, as I presume you won't be able to get a FP for FOP. Get an early bus (just this one morning of the trip only) and get to the park early. Go directly to Pandora when they let in the guests at opening, and get in the queue for FOP. You'll still have to wait a while (in Standby) to get into the ride, but it's nothing like if you arrive after regular park opening--or anytime during the day into evening--wait times are insane. So, if you and your DD can drag yourself on to an early bus, go for it. Also, I don't know if that is an EMH on the day you're going, but if so, that's even better. Also, go to Na'vi River Journey after FOP, as you won't run into nearly the long lines, as for FOP.

Excellent advice! You are correct, I wasn’t able to get any Pandora FP+...so, we will follow your suggestion!

(Reminds me of the days when we would have to do that for the Safari!)

Which, begs the question....how has Pandora and the extended park hours (open till 9 now) impacted lines at the other traditionally “long wait” rides like the Safari and Expedition Everest? Are they noticeably shorter?

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

That's the spirit! Sounds like your reasonably paced plans are coming along nicely, and I can tell you're a lot more upbeat about the trip now. That's great, as your daughter will also feed off your enthusiasm.

I do have a tip for AK, as I presume you won't be able to get a FP for FOP. Get an early bus (just this one morning of the trip only) and get to the park early. Go directly to Pandora when they let in the guests at opening, and get in the queue for FOP. You'll still have to wait a while (in Standby) to get into the ride, but it's nothing like if you arrive after regular park opening--or anytime during the day into evening--wait times are insane. So, if you and your DD can drag yourself on to an early bus, go for it. Also, I don't know if that is an EMH on the day you're going, but if so, that's even better. Also, go to Na'vi River Journey after FOP, as you won't run into nearly the long lines, as for FOP.

Great advice for getting to the park before opening! My coworker did this last week and they only waited about 45-60 minutes for FOP. Much less of a wait than during the day!!

Can’t wait to read about your trip! I went through a phase in my teens where Disney was just meh. Luckily outgrew that and I love it again!

 

[DisneyGigi]

Quite true.

I don't spend too much time in any of the forums anymore, outside of lurking...

I have a sinking feeling, this is the last time I will get to experience it with her....as a "kid"....

And, as her hormones kick in, I know it's only going to get....different. In fact, this trip will be...different.

For example....

I made this before I ever took her to Disney.



It isn't easy being "Daddy" who isn't there....or "Dad"...or whatever.

Not that I don't appreciate it all, but, she is now older, and has ideas, and concepts. Planning a trip isn't as simple as:



or...second trip...I was ready that time...

I went thru the exact thing thing when my kids were teens. There is a time things are a tad different during the awkward I am too grown up for this stage- but I promise you this won’t be the last time she wants to go. Once the I am too cool stage passes, the kid at heart returns. My son is 23 and he adores Disney World. We are going in a couple of weeks and he just told me I hope the wait times are all like 2 hours. I was like why would you wish that kind of evil on me? His reply... because you are going without me.
You will have a great time and I am sure you have many, many more trips with her ahead of you.

 

[englanddg]

Great advice for getting to the park before opening! My coworker did this last week and they only waited about 45-60 minutes for FOP. Much less of a wait than during the day!!

Can’t wait to read about your trip! I went through a phase in my teens where Disney was just meh. Luckily outgrew that and I love it again!

“Only waited about 45-60 minutes for FOP”

(spits out coffee)

 

[MinnieM123]

Excellent advice! You are correct, I wasn’t able to get any Pandora FP+...so, we will follow your suggestion!

(Reminds me of the days when we would have to do that for the Safari!)

Which, begs the question....how has Pandora and the extended park hours (open till 9 now) impacted lines at the other traditionally “long wait” rides like the Safari and Expedition Everest? Are they noticeably shorter?

The morning I went early to AK, it was also an EMH (early morning opening for Disney hotel guests). So that was even better, as it cut down the time a bit more in Standby, for FOP. After I finished FOP and Na'Vi River Journey (both done in maybe only 45 minutes), I went over to KS, and waited for it to open at 9. Weren't too many people there (as most of the crowds were all over in Pandora). So, once KS opened, I was on the safari in maybe 10 minutes. Then I headed over to Everest (one of my favorite coasters!) and got on that in maybe 15 minutes. (Note: I was there solo, and they hadn't opened up the single rider line yet, but it didn't matter--the regular queue was wide open--again, crowds were over in Pandora, first thing.)

As the morning went on, I was walking around AK in various places, and I could see the lines getting longer for all the other major atractions (such as KS, Everest, Dinosaur, Kali, etc.) In conclusion, as the day wears on, the lines get longer everywhere. The good thing about Pandora is that it's definitely cutting down on "some" of the standby waiting times in the other major attractions. Again, if possible, just go early to AK, and you can really maximize your time--but go to Pandora, first!!

 

[MinnieM123]

“Only waited about 45-60 minutes for FOP”

(spits out coffee)

@derelicte19 shared, that's not a long time to wait for FOP. I've heard insane waiting times during the day of 2-3 hours!! No, I'm not kidding (I'd never wait that long for anything.) But that's how long many people have waited and it just astonishes me, the popularity of FOP!

 

[englanddg]

@derelicte19 shared, that's not a long time to wait for FOP. I've heard insane waiting times during the day of 2-3 hours!! No, I'm not kidding (I'd never wait that long for anything.) But that's how long many people have waited and it just astonishes me, the popularity of FOP!

And I thought Soarin' was bad!

Oh no...oh no. Not at all.

 

[englanddg]

Ok, I have to admit...I'm getting excited now. Just a bit...just a bit....



So, I'm changing the title of this trip report from:

englanddg's Not so Enthusiastic Escapade...

to

englanddg's Getting a bit Enthusiastic Escapade...

 

[englanddg]

Magicbands came today.

I must say I'm a bit...put off by the packaging. It's very...compact. But, a far cry from the luxury the old packaging had. This doesn't feel nearly as "elite" as the old style did.

That said, it's really a nice and efficient setup. As an operator, I appreciate that. And, I expected this to happen...frankly.

One step closer to feeling "cheaper" though....

I have a whole collection of Gen 1 Magicbands, which I will not be bringing with us. Shame, really...as I really liked those (customized several of them, and bought a few "limited edition" ones)...

We'll see what is for sale when we get there (which, I'm sure, is what Disney hopes).

 

[englanddg]

Pre-Trip Day -1 - Zippidy Hoo Hah?

--Statistics--
Bags packed, 2
Forms filled, 1
Laundry loads, 1
Cups of Peppermint Tea drank, 3
--

Well, here we go, I suppose. First trip back in...well, close to two years!

The last trip was:

https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/englanddgs-spook-a-dee-doo-dah.905388/

That was a really fun trip. (and, makes a note that I have formed a bad habit of NOT finishing trip reports....maybe after this extended break, I will have the willpower to do so!)

So, tonight...housekeeping!

Whilst my laundry runs, I have started by linking the Halloween Party tickets. I found this pretty difficult to do on the app, but the website makes it pretty easy.

First, I clicked on "link new tickets":

Then I entered the confirmation number they gave me over the phone.

And, then assigned them to my band and the kiddos!

And all done!

Easy peasy! I am quite impressed!

So, off to packing. I made my normal "laundry packet". I like to pack a bit light on clothes, even for a week long trip like this, and I'll do laundry halfway through. In the past there were these fantastic Purex 3 in 1 washer/dryer sheets that were just...perfect...for Disney.

But, I haven't been able to find those for years. I have no idea why they stopped selling them?

I did manage to find them on Amazon, for...get this... $199 for a package. WHA?

No thanks. So, I just packed a few dryer sheets and some tide pods instead. As well as our traditional "laundry bags", which I purchased for a buck at Caribbean Beach our first trip, and have served us well over the years. Those small bags open up in to much larger tote bags, and when we get in I'll hang them in the closet to collect our dirty clothes.

This makes a nice little kit that will easily pack.

Something I find really interesting is how much less, in terms of electronics, I pack anymore. For pictures, I will use my cell phone. I have an iPhone X, and the camera on that is much better than the old Sony Point and Shoot I have.

I have no interest, for this trip, to bring the GoPro. And, I really enjoy just being able to take reasonable pictures with one device that I have to carry anyway.

For charging, I am bringing an Aukey 6 port 60W quick charger.



I love this thing. I actually have several of them around my house, and one that I use for travel. It means I don't have to carry all those little various wall to USB chargers. Just this one thing.

I'm also packing a portable battery pack. This, is normal for me...I've been doing it since our first trips in 2010. But, this year I have a new model. One of these, specifically:



And, I like it. I have quite a few mobile charging units (or power stations, or whatever they are marketed as). The thing you need to be aware of before traveling with one of these is that they must be in your carry on bag, and they must be no larger in MaH than is allowed by TSA.

So, when you are shopping, keep these things in mind. This makes a me a bit sad when I have to fly because I have a wonderful unit (I named her Bertha) that is 60,000 MaH and will actually charge my laptop twice, but it isn’t allowed to fly...

But....this little sucker will do fine to keep phones and other items that need juice going throughout the day without having to hunt down a charging station.

So, outside of those items, my iPad, my Laptop, a pair of Bose QC35 headphones, a portable router/hotspot, a chromecast (to cast my laptop / phone / iPad to the hotel room TV, I used to carry a cable) and some airpods...that's....it.... Of course I have the affiliated charging cables, one apple wall to USB 5W charger as a backup....but, I have nothing else I'm bringing.

A massive shift from years ago when I'd have my HD video camera, my P&S, a waterproof camera (later GoPro), etc....

My day pack is extremely empty as a result...which, will be nice!

Other than that, pretty much everything is set. Paperwork is done (the kiddo is flying by herself, so we need paperwork for that) and printed and ready. Magicbands are in my carry on bag.

Here we go!

 

[englanddg]

Day 1 - Good Day Sunshine!

What a wonderful day! Woke up feeling excellent and, yeah, it hit me...well, it really hit me last night.

So, left for the airport. I really do like the ATL airport. I said goodbye to my favorite statue, Nzuzu (Water Spirit).

These are down in the tunnels. This batch of African statues was installed for the Olympics in 96, as I recall. They have been here forever.

I have another favorite. Being on the taller side (6’2”), I call it:

“Flying Coach”

Obviously this guy doesn’t appreciate my snarky humor...

Now, ATL is a HUGE airport, but I am very familiar with it. As a result, I actually like to show up early and walk these tunnels (instead of taking the train).

They have all sorts of interesting things to see. Like, the Rain Forest tunnel (rather new, it a favorite of the kiddo).

There are also exhibits of military memorabilia. I find the world war 2 ones the most interesting.

This one reminds me of the old Donald Duck cartoons...specifically this one!



Welp, waiting for the kiddo...will continue later!

 

[englanddg]

Heh...the “online check in” line is slower and longer than the regular “check in” line.

How...fun!

 

[Swissmiss]

Thanks for sharing photos of ATL - next time I have a long layover, if I'm not too jet lagged, I'll wander the tunnels to see some of of artwork.

 

[DisneyGigi]

I am glad you are a bit more enthusiastic now. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[MinnieM123]

Really liking the tunnels. I only went through ATL once years ago (used the shuttle trains to get to my connection). Anyway, that airport is so huge--I didn't want to go there again. I was afraid I'd miss my connection.

Gotta admit though--how cool is it with the artwork, in the walking areas of the tunnels -- who knew?!

 

[englanddg]

Ahh, central Florida in August. You can set your watch by the storms.

So, Pop has gone through a renovation since last I was here, and I must say, very nice!

They have laminate wood style floors, and the new layout makes the rooms feel much larger!

I really like the pull down bed concept, and the extra space. I remember the old table was really a squeeze in these rooms with both beds.

I will post what it looks like with the bed down later tonight.

But, let’s continue the tour!

There’s a nice little fridge / minibar area. I like the glass door on the fridge a lot! Makes it feel cleaner (probably easier for Mousekeeping as well!)

Plenty of outlets now (which is funny, I brought those “turn two outlets into six” things, because I was used to not having enough and having to dig behind the end table). Guess I won’t need them!

Plenty of USB outlets as well.

Moving onto the bathroom, I really like this new design. It is compact and functional, but also feels very open and comfortable.

The shower has been redone, and I couldn’t help myself...I took a hot shower. The multihead unit is fantastic, and they include pump bottles on the wall now filled with the H2O products, instead of dinky sample size bottles.

Looks like I won’t be using the bar soap I brought with me!

There is also a barn door sliding style privacy door for the entire bathroom area, and the toilet area.

And, tucked off in a corner is the ironing board, iron and hairdryer.

The TV is a large Samsung (55”?) and is wall mounted on a swivel mount, so it can be angled for comfort.

Under the TV are three good sized drawers. This I will give to the kiddo. I took the cabinet storage in the bathroom. The unit also has a door unit with some shelves.

And, lastly, the bed is really great! High up off the ground (reminds me of the Cruise Line beds on the Fantasy, actually). This makes stowing empty luggage out of the way very easy!

Very nice Disney, very nice indeed!

 

[englanddg]

So, at this point I rolled up my sleeves to give my Chromecast setup a try!

HDMI port and USB on the TV to power the device?

Check.

Ok, now how to change the input source? I had to fiddle with this for quite a while. The remote they provide is one of those $5 generic universal types, and doesn’t have an input select.

Ok, look down both sides and the bottom of the TV. No buttons.

Hrm, could this be some strange hotel only model that prevents this?

Oh...nope! It is a little joystick thingy on the back (like an Xbox controller).

So, inputs changed, and here we go!

Ok, so it is looking for my home network (Yes, it is called Dreamfinder). Nope, no good. So, I factory reset the device (press a small button on the back for 30 seconds whilst powered on).

First I joined it to Disney Guest, but that didn’t work (I didn’t expect it to, but would have been amusing if it had....pretty much anyone on the network would have been able to cast to my TV!!).

But, that is fine! For work I bring a small Verizon hotspot that acts as a router within itself. Nice little device. So, I booted it up and connected the Chromecast, named it DisKnee (he he) and viola!

We haz Chrome!

Say hi!

After this I got some bad news. Kiddo’s flight has been delayed!

Bummer.

So, I decided to hop over to the Food Court.

I am very hungry (still am, as I have’t eaten yet, but I am about to!), but I couldn’t decide on anything. So many choices! Not much has really changed, though. The Benedict Burger is not something I recall, but the rest of the menus seem about the same.

The Woodfire pizza looked really good.

Ok...well, more on food in a bit when I am down there.

I decided to pick up some resort mugs. $40 later (all those years on the Dining Plan, you take that for granted), I was the proud owner of two drink yourself silly Magical Rapidfill containers of glory!

They...are the same as they have always been.

Oh, and Rapidfill (which I was NOT a fan of, and was at POFQ when they were early rollout)...yeah, time has not changed my opinion.

Disney just can’t seem to keep these beverage bars clean! There were two people working the area, but it was still a disaster.

And, to be fair to the CMs, the design of the bars and the nature of the Rapidfill shelves...makes it rather hard to clean!

There are much better designs out there.

Oh, and shocker...they were out of ice at the first machine I went to.

Well, I suppose I can give Disney some points for being consistent, because every trip, every hotel, has been this way. The only exceptions were Deluxe (which, I can’t speak to, because we didn’t eat in the Deluxe resorts Food Courts), and DCL (which somehow keeps their diabetes distribution stations pretty spotless!)

On the way back to the room I walked through the 70s. Are these trees new? I don’t remember them, but I really love the look!

So, on to another topic. On check in I was asked if I would like to “magically customize my Mousekeeping Experience”.

Basically, this translates to opting to have no Mousekeeping, outside of on demand, and Disney will pay me $70.

I thought about it, and I can say that unlike DCL, WDW Mousekeeping has never seemed all that above and beyond to me (outside of some of the earlier trips). So, I opted in!

And about an hour later, got my gift card to my email.

Hay!!!

 

[englanddg]

So, while waiting I decided to walk around Hourglass Lake. I hadn’t realized they were putting the station for the new Skyliner station for Pop / AoA in the middle of the lake, just off the bridge.

That is such a cool idea! I had assumed it would be off near AoA Little Mermaid or something.

And, it is coming along quickly!

Riviera Resort, eh? A new moderate? I will have to do some digging on that!

On my way back to the room I noticed they were doing Tie Dye. They mention they can Tye Dye magicbands? Now, that I find interesting! I love these little activities they do at the resorts.

Then I got a call from the Kiddo’s Mom, to let me know she was airborne, and so it was time to head to the airport!

(Stomach rumbles...I should have eaten!)

So, backtracking for a bit...when you fly a minor solo, you will have very important paperwork to present to the airline. Both at drop off and pick up ends. This is the chain of custody of the minor that is so important, and you really should have that paperwork, filled out, on hand...and read the instructions!

I knew all this. I even filled out the paperwork before hand and sent it to her Mom to double check!

So, for the trip back to the airport to pick up the kiddo, I thought I would travel light. Make it easy to get through TSA and all! So, I packed my daypack for the parks with a few things, including my iPad, and for safe keeping, I folded the forms and put them in the iPad case (something I commonly do when traveling for documents and stuff).

Well, right before leaving, I decided “Well, why do I need the iPad, let’s just leave that here!”

Got all the way to MCO and in the line and I realized...the paperwork!

In a panic (though I was still 2 hours early), I went to the Hyatt, but their business center was closed!

So...where to print? Where to print!?!

Staples!

A quick Uber and I was getting my docs.

Come back...check in...and, it turns out...parents on the pick up side don’t need the paperwork. And, the agent informed me, if I had forgotten it, they would have filled it out for me.

But, all this hassle and running around...worked out!

Off to Pop!

 

[MinnieM123]

Very efficient use of space in the renovated room! (The furniture had an IDEA vibe to it--simple, clean lines.)

Oh I cracked up when I saw my avatar on your hotel screen! (I admire you for being able to figure out how to get the internet there -- computers, etc., are not my strong point, that's for sure. )

Lovely picture of your daughter -- she's growing up so fast! I recall photos and videos of past vacations when she was just a little girl. You must be so proud of her.