Well here we go again...
Pre-trip?
I don't know...
Pre-trip?
I don't know...
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Trip Report englanddg's Getting a bit Enthusiastic Escapade...
- Thread starter englanddg
- Start date
Day 5 - Hullabaloo with Nothing to do?
So, we slept in. I didn't crawl out of bed until around 9a. And, I let the kiddo sleep as long as she wished.
I went out for come coffee and a walk around the lake (becoming a habit!) and I noticed they are painting the floors around my building.
I wonder how they get them to dry fast enough? I'd hate to be in one of those rooms right now.
I dealt with some work, and the kiddo, now awake, decided she wanted to play some games online with me. So, we minecrafted for an hour or so, and then I went and got us lunch. Her request...
Chicken Nuggets.
(Clucks again...and coughs on a feather)
We really did nothing all morning. I attended some conference calls that I hadn't planned on attending, and she putzed around generally enjoying herself. She washed her hair again, and took a very long bath. During that period, I decided to see what was available for the one ride that was on my list...Frozen.
What do you know! So, I asked the kid if she was ok with this, and she indicated, sure! Fastpass, all day. 60 minute Standby? No thanks!
And, it was a good day to choose to hang out around the hotel. It rained pretty much all day.
Even the Ducks were trying to avoid it, hiding out near the food court.
I picked us up some dinner (you all are going to get tired of pictures of chicken nuggets before this is over, I know it!)
But, I got myself the Pastrami on Rye.
And, the kiddo wanted a chocolate cake, but they were out of those, so I picked up this Oreo Cupcake instead.
So, we slept in. I didn't crawl out of bed until around 9a. And, I let the kiddo sleep as long as she wished.
I went out for come coffee and a walk around the lake (becoming a habit!) and I noticed they are painting the floors around my building.
I wonder how they get them to dry fast enough? I'd hate to be in one of those rooms right now.
I dealt with some work, and the kiddo, now awake, decided she wanted to play some games online with me. So, we minecrafted for an hour or so, and then I went and got us lunch. Her request...
Chicken Nuggets.
(Clucks again...and coughs on a feather)
We really did nothing all morning. I attended some conference calls that I hadn't planned on attending, and she putzed around generally enjoying herself. She washed her hair again, and took a very long bath. During that period, I decided to see what was available for the one ride that was on my list...Frozen.
What do you know! So, I asked the kid if she was ok with this, and she indicated, sure! Fastpass, all day. 60 minute Standby? No thanks!
And, it was a good day to choose to hang out around the hotel. It rained pretty much all day.
Even the Ducks were trying to avoid it, hiding out near the food court.
I picked us up some dinner (you all are going to get tired of pictures of chicken nuggets before this is over, I know it!)
But, I got myself the Pastrami on Rye.
And, the kiddo wanted a chocolate cake, but they were out of those, so I picked up this Oreo Cupcake instead.
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The Pastrami was great!
Neither of us really like the fries very much though....so, they largely end up uneaten.
Rain...all day...on and off. I don't know if it is providence, but, again, a good day to choose to hang out around the hotel! Especially for a Park like Universal, where the kiddo will want to do some of the coasters.
But, we now had to go meet Elsa and Anna. I called us a Lyft (really didn't want to mess with the busses, and it was just $8, and we were there shortly.
As we approached, I pulled up the FP, and it was a bit strange.
"Multiple Experiences"
Sure enough, scroll down and we had a whole choice of things. Frozen being one of them.
And, "beginning at 6:25"?
So...no expiration?
Very...odd.
And, soon we found out, also not unique!
So, we hiked back to Norway.
And, I noted that part of the Bakery was still open as a lunch stand. But, it isn't the same. Though, that foot long hot dog really seemed appealing, for some reason!
Entering Norway, with the Storm Clouds, looked ominous and epic at the same time. I guess I still have some of the Halloween Party on the mind?
But, as soon as we saw the line...the kid...was not happy.
What line?
THIS LINE.
Neither of us really like the fries very much though....so, they largely end up uneaten.
Rain...all day...on and off. I don't know if it is providence, but, again, a good day to choose to hang out around the hotel! Especially for a Park like Universal, where the kiddo will want to do some of the coasters.
But, we now had to go meet Elsa and Anna. I called us a Lyft (really didn't want to mess with the busses, and it was just $8, and we were there shortly.
As we approached, I pulled up the FP, and it was a bit strange.
"Multiple Experiences"
Sure enough, scroll down and we had a whole choice of things. Frozen being one of them.
And, "beginning at 6:25"?
So...no expiration?
Very...odd.
And, soon we found out, also not unique!
So, we hiked back to Norway.
And, I noted that part of the Bakery was still open as a lunch stand. But, it isn't the same. Though, that foot long hot dog really seemed appealing, for some reason!
Entering Norway, with the Storm Clouds, looked ominous and epic at the same time. I guess I still have some of the Halloween Party on the mind?
But, as soon as we saw the line...the kid...was not happy.
What line?
THIS LINE.
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Figments Friend
Well-Known Member
Spending some time visiting some of the Resort Hotels is a full day of exploration if you are up for it.
It also will lead you to some excellent restaurant options for a impromptu lunch.
Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, and The Polynesian Village Resorts are my top recommendations for cool theming, great ambiance, fun ( and often free ) activities, shops, and dining options.
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It also will lead you to some excellent restaurant options for a impromptu lunch.
Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, and The Polynesian Village Resorts are my top recommendations for cool theming, great ambiance, fun ( and often free ) activities, shops, and dining options.
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This...was the Fastpass line.
But, we talked it through and the kiddo knew I really wanted to see this. I noted the closed the old cavern where the boats would reverse...
And, the queue was really well done.
You could see remnants of the old Norway Villiage.
And soon we were boarding, after only about a 15 minute wait.
The ride was...ok.
They did a good job of making it seem larger and grander than it used to be, and you could see they made good use of the space reclaimed from the old theater.
Olaf wasn’t moving at all in the opening room, and like the Na’vi River ride, the screens just aren’t that impressive to me.
The Anna and Hans animatronics were really great, I loved those.
But, my kid, a Frozen curmudgeon, noticed something.
The scene where Elsa is singing and the boat is switched...that is where the “back, back over the falls” troll curse was.
So, by her reasoning...Elsa is really the evil Troll, and the new ride is nothing but a spell cast on unwilling people to accept her nefarious mischief.
...
I like it!
That said, we both did like the final scene with the snowman (I forget his name...Tiny?). Another detail is the timing of the boat hitting the smoke just as you exit the ice hall.
These are not trivial feats, my bellyaching aside.
The ride is really well done overall, these are nitpicks. The target audience, who would include my kid just a few years ago, though she would deny it, are blown away by it. And, I can see why.
I do hope this screens thing doesn’t become a habit though. It feels very...well, mid-2000s Universal. Like...Spiderman. And, it works less well on these boat rides because you have even more time to notice the difference between the real props and the projections.
We exited the ride and saw an old friend.
And another...more classic Troll.
Then we split up. The kid wanted an Ice Cream, and I wanted something a bit stronger. So, we agreed to meet on the bridge just past Mexico. I went back to La Cava and got the Pina something?
It was, as always, excellent!
So, she wanted to do Figgy again, so we could wait and see if Test Track would get a smaller line. And we headed that way.
Along the way we spotted the kiosks for Food and Wine, which starts tomorrow. Looks fun!
Now, on Food and Wine...or “Drunkytown”...
I have read for years about how rowdy Epcot can get during this event. And, tonight, I witnessed some of that for the first time.
There were inebriated people “enjoying” themselves thoroughly in several places.
I won’t share any specific stories, but...let me say I don’t think I will be bringing my kid for a night at World Showcase for the rest of the week. (Wink)
But, we talked it through and the kiddo knew I really wanted to see this. I noted the closed the old cavern where the boats would reverse...
And, the queue was really well done.
You could see remnants of the old Norway Villiage.
And soon we were boarding, after only about a 15 minute wait.
The ride was...ok.
They did a good job of making it seem larger and grander than it used to be, and you could see they made good use of the space reclaimed from the old theater.
Olaf wasn’t moving at all in the opening room, and like the Na’vi River ride, the screens just aren’t that impressive to me.
The Anna and Hans animatronics were really great, I loved those.
But, my kid, a Frozen curmudgeon, noticed something.
The scene where Elsa is singing and the boat is switched...that is where the “back, back over the falls” troll curse was.
So, by her reasoning...Elsa is really the evil Troll, and the new ride is nothing but a spell cast on unwilling people to accept her nefarious mischief.
...
I like it!
That said, we both did like the final scene with the snowman (I forget his name...Tiny?). Another detail is the timing of the boat hitting the smoke just as you exit the ice hall.
These are not trivial feats, my bellyaching aside.
The ride is really well done overall, these are nitpicks. The target audience, who would include my kid just a few years ago, though she would deny it, are blown away by it. And, I can see why.
I do hope this screens thing doesn’t become a habit though. It feels very...well, mid-2000s Universal. Like...Spiderman. And, it works less well on these boat rides because you have even more time to notice the difference between the real props and the projections.
We exited the ride and saw an old friend.
And another...more classic Troll.
Then we split up. The kid wanted an Ice Cream, and I wanted something a bit stronger. So, we agreed to meet on the bridge just past Mexico. I went back to La Cava and got the Pina something?
It was, as always, excellent!
So, she wanted to do Figgy again, so we could wait and see if Test Track would get a smaller line. And we headed that way.
Along the way we spotted the kiosks for Food and Wine, which starts tomorrow. Looks fun!
Now, on Food and Wine...or “Drunkytown”...
I have read for years about how rowdy Epcot can get during this event. And, tonight, I witnessed some of that for the first time.
There were inebriated people “enjoying” themselves thoroughly in several places.
I won’t share any specific stories, but...let me say I don’t think I will be bringing my kid for a night at World Showcase for the rest of the week. (Wink)
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We headed over to Figment, but I had forgotten, they close it early! (Booooo!)
So, over to Test Track to check the line. 50 minutes...
It just wasn’t enticing enough to the kid.
She asked if we could get something to eat, so we went...for the first time ever in 8 years of trips...to the famed Electric Umbrella!
I got a Bacon Cheeseburger, and she got...you all know what she got.
It was...ok. It reminded me, actually, of Disney Quick Service on our first trip in 2010. It reminded me, a lot, of Cosmic Rays.
We chatted for a bit about her Tai Kwan Do and other stuff, and enjoyed our meal. Really all we were doing was burning time until just before Illuminations, to see if Test Track would get any shorter.
But, alas, it had not. A whole day of drizzles, I suppose when it finally opened up, every Guest who stuck out the storms was rushing there to get their ride done!
Who needs Illuminations!?!
So, we decided to leave.
A very light day, we both actually still felt tired. Especially the kiddo.
Originally the plan had been to head to Disney Springs and check out the Void.
Which, will happen at some point, I suspect, because the kid is really interested.
But...not tonight.
We got to the bus stop just as one arrived.
As we were boarding we could see the Magic Kingdom fireworks in the distance.
As we rode, we were right behind Illuminations.
And, as we approached Pop, Hollywood Studios fireworks joined the fray.
Very neat, actually!
When we got back to Pop, I went and got us some drinks, and she fiddled on her computer for a bit.
We talked through tomorrow, and decided, with no uncertainty, we are going to
Universal, so I finally booked those tickets.
2 days with hoppers.
She wanted to play for a bit more, and I wanted to wander around and work on this report. So, I went down to the pool and picked up a Berry Sour.
It was good. So later, I got a Pina CoLava.
So, over to Test Track to check the line. 50 minutes...
It just wasn’t enticing enough to the kid.
She asked if we could get something to eat, so we went...for the first time ever in 8 years of trips...to the famed Electric Umbrella!
I got a Bacon Cheeseburger, and she got...you all know what she got.
It was...ok. It reminded me, actually, of Disney Quick Service on our first trip in 2010. It reminded me, a lot, of Cosmic Rays.
We chatted for a bit about her Tai Kwan Do and other stuff, and enjoyed our meal. Really all we were doing was burning time until just before Illuminations, to see if Test Track would get any shorter.
But, alas, it had not. A whole day of drizzles, I suppose when it finally opened up, every Guest who stuck out the storms was rushing there to get their ride done!
Who needs Illuminations!?!
So, we decided to leave.
A very light day, we both actually still felt tired. Especially the kiddo.
Originally the plan had been to head to Disney Springs and check out the Void.
Which, will happen at some point, I suspect, because the kid is really interested.
But...not tonight.
We got to the bus stop just as one arrived.
As we were boarding we could see the Magic Kingdom fireworks in the distance.
As we rode, we were right behind Illuminations.
And, as we approached Pop, Hollywood Studios fireworks joined the fray.
Very neat, actually!
When we got back to Pop, I went and got us some drinks, and she fiddled on her computer for a bit.
We talked through tomorrow, and decided, with no uncertainty, we are going to
Universal, so I finally booked those tickets.
2 days with hoppers.
She wanted to play for a bit more, and I wanted to wander around and work on this report. So, I went down to the pool and picked up a Berry Sour.
It was good. So later, I got a Pina CoLava.
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So, now that I am completely caught up, and “live” again, let me apologize for any strange spellings, funny corrections (Baymax =
Batman?) you all may have found.
I am doing this report mostly on my phone as we have downtime in lines or on busses, etc. and, autocorrect has a funny way of doing funny things.
I have been going back and cleaning up the posts, but I suppose I am saying, if it looks strange...blame the phone!
Cheers!
Batman?) you all may have found.
I am doing this report mostly on my phone as we have downtime in lines or on busses, etc. and, autocorrect has a funny way of doing funny things.
I have been going back and cleaning up the posts, but I suppose I am saying, if it looks strange...blame the phone!
Cheers!
Swissmiss
Premium Member
Your comments about Haunted Mansion made me chuckle because I could make similar comments about my own daughter (who has now officially been a teenager for 10 days 
). We went to WDW with my sister and BIL when she was about 3 and a half and chose not to do it that trip as I knew how scared it made me at the same age (though I had 5 older siblings to make me believe all of this was REAL 
). About six months later we were at DLP and she insisted at wanting to ride it. Knowing her personality and likes/dislikes I hesitate, talk it over with my sister, and we decide that she is so insistent we say ok. OF COURSE she was scared and crying at the end! And she absolutely wanted to call my BIL for reassurance. My BIL is VERY protective of "the baby" as he still used to refer to her so after she gets off the phone he starts yelling at me and my sister at how irresponsible we are to bring "the baby" into a scary ride and make her cry! Luckily no lifelong scarring and it is currently among her favorite rides and each time we ride it she starts laughing and reminding me of how I got in trouble with my BIL for bringing her on a ride that she insisted upon riding 
.
). We went to WDW with my sister and BIL when she was about 3 and a half and chose not to do it that trip as I knew how scared it made me at the same age (though I had 5 older siblings to make me believe all of this was REAL ). About six months later we were at DLP and she insisted at wanting to ride it. Knowing her personality and likes/dislikes I hesitate, talk it over with my sister, and we decide that she is so insistent we say ok. OF COURSE she was scared and crying at the end! And she absolutely wanted to call my BIL for reassurance. My BIL is VERY protective of "the baby" as he still used to refer to her so after she gets off the phone he starts yelling at me and my sister at how irresponsible we are to bring "the baby" into a scary ride and make her cry! Luckily no lifelong scarring and it is currently among her favorite rides and each time we ride it she starts laughing and reminding me of how I got in trouble with my BIL for bringing her on a ride that she insisted upon riding .
MinnieM123
Premium Member
So glad you both had a day to just chill and hang out for quite a while, before the parks. I'm enjoying the various evening photos you've shared, by the way. Interesting how everything looks so different at night in the parks.
Wanted to comment on your burger at the Electric Umbrella. I could never figure out why, but I think WDW has the worst burgers--they always taste to me like they boil them!! Tasteless!!
Wanted to comment on your burger at the Electric Umbrella. I could never figure out why, but I think WDW has the worst burgers--they always taste to me like they boil them!! Tasteless!!
Poly, AK and Wilderness are fantastic places, no doubt! Marshmallows just after they close the observation walk, and then Jikos at AK was a tradition for several years.Spending some time visiting some of the Resort Hotels is a full day of exploration if you are up for it.
It also will lead you to some excellent restaurant options for a impromptu lunch.
Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, and The Polynesian Village Resorts are my top recommendations for cool theming, great ambiance, fun ( and often free ) activities, shops, and dining options.
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We talked about doing Spirit of Aloha. I haven’t seen Poly since the remodel several years back.
Over the years we have either stayed or hopped through / walked every resort except the All Stars, Key West and Coronado.
Great suggestion! The resorts are excellent ways to burn some lazy time!
What is strange is that it is the whole unit. Washers and Dryers. Somewhere during the ~40 minute wash cycle, the whole thing “went down”.The laundry system was interesting -- until the end when you found out the dryer wasn't working.
Glad to hear you both enjoyed the Mexico pavilion--that's one of my favorites--so much theming throughout. Love their live entertainment, too.
What a fun backpack your daughter selected!!
Very strange.
I overheard some guests complaining they didn’t take “cash”, but I remember how difficult it could be to get quarters from previous trips. So much so that I used to buy them in advance and pack them!
So, that hiccup aside, I am a fan of the newer system!
ADRs seem to contribute to that feeling.
I am glad we don’t have very many this trip.
I am also still not fond of FP+...mostly due to the inflexibility of it. Multi-park days being my primary gripe.
Rista1313
Well-Known Member
I've been toying with the thought of no dining plan for our next trip. I'm so torn because I really like that all inclusive feel, and we did come out ahead last time.
I know what you mean. I have a feeling Universal will be more her speed, now...
But, I can tell she has emotional connections to these other rides. It is interesting to see the still present little girl conflicting with the “I need excitement!” Teenager, internally.
She just is far more interested in thrill experiences now though.
I try to think back to when I was coming at around this age, and I was about the same.
Fireworks? Parades? Shows? (yawn)
Space Mountain! All day, yay!
Ariel1986
Well-Known Member
Really enjoying this report! The way you're reporting really takes us along with you. Definitely helping my current Disney blues! And it's good to see how an "under planned" trip is working out. You've done Frozen and FoP without too much hassle already- and you both seem happy and relaxed to go with the flow!
I have been keeping a tally and will include a summary at the end of the report.
I am curious myself.
The hardest part to “get over” was the sticker shock of actually paying for food, instead of “paying”!
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My guess is over processed, frozen patties?
Plenty of great burgers at TS (like Sci Fi!)...but, yeah, in general the QS burgers leave something to be desired. But, at least at places like AoA and Pop, they dress them up and make them interesting (I still plan to try a Benedict Burger before we leave, if I have a chance!).
But, this one from Electric Brolly was a class unto its own. As I said...reminded me, a lot, of Cosmic Rays in 2010, but without the benefit of the toppings bar!
LMSB
Well-Known Member
We did a 90 minute standby last October -- worth it!
LMSB
Well-Known Member
Love the Figment bag! We also ate at Coral Reef last trip and had a table right next to the tank. The food was amazing!