Trip Report Even the Ostrich Wore a MagicBand! An August 2013 TR

TrolleyFollower91 · Aug 20, 2013

We finished up dessert and then headed back to the Poly during a rain lull. We were greeted with this when we returned!

Club Level chocolates!

We headed to check out the snack offerings in the lounge. Our room was two doors down from the lounge. I joked that it is a further walk from my bedroom to the kitchen than our room to the lounge!

POG juice all afternoon? Yes! However, they never had it breakfast? WHY CLUB LEVEL, WHY?

It was an iffy pool afternoon weather-wise, so I ended up taking a nap. My mom told me later that the sun did come out and she was bummed we both slept through it.

We had a FP+ for BTMRR at 5:00 pm, so we took the monorail over and were thrilled to see the 75 minute wait. This FP+ thing really paid off! Dad rode by himself. Such a goof.

The sky was really dark when we got off the ride, so we decided to eat dinner at Pecos Bill’s. We were surprised to see that they’ve changed the menu and taken out all of the self-serve kiosks. Dad and I tried the new chicken sandwich, which had chipotle mayo on it. It was pretty good.

After dinner, we had time to kill before our SM FP+, so we headed to my favorite ride- TTA! And look at the line:

Cutie Patooties.

After TTA, my mom headed back to the Poly and my dad and I stayed to do Space Mountain. We got to cut most of the line with our FP+ and then jumped ahead even more when they asked for a party of two! After our ride through space, we headed towards the exit with a quick stop in the Main Street Bakery. It was my first time in it since the refurbishment. I was actually really shocked that it was empty, especially because it was prime time to wait for the parade. We got what I wanted and then headed back to the monorail.

As we made our way through the Contemporary, we could see this giant black rain wall behind the MK. When we made it to the Poly, we heard thunder rumblings and even saw some lightning bolts. Pretty soon after we made it back to the room, the deluge began. I was happy to have this beauty:

The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake from the Main Street Bakery! The frosting was delish, and you can throw a Reese’s cup onto anything and I’d eat it.

I also got my favorite Ku’ulei juice from the lounge. It’s basically adult POG juice. It was my nightly treat!! It continued to rain, the Electrical Water Pageant was cancelled, and Wishes was delayed. I fell asleep, but my Mom watched it go off around 10:45.

Up next: Oozma Kappa unite!

jkl2000 · Aug 20, 2013

Never heard of POG juice before! Florida and New York can have very different foods - we used to be excited when we visited my grandmother because she could get Mr. Pib soda!

FlaggNL · Aug 21, 2013

Another marvelous trip report. For me as a European it is great to see so much pictures from every part of WDW. It keeps the dream alive to write my own WDW trip report someday.. so far I keep it up with DLP trip reports from now on!

Lexi · Aug 21, 2013

Love you report so far!! What settings do you use on camera to get your pictures so bright??

TrolleyFollower91 · Aug 21, 2013

jkl2000 said:
Never heard of POG juice before! Florida and New York can have very different foods - we used to be excited when we visited my grandmother because she could get Mr. Pib soda!

POG (pineapple orange guava) is amazing! Your life will be forever hanged it you have it.

FlaggNL said:
Another marvelous trip report. For me as a European it is great to see so much pictures from every part of WDW. It keeps the dream alive to write my own WDW trip report someday.. so far I keep it up with DLP trip reports from now on!

Thanks for reading!! I hope you get to come to the States someday soon to go to WDW!

Lexi said:
Love you report so far!! What settings do you use on camera to get your pictures so bright??

Thanks for reading! As far as the photos, I have a Nikon D5100 and shoot in manual or aperture priority mode all the time so I choose my ISO based on the light. I also shoot all my photos in RAW so they are more easily brightened and added vibrance/clarity in post-processing. I hope that helps ha I guess the short answer is I don't have a specific setting. If you have any more questions feel free to ask

TrolleyFollower91 · Aug 23, 2013

August 6: I wouldn’t have nothing if I didn’t have you

When we switched from AKL to Poly, our MagicBands no longer worked as a room charge or room key since Poly has not gone live with the system. We still had FP+ reservations and could use the MagicBands as our tickets. All that to say, I went for my run I had to take my KTTW card in order to access not only our room but also entrance into Hawaii (If my MagicBand worked I would have worn it and solved all my problems). Women’s running shorts do not have pockets big enough for the cards, so needless to say my card fell out somewhere between the Poly and the GF. Hey, it was a beautiful three mile course, though!

It definitely made me excited to complete a runDisney race someday!

Luckily I had my phone and was able to call my mom to let me into our room. I actually made it into the building when a family walked out and the doors opened. I stopped to tell CM Holli that I needed a new KTTW, and she informed me that there was a planned global system outage (one of those ones to get everyone on the MyMagic system). It was lucky that I had my AP, otherwise I don’t know what we would have done if my theme park ticket was on my KTTW card. Holli assured us that she would print me a new one as soon as the system was back on and place it in our room. And it did magically show up that afternoon!

We ate breakfast in the lounge and then headed to the bus stop for a Studios bus. When we arrived, the bus stop was packed with people all wanting to go to the Studios. One of those transportation interns was there and reassured people that a bus was on its way, but when it arrived it was already full from the Contemporary and then loaded the ECV that was waiting. One woman got so angry, yelled “Disney Sucks!” and then dragged her family to the monorail to ride it around to the TTC. She was so sure that it was going to be faster than waiting for the bus, and we all laughed when she walked towards the GCH because it would have been easier to walk to the TTC. Plus, not even three minutes later an empty DHS bus pulled up.

We started our day with our FP+ reservation for TSMM. Then we strolled to Monsters University for Mike and Sulley’s first set.

We waited maybe 15 minutes in the cute queue line before it was my turn.

In case you haven’t noticed, I have a little obsession with Monsters, inc. Especially Monsters inc. t-shirts. My mom surprised me with this one from her trip in May, and I had to get my picture with the other monsters of my fraternity!

Oozma Kappa unite!

TrolleyFollower91 · Aug 23, 2013

After our visit to MU, we headed to Tower of Terror for our FP+. We showed up when this was the standby wait:

Say what?!

Even with our FP we still had to wait longer than normal. They even made announcements that the wait time was increasing to 85 minutes. I think it was 100 minutes when we got off the ride.

When exiting ToT, we got an email from Disney saying that it was time for our RnR FP+, but the ride was inoperable. It said we could use our FP+ now at any attraction (it gave a list) or use it at RnR if it becomes operable. If we used it at another attraction, however, our RnR FP+ reservation becomes void. What was unclear is if we could use the FP+ later in the day for another attraction. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to test this feature. Since we couldn’t ride the coaster, we headed to the next best thing:

Starring Rolls! It was the perfect time for a cupcake break! We got two to share, since clearly one would have not been a sufficient snack for three people. We settled on the Red Velvet and the Butterfinger.

We were divided on which cupcake we liked better. I thought I was going to like the Red Velvet, but it turns out that I fell in LOVE with the Butterfinger. My mom liked the cake of the red velvet but wasn’t crazy about the icing. My dad liked the Red Velvet in its entirety. We will be returning to eat those on our next trip.

After our snack break, we wandered around the shops. My mom wanted to think about some things to buy, so she sent me and my Dad to go see if RnR was operating. When we got there, it was operating and still time for our FP+, however the FP line was mobbed. Problem #2: we had lunch reservations in half an hour at Mama Melrose’s. We saw the single riders were going directly inside, so we decided to hop in that line to at least wait in the air conditioning.

We got through the pre-show and then saw the huge single rider line that literally did not move. We knew we were never going to make lunch, so we maneuvered through the throngs of people and escaped through the chicken exit. Then, unfortunately, we had to weave our way through the packed DHS all the way to the back of the park in the hundred degree heat.

We met my mom at Mama’s, where she had already checked us in and we were escorted back to our table.

We had a really attentive waiter, which was nice. Mama Melrose’s was always a staple in our family’s dining repertoire, however it had been a couple visits since we’ve eaten there. It turned out to be one of my favorite meals.

Who doesn’t love a meal that starts off with hot rolls?

I had the Chicken Campanelle which was so good. I’m a sharp cheese girl, so this dish satisfied my love of cheese!

Dad ate the Carne D’ Italia flatbread which had pepperoni, sausage, and pancetta on it. He really liked it.

Originally my mom and I were going to share our entrees (she got one, I got the other) but as soon as we tasted ours compared to the other’s we both stuck with what we ordered. She got the Pollo di Forno, which was tasty but I just wasn’t in the mood for it. She really liked it, though.

imagination30 · Aug 23, 2013

okay the nutella waffle at sleepy hollow looks awesome .. cant wait to try one in jan during Marathon weekend

fractal · Aug 23, 2013

Really love your pictures!

Mama Melrose's looks good - we have never eaten there. Sorry about your KTTK problem - but seems like you handled all the "hiccups" well - unlike the crazed lady at the bus stop.

TrolleyFollower91 · Aug 24, 2013

imagination30 said:
okay the nutella waffle at sleepy hollow looks awesome .. cant wait to try one in jan during Marathon weekend

Your life will be forever changed!! It is soooo good!

fractal said:
Really love your pictures!

Mama Melrose's looks good - we have never eaten there. Sorry about your KTTK problem - but seems like you handled all the "hiccups" well - unlike the crazed lady at the bus stop.

Thanks for the compliment! Mama's is delicious. They've changed the menu a couple of times which has caused us to stop going for a period and then we'll try it again. The current menu is fantastic. As far as the KTTW, you just have to roll with the punches. It worked out okay for us, and it was ultimately my fault I lost my card.

That lady at the bus stop was hilarious. Even more hilarious that we saw her later in the day at the Club Level Lounge- I guess she felt like she needed to get what she was paying for.

TrolleyFollower91 · Aug 24, 2013

After our very satisfying lunch, we decided to leave DHS in order to grab some pool time at the Poly before the rain came in. On the way out we stopped at the MU topiary from F&G that has now moved in front of DHS.

They have a Photopass spot set up in front of Mike and Sulley, so we had to work around them.

When we got back to the Poly, we went for a swim. It was an awesome couple of hours that we alternated from our chairs to the pool. It was so hot; we mostly stayed in the pool. We could have stayed at the pool all afternoon, but we had dinner plans with some friends who live locally. We got ready and then drove to Downtown Disney to meet them at Earl of Sandwich.

Now that one parking lot is closed for Disney Springs construction, the parking situation at DtD is even worse. We drove around for a good 15 minutes looking for a spot- and of course it was pouring rain at this point. Finally we found a spot and the skies opened up even more. We waited for a while and then just slushed through the rain to Earls (which was completely empty- it was almost spooky!)

We had a nice dinner with friends (sorry no food pics- I didn’t want them to think I was super weird!) and then we hit up Ghirardelli for dessert. We headed back to the Poly (which also had no parking spaces due to construction- urgh!) and grabbed my favorite drink before watching Wishes in our room.

(Here’s the sign- I don’t know why the pitcher is missing).

Up next: Wandering around the World

TrolleyFollower91 · Aug 24, 2013

August 7: Switching Rooms, France, and Fireworks!

I woke up for another early run. There is something Magical about running at Disney that I wish I had every day at home. When I got back to the room, we had to pack everything up to stow with Bell Services because we were switching to a third floor room (gotta have that balcony!). We kept our bathing suits in a separate bag to stow in the car because we anticipated some swimming in the afternoon in case our new room wasn’t ready. Here’s the view from our old room:

We grabbed a quick breakfast in the lounge, called Bell Services and then walked to the TTC. We took the monorail to Epcot!

First up, Living with the Land.

By this point, Soarin’ was already listed at a 70 minute wait. Lucky for us, we had already made our FP+ reservation! We bypassed the line and sat in Bravo 1. In order to exit, we left through the “overflow” exit by the restrooms just outside of Soarin’. We walked backstage and were let out right next to the Imagination Pavilion. Since we were right there, we decided to visit our friend Figment.

Then we went to visit Nemo.

In the big blue world!

I mean, it’s a nice song and all but they just keep singing and singing…

From there it was time for another FP+- Spaceship Earth. It was here that we had to wait because people kept asking the CM where they can get a FP. I felt bad for the CMs at attractions that only had FP+, because most people did not understand that you can only get FP+ if you have the MagicBand.

TrolleyFollower91 · Aug 25, 2013

After Spaceship Earth, it was time to slowly make our way to World Showcase for our lunch destination. Fine with me, that means I have time for pictures

Crazy in Canada!

Nope, not Rose and Crown!

Getting warmer…

Having just spent two weeks in Europe, walking around World Showcase was definitely reminiscent. When I was in Europe, I always felt like I was at Disney- just proves how well Disney researches and constructs their parks!

We made it! Lunch in France!

We had a few minutes to wait before the restaurant opened, but we were seated fairly quickly after that. We had a beautiful window table overlooking the Crepe stand.

TrolleyFollower91 · Aug 25, 2013

For lunch, I had the typical France meal of a hamburger. Okay, maybe not so exotic but this is seriously one of my favorite burgers on property. And the French fries are the perfect complement- (so they do make good French fries in France…)

Mom had the Lasagnes de legumes du soleil a l'huile d'olive au thym (thanks, Allears !). In English, it was basically vegetarian lasagna. It’s one of her favorites and it did not disappoint!

Dad had the chicken crepe. There were good reviews all around the table!!

Throughout lunch, I had been watching people outside get these beautiful ice cream cones. I kind of got addicted to eating ice cream out of a cone in Europe, so we just had to stop there after lunch. Sorry, no pictures of the beautiful dessert. The combination of the hundred degree heat and eating ice cream out of a cone does not allow for picture taking before indulging. That, and I just really wanted to start eating it.

It was super-duper hot, and the Poly pool was calling our names. We rode the monorail back to the Poly and grabbed our swimsuits from the car. Unfortunately, our new room was not ready yet, so we changed in the bathroom in the lounge. Mom and I headed out to the Volcano pool and Dad opted to stay in the air conditioning and watch our things.

Mom and I had a wonderful couple of hours relaxing by the pool. Included in that time may or may not have been a nap and some frozen drinks

Dad came to find us and told us our new room number and that Bell Services had already dropped the luggage off in our room.

We walked back to Hawaii and popped into the lounge to see what the appetizers were. I was so excited to see the chicken wings and pork dumplings from O’hana!! These are one of the only reasons I enjoy going to O’hana so it was great to have them without dealing with everything else in that restaurant.

TrolleyFollower91 · Aug 25, 2013

We at our appetizers on the balcony and listened to Dream Along with Mickey. It’s really funny how the sound carries across the water- we could hear the songs crystal clear. We got ready to go to dinner and then headed to the MK!

We decided to take the boat across since it was such a nice night. Plus, the parents decided to be super cute and match!

Dinner that night was at Crystal Palace. We go there for the food and not the characters. In fact, I always think that Disney should have a sign on the table that says “Characters, please” or “Just waving, no visits please.” That way the characters could spend more time with the people who really want to see them. We’re just not that into characters. I know some people always have great interactions, but we never do.

Anyways, the food was really good, but the buffet line needs some serious work. Both lines merge at the carving station but there was only one meat slicer and no one seemed to be in a line. In fact, some people got really angry at the lack of organization and were yelling at the chefs and other guests. It was a really bad experience, to the point where I just skipped the carving station.

The Main Street Electrical Parade was going off as we exited the Magic Kingdom. We made it back to our balcony in time to watch Wishes! I set up the tripod and camera for my first attempt at fireworks pictures. They’re definitely not the best, but I call it a successful first try.

It’s the blue fairy!

See what a little wishin’ can do?

The best part of the night? We walked back inside our hotel room and went to bed! There was no fighting the Main Street (or even Poly beach) crowds!

TrolleyFollower91 · Aug 25, 2013

August 8: My favorite day of the trip!

We love the opening show at MK. If I could spend every morning watching the train pull into the station, I probably would. That being said, we broke one of our cardinal rules of avoiding EMH like the plague and we arrived at the MK at 7:45. Christopher George Weaver, the Mayor of Main Street USA welcomed us to the Magic Kingdom!

As soon as we entered through the tunnel, we jetted off to Tomorrowland. Dad and I got in the huge line for Space Mountain. We were backed up all the way to the Lunching Pad:

While we were in line, I heard my name being shouted from above. I turned up to look, and there was my mother partaking in a morning ride on TTA.

The line for Space Mountain wasn’t super long, but we got to ride the Omega side which was a nice change. In back of us was a French family whose son was too short to ride. Well, he was too short to ride after he stopped standing on his toes when being measured.

Mom texted me that she was by Little Mermaid in New Fantasyland, so we headed that direction. We waited standby for it and we literally walked on. I love this ride and can’t wait for it to be no longer than a 15-20 minute wait all the time.

Next, we wandered around the New Fantasyland. This area of the park is seriously photogenic. Or maybe I think that because it is still somewhat new to me.

Even Mike loves it!

I stopped in Bonjour Gifts and ended up picking up the new “Enchanted Forest” matted art piece. I have an affinity for Disney art that’s not obnoxiously “Disney” (i.e. no giant painting of Mickey). It’s more landscapes and subtle references to attractions or hotels. This one fit my qualifications so I snatched it up!

I don’t think I’ll ever get over being able to shoot the castle from this far back. It’ll be awesome when the walls of the Mine Train are gone.

TrolleyFollower91 · Aug 25, 2013

Hey, look- a Mike-sized door!

After our meandering, we walked on it’s a small world. I think this was our most ridden attraction on this trip.

We rode Peter Pan after that. MK was getting really crowded and it was hot, hot, hotter so we decided to leave for a resort break. First stop was the Contemporary for Mom to pick up her dessert. Then we headed to the Grand Floridian to try out the newly refurbished Gasparilla’s.

I used to always think this resort was really “stuffy” and uncomfortable. However, I have a new appreciation for it and would like to stay there again soon.

Inside the new Gasparilla’s is beautiful. They removed the tacky arcade (thank goodness), have plenty of seating, make your food fresh to order and deliver it to your table. Such service!

I decided to have the chicken alfredo flatbread. I was really impressed. The cheese and sauce were very flavorful but the chicken was just okay. Some pieces were too small so they got dry when the pizza was cooked. Overall, I definitely enjoyed it, though!

Mom got the Great Gaspy Burger (see what they did there?). It had cheddar cheese, onion straws, and pulled pork on top of the burger. It was a unique choice for my mom, but she ended up really enjoying it.

Dad got the Italian Panini. He liked it and it reminded him of the sandwich that used to be in the Tomorrowland Terrace many many moons ago.

Now the best part- dessert! Mom at the chocolate coconut cupcake she got from the Contempo café. I had the S’mores cupcake from Gasparilla’s. Both were the perfect sweet treat and nobody shared with Dad

!

disneyfan1995 · Aug 25, 2013

Great report! I love all the food pictures. Mama Melrose is a favorite of mine too!

FlaggNL · Aug 26, 2013

Again, great to follow

Nice to see that Mike's still love the trip

jkl2000 · Aug 26, 2013

More great food, fun, and fotos!

Is Gasparilla's a place you can go without an ADR? If so, good to keep in mind. Your photos of the Grand Floridian brought back some memories that were almost completely buried (for no good reason other than the passing of time) of us wandering around those grounds back in 2000 - we had just stopped off at the GF for a look around. Funny, I'd totally forgotent our wander through the grounds there, I only remembered seeing the lobby.

Trip Report Even the Ostrich Wore a MagicBand! An August 2013 TR

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