Trip Report Everything Is Just So Peachy Keen! *COMPLETED*

It certainly was for us Georgia peaches this last week! For those who may be new here, let us introduce ourselves. We are Tuvalu and Em, a mother-daughter duo who love traveling together to Walt Disney World. We take multiple trips per year (this was our third for 2022) and for us, time spent at our resort is just as important to us as time spent in the parks. Slow-paced relaxation is vital to us!

I’m sure this laid-back vibe is what draws people to cruises: pools, bars, a variety of restaurants and activities from which to choose . I can’t do ships. But I can happily “land cruise” at WDW!

Hope you decide to follow along and learn about the surprises on our most recent voyage.

When: July 20-27, 2022
Where: Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resorts

Nothing can stop us now!

 

[Tuvalu]

Friday, con’t

In hindsight Em and I should have rested inside Connections Cafe after exiting Guardians. Perhaps my queasiness would have passed more quickly than it did. But I was anxious to get my swim on, so I just sipped on my water bottle as we made the grueling journey back to our room.

It. Was. HOT.

We walked in the shady spots when we could.

The air conditioning inside the Yacht Club felt so good! While it was tempting to linger, we wanted shady loungers at Stormalong Bay and they go fast. As soon as we changed we hit the pool.

Pic of sunny loungers taken from our shady spot.

Em and I spent a lot of time in the grotto.

We also casually explored all the areas of this unique water playground. There was no need to be in a hurry. We watched the in-pool volleyball game, floated in the whirlpool, sat on a few pool ledges and had our feet tickled by the bubbler jets in the shallow end. We did not ride the slide (enclosed water slides are not my fave) but enjoyed the splash-downs of those who did.

The sunshine was gorgeous. We’d never really had extended time at Stormalong Bay before. Our time usually ends prematurely thanks to thunder, lightning and rain. But not today!

We left the water when our tummies got rumbly. We didn’t need to go far. Hurricane Hanna’s was just a few steps away. This bar and grill is accessible to anyone since it is outside the pool gate. Only guests of Yacht and Beach (identifiable by a special wristband) are allowed inside Stormalong Bay.

Lunch was where we hit our only disappointment and it was a very minor one. My fries-loving daughter was disheartened (and disbelieving) when she saw this sign.

“Technical difficulties making French Fries?!” she scoffed. “Just be honest and say, We don’t want to.”

The permanent-looking sign made us both suspect that the “Technical Difficulties” had been going on awhile. Yet the mobile order app still showed fries as the accompanying side, not chips.

The chips tasted fine despite not being our first choice. We were more interested in our sandwiches, which did not disappoint - grilled chicken with provolone, lettuce, tomato and chunky avocado spread on a brioche bun. Very yummy!!

We spent the afternoon hours lounging in the shade and relaxing in the water. And we left Stormalong Bay on our own terms, not dictated by inclement weather!

 

[maxntina]

Oh, no! Glad your sandwiches were delectable!

 

[Darstarr]

“Technical difficulties making French Fries?!” she scoffed. “Just be honest and say, We don’t want to.”

I will take “technical difficulties” over “supply chain issues” any day!!!!
(I know supply chain issues are real, believe me I REALLY know, but I am so sick of hearing about it, and trying to explain it to people all day long, have they been living under a rock?)

 

[amjt660]

Tu helped the Guardians save the galaxy??

Did you ever know that your my hero?

Max

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

The sunshine was gorgeous. We’d never really had extended time at Stormalong Bay before. Our time usually ends prematurely thanks to thunder, lightning and rain. But not today!

I’m so glad you got extended time at Stormalong Bay and I love that you weren’t forced to leave early by the weather!!
On the opposite side of the country, my favorite local burger chain in Seattle said they had a French fry shortage recently due to the lack of quality crop from Idaho at the moment!

 

[Tuvalu]

I will take “technical difficulties” over “supply chain issues” any day!!!!
(I know supply chain issues are real, believe me I REALLY know, but I am so sick of hearing about it, and trying to explain it to people all day long, have they been living under a rock?)

On the opposite side of the country, my favorite local burger chain in Seattle said they had a French fry shortage recently due to the lack of quality crop from Idaho at the moment!

And yet….other quick serves had fries.

 

[Tuvalu]

Tu helped the Guardians save the galaxy??

Did you ever know that your my hero?

Max

 

[Tuvalu]

Friday, con’t

Em and I had a hard time keeping track of what day it was during this trip. We typically travel on weekends, so doing a Wednesday to Wednesday was a little challenging to our linear minds. Under normal circumstances we never would have chosen to go to Epcot on Friday evening during Food and Wine.

Yet here we were.

During our planning we had decided to take advantage to our resort’s proximity to Epcot, and so far so good. That would change tonight.

Note that there are more people heading into Epcot than out — including this dad who decided it was a good idea to let his kid-filled stroller roll down the hill as he walked beside it.

As we approached the entrance I saw a man wearing a tee shirt with a large picture of Spaceship Earth. Underneath the picture were these words:
It’s Not A Golf Ball

It made me smile and think of my dad, who was an avid golfer and never once referred to SSE as a golf ball.

Once inside the park Em and I walked counter-clockwise around World Showcase, as that was the most efficient route to our dinner destination. We quickly learned that counter-clockwise is NOT the way to navigate through Friday night F&W crowds.

A little bumped and bruised but we made it.

Both of us had been looking forward to frozen strawberry limoncellos and pizza all day.

The last couple of times we ate in Via Napoli our servers were Americans as the cultural representatives had not yet returned to Epcot. The cultural reps have now begun returning though our server tonight was not from Italy but from Spain. Andres was friendly, funny and faithfully tended to our needs.

Em and I had been seated next to a window but the blinds were drawn. We had sat there before and knew what was outside. I asked our server to lift the blinds (he himself wasn’t sure why they were drawn since sun wasn’t an issue) and he gladly obliged, revealing our odd bunny friend.

Does anyone know the significance of this statue?

We ordered our strawberry limoncellos and pizza. The drinks were quick to arrive.

Andres also surprised us with a special condiment plate for our pizza.

Can you see the eyes and the smile?

And he took our picture.

Our drinks were as refreshing as we remembered. They went down very easily but we refrained from ordering another.

We had pizza to eat!

Yes, we finished this bad boy. Two thumbs way up for our Via Nap meal experience!

 

[Tuvalu]

We wanted to do a few attractions and fought our way around counter-clockwise again. The sea of humanity was the largest we’d encountered since the pandemic. Em called it “crazy chaos.” At one point I managed to slip off to the side and capture another taco-free lagoon pic. The sunset was so pretty.

We sought refuge here.

The line moved quickly and we were aboard our quaint cruise in no time.

 

[fractal]

View attachment 661108
Does anyone know the significance of this statue?

No, but dying to know!

 

[Tuvalu]

Em and I were on our way to Future World (or whatever it’s called) from Mexico when we were unwittingly captured in Mammoth Club’s vlog. And if not for @joshsprincess921 eagle eye, we wouldn’t even know that we were!

I was surprised that the “carpet” remnant from the Flower and Garden Festival was still in bloom (sort of). Actually I was more surprised that it hadn’t been dug up yet!

We found an escape from the crowds. This side of the park was quiet and both attractions were walk-ons.

After using our imaginations we went soarin’.

The break from the masses had energized us and we were ready to make the journey back to Yacht Club. And though it was quite humid, it was not raining.

As we passed the new-ish restrooms near the rose garden, a memory from the previous month came flooding back to me.

Em and I had been trapped in this corner….for 45 minutes(!)….thanks to the sudden onset of a powerful thunderstorm.

Though we had umbrellas, the strong wind had rendered them useless. We cowered in that corner, soggy and silly, until the worst had passed.

Once again we opted out of watching Harmonious in favor of sitting out on our balcony. (Better view!) It was our last opportunity since we’d be changing resorts in the morning.

 

[Tuvalu]

No, but dying to know!

I did a quick dive on Google and came up empty.

 

[macefamily]

Thursday, con't

While at lunch Em mentioned that there was something else she wanted to do at DHS.

"It doesn't have to be today, but I'd like to do it this trip."

There's no time like the present, I thought.

"I'm game now!" I replied enthusiastically.

(But I'll make you stop for pictures first, muwahaha!)

You may remember my darling daughter has a fondness for margaritas. She'd read there was a margarita flight available in the park and she was intrigued.

She was even willing to sit outdoors to partake.

View attachment 658928

View attachment 658932

While we have dined at the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant several times, this would be our first experience at the lounge. The walk up list was not available through MDE so we thought we'd give it a try in person.

View attachment 658927

Em went to find someone who could help us.

Another Chatty Cathy found me.

“Phew it’s SO HOT!” CC exclaimed loudly, clearly wanting to engage me in conversation.

I nodded. She continued speaking.

“I shouldn’t have worn black. It’s too hot. I didn’t bother showering today.”

Well thanks for letting me know!

She was continuing with her stream of consciousness when Em approached with a host, who said there was a table for us (thank goodness!) if we didn’t mind partial sun.

We took the table.

I don’t care for tequila so my libation of choice was a Magical Star. (Is that what you like @Minthorne?) I could do without the glow cube, but I took it home to add to my collection. The Tuva-tinys think the cubes are fun!

View attachment 658930

Em with her margarita flight ~ pomegranate, classic and blood orange. Her favorite was the blood orange. She said the classic was the strongest. It had a floater on top.

View attachment 658929

Before our drinks had arrived a party sat down at an adjacent table.

View attachment 658931

It was CC and her family. When Em’s margarita flight went past her, she craned her neck to see “what those interesting drinks are!” She then ordered the flight for herself (you can see it in the picture.)

Note that the rest of the family had their heads buried in their phones.

Looks like my favorite bar keep wasn't working that day. Ron is the man !

 

[93boomer]

Friday, con’t

We tapped in at the Virtual Queue entrance and began our tour of the “Wonders of Xandar” gallery. This would be my 4th tour — and the first one where I felt nervous. I felt like a little kid and kept looking to Em for reassurance. I was still undecided and continued to weigh the pros and cons in my mind.

Stop freaking yourself out! If you have butterflies in your stomach before you even get to the preshow, that will not bode well for a positive ride experience!

I managed to convince myself not to bail out here.

View attachment 660466

“I read that sitting in the middle car is less likely to cause motion sickness,” Em said, still sensing my struggle.

“Will you ask for the middle?” I pleaded.

“Of course.”

When we reached the first preshow theater I decided not to think about the coaster. Just enjoy the preshow like you’ve done before, I told myself. Mind over matter.

Naysayers claim this attraction has a weak storyline. I disagree. I think the preshows set the scene very well. And today, when the second show ended, I had a strong desire to see the story through to its conclusion.

I paid close attention to the load zones, something I had not done before.

View attachment 660467

Em held true to her word. She asked the loading CM if we could sit in the middle. She asked us to move to the side and then instructed us to go to row 5.

I climbed into the vehicle more excited than worried.

You can do this! Mind over matter!

I was determined to keep my eyes open as long as possible. Motion simulators require me to shut my eyes in order to tolerate them. This was a coaster, not a motion simulator.

You can do this! Mind over matter!

The backward launch was what concerned me most. If it made me sick, I’d be doomed for the duration of the ride. Em had told me the launch is over quickly and that she would warn me right before it happens.

“Gamora says the word back. As soon as she does the music starts and the launch begins.”

What happened the moment I heard the word back, I will never forget.

The familiar BAHM BAHM BAHM of Conga began to play! Em’s goal song! I was immediately ecstatic for her. At the same time I was caught up in the thrill of the backwards launch. Without even realizing what I was doing, my arms shot up over my head and I began upper body dancing to the catchy tune.

As the ride photo will attest, I was having the time of my life! (Not sure about the poser behind us.)

View attachment 660468

My eyes were open. I was taking everything in. This ride is fun!

Uh oh.

What’s happening in my stomach? Why am I getting queasy?

Mind over matter, Tu!

But matter was winning. The queasiness intensified. The ride was about 30 seconds too long for my tummy tolerance. I was very happy when we pulled into the exit tunnel.

I had no difficulty ascending or descending the double staircase. I didn’t need to sit down. No headache or dizziness. The waffles would not be making a second appearance.

But the queasy feeling would remain for the next 45 minutes.

I won’t rule out riding again in the future. But even if I never do, I will always have the wonderful memory of that fantastic (and very fun) Conga launch!

Sorry been busy and just now catching up. I loved that look on your
face! Glad you didn't chicken out. Now, DH will not let me chicken out when we go on it. lol You did have such a fun time!! Sorry about the queasiness.

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

Can you see the eyes and the smile?

Awwww yes!

We sat right next to the statue while a downpour occurred last July. We now have a research team on the statue’s significance!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Oopsie!

Em just reminded me that I forgot to mention my encounter with Chatty Cathy #3.

There was an extended family in Row 1 of glider B when the Soarin' gate attendant told me and Em to join them. No complaints here, as it meant no bendy Eiffel Tower or other contorted landmarks. Grandma stood directly in front of me, chatting through Patrick's safety instructions. "This ride is supposed to be good," 'We'll be flying?" etc.

We followed the family into the load zone. I put my purse in the "underhead" compartment then sat down in my seat. Grandma was pulling on my seatbelt, trying to get it around her.

"I think that's my seatbelt," I said politely.

She released the belt and looked around. "Oh. I guess my seat doesn't have one."

Yeah, like Disney wouldn't have noticed that!

She began to complain to Grandpa (who was sitting next to her) that she "didn't have a seatbelt."

"Well mine doesn't seem to want to buckle," Grandpa said.

You know where I'm going with this, don't you?

Of course his seatbelt couldn't be buckled. He had Grandma's!

They sorted through the situation just in time for the seat belt check. Soon we were airborne. And thus began Chatty Cathy's Grandma's running commentary through the entire movie. "Look at the polar bears,!" "Was that a whale?!" "The Sydney Opera House!" "Do I smell grass?" "The Great Wall of China!" and so on....and so on....and so on.

 

[93boomer]

Oopsie!

Em just reminded me that I forgot to mention my encounter with Chatty Cathy #3.

There was an extended family in Row 1 of glider B when the Soarin' gate attendant told me and Em to join them. No complaints here, as it meant no bendy Eiffel Tower or other contorted landmarks. Grandma stood directly in front of me, chatting through Patrick's safety instructions. "This ride is supposed to be good," 'We'll be flying?" etc.

We followed the family into the load zone. I put my purse in the "underhead" compartment then sat down in my seat. Grandma was pulling on my seatbelt, trying to get it around her.

"I think that's my seatbelt," I said politely.

She released the belt and looked around. "Oh. I guess my seat doesn't have one."

Yeah, like Disney wouldn't have noticed that!

She began to complain to Grandpa (who was sitting next to her) that she "didn't have a seatbelt."

"Well mine doesn't seem to want to buckle," Grandpa said.

You know where I'm going with this, don't you?

Of course his seatbelt couldn't be buckled. He had Grandma's!

They sorted through the situation just in time for the seat belt check. Soon we were airborne. And thus began Chatty Cathy's Grandma's running commentary through the entire movie. "Look at the polar bears,!" "Was that a whale?!" "The Sydney Opera House!" "Do I smell grass?" "The Great Wall of China!" and so on....and so on....and so on.

 

[erstwo]

I did a quick dive on Google and came up empty.

I asked my Venetian friend if it had to do with an Italian folk tale or something (I find it unique that ‘Mr Bunny’ has human like hands?)
But she said she it didn’t ring a bell or look familiar and she couldn’t link it to any Italian folk or fairy tales she knows.
So that’s one idea down. Many more possibilities to go!
ETA - I think you should call him Harvey.

 

[Laurenciaa]

Friday, con’t

We tapped in at the Virtual Queue entrance and began our tour of the “Wonders of Xandar” gallery. This would be my 4th tour — and the first one where I felt nervous. I felt like a little kid and kept looking to Em for reassurance. I was still undecided and continued to weigh the pros and cons in my mind.

Stop freaking yourself out! If you have butterflies in your stomach before you even get to the preshow, that will not bode well for a positive ride experience!

I managed to convince myself not to bail out here.

View attachment 660466

“I read that sitting in the middle car is less likely to cause motion sickness,” Em said, still sensing my struggle.

“Will you ask for the middle?” I pleaded.

“Of course.”

When we reached the first preshow theater I decided not to think about the coaster. Just enjoy the preshow like you’ve done before, I told myself. Mind over matter.

Naysayers claim this attraction has a weak storyline. I disagree. I think the preshows set the scene very well. And today, when the second show ended, I had a strong desire to see the story through to its conclusion.

I paid close attention to the load zones, something I had not done before.

View attachment 660467

Em held true to her word. She asked the loading CM if we could sit in the middle. She asked us to move to the side and then instructed us to go to row 5.

I climbed into the vehicle more excited than worried.

You can do this! Mind over matter!

I was determined to keep my eyes open as long as possible. Motion simulators require me to shut my eyes in order to tolerate them. This was a coaster, not a motion simulator.

You can do this! Mind over matter!

The backward launch was what concerned me most. If it made me sick, I’d be doomed for the duration of the ride. Em had told me the launch is over quickly and that she would warn me right before it happens.

“Gamora says the word back. As soon as she does the music starts and the launch begins.”

What happened the moment I heard the word back, I will never forget.

The familiar BAHM BAHM BAHM of Conga began to play! Em’s goal song! I was immediately ecstatic for her. At the same time I was caught up in the thrill of the backwards launch. Without even realizing what I was doing, my arms shot up over my head and I began upper body dancing to the catchy tune.

As the ride photo will attest, I was having the time of my life! (Not sure about the poser behind us.)

View attachment 660468

My eyes were open. I was taking everything in. This ride is fun!

Uh oh.

What’s happening in my stomach? Why am I getting queasy?

Mind over matter, Tu!

But matter was winning. The queasiness intensified. The ride was about 30 seconds too long for my tummy tolerance. I was very happy when we pulled into the exit tunnel.

I had no difficulty ascending or descending the double staircase. I didn’t need to sit down. No headache or dizziness. The waffles would not be making a second appearance.

But the queasy feeling would remain for the next 45 minutes.

I won’t rule out riding again in the future. But even if I never do, I will always have the wonderful memory of that fantastic (and very fun) Conga launch!

I felt EXACTLY the same!

 

[lindawdw]

Your strawberry limoncello from Italy looked incredible and that statue sure looks like it could be "Uncle Wiggley". You sure have had your fill of Chatty Cathy's on this trip so far!!!