Trip Report Food, Flowers & FARTS… Festival Fun In 2025

I’m taking a page from @Tuvalu 's playbook and combining our 2025 adventures together. Perhaps I’ll even keep it (mostly) updated?? Lol

Thank you all in advance for joining along on our adventures! I have so much fun sharing with all of you!

Let the festival fun begin…

 

[Figment Forever]

oy. Things can ONLY get better, right?! I hope that is the case...

Oh yes, I have no complaints... but there was some more (minor) drama to follow...

 

[Figment Forever]

When we landed in Florida, it was great to be back.

I texted a picture to my brother and mother Me in front of palm trees. It felt like I was home. And I don’t mean Disney. I mean more Florida. Two years maybe?

Our first purchase was a fresh squeezed OJ.

 

[Swissmiss]

I know… it’s barely 7AM – Don’t Judge!! Lol

7AM for you is 1 PM for me, so no judgement

 

[Figment Forever]

We walked outside and got a Lyft (the first of many) to the Residence Inn in Lake Buena Vista.

We were staying off property this time. Our original trip was for earlier in the month at Pop. Unfortunately, things came up and we had to switch our dates and by the time we switched our dates there was no affordable resort in Disney to stay at, so I looked around at what Disney considered their good neighbor hotels and decided on this one. It had a complimentary breakfast and a hot tub.

A little more backstory. About 2 weeks before our trip I had a bit of an accident and hurt my hip and leg. (Yeah... I'm a mess these days!) The doctor feels it’s a deep bone bruise and muscle contusion. So unfortunately, that meant I had quite some pain, especially while walking a lot. Yeah I know, not a great combination with a trip to Disney. But it is what it is. However, I was so thankful that our resort would have a hot tub because soaking in a hot tub really helps with the pain. Ice does too, so I was equally grateful that we had a full refrigerator complete with a freezer which meant I was able to bring my ice therapy pack with me too.

After our stay at the Renaissance in at Newark, I was kind of nervous, but I shouldn’t have been. As soon as we got there it was fine. The girl at check in was absolutely sweet to us. At first she told us we would have to be paying $65 fee for early check-in because we were there so much earlier, but we laughed and said no we’re actually a day late. She laughed too and said OK you’re fine. She got us situated and asked us which floor we wanted. I happily took the 1st floor. I didn’t want to deal with elevators or stairs. Although it was a long walk down the hall, the room was fine. It was big and clean and had some space to it. They actually upgraded us and gave us a one bedroom Suite instead of a studio, which meant that the girls do not have to sleep on a pullout couch. It had a kitchen area equipped with a full refrigerator and microwave.

It was nice having a little space to stretch out. Was it worth a trade to be off of Disney property? I guess we had a week to decide.

 

[Figment Forever]

Once we were situated, we got in our bathing suits and took a lift to Blizzard Beach.

Blizzard Beach was due to close April 30 and Hope really wanted to go one time before that. We hadn't been to BB since 2019. It was a beautiful day but a little windy, which made it a little chilly, at least for me who likes 100° weather all the time, humidity and all. I don’t have many pictures because obviously it’s a waterpark and I’m always nervous something will happen to my phone. We started out in the lazy river and honestly, I dozed off while floating there. lol

After a long time just relaxing in the lazy river, we sought out the wave pool. I have to say, I enjoyed this way more than the one at TL because it’s so much more relaxing and enjoyable. Typhoon lagoon waves are just crazy! But that’s just my opinion.

Hope wanted to do a couple of slides so she Julia and Ross went off to do Teamboat Springs while I just kind of relaxed on a chair dozing off again. I didn’t think my hip would do so well on the water slides. I did manage to grab snack. I mean a Disney water park is not the same without Disney mini-doughnuts.

Unfortunately, Hope started not to feel good. I think it was a mix of pure exhaustion and stomach cramps. Poor kiddo. I’ve left the ibuprofen at the hotel so we decided to wrap it up and head back.

 

[lindawdw]

That was a rough start to the trip going out of Newark Airport which has had major issues this past month so I'm glad you were able to get the earliest flight out the next day! We flew out on 5/3 from there on the 7:00 am flight and we lucked out with an on-time flight! I hope the rest of the trip was fun with little to no more stresses.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Rough start to your trip, I'm glad you made it down there. Just so you know if you ever need ibuprofen or tylenol while at the parks just go to first aid and they will give you a dose of over the counter meds like that for free. I have gotten some tylenol and bandaids from first aid a few times when I had forgotten to bring some.

 

[Figment Forever]

That was a rough start to the trip going out of Newark Airport which has had major issues this past month so I'm glad you were able to get the earliest flight out the next day! We flew out on 5/3 from there on the 7:00 am flight and we lucked out with an on-time flight! I hope the rest of the trip was fun with little to no more stresses.

Oh there were more stresses... but much more fun! lol Newark is just a mess right now.

Rough start to your trip, I'm glad you made it down there. Just so you know if you ever need ibuprofen or tylenol while at the parks just go to first aid and they will give you a dose of over the counter meds like that for free. I have gotten some tylenol and bandaids from first aid a few times when I had forgotten to bring some.

Oh man! I can't believe I didn't think of that! Thanks for tip!

 

[Figment Forever]

Once we were back at the Residence Inn, Hope was wiped out. I gave her some ibuprofen. She showered and changed and went to bed for a nap. Ross also relaxed and decided to take a nap.

My hip and leg were hurting. I wanted to relax in the hot tub. Julia wanted to join me so off we went... of course when we reached the pool area we were met with.

Yes, the entire pool area, along with the hot tub, was closed. With the day(s) we were having, I was not the least bit surprised.

The sign said “temporary” closed so I went to the front desk and asked the young lady what does “temporary” mean? She said she apologized and said that they were doing a photo shoot for the day so it was just today. However, she said we could go to any sister hotel in the area. We were in a large cluster of hotels… Marriott, Hilton and Holiday Inn. I looked at Julia & Julia looked at me and said why not? So Julia and I went in search of a hot tub. I assumed she met just Marriott hotels so we started there.. The first one we came upon had a pool but no hot tub. The second Mariott was the same… pool but no hot tub. We asked at the front desk if he knew of a Mariott with a hot tub we could use. Brian, the young man working at the desk told us to go to the Holiday Inn Express and tell Armando that Brian sent us and to let us use the hot tub. He said it was perfectly fine, but he warned us that sometimes there hot tub was broken down. So we walked over to the Holiday Inn express and although we did not find Armando, we did find the pool and the hot tub. And I am happy to report that Brian was correct, but unhappy that the hot tub was closed!

Julia, I decided to give up and walk back to our hotel,l but as we were getting close, I looked over and saw the Garden Hill Hilton and suggested we try there. Honestly, I didn’t know if we were allowed to or not, but my leg was throbbing, and I needed to get in the hot tub. We walked around to the pool area and sure enough there was a beautiful hot tub with a waterfall and everything. Julia and I hopped in and it was great!

We hung out there for about an hour. If they had a pool bar, I would’ve happily purchased us some drinks, but there was not so we just relaxed and enjoyed. I also managed to do an Instacart order while I was there for some necessities for the room basically just beverages. Water, chocolate milk, and some apple juice.

Then we headed back to the room where Ross and Hope were completing their naps. We all got dressed and ready to go to dinner. I actually had reservations and after our previous dinner from Leo’s pizzeria, a nice meal was most welcomed!

 

[Figment Forever]

We got a lift over to the Contemporary and checked into Steakhouse 71.

While we had been here several times now for breakfast, which was always delicious, we had never been for dinner and I had heard many good things about it. Our meal was fantastic! Julia and I shared the prime rib dinner. We got an extra side of mac & cheese and asparagus.

Julia and I also got the sauce flight...

Hope got the kids grilled steak with French fries and grapes.

Ross got the fillet medallions.

 

[Figment Forever]

Ross and I also ordered the French Onion soup and Caesar salad which we split.

I got the special drink, 1971 Sunset, but asked for it to only be for one person. Ross joked and said I may as well just gotten the one that serves 2 to 4 because it would’ve been a better deal money wise. I looked at him and then told him he would’ve had to carry me out of the place, since I am the only one that drinks. Although Julia will take a sip here and there, she usually does not indulge in adult beverages, which is fine with me.

Of course, we gad to sample dessert as well.

 

[Figment Forever]

After our dinner, we walked over to Magic Kingdom.

We had to say hello to Mike Wazowski . Magic Kingdom was open till 10 PM and as we walked in, it was nearing time for HEA, so we plowed our way through the crowds and over to the Laugh Floor. Ross needed the restroom, so he said he would meet us at the exit. The girls and I entered to see our monster friends.

We sat in the very first row over to the side where Roz is on the screen. I was so embarrassed because at some point during the show, I completely fell asleep. How I did not fall over…I have no idea. All I know is I woke up to Julia shaking me, saying, mommy wake up, are you asleep? And when I opened my eyes, there were people all around me rushing to exit. I looked at her and she was laughing hysterically. She asked me if I slept through the whole thing and I admitted the last thing I remembered was that Sam & Ella were doing geography of the world! I was so thankful that they did not put the camera on me and call me out?! I think I would’ve died!

 

[lindawdw]

I'm so glad you finally found a hot tub to relax in!!! Your dinner at Steakhouse 71 looked delicious! We have always loved that restaurant even when it was called "The Wave" but now that it's considered a Steakhouse, I can't seem to get a dinner reservation there most trips.

 

[Figment Forever]

I'm so glad you finally found a hot tub to relax in!!! Your dinner at Steakhouse 71 looked delicious! We have always loved that restaurant even when it was called "The Wave" but now that it's considered a Steakhouse, I can't seem to get a dinner reservation there most trips.

Steakhouse 71 has become a favorite of ours! I think I would pick breakfast over dinner, but I am a breakfast person. We never tried it when it was The Wave. Wasn't it also an arcade at one time? Or am I confusing it with something else?

 

[Figment Forever]

And now a commentary from Hope...

I love the original version of Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, previously known as The Laugh Floor Comedy Club. I have never seen the original, so I have been searching across the Internet trying to locate the full show. I have only found bits and pieces which I have posted to my Instagram page... Hopester024

If anyone here knows where I can see the original version in its entirety, please let me (or mom) know!!! Thanks!!!

Here is a clip from the original for you all to enjoy...

 

[Figment Forever]

Ross met us at the exit. The girls wanted to go back in and see the show again with Ross. I was so paranoid I would fall asleep again and get on camera, I passed. I decided to go take a spin on the Peoplemover. At least if I fell asleep on there, they would just let me keep rolling around Magic Kingdom. As I was making my way over, HEA had started, and it was a wonderful feeling to be there relaxed and enjoying it all. Unfortunately, MILF had closed before Ross and the girls could see it again. He called me right away and we all met at the peoplemover. We walked right on and got to listen to HEA and watch some of the fireworks go off.

It was really cool! And I wasn’t the one who fell asleep this time. lol

 

[Figment Forever]

It was time to say good night to Magic Kingdom, but not before Julia and I tried a new snack…

We have really been wanting to try a new treat that we saw and I guess it’s some kind of a craze because when we got to the Main Street Confectionary there was a huge line! We waited about 20 minutes and got our popcorn! There was a slight glitch because they were not accepting cash and the handheld they were using did not accept my gift card because it didn’t have a strip to run through – it had a scan only. Luckily, Julia had a gift card that worked!

We picked caramel and kettle corn combined with dark chocolate drizzle and Oreo pieces and pretzels. It was yummy, but I soon realize that you have to give it time for the chocolate to harden up a little bit. Otherwise, it is too messy to eat with your hands!

We walked back over to the Contemporary and called a Lift since lives aren’t allowed to pick up directly at Magic Kingdom. It was no big deal and soon we were back at the Residence Inn and back fell into bed.

A final thought on our (2) day(s)...

These two days were very strange because when I got into bed that night, it felt as though the two days were really one day. It was like this day was just an extension of our travel day and it threw me off. Even the next couple days, it would throw me off. It felt like we lost today somewhere. It’s very hard to explain, but I’m thankful that our flight went out and that we were all safe and that we were in Florida enjoying each other and I could have a week to escape reality and relax.

 

[Figment Forever]

Day 3 - April 30

Julia woke me at 7am. I must have been in a really deep sleep because I had no idea where I was or what was going on. I was so startled. When I quickly remembered where I was, I got frightened again. Julia said mom it’s 7 o’clock! Wait!! Did I miss a getting a VQ?? No. There were no VQ’s to get. Why was Julia waking me up? Turns out it was the free breakfast at the hotel. Breakfast opened up at 6:30 and Julia wanted to get there before the crowds did. lol

The breakfast area was large and bright. There were several stations set up with a nice variety of breakfast foods. While it was no gourmet meal, it was nice and free.
Julia was busy at making Mickey waffles.

I let her make the waffles for all of us while I gathered some items to bring back to the room. I knew we wanted to eat back there or not in the breakfast hall, but I have to say it was a large space.

We all started to take our time getting ready. Hope had to attend her math class. Thankfully the WiFi was good and she had no problems.

We are got ready and took our time. The wacky travel day(s) had really taking it toll on all of us, but by 11:30 we walked outside to grab a Lift to Epcot.

Now a word on the shuttle services at The Residence Inn …. There was a free shuttle to WDW, but it was very limited. At 7:45 you could get one to Epcot or Animal Kingdom. At 9:45 to Hollywood Studios or Epcot. and at 11:05 to Epcot. So if you needed to go to any other park, you would have to transfer from those locations. Obviously, if you are early morning people and wanted to rope drop MK or HS, the shuttle service would not be much help to you. We actually would’ve attempted the 11:05 shuttle this day, but we were just a little too late and we didn’t want to rush. It just wasn’t worth it to us. So we called a Lift instead.

Side Note: We never took the free shuttle during our stay. It just never timed up with our schedule. We didn’t care, but the Lyft’s did start to add up.


It was a gorgeous day! The sun was shining and it was beautiful and warm.

 

[Figment Forever]

We made our way to one of our favorites…

We had to say hello to Figment! When will they give this little dragon some love and refurbishment? The panel was still not working at the end of the ride!!

We had a return time for Soarin, but decided to check out the Pixar Film Festival first. My hip was bothering me, so I was happy to rest up for a few more minutes. The thought of going in a wheelchair loomed over me. I really didn’t want it, but my hip and leg were hurting more than I thought it would.

As we made our way over The Land, Ross requested a drink he had remembered it from the year before and they seemed to have the same one. He and Hope shared it while Julia and I shared a pretzel with some plastic cheese.

 

[Figment Forever]

We soared. We ended up on the bottom row all the way on the right.

And we sailed….

I was happy to see all the inclusion of flower and garden within living with the land. I had no doubt this would be, I was just still confused why there was no incorporation of FARTS on this ride.