Trip Report Forget about your worries and your strife. 🌞 Live trip report.

Quick recap of my pre-trip report to refresh memories or as just as catchup.
I (Mimi) am going on a solo trip to Disney World, 14 glorious days at AKL to do what I want, when I want.

This morning I woke up excited and ready to go, I threw the last things into my suitcase, double checked everything and happily went out in the rain to catch the bus to the train station. I gave myself plenty of time to get to the airport incase of delays etc. but luckily everything went smoothly and I arrived at the airport with plenty of time to share.
I looked around the shops a bit and took some photos to kill the time.

These cups in a cafe don't spin but are cute none the less.

Finally it was time to board my first flight.

This add made me smile as it was spot on.

The flight from Amsterdam to London was only 50 minutes and kind of boring except for the 2 Dutch ladies sitting in the row behind me. They were very unhappy that none of the flight attendants spoke Dutch,keep in mind that this was a British Airways flight, and complained loudly that it shouldn't be allowed for airlines to fly out of Amsterdam without at least one Dutch speaking crew member and the ladies refused to speak English to the crew. I didn't understand their logical at all and was happy the crew members didn't understand what they were saying. I was tempted to turn around to point out their stupidity but refrained.

Soon enough we landed safely at Gatwick, my hotel was easy to find and the check in staff were friendly and professional. My room is as expected, small and modern.

The shower is right in front of the toilet without a barrier not the best layout but fine for just a night.

No view as my room doesn't have a window.
Now I am just watching some TV, wishing it was tomorrow.

 

[12in12]

A quick trip back in time

I only drink when on holiday so feeling the cocktail I had earlier, very mellow.
Waiting for RoL to start, beat you to it @prfctlyximprct

Not flowers but butterflies in the bathroom in Dinoland.

 

[Pardonmypixiedust]

Lunch time at the best QS.
View attachment 257496

What QS is this ?

 

[12in12]

What QS is this ?

Boulanger Patisserie in France, EPCOT.

 

[LadyBelle]

I am sure the CM's are unfortunately used to jerk guests but that poor little boy broke my heart. The mom knew he wouldn't handle it well and still made him ride it. He was still screaming when I left the chamber with the banshees, he wouldn't get off his.

I could be wrong, but it sounded like the mom wanted to ride FOP no matter what. The Rider Swap really would have been the best deal for that family.

 

[myhappyplace]

I'm here late, but all caught up! Loving it all so far, especially the Mickey meet! I had to read the exchange out loud to my hubby. So funny.

 

[12in12]

I could be wrong, but it sounded like the mom wanted to ride FOP no matter what. The Rider Swap really would have been the best deal for that family.

It really would have made it much better for that poor boy, I don't know why the mom was being so difficult.

 

[12in12]

I'm here late, but all caught up! Loving it all so far, especially the Mickey meet! I had to read the exchange out loud to my hubby. So funny.

Happy to have you along, I'm glad you are enjoying it.

 

[21stamps]

Because drinking on an empty stomach is unhealthy.View attachment 257941

This looks delicious. Kicking myself for not eating a meal in Pandora.

 

[Gabe1]

After a 24 minute ride (info for you @Songbird76) we arrived and I skipped through bag check and up Main Street.
The Welcome show was just starting but I didn't want to run to see it. I'll watch it some other day. I just stood and watched the castle for a bit. After that it was time for Starbucks, it was busy but I was in and out in 12 minutes.
I walked past a lonely photopass photographer. We had a nice chat about my name which he read of my cup.
View attachment 257290

I strolled underneath the castle and just let it sink in I was really here.
I slowly made my way over to my traditional first ride, Haunted Mansion. It was a walk on but I chatted with the CM awhile so I could finish my coffee. View attachment 257291

A great Mansion but I am not ready to become a permanent resident.
View attachment 257292

After a large coffee it was time to visit the most talked about bathroom on property.
View attachment 257293

View attachment 257294

I spy 'our' frying pan!

 

[12in12]

RoL is beautifully done, I was so impressed by it!

As much as I liked the show it didn't touch me emotionally, maybe because I found the music a little boring.
When the show ended I made my way to the Tree of Life for the awakening. That is so beautifully done, I could hardly believe it, I watched for nearly 20 minutes just looking at all the animals.
The park was due to close in 35 minutes so I walked back to Pandora to see it in the dark. I have to say Pandora at night is stunning! Worth it to just walk around and enjoy it even without any rides. Na'vi River still had a 75 minute wait time posted but I was optimistic this was an exaggeration so I got in line. Luckily I was correct and it only took 30 minutes and then I was on a boat.
I know this ride doesn't get a lot of love on here but I thought it was excellent.

By now it was just after 8pm and the park was officially closed so I joined the sea of humanity heading to the exit. The bus stop was crowded but 2 busses pulled up and I was home within 10 minutes.
Before going to my room I went to the night viewing area to try out the night vision goggles, it was weird seeing so well in the dark but in a good way. The CMs there were friendly and knowledgeable and clearly liked their jobs.

 

[12in12]

This looks delicious. Kicking myself for not eating a meal in Pandora.

I saw the cheese plate in @bee's trip report and knew I had to try it. It did not disappoint and neither did the ambiance at Nomad Lounge.

 

[12in12]

I spy 'our' frying pan!

I want to bring it home with me but not sure if I can get it out of the park unnoticed.

 

[fractal]

I almost forgot about another awkward meet and greet today, this time with Aurora.
I got in line because it was short and there were a bunch of cute kids in front of me and I like to watch the interaction.
When it is my turn I have this conversation.
Aurora: Have you found your Prince yet?
Me: No, quite happy without a prince.
Aurora: That makes sense, prince Philip keeps eating all the pie so I understand you don't want that.
Me: I am sure Prince Philip has many good qualities.
Aurora: Yes, he is a very good dragon slayer. If you ever need a dragon slayer you can borrow him.
Me: wow, you would lend me your Prince?
Aurora: Of course, he is very strong and has a big sword so if you ever need him to slay a dragon just let me know.
Me:

View attachment 257578

A big sword always helps.

 

[Gabe1]

Binge read and all caught up. Sure hope it warms up for you. Just like the 2nd week of December when we were so cold we all bought Disney Winter knit hats. Crazy. Enjoying your report. I love AKL too. Hope the critters start appearing. We want Mrs @Mr Ferret 88 to have her quota of Giraffes.

I'm here late, but all caught up! Loving it all so far, especially the Mickey meet! I had to read the exchange out loud to my hubby. So funny.

I read the Mickey meet exchange to my DD as she was looking at me like I was from Mars when I burst out laughing. So funny.

I want to bring it home with me but not sure if I can get it out of the park unnoticed.

Be careful when you swipe that frying pan. You and that passport of yours are already on shaky ground.

A big sword always helps.

Yes, Yes it does.

 

[MinnieM123]

I really like your photo (below) of the fish--very unique.

 

[Songbird76]

It really would have made it much better for that poor boy, I don't know why the mom was being so difficult.

Speaking as a mom with a son who has Autism, she probably just really wanted to ride it, and she may not have known how horribly he'd react. Sometimes it is really hard to predict. I think DS will LOVE something, and he hates it or won't even go on it, and sometimes you just don't know what it's like yourself. BUT, she handled it really poorly because the swap really would have been the best route if she was unsure. But, we don't always do the right thing, and honestly, sometimes you just want to pretend everything is fine and there's no issue, and just for once, do what you want to do. I had a talk with DS last night at dinner because we went out to eat at a buffet. He finished in like 15 minutes and then asks if we're done....no, we're not. "But I'm bored. I want to go." But we're not finished eating. You'll have to be patient and wait, just like we wait for you sometimes. And I told him he was going to have to learn to be more patient next time we go to Disney, because while HE may not want to do certain rides, that doesn't mean WE don't want to do them, and we won't skip those things and only do what he wants to do. And he said "Ok, but I don't want you guys to go on the really popular rides that have really long wait lines when I don't want to do that ride." And he's 10. So I can see, if mom REALLY wanted to do that ride and this is their one big trip to Disney, that she's not willing to skip it because her son might not enjoy it. But she really SHOULD have taken the option to swap....I know, it's hard, because you're there as a family and you want the family time and you want to do things together, but sometimes it's worth making a little sacrifice like splitting for a few minutes, so EVERYONE enjoys it. Sad for the little boy, but I really do understand where the mom was coming from...she just made the wrong choice, and I'm betting she learned from it, too.

 

[12in12]

A big sword always helps.

Luckily Prince Philip has a shield that matches his big sword to keep everyone safe.

 

[12in12]

Be careful when you swipe that frying pan. You and that passport of yours are already on shaky ground.

Any swiping will be saved for the last day.

 

[12in12]

I really like your photo (below) of the fish--very unique.

View attachment 258048

Thank you, the fish themselves were pretty as well.

 

[12in12]

Speaking as a mom with a son who has Autism, she probably just really wanted to ride it, and she may not have known how horribly he'd react. Sometimes it is really hard to predict. I think DS will LOVE something, and he hates it or won't even go on it, and sometimes you just don't know what it's like yourself. BUT, she handled it really poorly because the swap really would have been the best route if she was unsure. But, we don't always do the right thing, and honestly, sometimes you just want to pretend everything is fine and there's no issue, and just for once, do what you want to do. I had a talk with DS last night at dinner because we went out to eat at a buffet. He finished in like 15 minutes and then asks if we're done....no, we're not. "But I'm bored. I want to go." But we're not finished eating. You'll have to be patient and wait, just like we wait for you sometimes. And I told him he was going to have to learn to be more patient next time we go to Disney, because while HE may not want to do certain rides, that doesn't mean WE don't want to do them, and we won't skip those things and only do what he wants to do. And he said "Ok, but I don't want you guys to go on the really popular rides that have really long wait lines when I don't want to do that ride." And he's 10. So I can see, if mom REALLY wanted to do that ride and this is their one big trip to Disney, that she's not willing to skip it because her son might not enjoy it. But she really SHOULD have taken the option to swap....I know, it's hard, because you're there as a family and you want the family time and you want to do things together, but sometimes it's worth making a little sacrifice like splitting for a few minutes, so EVERYONE enjoys it. Sad for the little boy, but I really do understand where the mom was coming from...she just made the wrong choice, and I'm betting she learned from it, too.

I am sure it is very challenge being a mom and even more so of a special needs child. I do hope the parents learned from this experience and that they all were still able to enjoy their day.