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.

 

[*Flynnderella*]

And saw these cute bowls in Japan.
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Ahhh I have the one top left so random but so cute I just had to have it!!

Looks like you’re having an amazing time, can’t wait to read more

 

[12in12]

Woke up at 5.30am and realized I had only been on ToT once which is not enough so I rope dropped HS, arrived at 8.30 they let us into the park at 8.35, good timing on my part.
I got a coffee and a carrot cake cookie at Starbucks.

This was very tasty but huge, I only managed to eat a third before I got on the second service elevator of the day. Pro tip, don't put your cookie in your coat pocket and then sit on it on ToT.

Muppet was also on my list for this morning.

This might be old but still funny.
Up next a bit of a chubby Star Lord.

 

[fractal]

Continuing on from yesterday afternoon, I wanted a little power nap because I had a unusual experience scheduled starting at 4.30pm.
I did rest for a bit on the sofas and then headed out of the park. On the way I heard a girl say "Daddy, I didn't know Disney World had homeless people."
I could see why she was confused.
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I arrived at Guest Relations on time for my Dive Quest. I had high hopes for this experience and it did not disappoint!
We were taken backstage, first order of business was checking everyone's diving certification and second was wetsuit and shoe sizes. There were 7 in our group so it didn't take too long. After that We got a tour of the facilities, showing us the very large filtration system, the isolation pools and the kitchen among other things.
Finally it was time to get changed and make our way over to the aquarium. Disney had made it super easy to get in, there is a walkway on top of the aquarium with a slope that allows you to be submerged up to your knees so you can put on your scuba gear and flippers and then swim into the aquarium.
Like all backstage areas we were not allowed to take pictures but rebel that I am I asked the only other lady to take a quick pic of me in the changing room. Since she only took one I will share it even though I don't really like it.
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When you go diving you always buddy up for safety and luckily my buddy's wife took a lot of pictures of him from the viewing area and they were kind enough to email me some.
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Disney makes a video of your dive but it was $35 and I didn't want to buy it.
This dive was truly amazing since there are so many different fish in the tank. On several occasions the sharks swam so close to me I could count their teeth, I saw a sleeping giant sea turtle that was hiding in the corner plus huge stingrays would swim under me. I was sad when the dive master signalled for us to go back out but so happy I was able to see all that I did.

+100 likes!

 

[becca_]

I still need to try that carrot cake cookie!! Next time

 

[12in12]

+100 likes!

Thank you, I will certainly be doing the dive again on my next trip.

 

[12in12]

I still need to try that carrot cake cookie!! Next time

Even all mushed up it still tasted good.

 

[Snayberry]

Definitely have to ride TOT a few times during Disney trips. Your TR has gotten me excited for my trip tomorrow. Staying at the Yacht Club Resort, there till Wednesday. I'll def PM you so we can meet up to say hi.

 

[Figgy1]

I’m currently at MCO waiting to board my plane back home and i’m so depressed I’ll be catching up on your trip report on the flight home.

Sympathy like

 

[Songbird76]

If you type into Pinterest/Google “people of Walmart”........ you’re welcome.

Oh I know....that's why I said It WAS Walmart. BUT, this was in Wyoming....Walmart is about the only place to shop...we don't have big department stores unless you go to Cheyenne or Casper, and even those are very limited. EVERYONE shops at Walmart, and it's not got the reputation the most Walmarts have, so this was very unusual. It was also 20 years ago, before Walmart really had that reputation. But wow....I was surprised they were allowed in. Most places have the signs "No shoes, no shirt, no service." I guess it doesn't apply to children?

 

[Songbird76]

I started today by leaving the bubble for a quick run to Target. I had a list of things I needed to get that we can't get at home.
Shopping dropped off in my room I hopped on the bus to DS, this is the longest bus ride from AKL coming in at 30 minutes.
This is just my opinion but I don't care for the expansion, the new shops are regular high end brands that I can find at home. It do like the look of some of the new restaurants.
I was getting hungry so decided to eat here.
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It looked and smelled nice inside.
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I chose a slice of pizza with fresh mozzarella cheese and a free cup of water.View attachment 259482
The water was the stand out item of my lunch, it was filtered and had no chlorine taste at all. The pizza was , the dough tasted like cardboard, hard and chewy.

I checked out a few stores including Basin.
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I passed the World of Disney and thought of you @Songbird76
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And I bought a much coveted ornament.
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Love it!! How did you get to Target? Did you Uber it? Too bad the pizza wasn't good. I'm so with you on the Disney Springs...I miss the Disney feel that Downtown Disney had...like you were still in the bubble. Now it's just like any other shopping center and I hated the bus area there. The CBR stop is SOOOO far away.

 

[12in12]

Love it!! How did you get to Target? Did you Uber it? Too bad the pizza wasn't good. I'm so with you on the Disney Springs...I miss the Disney feel that Downtown Disney had...like you were still in the bubble. Now it's just like any other shopping center and I hated the bus area there. The CBR stop is SOOOO far away.

Thanks to other trip reports I knew to install Lyft on my phone once I got here. Both rides were quick and easy and charged right to my account so no need for cash.

 

[12in12]

Definitely have to ride TOT a few times during Disney trips. Your TR has gotten me excited for my trip tomorrow. Staying at the Yacht Club Resort, there till Wednesday. I'll def PM you so we can meet up to say hi.

I would love another Magic Meet up! Safe travels tomorrow.

 

[SHP]

I’m curious to know what it is that you buy at Target that you can’t find at home?

 

[12in12]

After Muppets I checked the time TSMM but at 9.30 it was at 140 minutes. I like that ride but not enough to wait that long.
The Voyage of the Little Mermaid was starting soon so I went there instead. Showing its age but I ♥ Ariel so still enjoyed it.
Star Lord was receiving visitors fromarth from 10am onwards and I love Guardians of the Galaxy so had to go say hello.
It was a nice meet and greet, we talked about music and how Groot is loving the tunes.

I browses the shop a bit looking for some Groot merchandise I might want to buy but nothing tickled my fancy.
I watched the March of the First Order mostly because it was impossible to move since every one had stopped.
I circled the park looking at the new window displays and new buildings etc. just enjoying being there.

As I was walking past the doors opened for the Frozen Sing Along, hoping for different Historians I found a seat.

Some jokes feel very forced but overall it was good.
I was getting a bit hungry and thanks to this forum I knew where to go.

I found a seat at the bar and ordered a lemonade and the fried garlic cheese. This was so delicious!

I sat and enjoyed the ambiance for a bit before making my way back to the bus stop but not before picking up this little beauty.

I have always wanted to try one of these! I learned they look better than they taste while sitting on my balcony having a rest.
There were a plethora of animals out today, including a nursing baby.

 

[12in12]

I’m curious to know what it is that you buy at Target that you can’t find at home?

My mom wanted Sleep Aid, my sister wanted fibre gummies and one of my brother's wanted Hanes black socks. None of these things you can buy in The Netherlands.

 

[Gabe1]

My mom wanted Sleep Aid, my sister wanted fibre gummies and one of my brother's wanted Hanes black socks. None of these things you can buy in The Netherlands.

Wow! You do not have a 'needy' family. Likely the most conservative wish list I've ever seen. Funny though that Gummi's in different forms were on my families and yours.

 

[12in12]

After relaxing on my balcony and talking to my family I am now in MK, it is open till midnight and I am hoping to stay till closing since MK in the dark is even better than during the day time. I just had soup again at

Currently standing in line for Under the Sea.

 

[12in12]

Wow! You do not have a 'needy' family. Likely the most conservative wish list I've ever seen. Funny though that Gummi's in different forms were on my families and yours.

True!

 

[12in12]

Wait time is listed as 35 minutes

 

[12in12]

Eating this while waiting for HEA to begin.