Trip Report Hurry back... Hurry back... (Now a trip report!)

That's right! Baby's first "post" (? perhaps peri-) pandemic Disney trip. When? Why, during the absolute brutal heat of August, of course! Details are subject to change because technicallyyyyyy my time off hasn't yet been approved however... I booked everything anyways . At the moment, looking at a stay at Pop! and will be hitting up Epcot, MK, and MGM/DHS (?). And I must be honest with you. I really must...

Yes I... I....

I'm trying to get Boo Bash tickets. Yes, Ms. I Will Never Pay for An After Hours Event is attempting to pay for an After Hours Event. But as you can see, it sure ain't working! So that is up in the air right now because I got bored calling over and over again. Honestly feel like I'm spending more money than usual but rationalizing it by saying "ohhhh but I haven't been in sooooooo long". And if I'm being ENTIRELY HONEST, the big allure for Boo Bash is more Haunted Mansion time lol.

How the heck does one get a boarding group for ROTR these days? What's the freshest strategy? Also I have no dining reservations because I can't decide where I should eat/if it's worth sitting down for a real meal. Any recommendations?

It sure has been a while (I was kinda too bummed out to read the forums without being able to go), so hi everyone!!!

 

[tonystark]

Since I was literally right next door, it made sense to nip over to The Land.

This said 20, but it was LYING! The wait was as fast as your little legs could carry you to the split off point, then as long as it took for the ride ahead of you to end.

Ooh where are we headed?

Ok... But where are we?

Okay! So, decent enough seats with minimal bent Eiffel Tower. I'll take it.

The view from my seat. Would have preferred to have been smack dab in the middle of my row, but I wasn't going to complain, since last time I rode Soarin I was all the way on the end of the lowest row in C. The scents were working (yay!) and I had enough fun to say ATTRACTION 6 COMPLETE.

The best ride at EPCOT?..... Maybe after SSE and Soarin'. She's underrated!

I've missed you, too... So far, no one had hopped off of my boat to steal a cucumber, zucchini, banana, or whatever it was that wild person stole.

Big [REDACTED] shrimp.

 

[tonystark]

A nice little arrangement of plastic foods with a Hidden Mickey.

Very neat... How do they do that...

I felt like someone was staring at me. I turned my head and this dude was staring me down. All of his little pals were swimming around (LIKE NORMAL FISH WOULD...) but he... was motionless. And intent.

My goal in life is to be as content as the potato woman. ATTRACTION 7 COMPLETE. It was time to be responsible and have...

A water break at Sunshine Seasons. The CM let me get a big girl cup!!! Many thanks for helping me along the way in my quest to hydrate.

I guess I could have just gone outside, tipped my head back, and opened my mouth because it was absolutely chucking it down. Again, my poncho was in the hotel room because I didn't feel like carting it around when rain wasn't forecasted, but of course, you can't go by the forecast in Florida. I made the executive decision to scamper over to a ride I hate, but what can you do, when you have a goal to meet you can't be picky...

This was new (for me anyways). A CM sitting at this desk and taking fake notes (literally the pen was not pressed down to the paper but they were scribbling fervently). That's fine for show... maybe. Or maybe this CM could have been sent to a position that would have increased safety, courtesy, or efficiency... Especially with how understaffed the parks seemed to me. I digress.

With ATTRACTION 8 COMPLETE (no matter the mental anguish endured), I got out of ImageWorks like my life depended on it and stepped out into

Humidity but no rain. What is that man pointing at? It better NOT be me. Anyways, I was hungry. It was 2:06 by this point and my school bread seemed a long way off. I decided to try a new QS option since Tangierine Café is not what she once was, and headed over to Regal Eagle.

I got the Brisket Sandwich and Mac and Cheese. I was pleasantly surprised, this was really good! I accidentally got sparkling water instead of still water in my water cup and I felt like a villain. I sat down to eat at 2:21 and knew I needed to scarf it down if I was going to catch the next showing of American Adventure, which was at 2:45. The sign only showed that time (didn't it used to show all the showing times for the remainder of the day, or am I misremembering?) so I thought that this would be my only opportunity to catch it. Fortunately, I'm a fast eater, and I inhaled this.

2:35 . They've made the inside rotunda a Food and Wine Booth, and it definitely made me. I mean, if I was one of the folks eating, I would be very happy to find an air conditioned table inside to eat my various seafood offerings at. But in general, I didn't like the vibe as I waited to be let into the hall of flags or whatever, it felt kind of strip mall -esque.

 

[BuckyMom]

NO! No food in the rotunda. Why? Regal Eagle looked good.

 

[tonystark]

Meet me in the rotunda for some food and wine girlies!!!

Moving ON (where is the exit???? teehee)

I was the only one to take the stairs. Because I'm #fit. Just kidding, I hate getting stuck behind people on escalators and I'm a fast walker so up the stairs I went.

I tried to be good and go as far down the aisle as I deemed necessary, which is where I was with this pic. But then people stopped coming down my aisle so I ended up scooting to the right a couple of seats.

These statues are super cool. Sure wish these two folks wouldn't stare directly into my camera. But whatever! Honestly, I love American Adventure, I think it's a great show (TWOOOO BROTHERS ON THEIR WAY.... TWOOOOO BROTHERS ON THEIR WAY...) Like obviously it is a heavily romanticized take on American history and should be taken with a very very humongous grain of salt but... It's Disney, so they Disneyfied it. What can one expect.... but also

Every. Time!

AMERICA.... SPREAD YOUR GOLDEN WINGS!!!

ATTRACTION 9 COMPLETE! I FORGOT TO MENTION! While I was eating at Regal Eagle, I noticed that Epcot Forever would not be showing until 10 pm! I had dinner reservations for 9:15 (I SWEAR, when I made the reservation, I checked showtimes and it said that fireworks would be at 9pm. I thought I was being sneaky). So I managed to swap my dinner reservation to 6:15 instead. I needed a game plan for the rest of the evening since dinner would soon be approaching. I started to toodle over to Mexico.

Compared to the scale of the train, okay, aren't these models of a dog, sheep, and person REALLY HUGE? I feel like they should be tiny little ant-sized models in comparison.

We made it to

And got in line for

I shall provide you with some of my claustrophobia

You're welcome. Down the cattle chute we go!

 

[tonystark]

If I could be one person/object on this ride it would be... the above. You get to sit in the water all day and watch everyone eat while people travel by on their little boats, and then you get to freely judge them as they pass you by. Sounds fun!

Omg IDK if y'all heard this but there's a fiesta hoy!!!

Ceramic balloons....

With ATTRACTION 10 COMPLETE, I knew where I was going next, and this time... I was not going to be a moron.

That's right babes, I got directly into the single rider line. I remember waiting for at least 5 minutes at the merging point between the normal line and the single rider line, mostly because the CM didn't notice I was there and was busy counting LOL. While I was standing there, I took this pic of the podium.

Now you have been behind the scenes. You are welcome #NSFMagic!!!! Anyways, I hopped onto the ride pretty darn quick after that and before I knew it, ATTRACTION 11 (was) COMPLETE! It was almost 4 pm and I had an idea... It required a brief conference with my grandma

IDK where she got the extra 10 minute length for SSE from (whatever version she's riding, I want to ride!!!). Now I had set myself a challenge, and it was time to navigate WALLCOT once again to get over to SSE, which was showing as a 5 minute wait.

LET'S GOOOOOO (a hint of WALLCOT for you)

I did not find a pudding cup but I DID find a cap to a bottle of Dasani. I know, I know, you guys are hungry... But it was the best I could do.

Guys there's usually a Roman soldier here, right? Like HIS BELONGINGS ARE RIGHT THERE ON THE GROUND? Maybe he and Oh Ba Day were having a spa day. I hope they enjoyed it.

Legs.

 

[Tuvalu]

 

[tonystark]

View attachment 582153

Pact to grab one on our respective next trip?

 

[tonystark]

Boots.
ATTRACTION 12 COMPLETE

Walking right back on, you already know. Always appreciative of the mural.

One day I shall climb out of my ride vehicle, go into this little hallway, turn right, and never be seen again.

Hello John Progress, I'm a huge fan.

Boots.
ATTRACTION 13 COMPLETE! (As well as 2nd consecutive ride of SSE).

Right back in line, but despite my goals, I NEVER STOP LOOKING FOR SSE QUEUE SNACKS FOR YOU GUYS.

One day I shall climb out of my ride vehicle, go up these little stairs, and never be seen again.

Boots (she's wearing them. Take my word for it)

ATTRACTION 14 COMPLETE.

The face of someone about to ride SSE for the fourth time in a row.

 

[tonystark]

I have never noticed the plants on the roof here in the moon-walk scene. Who is watering them???

Boots (look closely)

ATTRACTION 15 COMPLETE (just noticed I said ride 14 in the post above like a little fool, but with the magic of editing I am going to fix that).

YEAH!!!! IN LINE FOR RIDE NUMBER 5!! MY GUESS WAS ACCURATE (I maybe could have done 6, but I didn't want to be late for dinner)

BOOTS!!!!!!
ATTRACTION 16 COMPLETE and all I have to say for myself after that challenge is:

I decided it was time to grab a picture to document the fact that I had gone on a Disney trip for the 'Gram (you know how it goes). A kind PPP (PCubed? TripleP?) agreed to take my picture with my phone because I'm but a lowly peon who does not have Memory Maker or what have you. Below is the image she took, CROPPED so that you do not get to see my awkward hands (a running theme in future PPP pics).

RIP Illuminations

I must admit, I'm a sucker for the pylons. Time to make my way to dinner!!

Sat here and checked in on my phone, but I never got any text I waited about 5 minutes and then went up to the hostess desk.

 

[Songbird76]

View attachment 582485
I have never noticed the plants on the roof here in the moon-walk scene. Who is watering them???
View attachment 582486
Boots (look closely)
View attachment 582487
ATTRACTION 15 COMPLETE (just noticed I said ride 14 in the post above like a little fool, but with the magic of editing I am going to fix that).
View attachment 582488
YEAH!!!! IN LINE FOR RIDE NUMBER 5!! MY GUESS WAS ACCURATE (I maybe could have done 6, but I didn't want to be late for dinner)
View attachment 582489
BOOTS!!!!!!
ATTRACTION 16 COMPLETE and all I have to say for myself after that challenge is:
View attachment 582490
I decided it was time to grab a picture to document the fact that I had gone on a Disney trip for the 'Gram (you know how it goes). A kind PPP (PCubed? TripleP?) agreed to take my picture with my phone because I'm but a lowly peon who does not have Memory Maker or what have you. Below is the image she took, CROPPED so that you do not get to see my awkward hands (a running theme in future PPP pics).
View attachment 582491
RIP Illuminations
View attachment 582492
I must admit, I'm a sucker for the pylons. Time to make my way to dinner!!
View attachment 582493

View attachment 582494
Sat here and checked in on my phone, but I never got any text I waited about 5 minutes and then went up to the hostess desk.

You said it was time to make your way to dinner and posted a picture of one of those thieving birds...I thought maybe you intended to catch one and eat it in retaliation for all the meals they've stolen!

 

[tonystark]

You said it was time to make your way to dinner and posted a picture of one of those thieving birds...I thought maybe you intended to catch one and eat it in retaliation for all the meals they've stolen!

perhaps I thought about it.... no, more like I did a double-take while walking past the flowers like WHAT WAS THAT... it was just standing there like a creepy little statue.

 

[tonystark]

Here I was sitting in the waiting area for La Hacienda de San Angel. I sat here for like 5-10 minutes with at least 3 parties going ahead of me. I was about to say something when FINALLY the hostess said "I thought you were on your way out! Last name?" Like... do people just sit in the waiting area on their way out of a restaurant for 10 minutes? Instead of leaving and going somewhere else? After sitting for the duration of a meal you've presumed I've already eaten? As some of the greats of these forums have said countless times, Eating at WDW is hard.

Here I am, sitting at my table alllllll byyyy mysellllllf in the first room to your left when you enter the restaurant.

My view. As you can perhaps tell, I thought I was being sneaky with my 9:15 pm reservation, I would have shown up at 9 and gotten to watch the fireworks through the window while I ate... But, again, showtime was 10pm so my plan was foiled.

My waiter (I believe his name was Sergio) was very nice and brought chips, salsa, and water to the table before taking my drink order (I ended up ordering my entree then too because I had already scoped out the menu). The salsa is a little cilantro heavy for those of you with the cilantro soap gene.

This Coke Zero was supposed to revive me. I have become a full Coke Zero convert TBH. But at this point, I felt like I was dragging - I had been on the go all day and was getting pretty darn tired. I thought I had it in me to do a few more rides after dinner, but I knew that I wasn't going to make it to 10 pm for fireworks. It's a good thing that I don't care for Epcot Forever and will be happy to see the back of it.

I ordered the Alambre de Res (Flank steak, bacon, poblano and bell peppers with Monterey Jack cheese, lime, and salsa verde with flour tortillas $32). I did NOT realize it also came with beans and rice, so this was a LOT of food. Was it good?

It was pretty darn good! Not pictured is the bowl of mostly untouched black beans (I'm not a bean fan) and the desperate but failed attempt at making a dent in the rice. I paid my bill and headed back out into World Showcase.

I didn't notice the bird in this picture until now, I really only took it to complain about the barges once again to you all.

RIP to Innoventions

Again, I was dragging. I wanted to grab a few items before heading out of the park, and since I couldn't have it sent to the room (darn it...) I decided now was the time to brave imitation MouseGear and hand over my little rectangle of plastic in exchange for overpriced goods.

 

[cgersic]

Your P3 photo is fabulous!!! Nice to see your smiling face! And the Spaceship Earth commentary had me laughing out loud. That's why I start my work day on here. Enjoying!

 

[RememberWhen]

Super late, but very much enjoying your report! It seems we can agree that no Epcot show will ever be as good as illuminations, especially if it relies on giant view-obstructing black barges. Whoever thought those would be a reasonable idea should be fired.

 

[LSV]

You might consider this pose for the future:

 

[tonystark]

Your P3 photo is fabulous!!! Nice to see your smiling face! And the Spaceship Earth commentary had me laughing out loud. That's why I start my work day on here. Enjoying!

Happy to make you laugh! Hope your day went by quick and problem-free!

Super late, but very much enjoying your report! It seems we can agree that no Epcot show will ever be as good as illuminations, especially if it relies on giant view-obstructing black barges. Whoever thought those would be a reasonable idea should be fired.

It literally makes no sense to me. I try to understand what the benefit is to have the view obstructed on all sides throughout the entire day EXCEPT FOR WHEN THE SHOW IS HAPPENING and am unable to come up with anything. SURELY they could have created barges that were capable of LEAVING the lagoon...

You might consider this pose for the future:

View attachment 582594

I could never hope to have her confidence in a million years.

 

[tonystark]

THE BELOW PICTURES WERE NOT TAKEN IN MOUSE GEAR... That's my disclaimer to explain the sudden, disorienting setting change. I took them when I got back to the hotel room. BUT, in Mouse Gear I purchased...

My reasoning goes without saying, I'm sure.

Front (had to crop this one because I realized I was unintentionally giving you guys free feet pics).

Back! This t-shirt was 34.99, I believe, a whole 10$ upcharge for 50th merchandise. It was also my second choice! I really liked the navy blue ringer shirt with Mickey on it, but even as a small it went down to my knees. So I settled for this one. I am now transporting you from Pop! back to EPCOT. Please remain seated, your time machine will be rotating backward for your return to Earth.

Since I was in the area... Might as well, right? I'll spoil it now and tell you that it was my last ride of SSE for the trip.

He's got them legs on LOCK!

Bye bye cinema booth lady....

Boots...

ATTRACTION 17 COMPLETE! Can you tell what my goal number was for the day? EPCOT was pretty empty, fortunately, and the weather was good this day. I was admiring the night lighting just coming out and knew I'd swing back to get some pictures of the Ball in its prettiest outfit.
But first...

ATTRACTION 18 COMPLETE! I took no other pictures to prove to you that I rode this, you shall just have to take my word for it. After Nemo, I scampered over to The Land and walked immediately onto LWTL.

I was so pleased to have my own boat! Unfortunately... the ride broke once I took my seat (those poor suckers behind me couldn't disembark because they were just a smidge too far back). The CMs told me that since my boat hadn't moved, I could technically get up and leave, but they thought it wouldn't take longer than 5 minutes to get the ride back up. I decided to take my chances and wait it out... which was perhaps a foolish decision. The gates closed, and I was left sitting in the front row of the boat, watching a new CM have a bit of a meltdown as he tried to get the ride operational (absolutely understandable) while listening to the instructions from his fellow CMs. There are a lot of keys that have to be turned at certain times on the podium, it seems, and one of the CMs reassured the trainee that "She's an old ride... so it may take a few times, but we'll get her running."

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

I could never hope to have her confidence in a million years.

The older you get the easier it is to be confident. Or at least it gets easy to fake it. Especially when you realize that no one is as concerned about your actions as you think they are and everyone else is just faking it too.

 

[tonystark]

View attachment 582802

The older you get the easier it is to be confident. Or at least it gets easy to fake it. Especially when you realize that no one is concerned about your actions as you think they are and everyone else is just faking it too.

This is good advice. I was dying when I had to ask a photographer to take my picture but since I was alone I had no choice ... I have deleted the ones at MK where they had me pose, I could not handle the mortification looking back at them... maybe one day!

 

[Ellen Ripley]

Happy to make you laugh! Hope your day went by quick and problem-free!

It literally makes no sense to me. I try to understand what the benefit is to have the view obstructed on all sides throughout the entire day EXCEPT FOR WHEN THE SHOW IS HAPPENING and am unable to come up with anything. SURELY they could have created barges that were capable of LEAVING the lagoon...

I could never hope to have her confidence in a million years.

Enjoying your report. You already seem to have that confidence.