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]

2 things.
1.

2. Totally had to look twice cuz I thought you found the Blue Man Group in the MK before I realized it was the flag retreat and they were wearing blue masks.

Ohhhhh!!! Ahhhh!!!!!

Trying to find an appropriate ohh and aww gif was hard work. Will have to settle for this!

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you all have earned my esteem with your oohing and awwwing... all it takes for me to make a purchase is 1. it's haunted mansion related 2.... it has a holographic effect

 

[tonystark]

Your P3 photos are priceless!! You are so cute!

 

[tonystark]

I am going to FINISH THIS REPORT TODAY! Well, at least the trip part of it

OK. FIFTEEN MINUTES! I PEED BEFORE GETTING IN LINE! I was ready to redeem myself.

@Tuvalu, I did what must be done.

ATTRACTION 33 COMPLETE! Haunted Mansion? Still down. Dang it!!! Where to next? Well, it was getting close to dinner time and I was feeling bold enough to return to Tomorrowland.

Action shot.

Let us depart!!! I'm sure all my WDWMagic forum members know PeopleMover etiquette, right...? If someone waves at you on PM, you... [select the most appropriate answer, 1.5 points]
A. wave back
B. stare at them blankly dead in the eyes
C. turn your head to look in the opposite direction so that they are left to wave at the back of your head

Not blurry!!! ATTRACTION 34 COMPLETE!
I was semi-hungry but not super hungry. However, tradition is tradition, and it must be honored.

Front row seats for the show.

A kid's meal sure is hearty when you order two sides of fries! You'll notice I went for Powerade, I was trying to recoup some electrolytes (water is boring and more caffeine would keep me up and set my woodland-creature-esque heart beating so fast that it would explode). Also, words can not express my disappointment at the loss of the condiments bar. You guys KNOW I come to Cosmic Ray's to fill up on pickles. A part of my soul died. I also miss the garlic ranch.

Yew Nork! (YEW NORK!) On my planet Zork! Yew Nork!
Haunted Mansion was still down and I had given up hope at this point, so I wanted to get one more attraction in before departing. I had a purchase I needed to make as well. Yes, that's correct, I was leaving MK before closing aaaaand I wasn't sticking around for fireworks. Because I don't care about fireworks if the show isn't Illuminations or Wishes! Also, it was so [REDACTED] hot this entire day that I was feeling pretty darn exhausted. My alarm was set for 6:55 the following morning (helppppp, I'm on VACATION!) and I wanted to chill before bed and read some of my book too. So, I headed to Memento Mori!

THE FOLLOWING PICTURE WAS TAKEN AT POP CENTURY RESORT!! I APOLOGIZE FOR THE WHIPLASH

This was a 30$ pillow and I have zero regrets. In circa 2014, I bought a 30$ HM pillow that has the wallpaper on one side and "Tomb Sweet Tomb" on the other, so this purchase was a no-brainer. Please do not talk to me about it being on sale on shopDisney, I'm still fuming.

PLEASE REMAIN SEATED, YOUR TIME MACHINE WILL BE ROTATING BACKWARD FOR YOUR RETURN TO EARTH (MAGIC KINGDOM).

Yes, my last attraction of the night was to be Pirates, and this was the only picture I took sooooo ATTRACTION 35 COMPLETE!

If this had been my only day at MK, I would have been so upset because HM ended up staying down for the rest of the night. Boo!

 

[tonystark]

More timeless, more relevant, more Disney. These restrooms feel like an Underground station to me.

Does everyone have everything? We're not coming back until tomorrow and I am NOT turning around, so you'd better have everything...

Yes, I suppose you will... for Boo Ba$h.

Walked right onto a bus . I was showered and in bed by 9pm (hurrah!), read some of my book, and went to sleep!
ATTRACTION COUNT FOR THE DAY: 15 (to misquote Tony Stark, "if my math is right... and it often isn't...")
STEP COUNT: 23,128

Waking up at 6:55 am while on vacation is hard. I get up at 6 every day, but man... I would have preferred to have slept. HOWEVER, I wanted to get ROTR, so I opened my bleary eyes and grabbed my phone. My pulse was racing. Would I get a boarding group? Why the heck was I having anxiety over this????

DHS wasn't opening until 9 am, and I was NOT GOING TO ROPE DROP (I got up and prepared to rope drop)

I survived another ride on the Skyliner!!! And the factoid about the headwaters of the everglades was super cool. Glad to have not plummeted into alligator infested waters, it cannot be denied.

I love this poster series!!! (Also UPDATE: I did buy the carousel of progress poster... and a SSE poster... and a HM poster... impulse purchases were made yesterday)

Hello Mickey! It is 8:22 am! Have I lost my mind? DHS is my least favorite park, would today change up the rankings??

 

[tonystark]

GMR was my favorite attraction at DHS (my options are limited okay, I refused (notice past tense!!!) to ride TOT or RNRC, so my choices were GMR (RIP), Backlot Tour (RIP), the Indiana Jones stunt show (temporary RIP), and Midway Mania (but not for several years), so child-me selected GMR even though the Alien section scared the living daylights out of me. I wanted to ride MMRR to see what they had come up with that would be so impressive and amazing to take the spot of not only a great ride but an absolutely massive show building. Trouble is, I find the new Mickey shorts' style to be grotesque and mostly unamusing.

WHY DOES GOOFY LOOK DISEASED!!!

Getting closer... the queue was rearranged into orderly lines, and we were moving steadily, so I guess they were running the ride before opening ('twas around 8:30).

Probably cooler at night...

Anyways...

The entire wall was like this I was like :/

This was a super neat effect. At this point, I put my phone away because I wanted to experience the ride fully engaged. I will say, getting onto the ride vehicle - DANG the seats were still hard!!! I was expecting the update to include cushions

We got stuck here for an awkward 30 seconds, people were laughing. Anyways, this ride was enjoyable. Felt like there was a lot of empty space though. ATTRACTION 36 COMPLETE!

Time for an old favorite!

Mr. PH was making jokes and the line was moving fast so hurrah!

 

[tonystark]

I consider this a not-bad score from me! This ride is always a lot of fun even if my accuracy is AWWWWFUL! ATTRACTION 37 COMPLETE!

So, my coworkers were bullying/peer-pressuring me in the build up to this trip when I admitted that I have never ridden TOT or RNRC. I was receiving texts asking what I was riding (someone had WRITTEN DOWN MY DHS DAY ON THEIR CALENDAR...) and where I was at mentally for getting on one of those rides. I made the decision that I would ride RNRC over TOT because I can handle going upside-down much better than free-falling. I wanted to put something in my stomach that wouldn't be too heavy (and I was GOING to get a Wookie cookie but this dream never solidified into reality) so I headed over to Rosie's and waited like 3 minutes for it to open. At this point, ROTR was down (LOLLLL) so I was trying to kill time because I had done everything I would normally want to accomplish at DHS.

These ducks were waiting with me.

I PRESENT TO YOU MY SIX DOLLAR KID'S SNACK PACK! Remember, I was holding out for a Wookie cookie () and also didn't want to vomit after RNRC. I also don't do breakfast, so this seemed like the best option.

The contents of the six dollar kid's snack pack... As you can see, I started guzzling the yogurt before recalling that I ought to take a picture to show what six dollars can get you. I ate everything! Except...

(purse) bag carrots. Yes, I forgot to mention, I had made yet another purchase this morning and was wandering around with a bag... argh.... at least I could also store my little water bottle within.

One legged duck intimidating me and also asking me if I was going to be brave and get on RNRC.

Almost there....

 

[tonystark]

I considered chicken-exiting! But I did not!!! I RODE RNRC!! NEVER AGAIN THOUGH! I'm not a big fan of rollercoasters (I did not ride Space until I was in my late teens...) but at least the music was there to take your mind off the TERROR. Stumbling off the ride quite proud of myself, I literally witnessed a woman vomiting in the bushes outside of the exit/gift shop.

ANYWAYS, ATTRACTION 38 COMPLETE!

I decided to head over to One Man's Dream because I had never actually been inside. I was more interested in the exhibits than the movie, so I ducked out after seeing everything, but here are things that I stared at intently for your viewing pleasure.

ATTRACTION 39 COMPLETE (I. AM. COUNTING. IT!)

I was hungry and had a little over an hour left to ride ROTR which was up and running by this point and going through boarding groups pretty darn fast! I headed over to ABC Commissary and sadly accepted the fact that I would not be getting a Wookie cookie this trip.

Chicken Club Sandwich​

Marinated Chicken, Bacon, Provolone, Avocado Ranch, Lettuce, and Tomato served on a Toasted Brioche Bun with your choice of Side

This was actually good??? ABC Commissary sure stepped up their game with the menu-revamp, and a REAL PLATE? Also they had Coke Zero

Still killing time, I went to go look longingly at the Indiana Jones show pavilion thing

 

[tonystark]

How's it going, Gertie....

Real talk, this was the only time I felt very, very uncomfortable COVID-wise for this trip. Star Wars land was slammed. Would I have considered it slammed pre-COVID? Maybe not, but I likely still would have considered it quite busy. It was sweltering outside, but I masked up. I'm a big Star Wars fan, my family attended Star Wars Weekends for many years, and I was excited to finally see Batuu and maybe get my sister and my dad some merchandise (spoiler alert, I didn't... nothing caught my eye tbh)

I cannot imagine how hot it would be in this costume.

What a piece of junk!

 

[tonystark]

(these gifs are my internal monologue during this experience ok)

WOW.

The only thing that was kind of annoying is that CMs were hustling people through this section and I wish I'd been given a minute to really appreciate it.

A cleverly disguised set of trash cans? Surely not... but

The face of someone struggling to not laugh out loud when CMs start LARPing. Two Imperial Officers questioned me about my hat.

Where's R2 when you need him?

ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW! ROTR was absolutely worth the hype. My jaw was dropped for the entire ride. Kylo was in B-mode
(we cry because adam driver is hot

)
but it was still fantastic and I would love to ride it again one day! And begrudgingly wake up at 6:55 to try my hand at a boarding group!!! But would I pay separately to ride it? LOL you would be kidding yourself, Mr. Chapek.

ATTRACTION 40 COMPLETE! I was ready to head back to Pop! and take a dip in the pool!

I survive yet another Skyliner voyage, get back to my room, ONLY TO FIND THAT I DID NOT PACK MY SWIM SUIT!!!! LIVID I TELL YOU!!! LIVID I AM!!!
Anyways, here's the purchase I made that morning

It just needs HM ears and it would be complete. Well... I might as well take a shower, nap, and read my book after accepting that I would not be swimming

I am REFRESHED, I am ready for BOO BA$H! I am going to EAT something at EVERYTHING POP! so that I do not WASTE precious, 1$ minutes at BOO BA$H! I order a slice of pizza!

and it is actually yummy! It reminded me of Costco pizza. I get a call from my mom that she was on her way to pick up a rapid test for my younger sister because she had a fever and was feeling crappy. Uh oh!

I finish eating my early dinner (It's 4:30 ish at this point) and send my sister a picture of this busted Yoda in the gift shop to cheer her up. Then I decide to go to MK and fulfill an idle wish.

 

[ArmoredRodent]

I PEED BEFORE GETTING IN LINE!

You guys KNOW I come to Cosmic Ray's to fill up on pickles.

YES!!!

 

[tonystark]

All aboard the charter bus!

This was weird lol. But more comfortable than a typical Disney bus!

Mmm... Incredibles refurbishment...

MY WISH WAS TO JUST SIT HERE WITH NOTHING TO DO! I HAVE literally daydreamed about doing this (usually just through the gates but since Boo Ba$h suckers weren't allowed in until 7, I was willing to sit here instead). Except... it was so HOT lol.

I went to get a drink and stopped in my TRACKS. I returned to my seat, shooting the occasional wary glance to the water fountain.

This section was like an oven and I was glad for the shade. While I sat here enjoying the ambiance, an older couple and the woman's mother sat next to me on the bench. My initial reaction was WHYYYYY when there are 2 empty benches to our left, but I ended up striking up a conversation with them and it was really nice. They were also here for Boo Ba$h and had met when they had worked at WDW in their late teens/early twenties, she worked Monorail and he was a tram driver for parking. They've been together ever since!

We sat and chatted while these stanchions were set up. The Monorail was down, so they were setting up stanchions to direct people to the ferry and the buses.

During this time, my mom texts me to let me know that my sister tested positive for COVID. Fortunately, she ended up having a very mild case (was only symptomatic one day) and neither of my parents got it, since she barricaded herself in her bedroom. Phew. But I was pretty anxious at this point and was trying not to let my anxiety ruin the night. I said goodbye to my new friends at 6:45 and joined the throng thinking they'd let people in a few minutes early if the crowd got big enough (fool!)

 

[tonystark]

7:01 pm. Not pictured, the Boo Ba$h wristband and Muppets Haunted Mansion treat bag for trick-or-treating that was handed to me moments before this picture was taken.

Hello again...

I FINALLY FOUND YOU GUYS A DECENT SNACK! NUTRITIOUS! AND THERE WAS ONLY ONE BITE TAKEN OUT OF IT!

The blue is nice. See, I can be non-critical at times.... I can pixie-dust with the best of them.

A ride I had missed the day before that is vital to any WDW trip.

Front row and ready to bounce along with Tigger.

HEFFALUMPS AND WOOZLES.... the smoke ring effect was not working booo
ATTRACTION 41 COMPLETE!

We have a long night ahead, let's stay hydrated... and chew some ice.

Hydrating and chewing ice while in line.

 

[tonystark]

IT IS TIME TO ASCEND!

ONE LAST BIG STEP...

WE ARE THERE!

Let's all just exhaleeeeee

The neon lights are on! You know what that means!!! Tomorrowland is about to look real pretty. Also, I don't think I've ever ridden Astro Orbiters...
ATTRACTION 42 COMPLETE!

 

[BuckyMom]

Sorry to hear your sister tested positive. Hope all is well.

 

[tonystark]

WE ARE ON THE MOVE ONCE AGAIN

Where to? You know the answer.

Got stuck here and this time that sucker was jumping as evidenced by this PHOTOGRAPH! I also enjoyed the little owls I feel like I haven't appreciated them enough.
ATTRACTION 43 COMPLETE!

Right back in line AGAIN?

yeah....

omg guys there are no windows and no doors!!!! how will we get out?

we got out... to be greeted by the night sky and some spooky lighting.
ATTRACTION 44 COMPLETE!

 

[tonystark]

Sorry to hear your sister tested positive. Hope all is well.

Fortunately, she's fine and was able to return to school this week. I'm amazed that I managed not to get it after Disney, but my second vaccine made me throw up so my immune system probably destroyed any virions on sight lol

 

[BuckyMom]

Good to hear. Seems like everyone's experience with the vaccine is so different. My oldest brother had 6 hours of vertigo and then poof... fine.

 

[tonystark]

What is she looking at? I'm not sure, but whatever it is, it isn't the camera! Anyways, I got back in line for the third time in a row lol

Let us all gather around the fire place....

Oh no! I got stuck right here. But I was still partially backwards, so my annual chiropractic appointment lasted longer than usual.

I will hurry back, thank you very much.
ATTRACTION 45 COMPLETE!

Yes, they already saw the pet cemetery... so why.... did you take another picture of it?

WE ARE IN LINE AGAIN AND NOW BOARDING OUR DOOM BUGGY!!

With that fourth ride in a row, it was time to take a little break as the party was about to officially begin. ATTRACTION 46 COMPLETE!

Magic Kingdom at night is... magical.

Wildest Ride incoming...

 

[tonystark]

Preparing to board with all of my besties

All of my besties are seated!

And me, of course.

ATTRACTION 47 COMPLETE!
Boo Ba$h has begun so.... let's do it again!

More besties this time, but just as fun as before. ATTRACTION 48 COMPLETE!

Hello old friend...

Middle of the seat I am NOT GETTING WET!!

It's okay though, because the water cannons were off!

Pretty good show us your --- PRETTY GOOD SURE AS YOU'RE BORN.

 

[tonystark]

Oh noooooo the bad birds

Scaffolding
ATTRACTION 49 COMPLETE!
AGAIN!!!

Middle of the seat strategy employed.

The weather is good, the fishing is fine...

I got stuck here for 5 WHOLE MINUTES which is a lot of minutes when you're at Boo Ba$h and your strategy is to haul [REDACTED] the entire night.

But in the end... Everything is satisfactual. I love Splash Mountain, but I'm excited for Princess and the Frog and look forward to riding the end result. These two rides serve as my goodbye to Splash, just in case. ATTRACTION 50 COMPLETE!

I mean... I guess I paid for the ability to trick-or-treat so I might as well do it... But after this, I was in need of a free snack and refreshment.

Package secured. But where to eat it...

This looks like a good spot! Cheers.