Trip Report Live from Orlando! A post as we go August trip report

afar28 · Aug 23, 2013

Continuing on One Mans Dream, a new Fantasyland model

up next was Star Tours

The queue of that ride is awesome. But the ride was even better obviously. We got a new movie (new for us at least) as we went to the snow planet (not a very big Star Wars fan so I have no idea what it's called) and it was cool.i wish this would be open for my stay. At least it's getting some love.

Up next, it was finally time to ride Toy Story!

My score was on the right. I got the best score in the vehicle, which was cool.

afar28 · Aug 23, 2013

After Toy Story, we went over to Sunset Boulevard to fastpass ToT and RNRC. They had 50 minute waits all day, so we thought we would have to fastpass. But we got lucky, and both had below 20 minute waits! First up would be RNRC

Then one of my top 3 Orlando rides, Tower of Terror.

Both were great as usual. On ToT, somebody left their hat on so it went flying around the elevator shaft throughout the ride. In between screams were laughs because of that. After that we were going to ride GMR on the way out, but the wait was 45 minutes and that just wasnt worth it to us. So this would be a farewell to Hollywood studios.

After hanging out at the hotel for a whole, it was time for
A delicious dinner at Maya Grill, one of the more underrated places to eat IMO. It was great. That would wrap up another great day at the happiest place on Earth.
Up next: A trip to Cali, an empty world, and Agent P

fractal · Aug 23, 2013

Thanks for the update!

20min waits for RRRC and Tot and 45 for GMR? Not a bad trade off.

afar28 · Aug 23, 2013

Day 5 August 22nd
After an early wake up, it was time for a delicious breakfast at the Kona cafe. It was our first time there. I was really looking forward to trying the Tonga Toast, but due to my peanut allergy I couldn't have it

I was disappointed since I was really looking forward to trying it. Instead I got the Big Kahuna, which was excellent anyways. After that huge meal, it was time for a return to Epcot. Once we arrived, we fastpassed Test Track and then headed over to World Showcaese. It was absolutely empty. It was amazing being able to explore the countries like you were the only person there. After spending some time there, we then completed an Agent P mission in France before heading back to future world. We were now eligible to get another fastpass so we fastpassed Soarin, then jumped on Living with the Land.

I always loved that ride for some reason. Some find it boring, but I find it very interesting and make sure to ride it every trip. Exiting the land...

Next up we decided to head over to Ellen's Energy Adventure since we haven't done it in a while, on the way though I had to pay tribute to an old friend

it kills me to see that labeled as a convention center.

afar28 · Aug 23, 2013

Time for a trip to the past with Bill Nye and Ellen.

It was a fun ride since we haven't done it in a few trips, and it apparently rained while we were on the ride, so that made it even better. It was now time to do ride the new Test Track! A view of Spaceship Earth on the way

finally here!

the stand by line was 95 minutes, so the FP definitely came in handy. Loving this care in the queue.

It was now time to design our car. I thought it turned out pretty well

It had high power and low efficiency. It was now finally time to ride. I've heard bad things about the new version, so I was a bit worried. But once I got off I was very happy with the new version. I liked it better, and I thought that designing your own car was very cool. We got a score of 197 on our car, and the best car of the day got 225 so I guess ours was pretty good

We still had 5 hours until it was time to use our Soarin Fastpass was ready, and we were tired so we headed back to the hotel for a quick relaxation time. We then headed back out to the park for Soarin.

It was awesome, no surprise there. We then went back to the hotel after some shopping at Mousegear. At the hotel, we got a quick service dinner and got beignets for dessert. It was my first time trying them, and they were amazing! I recommend them. After a nice meal, it was another great day down at Walt Disney World.
Up next: a mountain expedition, Lasers?!, and a hot day in Africa

coachwnh · Aug 24, 2013

Bill Nye and Ellen put me to the edge of sleep. That attraction could be so much better

You have had some great days!!

afar28 · Aug 24, 2013

coachwnh said:
Bill Nye and Ellen put me to the edge of sleep. That attraction could be so much better

You have had some great days!!

That is true, It was a bit boring but I didn't think it was that bad. I do agree that it could be much much better though. And yes we have

Thanks for following along!

afar28 · Aug 24, 2013

Day 6 August 23rd
Today we decided to go to the Animal Kingdom. We were at the opening gates about 10 minute after opening.

It was now time to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Sadly the Lion was sleeping behind a rock so we didnt see it. Nonetheless, it was a great ride. Up next would be a trek on the Forbidden Mountain.

afar28 · Aug 25, 2013

Everest was great. It's obviously dissapointing the Yeti was down, but it was still tons of fun. It was great because all of the wait times were low. The longest wait was 30 minutes for Kali. It was a very hot day, so we fastpasses it. In the mean time, we did the Maharajah Jungle Trek.

It was absolutely empty, usually at the Tiger section it is jammed and it's impossible to get a picture (in my experiences at least) but not today!

After the Jungle Trek, it was time for a ride on the Kali River Rapids. It was a very hot day so it felt great. After that we went to Dinoland for Dinosaur. First though, Monkeys.

And Parrots.

Now we were here.

We then fastpassed Dinosaur, then rode Primeval Whirl.

We got on almost instantly. It was a fun quick ride. My only complaint is that the ride vehicles were bumping before the first lift hill. That seems a bit dangerous, but I'd assume they would do something if it put people at risk.
Up next: Dinosaur, shopping, and lasers

Jose · Aug 25, 2013

FlaggNL said:
Again great updates And some day I will be at WDW and US

I think just like you

FlaggNL · Aug 26, 2013

hej, love the tiger and monkey pics! The tiger looks so relaxed

and the monkey area looks just like the Indiana Jones attraction at DLP

afar28 · Aug 26, 2013

It was now time to use our FP's and go on a blast to the past.

I've always loved the queue on this.

For the first time I saw the lasers working, which was a nice effect. Still dissapointed that the pterodactyl still doesn't swoop down on you. But it was still a good ride. We then did a bit of shopping and exploring throughout the parks before calling it a day at AK.

Oh yeah, if you ever consider buying these, just don't. They taste horrendous. I bought it just because I was curious what freeze dried ice cream tastes like. Bad choice.

After hanging at the hotel pool for a bit, it was time for dinner reservations at Ohana at the Poly. Very yummy. Then it was time for a trek over to DTD. Loving the new volcano.

T Rex also looked nice.

That would wrap up a great day at Disney.

afar28 · Aug 26, 2013

Day 7 August 24th
Today we slept in and then went swimming a bit before going to the Magic Kingdom. On our first trip to the MK, we missed out on Space Mountain so that was our first priority.

We got fastpasses for 45 minutes later. We rode the PeopleMover then did some store browsing before it was time. We had a great time. Up next we got FP's for the Little Mermaid. They were for only 35 minutes away so we explored the FLE for a bit then it was time!

Time to go on

the Ursula AA was very impressive.

Kiss the girl!

It was a nice ride. It was cool at some parts but I felt they cheaped out at some points and it couldve been better. It was still good thought. Up next I wanted to try a LeFeaus (probably spelt that wrong) brew.

The verdict: I thought it was ok. It want horrible but it wasnt great either. Butter beer destroys it.
Up next: Big Al, President Obama and more MK fun

afar28 · Aug 27, 2013

Next up we went to the Country Bear Jamboree. It was the first time for me seeing this since I was a small child so it was cool to see.

Up next would be one of my favorite attractions in the MK (surprisingly), the Hall of Presidents. As a history nut I absolutely love this. I'm probably in the minority in saying that, but I just really love it.

We then hit up one of my favorite rides ever, the Haunted Mansion.

After that fun ride with the 999 happy haunts, we went on Splash. We got in the front row so it was awesome!

we had Dinner reservations at Bongos so we were gonna go over to DTD now. Close up of the castle

Up next: Cuban food, Legos, and shopping

afar28 · Aug 31, 2013

Sorry I haven't posted in so long. I left the world on Tuesday and got home Wednesday, and have been busy unpacking and trying to combat Disney depression

and such since then. But I'll try to post soon!

agorna · Aug 31, 2013

great thread! first trip report I've read in it's entirety! love the pics! do you have any of your resort? we are stayin a POFQ for the first time in October, would love to see some pics other than those on the website

afar28 · Aug 31, 2013

agorna said:
great thread! first trip report I've read in it's entirety! love the pics! do you have any of your resort? we are stayin a POFQ for the first time in October, would love to see some pics other than those on the website

Thanks! And yes I do, I'll post those soon

afar28 · Aug 31, 2013

Up next we had dinner reservations at Bongos. It would be our first time dinning there so we were looking forward to it. Nice planet Hollywood view

Awesome Toy Story Lego creation.
The volcano was very cool at rainforest, and the fire effect made it even better.

After an excellent meal at Bongos, we did some quick DTD shopping then headed back to the hotel. That would wrap up a great day at WDW. Still 2 more days left
Next up: Boma, nighttime scare, and Aerosmith

Matt7187 · Sep 4, 2013

This is the 1st time I've read a trip report fully, and this is great!

afar28 · Sep 4, 2013

Day 8 August 25th
After sleeping in then hitting up the pool, we went for a quick round of golf before dinner reservations at Boma. The food was great as usual. We got out at around 7 ish, then rode over to DHS. We got in the park at around 7:30 and it was closing at around 10 so we had time to do what we wanted.

Since I usually go to DHS at rope drop, it's great to see it at night all lit up. It looks beautiful at night. The view from the top at ToT when the windows open in the ride is beautiful. Speaking of ToT, that would be our first thing to do.

As one of my favorite rides in DHS it was awesome as usual. Up next would be a ride with Aerosmith.

My favorite part of being at DHS at night is probably the short lines. Everything was below 15 minutes besides Toy Story which was at 60 (even that is really low for TSMM).
With ToT having just a 10 minute line, we hopped on the line again.