Trip Report Livin' La Vida Local

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.

For those of you that have been following my adventures for awhile now, welcome back! 😊 For those of you that are just joining my adventures, I'll do some quick introductions before we jump on in!

I'm Brittany and this is my prince, Dylan. ❤️ We are from Pennsylvania and got engaged at MK a little over a year ago. We took a page from Walt's book shortly thereafter and chased our dreams, leading us to central Florida. I teach 1st grade and Dylan works at the Magnolia/Palm (Disney) golf courses located across from the Poly and Grand Floridian. After living in FL for a full year now, we are 100% certain that we won't be moving back to PA. We are Floridians through and through and can't imagine living our crazy life together anywhere else. ☺️
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You'll see lots of faces in my report (including some of yours!), but this is the one you'll see most often. 😉 This is my very best Disney friend, Brooke (@wishes2013)! We met through this site and were brought together when we realized that we would both be teaching 1st grade at the same school. I'm not exaggerating when I say that you can either find us at school or Disney... we're together more often than we're not. 😋
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You can find the ongoing trip report that chronicles our first year living in FL and being passholders here. 😊 This report will serve as more of a "highlight reel," rather than detailing every moment of every trip we take to the parks. But fear not, there will still be lots of report to read! If you're looking for your Disney fix or a way to chase those Disney blues away, you can most certainly find it here. 🤗

To all who come to this happy place, welcome!
 
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blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Friday, August 31

Last year I said that the Halloween party wouldn't be an every year must do for me. Then Disney started putting out promotional things for the party this year and I changed my mind. 🙃@wishes2013 thought she could stay away too, but it didn't take much prompting from me to get her to buy her ticket. 😜 Our other friend from school (Payne) also joined us!

We quickly made our way through the gates and got our party wristbands.
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We didn't waste any time heading to the candy trails. 😋
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We stopped for a few pictures as we trick or treated.
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We were hungry so headed off in search of a special party snack. We hopped in the 10 minute standby line for Pirates on our way. Disney said there would be real pirates in the ride for the parties. Spoiler alert: there was one pirate in the queue, one pirate at the loading dock, and one pirate in the ride. Not exactly what I was expecting. 🤨
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We arrived at Pecos Bills and ordered the Hades Nachos (black bean nacho chips with fiery buffalo chicken). They were okay but definitely not worth the $12.79 price tag. 😒
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blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Friday, August 31

We did some more trick or treating while we were in the area before making our way to visit our ghost friends. 👻
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We hopped in the standby line for Haunted Mansion.. I think it was posted at 30 minutes but the line moved pretty steadily. We noticed that they had blocked up the Rivers of America and were working as we passed through the queue. It seems a little strange that they'd work through the night on a party night but I guess there's no time to waste!
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Soon we were ready to enter the mansion! I am forever obsessed with the CM party costumes. 😍
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After exiting the ride, we stopped to listen to Madame Carlotta and Broom (as she called him) interact on the lawn for a few minutes. One of my favorite quotes came from Madame Carlotta to a man passing by in the queue... "Oh look! That guy just got off of work at Target!" He was wearing khaki shorts and a red polo. 😂
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Such a beauty. 😍
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Broom came down off the lawn as we were getting ready to leave and was gracious enough to stop for a picture with me. 😋
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We left the mansion in search of more candy.. we didn't have to go far to find it. 😉 Our next destination involved a certain experiment...
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Elvis Stitch was a must do for Brooke since she was dressed as Lilo.. I'll let her share her pictures in her own report. 😉 He was a lot of fun to meet and his costume was the CUTEST! 🤗
 

blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Friday, August 31

We had just a little bit of time left before we needed to claim a spot for HalloWishes and I noticed that Mickey only had a 10 minute wait. We ended up walking right in and had one of the best meet and greets I've ever had! 🤗
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I told him that I loved his outfit and he returned the compliment. 😉
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He loved it so much, in fact, that he dropped to one knee. 😍 We agreed to not tell Minnie or Dylan. 😜
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LOOK AT HIS BOWTIE. 😍 I. Can't. Even.
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@wishes2013 was up next and he wanted to know where Stitch was. He showed us his best Stitch/Elvis dance moves and we told him we had just come from visiting Stitch!
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As Payne stepped up to take her turn, the CM asked if she was a cowardly lion or had courage. She looked at the CM awkwardly and said "I'm Simba...?" Mickey and Brooke were equally as confused by the CM's question. 🤨 Mickey then started doing the "awkward turtle" hand motion and we LOST it. 😂😂😂
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Payne stepped up to take her turn with Mickey and she immediately roared at him... Mickey literally doubled over in laughter. 😂 He then suggested that they roar together for their picture. 🦁
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I forget exactly what the conversation was that resulted in this picture (@wishes2013 ??), but Mickey was playing dead. 😂
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When we left and walked out into the gift shop, Payne was rehashing our visit and said "and then I killed Mickey" as we walked by a group of CM's. They were like .... 🤨😂

I'm SO glad we took the time to go and visit Mickey.. he was hilarious and gave us such a fun meet and greet!
 

blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Friday, August 31

We walked down Main Street to find a spot for HalloWishes, and for the first time all night realized just how few people were in the park! We got a spot right in the middle of the street by Casey's and had a PERFECT view! 😍 The 360 fireworks are just incredible and I love the soundtrack!
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The fireworks finished and we moved closer to the castle for Hocus Pocus. We didn't have a great view, but we were more concerned about having a good spot for the parade so it was fine. 😉 I love this show!
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Soon, the Headless Horseman was making his way down the street... it was eerie! 😱
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Pluto's lion costume... 😭
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I ❤️ the gravediggers!
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And now for my favorite part... 😍 Now if only I could get semi decent pictures of them lol.
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blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Friday, August 31

Finishing up with a few blurry villain pictures. 😉
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Boo To You is incredible... I absolutely love the music, the villains, and of course, the HM scenes. 😍 I also really enjoyed seeing the floats in action that we got to see on our Keys to the Kingdom tour back in July!

We had 15 minutes left before the party ended, and I somehow convinced @wishes2013 to go on Space Mountain so I could see the party overlay. 😬 There was a special soundtrack and it was PITCH BLACK the entire ride... IT. WAS. AWESOME. 😆 Brooke didn't really agree... I mean, that is pure terror on her face. 😂
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When we exited Space Mountain, the park was officially closed. We had one last stop to make before heading out though... Starbucks! There was no way we were leaving without trying the pumpkin cheesecake. It was DELICIOUS! 😋🤤
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We finished our treats and then made our way out. I'm so glad that I decided to go to MNSSHP again this year and I imagine I'll continue to go year after year. Yes, it's expensive. 🤑 But it's SO much fun and in my opinion, worth every penny. 🙌🏼

It's really not so scary. 🎃👻😉
 

blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Saturday, September 1

I got home and into bed after the party at about 2am and was up bright and early to pick my friend Dana up at the airport and head back to MK. Living my best life. 👸🏻
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Dylan was off of work and decided to join us as well! 😘 We took a trip under the sea before heading to our first fast pass at 7DMT!
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@wishes2013 met up with us at that point and we were able to sneak her onto 7DMT with us. Shhh don't tell Disney that she didn't have a fast pass. 🤫😉
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We waited standby for Haunted Mansion before using our fast pass for Big Thunder!
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We grabbed Mickey bars and headed over to Tomorrowland for the PeopleMover and Carousel of Progress. We then used our last fast pass for Space Mountain... Brooke sat this one out. 😉 We got the Alpha track!
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We stopped for a few pictures before heading out for the next leg of our journey!
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We caught the monorail back to the TTC and then switched to the Epcot monorail. Food and Wine, here we come! 😛
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We went directly to the Festival Center to get our magnets. We also stopped at the Shimmering Sips Mimosa Bar for my first F&W 2018 offering - the Tropical Mimosa (Sparkling Wine and Pomegranate, Orange and Grapefruit Juices- $6). It was AMAZING. I need to recreate this and have it for getting ready at my wedding. 😜🤤
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We spent a few minutes browsing the merchandise and I found a few things that will be mine soon. 😉 We headed out of the Festival Center and went in search of our next dish. We found it at Active Eats!

Loaded Mac & Cheese (Nueske’s Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers and Green Onions- $5). It was disgusting. 🤢 I loved this dish last year but this year I couldn't even taste a hint of cheese. It was way too spicy and tasted like straight peppers. Definitely not one I'll be having again.
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blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Saturday, September 1

While we were in the area, we decided to try something from the Earth Eats booth as well.

The Steakhouse Blended Burger (Blended Beef and Wild Mushroom Slider with Brie Cheese Fondue, Arugula, Truffle and Blue Cheese Potato Chip on a Brioche Bun- $5). This was amazing! I definitely recommend it.
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Continuing on, we started around WS on the Canada side for obvious reasons. 🤤

Canadian Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Soup served with a Pretzel Roll ($5) and Le Cellier Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce ($8). I love both of these dishes and they'll be repeated throughout the festival. 😉 Has anybody had the soup form the Refreshment Port yet? I'm curious about the portion size in comparison to the festival size.
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We did Test Track in the single rider line next. @wishes2013 and I are so in sync that we did the same pose even though we were in different cars. 😂
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We had fast passes for Soarin', so we headed there next! Following our flight, we made our way to Mexico for some frozen margaritas from Choza de Margarita. Brooke and I had the Passion Mango (Tequila Blanco, Orange Liqueur, Wild Passion Fruit and Mango Purée) and Dana had the Wild Strawberry (Tequila Blanco, Strawberry and Prickly Pear Purée, Lejay Cème de Cassis and Lime Juice). In my opinion, this is one of the best Disney values on property. They are HUGE for the price! 🍹
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We took our margaritas and waited standby for Frozen since Dana had never ridden. The drinks made the wait go by pretty quickly. 😊
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We decided to get one more snack before heading out and there was really only one thing on our minds...

Pão de Queijo: Brazilian Cheese Bread ($4.25). I say this about a lot of things, but I really do think this is my favorite F&W dish. I mean.. it combines two of my favorite things: cheese and bread. 😂
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We said goodnight to Epcot and headed back to our cars at the TTC!
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blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Sunday, September 2

Dana and I were on our own to take on HS today! We started in Toy Story Land. 🤠
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We used our fast pass for Mania next.
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I finally made it back onto the winner's podium. 😋
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We walked around for a few minutes so Dana could see the rest of Toy Story Land. As we were walking, I was telling her about the security guard that I follow on Instagram who now works in Toy Story Land and how I want to meet him but haven't been able to catch him yet. Just as I finished telling her about him, I spotted him! I had a small fan girl moment before we walked over and stood near where he was talking to some other guests. They then started walking over to the stroller parking area and we creepily followed them and stood nearby. 😂 I didn't want to interrupt but I was determined to meet him! He noticed us standing there and said "are you stalking me?" Yes, yes we are. 🤷🏻‍♀️

We stood and talked with him for a few minutes and he said this was his first time taking a picture in the stroller parking area lol. He wrote our Instagram names down in his little book and wished us well on the rest of our day! He was the epitome of a Disney CM. 🤗
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We grabbed some water from ABC Commissary and cooled off in the AC before heading to see my favorite Disney performer in his last show of the day. 😬❄️
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I was so excited that he was performing with Lisa.. we were on a roll today! We sat in the second row and I don't know how I can ever sit anywhere else now. Seeing his facial expressions and hearing him interact with the crowd when his mic was off made the show that much more enjoyable. 😂
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Probably my favorite part of his performance today was when he started doing high kicks and then complained about how tired and out of breath he was. 😂 I was too slow to catch him on video, but it was hilarious!
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I commented on the picture he had posted with his schedule for the day and said that I couldn't stop laughing at his high kicks and he "liked" it. FAN GIRL OVER HERE. 😋

We had a fast pass for ToT next, we off we went!
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blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Sunday, September 2

Next up was Beauty and the Beast! The CM playing Gaston today was phenomenal.. the best I've ever seen at this show! He voice was beautiful and he just played the character so well.
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Be our guest!
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We grabbed lunch at Catalina Eddie's following the show and then went to use our RnRC fast pass. Ride photo fail. 🤦🏻‍♀️
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I got another fast pass for ToT while we were in line for our limo ride so we popped next door to use that.
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After that, we headed out of the park so I could get Dana to the airport. It was a quick trip, but we accomplished a lot! She'll be back in a month for more park fun. 😉🙌🏼
 

krisri18

Well-Known Member
Saturday, September 1

While we were in the area, we decided to try something from the Earth Eats booth as well.

The Steakhouse Blended Burger (Blended Beef and Wild Mushroom Slider with Brie Cheese Fondue, Arugula, Truffle and Blue Cheese Potato Chip on a Brioche Bun- $5). This was amazing! I definitely recommend it.
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Continuing on, we started around WS on the Canada side for obvious reasons. 🤤

Canadian Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Soup served with a Pretzel Roll ($5) and Le Cellier Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce ($8). I love both of these dishes and they'll be repeated throughout the festival. 😉 Has anybody had the soup form the Refreshment Port yet? I'm curious about the portion size in comparison to the festival size.
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We did Test Track in the single rider line next. @wishes2013 and I are so in sync that we did the same pose even though we were in different cars. 😂
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We had fast passes for Soarin', so we headed there next! Following our flight, we made our way to Mexico for some frozen margaritas from Choza de Margarita. Brooke and I had the Passion Mango (Tequila Blanco, Orange Liqueur, Wild Passion Fruit and Mango Purée) and Dana had the Wild Strawberry (Tequila Blanco, Strawberry and Prickly Pear Purée, Lejay Cème de Cassis and Lime Juice). In my opinion, this is one of the best Disney values on property. They are HUGE for the price! 🍹
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We took our margaritas and waited standby for Frozen since Dana had never ridden. The drinks made the wait go by pretty quickly. 😊
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We decided to get one more snack before heading out and there was really only one thing on our minds...

Pão de Queijo: Brazilian Cheese Bread ($4.25). I say this about a lot of things, but I really do think this is my favorite F&W dish. I mean.. it combines two of my favorite things: cheese and bread. 😂
View attachment 309385

We said goodnight to Epcot and headed back to our cars at the TTC!
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Love the Brazilian cheese bread! We've been making it at home fairly often ever since we tried it back in 2015!
 

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