Trip Report Magical Moments with Blue Skies and Sunshine...Guaranteed!

This trip was to take place in early Feb ’14, but in August when Disney released a “Free Dining” offer for dates Sept thru late October, I got the hair-brained idea that we should go in October.
I remember the day clearly…Thursday August 1st. I was off work that day and spent the entire day crunching numbers, figuring the best days to go and texting my wife LeAnn and my aunt Sally (who would we be going with us this time) many times throughout the day. They thought I was crazy! After all, we would be well past the 180 day mark for ADR’s, and what would be the chances that anything we want would still be available?
My aunt and uncle were on board to go this fall, but LeAnn was a little hesitant. It didn’t take much to convince her to go in October. The only stipulation was that if we could not get dinner ADR’s at ‘OHana, we weren’t going! Will we get the elusive ‘OHana ADR??? Stay tuned!

Here’s the cast:
Me(aka Mousefreak) 43, LeAnn (aka SweetEvangelene) 42, Grace 11.

Uncle Walt and Aunt Sally (yes, we have a real “Uncle Walt”). This would be our third trip with Walt and Sally. They are seasoned Disney guests as this was their 22nd trip!

 

[mousefreak]

We had a great time at DTD, but Grace couldn't stop talking about going to the pool.

For those of you who do the Value resorts like us, you were well aware that the mini fridges were removed and needed replaced. When we arrive on our first day, there was no fridge which was no big deal because we expected it. Well, when we got back from DTD, look what was sitting in front of us when the elevator doors opened...

Sometimes it's the little things in life that excites me! By the time we got back from the pool, it was installed and ready to use.

Anybody else decorate their resort window?

POOL TIME!!!! The water was a little chilly, but not bad if you stayed in.

Mommy's toes...

 

[mousefreak]

Great report so far!

Thanks! I'm not much of a writer. I just enjoying sharing our photos.

 

[mousefreak]

We're now cleaned up and taking the boat from MK to the Poly for our Ohana ADR.

The Poly is Walt and Sally's favorite resort. This is were they stayed on most of their trips in the 70's and 80's, before it became outrageous $$$$.

Love the grounds around Poly!

By this time, we were starved! So what's the best thing to have in the Poly on an empty stomach...

Sally started knawing on the pineapple!

This was our first Lapu Lapu! Someone tell me why we waited until 3 trips to Ohana to finally have one of these bad boys? It's now a "must do"!

 

[mousefreak]

It's time to feast...

Another truly amazing meal at Ohana. However we were disappointed in our "cousin" server. She came to our table once to refill drinks, but that was about it. Maybe she was having a bad day. It didn't ruin our meal, though.

It was a beautiful evening, so we took the monorail over to the Grand Floridian. This place is just amazing! The band was playing, so we found a comfy couch and just relaxed and listen to the music.

and wondered the grounds...

This concludes day 4. Our batteries are recharged and bellies full. Tomorrow it's off to Hollywood Studios, Epcot, then back to Hollywood again for a dinner ADR that turns out to be our best (and most fun) meal of the week at 50's Prime Time Café!

 

[mousefreak]

Day 5 - Tuesday October 29

Another beautiful day, and it wasn't too hot as we made it to Hollywood Studios at opening. This is one of my favorite pictures from the trip. Not too bad for an iPhone.

Really loved the Monsters University topiaries close to the entrance.

Our mission was to do Rockin Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror before the wait became to long. We got to walk on both a couple of times. TOT is one of the best themed experiences in all of WDW, especially when the cast members play their rolls perfectly.

We don't take Grace on either of these rides. She wouldn't be able to see anything, so Walt waits while we do the big kid rides. Now it's time for Toy Story Midway Mania...something we all love to do and we have Fastpass +, so no waiting. Walt usually beats us all, but I think I won this round. I just wish I had take a picture to prove it.

For the first time in four trips to WDW, we did Star Tours. LeAnn have never been big fans of Star Wars, but decided to give it a try. We both enjoyed it, but didn't love it. We'll do it again if there's little or no wait.

Another first and a "must do" on LeAnn's list was to see Mike and Sully...

 

[mousefreak]

Day 5 Continued

We couldn't wait to get back to the Backlot Express for a Vegetable Sandwich. One of LeAnn's absolute favorite QS meals.
NOMNOMNOM

These carrot cake cupcakes were so freakin good!!!!!

With a sugar high, we talked about doing Little Mermaid (Grace loves the music) then take the Friendship Boat to Epcot.

Why did it take us 4 Disney trips to finally do this???? This was the most relaxing ride. Grace absolutely LOVED the boat ride. We'll try to do this at least once a trip from now on.

We got into see Figment. Grace loves the music and the ride.

We did a little walking around Epcot with stops at The Land, Club Cool and no waiting at the Character Spot.

 

[mousefreak]

Day 5 continued.

Our afternoon in Epcot was just the three of us (Dennis, LeAnn and Grace). It was nice to take a break from as I'm sure Walt and Sally thought the same thing. We can all do what we want. The funny thing is that Walt and Sally came to Epcot too, but they spent the afternoon in World Showcase.

Here's a few picts from the Character Spot...

Mickey photo bomb!

We worked our way around World Showcase and was in need to burn a snack credit. The AMAZING chocolate dipped pineapple spear from Karamel Kuche...

I was in need of something salty, so I chose the ravioli from the Italy Food and Wine Festival booth. OMG!!!! It was soooo good and cheesy!

 

[mousefreak]

Day 5 continued.

After our yummy snacks, it was not time to head back to Hollywood Studios for an ADR at 50's Prime Time...our favorite meal of the trip!

Not a great picture, but we're back at HS.

We had a some time to kill before meeting back up with Walt and Sally at 50's Prime Time, so we chose One Man's Dream. I could spend hours in here soaking up all the Walt Disney nostalgia.

50's Prime Time!!

Grace was starting to have a melt down, so her Uncle Walt tries to cheer her up.

LeAnn's dinner. She said the meatloaf tastes just like her mom's (her mom passed away in 2009 from complications from breast cancer). The fried chicken was the best she has ever had!

Walt picking out his dessert.

Grace cleaned up her plate and got this...

Folks, this wraps up Day 5. We had a really great day...first time doing friendship boat between Epcot and HS, first time at 50's Prime Time. Time to get some sleep. Day 6 will start early as we go to Magic Kingdom!!

 

[plaz10]

Glad to see you back in the TR section!

I'm with Grace about swimming! I love to do it but I rarely swim - I need to make it a point to go back to the hotel to enjoy the pool! I just got back from a 4 night stay at Wilderness Lodge with a balcony overlooking the beautiful pool and yet...I never stepped foot in it! For shame!

Loving the TR! I think it's about time I head back to 50's Prime Time. That pot roast looks fantastic! I haven't been since I was super young but everything looks so good.

Can't wait to read the rest!