Trip Report Meet the Floridians

Hello humans!

Most of you know me by now, but for those of you who haven't followed my past TR's (particularly my most recent), I'll do some brief introductions. Feel free to check out my past reports (in my signature) if you'd like!

Who: I'm Brittany! I'm 25 and completely Disney obsessed. My better half is Dylan, also 25 and not quite as Disney obsessed. Prior to meeting me, he had never been to WDW! It was obviously top priority to remedy that.

This is our baby, Tink. She also loves Disney.

We got engaged in Magic Kingdom in June.. my dream come true! Though our wedding won't take place in Disney, it will be Disney themed.

While we were enjoying our time in the World, I accepted a 1st grade teaching position in Osceola County, Florida. Fast forward a month, and we packed up a U-Haul to relocate from Pennsylvania to the Sunshine State!

We currently live 20 minutes from Disney property, and one of our first purchases should come as no surprise. This report will be a collection of our adventures as annual passholders, and I'll update it with a Table of Contents as we go. Now, without further ado...

To all who come to this happy place, welcome!

 

[spacemt354]

4 parks in one day! That's awesome! That was something for us as well to cross off the bucket list on the last trip

The next challenge I think is pretty neat is the 'water ride challenge' - trying to go on every water ride in one day (Splash, Jungle Cruise, Pirates, small world, Living with the Land, Frozen, Mexico, Navi, Kali River Rapids)

Lots of musty water smells on that day I'd presume.

 

[blreinsel]

That sounded like a really fun day; what a great read with my morning coffee! Being so close, you can make up all sorts of wacky challenges to keep visits different (what sprung to mind would be focusing on rides beginning with a certain letter, or a certain number of words or letters in their name, or every X number ride listed alphabetically for the park).

I'm sure there will be lots of challenges to complete now that we're so close! The move has really changed the way we do the parks entirely!

4 parks in one day? So fun! And that swirling yellow sky at MK...I can't even.

It was gorgeous!

4 parks in one day! That's awesome! That was something for us as well to cross off the bucket list on the last trip

The next challenge I think is pretty neat is the 'water ride challenge' - trying to go on every water ride in one day (Splash, Jungle Cruise, Pirates, small world, Living with the Land, Frozen, Mexico, Navi, Kali River Rapids)

Lots of musty water smells on that day I'd presume.

Lol! That sounds like a fun one. Though perhaps one for a slower time of year to avoid high wait times for Frozen and Splash!

 

[deanna88]

Love your trip reports!

 

[blreinsel]

Love your trip reports!

Thank you! Happy to keep you all entertained.

 

[spacemt354]

I'm sure there will be lots of challenges to complete now that we're so close! The move has really changed the way we do the parks entirely!



It was gorgeous!



Lol! That sounds like a fun one. Though perhaps one for a slower time of year to avoid high wait times for Frozen and Splash!

Lol very true! And maybe not in January when it's colder

 

[DryerLintFan]

Friday, July 21

One of the many perks that comes along with being passholders is the ability to purchase discounted tickets for the water parks. Not only can we purchase them for ourselves, but each of us can purchase 3 additional tickets for other people. Each ticket is $35 (+ tax), which is a pretty great deal if you ask me.

My parents also have a house in Florida (for their someday retirement), so every year when my brother and nephew come home to visit, the whole family comes to Florida for vacation. The deal was sweetened this year with being able to visit Dylan and I. My brother wanted to take my nephew to a waterpark, so I suggested utilizing our discount and doing a Disney park. He chose Blizzard Beach, so that was the plan for the day!

It was a beautiful, hot Florida day- perfect for a waterpark! However, please note the dark, threatening cloud hanging out in the sky.
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We took care of getting everybody's tickets and were soon making our way into the park.
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We rounded the corner and Olaf came into sight.
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We stopped for a few group shots before going to claim a spot. My mom and dad are on the right, then Dylan and I, my nephew and my brother, and my brother's girlfriend and her daughter. It was always a longwinded conversation when CM's asked us where we were from... My parents live in Pennsylvania, we live in FL, my nephew lives in Arkansas, and the rest live in North Dakota.
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The sun was right in our eyes, so you'll have to excuse us.
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We found a few chairs in the shade to put our things, but we also got a locker to store our valuables. We noticed this interesting sign as we walked around. How many times has Rule #1 been broken that constituted the need to put it on a sign?
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I didn't take many pictures because I put my phone in the locker. Also, it rained most of the day. The park "temporarily closed" for like 2 hours after we had ridden one slide. It finally reopened long enough for us to ride one more before closing again. That closure only lasted about a half an hour before they reopened, so it wasn't as bad. As annoying as it was to sit around and wait with nothing to do, it was great because most everybody left. So when everything did finally reopen, we walked right on multiple times.

We ate lunch at Lottawatta Lodge and it was fine. The group tried a variety of things, but I had the chicken tenders and they were pretty good. I also had a frozen hot chocolate and it was YUMMY. We were able to use our AP discount, so that was a plus.

We rode all of the slides except Summit Plummet. Dylan was brave and did Slush Gusher, but the rest of us sat that one one, too.

Runoff Rapids is closed for refurbishment, so we didn't get to try that one.

My favorite was the Downhill Double Dipper, followed closely by Teamboat Springs.

We spent a little bit of time floating in Melt Away Bay, but I prefer more intense waves in my wave pools. We also made the full loop around Cross Country Creek.

Thoughts on Blizzard Beach.. We had fun, but I'm not a waterpark person. I thought that maybe a Disney waterpark would change my tune, but it really didn't. I find them incredibly boring and am ready to leave within an hour of being there, lol. I would like to try Typhoon Lagoon just for the sake of doing so, but I really don't feel the need to return to Blizzard Beach. I've seen others have a blast at the waterparks, so I really think it's more of a personal preference as opposed to the parks not being great.

I'll leave you with one last picture.
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So last year was a massive crypto outbreak all across the country. Water parks, community pools, splash pads, a lot of them had to close more days than they were open. Crypto gives you excruciating diarrhea for 2-4 weeks and as long as you have it, you are still really contagious. Most people would go through a few days of it, start to feel a little better, and then get back into the water before they were 100% better. So now you'll notice these signs everywhere stating that if you have diarrhea you need to not swim. It should be common sense, but it clearly was not.

 

[blreinsel]

So last year was a massive crypto outbreak all across the country. Water parks, community pools, splash pads, a lot of them had to close more days than they were open. Crypto gives you excruciating diarrhea for 2-4 weeks and as long as you have it, you are still really contagious. Most people would go through a few days of it, start to feel a little better, and then get back into the water before they were 100% better. So now you'll notice these signs everywhere stating that if you have diarrhea you need to not swim. It should be common sense, but it clearly was not.

Interesting... You learn something new everyday! I still get a good chuckle out of the sign, though I feel bad for those affected by such a terrible epidemic.

 

[fractal]

OK - that Dolphin show looks awesome!

 

[Zipadeelady]

I've heard of people doing all 4 parks in one day but that's starting first thing in the morning! I can't believe you got it done starting at 3.

Thanks for posting your daily trips, they're so fun to read!!

 

[amjt660]

I would probably go once a month or so if it was included in my pass, just for the sake of riding the fun slides and whatnot. But I'd be like you.. 2 hours max and I'd be gone lol.

Ahem

With all the rain that Florida has been getting lately...

Aren't all the parks considered Water Parks????

Fast Times at Ridgemont High tribute
@TheMouseFan - this ones for you.

Max

 

[amjt660]

Love the 4 parks in only a portion of a day
Well done

Could you do us a favor and not smile so gosh darn much
It does not help the feeling of envy and jealousy that the rest of us have.
Couldn't throw in a frown once or twice?

Oh sorry, permanent resident of FLA = permanent smile??
I get it
Carry on

Max

 

[blreinsel]

OK - that Dolphin show looks awesome!

It was SO interesting! Definitely one I'll be watching repeatedly.

I've heard of people doing all 4 parks in one day but that's starting first thing in the morning! I can't believe you got it done starting at 3.

Thanks for posting your daily trips, they're so fun to read!!

We're hardcore Disney go-ers. I was starting to worry that we wouldn't have time to get to AK, eat, and ride before closing, but mission accomplished!

Happy to help keep those Disney blues at bay.

Ahem

With all the rain that Florida has been getting lately...

Aren't all the parks considered Water Parks????

View attachment 219943
Fast Times at Ridgemont High tribute
@TheMouseFan - this ones for you.

Max

I suppose you may be right. Which is exactly why I've stayed away from the rainy days in the parks! I wanted to go yesterday, but when our friendly tropical storm decided to materialize the plans changed.

Love the 4 parks in only a portion of a day
Well done

Could you do us a favor and not smile so gosh darn much
It does not help the feeling of envy and jealousy that the rest of us have.
Couldn't throw in a frown once or twice?

Oh sorry, permanent resident of FLA = permanent smile??
I get it
Carry on

Max

I can't making any promises about less smiling. Your equation is correct.

 

[myhappyplace]

I did a Dolphins in Depth tour/ experience back in 2008, and Calvin was one of the dolphins....I loooove the pic you got of all 4!! I remember one was named Khyber, but I will have to look at my trip report to remember the other two names (if they're the same 4)

 

[AuburnBelle919]

A little late to the party but I can't wait to read about all your amazing times at Disney! I love how much less stress there is to get everything done when you have the annual pass. It makes the parks even more fun to me. Good job on doing the 4 parks in one day-My friends and I did that one day and it was fun but I promised my feet I would never do that again!

 

[rshell68]

I find them incredibly boring and am ready to leave within an hour of being there, lo

Amen sister!

 

[blreinsel]

I did a Dolphins in Depth tour/ experience back in 2008, and Calvin was one of the dolphins....I loooove the pic you got of all 4!! I remember one was named Khyber, but I will have to look at my trip report to remember the other two names (if they're the same 4)

Oh my gosh... I would LOVE that! I can't remember what the names of the other dolphins were. They spent the entire show up at the landing waiting for fish. My parents promised me that we would swim with the dolphins at Sea World for my college graduation present... that was in 2013 and it still hasn't happened. BUT I am soooo holding them to it! The opportunity to do it is much greater now that I'm a FL resident, particularly because I get into Sea World for free since I'm a FL teacher.

A little late to the party but I can't wait to read about all your amazing times at Disney! I love how much less stress there is to get everything done when you have the annual pass. It makes the parks even more fun to me. Good job on doing the 4 parks in one day-My friends and I did that one day and it was fun but I promised my feet I would never do that again!

Welcome! Our feet were killing us, and we only did about 7 hours in the parks total. I can't imagine what they would have felt like if we'd done a full day of parks!

 

[Longers]

Oh my I'm late to this party but have followed via instagram.

Still jealous of you getting to be so close to Disney but happy for you - you only get one life so live it! And you're certainly doing that and living the dream.

Loved the Pandora shots - can't wait to see that in November it all looks so amazing.

I'm with you on water parks - I can't swim so if we go it's literally so Chris can go down the slides while I go round the lazy river - and it won't be for dry long as I always think I'm missing out on Disney park time!

Also great that you got round all 4 parks in a day - I think we've done it once but like you say it's knackering but worth it just to say you've done it.

Keep living that dream and sharing so we can get our fix of Disney through you...........

 

[BigHero4]

You've probably already read this, but I'll leave this here for Dylan
http://www.tampabay.com/news/busine...esidents-for-work-from-home-positions/2332342

 

[Princess Leia]

Friday, July 14 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

It's the happiest day of the year! Okay, maybe just in my world. I had been looking forward to celebrating my 25th birthday in my happy place for months... I couldn't believe it was finally here!

We started the day by meeting up with Adam and Kaitlin again for lunch at Disney Springs. We parked in the lime garage and were very impressed with the ease of doing so. I love the lighted parking spaces and the signs that show how many spots are left on each level. Well done, Disney.

We decided on Blaze Pizza because Dylan and I had loved it so much in June! I took a picture of mine but apparently didn't keep it. We all loved our meals and enjoyed visiting for awhile before they had to get on the road back to PA.

After we parted ways, Dylan and I headed to Hollywood Studios. But first, some birthday pictures! He was a good sport and didn't complain about taking pictures today. It was my birthday, after all.
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We stopped in one of the shops to grab a birthday button.
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Birthday selfie!
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Our first FP+ was for Rock n' Roller Coaster, my favorite. Dylan said, "I tried to look like I was sleeping but it just looks like I closed my eyes." I think he did okay! I'm clearly not capable of keeping a straight face.
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We had a FP+ for Tower of Terror a little later, but I ended up being able to move up our time to ride right away so we didn't have to waste time and energy wandering around waiting! We got to enjoy an extremely obnoxious man who literally screamed (to be "funny," not because he was scared) when the thunder cracks in the stretching room, and again on the ride. Not only was it annoying, but I also felt bad for the kids that were in our group who I'm sure were already scared without his assistance.
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Next, we got in line for the Frozen Sing-a-Long! We waited in line behind a teenage girl who could have worn her bathing suit and have had more skin covered. It was offensive... and she was with her parents! We couldn't believe it, and we enjoyed watching everybody who passed her in line have the same reaction that we did.

We were fortunate enough to have the very best historian there ever was (Ben, I think is his name)! I would stand in line to meet this guy!
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Some of his humor this show:
- He alternated between calling Kristoff "Clip Clop" and "Flip Flop."
- There was an older man sitting in one of the front rows who was wearing sunglasses... he harassed him for the entire show about "falling asleep." He referred to him as "grandpa" every time he addressed him.
- He got nose to nose with Anna and then sniffed her loudly followed by, "You smell like a Dole Whip."
- He took ballet instead of Arendelle History 101.
- While singing "In Summer," there were of course some people who said "puddle" instead of "happy snowman." He stops singing and screams NO. GET HER OUT OF HERE! CASH ME OUTSSIDE, HOW BOW DAH.

Dead

Here's a video of him for your enjoyment.


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I'm so glad you got to spend your birthday at WDW! I'll be celebrating my 26th at the Magic Kingdom this fall, and I'm so excited

 

[Princess Leia]

We found a few chairs in the shade to put our things, but we also got a locker to store our valuables. We noticed this interesting sign as we walked around. How many times has Rule #1 been broken that constituted the need to put it on a sign?
View attachment 219213

I was a camp counselor one summer, and one of the weeks we took the kids to the city pool (the theme of the week was water). Well, the City Pool just reopened after a year long renovation, and the baby area was merged into the big pool.

Big mistake.

Parents/caretakers either forgot to give their kids water diapers, or they thought things would be fine as is.

They weren't.

Not at all.

Over one summer, the pool had to be closed something like 19 times because kids would not stop pooping in the pool.

So, long story short, those signs are needed.