Trip Report Might As Well Be Walking On the Sun - June 2024

Hello Friends!

We've been back for a couple of weeks now, so it's time to get this TR rolling!

Who: Me (Ali, rhymes with Sally), my husband Jim, Gwen (16) and Ethan (13)
What: 11 sweaty days celebrating Ethan's 8th grade graduation & our 19th wedding anniversary
Where: Cocoa Beach & a Sheraton time share
When: June 4th-14th 2024

This was our 6th Disney World vacation, but our first time with just our family of 4. We've had one or both of the grandmas with us on every prior trip, including a big family trip for my MIL's 70th birthday.
We wanted a less scheduled, more spontaneous trip this time, so we decided not to purchase Genie+ or ILL's. No regrets on that one. None.
I told Jim I wanted to treat our park days like a trip to Great America (the Chicago area Six Flags park) in the 90's. Feel happy just to be there, and take it one ride at a time.

Day 1 - Tuesday June 4th

After a nearly sleepless night for me, (thanks, travel anxiety!) we were up and on our way by 6:30.

I REALLY don't enjoy flying, but thankfully our flight was smooth. I watched LaLa Land to pass the time. It's one of my favorites, and it never fails to make me happy.

Once we arrived, we grabbed all of our carry-on luggage, picked up our rental mini van and headed for the Cocoa Beach!
We booked an ocean view balcony room at Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach.
At check in, the man at the front desk asked where we were traveling from, and was surprised when we told him the Chicago area. "I was sure you were French or maybe German"

The room was clean and spacious but unremarkable.
We were there for the view

Everyone was eager to get to the beach, so we did a quick change and headed down.

Meta tortoise friend on the beach path

Gwen's tiny shell collection

I had hoped to have dinner on the beach, but we found a dockside grill that had live music. Good enough!
After dinner we made a quick stop at DQ for ultimate cookie Blizzards for the kids (because ice cream every day), then headed back to the room for an early night.

Day 2 - Wednesday June 5th

We chose our vacation dates months ago and planned to visit the Kennedy Space Center on our first full day. As luck would have it, there was a launch scheduled for 11 o'clock the same day!
I have always wanted to see a launch in person, and for the kids to see one, so it was an exciting morning!
We had a quick complimentary breakfast at the hotel, and were on our way by 8:30.

Once at that visitor complex, we boarded the bus to the Saturn V Center. I was expecting the same 40 minute tour of the facility that we had back in 2016, but now that KSC is once again an active space port, and this was a launch day, it made sense to not take bus loads of people around the launch pads.
After a 10 minute express ride to the site, we quickly found a spot on the bleachers. Only 15 minutes to launch time!

Our timing could not have been more perfect! The group in front of us had been waiting for two hours!
It was already scorching outside. I don't know how they tolerated it for so long!

Just before the countdown, they played an address from the 2 astronauts aboard the Starliner, followed by the National Anthem. It was a beautiful and uplifting moment. I'm so glad we were there
All systems go for launch!

To say it was thrilling would be an understatement. It was exhilarating and awe-inspiring.

We were so full of excitement, and we weren't even at Disney yet!

 

[TheMouseFan]

I'm in! The bus tour at KSC has been shortened ever since they reopened after Covid. It was slightly longer than yours when we did it in 2022, but not even close to what it used to be. So cool that you got to see a launch. They were preparing for one when we were there, but we weren't lucky enough to see the actual launch.

 

[Tiki Traveler]

Your trip report is a blast!

 

[Minnie1986]

Can't wait to hear about your trip!

 

[MerMom1981]

Your trip report is a blast!

All you punny people!

 

[MerMom1981]

Day 3 continued:

We are a family that does Disney in a budget. I dream of a day when we can afford to stay at the Grand Floridian or Beach Club, but today is not that day.
We stay off property and get more space for our money. This trip we booked a different time-share property, Sheraton Vistana Villas Lake Buena Vista. It was fine. $215ish/night
The unit was fairly recently updated (decor looked circa 2010's) and had daily housekeeping. My biggest complaint was that it felt like a subdivision, not a resort.

We unpacked and relaxed for a little while, then went to locate the pool. Unfortunately, the nearest pool was under construction, and the next closest was just a little farther than felt convenient.
We all agreed we'd drive to the main pool on our rest day.

Evening came, and we headed back to DS for dinner at Summerhouse on the Lake.
We arrived well in advance of our reservation, so I suggested a little window shopping to kill time. We made it as far as Disney Style when it started to drizzle, so we hurried back to check in and get out of the rain.
They did that thing where you check in and instead of taking you to your table, they ask for a cell phone number so they can text you thirty seconds later. We hadn't even reached the waiting area when the text came! It was absurd.
I feel like this could be developed into a sketch comedy bit.

Anyway, I was giggling as we were shown to our table in the front covered patio. The rain was falling pretty heavily as we reviewed our menus. Thankfully it wasn't windy and we stayed dry.

I went with grilled chicken tacos,
Jim had their Picnic Basket Fried Chicken, Gwen ordered spaghetti & meatballs, and Ethan had his second pizza of the day.
I didn't take a single picture, but everyone enjoyed their dinner. My only complaint was that the cilantro on my tacos had a ton of stem still attached. Not the tender bit just below the leaf, inches of fibrous stem. I was already working with my hands, so pruning my garnish wasn't that big of a deal.

The rain stopped befoe we finished dinner. We paid quickly and went to check out the Cookie Bar. Jim and I chose a brownie and a crispy chocolate chip cookie, but the kids wanted ice cream. Salt & Straw was right across from Summerhouse, so we got in line. The rain started up almost immediately, so Jim and the kids ran inside the crowded shop, and I ducked under the nearest awning.

I got this via text a few minutes later

I had hoped to stop in a Basin to stock up on bath bombs for the week, but that was all the way in the Marketplace, and we were way on the west side. I considered running back into Summerhouse and buying one of their $40 golf umbrellas, but it would be impossible to pack, so we scurried back to the orange garage and called it a night

 

[MerMom1981]

Day 4 - Friday June 7th

Magic Kingdom!!!
I had set an alarm this morning in hopes of joining the Tron virtual queue.
Bleary eyed, tapping my phone like a maniac at 6:59am... SUCCESS!!! Boarding group 86!

We were up, dressed and out the door by 8:20am. After a short drive, we parked in the Villains lot and hopped on the tram.

We made our way to Main Street as the castle welcome show was happening. I was in disbelief that we were finally here after three years!

I heard the opening announcement at we headed for Adventureland. Ethan was so excited, I had to hold him back from running straight to Pirates!
We moved through the queue so quickly, I didn't have time to take a single picture!

After Pirates, we made a quick left and headed for Thunder Mountain. Another walk-on.
I don't think we've ever rope-dropped Magic Kingdom before. We were really making the most of the morning!
We made our way through an empty Frontierland and saw Haunted Mansion had a posted wait of 13 minutes. I'd heard that meant it was a walk-on, so we did!

As we entered Fantasyland, we considered Peter Pan vs. It's a Small World. PPF was already up to 50 minutes, and IASW was only 15. Happiest cruise to ever sail for us!

We were on our way to Little Mermaid when someone walked by with a cinnamon roll that stopped Jim in his tracks.
"Wow, that looks good" he said
I raised an eyebrow "Follow me"

I led my crew to Gaston's and declared "Happy Father's Day" as I delivered his morning snack to the table.

I continued to wish him a happy Father's Day every time we did something he liked that week.

Seven Dwarfs had been down all morning, but we were hopeful it would open soon. We wanted to linger in the area, and I LOVE The Little Mermaid, so we went under the sea!

Seven Dwarfs was still down when we exited, and Ethan had been asking to ride Space Mountain since we exited Thunder Mountain, so we made a left and cut through Storybook Circus. I'm not sure if it was the shortest route, but there was no exhaust from the Speedway, and we got our first glimpse of Tron!

The posted wait time was 40 minutes, but it was getting so hot, we didn't mind waiting if it meant getting out of the sun.

I came off Space with a headache, so I was ready for something relaxing while I recovered from the mild brain trauma.
The Peoplemover looked like just the thing.

Everyone was getting hungry, and Jim was desperate for a/c, so we headed for Cosmic Ray's. He headed to the counter to order himself a Coke while the kids and I looked for a table.
The place could not have been more packed. I spotted several groups sitting on the floor with their trays. Awful
I found a shaded table outside, wiped it down and unpacked our sandwiches before texting Jim "I hope you enjoyed the a/c. We're sitting outside"

We were under an extreme heat advisory that day, so we decided to take it slow after lunch. Padded seats in the a/c sounded great, so we headed to Mickey's Philharmagic.
Ethan wanted to try his luck with the Sword in the Stone on the way.

I always love this show!

 

[fractal]

That's a great Father's Day treat!

 

[MerMom1981]

We had been keeping an eye on boarding groups, and we were still a long way off, so we continued to take it slow. More a/c was preferable, as being outside felt like being in an air fryer, so I suggested Hall of Presidents.

Had to grab a photo of my Rapunzel with her tower.

The HoP lobby was jammed with people, so I figured it must be close to showtime. I checked with a CM, and was told 20 minutes till the next show. Every seat was taken, and all of the exhibit displays either had scooters parked in front of them, or groups of people sitting up against them.

The crowded lobby was not our scene, so we opted for a first and last visit to the shooting gallery.

Jim was shocked that it was free to play "Wow! That's really cool of them"
"Happy Father's Day!"
Both of the guys were bummed when I told them it would be closing in a few weeks.

Back at HoP, we found a nearly empty lobby. We had just missed the show, but at least we could have a seat or enjoy the exhibits while we waited for the next one.

Bodies cooled, and uncertain of how long till our BG would be called, we decided to head back to Tomorrowland.
We had to gift shop hop our way throigh Fantasyland. We were getting cooked out there!

Buzz had a short, mostly indoor wait.

I couldn't talk anyone into Carousel of Progress (singing the theme song and jazz hands failed to move them) so we ended up waiting out the Tron VQ in the Space Mountain exit shop.
It was only 10-15 minutes before we were finally called!

I was still feeling a bit headache-y when we scanned in so I opted not to ride.
They all loved it, but agreed with the general option that it should've been a little longer.

After Tron, we were all pretty beat. I asked if we could please take the train once around the park before we left, and led the way to the Fantasyland station.
The heat required a stop in Storybook Treats to cool down.
We didn't have to wait long for the train, but it moved SO SLOWLY! There was virtually no breeze and we were all too uncomfortable to enjoy the ride. We hopped off at Main Street and made for the exit.

 

[MerMom1981]

Day 4 continued

We had about an hour and a half until our dinner reservation at Steakhouse 71. Not enough time to head back for a swim, so we cooled down on the monorail and did some shopping instead.
I stocked up on bath bombs at Basin and enjoyed some piano music in the Grand Floridian lobby before continuing on to The Contemporary.

We arrived early for our reservation, but we checked in anyway and were seated pretty quickly.
Jim and the kids all went for strip steak and filet, and I ordered the Vegetable Wellington. It was exceptional! Rich flavors and flakey pastry, but not at all heavy. Would recommend.

Back at MK, Main Street was already crowded with people claiming their spots for Happily Ever After. We had just settled for the curb in front of The Main Street Theater when Ethan reminded me I had "promised" we could ride Pirates again that night. I did not recall any such promise, but we were there in part to celebrate him, so I said "Ok buddy, let's go"
Jim and Gwen weren't interested in a second ride, or rushing there and back, so they stayed behind.
The boy and I wove our way though the crowd and found a longer line than expected. The posted wait time said 5 minutes, but it looked like 10+ to me.
I was antsy about missing HEA, so I didn't enjoy myself much, but I was doing it for my boy.
We exited with 5 minutes to spare.
Adventureland is DARK at night. Like, people walking around with their arms outstretched like zombies so they don't run into anything dark.
I side-stepped past the zombies and hurried back to Main Street via Casey's Corner.
We popped out of The Emporium just before the show began

So glad I didn't miss this moment with my family

Up next: Epcot

 

[cgersic]

That last picture just gives me ALL the feels! I love what the projections on the buildings have done to add to the magic of watching the shows from Main Street.

 

[MerMom1981]

Day 5 - Saturday June 8th
Epcot

I swear I set an alarm.
Somehow, I slept until 7:45 and completely missed the VQ for Guardians.

We arrived in time for park opening, and since Remy was down, we decided to rope-drop everyone's mom's favorite ride.
SOARIN'
We had the bendy Eiffel tower, but the guy next to me did a great Kronk impression, so it was a good ride anyway.
We intended to Live with the Land next, but as we exited, Gwen saw that Remy had opened, and the wait time was listed at 15 minutes!
We raced to France hoping to beat the crowds. I earned wicked blisters on both pinky toes, but we beat the rush! 30 minute posted wait
That one time I wore mouse ears

Ratatouille is a family favorite, so the ride was a big hit with us. It was fun and silly and cute and we loved it!
Next stop was Las Halles. Jim's true love in this life is bread, so we had to get the man a baguette.
"Happy Father's Day!"

This began our quest for bread around the world. It should be a thing. Non-drinkers need fun world showcase goals too. Bring me all the bread!

The day was heating up quick, and since we were already in World Showcase, we decided save our steps and explore the countries instead of doubling back.
Found a hidden Mickey in France

Resisted buying all the Ratatouille merch

We arrived in Japan just in time to enjoy the Matsuriza drummers.

Can't not stop in this shop

I grabbed myself a cute little fan

Had it personalized

and another pair of my favorite chopsticks

We struck out on our search for bread and continued on to America.

 

[MerMom1981]

That last picture just gives me ALL the feels! I love what the projections on the buildings have done to add to the magic of watching the shows from Main Street.

Agreed! Watching from Main Street is this whole other experience now. You don't feel like you're missing out if you're not in the Hub

 

[Tiki Traveler]

I couldn't talk anyone into Carousel of Progress (singing the theme song and jazz hands failed to move them) so we ended up waiting out the Tron VQ in the Space Mountain exit shop.

How could they resist the COP theme song and jazz hands??

 

[MerMom1981]

How could they resist the COP theme song and jazz hands??

I KNOW! They're made of stone. All of them

 

[MerMom1981]

Day 5 continued:

We strolled up to The American Adventure just in time for the noon performance of The Voices of Liberty.

I love love LOVE this group, but I miss their historical costumes. The current look adds nothing to the performance.

From there we made our way to Germany. We'd be having dinner in Italy, so we skipped it for now.

After browsing the Christmas shop and knocking on the hollow wall, we continued our bread quest with a giant pretzel (and free ice water)

The only available table was in direct sun and burning hot to the touch. Luckily, one in the shade opened up shortly after our pretzel photo, so we were able to enjoy lunch in relative comfort.

We all needed to cool down before continuing around the world, so we hopped into the nearest gift shop.
We were admiring the cuckoo clocks and realized it was 5 minutes till 1pm. We thought it would be cool to see them all go off on the hour, but then realized they were all set to different times, and none were correct!

Another guest happened to ask the CM to set off one of the clocks, (which had not occurred to me) and then she did a second one for us.

It wasn't until 1:01 that I remembered what else happens at 1pm!
"Wait! The Guardians VQ drop is right now!"
Jim was the first to open the app and was assigned a boarding group with no trouble.Whew!

We stepped back out into the blistering heat (did I mention we were under a heat advisory?) and made our way to China. Once again needing to cool down, we headed for the gift shop where we found something bread-adjacent

We headed for Norway and joined the extended queue for Frozen Ever After. The wait was posted at 60 minutes, 15 of which were outdoors in air fryer conditions.It was at this point that Jim first pulled out the umbrella for the shade. Brilliant man! I know this is a thing that is done, but it never felt necessary for survival before.
Between the umbrella and my little fan, we kept ourselves comfortable enough.

As we waited, I heard a mother and her adult daughter asking aloud "What happened to fast pass? What is Lightning Lane? How do you get in that other line?"
I couldn't stop myself you guys.
I gave them a brief explanation of the paid system, and we all mourned the loss of the free fast pass system together.
As we chatted, they shared that their family had bought a DVC membership back in the 80's, before Old Key West was even completed! So, they won at DVC.
They had been using their points at Vero Beach for several years, and this was their first time in WDW since before covid. I forget that not everyone follows Disney news and discussion forums.
They also didn't know about the virtual queue system and were eager to call their family to share the Intel.

I may have embarrassed my family a little, but I like to help when I can, and the conversation helped pass the time.

After a delightfully chilly ride, Ethan humored me with a photo opp.

We finished our tour with a stop in the Mexico pavilion and a quick ride on the Grand Fiesta Tour.
I love the marketplace atmosphere in this pavilion, and I usually like to spend a good bit of time shopping, but the queue for La Cava Del Tequila was so long, it was snaking through the entire space, and there was just no room to browse.

From there we took the Odyssey path towards Test Track. Ethan had been angling for something sweet, so when the path ended at Refreshment Station, he had to have an insane candy-topped slushie.

Test Track was up next. We opted for the single rider line and walked directly to the boarding area without stopping.
The kids wanted to ride Mission Space next. Green mission was a walk-on, but I walked right thru to the play area and gift shop. I've ridden Mission Space once before, which is how I learned I have claustrophobia.

We made our way around Future World (yes, Future World) with stops at Spaceship Earth, Nemo and Living with the Land. All walk-ons.
We were nearing our dinner reservation and still waiting for our boarding group to be called. After grabbing more free ice water from Sunshine Seasons, we decided to check out Creations shop. It was fine.

I had the brilliant idea to take the Friendship boat across World Showcase lagoon, not realizing that the Mexico to Germany boat wasn't running. Canada to Morocco isn't as ideal, but it was still a more restful option than walking the entire way.

We checked in at Via Napoli, and had an absolutely wonderful dining experience!

The food was fantastic, of course, but the CM's made the experience. Every person we interacted with was delightful.

After dinner, we started heading towards Guardians, which worked out perfectly as our boarding group was called on the way!

I sat this one out, which was perfectly fine with me. I got to watch SSE light up and tried unsuccessfully to capture a photo of the monorail passing by.
While I waited for my family, I saw several parties turned away from the queue because they didn't know about the VQ or ILL system.
One father and son in particular broke my heart. They were chatting excitedly as they walked up, and looked absolutely crushed as they walked away. Not a magical end to their day

We were ready to call it a night. Luminous was still over an hour away, and we were wall too wiped out to wait.
Bye for now Epcot!

 

[Tuvalu]

Your Frozen friends misremembered the date they purchased their DVC membership. Sales began September 30, 1991 and Disney’s Vacation Club Resort (renamed Old Key West) opened December 20, 1991.

Celebrating 30 Years of Disney Vacation Club | DVCNews.com - The essential Disney Vacation Club resource!

On October 2, 1991, Disney Vacation Development sold its first timeshare deed for the Disney Vacation Club at Walt Disney World Resort. It was the culmination of an idea — to design and build a D

dvcnews.com

 

[pkkurz]

Day 5 continued:

We strolled up to The American Adventure just in time for the noon performance of The Voices of Liberty.
View attachment 804430
I love love LOVE this group, but I miss their historical costumes. The current look adds nothing to the performance.

From there we made our way to Germany. We'd be having dinner in Italy, so we skipped it for now.

After browsing the Christmas shop and knocking on the hollow wall, we continued our bread quest with a giant pretzel (and free ice water)
View attachment 804431
The only available table was in direct sun and burning hot to the touch. Luckily, one in the shade opened up shortly after our pretzel photo, so we were able to enjoy lunch in relative comfort.

We all needed to cool down before continuing around the world, so we hopped into the nearest gift shop.
We were admiring the cuckoo clocks and realized it was 5 minutes till 1pm. We thought it would be cool to see them all go off on the hour, but then realized they were all set to different times, and none were correct!
View attachment 804432
Another guest happened to ask the CM to set off one of the clocks, (which had not occurred to me) and then she did a second one for us.

It wasn't until 1:01 that I remembered what else happens at 1pm!
"Wait! The Guardians VQ drop is right now!"
Jim was the first to open the app and was assigned a boarding group with no trouble.Whew!

We stepped back out into the blistering heat (did I mention we were under a heat advisory?) and made our way to China. Once again needing to cool down, we headed for the gift shop where we found something bread-adjacent
View attachment 804433

We headed for Norway and joined the extended queue for Frozen Ever After. The wait was posted at 60 minutes, 15 of which were outdoors in air fryer conditions.It was at this point that Jim first pulled out the umbrella for the shade. Brilliant man! I know this is a thing that is done, but it never felt necessary for survival before.
Between the umbrella and my little fan, we kept ourselves comfortable enough.

As we waited, I heard a mother and her adult daughter asking aloud "What happened to fast pass? What is Lightning Lane? How do you get in that other line?"
I couldn't stop myself you guys.
I gave them a brief explanation of the paid system, and we all mourned the loss of the free fast pass system together.
As we chatted, they shared that their family had bought a DVC membership back in the 80's, before Old Key West was even completed! So, they won at DVC.
They had been using their points at Vero Beach for several years, and this was their first time in WDW since before covid. I forget that not everyone follows Disney news and discussion forums.
They also didn't know about the virtual queue system and were eager to call their family to share the Intel.

I may have embarrassed my family a little, but I like to help when I can, and the conversation helped pass the time.

After a delightfully chilly ride, Ethan humored me with a photo opp.
View attachment 804434
We finished our tour with a stop in the Mexico pavilion and a quick ride on the Grand Fiesta Tour.
I love the marketplace atmosphere in this pavilion, and I usually like to spend a good bit of time shopping, but the queue for La Cava Del Tequila was so long, it was snaking through the entire space, and there was just no room to browse.

From there we took the Odyssey path towards Test Track. Ethan had been angling for something sweet, so when the path ended at Refreshment Station, he had to have an insane candy-topped slushie.
View attachment 804435
Test Track was up next. We opted for the single rider line and walked directly to the boarding area without stopping.
The kids wanted to ride Mission Space next. Green mission was a walk-on, but I walked right thru to the play area and gift shop. I've ridden Mission Space once before, which is how I learned I have claustrophobia.

We made our way around Future World (yes, Future World) with stops at Spaceship Earth, Nemo and Living with the Land. All walk-ons.
We were nearing our dinner reservation and still waiting for our boarding group to be called. After grabbing more free ice water from Sunshine Seasons, we decided to check out Creations shop. It was fine.

I had the brilliant idea to take the Friendship boat across World Showcase lagoon, not realizing that the Mexico to Germany boat wasn't running. Canada to Morocco isn't as ideal, but it was still a more restful option than walking the entire way.

We checked in at Via Napoli, and had an absolutely wonderful dining experience!
View attachment 804436
The food was fantastic, of course, but the CM's made the experience. Every person we interacted with was delightful.

After dinner, we started heading towards Guardians, which worked out perfectly as our boarding group was called on the way!
View attachment 804437
I sat this one out, which was perfectly fine with me. I got to watch SSE light up and tried unsuccessfully to capture a photo of the monorail passing by.
While I waited for my family, I saw several parties turned away from the queue because they didn't know about the VQ or ILL system.
One father and son in particular broke my heart. They were chatting excitedly as they walked up, and looked absolutely crushed as they walked away. Not a magical end to their day

We were ready to call it a night. Luminous was still over an hour away, and we were wall too wiped out to wait.
Bye for now Epcot!
View attachment 804438

I talked with a Voices of Liberty CM this spring and was told that new period costumes are in the works, hopefully by late fall or possibly the first of the year.

 

[MinnieM123]

I talked with a Voices of Liberty CM this spring and was told that new period costumes are in the works, hopefully by late fall or possibly the first of the year.

That would be great. I miss their period costumes.

 

[MerMom1981]

Your Frozen friends misremembered the date they purchased their DVC membership. Sales began September 30, 1991 and Disney’s Vacation Club Resort (renamed Old Key West) opened December 20, 1991.

Celebrating 30 Years of Disney Vacation Club | DVCNews.com - The essential Disney Vacation Club resource!

On October 2, 1991, Disney Vacation Development sold its first timeshare deed for the Disney Vacation Club at Walt Disney World Resort. It was the culmination of an idea — to design and build a D

dvcnews.com

Thanks for the fact check!

 

[MerMom1981]

I talked with a Voices of Liberty CM this spring and was told that new period costumes are in the works, hopefully by late fall or possibly the first of the year.

This is great news! I'll be sure look for a YouTube video when they debut their new look