Trip Report Never tell me the odds! ***Completed***

Extreme temperatures, toddler tantrums and family tension- what could go wrong?

Pre-trip is here. I think I’ve reached that sweet spot where it’s been enough time where I’ve recovered from the trip it not too much time where I’ve forgotten it.

Let’s get this rolling.

When: August 4th-10th 2023
Where: Pop Century
Cast:

• Me (BES)
• My 2yo daughter (Lil BES)
• My parents
• My 24yo brother
• My 12yo nephew (son of another brother who is passed away ~7 years ago)

Supporting Cast:

• My husband (DH)
• My brother’s dog (Elly)
• My brother’s rabbit (Bambi - don’t even get me started on the name…)
• Our dog (Maeby)

Spoiler: Track #1:

I really enjoyed the accompanying soundtrack last TR so I plan on doing it again.

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

So I had my next post all lined up and somehow deleted it and my trip notes from that day.

Now where were we? Oh yes. Lil BES’s epic nighttime meltdown. As current or former owners of toddlers know they often cycle rapidly between their many highs and lows.

It’s always a bummer to end a post on a low but know lil BES’s meltdowns are infrequent. She’s overall a happy and sweet kid.

And now back to our regularly scheduled program…

 

[k8einwdw]

As current or former owners of toddlers know they often cycle rapidly between their many highs and lows.

First they’re sour, then they’re sweet. Just like sour patch kids.

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Monday August 7th (Day 4):

This morning I had booked a 8:35am reservation at Cape May Cafe.

I picked the time based on lil BES’s typical wake up time and based on the foolish assumption that my family would want to do things early before it got too hot out.

I picked the location based on likelihood of seeing Daisy Duck and ease of transportation from POP.

The plan was for my parents, lil BES and I to do the character breakfast and then bro and nephew would sleep in and meet us at Epcot.

I intentionally hesitated a moment when trying to secure a later in the day GotG BG and failed.

Begrudgingly I got an ILL for the boys and my dad for early afternoon. I didn’t get one for me mostly because the thought of paying for another ILL was making me ill.

Given the events of the previous night I let lil BES sleep in as late as possible but eventually had to wake her up. She was…not pleased. My deepest apologies to our neighbors.

At one point in the mess of getting her ready I considered canceling the meal but figured it was too late and too difficult to do with a screaming toddler.

Eventually convinced lil BES to get dressed and out the door. My parents were outside our room listening to the madness.

As we walked to the Skyliner lil BES’s mood quickly improved to her normal cheery levels.

We arrived 10 minutes early and as we parked the stroller lil BES caught a glimpse of Minnie. She was very excited. Luckily we were seated pretty much immediately.

Our waitress was amazing. She immediately repositioned lil BES at the table from where the host sat her to maximum character interaction and gushed about how cute she was.

Goofy stopped by before we got our food. Lil BES was amused and talked to Goofy about Minnie.

I made lil BES a plate of food and my parents sat with her while I rushed to grab food for myself before more characters stopped by.

Next up was Minnie. Lil BES was a decided she was more interested in her strawberries than Minnie and then eventually wanted to talk to her about Daisy.

Daisy was next but lil BES just asked her about Donald. Are you seeing a pattern here?

Finally we met Donald too. All the characters did a great job.

Minnie stopped by again. I guess she didn’t want to be outdone by strawberries.

Then lil BES was done. My mom took her to the lobby while I settled the bill. Even as lil BES was getting grumpy the sweet sever gushed about how well she did. (Did it earn her an exorbitant tip? Yes. Yes it did.)

While waiting to cash out and with no toddler around I shoveled in whatever food I had managed to acquire and the leftover salted carmel beach buns on the table (which were not very good).

The breakfast price tag did sting a little considering I didn’t get to eat much as I spent so much time feeding lil BES and helping with character management.

I was very grateful to have parents along for this meal though to help with lil BES and take a million videos and pictures.

All and all I thought a character breakfast was perfect for this stage in our vacationing.

Spoiler: Track #12:

 

[Loco_driver]

I know this does you no good now, but you can use your VQ for Gaurdians anytime after it’s been called.

Also that song is stuck in my head right before I try to sleep. Thanks!

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

I know this does you no good now, but you can use your VQ for Gaurdians anytime after it’s been called.

Ohh. This is good to know. Thanks.

Also that song is stuck in my head right before I try to sleep. Thanks!

This was my second choice breakfast song. Maybe it’ll get the first one out of your head:

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Monday August 7th (Day 4) Continued:

After breakfast we did a quick stroll around the Beach Club.

I very much enjoyed that Solarium area. It’d be so nice to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee there. Someday… although it may be cheaper to build my own.

We made our way into Epcot and somehow immediately into the gift shop.

Lil BES made a very compelling argument for a Donald lovey which was quickly purchase and kindly de-tagged by the CM. She smartly also stapled the tag to the receipt in case Donald “wandered off”.

Next I made everyone stop to apply sunscreen. And we had a milk spill in the stroller to clean up.

As we were finally ready to further proceed into the park Minnie and Daisy showed up to M&G.

Lil BES thankfully didn’t inquire about how they got from Cape May to Epcot so fast. She did notice the different clothes.

Lil BES prefers the characters in their “standard” outfits so the beach outfits at Cape May were a topic of high interest.

She accepted Daisy in her chef outfit but liked that she and Daisy both had pink shoes.

She was delighted that Epcot Minnie was in “red clothes”.

Spoiler: Track #13:

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Monday August 7th (Day 4) Continued:

Finally we were ready to really head into Epcot.

We went to The Seas. The wait time was low and I kinda figured it was inflated and it’d be a walk on. Nope.

The Seas joins Under the Sea as a queue that is fantastic as an adult but terrible with a little one.

Beautifully themed but a super long distance to carry a toddler.

Or convince a toddler to keep walking through.

Or convince a toddler not to climb on stuff.

Or rapidly cycle between all of the above.

She really enjoyed the ride though.

We explored the aquarium a while.

Lil BES was only mildly interested in the fish. She was extremely interested in the stairs.

It was cute how protective Papa was being with her on the stairs. She doesn’t really need help at this point- just a spotter.

By now my brother and nephew had entered the park. We met up and the ladies all went back to POP while the guys stayed to ride GotG.

(I don’t remember what song they got. My dad said he liked Tron better. )

Back at POP the ladies had lunch at the food court and lil BES went down for a nap.

Spoiler: Track #14:

 

[Songbird76]

Monday August 7th (Day 4):

This morning I had booked a 8:35am reservation at Cape May Cafe.

I picked the time based on lil BES’s typical wake up time and based on the foolish assumption that my family would want to do things early before it got too hot out.

I picked the location based on likelihood of seeing Daisy Duck and ease of transportation from POP.

The plan was for my parents, lil BES and I to do the character breakfast and then bro and nephew would sleep in and meet us at Epcot.

I intentionally hesitated a moment when trying to secure a later in the day GotG BG and failed.

Begrudgingly I got an ILL for the boys and my dad for early afternoon. I didn’t get one for me mostly because the thought of paying for another ILL was making me ill.

Given the events of the previous night I let lil BES sleep in as late as possible but eventually had to wake her up. She was…not pleased. My deepest apologies to our neighbors.

At one point in the mess of getting her ready I considered canceling the meal but figured it was too late and too difficult to do with a screaming toddler.

Eventually convinced lil BES to get dressed and out the door. My parents were outside our room listening to the madness.

As we walked to the Skyliner lil BES’s mood quickly improved to her normal cheery levels.

We arrived 10 minutes early and as we parked the stroller lil BES caught a glimpse of Minnie. She was very excited. Luckily we were seated pretty much immediately.

Our waitress was amazing. She immediately repositioned lil BES at the table from where the host sat her to maximum character interaction and gushed about how cute she was.

Goofy stopped by before we got our food. Lil BES was amused and talked to Goofy about Minnie.

View attachment 752360

I made lil BES a plate of food and my parents sat with her while I rushed to grab food for myself before more characters stopped by.

Next up was Minnie. Lil BES was a decided she was more interested in her strawberries than Minnie and then eventually wanted to talk to her about Daisy.

View attachment 752361

Daisy was next but lil BES just asked her about Donald. Are you seeing a pattern here?

View attachment 752362

Finally we met Donald too. All the characters did a great job.

Minnie stopped by again. I guess she didn’t want to be outdone by strawberries.

Then lil BES was done. My mom took her to the lobby while I settled the bill. Even as lil BES was getting grumpy the sweet sever gushed about how well she did. (Did it earn her an exorbitant tip? Yes. Yes it did.)

While waiting to cash out and with no toddler around I shoveled in whatever food I had managed to acquire and the leftover salted carmel beach buns on the table (which were not very good).

The breakfast price tag did sting a little considering I didn’t get to eat much as I spent so much time feeding lil BES and helping with character management.

I was very grateful to have parents along for this meal though to help with lil BES and take a million videos and pictures.

All and all I thought a character breakfast was perfect for this stage in our vacationing.

Spoiler: Track #12:

We were at cape may the day before. I made a last minute reservation because Disney Food Blog raved about those beach buns and we wanted to try them. I didn't know they weren't on the buffet, they just bring them to your table, and you only get one per person, so you can't have more. But after all that, they weren't even that good! We won't be going back there. I'm sorry you didn't get to eat much. We got to eat plenty, but it just wasn't worth taking the time out of our park day.

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Monday August 7th (Day 4) Continued:

On the way back from Epcot my dad brought back dinner from the food court for himself and my mom. Unclear what “the boys” did.

Lil BES had her first dinner of the kids sides from my parents’ dinner. (I introduced them to the wonders of kids meals this trip)

They watched lil BES while I got dinner. For a brief moment I was going to be alone but nephew wanted to go. I can’t be mad about that. I’m so glad I got to spend some one-on-one time with him.

Got salmon dinner with rice and beans and green beans.

I ate in food court and chatted with nephew. Then it was back to room with lil BES’s part of the meal. She loves salmon.

She goofed it up for everyone for a while. At some point mom and bro went to Epcot.

Dad mentioned ice cream to lil BES. And then he and nephew went off to swim.

Lil BES was now set on ice cream. Pink ice cream to be exact. I knew POP didn’t have it and figured we could check AoA.

Eventually we made the journey over to AoA and of course did not find any pink ice cream.

She was ok with brownie sundae though. Especially since it had sprinkles.

Lil BES had a grand time but oh boy was it a mess. She was (and still is) in the “Do it myself!” phase.

Luckily I had our water wipes and was able to leave the table as clean as we found it.

Lil BES did not want to leave and threw a decent tantrum at end. Then continued it outside.

We still needed to get all the way back to POP and she refused to get into her stroller.

Soon we stumbled upon some of the AoA lawn toys.

That calmed her down enough to convince her to get back in the stroller and back to the room.

No notes from bedtime so either it was great or so terrible I mentally blocked it out.

Spoiler: Track #15:

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Tuesday August 8th (Day 5):

Somehow either took no notes for this day or accidentally deleted them. So I’m hoping this all comes back to me via the pictures.

Today I think we had Epcot booked for the morning but ended up switching to AK as my nephew could ride EE and/or FoP.

Parents, nephew, lil BES and I had breakfast at POP and headed to AK with my brother planning on meeting us there eventually.

Once past security nephew and dad went off to Everest. Mom, lil BES and I spent nearly an hour hanging about by the entrance to the Rainforest Cafe.

It was HOT. This was time stamped just before 10 am.

We were there so long that my brother arrived and we all then entered the park.

Along our way to meet up with the others we made a stop in a store for some AC and left with this sweet hat:

Next it was off to Dinoland USA. Bro accompanied lil BES and I on the TriceraTop Spin. And then lil BES and I rode again.

Part of me is excited to see this area of AK re-done but another part of me is a little sad to see it go. My nephew loved Primeval Whirl and Lil BES really enjoys TriceraTop Spin.

We then went into the Dinoland gift shop to cool off.

Lil BES decided she needed a Pluto lovey to go with her ever expanding army. I hesitated and she proceeded to take it to a register and tell me “Go buy it. Take tags off!”

I ended up caving because I really doubted that we would have any luck being that “Chewybacca” lovey.

Eventually we met up with the rest of the crew and headed back to POP.

Spoiler: Track #16:

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Tuesday August 8th (Day 5) Continued:

We had some unmemorable lunch in the food court again. Then the boys went to get ready to go to Typhoon Lagoon.

It appears my mom, lil BES and I took a very sweaty and leisurely route back to room.

Lil BES chose to take nap on the floor.

After naptime somehow my dad, Lil BES and I were the first ones ready to go back out. The three of set off on the Skyliner. It is a big hit with both lil BES and my dad.

Epcot was our destination for the evening. First up we hit the Brew-Wing lab in The Odyssey.

We got the PB and J wings, and a pickle shake. I wanted to try one of the porters but they were all out.

Once the rest of the crew arrived we also got the spicy wings and garlic parmesan wings

I’m not a big wings person but the PB & J ones were fun. I don’t think I tried the garlic ones.

Nephew is at an age where eating spicy food is a thrill. He was excited about the “Unnecessarily spicy, yet extremely tasty Scotch Bonnet pepper-curry wings” but…. I don’t think he’s ever had curry before so it was a little for him. My dad and I ate them.

They definitely had some kick but my nephew was impressed that I could eat them stoically.

As for the pickle milkshake… not bad! The flavor was subtle. It seemed more so like vanilla with a hint of dill. Not a real pickle-y flavor. Lil BES loved it.

I really enjoyed the theming of the Brew Lab and we had some fun interactions with CMs that were wiping off tables.

We all started out going clockwise around WS but backtracked for a trip on the Gran Fiesta Tour. from lil BES.

Brother went off to find something else to eat. The rest of us looked at ducks.

We ended up in China for a while because of the stairs. If you ever want to know where stairs are at WDW- just follow lil BES.

Spoiler: Track #17:

Another of lil BES’s favorite songs. I can tell she spends too much time with DH because she prefers it on vinyl.

 

[lindawdw]

I'm so glad you have your parents with you on the trip to help out with Lil Bes. I've passed by the Cape May Cafe so often staying at the BC but never ate there. I won't be going there for breakfast after hearing your review of the food. So cute that Lil Bes can just fall asleep on the floor! It's a lot for a toddler to take in at WDW and I'm sure the heat contributed to the terrible two tantrums.

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

I'm so glad you have your parents with you on the trip to help out with Lil Bes. I've passed by the Cape May Cafe so often staying at the BC but never ate there. I won't be going there for breakfast after hearing your review of the food. So cute that Lil Bes can just fall asleep on the floor! It's a lot for a toddler to take in at WDW and I'm sure the heat contributed to the terrible two tantrums.

Oh yes. Lil BES adores my parents and brother (also my nephew but she doesn’t see him as often) so it was a big asset to have them along.

I think all things considered she probably has less tantrums than the average toddler but when she has one- oh boy.

I’m also amazed at the floor sleeping. She’ll sleep like that at home too. If I slept on the ground I’m sure my back would be messed up for a week.

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Tuesday August 8th (Day 5) Continued:

Forget to include this from our time in China:

My dad did the typical dad thing where he told us we all really wanted to have kakigori (shaved ice) because he really wanted to have it.

The rest of the family was less interested but he kept insisting that we all really liked it and had it every trip.

Lil BES is always down for treats but I wasn’t keen on more sugar for her before bed but oh well. Vacation

Eventually brother called my mom to find out where to meet us and he told her he got a really gross margarita that he was probably going to throw out.

My mom’s response was “Oh don’t throw it out. Your sister will drink it.”

Was it the best margarita that I’ve ever had? No. But was it the one I needed at that moment and for zero (additional) dollars?

Soon I declared it was time for lil BES and I to head back to the room. My brother and nephew decided to join us and my parents stayed at Epcot.

The boys noticed some heat lightning in the area as we were on the Skyliner and freaked out a bit. I reassured them that if it was a safety thing they would not have the Skyliner going.

Once back at the room lil BES had a bath and a snack. Bedtime was very late albeit thankfully uneventful. We needed to rest up for our final park day.

Spoiler: Track #18:

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Wednesday August 9th (Day 6):

Lil BES was up at 7am. She talked in the crib until 730 to her Pluto and Donald.

Lil BES and I were the first ones ready. Just the two of us headed off to DHS. I very much enjoyed all of the alone time with lil BES this trip.

I think taking lil BES and her stroller on a bus by myself would have been hard so it was nice to have the Skyliner. We stopped at the Joffrey’s at the CBR station. I got iced coffee and lil BES got milk.

We moved on to DHS. Eventually my parents found us (the boys decided to sleep in). We headed back to SW:GE to do one more look for a Chewbacca lovey.

Along the way we spotted a Coca Cola kiosk. I asked the CM if the attached droid might “talk” to lil BES. The droid wasn’t awake for the day yet but she did have a tiny stuffed porg that she let lil BES look at.

We grabbed some breakfast and ate by Rontos. Our table was next to a ramp. Lil BES and my dad were goofing it up and all of a sudden Chewbacca was being escorted down said ramp. He stopped and waved to lil BES. She was in awe.

It happened so fast we didn’t have any time for pics or videos. I think since he was more at her height level she wasn’t scared like during her previous encounter.

We never did find a little Chewbacca lovey but a chance interaction with big Chewie was a great substitute.

I got some of my favorite Disney snack:

We managed to hide it from lil BES (who can’t yet have popcorn)

We explored Galaxy’s Edge for a while more. It was getting hot and we decided next to find some AC.

Spoiler: Track 19:

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Wednesday August 9th (Day 6) Continued :

The options for a toddler are limited at DHS. MMRR had too long of a wait so we ended up at the Mickey Shorts Theater.

Lil BES loved the cartoon. So much in fact that she wanted to watch it again.

The CMs said we could stay for another viewing but just as it was starting up again lil BES decided she wanted to leave.

We explored the exit lobby area for a while.

The boys had text my mom that they were now at DHS and were hungry. It was decided we would all have lunch at PizzeRizzo.

Lil BES decided she was not going. Anywhere.

My mom quickly went to find the boys. My dad stayed with me for a bit and tried his best to convince lil BES get back in the stroller.

Soon I recommend he go on too. It would just take time for her to fully cycle through the tantrum and at least one of us should start enjoying lunch.

Here she is flopping around on the ground. Much thanks to all of the people who politely walked around her every time a show let out.

As I was waiting the tantrum out I put in a mobile order for PizzeRizzo. As I went to check out, the app suggested an Italian margarita. Easiest up-sell ever.

Eventually the tantrum passed and I convinced lil BES to head to lunch. This was my first time ever at PizzeRizzo and the whole family enjoyed it.

The pizza cookie was a big hit.

After lunch lil BES and I started back to POP for a nap. Lil BES asked to see Chewie again on way out. I said no because he was “taking a nap”.

No, lil BES said he was eating lunch.

I asked her what he was eating. “A Chewie sandwich.”

Lil BES and I Skylined back the room and she took a snooze.

Spoiler: Track #20:

 

[radiorae]

That cookie is ADORABLE I hope it did not taste like pizza.

And high five on the outpost mix, superior snack of Hollywood Studios. Don’t let the haters get you down— you have great taste.

 

[cgersic]

Ok, that was one entertaining post from beginning to end. The easiest upsell line made me truly laugh out loud. I'm sure it didn't seem fun at the time, so kudos to you to know how to wait out the tantrum.

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

That cookie is ADORABLE I hope it did not taste like pizza.

And high five on the outpost mix, superior snack of Hollywood Studios. Don’t let the haters get you down— you have great taste.

The cookie was thankfully not pizza flavored. The “sauce” was some kind of jam.

There are haters of the Outpost Mix? What!?! Good. More for us.

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Ok, that was one entertaining post from beginning to end. The easiest upsell line made me truly laugh out loud. I'm sure it didn't seem fun at the time, so kudos to you to know how to wait out the tantrum.

lol. Glad you enjoyed it. I feel like some of the big advantages to being an “older” parent is the increased patience and decreased caring about what others think.

Sometimes that works out in lil BES’s favor- like me doing the Hot Dog Dance in the middle of Target to amuse her. Sometimes it means me being confident enough to wait out a tantrum.