Trip Report No Sounds Like Summer? We'll JOURNEY Anyway! *COMPLETED*

It was this week last summer that @TrolleyFollower91 and I had an epic girls trip to WDW.

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/...e-july-journey-completed.917246/#post-7369605

On our first day we rocked to the music of DSB ~ the ultimate Journey tribute band ~ at the America Gardens Theater in Epcot. It was an event we'll always remember. DSB was the final band in the annual "Sounds Like Summer" concert series. The lead singer said the band was looking forward to returning next summer.

And here we are.....it's "next summer."

But there has been no "Sounds Like Summer" concert series in 2017.
No DSB.

Don't. Stop. Believin'.

Em and I refuse to go our Separate Ways. We have too much fun together. We have one last chance to do WDW together before school starts and by golly we're gonna do it....even without DSB.

Want to tag along?

Attempting a full-fledged LIVE trip report is daunting and difficult, so I decided to follow @TheMouseFan's lead and be LIVE-ish. Real time pics and updates to be expanded on after my return home.

Oh, and I will finish my currently-in-progress trip report.

Who's ready for Summer #2?

We are!!

 

[Gurt]

Wow @TrolleyFollower91 Em's HEA pictures are great, I see another @fractal in the making

 

[12in12]

Wonderful HEA photos and nice to see some from a different angle.
My must eat list at WDW just got longer when you wrote cheese empanadas.

 

[fractal]

Tuesday, con’t

The plan was to meet @fractal and his family at the exit to Splash Mountain. They were due to complete their ride and Em and I had a little time before our Splash FP window opened. When we got there I scanned the crowd, concerned that we might miss each other.

I needn’t have worried. Thanks to his Hawaiian shirt, Fractal was easy to spot. Was his island attire a nod to my name? (It never dawned on me until now.)

View attachment 239670

Em did a wonderful job of not melting into the pavement during my gregarious greeting. I think I freaked out Toni a little bit when I called her by name and said the dance pictures I’d seen of her were stunning. I quickly explained that I had read all her dad’s trip reports and felt like I “knew” her family even though I really didn’t ~ and that this wasn’t the first time our paths had crossed.

Remember I mentioned that Em was a Fractal follower before me? Six years ago she was reading about the Fractal family’s evening at the Hoop Dee Doo Review (in August 2011). Some of his comments and observations seemed familiar to her which caused her to take a closer look at his photographs.

Here’s Toni chowing down on a piece of fried chicken. Notice anything?
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How about now?
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Yup, that ponytail belongs to Em! And although my face is obscured, Woody’s is plainly visible.

“It’s a small world after all....it’s a small world after all....it’s a SMALL SMALL WORLD!!”

Ice broken, we had a very fun chat and I must say Fractal’s family is delightful. Sadly, we did not get to meet the infamous Yia-Yia ~ she was off somewhere else on her scooter of terror!

Em and I bid goodbye and took our turn at the Laughin’ Place.
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The pose was “wave”. I gave it my all.
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So glad we made it happen! Next time we'll have Yia-Yia there!

I’ll let Em’s work speak for itself.

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Earlier I had made a FP for Big Thunder Mountain for when HEA was over. Nighttime rides are the best!

As much as we wanted to stay until closing it was still sticky humid and crowded. Returning to the Lodge was the better choice.

Besides, we’d be back.

I like the perspective of the fireworks show and love the shots! @TrolleyFollower91

 

[MegRuss626]

I was doing some Etsy browsing and came across this sign and immediately thought of you....not sure why?

 

[Tuvalu]

View attachment 239837 I was doing some Etsy browsing and came across this sign and immediately thought of you....not sure why?

Awesome!

 

[newhorizons1]

Love Uniqlo and the new shirts!

Homecomin’ is on my list to try at some point too but without the salty waitress.
@TrolleyFollower91 – I hate hearing that the French Dip was disappointing. I was going to try that on our next trip, but I guess I’ll go with something else now. Also, great HEA photos!

I’ve always had my best bus experiences while at Coronado. It is such an underrated resort!

 

[mlegerto]

The chicken was both crisp and moist and to quote Colonel Sanders “finger-lickin’ good!” (Now this is chicken, @mlegerto!)

hahaha! okay okay....got it LOL. Don't worry we have this place booked for our Christmas trip...only 61 more days!!! Which means tomorrow is FASTPASS day

 

[Courtney6682]

hahaha! okay okay....got it LOL. Don't worry we have this place booked for our Christmas trip...only 61 more days!!! Which means tomorrow is FASTPASS day

I booked yesterday which was the 60 day mark for us, we arrive Christmas Eve! I logged on at about 10 am to book our FP's and was able to get FoP twice along with every other big ride!! I hope you have the same luck!!!

 

[Tuvalu]

hahaha! okay okay....got it LOL. Don't worry we have this place booked for our Christmas trip...only 61 more days!!! Which means tomorrow is FASTPASS day

I can’t wait to hear what you think of the chicken.

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, July 26

It can be hard to pick a “best” day of vacation (after all, aren’t all Disney vacation days fun?) but Em and I agree that today was our favorite day of our trip.

Once again we rope-droppers eased into our morning and it felt so decadent! No rushing, no fussing. Em made coffee and we partook of our typical healthy breakfast.

The Ultimate Chocolate Lovers Variety Pack

On our itinerary was a mid-afternoon lunch ADR followed by some fastpasses. No plans for the evening.
But until lunch?
POOL!!!

“Wanna try the Copper Creek pool first?” I asked Em.
“No!” she replied without hesitation.

We’ve not spent much time in the WL main pool (formerly known as Silver Creek Falls pool.) In fact, I’m not sure if Em’s ever been in the main pool on any of our stays. We were never able to find chairs on the pool deck and usually ended up lounging on the beach and using the quiet pool (which was demolished to make room for the new Boulder Creek pool.)

Since I could see from our balcony that there were plenty of available loungers, I thought it might be enjoyable to try out the main pool before moving over to Boulder Ridge. Apparently Em did not feel the same way. She headed on to the quiet pool while I took some pictures before joining her there.

The water that flows into the pool starts as a spring in the lobby.

Not sure why the water play area was dry.

WL is certainly not short of hot tubs!

This water flows down into Bay Lake.

Okay, Em was right ~ having the Boulder Ridge Pool to ourselves was preferable to having to share the Copper Creek Pool.

#ShirleyStatus

There was literally no one else there for the first hour and only a handful of guests in the second hour. Em and I planned to hold off eating until our late lunch, but by 12:15 we were starving so I went to Roaring Fork to buy apples and peanut butter to snack on.

We remained at the pool for almost another hour before cleaning up for lunch.

I really wish I had taken pictures to accompany the next story, because words won’t do it justice. I summoned an Uber to take us to lunch. Moments later a black (inside and out) Town and Country pulled up under the porte cochère. A “professional” limo driver (he was dressed the part) stepped out and opened the door for us. Inside the vehicle were padded seat belts, a disco ball, oversized speakers, a container full of candy and two iPads (scrolling ads) attached to the back of the driver and passenger seats. There were “Do Not Touch” instruction labels on several things in the car. On the candy container was printed: “Take One Only” and across the top of the iPads was printed: “Eyeballs don’t leave fingerprints”.

Ummm.....okay.......

Em and I felt like we were trapped inside Doobby’s Taxiola from Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

We couldn’t wait to get out.

We did not chit chat with the driver since we were essentially speechless over what we were experiencing. There was music playing (gotta use those speakers after all!) but whatever it was I have blocked it out. When we arrived at our destination Em opened the door before the driver could.

We fled.

 

[Courtney6682]

I really wish I had taken pictures to accompany the next story, because words won’t do it justice. I summoned an Uber to take us to lunch. Moments later a black (inside and out) Town and Country pulled up under the porte cochère. A “professional” limo driver (he was dressed the part) stepped out and opened the door for us. Inside the vehicle were padded seat belts, a disco ball, oversized speakers, a container full of candy and two iPads (scrolling ads) attached to the back of the driver and passenger seats. There were “Do Not Touch” instruction labels on several things in the car. On the candy container was printed: “Take One Only” and across the top of the iPads was printed: “Eyeballs don’t leave fingerprints”.

Ummm.....okay.......

Em and I felt like we were trapped inside Doobby’s Taxiola from Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
View attachment 240123

We couldn’t wait to get out.

We did not chit chat with the driver since we were essentially speechless over what we were experiencing. There was music playing (gotta use those speakers after all!) but whatever it was I have blocked it out. When we arrived at our destination Em opened the door before the driver could.

We fled.

WOW!!! LOL!!! That is so funny, I really wish there were pictures too!

 

[Tuvalu]

Em was ecstatic to be in the safe confines of the Beach Club.

Our table inside Beaches and Cream was waiting for us.

We had the same terrific server from our April visit. Here she is delivering a Kitchen Sink to an adjoining table.

Nice hair art, Pal!

Shortly after we watched the delivery of another Kitchen Sink....

....and another!
(Oops I accidentally deleted the picture! )

Three Kitchen Sinks in under 10 minutes. If you have never been to Beaches and Cream, a big production (complete with flashing red lights) is made each time a Kitchen Sink is delivered and it is neat to watch. On our last two visits no Kitchen Sinks were ordered ~ guess this visit made up for it!

Em and I had our usuals ~ patty melt for her, grilled chicken sandwich for me. She was unable to finish her No Way Jose (she needed Woody’s help!) and I had to send back my ice cream....

Chocolate marshmallow sundaes should NOT have nuts!!! (Am I right, @Courtney6682?)

 

[Tuvalu]

After lunch we walked past Stormalong Bay and did a quick glance to see if @fractal ‘s family was there. We then went inside the Yacht Club ~ not to stalk the Fractal family but to check out the newly-opened dining/shopping area.

Yacht Club was sorely lacking a quick serve spot and this is a very nice addition.

On the other hand....
Gonna miss your breakfast buffet, Captain’s Grille.

 

[LadyBelle]

Wednesday, July 26

It can be hard to pick a “best” day of vacation (after all, aren’t all Disney vacation days fun?) but Em and I agree that today was our favorite day of our trip.

Once again we rope-droppers eased into our morning and it felt so decadent! No rushing, no fussing. Em made coffee and we partook of our typical healthy breakfast.
View attachment 240121
The Ultimate Chocolate Lovers Variety Pack

On our itinerary was a mid-afternoon lunch ADR followed by some fastpasses. No plans for the evening.
But until lunch?
POOL!!!

“Wanna try the Copper Creek pool first?” I asked Em.
“No!” she replied without hesitation.

We’ve not spent much time in the WL main pool (formerly known as Silver Creek Falls pool.) In fact, I’m not sure if Em’s ever been in the main pool on any of our stays. We were never able to find chairs on the pool deck and usually ended up lounging on the beach and using the quiet pool (which was demolished to make room for the new Boulder Creek pool.)

Since I could see from our balcony that there were plenty of available loungers, I thought it might be enjoyable to try out the main pool before moving over to Boulder Ridge. Apparently Em did not feel the same way. She headed on to the quiet pool while I took some pictures before joining her there.

View attachment 240115

The water that flows into the pool starts as a spring in the lobby.
View attachment 240117

Not sure why the water play area was dry.
View attachment 240116

WL is certainly not short of hot tubs!
View attachment 240118

This water flows down into Bay Lake.
View attachment 240119

Okay, Em was right ~ having the Boulder Ridge Pool to ourselves was preferable to having to share the Copper Creek Pool.

#ShirleyStatus
View attachment 240120

There was literally no one else there for the first hour and only a handful of guests in the second hour. Em and I planned to hold off eating until our late lunch, but by 12:15 we were starving so I went to Roaring Fork to buy apples and peanut butter to snack on.

We remained at the pool for almost another hour before cleaning up for lunch.

I really wish I had taken pictures to accompany the next story, because words won’t do it justice. I summoned an Uber to take us to lunch. Moments later a black (inside and out) Town and Country pulled up under the porte cochère. A “professional” limo driver (he was dressed the part) stepped out and opened the door for us. Inside the vehicle were padded seat belts, a disco ball, oversized speakers, a container full of candy and two iPads (scrolling ads) attached to the back of the driver and passenger seats. There were “Do Not Touch” instruction labels on several things in the car. On the candy container was printed: “Take One Only” and across the top of the iPads was printed: “Eyeballs don’t leave fingerprints”.

Ummm.....okay.......

Em and I felt like we were trapped inside Doobby’s Taxiola from Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
View attachment 240123

We couldn’t wait to get out.

We did not chit chat with the driver since we were essentially speechless over what we were experiencing. There was music playing (gotta use those speakers after all!) but whatever it was I have blocked it out. When we arrived at our destination Em opened the door before the driver could.

We fled.

That’s like Bizzaro Shirley Status.

 

[Tuvalu]

It was a beautiful afternoon and we decided to walk (rather than boat) to Epcot.

As we got closer to the International Gateway I was sad to see the refurbishment area wall for the planned gondolas.

As I whined about this “progress” Em wisely tuned me out and photographed the beauty which remains on the other side.

 

[disneyagogo2]

I really love your trip reports! I feel like I know you, Em, and Woody through your reports and I would probably freak Em out by squealing with delight if I saw any of you on a trip. Thanks for sharing your fun!

 

[Courtney6682]

Chocolate marshmallow sundaes should NOT have nuts!!! (Am I right, @Courtney6682?)

Correct...no nuts!

 

[Tuvalu]

We were pretty HOT by the time we entered Epcot....the sun was STRONG!

Unfortunately we still had quite a walk to use our fastpasses. We followed the shade where we could and walked through Innoventions just for the a/c.

Finally made it!

Which concourse did we get sent to?

(To be honest Concourse C isn’t any different from A or B.)

More #ShirleyStatus

Row 1, Glider B here we come!

Next up ~

(You’ve all seen hundreds of pictures of Living With the Land. But how many pictures have you seen of this? )


We hung out in Sunshine Seasons (bought a bottle of water) until it was time for our 3rd FP.

Took a selfie of us in the clamshell. Not posting it. ‘Nuff said.

On our girls trip last July we thought we had experienced the Universe of Energy for the final time. Never imagined it would still be open a year later. We debated if we should do it again for the REAL “last time.” Since we do like Ellen, we decided to go for it.

We sent this picture to Drumr. His opinion of the original Universe of Energy as a two-year-old? “Stinks!”

Bye bye dinosaurs!

We browsed MouseGear (purchased nothing) before returning to the WL.

 

[Tuvalu]

I really love your trip reports! I feel like I know you, Em, and Woody through your reports and I would probably freak Em out by squealing with delight if I saw any of you on a trip. Thanks for sharing your fun!

Thank you for faithfully following all our adventures! Please say hello if you see us....Em can deal with it!

 

[Figaro Family]

Correct...no nuts!

I could not agree more. I can't stand nuts with ice cream!