Trip Report Not to Be Outdone - Spring Break 2016 Trip Report (Completed)

EDITED 07.07.17 - Photobucket has updated their policies so my photos aren't displaying. I'll try to switch them all over to Flickr eventually!

So earlier this year my coworker (he's a good friend, so I'll just call him friend from now on) decided to go to Disney World with his sister and brother-in-law, and I was so excited for him! He'd never been, but he's a huge animated film fan, so he's always loved Disney. I made a little notebook for him detailing all the things I thought he'd like, and in the process, I was having serious yearnings to go down there too. Well...about a month and a half out from spring break, I just booked a trip. Couldn't help it! I couldn't let my friend go and not go myself...it just wouldn't be right.

Cast: Me and my husband.
When: March 21-25
Where: Pop Century
Why: Because I can't be outdone by a friend. You go, I go!

We headed down on Sunday the 20th after I shot a wedding all day the 19th. Luckily it was a low-key wedding and I wasn't exhausted on the drive down. We made good time and checked into the Buena Vista Palace for a night. That place was NICE but the walk from the parking lot was outrageously long. Still, I'd totally stay there if I didn't want to stay on property for some reason. In fact, it would have been a lot better than staying at Pop, which we hated.

I didn't take notes this trip, so I don't remember a lot of what we did and in what order! I'll do my best though. Going to shoot a wedding in a few minutes, so I'll just leave this here and start the report when I get home...or tomorrow morning after I sleep.

 

[sheriffwoody]

Day 1 - First things first, MK!

We got up early to head to Magic Kingdom, and since we hadn't checked in yet, we decided to just drive over there. NEVER. AGAIN. It took so long to get to the parking lot, then so long to get to a parking space, then so long for the ferry to take off. Maybe if we had gotten there just a little earlier, it would have been ok.

Also, when I got out of the car, I was like "hmm, it's chilly. Maybe I should take my jacket." But I didn't and I froze all day. The wind was brutal, and we were both miserable except when we ducked into rides.

We started out by going to Pirates



There was this young guy in line that was looking at his phone the whole time in line and gradually getting in front of people as the line moved. The line is so wide in that queue that he could just go on the inside of the turns and squeeze by people He was on my nerves, but he eventually got stuck in front of us and I just read his texts over his shoulder.

After that we headed over to my favorite!


After those couple of rides, I was super hungry and I really wanted my husband to try the pot roast mac n cheese. So we got some! We nearly froze to death while we sat and ate it, but it was delicious anyway


We walked around to the People Mover to shiver our way around Tomorrowland. Did I mention it was cold? yeah.


I think we had a fast pass for Space, so we rode that, and I'm pretty sure we also did Buzz and Monster's Inc while we were over there. My husband actually got shown on the screen for "feels the urge to get up and dance" so he danced I wish I had a video of that.


I'm fuzzy on the order of the things we did, but I know we went to get a Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom map and then rode the train to Frontierland. We got off and started the game, then went on Jungle Cruise. We did all the portals in Frontierland, but my husband wasn't interested in doing more. I think he was expecting no one else to be participating, but there was usually a line a couple people deep. I really enjoyed it though!






I LOVE the BLT fries at Golden Oak Outpost, so we went over to get some. After standing in line for 10 minutes, we saw the menu and they changed it! The fancy fries were gone and it was just regular waffle fries. I really hope they just simplified the menu for the peak time period and the BLT fries will be back. If not, that's just the pits.

Instead, we went over to Pecos Bill and got nachos. We shared most of the stuff we ate this trip so we could try different things instead of filling up in one place. These were very good! I thought we weren't going to find a spot to sit, but I think we got the last open table in the place. Whew!


I think we wandered around for a while after that, but we had a dinner reservation, and we needed to go by the resort to drop our stuff off. I figure we left MK around 3 because I think we left before the parade, which I'm sad about because I didn't get to see it this trip

Here's my Disneybound for this day. I've done it before, except I had white shorts on. THANK GOODNESS I wore jeans this day. I would have died in shorts. So. Cold.



Once we got back to the car, I cranked the heat up and put my jacket on! I was happy to get warm

That's all for now. Next up, dinner in Disney Springs! Can you guess where?

 

[Tuvalu]

No BLT fries earlier this month. Think they have gone bye-bye.

 

[sheriffwoody]

No BLT fries earlier this month. Think they have gone bye-bye.

That makes me so sad!!! I loved those. I might have to try and make some at home, though it won't be the same without the people-watching in MK

 

[lostpro9het]

That's all for now. Next up, dinner in Disney Springs! Can you guess where?

Ghirardelli

 

[sheriffwoody]

@lostpro9het ha! I mean, we don't eat healthy on vacation, but we're not THAT bad. We did get a sweet treat after dinner though...

Our dinner for our first night was...


The Boathouse! We arrived right on time and were able to sit outside by the water. The view was wonderful, and since I had my jacket now, the chilly weather was actually pleasant. I loved watching the boats out on the water.



The service was wonderful from the moment we got there. Our server was very personable and friendly, and he was happy to make suggestions on his favorite menu items. We started out with bread and some beers. The butter that came with the bread was soooooo good! I didn't mind filling up on bread because the entrees are dainty.


My Big Storm amber ale was good. It was refreshing, but I can't remember much else about it. I need to take notes next trip.


Husband got this IPA. I'm not an IPA fan, generally, but this one was fine.


Soon our entrees came, and we dug in! I got coriander seared ahi tuna which was just amazing. It really doesn't get much better than ahi tuna for me, seafood-wise. It came with shio peppers, soy lime vinaigrette, wasabi mayo and sriracha. I didn't really eat the peppers. I wish it had come with something a little more side-like. The peppers just seemed more for looks than for eating. I mean, I eat peppers, but these were a weird texture. No matter, the fish by itself was great.


Husband got the broiled Atlantic swordfish steak. It wasn't nearly as good as my tuna, but the corn/fennel/sausage hash it came with was super good. He seemed pleased with the dish.


We wrapped up dinner and paid our bill. While we were still sitting at the table the receipt where we signed and wrote in our tip just disappeared! I guess it blew off the table while we weren't looking, but we couldn't find it anywhere. Some fish probably had a nice receipt dinner that night. I felt like a goober looking all over the ground for the receipt. We got some interesting looks

When we left, we walked around Disney Springs for a bit, but didn't really buy much. I bought another Dave Perillo print to finish out my trio, but I can't remember if I bought that when we came in or as we were leaving. I'll have to update this report with a picture when I finally get them all framed. I'm actually going to repaint my living room at some point and hang them over the couch.

Anyway, we ducked in most of the shops I think, but a lot of them were too crowded to really get a good look around. We just enjoyed exploring. As we made our way back to the bus stops, we had to grab something sweet. We decided to stop at Vivoli il Gelato. I'm not up on the history of Disney Springs, but I think this is newish...? Correct me if I'm wrong. I don't remember seeing it before. It was delicious! I almost always get coffee flavor, so that's probably what this is.


It was still somewhat early, so we decided to hop on a bus to the Poly and enjoy some time at the Tambu Lounge. We went there during our honeymoon and stop in every trip if we can. I think we ended up with seats at the bar. Either one or both of us was able to sit, but I can't remember. I got a Kentucky Mule and my husband got something...a mojito maybe? I can't remember. Maybe someone can tell from the picture (it's the second one)



After drinks, we walked out to the beach to see Wishes. We enjoyed sitting there and watching the boats then the water parade. I didn't realize I wouldn't be able to hear the music, so that was a bummer, but I still enjoyed watching the fireworks. It was a beautiful evening!






We rode the monorail to MK and hopped a bus to Pop Century to rest up for our next day.

 

[lostpro9het]

@lostpro9het ha! I mean, we don't eat healthy on vacation, but we're not THAT bad.

I don't judge, I was more poking fun at how cold you had been all day .

 

[dclfan]

That sounds like a perfect ending to a WDW evening. Drinks at Polynesian and wishes on the beach, doesn't get more perfect then that.

Following along, can't wait to read more.

 

[fractal]

Love the photos!

 

[MinnieM123]

Really enjoyed your photos of the Electric Water Pageant!! Such a fun, old-timey show--love it!

 

[docdebbi]

No fair having a professional photographer post your photos in a trip report! puts us amateurs with a point and shoot to shame.
that said- nice shots, enjoying them.
and I am sooo sad seeing the electric light pageant photos, every trip I try to find a time to schedule it with the kids, but it is just too blooming late for our little guys.
I LOVE that parade and haven't seen it in years. Your photos make me miss it even more. Alas. Someday we will miss the days when the guys were too little, but for now, I miss the parade.

 

[sheriffwoody]

That sounds like a perfect ending to a WDW evening. Drinks at Polynesian and wishes on the beach, doesn't get more perfect then that.

Following along, can't wait to read more.

Thanks for following along! I agree, it's a perfect way to end the day.

Love the photos!

Thank you! Did I see you talking about getting a Sony a7r recently? It may have been someone else. I've been drooling over that one! I feel too invested in Canon to switch, but man, it's tempting. (These are all taken with my fuji xe2 though. I use it for travel)
Thanks for following along!

Really enjoyed your photos of the Electric Water Pageant!! Such a fun, old-timey show--love it!

Thanks for reading! And I'm glad you like those It was neat to watch the fireworks with the pageant going by. You're right, it's super old-timey, and always makes me smile!

 

[sheriffwoody]

I don't understand how I'm more sore after shooting two weddings in a row than I am when I walk around WDW for 5 days! Since I'll probably be on the couch most of today, I'll try to post a couple of updates in between editing. Hope you all enjoy a safe Memorial Day!

Day 2 - Animal Kingdom morning

We started the day off with Animal Kingdom. The bus from Pop took a bit to arrive, but it wasn't full thankfully, so we didn't have to wait for a second bus. We arrived pretty early, but we missed the opening. I have yet to see whatever they do by the tree. Maybe next trip?

I always do a FP+ for Kilimanjaro Safari first, so we headed there. It was a great safari! We sat in the front and had a nice view.




This might be the first time I've seen a hippo out of the water. They're big fellas!



Loved this shot of an elephant. I have a thing for backlighting



I'm pretty sure we also saw the lions moving about, and we got to see the dogs for the first time. They were running around and I didn't get a good picture. The guide made them sound really dangerous! Anyway, after the safari, we went over to Creature Comforts (a.k.a. Starbucks) because I was dying. I need my coffee in the morning and Pop Century's coffee tasted like they brewed it in the toilet. I don't even think you have to be a coffee snob to hate that stuff.


The girl who rang us up at Starbucks was really nice. I always enjoy chatting with cast members when I can! I was worried that going during peak time would kind of eliminate that, but I was wrong. Cast members were all still friendly as can be.

We also got a sandwich of some sort and split it, but I didn't take a picture, and I can't remember what it was. We ate it outside with the masses until someone decided to put their spray-on sunscreen on right next to us. Thanks, lady, that tastes great with my sandwich . We moved on and just walked over to Festival of the Lion King. I think we had a FP+ for the next show, we just had to wait a bit for them to start letting people in, plus I was still drinking coffee.

The line was really backed up for some reason, and they ended up not even checking fast passes. I ended up switching that FP to It's Tough to Be a Bug since we didn't use it. We sat right behind the handicap row in the elephant section (i think?). The lady in front of us must have been a cast member or someone's relative because a lot of the performers came by and high-fived or hugged her. And I heard a few people say stuff like "good to see you!"


This is the first time we've had a different leader. Every other trip it's been the same guy!




We headed over to Everest after the show. It was a madhouse over there! Holy moly, people everywhere. And no one understands where to go over there because the FP line gets backed up and merges with the regular line. It's awful...but we finally got through.


We did It's Tough to be a Bug, then we headed out of the park. Not before getting one of my fav treats though!


We saw some cute little duckies swimming


Bye, AK! Can't wait to come back and see the nightime shows and stuff!

We got back to the room and my friend from down in St. Petersburg came up to hang out with me! My husband is sweet and lets me plan time to hang out with her. It gives him time to rest too! We decided to just have her come to POP and walk around the lake. We had a great time exploring Pop and Art of Animation and just sitting by the water.




At some point, I realized I was hungry, so the three of us went to the cafeteria to grab something. I was going to share with my husband but we couldn't agree on anything, so I got my own sandwich. I got the veggie and it was GOOD!


Typical


Time flew by and it was time for my husband and I to head to Epcot for dinner. It was a nice relaxing afternoon.

Next up, dinner!

 

[sheriffwoody]

No fair having a professional photographer post your photos in a trip report! puts us amateurs with a point and shoot to shame.
that said- nice shots, enjoying them.
and I am sooo sad seeing the electric light pageant photos, every trip I try to find a time to schedule it with the kids, but it is just too blooming late for our little guys.
I LOVE that parade and haven't seen it in years. Your photos make me miss it even more. Alas. Someday we will miss the days when the guys were too little, but for now, I miss the parade.

Haha, a lot of the folks on this site put my photos to shame! I always miss my pro camera when I'm there, but I do my best with what I have I hope you get to see the pageant soon! Maybe y'all could rent DVC points and stay at Bay Lake Tower lake view and watch it from your room! We did that once and it was neat to watch from the balcony.

 

[Mickey2422]

Enjoying your report and pics so far. Mickey ice cream ears are my fave as well.

 

[sheriffwoody]

After my friend headed home, we hopped a bus to Epcot.


Had to get a picture of my fav on the way in. Love Donald!

We hit up Club Cool then went through the butterfly garden, which was pretty neat.


We were heading to Biergarten for dinner, but we had a lot of time to get there. We started in Canada and just meandered through World Showcase. I had to stop at the tea garden in the UK! I really wanted to come back during the day and do the tour, but we never did. I really love the Twinings Irish Breakfast, but I didn't take a picture of that one for some reason.


We made our way around to Japan and checked out the Kawaii exhibit. I LOVED this! It was so cute...I mean, obviously.




We made it to Biergarten a little early and just hung out for a few. Our buzzer finally went off, and we were seated with another couple and a group of four. We had to sit next to each other instead of across, which I didn't care for, but oh well. Our server suggested the potato leek soup which was DIVINE. I had several bowls of it as well as heaps of other food. I ate way way way too much AND got a half liter of beer. I couldn't finish the beer, but I only left a little at the bottom. We agreed that we should have shared one.


We sat there for a while after we were done because we were both trying to let our food settle before leaving. It was past park closing since we ate late, but our server said there was no rush. We chatted about Germany and he told us his favorite places. I've always wanted to visit there, so I was taking mental notes! My uncle lived there for a while, and I'll always regret not going to visit when I had the chance.

We finally got up and left, and I didn't think I was going to make it. I was so stuffed and the beer wasn't sitting well with all that German food. I REALLY didn't want to be one of those people you hear about puking in the bushes, so I powered through it and maybe I even unbuttoned my pants to help a little

When we got to the front of the park, we both peed (sorry, I know this is TMI), and I felt a lot better. Guess my bladder was just super full! I don't think I've ever been that full in my entire life, and that's one reason I don't do buffets very often!

As we were leaving, I noticed the moon was really bright. The photo doesn't do it justice, but it was so pretty in person.


We waited a while for a bus, which was so annoying since I felt like a cow The bus finally came and when we got to Pop, we waddled back to the room and crashed.

Next up, Hollywood!

 

[fractal]

Thanks for following along! I agree, it's a perfect way to end the day.


Thank you! Did I see you talking about getting a Sony a7r recently? It may have been someone else. I've been drooling over that one! I feel too invested in Canon to switch, but man, it's tempting. (These are all taken with my fuji xe2 though. I use it for travel)
Thanks for following along!


Thanks for reading! And I'm glad you like those It was neat to watch the fireworks with the pageant going by. You're right, it's super old-timey, and always makes me smile!

I'm looking at the Sony A7rii but have yet to pull the trigger. I know there are a number of adapter now that will allow you to use certain Canon lenses with AF with the Sony. You may want to rent the camera first and play around with it before jumping in. A Fuji system is also tempting me if only for the lenses, but I'm looking to scratch a full frame itch. More great photos and nice that you got to spend time with your friend!

 

[sheriffwoody]

Enjoying your report and pics so far. Mickey ice cream ears are my fave as well.

Thanks for following along! Yes, those are such a great treat. I am craving one now!

I'm looking at the Sony A7rii but have yet to pull the trigger. I know there are a number of adapter now that will allow you to use certain Canon lenses with AF with the Sony. You may want to rent the camera first and play around with it before jumping in. A Fuji system is also tempting me if only for the lenses, but I'm looking to scratch a full frame itch. More great photos and nice that you got to spend time with your friend!

I would definitely have to rent first before going all in, just to make sure I like it. The hard thing is that I shoot two bodies at weddings, and I wouldn't want two different systems, soooooo I'd be making double the investment. And that's quite an investment! I'm waiting to see what Canon does with the 5D Mark IV before making any decisions. Also, I'm dying to rent a nice fuji lens for my next trip! My camera is in for repair, so if I get it back before I go to California next month, I'm going to rent something. The only good lens I have for mine is an 18mm, and I don't use it much.

 

[sheriffwoody]

Day 3 started off at Hollywood Studios!

We didn't do very well getting up early this trip, so I think we got there a little bit after park opening. We were planning to go to Rock n Rollercoaster first, but it was down for a while. I can't remember if we ever even did it! I don't have many pictures from this morning, so I'm having trouble piecing the day together.

We went over to the Launch Bay to check that out, and I traded a custom button with a Jawa. I got a BB-8 pin which was pretty awesome! Should have gotten a picture of that.



My husband wasn't all that impressed with the Launch Bay, which I get, but it's still fun to walk through there. And it's really fun for people who do character meets! I was getting hungry and what better to eat for breakfast than a cupcake!




I had to get the BB-8 one because I was wearing my shirt, but I also wanted to try the Butterfinger one. They were both good! I didn't like the candy stuff on mine, but the lemon cake was great! We couldn't finish either one of them, and I think we gulped our water bottle down in like one swallow. They were so rich! We also couldn't sit down because half the tables were being used and the other half were being saved for people who were inside (that's a peeve of mine. I understand why people do it, but I refuse to do it myself).

From there we went over to the Muppet show, then used our FP for Toy Story.



I never win.

We walked around a little more, and I know we did Star Tours. I'm almost positive we did Tower of Terror, and now that I'm thinking, I am pretty sure we did single rider on RnR not long after it opened back up. We also had a burger at that little place on Sunset Blvd.


Overall, it was a great morning/early afternoon, but I was ready for some more Epcot!

 

[BigHero4]

Awesome pics and great TR @sheriffwoody !! Very clever selfie in the rear view mirror of the safari Jeep!