Trip Report Now THIS is podracing! **Completed**

When: January 19-25

Where: AoA Family Suites

Who: Me, DH, and lil BES (our 2.5 yo firecracker of a daughter)

Why: 1) To get a break from MI winter. (Our high next Tuesday is 9*F )

2) To recharge a bit in between some extremely busy and challenging times* at work. (*More on that later.)

3) To get more of a vacation-y vacation than my previous WDW trip.

In addition to being an overall fantastic kid, lil BES is a great traveler. That combined with my long history of WDW trips means I don’t need to prep a whole lot before the trip.

That’s great because it feels like I am 5% ready and we have 7 days before our trip and I work 4 of them.

Our travel style is go with the flow and only have things loosely planned. With park reservations gone and all day park hopping back that should be a lot easier this trip.

Like anything involving a toddler this trip will be a little intense at times but overall I think we’re set up for a fun and wild ride.

Spoiler: Track#1:

 

[Swissmiss]

Certainly worth a try. I’m sure this will lead to many hilarious lil BES explanations.

Which we hope you will share with us

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Sunday January 21st (Day 3)

We were up at 6am. We had to stall lil BES until the food court opened up for a light breakfast.

Then we had to convince her to go to MK. Again.

“No thank you! I busy. I don’t like that.”

We needed to go to MK by a certain time for our breakfast at Crystal Palace.

But luckily we had enough time to explore the Nemo buildings before we convinced lil BES to get on the bus.

We had just enough time for a spin on Dumbo before our reservation.

As we approached Crystal Palace we told lil BES what we were doing next. She was excited. And very excited she was going to meet… Gopher.

We reset some expectations and soon enough we were called in to be seated.

Overall a thumbs up to our first time at Crystal Palace. I am continuously impressed with the set up for these character buffets. It’s like organized chaos. And certainly a lot better than waiting in multiple characters lines.

I’m pretty sure we saw only 3 out of 4 characters but lil BES didn’t mind. We left when she was ready to go.

She wanted another spin on the honey pots. She was glad to see her beloved Gopher again.

In the Pooh line a family ahead of us were eating snacks that lil BES was apparently eyeing pretty hard.

The mom offered some sort of mystery berry to lil BES (with our permission) and she gladly accepted.

The mom didn’t speak English so this whole interaction was a whole lot of motioning and smiles. I still don’t know what the snack exactly was but lil BES liked it.

Maybe not my best parenting move but it seemed like a good human move.

Spoiler: Track 12:

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Sunday January 21st (Day 3 Continued)

It was about noon and lil BES was fading fast. Got her back in the stroller and she quickly fell asleep.

Props to lil BES for “Wilson-ing” her own picture.

DH and I were excited to have a chance to briskly walk outside in January and soon enough we’re at the TTC. (I’m unclear how though. The walk from GF to Poly was closed the day before. Maybe we hopped on the monorail at some point? )

Lil BES awoke and required a literal pants change. (We were in potty training limbo this trip and she ended up doing pull-ups for the most part and they aren’t quite as absorbent as diapers.)

DH and I got some coffee at the TTC and had to pay the Joffrey’s tax:

Then we boarded the monorail to Epcot. No clue what we did at Epcot but I did take the following pics:

(Unsalted and taco free)

We then decided to exit Epcot out the back and head to Fantasia Gardens. Lil BES was interested in the idea of minigolf prior to the trip and we thought we’d give it a go.

We got talked into this on the way:

And a stop at the Swolphin playground:

Finally made it to Fantasia Gardens. The more fun side was over an hour wait so instead we enjoyed the giant Connect Four and then made our way to HS.

We decided to have a late lunch/early dinner at Backlot Express.

Just as soon as we had our food and took a seat lil BES declared she needed to use the potty. 50% of the time this is just so she can see the bathroom in a restaurant and not actually use it.

This was a real time. No biggie. Just moments after our return to the table lil BES said she had to go to the potty again.

DH told me to stay put and start eating while he took her.

They were gone for a while. At first it was nice to eat a meal undisturbed but they were gone for too long.

Finally an exasperated DH and a chipper lil BES returned. She had DH’s hoodie wrapped around her legs.

DH just exclaimed: “I threw the pants away. I had to!”

Apparently it was bad. Real bad. Was it all of the vacation treats? Was it the mystery berry? Who knows. Luckily it was a one time… event.

That was the last day of the trip we had only one set of back up clothes in the diaper bag.

And with that we backed up and headed back to the room. Lil BES couldn’t understand why we couldn’t stay.

At least one of us had a bath and I think we just spend the remainder of the evening in the room.

Spoiler: Track 13:

 

[Bullseye1967]

Props to lil BES for “Wilson-ing” her own picture.

50 bonus points for the reference!

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

50 bonus points for the reference!

What can I say- I’m old

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Monday January 22nd (Day 4)

We were up at 6am. I consider it sleeping in. DH not so much.

Lil BES requested a FaceTime with my mom (aka grandma with red hair) which she graciously obliged.

We mobile ordered breakfast which is usually easier/ faster than traditional ordering while wrangling a toddler.

Today though, it would have been faster to regular order.

Or faster to obtain a job at Disney, be trained and then cook and serve it to our ourselves.

Saw that issue was a young guy at end handing out food was not very efficient. He looked overwhelmed.

Luckily a lady stepped in to help and we eventually got our food. Also got tots and waffles we didn’t order.

After breakfast we spent a lot of time at the Nemo playground at AoA. A lot.

Continued the day at HS. DH loves the Muppets and we thought lil BES was at a good age to try it.

When I told her it was finally time to put on the 3D glasses she was no longer interested in them

“No! I keep my eyes naked.”

Despite not wearing her glasses, lil BES liked it a lot. Stadler and Waldorf might say she enjoyed it because she couldn’t see it.

She even picked up that Kermit sounded just like Ernie.

Off to SWGE. Last trip we failed to find a Chewbacca lovey for lil BES.

This trip lil BES declared she wanted a baby Yoda lovey.

Welp. No Grogus but… a ton of Chewbaccas

DH walked around with lil BES while I mobile ordered my favorite Disney snack- the SW Outpost Mix popcorn.

Another loooong wait here. It seemed like they were having some technical difficulties. I was rewarded with a free water for my patience.

We ran into a distanced Chip and Dale and lil BES was enthralled. They made many waves, kisses and air hearts in her direction.

Our last documented stop in DHS was a stop at PizzeRizzo for some veggie pizza for us and Mac and cheese for lil BES.

Spoiler: Track 14:

Fun fact: this is DH and I’d wedding song.

 

[belledream]

Your writing is hilarious! Enjoying all the storytelling.

 

[Flowergirl60]

Loving your trip report! Laughing at your daughter’s hilarious comments!

 

[fractal]

I'm loving your telling of The Adventures of lil BES!

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Your writing is hilarious! Enjoying all the storytelling.

Oh thank you! Sometimes it just feels like I’m writing into a void so it’s nice to have confirmation at least someone is enjoying it.

Loving your trip report! Laughing at your daughter’s hilarious comments!

Yay. So glad you’re enjoying it. As for hilarious comments well… 3.5yo lil BES has a lot more to say than 2.5 yo lil BES so get ready for that… soon.

I'm loving your telling of The Adventures of lil BES!

Oh thanks. What I lack in photos I try to make up in adventures.

 

[Swissmiss]

Oh i can’t wait to hear what 3.5 yo lil BES says!

And I am also looking forward to the musical bonuses - it is always fun because often I am discovering something new.

 

[cgersic]

We are here!!!! Keep it coming! Sorry, I usually read these at work so I don't comment so much, but the adventures of Lil BES are some of the BESt entertainment!

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Monday January 22nd (Day 4 Continued)

We strolled to Epcot (this trip was partially Skyliner refurb time)

It looks like we snacked and drank around the food booths. (Well that’s a royal we for the drinking. DH and lil BES did not partake.)

Lil BES napped for some of it and once she awoke we did the Journey of Water. Lil BES loved it. We spent a lot of time at each activity. I thought it was well done overall and a much needed kid friendly addition to Epcot.

Made a stop by The Seas next. I think this inspired lil BES that she needed a Little Mermaid toy.

This turned into a trip to Creations and a purchase of an Ariel doll. Much to DH’s dismay it came with multiple tiny accessories.

We got another snack on our way back to AoA.

I’m assuming we had dinner at some point. Maybe? Looks like lil BES played with her new toy and DH put her to bed.

I had the evening off.

It started off with Shirley Status on the bus to Epcot.

Then I took a trip around the Journey of Water at night. Very cool.

Next up was acquiring refreshments:

That’s a tipsy ducks in love- which combines many of my favorites things (coffee, bourbon, dairy and chocolate) And also some sesame ball things?!?

And then I watched Luminous. I think it was a big step up from Harmonious.

I wasn’t in a rush to get out of the park and walked around all of the new garden-type areas. They looked great at night.

Maybe it was the bourbon.

Maybe it was that I had more reflecting time that night (uninterrupted by my coworkers or my family) than I had in the whole previous month.

Regardless of the reason, I really enjoyed my night at Epcot. The Wall-cot years were tough but I think Epcot is back on track to be my favorite park.

Eventually I returned back to AoA and snuck past a sleeping lil BES and went right to bed. I stayed up late- but she did not.

Spoiler: Track 15:

 

[Tiggerish]

Cheers to the "Royal we"

Enjoying every post. Will make an effort to reply more often so you're not writing to a void.

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Cheers to the "Royal we"

Enjoying every post. Will make an effort to reply more often so you're not writing to a void.

Oh thanks.

I mostly do the TRs for my own amusement and memories but it is nice to have at least a comment here or there.

Oh i can’t wait to hear what 3.5 yo lil BES says!

So. Many. Things. Most of which are sweet or funny. Unless it’s 3am.

And I am also looking forward to the musical bonuses - it is always fun because often I am discovering something new.

Thanks. It’s been a fun way for DH to help out too. He’s a bit of a music nerd.

We are here!!!! Keep it coming! Sorry, I usually read these at work so I don't comment so much, but the adventures of Lil BES are some of the BESt entertainment!

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Tuesday January 23rd (Day 5)

Dear readers here’s where my note taking for the trip really fell apart for days 5 and 6. Here’s hoping my pictures jog my memory.

Since I have no notes to state otherwise I’m going to assume the morning was the usual amount of chaotic. I had fully given up on rope drops by this point in the trip which was frustrating since we were always up very very early.

It appears we Skylinered (skylined?) to DHS so I guess the refurb ended that day?

This was our least bad opportunity to ride MMRR. Don’t remember was the wait time was but it seemed like a lot of outside time.

Inside line shenanigans:

Given lil BES’s love of Minnie and Daisy I thought she would get a kick out of MMRR.

Nope.

Her review was simply: “Too loud!”

Despite having upcoming lunch plans lil BES demanded a snack. Against everyone’s better judgement we ended up with Doritos. So much orange.

Shortly after we removed most of the orange it was off to Hollywood and Vine for lunch.

I think it was my first time here. (But I do have memories of MGM Studios breakfast featuring Pocahontas characters in the 90’s but I don’t remember where it was at )

Our server Kristine was great. (Her name was one of only 2 notes from today) Lil BES loved the food and the characters.

We met Minnie last and lil BES was so excited. They “talked” about shoes.

Did some sightseeing in DHS.

Then apparently had an old fashioned somewhere?

We ended up in Epcot and I rode SSE while DH and lil BES got a snack.

I *think* we had dinner at Connections. (Big upgrade for me from the Electric Umbrella- though I still prefer my Epcot food from WS.)

Then lil BES played a long while in the splash pad. Pre- lil BES I didn’t understand why there were so many splash pads at WDW. Now I think there should be more (looking at you AK).

We exited Epcot out the back and for some reason didn’t jump on the Skyliner. (Was Epcot line still down??)

I do remember that lil BES insisted on walking. I use the term walking loosely because she stopped every 10 feet to examine sticks and rocks.

We got ice cream at Boardwalk. Such a cute kid’s sundae:

Luckily lil BES got back in the stroller for the trip from Boardwalk to the DHS Skyliner.

Then it was back to AoA for bedtime. The next day was our final park day.

Spoiler: Track 16:

I had to triple check myself that I hadn’t already used this one

 

[Tiggerish]

But I do have memories of MGM Studios breakfast featuring Pocahontas characters in the 90’s but I don’t remember where it was at

That would have taken place in the Soundstage which I think currently houses Disney Junior.

I have a picture of me and Meeko. And DH with Governor Whatshisface.

We also went to an Aladdin character meal there. Although it may be that it was a single meal with combined Aladdin & Pocahontas. The 90s was so long ago.

Shortly after we removed most of the orange it was off to Hollywood and Vine for lunch.

Redheads love them some Doritos. Just sayin'

We met Minnie last and lil BES was so excited. They “talked” about shoes.

Shoes!! I can talk about shoes all day. Kudos to lil BES.

she stopped every 10 feet to examine sticks and rocks.

That sounds pretty much like taking a walk with my mom, at any point after she turned 60. She passed away 3 years ago at the age of 87, so enjoy it while you can.

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

We also went to an Aladdin character meal there. Although it may be that it was a single meal with combined Aladdin & Pocahontas. The 90s was so long ago.

That sounds pretty much like taking a walk with my mom, at any point after she turned 60. She passed away 3 years ago at the age of 87, so enjoy it while you can.

I do enjoy it 95% of the time. ( the other 5% is when we are on a tight schedule)

I love hearing her exclaim that she found “the best leaf”.

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Wednesday January 24th (Day 6)

Absolutely no notes from today.

Looks like we spent a lot of time by the firepit area of AoA:

Then eventually got a bus to MK. Two things to share/not share:

1. I have a video of lil BES doing a very enthusiastic version of “Wheels on the Bus”. Sorry/not sorry other bus patrons.

2. One of my favorite trip picture happened during this ride. I have a selfie of lil BES and I doing silly faces and she is partially turned towards me with a total look of love in her eyes.

I’m so lucky I get to see that look a lot but I rarely get a chance to capture it. It’s a good one to look back at during some of her current very toddler-y days

First up was IASW. I can only get one ride out of DH per trip on this one.

I think the “Behind the Attraction” episode on it and Mary Blair’s work may be winning him over a bit though.

Here’s a puzzle we recently did. It was a ton of fun:

Carousel time for lil BES and I while DH waited. Lil BES liked it but don’t tell Mickey- I think she likes the Detroit Zoo one more.

Lunch break at Pinocchio Village Haus. Lil BES excitedly ate whatever this was:

Next it was time to visit everyone’s favorite character in the One Hundred Acre Wood- Pooh! Gopher!

I’m guessing we rode the ride too. Maybe?

It was now about time for lil BES’s daily stroller nap. DH and I walked from MK to GF and eventually boarded the monorail as lil BES awoke.

We loved those napping walks. DH and I could finally walk at full speed and just feel the sunshine and talk. I think that’s a close to a break as a parent of a lil can get on such a vacation.

It must have been cold at home because my mom sent me this :

At Epcot we did JII (lil BES likes Figment but dislikes the jumpy parts)

Then lil BES got this big cookie from somewhere? Norway?

We visited those loco three caballeros:

(Finally saw CoCo this December. Fantastic movie. Sorry Donald- this is one retheme I would fully support.)

We then trekked back to AoA to settle in for the night and pack up.

Spoiler: Track 17:

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

Thursday January 25th (Day 7)

Lil BES was up at 620am. We packed what we could and waited for the cafeteria to open for breakfast.

Back at the room it was time to fold up the vacation crib. Lil BES was not happy about this.

We returned the crib and stroller seamlessly. (Kingdom Strollers coming in clutch for yet another trip!)

As we waited for the bus to the airport lil BES suddenly remembered about the Ariel lovey she saw in the gift shop days before and didn’t want then but then really really wanted now.

Luckily I convinced her this should be a solo mission for me and I returned with said lovey with minutes to spare.

Driver on time and friendly. No cartoons on this Mears bus.

Lil BES played with her new Ariel and sang on the bus to MCO.

No notes from MCO so I’m guessing the standard amount of chaos.

Our pilot back home noted as we approached Detroit that there was fog. He stated he was “fully trained to land in less than ideal conditions”.

I think this was meant to be reassuring .

Not to keep you on the edge of your seats for too much longer but we made it. His training worked.

The trip was good and it was a much needed break before the long stretch of crazy that was ahead of me.

Why the rush to finish this TR?

You get two guesses as to where we’re heading Friday. And you won’t need one of them…

Spoiler: Track 18: