Trip Report One Little Spark *COMPLETED*

One little spark of inspiration
Is at the heart of all creation
A dream can be
A dream come true
With just that spark
In me and you

One little spark ignited a relationship that is currently four decades long.

One little spark inspired a surprise (and very last-minute) birthday trip to WDW.

One little spark made a dream come true.

Who: Tuvalu and Woody
When: February 8-12, 2023
Where: Disney’s Pop Century Resort

 

[MickeyCB]

Love this photo!

 

[LeighM]

I've never been fond of HS because it triggers my claustrophobia. I was hoping when they added Toy Story Land and Galaxy's Edge that it would help disburse the crowds but it just added more crowds to the already congested paths lol. When we went in 2019, I think, we only went to HS for the After Hours event and I loved it. When we went back in 2021 and had to go during the day, I was immediately unhappy with the park again. I just cannot enjoy that park when it's crowded. However, I would not hesitate to do another overpriced After Hours event at HS again because it was the most I've ever enjoyed that park - we had so much fun that night.

 

[Tuvalu]

I've never been fond of HS because it triggers my claustrophobia. I was hoping when they added Toy Story Land and Galaxy's Edge that it would help disburse the crowds but it just added more crowds to the already congested paths lol. When we went in 2019, I think, we only went to HS for the After Hours event and I loved it. When we went back in 2021 and had to go during the day, I was immediately unhappy with the park again. I just cannot enjoy that park when it's crowded. However, I would not hesitate to do another overpriced After Hours event at HS again because it was the most I've ever enjoyed that park - we had so much fun that night.

I see After Hours are back at DHS in April, May and June - not sure if you have another trip planned but it might be something to consider. At the very least you know Disney has brought back the After Hours (as pricey as they are.)

 

[Tuvalu]

Day 2, con’t

Since the weather was gorgeous, we decided to stroll around the park. “Stroll” being an accurate word because every path and walkway was crowded and we couldn’t have walked any faster if we’d wanted to.

Good thing early February is slow season.

I know we visited all the gift shops (except those in Galaxy’s Edge) but I don’t remember in what order or where the following merchandise pictures were taken.

The first thing that caught my eye were the Sully tails. I hadn’t seen them in years. Was surprised that there is a market for them.

Especially at $35!

I have no recollection of what Sully tails cost in 2014, but even then I thought they were ridiculous - too big for a child’s costume and I’m not gonna venture into why an adult would wear one.

Ok I lied. Suffice it to say I was once in downtown Pittsburgh during a Furries convention.

I thought these mugs were cute. Can’t believe it has been 20 years since the release of Monsters, Inc. I love that movie!

No longer any Tuva tinys who can wear this adorable Boo outfit.

We’ve seen this pillow? cushion? in a couple different fabrics and cannot figure out what it is supposed to be. A pet bed? It’s heavy to lift - and who would want to drag it back to their resort since package delivery is no longer available?

Ah yes, we do remember the magic.

I still have a well-loved red T-shirt with this logo packed away.

It’s nice to see that the chain supply issue for mugs has been resolved. We saw many new fun ones.

 

[riverside]

Ok I lied. Suffice it to say I was once in downtown Pittsburgh during a Furries convention.

Now there’s some sights……

 

[fractal]

During the time we were killing at MMRR, Woody and I discussed lunch. I read him all the QS menus and let him decide where we should eat.

It was not our usual go-to. Woody couldn’t remember the last time he dined there. I placed the mobile order for an early meal.

We were in this exact spot when….

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….my phone buzzed with this notification.

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Very strange. I hadn’t even pushed “I’m Here” or gotten a notification that my arrival window had opened.

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I sent this pic to Em. We are big Abbott’s Elementary fans.

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Sure enough, our mobile order was waiting for us at the counter.

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Both of us gave the Chicken Club Sandwich two thumbs up. The fries were hot and tasty too.

We lingered awhile and checked the app for attraction wait times. All were much to long for our liking. We’d also just missed the start of two shows.

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Needed to come up with a plan. We couldn’t park hop for two more hours!!

Isn’t time to push back the hopping restriction, Disney? Please?!!

There's always the Indy stunt show!

 

[RememberWhen]

I’ll date myself here to say I loved that cake castle. I was 13 and thought it was equally amazing and hilarious.

 

[Tuvalu]

There's always the Indy stunt show!

Timing didn’t work out for us.

I’ll date myself here to say I loved that cake castle. I was 13 and thought it was equally amazing and hilarious.

I’m a traditional gray castle gal, so in 1996 I wasn’t too fond of the birthday cake transformation.

Fast forward 25 years and not a fan of the 50th rose gold/purple either.

But given a choice today? I’d take Pepto Bismol pink in a heartbeat. It was festive, that’s for sure!

 

[Tuvalu]

Day 2, con’t

We wanted to hop over to Epcot but still had more time to kill before we could do so. A slow boat ‘round the Epcot resorts would be a less-crowded, relaxing means of passing the time on this beautiful day.

The boat windows were open allowing for a pleasant cross-breeze.

One of the dolphins was under scaffolding. Woody noticed a couple workers that appeared Lilliputian next to the dolphin; it put into perspective just how large those icons are.

Though Boardwalk is the last stop before Epcot we choose to disembark and do a little exploring.

Games for the littles were out on the lawn. Woody wished our real yard was as green as the artificial turf.

The lobby refresh was almost complete. The creepy chairs remain!

 

[Tuvalu]

I’d read a lot of bashing on the new coffee shop right off the lobby.

The complaints poured in before the project was fully completed. It frustrates me when criticism runs rampant because online posters are too impatient (or too dense) to wait for the final reveal. How many of these negative Nancys will actually visit the coffee shop? Likely only a tiny percentage. So why all the hate?

For years getting coffee or continental breakfast as a Boardwalk guest was difficult. You had to go outside and walk to the bakery; very inconvenient especially in inclement weather. Eventually the Belle Vue Lounge was open for coffee and pastries. But times have changed and demand for specialty coffees has grown exponentially. I applaud Disney for transforming a very small sundry shop into a contemporary coffee shop.

Even if it “looks like it belongs in a Marriott.”

Of which I disagree. Theming, though subtle, remains.

The name harkens to the large carousel in the lobby. Note the retro picture of MK’s carousel on the wall.

There isn’t room for much seating but I like the quaint two-top.

The large picture in the alcove is Julie Andrews with the carousel.

There are numerous tables with comfortable (we sat in them) chairs directly across the hall. The wall art? Carousels.

Both Woody and I think this is a wonderful addition to the resort.

 

[MinnieM123]

For years getting coffee or continental breakfast as a Boardwalk guest was difficult. You had to go outside and walk to the bakery; very inconvenient especially in inclement weather. Eventually the Belle Vue Lounge was open for coffee and pastries. But times have changed and demand for specialty coffees has grown exponentially. I applaud Disney for transforming a very small sundry shop into a contemporary coffee shop.

Nice photos, and thanks, Tuvalu. I'm sure the guests are happy with the convenience of the (inside hotel) coffee shop now. I like the table and chairs area. Maybe the coffee shop style might appear more attractive when you're actually there in person, but I can't say I'm excited about the design and lighting. (It may have something to do with the limited space the interior designers had to work with.)

But again, for the guests staying at the hotel, I'm sure it's a most welcome addition for their morning coffee and tea!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Day 2, con’t

We walked outside and back down to the boardwalk. The boat to Epcot was pulling away from the dock.

So we explored some more.

“Ice cream would be good,” I said to Woody.

Too bad the place didn’t open until 3 pm!

We continued onward and checked out the progress on the demolition of the former ESPN Zone, which is being reconstructed as The Cake Bake Shop.

Estrogen > testosterone, I suppose.

“We might as well just walk to Epcot now,” I suggested to Woody as we neared the end of the boardwalk.

 

[Tuvalu]

Maybe the coffee shop style might appear more attractive when you're actually there in person, but I can't say I'm excited about the design and lighting. (It may have something to do with the limited space the interior designers had to work with.)

But again, for the guests staying at the hotel, I'm sure it's a most welcome addition for their morning coffee and tea!!

 

[RememberWhen]

Having stayed at the Boardwalk recently, I can say that I LOVED not having to go outside to grab a morning coffee. BUT the hours weren’t the best. I think it was 7-4, which is really reasonable unless you’re rope dropping a park and/or want a pre-evening park time coffee.

Also, I wish they had stuck a soda fountain in here for refills.

Otherwise, I’m content with it.

 

[Tuvalu]

Having stayed at the Boardwalk recently, I can say that I LOVED not having to go outside to grab a morning coffee. BUT the hours weren’t the best. I think it was 7-4, which is really reasonable unless you’re rope dropping a park and/or want a pre-evening park time coffee.

Also, I wish they had stuck a soda fountain in here for refills.

Otherwise, I’m content with it.

I was very surprised there was no mug refill station. Seems they could have placed one there instead of a bottled beverage station.

But that might mean less revenue. Sigh.

 

[puppawuppa]

Mostly lurker here but we were at Pop Feb 7th to Feb 17th and would have loved to meet you and get a coveted Tuvalu card!

 

[LeighM]

I see After Hours are back at DHS in April, May and June - not sure if you have another trip planned but it might be something to consider. At the very least you know Disney has brought back the After Hours (as pricey as they are.)

We have a trip planned for October/November for our anniversary. It all depends on our old dog. After he passes, we might be able to go down for shorter weekend trips if we can find cheaper flights and if it works with the husband's new job. But the only park I truly enjoy during the day is Animal Kingdom. Everything else, I would be very content to only visit during After Hours or party events. Hopefully we'll be able to visit Typhoon Lagoon the next time we go. I've been wanting to go for years but it was always hard to fit it into our schedule. Disney's recent decisions have made it a lot easier now

 

[Tuvalu]

Mostly lurker here but we were at Pop Feb 7th to Feb 17th and would have loved to meet you and get a coveted Tuvalu card!

I'm sorry we missed each other!

But the only park I truly enjoy during the day is Animal Kingdom. Everything else, I would be very content to only visit during After Hours or party events. Hopefully we'll be able to visit Typhoon Lagoon the next time we go. I've been wanting to go for years but it was always hard to fit it into our schedule.

Too bad you won't be in the world for the H20 Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon this summer!

 

[wdisney9000]

There are numerous tables with comfortable (we sat in them) chairs directly across the hall. The wall art? Carousels.

I think this was a great use of that space where there used to be a concierge style counter/desk.

I will however miss the complimentary water dispenser which would have some type of fruit, or our favorite, cucumber, to flavor it up. Hopefully it's still offered somewhere in the lobby.

 

[littleroo]

The refurb at the Boardwalk is a big improvement in my opinion. However, I wish they had put in a soda fountain, too! The refillable mugs still are not worth it at the Boardwalk sadly.