Trip Report Shortest Retirement in History?

Justin Bieber lasted 2 weeks.

Tom Brady lasted 40 days.

I, Tuvalu, outlasted them both. Not by much, mind you. Yet if not for the encouragement of some forum friends - along with some unusual circumstances - you wouldn’t be reading this.

Unusual circumstances, you say?

Around Thanksgiving my beloved Woody learned his presence was required at a work conference. In Orlando. At Universal.
Just down the road from Walt Disney World.

Woody said I could accompany him if he drove (rather than flew) to Florida. And that we could leave a couple days early and have some Disney time together.

Well you don’t have to ask me twice!

I’d be on my own during the conference. Since the majority of Universal’s attractions don’t appeal to me, it didn’t make sense for me to buy Uni tickets when I could visit WDW for free with my AP. Being solo, I thought it might be fun to do a live trip report so y’all could be my virtual companions!

Turns out I won’t be alone while Woody is occupied after all. Some friends that you have seen in my previous TRs (and one you haven’t) have offered to play with me. I can’t wait!

 

[Tuvalu]

Monday, con’t

Calling all spooks!

The window is open.

But ride photos have gone

 

[Tinkwings]

Calling all spooks!

View attachment 837733

The window is open.

But ride photos have gone

Great photo Tuvalu! Hope they bring back the photos......

 

[Tuvalu]

Great photo Tuvalu! Hope they bring back the photos......

We rode Haunted Mansion three times this trip (on three different days) and did not get a single ride photo.

 

[mpaulam]

We rode Haunted Mansion three times this trip (on three different days) and did not get a single ride photo.

 

[Minnie1986]

They've actually been making me earn my paycheck Thankfully, work is (somewhat) slower this time of year, so I'll be able to participate in the boards much more. Also, excellent Robin Hood: Men In Tights meme; I LOVE that movie.

 

[Minnie1986]

I have been on the fence for so long about staying at Coronado (hard to chase me out of Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter). Your pictures are having the effect of a good commercial.

I'd say give it a shot; it really is a cool resort

 

[Minnie1986]

Really enjoying the recap and extra details

I have a water view at home too

Max

I just laughed so hard at this that my dog ran over to make sure I'm okay

 

[Minnie1986]

Crystal and I enjoyed them as we walked back to Riverside our last night. Both of us had powdered sugar everywhere

The mess is worth it though; those things are great!

 

[Minnie1986]

Saturday, con’t

While we soared around the world we received a boarding group notification for an otherworldly ride.

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I accompanied her during the 45 minute wait but made my escape before she boarded a Starjumper. (That's what each coaster vehicle is called - I looked it up! )

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When we reunited, Em was happy to tell me she got her favorite song.

Whoops - she did it again!

View attachment 830760

This one and "One Way or Another" are the songs that are next up on the songs I'd love to get.

 

[93boomer]

We rode Haunted Mansion three times this trip (on three different days) and did not get a single ride photo.

Same here. For some reason lots of ride photos disappear these days. Wonder if other people get ours. I get a lot of others from other people.

 

[93boomer]

This one and "One Way or Another" are the songs that are next up on the songs I'd love to get.

I got One Way or Another in Dec!! It’s my favorite now!

 

[Tuvalu]

Monday, con’t

I was so glad I was able to secure a nighttime LL for Big Thunder Mountain. Hard to believe we won’t be riding it again for the next 18-24 months. (At least it’s not as long as the 4-year closure of the MPB!)

We had to go big for our farewell ride. I requested the back of the train and the CM sent us to row 15 - the last car.

It was racing around the track! But the experience was a true thrill and one that will remain a core memory (much like our MNSSHP.)

After exiting, we had just enough time to make it to our viewing spot.

No crowds to fight, @k8einwdw.

When the show was over, we headed to LL #6.

 

[Tiggerish]

Monday, con’t

I was so glad I was able to secure a nighttime LL for Big Thunder Mountain. Hard to believe we won’t be riding it again for the next 18-24 months. (At least it’s not as long as the 4-year closure of the MPB!)

We had to go big for our farewell ride. I requested the back of the train and the CM sent us to row 15 - the last car.

View attachment 837801

It was racing around the track! But the experience was a true thrill and one that will remain a core memory (much like our MNSSHP.)

After exiting, we had just enough time to make it to our viewing spot.

View attachment 837802

View attachment 837803

View attachment 837804

No crowds to fight, @k8einwdw.

When the show was over, we headed to LL #6.

Core memories FTW!!

Every photo in this post is a great one.

 

[Swissmiss]

I was so glad I was able to secure a nighttime LL for Big Thunder Mountain. Hard to believe we won’t be riding it again for the next 18-24 months.

You can if you come over to DLP; I think ours is only closed for 6 months

 

[Tuvalu]

Core memories FTW!!

Every photo in this post is a great one.

Photo credit goes to Em!

 

[Tuvalu]

Monday, con’t

After tapping in to both HM and BTM I did check for additional LL availability. Options were slim and the few listed (Speedway, Little Mermaid, Monsters Inc.) were in the 10-10:30 pm time frame. (Park closed at 11 pm.) However I was satisfied with our 3 at DHS and 3 at MK and wasn’t disappointed there would be no #7.

Jingle Cruise (and the surrounding area) looked so purty at night!

After our funny daytime cruise yesterday we had high hopes for our evening one.

While the illumination was festive, the rest fell flat. There was an audio issue on our boat which made it hard to hear the skipper. She wasn’t really into her spiel anyway. After exiting, Em and I agreed the attraction had been a waste of our time.

 

[lindawdw]

I had read about the sewer backup in Frontierland on Facebook when it happened! I'm glad you were still able to enjoy your dinner at the Diamond Horseshoe with the pretty Christmas decorations which were sorely missed around the restaurants this year! What a fun evening you both had at MK and the perfect birthday all around for Em!

 

[Tuvalu]

Monday, con’t

Em and I slowly strolled towards the hub. It would be our last MK evening during the season, as tomorrow was a party night.

In our opinion, the Elsa-esque projections on the castle don’t give much of a holiday/winter vibe…

….especially when compared with this breathtaking beauty.

I remember being mesmerized when I saw the Dreamlights in person for the first time in 2009. I continued to feel that same way up to our last visit in 2019. It’s hard to believe it’s been 5 years.

A core memory for sure. I’m thankful for the photos I have.

The MK remains a magical place at night during the holidays, which is why we took our time getting to the exit.

Em’s last words at the end of our 14 hour, 3 parks, 23k steps commando day?

“Best. Birthday. EVER!”

 

[lindawdw]

I agree with you about the MK at Christmas time! So glad Em had the BEST Birthday Ever! We were so thrilled to get the chance to finally meet her in person on this trip.

 

[MickeyCB]

After exiting, we had just enough time to make it to our viewing spot.

And yet another magical place, thing, they are taking away.
I think they (Disney) are smoking something if they think removing this area is a sound idea.
What happened to the "we have all of the land we will ever need" speech?

And I'm glad Em caught this fabulous photo of you, it's frameable.