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!

 

[lindawdw]

Yes, that wait on the TRON line can be extremely hot and tiring. Glad your mom got to experience it even if she felt it was a one and done. Can't wait to see where you decided to finally eat lunch!

 

[LSV]

So I am really perturbed about the boarding group requirements: While on vacation you have to get up before 7 to attempt to get a random group assignment and then plan your day around the approximate time your group will be called to then spend an hour in line waiting to ride. And the only other option is to pay for ILL, if available. Yuck.
At least when 7DMT was new and all the fast passes were taken by resort guests we could get in line at closing to minimize our wait time. Actually, as FL resident passholders we never were able to get a fast pass for several rides, but as night owls we were able to ride at closing time(Rope drop was a no go).

 

[LeighM]

So I am really perturbed about the boarding group requirements: While on vacation you have to get up before 7 to attempt to get a random group assignment and then plan your day around the approximate time your group will be called to then spend an hour in line waiting to ride. And the only other option is to pay for ILL, if available. Yuck.
At least when 7DMT was new and all the fast passes were taken by resort guests we could get in line at closing to minimize our wait time. Actually, as FL resident passholders we never were able to get a fast pass for several rides, but as night owls we were able to ride at closing time(Rope drop was a no go).

I hate having to wake up early months in advance to get a much anticipated dining reservation only have to cancel that same reservation because of a conflict with the assigned time of the ILL. It made me so angry my last trip.

 

[Tuvalu]

So I am really perturbed about the boarding group requirements: While on vacation you have to get up before 7 to attempt to get a random group assignment and then plan your day around the approximate time your group will be called to then spend an hour in line waiting to ride. And the only other option is to pay for ILL, if available. Yuck.
At least when 7DMT was new and all the fast passes were taken by resort guests we could get in line at closing to minimize our wait time. Actually, as FL resident passholders we never were able to get a fast pass for several rides, but as night owls we were able to ride at closing time(Rope drop was a no go).

Even as an early riser I disdain the BG requirements. Yuck is the appropriate word!

I hate having to wake up early months in advance to get a much anticipated dining reservation only have to cancel that same reservation because of a conflict with the assigned time of the ILL. It made me so angry my last trip.

I’ve learned that if you miss your VQ/ILL due to a dining ADR, a receipt from the restaurant should gain you entrance to the attraction.

 

[fractal]

The line I hate more than 7DMT is TRON.

Sadly I forget how much I hate it until I am in it.

Today the VQ snaked down the outdoor ramp where there is no shade. It wasn’t summer hot, but we also weren’t dressed for summer. The sun beating down on us was uncomfortable. Disney needs to install a permanent canopy if the VQ line continues to remain so lengthy.

We waited 40 minutes outdoors. I was hungry and cranky and wishing I’d bought ILLs. It was better once we moved indoors and saw the preshow “reveal.” But we still had another 20-25 minutes to go.

I took this picture at the one hour mark.

View attachment 769807

Our party had been split into 4/2 instead of being kept together. Mom and I were the two, and we watched the brothers and cousins move down into the load zone while our side didn’t move at all.

We never saw BCT on their lightcycles (and their picture never showed up.) JBS boarded the Rover on the opposite side and we didn’t see them depart either.

But I got their picture.

View attachment 769808

I was prepared to pose for the ride photo, ready to mock Mom for her usual “scream face.”

View attachment 769809
Instead, I’m the one who looks ridiculous.

When we disembarked, I gazed at Mom to gauge her reaction.

“One and done?” I asked.

“ONE AND DONE!” she emphasized.

We met up with the crew at the bottom of the hill. JBS really enjoyed TRON and would consider riding lightcycles next time.

“Ready for your chili dog now, Mom?” BT asked enthusiastically.

“The LAST thing I want to eat now is a chili dog!” she responded coolly.

Seems I wouldn’t be dining solo after all….

Maybe someday your Mom and mine can ride a rollercoaster together!

 

[TrolleyFollower91]

Maybe someday your Mom and mine can ride a rollercoaster together!

That would be an incredible crossover event!

 

[Tuvalu]

Maybe someday your Mom and mine can ride a rollercoaster together!

Even better - they could be scooter buddies!

 

[MinnieM123]

Even better - they could be scooter besties!

"Plussed" that for you!

 

[pkkurz]

Even better - they could be scooter buddies!

I’ll lead the way!! Our own Main Street Electrical (scooter) Parade

 

[fractal]

I’ll lead the way!! Our own Main Street Electrical (scooter) Parade

Either that or a race down Main Street!

 

[fractal]

That would be an incredible crossover event!

The WDW-Multiverse

 

[JamieLee18]

Either that or a race down Main Street!

I’d buy a ticket to watch either of these events

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

Finally catching up on your TWO trips in the last Tu months! They both sound fabulous!

The worst was yet to come. We were trapped in narrow hallway hell without any move forward for over ten minutes. Standing stationary on the incline for that long was painful for Woody.

Poor Woody, yes, standing stationary on an incline is hard for me! I'm sorry Woody had to endure it.

AK has the best (and most unique) merchandise.

I've always felt this way and tend to spend a lot of money in this park!

Woody and I shared the dessert that Em and I have shared. A cookies and cream trifle.

I have had these before at WDW and love them!

Em now has the complete set. Boo-ya!

Way to go for securing ALL the mugs for Em! Disney Mom of the Year!

@Tuvalu coming out of retirement? Gooood!

The room was about the size of a Disney moderate resort room. The theme of Sapphire Falls is Caribbean, although I never got much of a “tropical vibe” during our stay - except for the loud “Island music” background playing in the resort.

Music that woke me up at 3:30 am

Aaaahhhh man. I would not be happy about loud music at all hours of the night. #WDW for the win!

Tuvalu and @riverside were taking on the Kingdom today!

yay for forum friends! to you both @Tuvalu and @riverside! I hope our paths cross again soon!

It’s just not Disney. I felt so out of my element!

This is how I feel when I try to go to ANY OTHER "theme park." Theme park in quotes because WDW is an experience!

She didn’t ask us to pose with scared faces or hitchhiking thumbs.

Needless to say, we didn’t get a magic shot.

Ohhh man, that's frustrating!

Em and I met @sheriffwoody shortly after she learned she was expecting LP. She was traveling solo and was staying at Beach Club (as were we.) We spent the day together at Stormalong Bay.

I remember this trip report! I can't believe it's been 5+ years!!

It was Patti’s turn to do the Woody wave.

It's TRADITION!!

Took a quick pic of the Tiana mural.

I Can't WAIT!

I still had to make the drive back to Sapphire Falls. (Don’t make me leave the bubble!)

Exactly. I am a bubble girl . But at least you got to go to WDW with Woody and @riverside!

What a great, unexpected surprise! The score for the California version is so much better than Soarin’ Around the World.

Awesome. Bummed they are changing it back to the Bendy Eiffel Tower for our summer visit!

The purchaser revealed that the bartender handed over the cider with a warning. “It has a 6.9% alcohol content. Don’t drink it fast.”

Did I mention that I am a lightweight?

I'm a lightweight, too! One drink is definitely enough for me!

Because the music STOPPED. The dolls, however, continued to move and clack (the clacking being very loud cuz no music) while all of us in boats began to look around.

OMG!!! The music stopped! What a kind of relief on IASMW! Wow! Another Evac! How exciting! We had a Test Track evac a couple of years ago but it was very anti-climactic as we were about 2 cars before the end of the ride anyway. We did get a multiple experience pass, though.

Before retrieving the check, Michael asked if anyone else wanted dessert. “I know the salad people don’t!”

Neither did the pot roast people. Our stomachs hurt

What a fun trip! I'm so glad JB got the full 50's experience! Michael sounds hilarous! 96 pictures around 50's! Amazing!

I’ve learned that if you miss your VQ/ILL due to a dining ADR, a receipt from the restaurant should gain you entrance to the attraction.

Very good information! Thank you for sharing!

 

[Tuvalu]

Finally catching up on your TWO trips in the last Tu months! They both sound fabulous!

Poor Woody, yes, standing stationary on an incline is hard for me! I'm sorry Woody had to endure it.


I've always felt this way and tend to spend a lot of money in this park!

I have had these before at WDW and love them!

Way to go for securing ALL the mugs for Em! Disney Mom of the Year!



Aaaahhhh man. I would not be happy about loud music at all hours of the night. #WDW for the win!


yay for forum friends! to you both @Tuvalu and @riverside! I hope our paths cross again soon!

This is how I feel when I try to go to ANY OTHER "theme park." Theme park in quotes because WDW is an experience!


Ohhh man, that's frustrating!

I remember this trip report! I can't believe it's been 5+ years!!


It's TRADITION!!

I Can't WAIT!

Exactly. I am a bubble girl . But at least you got to go to WDW with Woody and @riverside!

Awesome. Bummed they are changing it back to the Bendy Eiffel Tower for our summer visit!


I'm a lightweight, too! One drink is definitely enough for me!


OMG!!! The music stopped! What a kind of relief on IASMW! Wow! Another Evac! How exciting! We had a Test Track evac a couple of years ago but it was very anti-climactic as we were about 2 cars before the end of the ride anyway. We did get a multiple experience pass, though.

What a fun trip! I'm so glad JB got the full 50's experience! Michael sounds hilarous! 96 pictures around 50's! Amazing!

Very good information! Thank you for sharing!

Appreciate all your replies, @slipperalwaysfits!

 

[Skibum1970]

The line I hate more than 7DMT is TRON.

Sadly I forget how much I hate it until I am in it.

Today the VQ snaked down the outdoor ramp where there is no shade. It wasn’t summer hot, but we also weren’t dressed for summer. The sun beating down on us was uncomfortable. Disney needs to install a permanent canopy if the VQ line continues to remain so lengthy.

Completely agree. I had a boarding group and went to get in line. When I saw the line (similar to how you described it and going back and forth) and mixed in with the knowledge that the line moves slow, I chose to just ignore it and continue to other rides. I would have purchased an ILL but had purchased one for 7DMT prior (which was a better use of ILL in my opinion).

 

[Tuvalu]

Completely agree. I had a boarding group and went to get in line. When I saw the line (similar to how you described it and going back and forth) and mixed in with the knowledge that the line moves slow, I chose to just ignore it and continue to other rides. I would have purchased an ILL but had purchased one for 7DMT prior (which was a better use of ILL in my opinion).

Back to back 7DMT and TRON standby queues was brutal. Getting an ILL for one of them would have been smart and I understand why you bypassed TRON.

 

[Tuvalu]

Thursday, con’t

The lunch decision was easy, @lindawdw. When you have slow-moving hangry people, proximity will win just about every time.

It’s unfortunate (depending on your POV) that the nearest quick serve restaurant to TRON is Cosmic Ray’s.

I’ve found Ray’s to be the most chaotic, loudest and slowest-service QS restaurant in all of MK. It’s always been my last choice - with the exception of 2023 and its delicious crispy noodle salad (which is no longer on the menu. )

We mobile ordered thinking it would be faster. It wasn’t. BT and I waited for the food while the others scoured the dining areas looking for tables.

Thankfully they found two side by side before we returned with trays of food. The tables overlooked the entertainment, which was a plus.

Most of us had the grilled chicken sandwich. It likely would have been my lunch even if the fam had gone to Casey’s for chili dogs.

Mom agreed it was a better choice.

 

[Tuvalu]

You know how some people like to nap after a meal?

I won’t say who (there was more than one) but rest assured I saw the entire show.

 

[lindawdw]

Totally understand why you chose Cosmic Rays. Years ago, Cosmic Rays was our go to place but over the last few years we felt that there were better options such as CHH! COP is definitely a spot to enjoy a quick snooze for many people.

 

[Minnie1986]

Thursday, con’t

The lunch decision was easy, @lindawdw. When you have slow-moving hangry people, proximity will win just about every time.

It’s unfortunate (depending on your POV) that the nearest quick serve restaurant to TRON is Cosmic Ray’s.

I’ve found Ray’s to be the most chaotic, loudest and slowest-service QS restaurant in all of MK. It’s always been my last choice - with the exception of 2023 and its delicious crispy noodle salad (which is no longer on the menu. )

We mobile ordered thinking it would be faster. It wasn’t. BT and I waited for the food while the others scoured the dining areas looking for tables.

Thankfully they found two side by side before we returned with trays of food. The tables overlooked the entertainment, which was a plus.

View attachment 770436

Most of us had the grilled chicken sandwich. It likely would have been my lunch even if the fam had gone to Casey’s for chili dogs.

View attachment 770437

Mom agreed it was a better choice.

I think my attachment to Cosmic Ray's is purely nostalgic at this point. Used to go every trip as a kid, and Sonny will always crack me up, but like you said, it's LOUD and slow as all get out.