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]

On a whim I’d tried for a Guardians virtual queue at 7 am….

….and our group was called at 8:40 am (despite Epcot’s 9 am open. Now that’s some real Disney magic!)

But I knew from prior experience that late arrivals are allowed (unlike at TRON.) When our Mickey head turned blue the CM smiled and said, “Wow you’re very late!” and pushed the override button.

The line was LONG and moved slowly. We waited 45 minutes before reaching the preshow.

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.

I knew what was causing the delay and my suspicion was confirmed when I saw the cleanup crew backstage as I was taking the chicken exit.

Woody did enjoy his eventual ride to “Disco Inferno”.

(Confidential to Em - while Dad does not have your crazy eyes, he is looking in that direction! )

 

[Tuvalu]

Exploring the new plaza/park in World Celebration was next. It felt strange to be standing in the spot that has been behind walls for over 4 years!

While there, we caught a SSE light show.

 

[Ellen Ripley]

Tuvalu!

 

[Tuvalu]

I was glad our first time through here was at night. It is gorgeous!

There has been much criticism of this attraction. I agree it took way too long to build. However it is not a “Moana attraction”. The IP is subtle (mostly ) and its educational aspects reminded us of old-school Epcot. It is a nice, simple addition to World Nature and great for kids. For the record, Tuvaleen (5) LOVED it and declared it her favorite thing on her visit last month.

SSE can be seen from certain places on the trail.

Anyone feelin’ Navi River vibes?

 

[Tuvalu]

We’d been on our feet for awhile so decided to take a cruise on The Farm Ride.

Comment from a teen behind us: “Hey, we’re inside that ball thing!”

No, I don’t think he was kidding when he said that.

Going through the greenhouses was DARK. Not nearly as enjoyable. We would have liked a few leftover light strands from the holiday layover to illuminate the area. It would have made a huge difference.

 

[93boomer]

We’d been on our feet for awhile so decided to take a cruise on The Farm Ride.

Comment from a teen behind us: “Hey, we’re inside that ball thing!”

View attachment 763051

No, I don’t think he was kidding when he said that.

View attachment 763052

Going through the greenhouses was DARK. Not nearly as enjoyable. We would have liked a few leftover light strands from the holiday layover to illuminate the area. It would have made a huge difference.

View attachment 763053

View attachment 763054

Wow they definitely could leave some lights up.

 

[Tuvalu]

Time to stake our spot to watch Luminous.

As we waited, we notice something in the sky flying towards us. A bright golden yellow light. I thought at first it might be a drone. Woody thought helicopter.

(A five pontoon boat fireworks cruise)

Then the light in the sky made a turn and became a streak of gold and red.

We overheard someone say, “Space X launch.”

Sure enough, Woody googled it and learned we’d just seen the Space X Falcon 9 just after it had launched!

Ten minutes later Luminous began. I only took this one picture at the start because I wanted to be in the moment.

Verdict?

I LOVED IT!!!

Woody said it was the best nighttime show he’d ever seen at Epcot.

Simply breathtaking. Wonderful music that made me tear up at times.

This was the show that Harmonius should have been.

@fractal I cannot wait to see your pictures when you are able to see the show. They are sure to be stunning.

 

[pkkurz]

Time to stake our spot to watch Luminous.

As we waited, we notice something in the sky flying towards us. A bright golden yellow light. I thought at first it might be a drone. Woody thought helicopter.

View attachment 763056
(A five pontoon boat fireworks cruise)

Then the light in the sky made a turn and became a streak of gold and red.

View attachment 763055

We overheard someone say, “Space X launch.”

Sure enough, Woody googled it and learned we’d just seen the Space X Falcon 9 just after it had launched!

Ten minutes later Luminous began. I only took this one picture at the start because I wanted to be in the moment.

View attachment 763057

Verdict?

I LOVED IT!!!

Woody said it was the best nighttime show he’d ever seen at Epcot.

Simply breathtaking. Wonderful music that made me tear up at times.

This was the show that Harmonius should have been.

@fractal I cannot wait to see your pictures when you are able to see the show. They are sure to be stunning.

We watched it last night too!! We loved it!! I think it is the best of both worlds. Great nightime spectacular and no daytime obstruction of the showcase lagoon. I think this show will stay around for a long time.

 

[93boomer]

Time to stake our spot to watch Luminous.

As we waited, we notice something in the sky flying towards us. A bright golden yellow light. I thought at first it might be a drone. Woody thought helicopter.

View attachment 763056
(A five pontoon boat fireworks cruise)

Then the light in the sky made a turn and became a streak of gold and red.

View attachment 763055

We overheard someone say, “Space X launch.”

Sure enough, Woody googled it and learned we’d just seen the Space X Falcon 9 just after it had launched!

Ten minutes later Luminous began. I only took this one picture at the start because I wanted to be in the moment.

View attachment 763057

Verdict?

I LOVED IT!!!

Woody said it was the best nighttime show he’d ever seen at Epcot.

Simply breathtaking. Wonderful music that made me tear up at times.

This was the show that Harmonius should have been.

@fractal I cannot wait to see your pictures when you are able to see the show. They are sure to be stunning.

Oh so cool about the launch!

Yayyy we didn’t get to see it. Now, I’ve got to see it!

 

[Tuvalu]

Monday, January 15

Ready @Zipadeelady?

Brace yourself.

You’re not gonna believe it.

Where did Tuvalu and Woody venture to this morning?

Can you tell?

The selfie needs to be closer.

Wait for it.

TA-DA!!!

Do I need to send a defibrillator your way?

 

[Tuvalu]

What was the first order of business?

Securing this.

I am probably the only one on the planet who has never ordered a single beverage from Starbucks.

But I will wait in a long line to purchase this for my sweet daughter.

 

[Nunu]

What was the first order of business?

Securing this.

View attachment 763117

I am probably the only one on the planet who has never ordered a single beverage from Starbucks.

But I will wait in a long line to purchase this for my sweet daughter.

Aw, you're a great mom to sweet Em. I miss seeing both of you, btw!

 

[RememberWhen]

What was the first order of business?

Securing this.

View attachment 763117

I am probably the only one on the planet who has never ordered a single beverage from Starbucks.

But I will wait in a long line to purchase this for my sweet daughter.

I swore I didn’t need any more of these mugs… but I think I’m going to have to adjust that plan…I definitely like the Epcot one.

 

[Laurenciaa]

What was the first order of business?

Securing this.

View attachment 763117

I am probably the only one on the planet who has never ordered a single beverage from Starbucks.

But I will wait in a long line to purchase this for my sweet daughter.

Second that..! Don’t like coffee or their other specialty drinks to that’s easy

Enjoy the day at Animal Kingdom!

 

[12in12]

Oh man, I'm so disappointed. I was at AK today as well and didn't see you. I hope you had a nice time.
Any chance you are at Holywood Studios tomorrow?

 

[riverside]

I am probably the only one on the planet who has never ordered a single beverage from Starbucks.

And we’re friends??

 

[Pirate Magic]

I am so glad that you are back!!!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Aw, you're a great mom to sweet Em. I miss seeing both of you, btw!

 

[Tuvalu]

I swore I didn’t need any more of these mugs… but I think I’m going to have to adjust that plan…I definitely like the Epcot one.

According to Em, “They are the best mugs.”

Second that..! Don’t like coffee or their other specialty drinks to that’s easy

Enjoy the day

So I’m not alone!!!

Oh man, I'm so disappointed. I was at AK today as well and didn't see you. I hope you had a nice time.
Any chance you are at Holywood Studios tomorrow?

There were a lot of people in AK today, but we had a good time. MK tomorrow.

And we’re friends??

I’m the yin to your yang.

I am so glad that you are back!!!!

It’s good to be back.

 

[wdisney9000]

No kiddies in the kiddie section of Stormalong Bay.

Thank you for not saying "kiddos"