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]

Sunday, con’t

You know the code.

Nonstop walking to right here, with just a brief wait until the doors opened automagically.

The camera flash was out of sync so I suspected our ride photo wouldn’t appear.

It didn’t.

 

[Tuvalu]

With its days numbered, we wanted another stroll along the Riverwalk.

And with its days numbered until a year+ refurbishment, we wanted at least one farewell ride on BTMRR.

Would this be our last?

 

[93boomer]

Sunday, con’t

You know the code.

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Nonstop walking to right here, with just a brief wait until the doors opened automagically.

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The camera flash was out of sync so I suspected our ride photo wouldn’t appear.

It didn’t.

Ours didn’t either!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Saturday, con’t

C’est l’heure de manger.

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As frequent WDW vacationers, Em and I are excited when we get to experience something new. More often than not we come away positive. We hoped that would be the case today.

La Crêperie was a much smaller restaurant than we anticipated. It’s intimate. But with tables practically on top of each other, it is not very private and conversation with neighbors is easily heard. The environment was loud.

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However the restaurant is not a signature but casual dining so the ambiance fit as a Parisian café.

The paper menu was already on the table when we were seated and served as a placemat during the meal. I was under the impression that since we had booked a CP dining package, it was a prix fixe which included an appetizer, entrée, dessert and beverage. However when our server came over to greet us, he explained the different menu options (I think there were 3 or 4?) which made it sound like we weren’t locked into the prix fixe and could save a little money. In the end, we both went with the prix fixe.

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Our server said the CPDP included an alcoholic beverage up to $20. I would have been all over a glass of Vouvray but that was not an option. Em inquired about the difference in the hard ciders and selected the Demi Sec based on his recommendation. She enjoyed it very much.

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It’s Emily in Paris!!

We both chose the Soupe du Jour (“The Soup of the Day” for you Dumb and Dumber fans) which was a vegetarian baked potato that was out of this world!

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Served in a large crock, the soup was a meal in itself. As Em and I raved about its creamy, exquisite flavors we knew we should pace ourselves and leave some in our crocks. However gluttony overruled as it seemed a crime to leave even a single drop behind.

And yeah, we would regret our lack of control. We were already full when our entrées arrived (with dessert yet to come!)

Anyone expecting the main course to be a typical rolled crêpe with filling () would be surprised upon receiving this -

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Savory crêpes are made with buckwheat flour and are called galettes. (It’s right there on the menu! )

I’d ordered the Poulet - Chicken with Bechamel Cheese Sauce and Mushrooms. Since I dislike mushrooms, I asked for caramelized onions as a substitute. This must have caused confusion in the kitchen because what I received was the Savoyarde - Raclette Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Bacon and Prosciutto Ham. (Pictured above)

Of course I did not realize I’d received the wrong galette until after several bites when it became apparent I was tasting bacon/ham and not chicken. It was wonderful, mind you, but the server insisted on bringing me the modified chicken galette I’d ordered.

Thus, despite my current satiated state, I felt obligated to eat some of the chicken - which was as wonderfully delicious as everything else had been.

And dessert was still to come.

Em’s galette was the Chèvre - Goat Cheese with Spinach and Walnuts.

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She really liked it but couldn’t come close to finishing.

And then dessert came.

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Two Gourmande - Hazelnut Chocolate Spread with REAL Whipped Cream.

In that moment - after one bite - we regretted ordering the prix fixe because it was simply TOO MUCH FOOD. Dessert was so, so, good and we wanted to devour all of it but we were so, so full.

Will we return to La Crêperie?

Absolutely.

But just for soup and dessert!

$3.50 for whipped cream?!

I know yours was included, but $3.50 for whipped cream?!

It’s a crème crime.

 

[mpaulam]

Would this be our last?

I‘m guessing…no!
I’m sad that we will be missing BTTMR by a few weeks

 

[Tuvalu]

@TrolleyFollower91 should be the one to reply to your post, Tony.

$3.50 for whipped cream?!

I know yours was included, but $3.50 for whipped cream?!

It’s a crème crime.

 

[TrolleyFollower91]

@TrolleyFollower91 should be the one to reply to your post, Tony.

I would pay that and more for that whipped cream.

 

[Tuvalu]

Sunday, con’t

After BTMRR we went to POTC. It was *almost* a walk on as we did not stop until here.

Hope nobody fires up that cannon!

We all know the Pirates ride photo is notoriously bad, so we took our own.

Having a giant blurry man behind us results in a much better photo, don’t you think?

(I know, I know, @donaldtoo. I’ll turn off night mode next time.)

We then made our way to a popcorn cart in the castle hub. Not for popcorn. (Have you ever seen us with popcorn? Think about that for a minute.) Not for a popcorn bucket. (Although I did buy one - once - for my friend @MickeyCB.)

We had passed on Gaston’s cinnamon bun/chocolate croissant in favor of this little beauty:

And it makes perfect sense that holiday-iced red velvet donuts would be sold at a popcorn cart.

Em and I sat on one of the four MK benches and people watched as we enjoyed the sweet, rich decadence of a 1,000 calorie donut. (Hey, we did share it!)

We were feeling very Christmassy. The cool air, the decorations, the nostalgic background music all put us in the spirit. A couple minutes later we were treated to holiday tunes from the Dapper Dans onboard the trolley!

It’s a memory I’ll never forget.

 

[donaldtoo]

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Having a giant blurry man behind us results in a much better photo, don’t you think?

(I know, I know, @donaldtoo. I’ll turn off night mode next time.)

You shoulda’ told that guy to stay still and smile…!!!!!
It took me ‘til late in our last trip to finally figure it out, so you get a free pass…….this time…!!!!!

 

[luvinthemajik]

Sunday, con’t

After BTMRR we went to POTC. It was *almost* a walk on as we did not stop until here.

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Hope nobody fires up that cannon!

We all know the Pirates ride photo is notoriously bad, so we took our own.

View attachment 833629
Having a giant blurry man behind us results in a much better photo, don’t you think?

(I know, I know, @donaldtoo. I’ll turn off night mode next time.)

We then made our way to a popcorn cart in the castle hub. Not for popcorn. (Have you ever seen us with popcorn? Think about that for a minute.) Not for a popcorn bucket. (Although I did buy one - once - for my friend @MickeyCB.)

We had passed on Gaston’s cinnamon bun/chocolate croissant in favor of this little beauty:

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And it makes perfect sense that holiday-iced red velvet donuts would be sold at a popcorn cart.

Em and I sat on one of the four MK benches and people watched as we enjoyed the sweet, rich decadence of a 1,000 calorie donut. (Hey, we did share it!)

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We were feeling very Christmassy. The cool air, the decorations, the nostalgic background music all put us in the spirit. A couple minutes later we were treated to holiday tunes from the Dapper Dans onboard the trolley!

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It’s a memory I’ll never forget.

My best memories just " happened" no planning, apps, reservations... and they stand out clearly.
I'm happy your afternoon was like that, it sounds absolutely lovely.

 

[MickeyCB]

It’s a memory I’ll never forget.

Finding a bench or the Dapper Dans?!

And I still adore that popcorn bucket!!!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Sunday, con’t

We had a little time until our lunch ADR. Em suggested a spin around Tomorrowland.

Technically a true “spin” around Tomorrowland would be aboard the Astro Orbiter. By there’s no way in Hades Tuvalu will ever get on that ride (especially with a belly full of donut!) To this day, Astro Orbiter remains the only MK attraction I haven’t done.

The elevated, open-air ride was a bit chillier than Em expected.

Going around a second time wasn’t even up for consideration!

Fortunately we were able to check in early for our lunch.

I’d booked The Plaza for one reason only - the special holiday dessert. When Disney released the list of holiday treats, I knew I had to have the S’mores Cake: Chocolate cake with chocolate ganache, toasted marshmallow mousse and sugar snowflakes.

Of course I didn’t anticipate eating a red velvet donut with buttercream frosting on the same day, let alone within the same hour!

Neither of us were particularly hungry when we were seated. We decided that sharing an entrée would be the way to go.

Em also wanted a chocolate shake (The Plaza makes THE BEST shakes) which she counted as her “beverage.” I had water, though I confess to being envious when the shake arrived. She ordered it extra-thick and she said it was great!

We split the turkey club with steak fries. It was the perfect portion for each of us and the food was very, very good.

Fully satisfied, I had a dilemma. I’d booked here for the cake, but I was too stuffed to eat the cake!

I quickly checked online if the cake was offered someplace else. It wasn’t. When our server came to clear the table and asked if we wanted dessert, I kiddingly asked, “Can I get it to go?”

“Of course!” she happily exclaimed. She returned with our bill and a boxed slice of S’mores Cake. I didn’t eat it until later that night.

For $9, the generous size was a good value when compared with Gideon’s and a great value when compared to The Cake Bake Shop. The slice was larger than it appears in the photo below.

The cake was fresh, moist and utterly delicious! (This from a picky cake person.) My only quibble? There was no graham in the dessert, and I consider graham (along with marshmallow and chocolate) to be an essential ingredient in anything named S’mores.

 

[Tiggerish]

My only quibble? There was no graham in the dessert, and I consider graham (along with marshmallow and chocolate) to be an essential ingredient in anything named S’mores.

I would have to agree with you on that.

 

[Swissmiss]

To this day, Astro Orbiter remains the only MK attraction I haven’t done.

Wise one you are. It is terrifying (at least the one in DLP). I only found the courage to do it once when my DD was around 6 or 7 and REALLY insisted on wanting to ride it and being the mom that I am, when she was younger I tried not to let MY fear of heights become hers. (Luckily it hasn’t).

 

[Tuvalu]

Happy New Year y’all!

No Poly stays planned in 2025, but I will be rockin’ the shirt on my vacations.

 

[KMP]

Saturday, con’t

Turns out that Em and I weren’t the only ones with a LL for the Glimmering Greenhouses. @coachwnh and Crystal did also and we decided to cruise together.

There were others waiting to board so we were stopped for a bit. I had my back turned away from the accessible queue as the four of us were chatting. I took the next picture on a different day which shows both load queues, which are separated by a rope.

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We were a little further down in line when I uttered a loud, “OW!!” as I suddenly felt excruciating pain in my left ankle. I turned around to see a teen quickly pushing a wheelchair down the accessible queue. Neither he nor the occupant apologized for injuring me but glared at me like it was MY FAULT.

Thanks to a (unintentionally) funny comment by @coachwnh, the incident will forever be remembered as “The Land hit and run” in my Disney lore.

As for my ankle, the swelling wasn’t too bad and I suffered only minimal pain over the next 24 hours. And once on LWTL, I was so struck by the unexpected brilliance of the holiday lighting (dozens of strands that we were unable to see during our daytime ride) that I wasn’t focused on my throbbing ankle.

Pictures don’t do it justice.

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We said our goodbyes and Em and I headed out of Epcot.

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It had been a long day for us non-park commandos. Little did we know there would be a non-stop 14 hour day in our future!

Love the Glimmering Greenhouse pics!
On our mid-November trip, the lights were in place but not on which made for a bit of disappointment. Will have to catch them in 2025!

 

[Tuvalu]

Sunday, con’t

At lunch I’d received a message from a friend who had arrived at MK and wanted to know where we could meet up.

I responded with “Bears” and she replied “Headed there now.”

Waiting outside the entrance was @lindawdw and her husband P. Woody and I have enjoyed several visits with them at WDW over the last few years and now Em was finally getting her introduction. Hugs were exchanged!

L&P were just as excited to see the new CBMJ show as Em & I were to see it again. They loved it too!

L asked if we could join them on a ride around the park. Why of course - Em & I will never turn down an opportunity to relax on the MPB!

We did the grand circle tour. But once back in Frontierland, we opted to remain onboard for one more leg.

We disembarked at the Fantasyland Station and walked the path to Tomorrowland. We had decided to follow our MPB ride with a ride on the MPB 2.0!

Fortunately the sun had warmed things up a little so Em wasn’t as cold this go ‘round.

 

[Tuvalu]

L&P needed to head out so we said our goodbyes. Em and I were ready for a park break and stopped to use the restrooms before inching our way down the sidewalk on Main Street, where crowds were lined up waiting for the parade.

As we approached Town Square we suddenly found ourselves directly behind L&P. Linda was licking an ice cream cone and I think I startled her. We all laughed and walked through the tunnel together.

“Let’s get our picture taken in front of the train station before leaving,” she suggested.

If you look closely, you can see her ice cream cone.

Then we said our goodbyes - for realz this time!

 

[Tuvalu]

Em and I then boarded the monorail to check out the holiday displays on the resort loop.

Contemporary was first.

We thought the illuminated 3D castle was an improvement over the flat IASW gingerbread display from previous years. However it felt wrong to be teased by holiday lights on Cinderella Castle, since they are never coming back.

Em successfully found the hidden 5-legged goat.

We popped into BVG to browse and then into the Contempo Cafe, where Em found her favorite peanut butter cookie to save for later.

We rode the escalator up to the monorail platform and were SHOCKED by the number of guests waiting to board.

Three monorails had come and gone as we waited. Would this one be the winner?

It was! Though we NEVER expected to wait 25 minutes for a monorail in the middle of the afternoon at the Contemporary.

When our monorail arrived at the Poly station, we made an executive decision not to get off. The entire platform was full of guests waiting to board. The Poly had no gingerbread display, and the tropical themed trees did not entice us enough to give up our seats.

“Prepare yourself now for the Grand Floridian,” Em warned me. “It’s going to be a madhouse. Remember how crazy it was on Easter when we tried to see the eggs?”

It couldn’t be that bad, I thought to myself. Besides, I had promised my DIL some Basin body butter in the vanilla grapefruit scent, which is a GF exclusive. We can just run into Basin and view the gingerbread house from above, I reasoned to myself.

As we approached the station I was right about it being not as bad as Easter.

It was far, far, worse.

The platform had extra security for managing the horde. The station had more stanchions than we’d ever seen. We could see the line of guests inside on the upper level waiting to be allowed outside to board. Our 25 minute wait to board at the Contemporary was peanuts in comparison to this!

“Not in a million years,” I said to Em.

“I told you,” she replied.

I didn’t take her comment as snark. Sometimes my optimism needs to be lowered to reality level.

“We can try another day,” Em said. “Maybe first thing in the morning when everyone is in the parks?”

Neither of us cared if we did not get to see the gingerbread house. We’ve seen it many times. But the Basin purchase was important.

In that moment I thought of a way to acquire it. A confirmation text set my mind at ease.

We were able to relax on the final loop to MK, knowing all that stood between us and a nap was a bus ride to POFQ.

And….apparently….a scene straight out of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds.

That movie terrified me and my kids always made fun of me for being afraid of a “cheesy movie.”

Em did not mock me now. Hundreds of birds swarming just above our heads during our walk to the bus depot was nightmare-inducing.

We were on edge until we reached the covered stop for POFQ. Thankfully a bus was quick in arriving to take us home.

 

[93boomer]

Em and I then boarded the monorail to check out the holiday displays on the resort loop.

Contemporary was first.

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We thought the illuminated 3D castle was an improvement over the flat IASW gingerbread display from previous years. However it felt wrong to be teased by holiday lights on Cinderella Castle, since they are never coming back.

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Em successfully found the hidden 5-legged goat.

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We popped into BVG to browse and then into the Contempo Cafe, where Em found her favorite peanut butter cookie to save for later.

We rode the escalator up to the monorail platform and were SHOCKED by the number of guests waiting to board.

Three monorails had come and gone as we waited. Would this one be the winner?

View attachment 834194

It was! Though we NEVER expected to wait 25 minutes for a monorail in the middle of the afternoon at the Contemporary.

When our monorail arrived at the Poly station, we made an executive decision not to get off. The entire platform was full of guests waiting to board. The Poly had no gingerbread display, and the tropical themed trees did not entice us enough to give up our seats.

“Prepare yourself now for the Grand Floridian,” Em warned me. “It’s going to be a madhouse. Remember how crazy it was on Easter when we tried to see the eggs?”

It couldn’t be that bad, I thought to myself. Besides, I had promised my DIL some Basin body butter in the vanilla grapefruit scent, which is a GF exclusive. We can just run into Basin and view the gingerbread house from above, I reasoned to myself.

As we approached the station I was right about it being not as bad as Easter.

It was far, far, worse.

The platform had extra security for managing the horde. The station had more stanchions than we’d ever seen. We could see the line of guests inside on the upper level waiting to be allowed outside to board. Our 25 minute wait to board at the Contemporary was peanuts in comparison to this!

“Not in a million years,” I said to Em.

“I told you,” she replied.

I didn’t take her comment as snark. Sometimes my optimism needs to be lowered to reality level.

“We can try another day,” Em said. “Maybe first thing in the morning when everyone is in the parks?”

Neither of us cared if we did not get to see the gingerbread house. We’ve seen it many times. But the Basin purchase was important.

In that moment I thought of a way to acquire it. A confirmation text set my mind at ease.

We were able to relax on the final loop to MK, knowing all that stood between us and a nap was a bus ride to POFQ.

And….apparently….a scene straight out of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds.

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That movie terrified me and my kids always made fun of me for being afraid of a “cheesy movie.”

Em did not mock me now. Hundreds of birds swarming just above our heads during our walk to the bus depot was nightmare-inducing.

We were on edge until we reached the covered stop for POFQ. Thankfully a bus was quick in arriving to take us home.

Ok what is the 5 legged goat? Is it a thing? Sorry have no idea.
Oh my DD is terrified of that movie and feels the same way about that many birds at one time.
We learned our lesson to not get on the monorail at Contemporary this trip on a Cmas party night! Geez we hit it at the wrong time. Stood for 3 monorails. Almost an hour! Never again!