Trip Report SummerPalooza: When 1 resort reservation morphs into 5 resorts

We have had a few trips this year that were odd for us. The trip where my family had to end their vaction but I stayed on for 3.5 more weeks. I didn't even book a return ticket. Never did that before. My April/May Flower Trip Report: https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/the-one-way-ticket.939721/#post-8162457

This report will start out mostly of semi in-the-moment of the day posts at least for the first half of 3 weeks as we all will be arriving at different points. Like the above report I am not overly wordy but enjoy posting photos of WDW and Food along with adult beverages. Sometimes a tad odd to me behaviors in the parks.

This trip kept expanding in days and as a result resorts this time for reasons I will get around to explaining later, for now mostly photo's of the day. Hope you enjoy.

EDIT: Most of these photos will be Apple Live photos for those of you with Apple devices.

 

[Gabe1]

 

[Gabe1]

TSA precheck a breeze today and the awesome United Members Lounge

 

[Gabe1]

The weather was iffy out of OHare today. The flight actually finished boarding 20 minutes early but left 90 minutes after plane loaded. Not weather. A water leak in the Galley

And so the waiting starts onboard

And movement

Anticipation

 

[Gabe1]

Up next: Day 1 (night 1) Making the Slinky FP+by a few minutes cause the dang plane was leaky and dipping your big toe into a park for a few hours while you wait for Disney to Deliver the Magical Express Luggage.

 

[MinnieM123]

First of all, I love the red polka dot luggage!!

The United lounge was way cool. I can understand now why people join. Nice place to relax and have some snacks, too. I'm jelly--even if I only fly once a year . . .

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Very cool! Looking forward to seeing some adventures!

 

[Gabe1]

Continuing-Day #1 evening

First stop ToyStoryLand

Hello Slinky Dog, the rain is moving in, wildly popular Slinky headband

Some theming

Mania, Mr. Potato Head is still having issues. Curtain lightly hiding him as he was off.
1.5 hours later he was back to life.

Operational

and Dark Mr. Potato Head Hiding

And the beautiful alien swirling saucer at night

 

[Gabe1]

Day #2, Saturday. A quick top back to Toy because S'more was breakfast.

Who gets up at 5am at WDW for a 7am opening at the Studios????

 

[Gabe1]

A Gondola update

By night

By day

 

[Gabe1]

And an ill advised walk from studios to Epcot

Walk on to frozen and Test Track as it was still really early with Studios opening at 7am

Look @figmentfan423 interactive.

 

[Gabe1]

The Land is still one of my favorites. They can do more with these tanks though

Melons huge

 

[Gabe1]

Anyone know what is up with these guests that set up shop to pin trade? Seen it many times in route to the Character spot too.

Just noted the pretty shadow of the palm trees on the sidewalk. An accidental capture for @figmentfan423

 

[Gabe1]

On the maybe list for my DD

Mickey Ice Cream Bar ears purchased

 

[Gabe1]

And a respectful pause

Senator McCain passed away. I am sad. A good man who loved our country. We lost one of the real good ones. God Speed Sir.

The bus took a turn to somber as the news broke back to resorts. Hushed speaking . At times things are more powerful than WDW even to the hardcore fans. God bless.

 

[Gabe1]

Artist point rumored to be Snow White and 7 dwarfs character breakfast! Be a good use of space. Not open then and very nice room. It did a buffet well for us during Hurricane Irma last year.

 

[MinnieM123]

The Land is still one of my favorites. They can do more with these tanks though

Love The Land. As for the empty tanks, sometimes they're refreshing exhibits or cleaning tanks. It's just the luck of the draw, if a tank happens to be empty when you're there.

Anyone know what is up with these guests that set up shop to pin trade? Seen it many times in route to the Character spot too.

Nope--that's a "first" . . . not thrilled with the setup, either--kinda cheesy off to the side. My guess is that they're trying to push pin purchases again. It used to be more popular.

Other thoughts --

I want a Slinky Dog headband!

So I guess Snow White will be a welcome character breakfast for families, but I hate to see Artist Point go. There was nothing generic about it--a deluxe hotel should have a signature restaurant like that.

 

[Gabe1]

Love The Land. As for the empty tanks, sometimes they're refreshing exhibits or cleaning tanks. It's just the luck of the draw, if a tank happens to be empty when you're there.



Nope--that's a "first" . . . not thrilled with the setup, either--kinda cheesy off to the side. My guess is that they're trying to push pin purchases again. It used to be more popular.

Other thoughts --

I want a Slinky Dog headband!

So I guess Snow White will be a welcome character breakfast for families, but I hate to see Artist Point go. There was nothing generic about it--a deluxe hotel should have a signature restaurant like that.

Artist Point would be at this time of the rumor only for Breakfast. Artist Point is currently only open for Signature Dining in the evening so both Breakfast and Dinner could peacefully remain both!!! During Hurricane Irma they dump'd the Signature meals and made Artist Point a Buffet for breakfast and dinner. It worked well for both meals so I have no doubt it would work for Breakfast. The only drawback I can see in its success for breakfast would be the Lodge isn't easy to get to and at times you can wait a long time for a bus or a boat. I waited for a boat to the MK in September for the Halloween party. From the time I reached the pier to the pier at the MK it was one full hour. Not being on the monorail loop could be a big disadvantage for Breakfast. I also wonder what the draw would be for Snow & Dwarf long haul. Still a good use of morning space underutilized.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Anyone know what is up with these guests that set up shop to pin trade? Seen it many times in route to the Character spot too.

View attachment 306132

Just noted the pretty shadow of the palm trees on the sidewalk. An accidental capture for @figmentfan423

Sometimes you will see a group of pin traders set up around/near the pin kiosk. They will have an assortment of pin books guests can look through and if you had something of value they are looking for they will make a trade. These are the hardcore traders from the area who can get to the parks for all the various events, pin exclusives etc. They purchase multiples of pins and pin sets so they can have ones to sell or trade. Even if you dont trade they do have some amazing pins to view.

 

[Gabe1]

And to finish off Day #2 Saturday

Continued in Future World was Nemo SSE and Figment along with Soarin. Not bad since earlier this morning was TT Frozen and LwtL. Lots accomplished when your in a park (Studios) at 7am.

Never tire of this Classic:

Heading back again to the International Gateway in the heat of the day not fun.

Note the CMs being trained for Food and Wine opening later this week.