Trip Report Tales From the Two Goofs Vault

Greetings again my friends. During my large amount of available free time, I have been working to digitally backup some of our old photos, as well as track down and backup any digital files as well. So far I have come across 3 Disney trips that I haven’t shared on these boards before. One from March 2019, one from September 2016, and another from June 2015. I will be doing these TRs from newest to oldest. Please note that I have no notes on our activities, so the pictures will likely not be in perfect order. I will try and provide commentary on things I do remember. So let’s get started!

Trip 1.

When: March 8-11, 2019

Who: Myself and A as always, plus our closest friends C and M.
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Where: POFQ for just one night, and Coronado Springs(more on why we did a split stay on such a short trip later).

Why: A top secret mission to photograph and celebrate C and M’s engagement.

A little background on how this trip happened.

C is one of A’s oldest and closest friends, he is the closest thing she has to a brother, and she does refer to him as her brother. He had been dating M for about a year at this point, and we all knew she was perfect for him. He’d decided to pop the question on their spring break trip to Disney. For months he had been asking A and I to come down with them to take pictures of the big event, and to celebrate with them(or console him if she said no!). It didn’t look like we would both be able to make the trip though. I finally agreed to at least get A a plane ticket and she was going to go alone for just the weekend and return.

Well as fate would have it, right at the 60 day mark I was finally able to secure the 4 days off needed to take the trip. Unfortunately there was extremely limited availability at the resorts. The only resort with full availability for the weekend was grand Floridian, which was at a non discount rate. We finally found 2 nights at Coronado, and one night at French quarter. We also purchased APs because we had already planned on being at WDW for several day’s in the summer, so it ended up being less to get the AP rather than buying separate tickets for each trip. I was also able to get the AP spring discount applied to our reservations.

With all of that business out of the way, we were able to make FP reservations right at 60 days! C wanted it to be a surprise for M that we were going to be there. We went along with this plan, but boy was it hard not to spill the beans at our super bowl party that year!

Day 0/Night1:

While I was able to get Friday-Monday off, A had no such luck, and had to work a half day Friday. This meant taking a later flight than normal. We had a 7:15 flight out of Dallas Love Field. Our plan was to be at the airport around 5:30. 5:30 on a Friday driving through downtown Dallas, what could possibly go wrong?! Fortunately while traffic was pretty heavy, and my phone told me to take the wrong exit one time, we still made it to the airport on time.

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Already a little tired before takeoff!

Our flight down went smoothly and a few hours later we landed in Orlando. Because of the time change, by the time we got down to DME it was approaching 11 pm. We were both more than ready to get to our room and get a few hours of sleep. Our bus only had a few parties on it. We stopped at riverside first, then French Quarter. Our room had been ready since lunch time of that day, so we went straight to our room. It was well after midnight when we made it to our room.

Apparently we knew that @Nunu would like some room photos at the time!😜
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Another boring redesigned room.

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The beads were a nice touch!

We finally got showered and in bed just before 1 am.
 

Darstarr

Well-Known Member
In the Parks
No
Ah the “joys” of teenagers and pictures. @Darstarr knows what I’m talking about, though I think my DD does smile more frequently in pictures than one of her sons (is it your middle son?)
The middle one tries to be tough. The youngest is 15.... need I say more??

Hey @Loco_driver how was it heading back to work??? Dont ya just feel all essential again?😂
 

Loco_driver

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
We’re even because I get kind of jealous seeing some of your trip pictures 😉.

Hey @Loco_driver how was it heading back to work??? Dont ya just feel all essential again?😂

I think my company views me more as expendable than essential!🤣🤣🤣 It was still good to get back to work, and to see some of my favorite coworkers!
 

LisaBelle

Well-Known Member
More road trip.

Wednesday we were up with the sun to start our day’s adventures.
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A’s mother gave us a few unused gift cards to Starbucks(she’s a school teacher and is often gifted them at the end of each year). We filed up with plenty of caffeine and sugar to start the day. Pickle was also given a pup cup by the kind barista who just adored her. I think she liked it!
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Our destination for the morning was the famous pikes peak! Home to black bear, mountain lions, elk, and Sasquatch? I’m always flattered to find creative monuments like this!
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We checked out a small portion of the trail to the top. Obviously we are in no shape to climb a 14000 foot peak, but it was a beautiful trail at the bottom!
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We instead drove the road to the top. What a thrilling drive! I thought of @LisaBelle and how she had anxiety on the similar drive through Rocky Mountain National Park. I gotta admit I was pretty white knuckled on this one!
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There was some snow at the high elevations left over from a snowstorm the day before.
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Unfortunately the Road is closed due to construction a few miles before the summit. You have to park and take a shuttle to reach the top. They didn’t allow pets on the shuttle, so we couldn’t take pickle to the peak. Instead we each took turns riding the shuttle to the top. So I ended up having to explore the peak by myself.

The view from 14,115 feet!
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The have special high altitude donuts. It was almost like a tiny funnel cake.
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I had a lack of oxygen, but not due to the mask!
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A kind stranger took this picture from a safe distance.
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While it was cool to be up on the summit, the massive construction project currently going on really hampers the experience quite a bit. I’m sure the new summit house will be great, but it would’ve been nice to get to experience this with the pup and the wife!

I would definitely be white knuckling it on Pike’s Peak. We went to Royal Gorge when we were kids. Hated it then and refused to even consider it on last summer’s trip. Loved seeing your pics though!
 

Loco_driver

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
With all the activity going on here with going back to work, selling some property, a few other things, I’ve been totally swamped. Today I’ve finally been given the day off so lets try and get back to our little throwback trip, shall we?

June 19, 2015.

Epcot day! We were up in plenty of time for RD, and made our way to test track to start the day.
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Not pictured but our next stop was the land pavillion for FPs for both soarin and living with the land. Our next stop would be the seas pavilion. I don’t remember what this CM was doing, but apparently it was worth photographing.
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I love aquariums, and could spend a solid half a day in just the seas pavillion.
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Next up on our tour of FW was spaceship earth. My first time experiencing the Dame Judi Dench version. It doesn’t hold a candle to the Jeremy Irons version.
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We finished the morning off on mission:space. This is the trip where i learned to only do the green version! No barf bags were needed, but it was close! Lunch was in Mexico this time. Nachos and churros for both of us!
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After lunch we started making our way around world showcase. There was no attraction in Norway. Something about frozen? I don’t know. Here’s a picture from China.
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Judging by the sweat on my shirt, it must’ve been very comfortable that day! We enjoyed a showing of Reflections of China before moving on.
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In Germany now.
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A has never really known what to do with her hands when taking pictures.
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Oh that’s better!
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Coming up: More Epcot.
 

Loco_driver

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
June 19, 2015 continued.

We continued our tour of world showcase.
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The PP photographer for these next few picture was one of the best CM interactions we’ve ever had. I wish I could remember the mans name. I’m pretty sure we’ve come across him several times since and he’s always been fantastic!
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We are always late to meet whichever character they have meeting at this spot in the UK pavillion.
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It was getting close to dinner time, so we walked back over to FW. We stopped for a few photos behind SSE on the way.
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I spot some sweat, it must’ve warmed up in the afternoon!
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Coming up: Garden Grill.
 

Loco_driver

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
June 19, 2015 continued.

We checked in for dinner at garden grill. We had a bit of a wait before we were seated.

Plate mickey.
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Farmer mickey!
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Our food was brought out just after Mickey came by. The main dishes. Notice I had a salad with one bite out of it. I was not a fan of the dressing they used.
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Our waitress jokingly brought me the kids vegetable plate since I didn’t eat my salad. Joke was on her though, because I definitely killed that Mac and cheese!
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Pluto was the next character to say hi.
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Chip and Dale were a lot of fun! They were being mischievous and having fun with everyone in the restaurant. I always like it when the characters are given more freedom to interact with guests and their surroundings. This was the case with all of the characters at Garden Grill, and it made for some great moments.
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Finishing off a great meal with dessert. This was so good! They have changed dessert since then, but the current offering is great as well!
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Coming up: More Epcot
 
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Loco_driver

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
June 19, 2015 continued.

We waddled out of the land pavillion, satisfied with a great meal at garden grill. Spaceship Earth was a walk on, so we headed that way for another ride. We stopped for some PP pics on the way.
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Me trying to act like I didn’t just eat about 2,000 calories in one meal. A trying to pretend to be impressed.
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We took our journey through time before heading back into world showcase to browse some of the different shops. We picked a few things up before heading over to the odyssey for the fireworks dessert party, which had been moved inside due to some nearby storms. We didn’t have the best time at this party. While we are pretty sociable people, most people at this party were part of larger parties, so we ended up being just kind of tucked into a corner by ourselves. Usually this is no big deal, but sitting in the corner of the odyssey with no window or view was pretty lame.

We made sure to try and get plenty of drinks in us.
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There was a good selection of desserts as well.
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The storms passed by while we were inside, leaving behind a beautiful Florida sunset.
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We made our way over to the viewing section to enjoy the show. We watched the show and took only a few pictures.
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After IllumiNations ended we took our time leaving the park, stopping at mousegears to kill some time while the masses headed for the exit. We boarded a mostly empty bus for WL well over an hour after closing time.

The WL lobby is really special late at night, after the crowds are gone. It’s incredibly peaceful.
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Mainahman

Well-Known Member
Been avoiding the Forums because I get anxiety, and i over think things LOL and figured ind read something that might mean we couldn't go... being so close to our trip, i wanted to not over think things, but came back today, to look at trip reports as we prepare to get packing. Love seeing yours! Love Pikes Peak.. Need to get out there again. Went for work years ago, and regret not seeing gardens of the gods.... Keep posting the good stuff Love it! 2 sleeps till we drive down. Thanks for keeping us in the Magic :)
 

Loco_driver

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Been avoiding the Forums because I get anxiety, and i over think things LOL and figured ind read something that might mean we couldn't go... being so close to our trip, i wanted to not over think things, but came back today, to look at trip reports as we prepare to get packing. Love seeing yours! Love Pikes Peak.. Need to get out there again. Went for work years ago, and regret not seeing gardens of the gods.... Keep posting the good stuff Love it! 2 sleeps till we drive down. Thanks for keeping us in the Magic :)
Glad you enjoyed! Hope you guys have a great time! Safe travels!
 

Nunu

Wanderluster
Premium Member
June 19, 2015 continued.

We waddled out of the land pavillion, satisfied with a great meal at garden grill. Spaceship Earth was a walk on, so we headed that way for another ride. We stopped for some PP pics on the way.
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Me trying to act like I didn’t just eat about 2,000 calories in one meal. A trying to pretend to be impressed.
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We took our journey through time before heading back into world showcase to browse some of the different shops. We picked a few things up before heading over to the odyssey for the fireworks dessert party, which had been moved inside due to some nearby storms. We didn’t have the best time at this party. While we are pretty sociable people, most people at this party were part of larger parties, so we ended up being just kind of tucked into a corner by ourselves. Usually this is no big deal, but sitting in the corner of the odyssey with no window or view was pretty lame.

We made sure to try and get plenty of drinks in us.
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There was a good selection of desserts as well.
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The storms passed by while we were inside, leaving behind a beautiful Florida sunset.
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We made our way over to the viewing section to enjoy the show. We watched the show and took only a few pictures.
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After IllumiNations ended we took our time leaving the park, stopping at mousegears to kill some time while the masses headed for the exit. We boarded a mostly empty bus for WL well over an hour after closing time.

The WL lobby is really special late at night, after the crowds are gone. It’s incredibly peaceful.
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Your meal at Garden Grill looks delicious! I haven't been able to convince Frank to try it, he associates "garden" with veggies-only. 😄

That's a cute picture of you making the "Gaston's pose" to impress A! 💪;)
 
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Loco_driver

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Your meal at Garden Grill looks delicious! I've haven't been able to convince Frank to try it, he associates "garden" with veggies-only. 😄

That's a cute picture of you making the "Gaston's pose" to impress A! 💪;)
Haha I really think Garden Grill would be much more popular if it weren’t for the name. A rotating restaurant inside the land pavilion with characters should be a tough reservation to score, yet I often see availability relatively last minute. Tell Frank to take a chance on it!
 

Minnesota disney fan

Well-Known Member
Haha I really think Garden Grill would be much more popular if it weren’t for the name. A rotating restaurant inside the land pavilion with characters should be a tough reservation to score, yet I often see availability relatively last minute. Tell Frank to take a chance on it!

The name of Garden Grill is why we hadn't ever tried it. It just sounded like salads and such. Then I was invited by an editor on another site to meet her for lunch there. It was delicious and I was amazed at the variety of food. The characters were hilarious, and they came around at least 2 times. I definitely would eat there again. So I know what Nunu means about the name.
 

Loco_driver

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Saturday June 20, 2015.

This was a rainy day. Fortunately we had no real plans until later in the afternoon. We spent much of the day sleeping in, hanging around the pool when we could, and eating a few of these little guys.
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We made our way over to MK for the evenings activities. We started out with a late lunch at Crystal Palace.
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After a tasty meal we headed over to haunted mansion. It had rained some more while we were eating, leaving behind a nice rainbow.
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We also rode space mountain.
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And mine train.
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Despite the poor weather, Wishes went on as planned. We watched from somewhere around Tomorrowland. I didn’t take many photos since this was the only time this trip that wed be seeing the show. A cried, as expected.
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As with all of our trips, we took less photos as we approached the end of the trip. We did have one more day left though!
 

Loco_driver

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
June 21, 2015.


The final day of our trip. We were really exhausted from the week of nonstop park touring. We slept in a little bit before grabbing breakfast. This is an acceptable breakfast while on vacation, right?
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We headed over to the studios for a full day of Frozen summer fun.
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We didn’t arrive in time for the royal welcome show. We did see olaf having some fun though.
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We were having a good time, but we also had that hint of sadness that always accompanies us on our last day in the bubble.
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We made our way to the Steets of America section(remember those?!) to meet our favorite monsters.
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Our first FP of the day, and one of my all time favorite attractions. As someone who grew up watching and loving classic movies, this attraction always had a special place in my geeky little heart.
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We continued on towards Sunset Blvd. next.
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ToT had no wait, so we took a few drops on it next!
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