Trip Report "The Best Disney Trip EVER"

Hello, hello everyone!! A warm welcome to everyone reading--I'm so glad you're here!!

WHEN: Tuesday, November 5th - Tuesday, November 12th

WHERE: I think you know us well enough by now!!

WHO: I'm sure you know most of us(don't worry--I'm not going to confuse you all like I did in June;)). In case you don't though, there's me, my nephew J, & my sister E. Besides us usual 3 Musketeers, E's husband/J's dad/my BIL joined us for the fun!! To keep confusion to a minimum for this TR I will refer to him as JSR.
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You could also call us "The Red Family". When E asked J what color MB he wanted he said that he wanted red & that we should all get that color so we could be "The Red Family". I know you can't see E's but trust me, her's was red also.

Looking forward to reliving "The Best Disney Trip EVER" with you all!!

Tuesday, November 5th

The plan was to leave E & JSR's at 7:00. I went to work for 5:30 to get a few last minute things done--also so that I could say to my boss that I was only off for 7 days, not 8. He teases me that "vacations are 7 days not 8". After doing some work & him teasing me a bit I was off on my merry way!! I got to their house only to find out that JSR was still packing!!:jawdrop: E was not thrilled in the least. He must have been close to being done though b/c we were only delayed a few minutes.

Then came the next delay. It was Election Day and E & JSR wanted to due their civic duty. I sat in the car with J & we talked Disney while we waited.
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And, in typical Pittsburgh fashion, it was raining.
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Rush hour traffic + heavy rain = a slow commute to the airport. I don't know what it is with this town but it seems like no one can drive in the rain around here. Trust me, we get more than our fair share of it so you think people would be used to it.
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As we were waiting to check our luggage in the woman behind us noticed our luggage tags & said that she was going to Disney also and was staying at Caribbean Beach. She asked if this was our first time going which prompted JSR to throw in a few digs about us & the frequency of our trips. I think he's just jealous ;)
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The Southwest agent was slower than molasses but after 10 minutes or so it was our turn.
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JSR made fun of me all week b/c of this. I had two suitcases. The small one weighed 20 lbs & this one was 36.5. He kept saying, "How did you manage to bring 56 lbs. of clothes?" As it turned out, due to his last minute packing there were quite a few things that he forgot so I told him at least I didn't have that problem. He also told me not to tell E about what he had forgot b/c he didn't want to hear her say "I told you so".
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E went to park the car while the J's & I proceeded to security. But wait, I couldn't go just yet. For whatever reason the Southwest agent left one of the suitcases behind. After unsuccessfully trying to get his attention for about 5 minutes I finally interrupted him & asked him to please put it on the belt. I was getting nervous that it would somehow get forgotten. He looked at me with a surprised look on his face & said he didn't notice it there. Really??
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On the "monorail" we go!!
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DisneyGigi

Well-Known Member
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH

E & I met up at 6 for our morning walk. This was the view from my room. The North Depot was to the left.
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Towards the end of the walk it started getting lighter so that's when we ventured down to FQ. While it was still dark we could hear the bats under the one bridge so we didn't want to go that way until it was light.
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I wasn't especially impressed with the new beignet area.
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Afterwards we headed to our rooms to get ready for our first park day!!

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Breakfast!!
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Now this, my friends, took a great deal of courage on my part. I don't iron. I'm not good at it in the least & clothes end up looking worse when I get done with them-seriously. My mom & grandma used to holler when I wore wrinkled clothes(that was a huge pet peeve for both of them). So, for me to actually pull out the iron means that the wrinkles must have been pretty bad.:hilarious:
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As luck would have it the iron wouldn't heat up. My shirt was pretty bad but I kept telling myself that at least I tried!!
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BTW--I normally blame my wrinkled shirts on the seat belt :hilarious: :hilarious: :hilarious: Couldn't do that today though!!
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I hate to iron! Downy wrinkle spray is the best. I always take it with me Lol

The horse lead thing I can totally relate to, my Bro in law had a horse that hated to load on a trailer especially a two stall one. I was holding his lead hanging through the front sweet talking to him while he loaded from behind- he got spooked and freaked and I didn’t let go, got pulled halfway in before I let go. I was more afraid he was going to break his leg than worrying about myself. If B hadn’t grabbed me I most likely would have fell in and got trampled. :-/ Thankfully we both survived with just bruises and scrapes.
I had a Bailey too!

The food at Homecomin’ looks so good, I have try it next time.
 

riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH

Time for lunch!! JSR absolutely despises hot dogs so Casey's was out 😞 & Pecos Bill was in!!
E had no problems mobile ordering. Me on the other hand....
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E had already got their food. I approached the CM & showed her my phone. Even though it was saying "Something Went Wrong" she assured me that it went through & they had my order. You know where this is going, right?
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While waiting I observed 2 women ask for 6 cups of water. They blocked the mobile order section & filled their water bottles with them then left the cups sitting there for a CM to clean up!! How rude!! The least they could have done was thrown the cups away!!
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I felt like I was at Homecomin' all over again. It took 20 minutes from the time that I spoke to the CM initially to get my food. They definitely didn't have my order b/c she ended up telling me that I was waiting so long that she verbally had to tell them to prepare it.
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By the time I made it to the rest of the family they were done eating. E headed out to go to the GF. J wanted a dole whip so we went there. The line wasn't long so I jumped in that b/c I really didn't feel like dealing with mobile order again so soon.
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J got the dole whip & I got the float. He wasn't happy. Once he saw the float he decided that he would rather have that.
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We shared so all's well that ends well!!
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On our way to IASW we had a bear sighting!
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riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I hate to iron! Downy wrinkle spray is the best. I always take it with me Lol

The horse lead thing I can totally relate to, my Bro in law had a horse that hated to load on a trailer especially a two stall one. I was holding his lead hanging through the front sweet talking to him while he loaded from behind- he got spooked and freaked and I didn’t let go, got pulled halfway in before I let go. I was more afraid he was going to break his leg than worrying about myself. If B hadn’t grabbed me I most likely would have fell in and got trampled. :-/ Thankfully we both survived with just bruises and scrapes.
I had a Bailey too!

The food at Homecomin’ looks so good, I have try it next time.
I'll have to remember that for next time!! Do they make it in travel size? 🤔 E & JSR are funeral directors so they're all about ironing b/c they're used to looking prim & proper for work. Glad I don't have that problem!!:hilarious:

I'm glad you weren't seriously hurt. It's amazing that the simplest things spook these big animals. I understand what you mean though about worrying about him breaking a leg b/c we all know where that leads. Another Bailey--cool!!

I've only ate there twice but highly recommend it!!
 

riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH

Time for our IASW FP!!
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After scanning our bands I looked to see what else was available.
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J looks apprehensive in this pic. The girl behind us looks inquisitive.
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J wanted to ride the carousel so JSR went to get the stroller while we got in line.
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I took a few castle pics while we waited.
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I opted not to get on a horse. I'm always afraid of it stopping in the highest position & me looking like a fool trying to get off. I'm not the most flexible....
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DisneyGigi

Well-Known Member
I'll have to remember that for next time!! Do they make it in travel size? 🤔 E & JSR are funeral directors so they're all about ironing b/c they're used to looking prim & proper for work. Glad I don't have that problem!!:hilarious:

I'm glad you weren't seriously hurt. It's amazing that the simplest things spook these big animals. I understand what you mean though about worrying about him breaking a leg b/c we all know where that leads. Another Bailey--cool!!

I've only ate there twice but highly recommend it!!
Yes! They do, Walmart has it in the travel size section and it meets the airline liquid rule. I hate, hate to iron it is my lifesaver.
 

riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH

Before we cashed in on our next FP we took another spin on the Peoplemover.
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No surprise that J sat with his dad!!
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As we approached Buzz J said he didn't want to ride. He's afraid of Zurg. His dad basically told him too bad.
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While in line I did it again!! Wow--I was on a roll!!
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He doesn't look too scared!!
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My awesome score!!🤣
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There I go again--looking mean & miserable!!
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Never in a million years would I have thought that this next purchase would cause such an issue the rest of the week. JSR bought a refillable popcorn bucket. Makes sense, we would be there for a full week. E was irritated when she saw it b/c she said that she knew she would be the one stuck carrying it all week. She was right!!🤣
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riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH

Time to go under the sea!!
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I'm sure it's of no surprise that I was solo on this one also!!
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I love Sebastian!!
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E wanted to know if we wanted to meet her at the GF so out we headed!!
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It's funny the park did not feel very crowded but the wait times were pretty high most of the day.
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Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
So many comments! What a scary accident, I hope you are feeling better. Homecomin is one of our favourites, I’m devastated we are not eating there in January. Also the Christmas merchandise! I’m sure everything will be cleared out of the stores by the time we get there but fingers crossed the chip n Dale nutcrackers will still be at the Christmas store. Although shipping to Canada will definitely be more than the 12$.
 

krisri18

Well-Known Member
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH

We really shouldn't have ordered an appetizer b/c lunch hadn't been all that long ago but.....4 words.....
Church Lady Deviled Eggs!!:hungry: This was JSR's first trip to Homecomin' & we said they were a must!!
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Before I get into the food details I have to start with what happened at the beginning. Our waitress(very nice young lady) was our waitress until right after she took our food order. Then she came over & said we would be getting a new waiter b/c her shift was done & I quote "Disney does not like to pay overtime". I don't know if she was trying to be funny or what but I don't think it's wise to knock the company you work for to the guests.
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The eggs did not disappoint!! Not wanting to totally stuff myself I only had one😞
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J managed to get two in plus the bacon off of mine!!
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Our food took FOREVER to come out. Our waiter was blaming it on JSR's dish saying that took longer to cook than ours & that's what the holdup was. We thought otherwise though. We felt that it more than likely had to do with the "shift change" that had taken place. At one point our waiter tried to make light of the situation & E threw in a dig about JSR & his pork chop slowing things down(even though we still didn't believe that was the culprit). I can't remember what it was that she said but it was hysterical & all of us, including the waiter, were cracking up. That was not ideal for me....

Ok, I have to derail this TR before I move onto the food. For quite a few years now my dad has had horses. He's been down to one for the last 2 years. At the age of 71 I think one horse is more than enough for him. Well, my mom passes & about 4 months later he decides to get not 1 but 2 more:rolleyes: Really Dad?? But, I guess if it makes him happy....

Here's the Three Stooges(as I like to call them)
Cocoa is on the far left--she's a pony(a large pony at that).
Bailey is in the middle--I take a real liking to her. I think she is very pretty.
Danny is on the far right--he's the one who's been around for years.
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And, I'm telling you all this why??

About a week before we left for Disney I was helping my dad get them in their stalls for the night. I've done this many times & am fine with it. I normally take Danny & my dad will take the 2 girls. Normally I take Danny in first then the girls go in. But, given the setup it makes more sense for the girls to go in first with Danny last. This particular day he told me to hold Danny back & he'd get the other 2 in. Danny did not like that in the least. He probably though they would get in there & take his food. He got upset(I'm sure b/c the normal routine wasn't being followed). He freaked & started running. Instead of using my head & letting go of his lead I guess I somehow had it in my mind that I had it in me to control this 1400 lb. animal:facepalm: I think he was actually dragging me along at one point & I let go. In short order I had a meeting with the ground. You know the term, "I was seeing stars"? I really believe I was. My vision was distorted for a bit & I was seeing spots(I think they were the "stars") which scared me but once it came back I rested a bit easier. But the pain--oh my word. My face & chest hit pretty hard. I was so afraid of waking up the next morning with a black & blue face. My face(besides the pain) was fine but my chest was bruised & hurt something awful. I really believe I had bruised/or broken ribs but didn't go to the doctor b/c to me it would be pointless b/c they really wouldn't be able to do anything for me anyways.

So, laughter was not my friend on this trip. Actually, breathing, coughing & sneezing weren't either. I would beg E & JSR to stop saying funny things b/c it hurt way too much to laugh. If I would laugh too hard it would take my breath away. There were a few times during the week that CM's would ask me if I was ok when I would laugh. Even though I was laughing I probably had a look of terror on my face for as much pain as I was in. This dinner was one of those times.

I really wanted to get the fried chicken but even though I'm on vacation I still try to balance out my meals with some healthier ones. It killed me not to have the mashed potatoes though. I had the Grilled Mahi & Shrimp. It was excellent!! The kale & collard greens were soooo good!! Greens prepared right are the best!! The sweet potatoes weren't bad but they weren't my favorite. Probably b/c I kept thinking about the mashed potatoes!!
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E & J had indulged in what I really wanted!!
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There's "the pork chop that took forever to cook"🙄 JSR said it was very good though!!
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One might think I took this picture b/c of the roosters. Nope--see the waitress there. She was the waitress we started out with & I took this picture at the end of our meal!! She was waiting on tables the whole time we were there!! I guess Disney suddenly granted her overtime??
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Let the TiW savings begin!! I was quite proud b/c we remembered to take pictures of all our receipts except one that week!!
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH

I had some time to wander around Riverside before we were meeting to get the bus.
I thought this was a bit bizarre....
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So pretty!!
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I headed to the North Depot. Bummer--it looks like we just missed a bus.


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That's the building I stayed in.
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Being so close to a bus stop really is a plus!!
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J was ready to go!!
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And lucky for us a bus pulled in within a few minutes!! Can't always trust the app!!
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I'm with you. I DESPISE ironing. So much so that I would rather throw my clothes back in the dryer with a damp washcloth to get the wrinkles out. It takes some serious wrinklage for me to get the iron out!
 

Doc Disney

Well-Known Member
Now this, my friends, took a great deal of courage on my part. I don't iron. I'm not good at it in the least & clothes end up looking worse when I get done with them-seriously. My mom & grandma used to holler when I wore wrinkled clothes(that was a huge pet peeve for both of them). So, for me to actually pull out the iron means that the wrinkles must have been pretty bad.:hilarious:

Reason number 1 of 10000 I have two suitcases :hilarious: I always have a travel size steamer with me since I also can not iron.
Sorry to hear about your accident I'm glad you are on the mend.
 

Nunu

Wanderluster
Premium Member
J got a very cool haircut, nice!

I remember feeling bummed, that when JC was 8yo, he wouldn't ride with me, he'd either ride between Frank and me, or with Frank. I was left riding by myself many times, just like you!
After a few days, I asked him why, he said I made him nervous? what?!, I guess he didn't like that I must've screamed too loudly on SM! Kids! 🤷‍♀️:hilarious:
 
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amjt660

Well-Known Member
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER
J wanted to ride with his dad--that seemed to be the theme

I look at this picture quite frequently trying to decide if I will be able to ride this or not. I would be fine with the indoor portion but outside is another story.
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I opted not to get on a horse. I'm always afraid of it stopping in the highest position & me looking like a fool trying to get off. I'm not the most flexible....

I am not going to go back and count but based on the number of likes per post I am probably somewhere around the 27 th person in ( so late!)

I am sorry to hear about the accident
Hope you are doing better

1) J riding with his Dad - do I see an E, J and Riverside only trip in the future so that you can get your ride partner back?
2) Tron is smooth and not scary - I suggest you go for it
3) Carousel- are you not supposed to “ get back on the horse “ ( sorry - couldn’t resist!)

Max
 

riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
So many comments! What a scary accident, I hope you are feeling better. Homecomin is one of our favourites, I’m devastated we are not eating there in January. Also the Christmas merchandise! I’m sure everything will be cleared out of the stores by the time we get there but fingers crossed the chip n Dale nutcrackers will still be at the Christmas store. Although shipping to Canada will definitely be more than the 12$.
I'm doing better-thanks!! I'm really surprised at how long I was in pain for. You're probably right about the Christmas merchandise unfortunately. I tried getting the nutcrackers back in June from the Christmas store & they didn't have them. They said they only have them around Christmas. Made absolutely no sense to me since it is a Christmas store. You would think they would have them all year round.
I'm with you. I DESPISE ironing. So much so that I would rather throw my clothes back in the dryer with a damp washcloth to get the wrinkles out. It takes some serious wrinklage for me to get the iron out!
I've actually rewashed clothes so I didn't have to pull out the iron!!
Reason number 1 of 10000 I have two suitcases :hilarious: I always have a travel size steamer with me since I also can not iron.
Sorry to hear about your accident I'm glad you are on the mend.
Good thinking!! Maybe I should look into that!!
Thank you!!
Finally all caught up, enjoying your report very much, we just got back from Disney yesterday!
Thank you!! I hope you had a great time!! A TR in the near future??🤞
J got a very cool haircut, nice!

I remember feeling bummed, that when JC was 8yo, he wouldn't ride with me, he'd either ride between Frank and me, or with Frank. I was left riding by myself many times, just like you!
After a few days, I asked him why, he said I made him nervous? what?!, I guess he didn't like that I must've screamed too loudly on SM! Kids! 🤷‍♀️:hilarious:
Yes & it was a quick one too. I think we were in there a total of 5 minutes!!

I kind of get it. I'm sure he was excited to have his dad there. He can ride with E & I anytime!!
J looked absolutely thrilled getting his hair cut 😂😂
At least he doesn't carry on anymore. His first haircut was there & he was not happy in the least!!
I am not going to go back and count but based on the number of likes per post I am probably somewhere around the 27 th person in ( so late!)

I am sorry to hear about the accident
Hope you are doing better

1) J riding with his Dad - do I see an E, J and Riverside only trip in the future so that you can get your ride partner back?
2) Tron is smooth and not scary - I suggest you go for it
3) Carousel- are you not supposed to “ get back on the horse “ ( sorry - couldn’t resist!)

Max
Better late than never!! I'm glad you're here!!

I'm much better--thank you!!

1. There is one in the near future but R is crashing it so something tells me that I'll be on the back burner again!!
2. I guess I will try it at least once.
3. 🤣🤣🤣Good one!!
 

slipperalwaysfits

Well-Known Member
Just catching up! So sorry about the HORSE and glad you're feeling better! I have never liked horses and fell off one when I was a teenager. Anyway, glad J is having so much fun with his dad!

As for mobile order, I haven't used it yet but it seems like it should work pretty well. Sorry for your hassles.
I HATE the refillable popcorn buckets. They take up wayyyy to much space in my house!
 

MickeyCB

Well-Known Member
Thank you!! I hope you had a great time!! A TR in the near future??🤞
We did have fun, thank you!
And, yes I already did a pre-trip report. If I can get my photos to cooperate with the down loading, or is it up loading?!! they need to do off of my phone I will be starting my trip report tonight or tomorrow.
Hmmm, maybe that's part of my problem, I don't know which direction to go! 🤣
 

NessNewt

Well-Known Member
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH

I had some time to wander around Riverside before we were meeting to get the bus.
I thought this was a bit bizarre....
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So pretty!!
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I headed to the North Depot. Bummer--it looks like we just missed a bus.


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That's the building I stayed in.
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Being so close to a bus stop really is a plus!!
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J was ready to go!!
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And lucky for us a bus pulled in within a few minutes!! Can't always trust the app!!
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When I looked at this photo of the bus and saw "Royal Greetings" I got a little tummy flip of missing Disney/excited to go back! It's funny the things that can trigger those memories and feelings.

J's haircut came out great! Was E happy getting her hair done at GF?
 

riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Just catching up! So sorry about the HORSE and glad you're feeling better! I have never liked horses and fell off one when I was a teenager. Anyway, glad J is having so much fun with his dad!

As for mobile order, I haven't used it yet but it seems like it should work pretty well. Sorry for your hassles.
I HATE the refillable popcorn buckets. They take up wayyyy to much space in my house!
Thank you!! That's one thing--I would never ride them. I'm too afraid. Maybe in my younger years but the older I get the more afraid I am of things!!

Mobile order is awesome--when it works!! I seem to have a lot of bad luck with it.

I was just teasing E about the popcorn bucket yesterday. We're going in January & I told her she should bring the popcorn bucket & maybe we could get refills--there's no chip in it to tell them when you bought it so....(I was kidding BTW). She said that wouldn't work b/c the bucket has a Christmas print on it!! But, it sounds to me like she hasn't thrown it out!!
We did have fun, thank you!
And, yes I already did a pre-trip report. If I can get my photos to cooperate with the down loading, or is it up loading?!! they need to do off of my phone I will be starting my trip report tonight or tomorrow.
Hmmm, maybe that's part of my problem, I don't know which direction to go! 🤣
Yes--I remember your pre-trip!! Looking forward to you starting one soon!! Good luck with the photos!!
When I looked at this photo of the bus and saw "Royal Greetings" I got a little tummy flip of missing Disney/excited to go back! It's funny the things that can trigger those memories and feelings.

J's haircut came out great! Was E happy getting her hair done at GF?
I totally agree with you!!

Yes she was!! She's been getting her hair cut there for quite awhile now. She used to get it cut every time we went to Disney but since our trips are more frequent now she only gets it cut here & there.
 

riverside

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH

Off to the Grand Floridian we go!!
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Walls are up everywhere!!
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As soon as we got up the ramp J decided to take a seat--on the ground again.
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Maybe he gets tired of the stroller?? 🤔
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JSR was holding the controversial popcorn bucket!!
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I took this picture of the seat to remind myself that it looks like monorail green had received a bit of a refurb. It looks like the seats were either replaced or reupholstered.
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I guess J didn't want to sit on the floor(or the seat) of the monorail b/c he decided to stand!
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