Trip Report The Boys Only Trip-The Real Report

skek2570 · May 30, 2024

Day 3 EPCOT...Part 1

Pre trip flashback...I spent a fair amount of time really researching and talking up EPCOT. I knew exactly what kiosks to stop at for food, know all the tricks to getting the VQ and was totally prepared for this day because of the walking. I was set to kill on this day...I preface the report with this to help you understand why I reacted the way I did....back to the report.

The morning rush I think was getting to the boys. They were very slow to get going and I was pushing a little harder to get them going. It was getting ready to get the VQ for Cosmic Rewind and couldn't wait to show them this fun ride. I know all about potential pitfalls with the VQ and how to avoid it...I got gremlins this morning....I hit the refresh button at 6:59:45 and it froze. Kept trying to get it to refresh and nothing. Stupid just sat there....7:00 came and went no VQ cause it was filled....I failed....I was upset but knew about the 1:00 so I shouldn't have any issue. Set my alarm and off we go to get in line for the Skyliner.

I'm a little disappointed as we are walking to the Skyliner and as we come up on the 60s building I see the line. First...whoever started the line didn't realize how it's supposed to go by the lake. I mean kind of common sense instead of lining up into the resort and have a large amount of people standing right outside people's doors but I digress. It's 7:05 and the line is long already....not happy. I heard it moves fast so I don't want it to get me down. As we are standing there chit chatting, I ask AJ if he ate his breakfast bar. He did not. I knew we wouldn't have a ton of time to eat in the AM so I had to make a quick choice....run back to the room and grab his bar or take the time to stop and get him food. I decided to try and run and get the bar. I got about halfway and I grab my phone to tell Jonathan to just stay in line unless.it gets to the front but just wait there for me. He responded back it's moving now. I quickly turn around and head back. I guess we are stopping for a breakfast for him.

I get back to the line and it was just moved to where it was supposed to be in front of the lake....

. I could have kept going....but now it's too late. The line was wrapping down to the 50s so there were a ton of people. Thankfully we met a nice mother and son and started talking about their day and plans as well as ours. They were going to HS. We finally got into the Skyliner at 7:45. The transfer at CB went smooth. We said bye to our new friends and headed to EPCOT. I was worried that our rope drop was going to take forever now....Remy's line will be long. Nothing was working out this morning. Also the Skyliner seemed to stop 10 time on the trip in. Frustrating start to the day!!

We finally arrive at about 8:10 and hustle to get in the line. No issue at security for once and as soon as we climb the hill at the international gateway the rope drop starts. We are so far back it's maddening. Again the jerky people that need to knock over kids are getting on my nerves but I am already in a crappy mood so everything is annoying

! I could keep complaining but long story way too long already we got on the ride at 8:55 and missed the entire window for rope drop. I know we will be a step behind on getting the big rides done. We had a Test Track LL for 11 and we planned on skipping frozen unless the lines were short so hopefully it won't ruin the day.

I do love this picture and ride. Family favorite movie and I absolutely love to cook.

After Remy, which I noticed the heat wasn't working in the under the stove sequence...kind of defeated the purpose of the fire but anyway...we head into Future World. (I know it's not called that anymore but I'm having a bad start of the day so I'm going to be grumpy Disney adult and stomp my feet and call it Future World

). Looking at the Genie for times and we are just behind the waves of crowns s for the bigger rides. Soarin' jumped to 40 minutes, Mission Space jumped to 50...it's going to be a long day so instead I tell the boys let's go into Sunshine seasons and grab some food then go on my favorite classic ride, Living with the Land. Maybe that will improve my mood.

It worked! Something about that ride calms me. The boys were bored to tears but suck it up....learn a little bit

.

Decision time....the rides that all were low wait are the usual suspects except Journey into Imagination...are you kidding me 30 minutes in the morning...this sucks...it's going to be busy all day! We run to Nemo...and jump on before that becomes The Living Seas busy....

Yes... that's a Future World and Living Seas reference already...

Side story...when Michelle, Heidi and I came last Sept. We tried to fit the three of us in the clamshell....whoops. It looked really funny. Poor Heidi ended up on her Mom's lap...sort of...which is what every teenager wants to do

...no picture of that ridiculous ride though.

I love Seabase! I enjoy aquariums anyway but I really get nostalgic in Seabase. Many childhood memories and I was so excited the first time there in the mid 80s. It could use some love and repairs but I still enjoy it.

Out of Nemo and we got smacked in the face....there is that FL heat and humidity

. Love it!!! Over to Moana (my first time and the boys of course) we go...it's crowded but not too bad and we enjoyed it but I am kind of at a loss with this attraction. It's a big "why"for me. Getting a tiny bit wet was fun and the tech is neat but I think this will be one of those attractions that gets forgotten quickly...plus the location kind of sucks.

I am definitely not enjoying a good part of the changes at EPCOT so far. I usually love changes because the parks need refreshes and new attractions but so far EPCOT seems like they spent an enormous amount of money on nothing. Anyone else feel that way?

End of Part 1....Part 2 hopefully less grump coming next

amjt660 · May 30, 2024

Great report so far
Following along

I have not experienced the Moana walk through but I suspect that we will be on the same page

Max

MinnieM123 · May 31, 2024

skek2570 said:
but anyway...we head into Future World. (I know it's not called that anymore but I'm having a bad start of the day so I'm going to be grumpy Disney adult and stomp my feet and call it Future World).

Stomp away! :joyfull:

It will always be Future World to many of us!

skek2570 · Jun 1, 2024

amjt660 said:
Great report so far
Following along

I have not experienced the Moana walk through but I suspect that we will be on the same page

Max

I don't know what I expected but I was underwhelmed. Hopefully you enjoy it more when you get to see it!

Thanks for following!

skek2570 · Jun 1, 2024

MinnieM123 said:
Stomp away! It will always be Future World to many of us!

I definitely hear you and like I said I usually love changes because it is something new to experience but I am not too sure on this one. Hopefully it will grow on me!!!

skek2570 · Jun 3, 2024

Part 2....it all goes off the rails....

After Moana we started to head over to Test Track. I was able to secure a LL for Soarin and now we will be doing the back and forth. I am not a huge test track fan, normally I would skip it, but I knew the boys would love it. Which they did! They enjoyed making the car and the ride was fun for them. When we came out of test track we hit up the first food kiosk...cinnamon bites and avocado toast. Both were ok. The avocado toast was ok...last time I had it, it was so good. A little disappointed. And the churro donut with bacon was just ok as well. Not a bad start to Flower and garden as far as the food. Hopefully the better items will be coming soon. We are really looking forward to some other stuff also.made the necessary stop at Club Cool. I love taking everyone in to this and it cracks me up when they get the Beverly face. AJs first taste!

It's around 12:15 as we head to Soarin. Should be plenty of time for the 1:00 VQ.....I hope. Soarin' is a huge favorite for me. Love the music and the ride. It blew my.mind the first time I rode in 2009! It never disappoints!

I was a little mad at myself this ride though. We were the second group on lineman I didn't request the middle section first row. We could.have easily gotten it. I Don't know why I didn't and I didn't think of it until we were already in out spot. I was so hyper focused on the VQ I forgot something I really wanted to do for the boys.

Guess what!!!! AJ was so scared!

That kid kills me. Jonathan was nervous since he remembered this ride and he was a little afraid do to the height. They both survived and really liked it but it is kind of tough to do this after FOP the day before. Mental note for scheduling for next trip.

The ride ended and my alarm started going off for the VQ. I knew I need to find a place that I could put so we found a table inside Sunshine Seasons to sit. I made sure everything was good and got ready. 12:59:45 and refresh I go....it was working fine and then....it did it again....no refresh for about 15 seconds and all the VQ spots were gone. I was devastated. I started to tear up. I talked about this ride incessantly since l did it last September. We watched the movie last night and I was just so disappointed. Heartbreaking. I texted Michelle to.let her know.and she suggested asking a cast member at the ride. What's the worst they can say....no. so we did. I just felt terrible and I could tell AJ was very upset too but I think he was upset because I was.

I asked a cast member at the ride and they of course said no there is nothing they could do because the ILL was all.bought up at that point. Scary thing was if it was available I may have bought it and is the ride really worth an additional $45? I don't know.

So a sad group of travellers head to Mission Space. I had to get out of the funk I was in or it would ruin my day. We did the Orange and maybe I just don't have an issue with the Gforces but I never understood the fear behind this ride. It's kind of fun to feel like you are blasting off. The boys enjoyed it. Not their favorite but they had fun.

It's almost break time so we decided to grab some food on the way back to International Gateway. Buffalo Chicken Poutine it is. It was good but not as good as I heard it was. I think I would have rather had regular poutine. We also grabbed the Cubanito and that was ok but again not great. Probably the least favorite so far.

It's crazy how rushed I felt this day. The break was needed to get away from the craziness for a little.

Also we stopped by to see Walt before we high tailed it out for the afternoon. This area I liked but people still suck and jump the line to get a picture. The rudeness never ends.

Next up...Part 3....refreshed and back at it!

erstwo · Jun 3, 2024

I'm not sure if either of your boys is old enough for a phone (or what your family policy is on cell phones for kids) but the key to getting a VQ for me is my children! My 17 year old got all of our VQs on our trip last December and the trip in October 2022! Her older brother always had the fast fingers before that on our trips.
They each have the app anyway and we are all linked together. I'll never forget standing in the DHS Starbucks in either October 2020 or 2021 ( I remember it was COVID protocol times because we had to wait to enter the store and then stand on a big green 'dot' to wait for our order) and my son got all 4 of us into the Rise VQ - while this little girl on a dot near us stared bawling because her dad missed it. My son felt so bad - he wanted to give that little girl his ride!

Something about those tech savvy kids!

I am so sorry you missed Guardians on this trip.

skek2570 · Jun 3, 2024

erstwo said:
I'm not sure if either of your boys is old enough for a phone (or what your family policy is on cell phones for kids) but the key to getting a VQ for me is my children! My 17 year old got all of our VQs on our trip last December and the trip in October 2022! Her older brother always had the fast fingers before that on our trips.
They each have the app anyway and we are all linked together. I'll never forget standing in the DHS Starbucks in either October 2020 or 2021 ( I remember it was COVID protocol times because we had to wait to enter the store and then stand on a big green 'dot' to wait for our order) and my son got all 4 of us into the Rise VQ - while this little girl on a dot near us stared bawling because her dad missed it. My son felt so bad - he wanted to give that little girl his ride!

Something about those tech savvy kids!

I am so sorry you missed Guardians on this trip.

Jonathan has a phone but unfortunately he is not quick. I should have had him on it though and I have my work phone as well that I could have put the app on and tried from there too. I never missed on a VQ and I am the one that gets it typically so maybe I was too cocky

!

It stunk but we made the best if it as you will see in Part 3

skek2570 · Jun 4, 2024

Part 3....acceptance and recovery

The break was needed today! Being as upset as I was just ruined my mood so much that I needed to get away for a few hours and rest my mind. The nice thing was we did not have an ADR on this day since we would be eating around the world and getting Regal Eagle for our only full meal so there was no rush. Also we knocked out most of the rides so we could go back with less rushing as well. I was looking forward to a more relaxed night if that's possible at the parks!

The last complaint for the day was that I was very frustrated with the Skyliner. The morning was bad enough but even the two trips during the break it was painful. It kept stopping and with it being 95 degrees it got a little uncomfortable in them. The trip back to the park took well over 30 minutes so that was more of a frustration as well. The Skyliner was not as great as I remembered in 2021. Hopefully it would get better.

Arrived back at the park and we went to France for the item I really wanted the most this trip. The Croque Glace or for us dumb Americans....Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich! I have been hear about this since the first trip with Michelle in 2021 and we never got one. The line was incredibly long and slow moving but the boys were super excited for this. This was a snack we were not sharing. No sharing ice cream! I was nervous it wouldn't be as good as I had heard but let me tell you....this does not disappoint. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! I got chocolate ice cream with raspberry sauce and wow was that good. A favorite flavor profile for me! Warm brioche roll pressed around the ice cream

. I honestly don't remember what the boys got but they loved it! We grabbed a seat by the fountains and dove in. A sticky mess considering it was crazy hot out but so worth it!

Highly recommend these snacks!

The plan for the afternoon/evening was finish up the few rides left and then grab food and head back to the room. HS tomorrow and I want too make sure we finish strong. Looking at the wait times I figured to go to SS Earth and work our way back. So we went and visited the Phoenicians. Classic ride and I seem to always get stuck on the decending section of the ride. It's quite funny since those ride vehicles are probably the least comfortable for me. Enjoyed this as always and the boys may have learned a little bit too. Nothing wrong with that! Mark this as an educational trip again!!!

Journey into Imagination was next and as much as I love the original, this one is a guilty pleasure. Not a favorite at all but a must do. The jumping water pads were only partially working but I had to check those out with the boys since that's traditional too.

The boys had a good.time getting a little wet and just being silly. It was fun!

On the way back to Mexico we stopped and grabbed the Sopa from the Mexico kiosk. Another decent item but not great. We rode the Gran Fiesta because this is another must do for me. It is weird but I do enjoy this silly ride. I have gotten a few handpainted souvenirs from the Plaza inside in the past. A favorite country for me! I have always wanted to eat at San Angel as well. Love the ambience at this restaurant! It's on my list.

As we walked around world showcase I had to stop at the China pavilion to show the boys the ceiling inside the building. The artistry is amazing!

Regal Eaglen was next and in the past I have had some very good items here. The burnt end fries were really good last trip but unfortunately they are not being offered. We all got food and we were slightly disappointed by the portion size and the quality was not great. I get better BBQ from Mission BBQ. It was a nice resting spot and easy to find tables but overall a little disappointed with this choice.

We went outside and it was getting close to the new fireworks show start time. All three of us were kind of done for the day and didn't care too watch another fireworks show. This one I wasn't at all excited to see anyway....I mean there is not a Stargate anymore

So I quick grabbed some chicken gumbo and we started to head to the International Gateway. The Gumbo was good but not great again so either I just didn't like the kiosk food this time around or it was just an off day at every kiosk. Disappointing and underwhelmed. Climbing back on the Skyliner we got to watch the show a little from the air but the trip back was smooth and no waiting at all so we got back to the room and got cleaned up before bed.

HS tomorrow and I have a different plan to hopefully make sure we get on everything and have a great last park day.

Overall it was our worst day by far and unfortunately the boys were not big fans of EPCOT. Favorite rides of the day were a tie between Soarin and Test Track. Favorite food was the Brioche Ice cream sandwich. Least favorite thing was not getting on Guardians.

Tomorrow will be a better day!

Next up...the Magic Strikes Back...or Return of the Magic....or the Magic Awakens...you pick the Star Wars reference

Thanks for tagging along!

skek2570 · Jun 5, 2024

Day 4....Return of the Magic....not sure if I like that title....

After the frustration of our EPCOT day that started from the first moment yesterday, we all woke up with a sense of purpose. It's our last day in the parks and the one with the most new stuff for the boys. Jonathan had only done Star Tours, Toy Story Mania and the shows. AJ had only done Toy Story Mania and shows. There was so much for them that is new.

My last trip with boys Toy Story land was a month from opening so we missed out on it. This time the only thing they were bummed about was Rockin Rollercoaster is down this trip but there is not to much we could do about that.

The plan changed for HS. No longer will we wait for Skyliner in the morning. We will grab a Lyft and make sure we are close to the front of the line.

The ride plan was ROTR and Smugglers Run and then possible Slinky or MMRR. I told the boys we would play it by ear depending on how the day starts.

After we got ready at 7 we jumped to get our LL for Slinky. We got one at 12:50. I was perfectly happy with that. Now to setup the lift. It's about 5 minutes away so we start heading to the lobby. It's 7:05. Our driver actually went to.the 80s building parking lot instead of the lobby so i had to direct her to the front of the property so we actually didn't get the ride for a couple minutes longer.

Back story.....my 2021 trip we decided to do the same thing with a lyft. This was pretty genie plus and still in full pandemic mode except the mask restrictions outside were lifted the day we arrived....talk about magical!! The problem we had was that the Lyft driver didn't know where to go and tried to go in through the main gates, which caused us to almost miss all the early entry. We were so far behind that it was a little less wonderful of a day.

This Lyft driver knew where to go and we were walking up to the gates as they were just letting the cars into the parking lot and the first Skyliner passengers were coming off. Up to the gates and wow were we close. The line we jumped in there were only 11 people in front of us. This is shaping up to.be a great start! Oh and the cost was $9....money well spent!!!!!

They let us all in at 8:00ish and we were heading straight to Batuu. I told the boys the way we were going and said to AJ you need to keep up and stay close...there will be lots of people going this way. Slight issue with the Magic band and off we go....around Echo Lake and as we are walking past Backlot Express I looked back. There was only one family close behind us. I'm guessing that we lucked out but was very surprised there wasntna crowd. As we keep fast walking to ROTR I thought...oh no is it down...will we get there and they will be closed up...or worse will we get in line and then be stuck as we wait??? which happened to us in 2021... but as we walk up to the queue entrance I see people going in but just a few. Walking through the queue I point out the rooms I have sat and waited in before...but we keep walking....all the way in the room with Rey and BB-8....wait a second...did we just have a walk on experience for ROTR!!!!!! Doors closed and the Rey projection starts....WOW! Great start! The ride went smooth except the Kylo Ren animatronic wasn't working so we got the projection but that's OK. Crazy thing is they started the ride before opening so we walked out and it was 8:27...early entry hasn't even started and we got the craziest ride done!!!! I even got a picture of Poe Dameron's X-wing...a first since usually you are quickly moving through that section of the ride!

Next up...Smuggler's run...we head over and get the greatest picture that all Star.Wars fans must have

We walk right up and jump into pre-show immediately. This is amazing. Our flight was super bumpy...the pilots thought the point was to hit everything....but we had fun!

Terrible score! Fun ride

We got off the ride at it is 8:45....what next...MMRR or Tower....small wait for either ride...13 minutes at tower...so we know it's a walk on. We cut back over to TOT to take advantage of the short wait. Another walk on!!!! No pre-show though...a little bummed about that. I do enjoy the pre-show. Both boys were very nervous for this ride. Jonathan refused until we saw the behind the scenes on how the ride works but he was still scared to death. The cast member that got us onto the elevator was in character and was nice and creepy! He was amazing! They nervously got strapped in and off we go into the twilight zone...love this ride soooo much! Can you tell if the boys did too???

They actually did! Once again Dad was right....super fun ride!

It's 9:10 and we knocked out 3 of the longest line rides already. This is shaping up to be an amazing day! Now what next....

Break time for me...come back soon for Part 2....The Magic Awakens...

cgersic · Jun 5, 2024

WOW!! Amazing start to the morning! Can't wait for more Magic!

skek2570 · Jun 5, 2024

cgersic said:
WOW!! Amazing start to the morning! Can't wait for more Magic!

Yeah it was amazing! Best start to the day I have had yet in all my trips.

skek2570 · Jun 6, 2024

Part 2...the Magic Awakens....

At this point I am pretty happy with how the morning has gone. Decision time... is it MMRR or Toy Story Mania time??? I know the Indiana Jones show will be starting up relatively soon and I want to get in for the first show of the day so we ended up picking MMRR. We had to wait a whole 10 minutes....so disappointed

. I really enjoy this ride. It's a silly ride but I think they did a good job with it. I don't even mind the song that much.

The first showing of Indiana Jones was about an hour away at this point so we started to head back to do Toy Story Mania...30 minute wait. I can do that. On the way we stop for a quick restroom break so I grabbed two Jack Jack Num Num cookies! I love these snacks and so does AJ. Jonathan was unimpressed so I told him to go home

. So sweet though!

Toy Story Mania was a shorter wait that posted which seems to be the normal anymore. I was the high scorer but I was disappointed with my first go on this ride on this trip.

This time I rode with AJ...next time I'll be solo so the boys can be together if we get a next time

Now does the walk out of this ride seem to take way longer than it should? Seems strange to me but I could be wrong.

Off to Indiana Jones....I love this show but I am still sad I missed the opportunity to be in the show. I always wanted that. I missed the joke with the plant in the audience that gets beat up. Always made me crack up. Still a fun show! We definitely enjoyed this one.

After the show we decided to grab lunch but first a quick run on Star Tours because why not....5 minute wait! Was hoping for the Mando screen but got the Andor scene and the whales from Ashoka for the final scene. I have always enjoyed this ride. Even from my first time when it first opened.

After our shuttle trip we ran to Backlot Express. We had an early dinner at SciFi so I figured that we would be hungry earlier if we ate an earlier lunch. I do like the food at this QS. I get the chicken teryaki bowl. Love it. I tried to convince the boys to go to Docking Bay 7 but no luck. A quick trip after lunch for the Muppets and then we knew we were pretty much done with all the must dos except Slinky which we headed straight to Toy Story Land for our LL.

I started stacking LL earlier so I was looking at all the rides and getting a LL for each if they are offered. We hadn't used one yet.

Slinky Dog was fun. Definitely not scary...unless your AJ....then he was scared

. That kid. Takes after his father with his bad sense of humor

.

All the rides done before break...I know we didn't do swirling saucers but I won't unless it's walk on. I love the fact we can come back after the break and hit up the rides we want. So fun! Totally feel accomplished that we hit them all! The Magic was most definitely back!

Next up---Sci fi silliness and Fantasmic frustration!

Thanks for sticking in with me

skek2570 · Jun 10, 2024

Part 3...

This break was kind of bittersweet. We knew it was the last one of the trip and our last day in the parks so it was starting to set in. Nobody wanted to think about it. We just wanted to focus on having a blast the rest of the day! So we did but the break didn't include any naps...I hope that doesn't screw us at the end of the day!

Heading back on the skyliner and there were zero issues. We get back to park a little later than I wanted but no big deal. We will be heading to Sci Fi for dinner. Now this will be the fourth time I have been to this restaurant. I have mixed reviews here. First time was ok except my daughter was fighting a fever so it was a literal miserable time. Second time and third times were great. Good burger and good service...this time I am hoping for more of the same.

We get there right on time and the seat us pretty quickly. We got a car so the boys sat in front of me. They loved the big screen and the silly B movie trailers. We loved a few of the servers actually saying the lines of the trailers before they are said on the screen...it was a riot. Our server was not good though. He didn't do a good job at all. He seemed overwhelmed. Might have been new. The food was good. Tasty and we had a really good time. It was between this and round up rodeo and we were very happy with our choice.

Back to rides....we started to use up the LL I had been compiling. We only had 1 1/2 till fantasmic do.i wanted to.make sure we git in as much as we could. So we hit up, Toy Story Mania, Smuggler's Run, Tower of Terror and Star Tours x2. What a great time! I think AJ was getting wiped out because he definitely didn't enjoy TOT as much this time But we did find the secret restaurant at TOT. TSM I had a much better score! We tried a third time with Star Tours ti see if we would get the Mandolorian scene but that didn't happen.

Spent a little time in Batuu. I have been wanting to get the boys the sodas that kind of look like thermal detonators for years but didn't want to give them empty bottles so I waited. So glad I did. We also got the outpost popcorn. Under rated snack! I enjoy the flavors and so did the boys.....we do love our popcorn.

Goofballs!

Fantasmic Time.....another back story

Fantasmic has been the one fireworks/end of day shows that I want to do every time. It's such a fun show and it was a mindblowing event my first time. Our first time with my daughter we had a bit of an accident with her diaper right at the end of the show. Not a great way to end that day. The other times pre pandemic were great! When it came back as a show in 2022, I was ecstatic! Might have even teared up a little...I won't tell though

Last trip we missed it because of thunderstorms so I definitely wanted to go this time and the boys needed to see it. It would be like the first time for them. So excited for it!!

The last round on Star Tours put us a little too close to showtime and we ended up getting seats all the way up at the top of the theater. Not great seats to see all of the show. For me...no big deal....for AJ..he's shorter so it was harder for him to see but we all got to see it pretty well. Nice people around let him stand on the bench so he could see. Great show but lost a bit of the excitement due to the seating. Still a favorite show!

Hardest part of each trip is to walk out of the last park at the end of the day. I think we all agreed that this was an incredible way to end the trip. So many rides accomplished! Such a fun and magical day! AJ was beyond wiped out after the show. Thankfully the trip back to the resort was quick since we snuck out right as the show ended and got to the skyliner quick. Everyone showered and got to bed. Tomorrow is Disney Springs and the flight home

Thanks again for following! One last day and one more post soon!

skek2570 · Jun 11, 2024

It's our last day in FL and our flight isn't until 4 so the tentative plan is to sleep in a little, head to Disney Springs and then to the MCO. One if the many benefits of flying Jetblue is we fly in and out of Terminal C which means no issues with the ridiculous TSA lines in Terminals A and B. We have TSA precheck as well so getting through the security is super easy. With that being the case we can push it a little and be a tiny bit later to the airport.

Once I wake up I check my phone and their is a message from Jetblue. Our flight has been delayed. Only a half hour but still a delay. So I know we will want to get our Lyft around 2:00 PM. That will give us plenty of time. I picked this flight so we would get back to Newark around 7:30 and have the boys home and in bed before 10 pm. Definitely need the extra sleep.befirenthey head back to school.and I head back to work the next day. A little delay is not a problem.

Flashback to September....there was an issue with the plane so we got to hang out in the airport for an additional 4 hours waiting for the part to arrive. Let's hope that is not the case this flight!!!

Priorities on our Disney Spring day
1. Gideon's- I hope everyone that is reading this has tried them by now. They are incredibly good cookies. I thought about trying out the Summer House cookie bar but that thought.lasted about a second. I have an order from Michelle and Ciera for the type of cookie they want.

2. Christmas Ornament- every trip I get one. I have been a little disappointed with the selection but last Sept they had some great ones.

3. Chicken Guy- my kids and I are huge fans of Guy Fieri and watched DDD (Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives) all the time when they were younger. They have been wanting to try this restaurant for awhile. Michelle and I do go there most trips.

4. World of Disney- Souvenirs for the boys, do I need to say more.

We get ready to check out of the room and drop our bags at guest services and it hits me. I just spent 5 days with my boys in my Happy Place and it's coming to an end. Not only did we have zero drama between them and me but we had such a great time...minus the EPCOT issues. Got a little teary. Love my boys and this trip was unbelievable.

More sappy stuff later....I didn't know they changed where they changed where you drop off your stuff with guest services but it does make sense to have two areas. So once we found where to drop off, we unloaded our bags and grabbed the bus to DS.

On arrival we headed to Gideon's first. I was hoping for the VQ to be up at this point so we could come back later to.get the cookies and it was about a 2 1/2 hour wait. The usual! Which is perfect because we should be leaving then and with the temps in the 90s the cookies would melt if we carried them around! Put in my name and off to shop.

I am not much of a shopper and the boys are even less so. I tried to fond the stores that they might like. Marvel, Star Wars, Coke and M&M all were on my thoughts for stores they might like. They did enjoy those stores.

Time for lunch though...we head to Chicken Guy and I am disappointed that they dropped a bunch of their sauces but we all get a bunch to try and and grab a seat. I got the hot tenders and they are actually hot...not Disney hot but real hot. Very tasty but a lot of pepper heat. The boys got the regular ones and didn't realize how huge they are so we were all pretty stuffed after that. Good lunch! And nice break since the heat was ridiculous already.

After lunch we head to the West side and hit up World of Disney and the Christmas shop. Found a nice ornament....now I have two for my tree

and the boys found shirts they liked and AJ got a Skyliner toy that he could put on his dresser, wanted something tht would.remind him of this trip. Skyliner was a big part of the trip. While we were in WOD I git the notification to come back to Gideon's. A couple more stops and we will head back.

I also got another notification from Jetblue. Flight is delayed again.

Got in line at Gideon's. It's long but it moves quick. FYI- once you are in the VQ you can wait a little bit to go to get in line. All you need is the text that it's your turn. They will honor it even if you are removed from the list (which they do at 30 minutes past your notification). We finally get inside and it's amazing as always. The smells and the cold. It's great! They boys are blown away by the Gothic look and crazy artwork. Creepy but wow don't they make a great cookie! We get the Girls order and one for each of us (maybe two for me)

.

After we leave my favorite place at DS it's a little after 2 and the boys are done with shopping. We are all ready to get in AC and relax before we head home. We head back to POP and while waiting for the time to go we grab a Mickey Ice Cream bar/sandwich because why not. My boys are typical boys and when it comes to ice cream bars they get messy. Mickey Bars are next level. I couldn't stop laughing at AJ....what a mess!

I setup my Lyft around 3:30. It says 7-10 minutes so I think we have a few minutes so the boys run to the restroom. Of course the guy shows up right after they leave. I am stuck with all the bags and waiting for those two goofballs. We hustle out once we get back and off we go to the airport. Didn't get the proper goodbye to POP and let the sadness set in because we're leaving since we were rushed. Bye POP...until next time!! Thanks for the amazing memories that will last a lifetime for all three of us! It's around 3:30 pm and the roads around Disney are a parking lot so the driver goes some alternative routes and we get to the airport a little after 4:15pm. In that drive our flight was now delayed to 6:30 PM. So we are super early but that's OK. The drive was the perfect time for AJ to nap. I think it took him 1 minute after we started moving. Out like a light! That is normal for him! It's been a busy week!

After getting to the airport we head to security, the line was super short and we are through TSA in under 5 minutes. Love it!!!!

Check my phone and now we are delayed to 7 PM. Getting frustrated now. We grab dinner at Chik Fila. Walk around some of the shops but mostly just bored and ready to head home. I guess the storms in the Midwest screwed up the flights. Nothing I can do but just frustrating that two trips in a row have the same issue. If we leave at 7, back in Newark by 9. Drive home and have them back by 10:30...still not horrible.

So we sit and wait....7 rolls past. The plane is there but we aren't leaving yet. I check the weather in NJ. Nothing bad weather wise. 7:30 passes...still no call to board. Finally the call stars at almost 8. We get on the plane and we are off to head home to arrive after 10.

I don't check bags for these trips so I knew we could get out of the airport to my car and heading home in about 20 minutes. As this day continues to prove...that's not going to be the case. The place I parked my car did pickups where they drop off for departures, not arrivals....that's weird...and once we found the bus the driver didn't even get out of his seat to help out putting our bags in...it's late and now I am mad and the guy was waiting for a tip too. Yeah not happening if you don't do anything. Finally on the road home. They both fall asleep and I get them to the house around 12:30. Not at all the way I wanted to end the trip but I gave them hugs and sent them off to bed. I won't see them again until Friday

. Always the hardest part of these trips. I love my kids so much and I struggle not seeing them everyday now. I am very involved in their lives and take them every weekend and a day during the week as well because that's what I want. They want it too. It's hard though and this was not the way I wanted our amazing trip to end. But I head home all teary eyed and get some sleep. 5:30 is only a couple hours away!

The end of the trip but I plan on doing a synopsis of my trip and what I learned throughout.

One last post on this trip. Maybe a few pictures that I missed too.

And yes I got choked up just writing about the last day.

skek2570 · Jun 11, 2024

Synopsis:

Our Adventure was pretty damn incredible. The 4 park days were pretty much all we needed to hit every ride that we wanted to. So here are some things I learned and changes for my next trip.

1. Planning is ridiculously important!
The initial planning that I did before I left was great. Watching the YouTubers, reading trip reports and reviews has given me a unbelievable amount of knowledge. It's totally worth thentime and effort. I am not a list maker but I did for this trip. Helped me pre pick food/kiosks at Flower and Garden as well as have all my vital info for the trip. Super helpful!

2. Don't get cocky!!!
I knew all the tricks for VQ and just expected it to work each time for me no matter what. It almost ruined a whole day for me. Just be ready for the strangest things to happen. Is one ride the end of the world...NO!

3. Breaks mid-day are a must.
It is just not worth it to push all day. I was much happier with rested kids and rested me. Plus the hottest part of the day is a great time to rest.

4. 4 days in the park may not be enough.
I may want to add a day or two onto my trips. A pool day in the middle of the week might be nice!

5. Crowd reports are worthless...for now
I tried to figure out which days are the best for each park. I don't think that they have any clue on these sites since the pandemic. I think what used to be the case is no longer the norm. There is really only one year of data as far as trends with crowds. I think theynwill need a few more years to figure out the new statistics.

6. The best food is not at Table Service
The kiosks and quick service restaurants have just as good of quality food. No need to break the bank at table service every day. With that being said, meal plans are worthless.

7. Rope dropping...yes please
If you get the times right and can stay at the front of the crowds you can knock out a bunch of rides early and the rest of the day is much more relaxed.

8.Skyliner for rope drop kind of sucks from POP or AOA. I Don't think I will do that again. I'd rather take a bus or Lyft. The rest of the day it is great.

For me this was an absolutely wonderful trip! I was concerned before I left that the boys wouldn't have as much fun as me. In the month since we were there, on average the boys bring it up atleast once a week. Having them be part of the planning really helped them be prepared. They are ready to go back today if I could financially do it. I definitely think I created atleast one Disney lifer...AJ is a little young but hopefully like his brother he continues to love it.

So after the trip I asked them with their favorites

Jonathan:
Rides
1. Expedition Everest
2. Rise of the Resistance
3. Tower of Terror

Food:
1. Liberty Tree
2. Gideons
3. Chicken Guy

Least Favorite Part of Trip
1. Missing Guardians
2. LEAVING!!!!

AJ
Rides
1.Smuggler's Run
2.Expedition Everest
3. Trop

Food
1. Liberty Tree
2. Chicken Guy

Least Favorite Part of the Trip
1.LEAVING!!!!!!

My favorite was getting to share my favorite place with my boys. A week away with no one but us to just have a blast, try new things and just grow closer together! My memory of this trip will be seeing their faces on throughout the week and the absolutely hilarious parts of the week. It's impossible to portray that through a trip report but this has to be in my top 2 all time trips.

Thank you for following along through my very wordy descriptions of the trip. I really enjoyed going through the memories and getting to relive the trip! Now it's forever documented!

Sorry for all the grammatical errors...doing it on my phone was difficult. I'd love input from anyone on how to make my next trip report even better! Thanks again!

Until the next report.....and I will be seeing you on yours!

Wicked Sisters · Jun 11, 2024

What a fabulous trip report you did. It’s been wonderful seeing you and your boys enjoying WDW together and you managed to get through so much every day. Hope it’s not too long before you can all get back there again.

skek2570 · Jun 11, 2024

Wicked Sisters said:
What a fabulous trip report you did. It’s been wonderful seeing you and your boys enjoying WDW together and you managed to get through so much every day. Hope it’s not too long before you can all get back there again.

Thank you so much! I am very glad you enjoyed the report! If Jonathan has his way we will be back next year. Thanks for following!!

cgersic · Jun 11, 2024

Oh man, what an ending, but I truly enjoyed your whole report! It's so special that you and your boys both want to spend this time together, and it looks like it was a trip full of wonderful core memories to last you until the next one. Thank you for taking the time to do this and I hope things work out well for all of you!

skek2570 · Jun 11, 2024

cgersic said:
Oh man, what an ending, but I truly enjoyed your whole report! It's so special that you and your boys both want to spend this time together, and it looks like it was a trip full of wonderful core memories to last you until the next one. Thank you for taking the time to do this and I hope things work out well for all of you!

Thank you so much for following! I am glad you enjoyed the trip report! It was such a fantastic trip that I will never forget and hopefully my boys don't forget as well. They both still love being around Dad so I feel.blessed that I can do trips like this with them. Thanks again!!!

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