Trip Report The Never-Ending Summer Of Disney *COMPLETED*

Seriously?!!

Can you believe it??

This is jaw-dropping news!!

If only.

Two things in life give me the blues ~ the end of summer and the end of a Disney vacation. A never-ending summer of Disney would be a dream come true! But I am certainly happy to “settle” for a WDW vacay in June....in July....and in August. And rather than write three separate trip reports (and annoy @amjt660 when my *COMPLETED* report really isn’t ) I decided to take @Rista1313 ’s suggestion and post an ongoing travelogue, à la @blgauger style.

So let’s get started!

Vacation #1
June 16-24, 2018
Tuvalu, Woody and Em get pampered at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Was there rain? Any snarky Cast Members? Ridiculous guest behavior? A Magic meet-up? How many times did we watch Happily Ever After?

You’ll have to follow along to find out.

 

[fractal]

Saturday, con’t

Satisfied by our light supper, we headed out to the Magic Kingdom. The rain had stopped....yay!....which was very important for our plans later. The cloud cover and slight breeze made the evening very pleasant.

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This IS paradise!

Love the photo of you and Woody!

 

[wdisney9000]

And sure enough, the guy with all their bags bypassed everyone in front of him saying “Excuse me, late for breakfast.” He must have gotten through because there was no sign of him or his family when Em and I reached the table.

Last trip, we entered thru International Gateway and after we had waited in a long line then had our bags checked and got to scan our bands, mine had an issue which the CM instructed me to return to the ticket window (back outside before bag check/metal detector). After I got my.band straightened out at the window the line was now longer and I asked the CM (who had basically stood right there and saw me the entire time at the ticket window) if I could scan my band without having to go back thru the line and she would not allow it. C had to wait while I got back in line just go thru metal detector. No big deal, it happens, but people like you saw who just feel entitled to walk to the front and then get allowed in will only do it again and most likely try it in other areas as well. If a security guard let them through, that's sad.

 

[Rista1313]

Last trip, we entered thru International Gateway and after we had waited in a long line then had our bags checked and got to scan our bands, mine had an issue which the CM instructed me to return to the ticket window (back outside before bag check/metal detector). After I got my.band straightened out at the window the line was now longer and I asked the CM (who had basically stood right there and saw me the entire time at the ticket window) if I could scan my band without having to go back thru the line and she would not allow it. C had to wait while I got back in line just go thru metal detector. No big deal, it happens, but people like you saw who just feel entitled to walk to the front and then get allowed in will only do it again and most likely try it in other areas as well. If a security guard let them through, that's sad.

Do they only pick some people to walk thru the metal detector? I was never instructed to do so the entire time... so I didn't.

 

[93boomer]

At 8:45 we made our way to the Plaza Garden for the 9:15 pm show. Many families had already claimed spots on the grass (turf?) and were comfortably seated. After almost 8 hours in the car earlier today we were quite happy to stand in back.

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There was lots of breathing room in the garden; lots of personal space. As we waited Em noticed a Photopass photog in the back corner. It was actually the same photographer who had taken our pic on Main Street when we arrived. (I’d say “small world”......but you get the gist!) Em motioned for me to join her.

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When I returned to our viewing spot I sent Woody over to Em.
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Just a few minutes later HEA started....
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....and I got goosebumps!

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We watched in stunned silence. Okay, okay.....Woody and Em watched in stunned silence. Yours truly was loudly singing along (yes I know all the words....don’t judge ) through Weepy Wanda tears. The show was BREATHTAKING (and not in a Seinfeld way, @amjt660 ).

We got an up-close sighting of TINK!
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And I love how Em captured a “hidden Tink” in this picture.
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I am SO GRATEFUL to Em for taking a few pictures. She didn’t want to take any....she just wanted to be in the moment....but she caved to my pleading. Thanks @TrolleyFollower91 .

Woody said it was the best Father’s Day present ever. He is still talking about it. Em and I both were a Hot Mess at the finale.

We could have remained in the viewing area for the Once Upon A Time projection show (which we’ve also never seen, @krause ) but we had one more important thing to take care of......and a limited time to do it.

Awww!! Nice!!

 

[Spash007]

We watched in stunned silence. Okay, okay.....Woody and Em watched in stunned silence. Yours truly was loudly singing along (yes I know all the words....don’t judge ) through Weepy Wanda tears. .

Our 3.5 y/o daughter knows all of the words to HEA (probably doesn't hurt I listed to it almost every time I'm in the car) and she randomly breaks into song (eating breakfast, playing, in the grocery store, etc). The best part though is when she sings "we all have the courage to fly", she then screams "TINKERBELL" before non-nonchalantly continuing on.

 

[DisneyJeff]

Do they only pick some people to walk thru the metal detector? I was never instructed to do so the entire time... so I didn't.

I think everyone walks through the metal detector at the International Gateway entrance. At the front entrance, it's "random".

 

[Yelloweaver]

I just booked the dessert party based on this review and the fact that Ooey Gooey toffee cake is on the menu.

 

[eb3257]

I love your trip reports!!! Thanks for the review of the dessert party- this gives me a better idea of what is offered and whether or not to splurge on it in the future. What a great present!

I want to stay at the Wilderness Lodge someday!!

On a side note, are your sandals Tevas? Are they comfortable enough to wear all day?

 

[Tuvalu]

That’s hilarious! If anything , they should be tagged as “chicken eggs”, as even an ostrich or quail egg would still come from a hen! Last I checked, roosters weren’t laying eggs! Lol!

"Hen eggs" are apparently a trendy term in the restaurant world. I wonder how many people would even notice if the sign had said "Rooster eggs"!

I’m late! Sorry - I haven’t been on here much lately but I was met with a BTMRR photo - number 9 which made me happy! Do you actually take the number out with you in the morning or are you carrying paper and pens with you? I feel a fair few more coming and still 128 days until I get home to ride again so I’ll live through your photos knowing others are having fun while I can’t

I go to the MK prepared with the number.

OMG!
Thanks for all the photos of my beloved WL!
I would have wanted to ask about the fire as well! Glad it wasn’t anything serious!
Love your Orange Bird shirt and the matching pedicures!

Thanks, Lisa. I hope you have time to visit your beloved WL on your upcoming vacation!

For me, unlimited beer on tap is almost as dangerous as unlimited soft-serve on tap.

Our 3.5 y/o daughter knows all of the words to HEA (probably doesn't hurt I listed to it almost every time I'm in the car) and she randomly breaks into song (eating breakfast, playing, in the grocery store, etc). The best part though is when she sings "we all have the courage to fly", she then screams "TINKERBELL" before non-nonchalantly continuing on.

That's adorable. I always say "There she goes!" on the last "fly".

I just booked the dessert party based on this review and the fact that Ooey Gooey toffee cake is on the menu.

I don't think you'll regret booking the party!

 

[Tuvalu]

I feel the need to comment that I always appreciate that you always wear such practical footwear I feel it should be rule #2 (after having a proper plan, of course) for having an enjoyable Disney day!

I am a practical gal. My feet need to be comfy with all the Disney walking! Couldn't care less if my shoes aren't fashionable. I know I'll be happier at the end of the day than someone in heels, wedges or cheap flip flops.

And on that note....

Are your sandals Tevas? Are they comfortable enough to wear all day?

They are and YES!!

I am right there with you. I usually get up around 5 or 6 am at home (earlier if I have a puppy in for potty training) and I am usually up at 6 am when we are in WDW. That cup of coffee on the balcony overlooking the resort is always a great way to start the day. And plus I get a few bonus points if I bring a few morning pastries back and have coffee ready for C before she gets up.

You are a good hubby.

Last trip, we entered thru International Gateway and after we had waited in a long line then had our bags checked and got to scan our bands, mine had an issue which the CM instructed me to return to the ticket window (back outside before bag check/metal detector). After I got my.band straightened out at the window the line was now longer and I asked the CM (who had basically stood right there and saw me the entire time at the ticket window) if I could scan my band without having to go back thru the line and she would not allow it. C had to wait while I got back in line just go thru metal detector. No big deal, it happens, but people like you saw who just feel entitled to walk to the front and then get allowed in will only do it again and most likely try it in other areas as well. If a security guard let them through, that's sad.

I'm sure the security guard didn't feel like dealing with it. It was very unfair to all of those the guest cut off.

 

[LeighM]

Epcot is the park I have the most problems with, which is irritating because I love the park. We always have an issue with the Epcot early morning bus taking forever - like 45 minute waits. At first I thought it was just a POR thing - but nope, it happened to us at CSR too. Epcot is the only park that doesn't recognize my MagicBand. No other park will have troubles but there I always have to have picture taken and a CM with a tablet come over and reset the darn thing. Each time. Every time. And I agree the bag check can be slower there. Plus, it's the only place I'm always called out to have to go through the metal detector.

 

[Tuvalu]

Epcot is the park I have the most problems with, which is irritating because I love the park. We always have an issue with the Epcot early morning bus taking forever - like 45 minute waits. At first I thought it was just a POR thing - but nope, it happened to us at CSR too. Epcot is the only park that doesn't recognize my MagicBand. No other park will have troubles but there I always have to have picture taken and a CM with a tablet come over and reset the darn thing. Each time. Every time. And I agree the bag check can be slower there. Plus, it's the only place I'm always called out to have to go through the metal detector.

 

[Tuvalu]

Sunday, con’t

After Soarin’ over the world it was time for our second fastpass. 60 days ago I’d selected Meet Mickey and Pals at the Character Spot. A few weeks ago the Character Spot was moved from Tier 2 to Tier 1 (not sure why?) and I felt really special having two Tier 1 fastpasses simultaneously.

But neither Em nor I was feeling a character meet and greet. Woody’s favorite Epcot attraction is Living WIth the Land, so we ditched our pals in favor of LWTL fastpasses.

As I scanned my band it was inevitable that “Your Anniversary” appeared below my name on the screen. For some reason it is always my anniversary at the LWTL FP touchpoint. Oddly enough Woody doesn’t have that issue....I must be a polygamist.

I noticed reserved tables to the right of the queue.

(Shirley likes to think of herself as a VIP but has never done a tour. )

We boarded our boat and passed the rainforest, desert and farmland scenes. The dog on the porch of everyone’s favorite farmhouse was barking loudly but his mouth was not moving. Oops!

We entered the greenhouses.

I just love this trellis.

Does Woody look happy not having to meet character pals?

I am tickled by Newbies. The lady in the row in front of us was obviously a LWTL neophyte. She was very excitedly pointing out various plants to her companions. She was so animated and giddy that I had to take her picture.

Suddenly she shrieked, “Where are the bugs here? How come there aren’t any bugs?”

Had she been paying attention to the film clips as our boat passed through the barn, she would know.
“Here at Epcot we use natural predators like ladybugs and wasps to control pests.”

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

LWTL is always a fun ride and I love looking for the hidden Mickey's around the plants!

 

[Tuvalu]

We had some time before FP #3 so we decided to browse Mouse Gear and pick up a very important item.

Actually we each got one. The AP magnets are cute, but my favorite AP gift was the Mickey-etched glasses from 2016’s Food & Wine Festival. We have three.

Magnet-free monorail shot

How I miss the Daisy topiary that was here last month!

The planter looks so plain without it.

We stood in this area for a few minutes and I noticed something.

See it?

How about now?

A gondola pole over Germany. I suppose it’s better than the giant cranes currently interfering with other Epcot sightlines. < Sigh >

You can see our next destination in the background.

 

[Tuvalu]

It was one of those times when a FP came in handy as the standby wait was 30 minutes.

Em was hanging on for dear life!

(Or maybe she just wanted to show off her millennial pink MagicBand? )

Next we headed for World Showcase. That’s when the absence of the thousands of colorful blooming flowers (and floating planters) that were in place for F&G Festival was really noticeable. I detoured down to Canada ~ because that country always has pretty flowers ~ and was happy to see the Maple Leaf from F&G still in place.

 

[Tuvalu]

There was no reason to stop in the U.K. since the Hard Cider kiosk was gone. Woody and I followed Em as she led us out the International Gateway.

A surrey bike ride (in 90 degree heat) probably sounded like a good idea at the time.....

And we’re getting close.....

Here!

Woody’s request for his Father’s Day lunch.

#WoodyStatus

(I spy a Mickey hand!)

 

[Tuvalu]

Woody decided on the Chicken Bacon Ranch with Sautéed Onions and Cheese

Em ordered a Patty Melt

And I had a Grilled Chicken with Cheddar Cheese

We all enjoyed our sandwiches and the thick-cut fries were a crispy treat!

When I finished I got up to check out the jukebox.

Pushed California Girls. Had to!

Nobody ordered the famous Kitchen Sink when we were there. It didn’t stop us from uttering, “A whole can!” or from ordering our own sundaes.

Woody and Em shared the No Way Jose. The drippy marshmallow delicacy is MINE.

But if you like peanut butter and chocolate, the No Way Jose is for you.

Woody said that lunch at Beaches and Cream was his favorite meal of our vacation.

 

[MinnieM123]

A surrey bike ride (in 90 degree heat) probably sounded like a good idea at the time.....

...

A few years ago, I recall watching a family of 4 in one of those surrey bikes (over in the Boardwalk area), and they were all laughing and having a blast. The difference between your photo and the people I saw, was that they were riding on it at night--when it was much cooler after the sun went down.

I can just see you, Em, and Woody driving around in one of those things -- creating havoc on the Boardwalk!

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

Beaches and Cream is the BEST!!!! I order the No Way Jose every time we are lucky enough to have a reservation there!!! Glad Woody's dining request was able to be fulfilled!