Trip Report The Princesses Take On Disney!

We have returned from another magical, pixie dust filled trip to WDW! We accomplished A LOT considering the time of year we visited, including some new things!

If you didn't get a chance to read my PTR and would like to, you can find it here:
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/the-princesses-return.908683/

And now, without further ado...

Day 1: Travel Day, 6/7/16

Being that we don't live together, we finished packing at our respective houses and then met at my parents' (which is right in the middle) to put things in our big, shared suitcase. We struggle every year to be under the weight requirement lol. Our airline has a 40 pound limit or else you have to pay an additional fee, so we take carry ons (as big as permitted) and stuff them full as well. :rolleyes: Anyway, we got everything packed and weighed our suitcase to see where we stood... 48 pounds. Not even close. :hilarious: So we started unloading and putting things in our carry ons, deciding that some things could be left behind, etc. Finally we got it down to 39 pounds and were ready to go!

This was one of the things that had to stay behind. :( Everybody kept asking me who I would miss more: my boyfriend, Dylan, or Tink. The jury is still out on that one. ;)
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Ready to roll!
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We had a 7:00pm flight out of Latrobe, PA so got on the road at 3:00pm. It takes just under 2 hours to get there from home and the airport only has one gate, making security a breeze. We stopped near the airport and grabbed dinner at Denny's.

We arrived at the airport at 6pm and had checked our bag, gone through security, and used the restroom all by 6:15pm. Gotta love it! Our flight actually took off at 6:54, so just a few minutes ahead of schedule which was nice.

Peace out PA!

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I sat next to this lady on the plane that I will absolutely never forget. I don't even know how to begin to describe her! She was probably in her 60's or 70's and was an absolute diva - LOVE IT. She talked to us the entire flight and we pretty much learned her life story lol. She has a house here in PA and another in FL. She was flying down for the week to attend her granddaughter's preschool graduation. Like I said, we literally talked about everything, but once she found out we were heading to Disney she shared that she worked as a CM for her first job in 1971. She alternated between playing Dopey and working concessions (sometimes in the same day). She went to college and worked as a nurse for 30 years. It's hard to describe here, but she was HILARIOUS and we quoted her throughout our trip lol. Just to give you an idea.. At one point the lady in front of us turned around and said, "Could you talk quieter?" We were honestly not talking loudly, and certainly not as loudly as the man behind us. But she looks at us and goes, "I know enough to not cause trouble on a plane, but I've done my service to this country and I don't have to listen to her!" And then after getting off the plane, she saw the lady bending over getting something out of her bag and she goes, "I oughta go over there and kick her right in the ***." :hilarious: She was something else. Sorry, that was more wordy than I anticipated!

Anyway, we landed at 8:46, also ahead of schedule! The flight was a little bumpy due to the storm, but nothing major! We headed right for my favorite thing at MCO...

I GET SO EXCITED ABOUT MAGICAL EXPRESS. :D
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We boarded immediately and pulled out right away at 9:20pm.
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Magical Express selfie! The excitement is evident!
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We stopped at Coronado Springs first, and then our stop, All Star Sports! We arrived at 10pm.

Last year our pin numbers weren't setup properly and we had major issues at the end of the week sorting it all out. So the first thing we did this year upon arrival was head straight to the front desk to make sure they got setup the right way. We talked with Rachel who was an absolutely magical first CM to interact with. I made the comment that she should be working as a princess because she just had the energy and silliness for it. The CM's really do make all the difference!
 

DimpledDevil18

Well-Known Member
Just read through your entire trip report and I feel like I can comment on SO much, but I'll try to stick with the highlights that I can remember.

1. Doesn't every girl dream of being proposed to at Disney? That's always been my dream during Wishes in front of the castle... That is until my sister just got engaged there on our trip last week! She stole my engagement!!! Honestly though logistically the idea sounds better than it actually came across and not that it wasn't an incredibly sweet moment, but I don't know if the expectation really met reality. Anyway now I have to dream up another Disney proposal that doesn't totally steal away from her lol jk

2. I agree the Photopass photographers were kind of a mixed bag. We had some really good ones on our last trip and some that just snapped the most unflattering photographs.

3. I love that balloon idea! I may steal it the next time I find myself in Disney!

4. I almost bought the t shirt like your bag that says "Teacher of all things!" (I teach Pre-K but decided not to.)

5. Isn't Butter beer amazing? I was skeptical too until I tried it and now I understand what the hype is about!

Anyway I enjoyed your trip report and can't wait to hear more about your Universal trip!
 

MinnieM123

Premium Member
Universal looks like fun. I burst out laughing over your selfie with Donkey--that was hilarious!! :joyfull: (I also liked the photos of Scooby-do, one of my all-time favorite cartoon characters.)
 

blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Just read through your entire trip report and I feel like I can comment on SO much, but I'll try to stick with the highlights that I can remember.

1. Doesn't every girl dream of being proposed to at Disney? That's always been my dream during Wishes in front of the castle... That is until my sister just got engaged there on our trip last week! She stole my engagement!!! Honestly though logistically the idea sounds better than it actually came across and not that it wasn't an incredibly sweet moment, but I don't know if the expectation really met reality. Anyway now I have to dream up another Disney proposal that doesn't totally steal away from her lol jk

2. I agree the Photopass photographers were kind of a mixed bag. We had some really good ones on our last trip and some that just snapped the most unflattering photographs.

3. I love that balloon idea! I may steal it the next time I find myself in Disney!

4. I almost bought the t shirt like your bag that says "Teacher of all things!" (I teach Pre-K but decided not to.)

5. Isn't Butter beer amazing? I was skeptical too until I tried it and now I understand what the hype is about!

Anyway I enjoyed your trip report and can't wait to hear more about your Universal trip!

1. It's not really about all the hype for me.. It's about being in my favorite place in the entire world with my favorite person in the entire world. It just doesn't get any more perfect than that. And also having the opportunity to be away from home and able to just enjoy each other as a newly engaged couple for at least a few days before coming home and everyone wanting to hear all about it, see the ring, etc. It's definitely not for everyone, but it's certainly for me! :)

2. It's disappointing that there were so many "duds." Pictures are how you capture memories, and when you end up with crappy pictures.. It's just really upsetting!

3. Steal away! It's so much fun to see how excited the kids get when you hand it over. :)

4. I love my lanyard! It was a great conversation piece for my 4th graders at the beginning of the year. It started some conversations about what I love and where I've traveled.. And gave me the chance to ask them the same questions!

5. SO GOOD! Everybody needs to try it!

Thanks for reading. :)

Universal looks like fun. I burst out laughing over your selfie with Donkey--that was hilarious!! :joyfull: (I also liked the photos of Scooby-do, one of my all-time favorite cartoon characters.)

Lol! Donkey was so funny.. I love that picture! I was OBSESSED with Scooby when I was younger.. That was my bedroom theme for awhile. It was fun to finally meet him. :)
 

LisaBelle

Well-Known Member
Between my daughter's volleyball season and school starting I am super behind on my trip report reading. Loving your report so far.
I have a ton of comments!

It would have killed me to walk past the Magical Express and not get on board :cry:!

I love the princess sand castle Dylan built for you!

My sister got her picture taken with the same Hogwarts Express conductor when we were at IOA.

LOVE! How about you @LisaBelle !? I ended up getting a lanyard with this saying, too, for my school ID and keycard on our last night.[/QUOTE]
LOVE the "Teacher of All Things" bag. Wish I'd seen it when I was there. So cute. My fingers are crossed that you have your own class this year.

Porch of Indecision. Hilarious! Love the title of Dylan's song.

My daughter Allie loves Forest Gump. We ate at Bubba Gumps when we were in Gatlinburg for a volleyball tournament. She correctly answered all of the trivia questions. She was very proud of herself.

Frozen Butterbeer is so yummy! Love the Butterbeer/Hogwarts Castle picture. Very glad that you enjoyed your HP experience.

Loving your universal report!!! It looks like you're having a blast! I'm a new fan to Harry Potter, just read the books and watched the movies last year, so I'm glad you enjoyed it with just watching the movies recently too! For some odd reason I keep thinking the Harry Potter section will have employees outside testing my knowledge and know I'm a fraud! Lol
This is hilarious!!!!:hilarious::hilarious::hilarious::hilarious:
 

blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Between my daughter's volleyball season and school starting I am super behind on my trip report reading. Loving your report so far.
I have a ton of comments!

It would have killed me to walk past the Magical Express and not get on board :cry:!

I love the princess sand castle Dylan built for you!

My sister got her picture taken with the same Hogwarts Express conductor when we were at IOA.

LOVE! How about you @LisaBelle !? I ended up getting a lanyard with this saying, too, for my school ID and keycard on our last night.
LOVE the "Teacher of All Things" bag. Wish I'd seen it when I was there. So cute. My fingers are crossed that you have your own class this year.

Porch of Indecision. Hilarious! Love the title of Dylan's song.

My daughter Allie loves Forest Gump. We ate at Bubba Gumps when we were in Gatlinburg for a volleyball tournament. She correctly answered all of the trivia questions. She was very proud of herself.

Frozen Butterbeer is so yummy! Love the Butterbeer/Hogwarts Castle picture. Very glad that you enjoyed your HP experience.


This is hilarious!!!!:hilarious::hilarious::hilarious::hilarious:[/QUOTE]

I'm super behind too! Beginning of the year teacher probs! No full time position, but doing a long-term until November in 4th grade and LOVING it so far! The kids love my lanyard. ;) Hope your year is off to an awesome start!
 

LisaBelle

Well-Known Member
Glad you are enjoying your long term position in 4th grade. My year is off to a crazy start. 30 kindergarteners! I am fortunate to have an aide but I am exhausted! Most of my kids haven't been to preschool so it makes the beginning of the year extra tiring. Looking forward to reading the rest of your report
 

blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Glad you are enjoying your long term position in 4th grade. My year is off to a crazy start. 30 kindergarteners! I am fortunate to have an aide but I am exhausted! Most of my kids haven't been to preschool so it makes the beginning of the year extra tiring. Looking forward to reading the rest of your report

Goodness gracious you are a special kind of lady! 30!? I had 10 incoming kindergartners in summer school this year and was exhausted! I'll send a little pixie dust your way.. Hopefully there's some energy sprinkled in as well. ;)
 

DisneyJeff

Well-Known Member
In the Parks
No
LOVE the "Teacher of All Things" bag. Wish I'd seen it when I was there. So cute. My fingers are crossed that you have your own class this year.

My wife is a 5th grade teacher and picked up the "Teacher of All Things" lanyard as well.

Frozen Butterbeer is so yummy! Love the Butterbeer/Hogwarts Castle picture. Very glad that you enjoyed your HP experience.

I had the Frozen Butterbeer as well. I swear it gave me one of the worst "brain-freeze" headaches that I ever had. I think it was a combination of the cold drink and the hot sun. Even though it hurt so much, it was worth it. It was delicious!! :)
 

Trisha Lynn

Well-Known Member
Just finished both TRs and I loved all of it.

Rolls with Orange Blossom Honey Butter.. Also delicious. :D

I decided that I might want to do this character dining experience for my birthday next year (and I'm thinking of getting a cake delivered too), but I have to say that I may end up filling myself up with that bread and butter. Oh man, I love honey butter so much.

At some point during our meal, I asked if there was any truth to the rumor that we could send our photo mats "out back" to be autographed by Lady and The Tramp. Our waiter confirmed and soon came back with 4 adorable little puppy prints added to our mats.

This is an awesome tip and I may decide to make an ADR for this place just so I can get the same thing. (Then again, I'm only going to have five days.)

I love to buy a balloon to float in the room for the week, but of course can't take it home on the plane with me. Instead, I find a little one arriving for their magical trip and give it to him/her.

That's such an awesome tradition.

Though it doesn't seem like a huge hassle, lugging around a tablet and pen and constantly pulling them out to write things down IS annoying.

Good thing to know for when I take my trip next year.
 

blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
My friends and I are looking at park hopping between Universal and IOA for a day. What would be your must-dos at each park?

IOA: Hulk, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Harry Potter area
Universal: E.T., Rip Ride Rockit, Revenge of the Mummy, Harry Potter area, Horror Makeup Show

Thanks for the updates! Great Univ pics!

Thanks! :)

Just finished both TRs and I loved all of it.

I decided that I might want to do this character dining experience for my birthday next year (and I'm thinking of getting a cake delivered too), but I have to say that I may end up filling myself up with that bread and butter. Oh man, I love honey butter so much.

This is an awesome tip and I may decide to make an ADR for this place just so I can get the same thing. (Then again, I'm only going to have five days.)

That's such an awesome tradition.

Good thing to know for when I take my trip next year.

Thanks for reading! :) Garden Grill was amazing.. I can't say enough good things about it. I'm pretty sure I'll be eating there again on my next trip, even though I promised myself I'd try new restaurants. I can't stay away haha.
 

blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Well, I've totally neglected this TR.. I'll blame it on school. ;)

After ET, we made our way back to The Simpsons area because we hadn't gotten to experience the ride yet! This was the first time I'd ever ridden it, and we were seriously impressed! My dad wasn't a fan because he has some issues with motion sickness, but Dylan and I LOVED it! We had a 25 minute wait, and if I remember correctly, it had been posted at way less than that. Regardless of the wait time, it was worth it!
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This one was from earlier in the day. :)
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My nephew had had his eyes on these doughnuts since the day before, so my brother decided to get him one. He ate the entire thing by the next day lol! We helped him a little bit, but we honestly didn't eat much.
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Next up was Men In Black.. This is basically just a Buzz/TSMM type ride, except not as good. It's definitely not a ride that I'd want to wait in line for. I'm pretty sure we pretty much walked right on.
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To end our day, we headed back to the Harry Potter section to ride Escape from Gringotts. I really wish we had taken the time to go back and ride it at least one more time, because it was AWESOME! This is a definite must do! I'll just include some pictures.. Not a whole lot to say about them. :)
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blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
And some more Harry Potter shots. :)
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You can see how crowded it was, even late at night.
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I can't decide if the dragon is more impressive in daylight or moonlight. :joyfull:
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Unfortunately, we left our phones with my dad as we weren't sure if we could take them on the ride or not. We would have been fine, so we were disappointed that we'd left them and couldn't take any pictures of the queue (it was awesome!) The wait was posted at 20 minutes, but we waited WAY longer than that. It seemed to be a trend with posted wait times not being accurate.

This is about as close to Disney theming as you're going to get at Uni/IOA. It really is immersive and extremely well done, whether you're a HP fan or not.

After Gringotts, it was about 10pm so we decided to head out for the night. Two full park days had kicked our butts!

12.08 miles
25,582 steps
 

blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 5, 8/2/16

Today was a rest day and we didn't do a whole lot, so I'll only include a few pictures of the "highlights" of our day. :)

We slept in and got caught up on sleep from two jam packed park days. After everybody got up and around, we hopped in the car and drove to Mount Dora to do a little exploring. It was about a 30 minute drive from my parents' house. It's a quaint little town with unique shops and was very cute! We didn't go into any shops though.. We just walked around on the trails and looked for wildlife.

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It was really pretty and a nice change of pace from the parks, however it was HOT. We probably would have spent a little more time here if the weather had been a little more bearable.

After we returned to the house, we all swam for awhile and got cooled off. Here's a Snapchat video of Dylan for your enjoyment. :rolleyes::hilarious:


After we finished swimming, we all got cleaned up and went to The Villages. If there's ever been a place I want to live (other than Disney) when I retire, it's this place. :hilarious: These people know how to party! We laughed so much the entire time we were there. It was so much fun to just people watch!
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We stayed here for a few hours and then ate at a Mexican restaurant right down the street. It was fine.. Nothing to write home about.

We headed back to the house after this and got right to bed. Our last park day is coming up!
 

blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 6, 8/3/16

We were up and headed back to Uni/IOA for a little bit of park hopping to hit things we'd missed and wanted to do again! Dylan and I decided to go off on our own for a little while today, and it was nice to just be together for the first time of the trip. :)

Our first stop? Diagon Alley of course! I'm just going to post a bunch of the pictures that I took while we walked around. :)
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blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 6 cont., 8/3/16

More pictures from Diagon Alley. :)
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I love the little details! Just a reminder to always look up! :)
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This part was really neat, but it was SO hard to see! Lol
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I loved the displays in this store. Again with the details.. Very Disney-esque. ;)
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Dylan probably thought I was nuts with all of my random picture taking.. Just wait until he sees me at Disney. ;):rolleyes:
 

blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 6 cont., 8/3/16

A few more Diagon Alley pictures and then we're moving on. ;)
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Do they sell a potion that cures the Disney blues?
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We decided to grab some butter beer and just hangout for a little while. We waited in line for a few minutes until it was our turn. I walked up to the register (assuming Dylan was behind me) and ordered two glasses. I turn to say something to Dylan and realize that he's at the other register, ordering his own butter beer. We both started laughing as the cashier hands me two glasses. We exited the shop laughing, hands full of butter beer. :hilarious: Not a bad problem to have I suppose! We ended up giving one to my brother when we met back up with them because it was too sweet for us to finish all 3!
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We found a spot on the steps and enjoyed our beverages and shared a chocolate frog! When I bought the frog, the cashier accidentally dropped it and without missing a beat said, "They only have one good jump in em'!" Nice save. ;) He got me a different frog and finished ringing me up.
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We headed out of Diagon Alley and went to meet up with the rest of my family.
 

blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 6 cont., 8/3/16

We met up with the rest of my family and grabbed seats for the Animal Actors on Location show. I remember this show fondly from my childhood, even though it's changed quite a bit since then!

The animals ran out and picked up all of the toys and garbage scattered across the stage. I need to teach Tink to do this. ;)
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Oakley from Beethoven!
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What a doll :inlove:
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Sundance from The Proposal
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Frank from Men In Black
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Lol :hilarious:
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And Lola from Hotel for Dogs!
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This is such a cute show and I'm glad we got the chance to see it again. :) Dylan and I split off from the rest of the group for a little while longer after the show ended to check out another show that I love!
 

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