Trip Report The (second) ONE with enhanced cleaning and (a little less) Physical Distancing. Sept 2020

How is everyone doing out there???

A little background on this trip. This trip was origionally booked as a Food and Wine/Birthday girls getaway with two of my friends. We booked The Poly at 7 months Thursday through Sunday. (One friend’s bday was Thurs, the other was Sunday! Sooooo perfect!!!)
Buuuuut, they are both teachers and were not allowed to go. (Read that again. Not Allowed)
I had the reservation and I wanted to go. My friend, R and I had a trip in April we had canceled. We had rescheduled for October to do a Halloween party (Nope!) and a DVC moonlight madness (Nope again). Then, she lost her job so she came back to work with me. Her Mom, Gpa and Uncle own the business.
“Hey R, want to go to Disney in September instead?”
“Yeah!”
“Should we add a night? I still have 18 points I can use.”
“Yeah”
“Do you think we can get the extra day off?”
She looks at me. I look at her.
I mean, her Mom makes the schedule.

She booked her flight, bought her park tickets, made her park reservations and we were set.

Tuesday night, September 15th I caught the sunset and headed to bed for an early start the next morning.

Wednesday, September 16 came early. R’s Gma was flying back to Ft Lauderdale an hour before our flight. So we all went together to help her out.

We were not sitting together because our flights were booked seperately. I asked to move us together but I asked on the late side and it was a no go. It was fine. We watched movies. I love Jet Blue TV’s!

Yay! The sign said 45 minute wait. The woman who checked us in pointed out the sign and said it “could” take 45 minutes.

Overheard on the ME: “Mom, I dont want to go to the Magic Kingdom!”
“Where do you want to go?”
“Legoland!!”
Haha
Lets check the weather...

Notice my phone is only at 44%

Back of the bus. Not a 45 minute wait but about 20.

Too far in the back of the bus to get THE SIGN. How about the side of the road? Almost as good???

For the record, we went to Wilderness Lodge, BLT, the Contemporary and then The Polynesian.

We finally made it and were ready to let the fun begin!!

 

[Darstarr]

Thursday, September 17 cont

The haunted Mansion got me thinking about my buddy True Value. I reached out to her to see if Sally was pounding Atlanta (grapefruit for you @Zipitidoda ).
@Tuvalu told me there was a lot of rain from Sally but they were ok. Then, she asked if it was raining in WDW. Then she said that was a rhetorical question because of course it was! After all, I was there. I assured her the weather was beautiful. No rain️ and no snow

Next stop were the Cars. I call it Autopia because I think that is the name in Disneyland but what is the WDW name?

There was a CM out front and a family walked up, showed him something then went through the FP line. A man standing in line asked what that was all about. This CM was explaining to him that it was a DAS pass, but this is the funny part. He kept pulling his mask away from his face to talk. It was funny to me because I see people do that around here all the time. Then when he said DAS he said, “I dont know, we arent allowed to ask”. So frank. So honest.
His mannerisms were cracking me up. He wasnt the typical by the book CM. When I got close to him I read on his name tag that he is from LI. Halfway between my house and R’s

Tron construction from the cars.

Next up was Space Mountain! Well next was technically the ladies room and a little shopping but that could be TMI.

We walked all the way to the turnstile where they send you right or left. Left for us.

Then, on the walk out...

Three different piles. Was it one person’s lunch in three spots? Or was it three different lunches? Like a chain reaction, when one person sees/smells vomit it causes them to vomit as well?

Perhaps a trashcan or two should be added to this walkway.

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

After looking for the ring at the HM for years!!!! I finally found the right answer on line about where to find it.

As you meander through the line, look for a trash can outside of the lines but close. Look in front of it on the ground, and there is the ring! I was told for a long time that it was on the way out of the ride by a trash can, but this was on the way in. sorry, can't remember exactly where, but it was on the right when you make a sharp left turn. Hope you find it.

 

[Darstarr]

Thursday, September 17 cont

When we got to the Space Mountain gift shop the heavens opened up. Curse you True Value! I’ll give you #shirleystatus!

We shopped. I didnt want to linger incase the puker was in there. Funny thing about covid, seems it’s not a threat when it’s raining.
We ponchoed up and made a run for CoP. On line was Maleficent. Not the Maleficent. But a woman dressed in the best costume! she could have worked there. It was here I remembered, Adults were allowed to dress in costumes. Because that is just as good as a Halloween party. Right? I encouraged R to get her pix with her. R loves characters. This was as close to a character as she was going to get. She felt funny so not photographic evidence.
We waited in the pouring rain. We had ponchos so we were not bothered by the water.

Two things, look at all those lightning strikes and 34%
It was still raining when we were done with CoP. Poncho up again and lets go see Buzz!

R’s gun did not work the first time through.

See on the right? Blank.
I said something and they had us stay in the ride vehicle instead of exiting. Seems like this short hallway area between exit and load would be a great place to install those blue light disinfecting things. Cars would be cleaned after every guest automatically!

Second time through I did it!

From zero to Galactic hero!

 

[Darstarr]

After looking for the ring at the HM for years!!!! I finally found the right answer on line about where to find it.

As you meander through the line, look for a trash can outside of the lines but close. Look in front of it on the ground, and there is the ring! I was told for a long time that it was on the way out of the ride by a trash can, but this was on the way in. sorry, can't remember exactly where, but it was on the right when you make a sharp left turn. Hope you find it.

One day I will. Hopefully. If I remember. Thanks for the tip. Now, if I could just get rid of these guys....

 

[Tuvalu]

“Bouncer at the door...”

I am so stealing this!

 

[Darstarr]

“Bouncer at the door...”

I am so stealing this!

 

[Darstarr]

Thursday, September 17 cont

We shopped. R was happy. My wallet, not so much

Oh my gosh! If my boys were here they would buy the entire inventory. Disney candy tastes better. Everyone knows that. It’s made in the same factory as the target candy but somehow it tastes better. But why were they doing this? Expiration dates???
Around the corner, could this be why? New packaging/branding?

I wasnt sure what to think of this. I am still not sure. I mean, I love a good sparkle, our shirts were sparkley, but is this too much?

And around the corner was the simplest sweatshirt in the place. I liked it.

The rain had stopped so we headed to Dumbo (via the ladies room).

The purple looks magical against the gray storm clouds.

 

[Darstarr]

Thursday, September 17 cont

And then it started to pour again. There was lightning and thunder and all outdoor attractions were closed. And once again, c19 was no longer a risk as people huddled under cover where ever they could. But we had ponchos.

The new halloween popcorn buckets @riverside !

R had to get a Mickey bar. Neither of us was especially hungry but...when in Disney you eat ice cream shaped like a mouse.
But man, prices went up!

We stood still, physically distanced and she ate. I overheard a mom, with 8-10 kids (not an exaggeration) ask a passing maintenance worker “where are the big coasters? Where should we go? What should we do?”
Lady! It’s 4:00! If you havent figured this out yet...

We went to see Ariel.

We had a little pocket of no rain.

What to do? Lets look for the elusive Steam Boat Hidden Mickey in the Little Mermaid queue. I had seen it before so I kinda knew what I was looking for. I knew it was at the exit so we headed that way. A CM was pointing it out to two ladies. Search over.

For those of you who have never seen it, you can google a better picture. Those dang ladies wouldnt move and I was trying to be respectful of their space.
Move it already!!!
Take your picture and move on!!!

The red are the two buttons of his shorts.
Purple is his hat.
Yellow is his nose.
I really should have been a foot or two more to my right, but those darn ladies. Never seen a rock hidden Mickey before I guess.

 

[Darstarr]

Thursday September 17 cont

We decided one more ride then shopping!!
I let R pick.
Back to Space Mountain. Omega side this time. R liked the second ride better than the first on Alpha. She said it seemed faster. No ride photo
Many many times photos did not show up. Had I paid for PP it would have gotten my panties in a bunch but I did an Elsa.

Now to main street and the Pandora store. R was under strict orders from her Uncle M (my bestie from Feb, 2019 TR) to get me a new charm.
But some parting photos...

We waited in a short line until a Pandora sales rep was available. Then the “bouncer” dropped the velvet rope and let us see the goods.

Believe it or not, this was not on sale. Lots of 2020 product was around the parks, but not this 2019 necklace.

Mary Poppins

I did get a charm. I do not seem to have a picture of it. The night before, at Epcot I had gotten the food and wine exclusive. Today I got the AP.

 

[fractal]

Thursday, September 17 cont

And then it started to pour again. There was lightning and thunder and all outdoor attractions were closed. And once again, c19 was no longer a risk as people huddled under cover where ever they could. But we had ponchos.
View attachment 504266
The new halloween popcorn buckets @riverside !
View attachment 504267
R had to get a Mickey bar. Neither of us was especially hungry but...when in Disney you eat ice cream shaped like a mouse.
But man, prices went up!
View attachment 504268

We stood still, physically distanced and she ate. I overheard a mom, with 8-10 kids (not an exaggeration) ask a passing maintenance worker “where are the big coasters? Where should we go? What should we do?”
Lady! It’s 4:00! If you havent figured this out yet...

We went to see Ariel.
View attachment 504269
View attachment 504270
View attachment 504271

We had a little pocket of no rain.
View attachment 504273
What to do? Lets look for the elusive Steam Boat Hidden Mickey in the Little Mermaid queue. I had seen it before so I kinda knew what I was looking for. I knew it was at the exit so we headed that way. A CM was pointing it out to two ladies. Search over.
View attachment 504272

For those of you who have never seen it, you can google a better picture. Those dang ladies wouldnt move and I was trying to be respectful of their space.
Move it already!!!
Take your picture and move on!!!
View attachment 504274
The red are the two buttons of his shorts.
Purple is his hat.
Yellow is his nose.
I really should have been a foot or two more to my right, but those darn ladies. Never seen a rock hidden Mickey before I guess.

Yeah, I'm not buying it. (hidden Mickey).

 

[MickeyCB]

Take your picture and move on!!!

The red are the two buttons of his shorts.
Purple is his hat.
Yellow is his nose.

I'm not seeing it.....
The hat looks more like Donald Duck with a wig on.

 

[DisneyGigi]

Thursday, September 17 cont

And then it started to pour again. There was lightning and thunder and all outdoor attractions were closed. And once again, c19 was no longer a risk as people huddled under cover where ever they could. But we had ponchos.
View attachment 504266
The new halloween popcorn buckets @riverside !
View attachment 504267
R had to get a Mickey bar. Neither of us was especially hungry but...when in Disney you eat ice cream shaped like a mouse.
But man, prices went up!
View attachment 504268

We stood still, physically distanced and she ate. I overheard a mom, with 8-10 kids (not an exaggeration) ask a passing maintenance worker “where are the big coasters? Where should we go? What should we do?”
Lady! It’s 4:00! If you havent figured this out yet...

We went to see Ariel.
View attachment 504269
View attachment 504270
View attachment 504271

We had a little pocket of no rain.
View attachment 504273
What to do? Lets look for the elusive Steam Boat Hidden Mickey in the Little Mermaid queue. I had seen it before so I kinda knew what I was looking for. I knew it was at the exit so we headed that way. A CM was pointing it out to two ladies. Search over.
View attachment 504272

For those of you who have never seen it, you can google a better picture. Those dang ladies wouldnt move and I was trying to be respectful of their space.
Move it already!!!
Take your picture and move on!!!
View attachment 504274
The red are the two buttons of his shorts.
Purple is his hat.
Yellow is his nose.
I really should have been a foot or two more to my right, but those darn ladies. Never seen a rock hidden Mickey before I guess.

I see Mrs. Potts.

 

[Darstarr]

Yeah, I'm not buying it. (hidden Mickey).

I'm not seeing it.....
The hat looks more like Donald Duck with a wig on.

I see Mrs. Potts.

HAHAHA
The non believers. Did you google it???

Does this help?
It’s a real thing. Sorry my picture sucked.

 

[Darstarr]

Thursday, September 17 cont

Let me back up a bit....

on our walk to Space Mountain, knowing it would be our last ride and that we would be heading back to the projects, I reached out, once again, to the wise and benevolent, True Value. Better known as @Tuvalu
I explained we were having a few issues with our room at the Poly and I was thinking of sending an email directly to the manager but there was no welcome letter with the manager’s email on it. Did she have the info? A)she had just stayed there and B)it’s right there in her name

I explained to her what was going on: the rudeness, shower issues, and that the kitchen faucet didnt work. She replied she also had trouble with the faucet but Woody to the rescue knew how to use it. Push up, she said. Oh, I was turning side to side. Ooops. I was laughing out loud. R asked why and I told her what morons we are.
True Value sent me an email she had, or could find, by then I felt like a complete jerk. I still thought about emailing the GM when I got home. Yes the room was subpar, but I could deal with that. The rudeness of the CM’s though really was a mood killer.
In the end I did not send the email. A few days after I got home they announced a prolonged closure of the Poly then the layoffs. The CM’s had to know something was up. They are human after all. Still, it was disappointing because...

 

[krisri18]

Love following along on your adventures! Saw this today and thought of you!

 

[Darstarr]

Love following along on your adventures! Saw this today and thought of you!
View attachment 504501

Thank you. Trunk up for good luck!!!

Except for this guy

 

[pocketlint]

Thank you. Trunk up for good luck!!!

Except for this guy

wow..ouch

 

[MickeyCB]

The non believers. Did you google it???

Now it looks like Smoky the Bear on steroids.
I can turn pretty much anything into a hidden Mickey, but sorry this is a stretch!
But, with that snark remark, I will of course be trying to find it in a few weeks!
I want to find the HM bride ring too.

 

[Darstarr]

Now it looks like Smoky the Bear on steroids.
I can turn pretty much anything into a hidden Mickey, but sorry this is a stretch!
But, with that snark remark, I will of course be trying to find it in a few weeks!
I want to find the HM bride ring too.

Snark?

And leave Smokey out if this. He has had a hard 2020 with all the fires. No one ever listens to him....or me, apparently.

 

[Zipadeelady]

Thursday September 17 cont


View attachment 504106
So good on this non snowy ( @fractal ) day!!

We found a shady little area. Haha. We sat in the Tiki room exit, on the wall, mask free and basked in the delicious pineapple raspberry creamy cold deliciousness. The plan was to wait for tiki to end, then we would go into the next show. In the past, they welcomed dole whips into the theatre. I assumed right now this is a no go, but I can not confirm as Tiki was full a few moments after getting on line.
Plan B, some Pirate action (have at it @Zipitidoda )
View attachment 504107

YUM!