Trip Report The Story Comes ALIVE! *COMPLETED*

Hello again, my friends.

For nearly a decade it has been such a joy for me to write about 50 (yes, 50!) different trips that I have taken to WDW - including one that was virtual.

The reason? You, the reader.

I don’t do trip reports for my own documentation. I have journals for that. I write because I love interacting with y’all. Your encouragement, humor, curiosity and even snark (*ahem* @amjt660) assure me that I am not alone in my crazy affection for Disney parks. A big thanks to each of you!

I am very fortunate to be a frequent visitor to WDW (despite what @Mr Ferret 88 believes, I do not live there!) and am entering a season of monthly visits. Trip reporting is time consuming (as those of you who’ve written can attest) but I’m not ready to completely give it up - yet.

What I’d like to do is keep this as an ongoing TR for the rest of 2023. It will be highlights and moments, with live posting as the goal. My story coming alive, so to speak.

First up is spring break with my favorite girl.

Followed closely by a getaway with my favorite guy.

There will be Magician meets. New experiences. And (as always) the unexpected.

I hope you’ll join the fun!

 

[Pirate Magic]

I always look forward to all your trip reports!!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Spring Break/Easter Week: Final Thoughts

Before Em and I departed for WDW I declared, “It’s gonna be FUNTASTIC.”

You know what? It was! Em and I were pleasantly surprised at what a great time we had during one of the busiest weeks of the year. I’m not sure if I shared her sage advice:

And in those moments when she sensed my frustration getting the better of me, she’d do this:

It always made me smile and broke the tension!

To be clear, lowering our expectations meant being realistic about what we could accomplish during a high-crowd period. Allowing extra time to get to/from the parks and from Point A to Point B once in the parks. Not being in a hurry. Not being surprised to find long lines for security screening, park entry, transporation - even lines in the restrooms. Things like that.

We prioritized what was most important. Happily Ever After was #1. A night ride on TRON was also at the top of our list, and that required shelling out money for an Individual Lightning Lane. While we have no regrets (especially since there was no guarantee we’d get in the virtual queue the next day), I will say that the difference between riding TRON in the dark and in daylight is negligible. The time spent on the outdoor portion of the coaster is very quick. I would not pay extra for a nighttime ride again.

Lounging by the pool was crucial for Em and she was able to do so three times. However she (and I) really missed having access to a quiet pool. Lack of chairs, pool games and shrieking children at POFQ’s only pool hindered her true relaxation.

Bus transportation was fantastic - no long delays. Buses even arrived earlier than their predicted times.

No rain during the entire week was perfect for us (though not so good for the drought in central FL).

Food Courts not opening until 7 a.m. meant we had to eat previously acquired food for breakfast in our room each day.

Steakhouse 71 lunch was another win and we’ll continue to pass on dinner there.

Olivia’s was a nice surprise!

Em said her only disappointment was not being able to spend more time at the Flower and Garden Festival. But the heat and swarms of people everywhere made for an unpleasant experience.

Will we return this week next year?

 

[RememberWhen]

Spring Break/Easter Week: Final Thoughts

Before Em and I departed for WDW I declared, “It’s gonna be FUNTASTIC.”

You know what? It was! Em and I were pleasantly surprised at what a great time we had during one of the busiest weeks of the year. I’m not sure if I shared her sage advice:

And in those moments when she sensed my frustration getting the better of me, she’d do this:

It always made me smile and broke the tension!

To be clear, lowering our expectations meant being realistic about what we could accomplish during a high-crowd period. Allowing extra time to get to/from the parks and from Point A to Point B once in the parks. Not being in a hurry. Not being surprised to find long lines for security screening, park entry, transporation - even lines in the restrooms. Things like that.

We prioritized what was most important. Happily Ever After was #1. A night ride on TRON was also at the top of our list, and that required shelling out money for an Individual Lightning Lane. While we have no regrets (especially since there was no guarantee we’d get in the virtual queue the next day), I will say that the difference between riding TRON in the dark and in daylight is negligible. The time spent on the outdoor portion of the coaster is very quick. I would not pay extra for a nighttime ride again.

Lounging by the pool was crucial for Em and she was able to do so three times. However she (and I) really missed having access to a quiet pool. Lack of chairs, pool games and shrieking children at POFQ’s only pool hindered her true relaxation.

Bus transportation was fantastic - no long delays. Buses even arrived earlier than their predicted times.

No rain during the entire week was perfect for us (though not so good for the drought in central FL).

Food Courts not opening until 7 a.m. meant we had to eat previously acquired food for breakfast in our room each day.

Steakhouse 71 lunch was another win and we’ll continue to pass on dinner there.

Olivia’s was a nice surprise!

Em said her only disappointment was not being able to spend more time at the Flower and Garden Festival. But the heat and swarms of people everywhere made for an unpleasant experience.

Will we return this week next year?

Signs point to yes! (I’m always hoping you’ll be there so we can read your awesome reports! My next trip isn’t planned until maybe December 2024! )

 

[wdisney9000]

And our ride photo never showed up.

I'm sure you know this but just in case you didnt-

A photo pass CM told me that for the non tap on-ride photos, such as SDD, HM, POTC, FEA, if it doesn't transmit the photo, it's usually due to your magic bands battery being low and you can buy a new puck for the band.

Or charge the band if it's the newer model.

 

[Darstarr]

I'm sure you know this but just in case you didnt-

A photo pass CM told me that for the non tap on-ride photos, such as SDD, HM, POTC, FEA, if it doesn't transmit the photo, it's usually due to your magic bands battery being low and you can buy a new puck for the band.

Or charge the band if it's the newer model.

And if you forgot your magic band at home you can …..

 

[Tuvalu]

I'm sure you know this but just in case you didnt-

A photo pass CM told me that for the non tap on-ride photos, such as SDD, HM, POTC, FEA, if it doesn't transmit the photo, it's usually due to your magic bands battery being low and you can buy a new puck for the band.

Or charge the band if it's the newer model.

My current MB is less than a year old. I refuse to purchase a new one just for the (typically dorky) ride photos!

And if you forgot your magic band at home you can …..

Turning on Bluetooth in the app is supposed to work for securing ride photos. Mine is, but I also use my newest MB as back-up. So I can’t really confirm if Bluetooth works…..

 

[Tuvalu]

 

[Darstarr]

Turning on Bluetooth in the app is supposed to work for securing ride photos. Mine is, but I also use my newest MB as back-up. So I can’t really confirm if Bluetooth works…..

I can confirm it did not. For me anyway.

 

[gwhb75]

Even after dozens of WDW vacations we still find new things to do.

Tonight we dined at Old Key West.

View attachment 708264

I’ve heard rave reviews from other Magicians about Olivia’s and this charming restaurant did not disappoint!

View attachment 708265

The walls are decorated with framed photos of DVC families who call Old Key West “home”. Those from the 90s are a real hoot!

We began with drinks. Piña Colada for me and a Turtle Krawle for Em.

View attachment 708267

What’s in a Turtle Krawle?

According to Em, “rum, more rum, and a variety of tropical juices!”

The pineapple coconut bread was delicious. We ate more of it than we should have.

View attachment 708266

Both of us had the buttermilk fried chicken (have you had this, @k8einwdw? Dare I say better than you know where!) The chicken arrived piping hot and the country gravy was YUM. Veggies were very tasty.

The biscuit was warm, tender and flaky - a perfect biscuit by southern standards. Regretfully neither of us could finish ours thanks to overeating the bread service!

View attachment 708268

Number us now with Olivia’s fans!

After our meal we browsed the gift shop and strolled the resort grounds. We can see why folks like it here.

Near the Community Hall Em noticed this.

View attachment 708269

“It’s 2002!” she proclaimed.

Old Key West is great. We've stayed there a few times (after vowing when we first joined DVC that we'd never stay there because we thought it was too big. Once we got past the "park commando" phase of our trips and started enjoying the resorts more, OKW became a favorite).

 

[Tuvalu]

Two pics I found that I forgot to include.

The PPP excitedly told us in advance: “There’s a new Magic Shot for spring and today’s the first day! Do you want it?”

I’m thinking we should have said no to blowing flowers.

A gift for either….
1. Vincent van Gogh
2. Dopey lovers

 

[wdwfamilynh]

Spring Break/Easter Week: Final Thoughts

Before Em and I departed for WDW I declared, “It’s gonna be FUNTASTIC.”

You know what? It was! Em and I were pleasantly surprised at what a great time we had during one of the busiest weeks of the year. I’m not sure if I shared her sage advice:

And in those moments when she sensed my frustration getting the better of me, she’d do this:

It always made me smile and broke the tension!

To be clear, lowering our expectations meant being realistic about what we could accomplish during a high-crowd period. Allowing extra time to get to/from the parks and from Point A to Point B once in the parks. Not being in a hurry. Not being surprised to find long lines for security screening, park entry, transporation - even lines in the restrooms. Things like that.

We prioritized what was most important. Happily Ever After was #1. A night ride on TRON was also at the top of our list, and that required shelling out money for an Individual Lightning Lane. While we have no regrets (especially since there was no guarantee we’d get in the virtual queue the next day), I will say that the difference between riding TRON in the dark and in daylight is negligible. The time spent on the outdoor portion of the coaster is very quick. I would not pay extra for a nighttime ride again.

Lounging by the pool was crucial for Em and she was able to do so three times. However she (and I) really missed having access to a quiet pool. Lack of chairs, pool games and shrieking children at POFQ’s only pool hindered her true relaxation.

Bus transportation was fantastic - no long delays. Buses even arrived earlier than their predicted times.

No rain during the entire week was perfect for us (though not so good for the drought in central FL).

Food Courts not opening until 7 a.m. meant we had to eat previously acquired food for breakfast in our room each day.

Steakhouse 71 lunch was another win and we’ll continue to pass on dinner there.

Olivia’s was a nice surprise!

Em said her only disappointment was not being able to spend more time at the Flower and Garden Festival. But the heat and swarms of people everywhere made for an unpleasant experience.

Will we return this week next year?

So much advice I will need to remember in the near future

 

[MickeyCB]

I’m thinking we should have said no to blowing flowers.

Totally disagree, love this photo!

 

[Tiggerish]

Two pics I found that I forgot to include.

The PPP excitedly told us in advance: “There’s a new Magic Shot for spring and today’s the first day! Do you want it?”

I’m thinking we should have said no to blowing flowers.

View attachment 711215

A gift for either….
1. Vincent van Gogh
2. Dopey lovers

View attachment 711216

I can’t even… react to this post.

Do not regret the “blowing flowers” pose. It’s great.

Those gift-boxed (plates?) on the other hand…<shudder> if not Vincent or Dopey, certainly oysters. None of which are appropriate.

 

[Tuvalu]

Vacation creep strikes!

 

[Songbird76]

Totally disagree, love this photo!

Me too! I think it's great!!!

 

[MinnieM123]

I’m thinking we should have said no to blowing flowers.

You two always make me smile (with or without blowing flowers)! I think you should frame that photo!

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

I'm so late to join the party, so just forget I said this, LOL.
Really, love following your fun tr's

 

[lindawdw]

Love the PP Spring picture! Lowering your expectations during peak times at WDW is totally necessary in order to have a good time and you two certainly were able to accomplish a lot. I would feel the same way about missing the quiet pool time which I know you both so enjoy on your trips together. Can't wait to find out if you plan on returning during Easter break next year!

 

[Tuvalu]

Trip #2

Who: Tuvalu and Woody

What: Flower and Garden Getaway

Why: It’s Woody’s favorite Festival

When: Monday, April 24 - Sunday April 30, 2023

Where: Disney’s Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs

The plan was to leave on Tuesday but Woody requested we leave a day early. Who am I to say no?

As for crowd levels? This (real) pearl of information dropped this morning.

Disney Genie+ drops to its lowest ever price at Walt Disney World

Disney Genie+ drops to its lowest ever price at Walt Disney World

www.wdwmagic.com

Supply and demand, folks.

 

[93boomer]

Trip #2

Who: Tuvalu and Woody

What: Flower and Garden Getaway

Why: It’s Woody’s favorite Festival

When: Monday, April 24 - Sunday April 30, 2023

Where: Disney’s Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs

View attachment 711910

The plan was to leave on Tuesday but Woody requested we leave a day early. Who am I to say no?

As for crowd levels? This (real) pearl of information dropped this morning.

Disney Genie+ drops to its lowest ever price at Walt Disney World

Disney Genie+ drops to its lowest ever price at Walt Disney World

www.wdwmagic.com

Supply and demand, folks.

I am here!! Did I actually get it quick this time??