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!

 

[93boomer]

Wednesday, April 26

Good morning from Hollywood!

View attachment 712608

Have fun kids!!!! Looks like a beautiful day!

 

[lindawdw]

I got all caught up with your live TR and am loving all your commentary! Great room and view at Gran Destino even if you didn't get a high floor! Your dinner at La Hacienda looks absolutely superb and we so wish we could have joined you both again there! Love that the taco barges removal is clearing the way for the beautiful WS view once again! Sorry about the annoying rain showers you've experienced but hopefully it's all sunshine from here on in for you! So happy that you were able to get the GOTG virtual boarding pass for Woody and also the TRON BG!!! We love our meals at LTT but the table location really does make or break the overall dining experience sometimes! Have fun at DHS today and will look forward to checking in to see what you're up to there!

 

[Swissmiss]

I ate at ‘Ohana in August and had the “original.”

Not happy with this “decision.”

It could be that the "decision" was taken based on a "feeling" rather than reality. My boss decided recently that we would reduce the number of days our drop in helpdesk was open, given that we have implemented an internal call center that people could still use when the helpdesk was closed. He decided we would be open 2 days a week (a good decision) and said "let‘s open on only Tuesdays and Thursdays". I said why don’t we keep a log for the next month to see what days have the most drop ins, because it would be stupid to be closed on a day of the week that gets the most traffic. Turns out, to everyone’s surprise, that Monday had twice as many drop ins as any other day of the week. So it sounds to me like the drink could have been more popular than the decision maker thought

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

Tuvalu, I am amazed at how much you are getting done without using Genie+ (the + stands for aggravation IMO). You manage to get what you want done. I'm curious to know if any of your wait times were very long? Most people claim they are over 1 hour or more without Genie. You both seem to get the 2 tops at Liberty Tree, same as we do. Most of them have been okay for us; none in a bad area yet. So sorry your meal was disturbed by an unruly child. I don't understand why some parents don't seem to notice that their children are bothering others? Oh well............following along

 

[Tuvalu]

Have fun kids!!!! Looks like a beautiful day!

It’s a gorgeous day!

(Trying to ignore we’re under a severe storm watch.)

I got all caught up with your live TR and am loving all your commentary! Great room and view at Gran Destino even if you didn't get a high floor! Your dinner at La Hacienda looks absolutely superb and we so wish we could have joined you both again there! Love that the taco barges removal is clearing the way for the beautiful WS view once again! Sorry about the annoying rain showers you've experienced but hopefully it's all sunshine from here on in for you! So happy that you were able to get the GOTG virtual boarding pass for Woody and also the TRON BG!!! We love our meals at LTT but the table location really does make or break the overall dining experience sometimes! Have fun at DHS today and will look forward to checking in to see what you're up to there!

Thanks my friend! Update to come soon.

 

[Tuvalu]

It could be that the "decision" was taken based on a "feeling" rather than reality. My boss decided recently that we would reduce the number of days our drop in helpdesk was open, given that we have implemented an internal call center that people could still use when the helpdesk was closed. He decided we would be open 2 days a week (a good decision) and said "let‘s open on only Tuesdays and Thursdays". I said why don’t we keep a log for the next month to see what days have the most drop ins, because it would be stupid to be closed on a day of the week that gets the most traffic. Turns out, to everyone’s surprise, that Monday had twice as many drop ins as any other day of the week. So it sounds to me like the drink could have been more popular than the decision maker thought

Tuvalu, I am amazed at how much you are getting done without using Genie+ (the + stands for aggravation IMO). You manage to get what you want done. I'm curious to know if any of your wait times were very long? Most people claim they are over 1 hour or more without Genie. You both seem to get the 2 tops at Liberty Tree, same as we do. Most of them have been okay for us; none in a bad area yet. So sorry your meal was disturbed by an unruly child. I don't understand why some parents don't seem to notice that their children are bothering others? Oh well............following along

Our longest wait thus far has been Toy Story Mania at 40 minutes. Everything we did yesterday was less than 30 minutes (some were literal walk-ons) except for TRON which was a 40-ish wait with VQ.

 

[sheriffwoody]

Drop off/pick up order:
Station 2 Casitas
Station 3 Ranchos
Station 4 Cabanas
Station 1 Destino

Oh this reminds me, I would love to know your take on the bus situation there! We are renting a car, so I'm fully prepared to just drive to the parks (everywhere except MK)

 

[Tuvalu]

Oh this reminds me, I would love to know your take on the bus situation there! We are renting a car, so I'm fully prepared to just drive to the parks (everywhere except MK)

We’ve either had incredible luck or the Coronado buses run frequently. Each time we have left a park there was a waiting bus in the gate or one just arriving.

Both mornings (MK and DHS) we waited no longer than 10 minutes for pick up and even though GD is the last stop on the route before departing for parks, always had seats on the bus.

I’ll update at end of our stay if the bus situation drastically changes.

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

Early entry was about half over when we arrived. I was surprised to see guests entering straight into the door for MMRR, rather than having to queue outside.

And get this - there was no line in the indoor queue! We walked right into a preshow room. This photo was taken just five minutes after the above photo.

As we exited the attraction the “Welcome to Hollywood Studios” announcement was playing. We picked up our pace and headed for Toy Story land, hoping to get a jump on day guests in the Slinky Dog line.

There was no line outside and much of the covered queue space wasn’t being used yet. Our wait was less than 25 minutes and likely would have been shorter if not for the Lightning Lane guests.

This is the only ride photo I have. What is it with ride photos not showing up?!!

I told Woody I wanted to ride the Swirling Aliens (which would have been a much better name, IMO). It’s been a couple years since my last ride.

My purse did not fly out of the saucer. (IYKYK.)

 

[93boomer]

It’s a gorgeous day!

(Trying to ignore we’re under a severe storm watch.)


Thanks my friend! Update to come soon.

Looks like the weather will be good so you can relax and enjoy.

 

[Tuvalu]

We finished the TSL trifecta with a little competition.

Someone has kidnapped (potatonapped?) Mr. Potato Head.

It was a battle between Woody and me. At the end of the third round our scores were EXACTLY tied! (Never had that happen before.)

But my family will attest to my freakishly fast wrist pulls during “it’s your last chance!”

Blue for the win! (Though it was close!)

Not my highest score, but good enough for Best in Vehicle.

 

[Tuvalu]

We entered Galaxy’s Edge via the TSL entrance. Contrary to popular opinion, I think this is a more impressive entrance than the tunnel by Muppets. There’s so much to see at first sight.

Stormtroopers were out on the Tie Fighter interacting with guests. It was fun to watch.

Seeing the Falcon is something we don’t do often, as we typically do Rise of the Resistance then leave. This area is fantastic, and I’m not a Star Wars fan.

We couldn’t leave GE without joining the Resistance.

BEK IS BACK!!!

 

[Tuvalu]

A new first for us!

We were seated in the T-Rex room.

The Bo Peep room is behind it.

The faux wood tables are actually metal.

And the “paper plates” are china.

Three sauces to choose from.

Woody preferred the vinegar-based Classic, but said the Sweet was also good. I am a BBQ purist - I want the meat to be tender, smoky and delicious without sauce.

I did not use any of the sauces.

 

[amjt660]

Stormtroopers were out on the Tie Fighter interacting with guests

This is a command shuttle - not a tie fighter

This area is fantastic, and I’m not a Star Wars fan.

I will give you a pass on this one based on your lack of training


Max

 

[93boomer]

Ok yuck storms now headed your way @Tuvalu. They come up fast down there. Hope you and Woody aren’t stuck out in it.

 

[Tuvalu]

Our server had a thick southern accent and played his part well - folksy, hospitable and in tune with the restaurant’s theme. There are several fun surprises that occur during the course of the meal but I’m not giving any spoilers.

Now the food -

You get A LOT. I mean A LOT. You will not leave hungry. Woody and I were in a meat coma when we left! In my perfect world I would have been content with 2 meats/2 sides (for a lesser cost) than the 4 meats/4 sides we were given. Don’t get me wrong - the food quality is high and everything we tried was absolutely delicious, but much was wasted.

For starters:
Cheddar cheese biscuits (warm, flaky, not too cheesy)
Tomato salad (perfect except for those dang pickled onions!)
Kale salad (peppery and crunchy, better than expected)
Watermelon salad went untouched as neither of us care for melon of any sort

For sides we chose:
Mac and cheese (definitely not from a box!)
Roasted veggies (yum)
Loaded potato barrels (extra crispy with soft center)
Veggie slaw (crunchy, not soggy; lightly dressed)

The standout here for us both was the slaw, with the roasted veggies coming in second.

The meats:
Smoked sausage, pork ribs, beef brisket and chicken
All moist, tender and packed with smoky grilled yumminess - the chicken was the standout with the brisket a close second.

Living in the south, Woody and I eat a lot of BBQ. We know good ‘cue and Roundup Rodeo nails it!

But there’s more….

DESSERT!!

You get a choice of one pie-in-a-jar. (Although our server told us the restaurant is “all you care to enjoy” which includes meat and sides too.) Woody picked the apple, I chose the chocolate silk and we shared.

The “crust” is at the bottom of the jar.

A sweet ending to a very satisfying meal!

 

[Tuvalu]

Woody and I waddled out of Hollywood Studios. (Not literally, but it sure felt like it!) We climbed aboard a waiting Coronado Springs bus and were back at the resort in no time.

Blue sky and sunshine beckoned us to the pool.

We spent the afternoon at my favorite ‘moderate resort’ pool and it was glorious!

 

[93boomer]

Our server had a thick southern accent and played his part well - folksy, hospitable and in tune with the restaurant’s theme. There are several fun surprises that occur during the course of the meal but I’m not giving any spoilers.

Now the food -

View attachment 712766

You get A LOT. I mean A LOT. You will not leave hungry. Woody and I were in a meat coma when we left! In my perfect world I would have been content with 2 meats/2 sides (for a lesser cost) than the 4 meats/4 sides we were given. Don’t get me wrong - the food quality is high and everything we tried was absolutely delicious, but much was wasted.

For starters:
Cheddar cheese biscuits (warm, flaky, not too cheesy)
Tomato salad (perfect except for those dang pickled onions!)
Kale salad (peppery and crunchy, better than expected)
Watermelon salad went untouched as neither of us care for melon of any sort

View attachment 712767

For sides we chose:
Mac and cheese (definitely not from a box!)
Roasted veggies (yum)
Loaded potato barrels (extra crispy with soft center)
Veggie slaw (crunchy, not soggy; lightly dressed)

The standout here for us both was the slaw, with the roasted veggies coming in second.

View attachment 712768

The meats:
Smoked sausage, pork ribs, beef brisket and chicken
All moist, tender and packed with smoky grilled yumminess - the chicken was the standout with the brisket a close second.

View attachment 712769

Living in the south, Woody and I eat a lot of BBQ. We know good ‘cue and Roundup Rodeo nails it!

But there’s more….

DESSERT!!

You get a choice of one pie-in-a-jar. (Although our server told us the restaurant is “all you care to enjoy” which includes meat and sides too.) Woody picked the apple, I chose the chocolate silk and we shared.

View attachment 712770

The “crust” is at the bottom of the jar.

View attachment 712771

A sweet ending to a very satisfying meal!

That is a whole lot of food!! But, it sounds so o good! Would you do it again? The price bothers me a bit.

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

Woody and I were tuckered out after our successful day. And a storm was brewing. Rather than head out into yucky weather, we opted to have a late (light) dinner at El Mercado.

Two nights ago the food court was mobbed with cheerleaders and their families. Tonight it was peaceful!

However there were fewer food choices. We’d hoped for a sandwich or something but no such luck. We settled on a loaded potato bowl with popcorn chicken. It was fine.

Now it is rumbling and raining and we’re calling it a night.

 

[Tuvalu]

This is a command shuttle - not a tie fighter

I will give you a pass on this one based on your lack of training
Max

That is a whole lot of food!! But, it sounds so o good! Would you do it again? The price bothers me a bit.

I have convinced Em that we should eat there this summer!
It is pricey though.