Trip Report Tu in ‘25 *Live-ish*

Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise
Tu in ‘25

These lyrics came to mind when I thought about my trip reporting. (I also thought, Here we go AGAIN but the above sounds much more poignant.) It’s now that time of year when my Disney trips are frequent. And this Disney Senior loves sharing her visits with y’all because your engagement makes it fun!

Yes, there will be stuff that’s the same. Yes, there will be surprises (too soon for the reveals). And yes, there will be sun rises!

Spring break countdown is at 4 days.

Since this intro needs a picture, here are Tu.

 

[Tuvalu]

Tuesday, con’t

Woody has the appropriate hat for saving the galaxy.

I did not want to put him through the early entry rope drop (organized) chaos. So I avoided that by spending $17 for a Lightning Lane.

Entry-to-exit he was gone for 35 minutes. His ride photo never shows up and today was no exception.

The song?

 

[Tuvalu]

Unlike @Tony the Tigger we missed Cinco de Mayo in Mexico.

A day late and a dollar short I suppose.

But we’re here now!

We browsed the market after our ride. Both of us love the bright, festive colors of the merchandise.

The VW bugs on the bottom shelf are my fave.

 

[Tuvalu]

I had been looking forward to our Via Napoli lunch. Maybe I had set my expectations too high.

The line to check in at the outdoor podium was LONG. The breeze that had been blowing had stopped, and we were in direct sunlight.

EVERY party ahead of us was a walk-up, whereas we had an ADR. And every party ahead of us was allowed to wait in the air-conditioned lobby before us.

My opinion? Those with ADRs should be allowed to check in inside at the desk.

Every walk in ahead of us also got seated before us. My opinion? ADRs should trump walk-ins.

When our name was called the host began to lead us to the enclosed patio. It is warmer there than in the main part of the restaurant. No thanks.

He needed to check at the stand where to put us. Bear in mind the restaurant is 75% empty at this point.

He then leads us to a 4-top on the aisle in the center of the main dining room. The table was practically IN the aisle. Are you kidding me?

“Can we sit in the back room?” I asked, knowing it has booths and is much quieter and less busy. He went to check.

There was one other party in the room.

And we were seated six inches away at another 2-top. With a lovely view of the kitchen and restroom.

And as a bonus for me, the ability to people-watch all of those going to said restrooms.

I think I need a strawberry limoncello .

Our slightly misshapen Margherita pizza was very good.

We did not finish all of it. But it’s cheaper to get one large than two individual pies.

 

[Tuvalu]

We walked the full circuit around the lagoon admiring the flowers and topiaries. Woody said this year’s Flower and Garden Festival is better than in recent years.

Perhaps it being the 30th anniversary has something to do with it?

Our first F&G visit was in 2002 and we have attended almost every year since.

Goodbye for now, Epcot.

Hello pool.

 

[Tuvalu]

We took a boat to dinner.

Oh poor Tuvalu - now being dwarfed by that monstrosity beside you.

I had noticed this sign yesterday.

So I did as I was told. I mobile ordered in advance.

“Say Aloha to Saving Time” the sign says.

Since aloha can mean both hello and goodbye, technically the sign is telling the truth.

But in our case it meant goodbye to saving time. It took over 15 minutes for our mobile order to be ready after I pushed I’m here.

The Aloha pork sandwich with Poly chips (me) and Pan Asian noodles with chicken (Woody) was worth the wait, however.

 

[Tuvalu]

Then we took another boat ride.

To here!

Because Capt. Cooks does not have Asteroid Shakes!

(I now know both @Figment Forever and @Tony the Tigger were in the MK too!)

 

[Tuvalu]

A golden hour spin on the Peoplemover? Count us in!

 

[Tuvalu]

@pkkurz knows of what he speaks.

Someone please explain to me HOW a giant crane got here??!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Made it back to the GF in time for Happily Ever After. Why bother with crowds when we can sit here?

BOOM.

 

[rshell68]

@pkkurz knows of what he speaks.

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Someone please explain to me HOW a giant crane got here??!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, May 7

I’m ready to go!

It’s not our last day so I’m not Sad(ness).

 

[Tuvalu]

Woody’s tribute to what once was.

But times change, and although you can’t stop time….

Nothing can stop us now!

 

[93boomer]

Sunday, May 4

May the fourth be with you.

It is not with me at the moment.

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Sinus infection.

Sorry I’ve been away and not caught up. Oh no! I hope you are feeling better by now! Hugs!

 

[93boomer]

Late afternoon visit to Epcot.

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We ended up in Canada.

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Some might say it was uneventful.

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I would not say that.

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Thanks to @riverside steak pictures in her last TR, I knew it was time for a return visit to Le Cellier. It has been several years since we’ve eaten there.

The filet with mushroom risotto was excellent! Every bit as good as it looked in pictures.

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The company was pretty darn excellent too.

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It’s Tony and Brian!!!!! So glad you had dinner together!

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

We rode MMRR during early entry, but it was after 9 am as we exited. No being held with regular guests on Sunset Blvd. like last month.

Wait was posted at 20 minutes and all of the outdoor queue was empty except for the line next to the show building. This won’t be a bad wait at all!

Until….we turned the corner which directly faces the morning sun. Woody has always hated this part of the wait because it’s HOT, HUMID and the sunlight can be blinding.

We inch forward a bit so it’s not too bad. Then the line comes to a screeching halt. I watched the standby wait on the marquee jump from 20 minutes to 45.

We are stuck in this awful spot for the next 15 minutes. Woody’s (and now my) worst nightmare.

Six people from the a/c! So close and yet so far!!

Sweet relief at last!

Sound guy Woody wishes this had been our stationary waiting spot.

Aerosmith greeted us and offered backstage passes. Their manager said there was a very fast car waiting in the alley. Woody got in the car while Shirley got to walk the red carpet in the spotlight.

 

[Tuvalu]

If you’ve read my report from last year, you should be able to guess this guy’s job.

Time to pay our last respects to Muppet Courtyard and MuppetVision 3D.

Real curtain still broken.

Goodbye, Bean Bunny. I’m glad I have one of you at home!

 

[Tuvalu]

It cost us to fight the First Order and it was worth every penny.

We gotcha Kylo Ren!

 

[Tuvalu]

Battle makes soldiers hungry.

Chicken sandwiches at The Commissary hit the spot!

 

[Tuvalu]

Every soldier deserves a little R&R.

Unfortunately the pool has been closed for an hour “for cleaning”.

It’s getting pretty warm despite being in the shade. Might have to go in the hot tub to cool off!

 

[Tuvalu]

Pool has reopened!