Trip Report We Made It - I think! Kirk and Connie are BACK... LIVE! (for now)

It's been 4 1/2 years since I have been to Disney World - it feels like yesterday and 20 years ago all at the same time. It's been even longer since I went with my friend, Connie, and so for the next four and a half days, we are turning the World upside down. Sort of.

Last weekend, though, Connie had a medical issue arise and its been taken care of - but it has certainly slowed her down. In previous trips, I've had to practically run to keep up with her. Not this time. In fact, she has been banished to her room for the evening so as to not overdo it on the first day.

I got up this morning at 5am, drove to pick her up at 6am, and we flew into MCO around 11:45. We got the rental car - a Chevy Spark - which is hilarious as I'm 6'4 and 300+ and made our way to the Studios since our rooms weren't ready yet. We ate at the ABC Commissary (Chicken Club for both of us) and made our way over to Mulch, Sweat, and Shears at 2pm. I love this show but this particular cast . . . well, I wasn't blown away.

We walked back to Darth's Mall, which had a ridiculous wait to get into, and Connie said, "I think we should go back to the room." That's very unlike her. I agreed wholeheartedly and as we were pulling into Pop Century, I got a text saying my room was ready. She did too, a minute later. And we're right next to one another in 60s.

I'm going to head out in a few minutes to the Magic Kingdom via the bus. It's open til midnight, I am sure I won't stay that late but I would like to try to get some new fireworks photos if I can. We'll see. Stay tuned for photos and more later . . .

 

[ginadee]

Looking forward to this TR. I had never heard of a Chevy Spark until my vacation 2 weeks ago and that's what we got. My suitcase did not fit in the trunk. Had to go in the back seat. It was crazy at first but by the end of the week we grew to love our little bumble bee. (it was yellow).
I have not heard of Mulch Sweat and Shears. I will be looking that up.

 

[kirksheppard]

I'm currently at Magic Kingdom. Watched the end of DREAM ALONG WITH MICKEY and then took some photos of the street party. Headed to TTA and am now at Cosmic Rays. I got a free slush because the young woman made extra and I smiled real nice. Now about to go see the new Fantasyland for the first time. Crowds are manageable so far.

 

[littleroo]

Hope your trip is still going well. Looking forward to more.

 

[FlaggNL]

Hope the stay is more an magical... tuned in for more

 

[mrdrift]

Can't read to read your live trip report. Please inform us the good and the bad of Stars Wars Weekends. Have a wonderful time and my best to Connie on feeling better. Following along.

 

[kirksheppard]

OK, folks, sorry - I got distracted by being on vacation.

Let's start over and add some photos, eh?

 

[kirksheppard]

DAY ONE!

As I said, I got up at 5am, drove to pick Connie up at 6am, and we arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare despite there being a ridiculous amount of construction on a bridge that has traffic down to one lane in both directions.

After my traditional Chik-Fil-A pre-flight meal, we had a pleasant (exit row) flight and landed at MCO around 11:45.

We were really hoping for a text message telling us our rooms were ready - or at least one of them - so we could get settled but . . . no dice.

We picked out our rental car. Our options were a Chevy Spark or . . . . a bunch of other Chevy Sparks. Connie wanted the blue one so she could find it easier in the parking lots, which I endorsed as a good idea. I'm 6'4 and not thin - so this would not have been my first choice for rental cars.

BUT... I had plenty of leg room, surprisingly enough and it wasn't too bad to get in and out of. Plus, I didn't pay for it so I have no room to complain.

So, with no room to go to, we decided to go straight to Hollywood Studios to begin Star Wars Weekends with a bang. Though, Connie - who normally is practically manic on these trips - was actually more starting out with a whimper. It was really humid on Friday and the park was fairly crowded, as Star Wars Weekends usually are.

We immediately had lunch at the ABC Commissary and had difficulty finding a table. We managed to score one outside and I enjoyed my Chicken Club, fries, and Coke while Connie had the same only with Broccoli and a raspberry lemonade.

​

After we ate, I headed to the Streets of America to catch MULCH, SWEAT, AND SHEARS for their 2 o'clock set. I had never seen this "Mia Mulch" before; she was pretty good! The rest of this particular band . . . eh, I've seen better. I'm still a huge fan of this style of in park entertainment, though, as you'll see. Connie finished up her meal and joined me.

We walked back to where the Star Wars collectible merchandise was being sold this year - and it was a madhouse. I am always shocked at the amount of people willing to wait in line to shop. Connie is one of them, but not today.

We were very tired and decided to head toward the hotel. It was about 2:50 when we left the parking lot. By 3:01 as we pulled into the resort's driveway, I had received my text. Connie also got hers (her phone was in her bag, but when we parked it was there) and our rooms were right next to one another in the 1960s section at Pop Century. It was amazing to not have to stop at the lobby; our magic bands worked perfectly.

I got settled, relaxed for a bit, and decided to start the trip of right with a visit to the Magic Kingdom. Connie stayed in the room - she needed to rest, which was very difficult for her. She's typically a "Energizer Bunny on crack" so she was really frustrated with her lack of energy.

I am used to solo trips, though, so it was no big deal for me to head over and explore on my own . . . and I'll have more about that very soon!

 

[kirksheppard]

I walked out and instantly boarded a bus to the Magic Kingdom. It was one of those double-length guys and I was very comfortable on my journey to the park. I have not seen the new Fantasyland, so I was excited to see what that part of the park looked like, for sure. But also, its just been too long and I was excited to be feeling all the magic.

​

The bus dropped us off closer than our stop, which was nice and I walked through the no-bag line and breezed my way into the park. I headed up towards the castle and was instantly disgusted at the way the construction being done is just right there for the whole world to see. What happened to "good show" practices? I know, I know, I'm getting old and grumpy but . . . its sad. I also was disgusted by the canvas paintings of trees around the castle, making good photo opportunities more difficult.

DREAM ALONG WITH MICKEY, which I thought was still dark while I was there, was playing on the stage.

I decided to wait in the hub for MOVE IT, SHAKE IT, CELEBRATE IT. I just love the energy of this show.

My first ride of the trip: The People Mover.

Afterwards, I went and had some dinner at Cosmic Ray's. I had the burger with some apple slices - and the woman at the counter gave me a free cherry slush, since he made an extra by mistake.

Then I walked back into Fantasyland. I thought the Mine Coaster looked fun, but I've heard that its nearly impossible for someone my size to fit on comfortably. Maybe next trip.

I stumbled around and found the character interactions in Storybook Circus. I love doing this and to those who give me funny looks for doing it at my age and all alone . . . well, I imagine you know how much I care. (Not. One. iota.)

​

I switched my FastPass+ while I was at dinner since we wouldn't be using the DHS selections I'd made weeks ago. This allowed me to walk on the Little Mermaid attraction.

Next I went and had some LeFou's Brew at Gaston's Tavern. I liked this a lot!

Afterwards, I rode Haunted Mansion with a FastPass+ and then walked over and rode Pirates of the Caribbean before deciding to call it a night. I walked up again to a bus waiting on me - and rode comfortably back to the resort where I slept very very well.

Tomorrow: More Studios . . . and the Festival of Dreams parade! Stay tuned . . .​

 

[kirksheppard]

We got up and headed out the door at 7:30 on our way to DHS, only as soon as we boarded the tram Connie remembered that she forgot her cell phone in the room. She went back via the car to get it and I stayed the course and headed into the park. My first stop was Starring Rolls for a Cinnamon roll and a chocolate milk. Then I walked back towards the Streets of America, but not before I walked past this:

Soon it was time for more MULCH, SWEAT, AND SHEARS!

I just love live entertainment in the parks, and especially the creative backstory behind this one. Connie returned and went to the Star Wars shop to stand in line to buy collectibles.

We had a FastPass+ for Toy Story Mania, so I went by myself. It's not as fun alone, let me tell you.

I walked around for a bit and got some pictures.

I watched the Voyage of the Little Mermaid and went in to visit some characters in the Art of Animation building. Connie texted, though, and said she had finished her shopping excursion and was hungry. We met up at the ABC Commissary again. This time I got the burger. She stuck with the Chicken club and broccoli.

I have a friend who performs in various capacities at the park and today she was going to be in the Merida section of the Festival of Fantasy parade so I decided to head over to the Magic Kingdom to start scoping out a good viewing spot. Connie said she would likely join me later.

I caught a bus to the Grand Floridian and then took the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. I took the train to Frontierland and found a shady spot to sit and watch people while waiting for the parade.

Connie did join me and we had fun just relaxing and taking in the sights and sounds of the park including the Notorious Banjo Brothers and Bob.

We essentially were able to see the parade 3 times; once in Frontierland, once on Main Street by the Emporium, and then finally by City Hall. It was very cool to see someone I know performing at Disney World.

After the parade, I headed back to the hotel and Connie went back to the Studios to get the car. I was beat and decided to just get something to eat the Pop Century and call it a night. Connie met up with a friend of hers at House of Blues at Downtown Disney.

We'll pick back up tomorrow with Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and an overpriced steak!

 

[FlaggNL]

Great report! Love the pictures! Brings back the October '14 memories and feeds the October '15 pre feelings!

 

[kirksheppard]

And we're back....

Connie over did it again the night before so I headed off to Extra Magic Hours at Animal Kingdom solo. The bus was jammed packed but I was able to squeeze into a seat next to a nice older man. It was a cloudy, humid day but not unbearable. I stopped into Guest Relations to inquire about upgrading to an Annual Pass. In my head for some reason I was thinking it would be about $200 . . . so when she said $303 I told her I'd need to think about it. More on that later.

I was hungry so I headed to find something to eat. I despise egg, and every breakfast sandwich in the world includes egg as the main ingredient so I'm usually stuck with pastries. Well, this gigantic Mickey cinnamon roll was a nice discovery in Harambe village. I wolfed it down and then walked on to the Safari.

These black rhinos came charging into this area, causing the Zebras to take off in a hurry. That was cool. We had a great guide and I appreciated the lack of distracting poaching storyline.

After the Safari, I hung around Harambe and was first in line for Festival of the Lion King. This is my favorite thing about Animal Kingdom and I hadn't seen the show in the new theatre. It was as great as I remembered.

I walked towards Asia and saw these two. I have no pictures with either so I thought, why not?

I stopped at the food cart that is selling FlameTree BBQ meals and wondered if I could just get a side of baked beans. I could not so I got a Coke and headed for the exit. I made it to the bus just as it started to rain really hard. By the time I got back to Pop Century the rain had stopped. I took a bit of a nap in preparation for EPCOT later on!

Stay tuned....

 

[MMDVC]

Great trip report. Thanks for all the pics too!

 

[Mickey2422]

Enjoying your report...great pictures!