Trip Report We were on a (Disney) Break...

Tashifer90 · May 19, 2024

erstwo said:
Tobias is always on his most adorable behavior! He is just too cute.
So sorry about all the rides going down.

That's how he gets away with so much! haha!

It was a pain, but we always got back to the room thinking we had a great day regardless!

Tashifer90 · May 19, 2024

Tiki Traveler said:
Thank you for the info! No worries about the reply time. We have no set plans at this moment but I would love to do this someday!

It was so brilliant and I would wholeheartedly recommend it!

Tashifer90 · May 19, 2024

Thursday 05th October

Not sure if it's an unpopular opinion but I've always preferred water parks over the main parks! Not sure if it's the more chilled vibes, less ride queues (or the fact that most of them are working

) But I always enjoy a good waterpark day. Tobias was definitely no different in this regard!

Starting the day off with a healthy dose of potato barrels and eggs!

...and cars...

Tobias never really warmed to the mickey waffles! He had them but they weren't his favorite, so poor old dad had to make sure they didn't go to waste! It's a tough job but someone has to do it!

We got to Typhoon Lagoon around 1030 and went straight to Ketch-a-Kiddie-Creek (Not my favorite name i must admit)

After getting settled and picking the best spot it was time for some fun in the water.

Although the mini water slides were easily his favorite! He went round and round them all day!

He did start to slow down around lunch time, so we made tracks around 1230 and the running around sent him straight off!

Don't worry we adjusted his straps before we set off! Tobias nap only lasted 2 short minutes and for some reason he woke up! He couldn't drift back off so we thought a shopping trip with him would do the trick!

He slept for a good two hours whilst we shopped around the outlets! I can't remember the exact time he woke up, but i remember us both realizing that it was late enough for us to get him to epcot to see the fireworks!

Our first stop...

a nice gentle ride to take Tobias on whilst he was still rousing from his nap! I actually used the photo as a phone background for quite some time! Not a bad abstract shot right?

Tobias and Tasha's photos turned out great though!

...and for me... It was the return of my alter ego... PARTIAL FACE MAN!!

I do not know why this ride hates my face... But it does...

We then headed over to China to grab something quick to eat!

The orange chicken is always so good!

Tobias ate his but i don't think it was his favorite, he's never been fond of Chinese food, even at home. Tasha loves Chinese food so this is a sore subject for her! haha!

To be continued...

Tashifer90 · May 19, 2024

Thursday 05th October - Continued

We enjoyed a quick jaunt around China to kill some time before the fireworks!

Then to have a chat with some Disney Ducks!

Also managed to get another one for the phone background folder!

Love the way the rays were shining over the clouds!

Then it was onto three caballeros!

a trip to the mexico pavilion is not the same without trying on some sombreros!

We started to make our way to the front of the park as we planned to be near the exit(ish) for the fireworks so as not to get snarled up in the crowds if Tobias was to sleepy. It was also his first time near big fireworks and we worried the noise might be a bit intense for him.

Had a nice wander around the aquarium to see the Manatees and dolphins!

We headed to connections cafe for some refreshment!

We all shared a bit of the waffle although again Tobias wasn't too fussed with it, i treated myself to the Mango-Coconut shake. It was really nice, a good mix of flavors bit it was super thick! I felt really full after it!

Now it was time for fireworks! We parked ourselves up just by the play area looking over the monorail at the fireworks. For his first proper firework show it was definitely a big hit! the fireworks didn't bother him at all and he wasn't overwhelmed by the noise in the slightest (we've since found out he has some hearing issues so that probably explains why, luckily it has been treatable so who knows how he will be the next time we see fireworks)

We managed to beat the crowds as soon as the fireworks had finished and was out of the park well ahead of everyone, we got back to the hotel at half 9, surprisingly, Tobias didn't fall asleep on the car ride home so that made our job even easier!

Tashifer90 · May 29, 2024

Friday 06th October

This morning we had found our Disney luck had turned around! We heard online that they were doing soft openings for Moana way of water, so we prepared ourselves for another day at EPCOT! We got VQ for guardians and got ourselves ready to start the day!

Well... some of us got ready to start the day...

Good job he was distracted by the TV as Tasha required a lot of time to tame her mane!

We had a small breakfast in the room and then headed to catch the bus, our boarding group was called for guardians almost instantly, so it was a trip to the play area for Tobias, whilst we rider swapped!

I then quickly got us in the VQ for Moana whilst Tasha headed off for guardians!

We had soo much fun at these play areas, i'm not sure why there aren't more dotted around the parks? I know they don't make money but Tobias had so much fun in these areas when we rider swapped.

After Tasha got back, the play area was starting to warm up so she was going to get Tobias something a little more 'substantial' whilst i went on guardians.

Tobias doing his best 'force pull'

Rider photos!

Tasha said the woman next to her was very sweet.

I was very grateful for the woman behind as her shrieks of fear hid my own

Although i had Conga, so it was definitely worth it!

Then i had to walk through the gift shop and be told by Tasha 'Don't waste your money on that'

Soon...

Tobias was now starting to get a little tired, but we manged to get him to way of water, and he had an absolute blast!

The interactive water bit was so much for him.

It was cool to see all the hidden artwork as well.

Photo limit reached!

To be continued...

Tashifer90 · May 29, 2024

Friday 06th October - Continued
The only major problem with the way of water was trying to stop Tobias from drinking the water, always always been a taster of his bath water so this stuff was obviously creme de la creme to try and drink!

I maintained a firm grip at this point, to stop him launching himself in

Although he was dissapointed when we didn't get wet on this walkway...

It's a really picturesque walkthrough though, with a tonne of great photo ops.

These shooting spouts always made everyone jump

Tobias even got bored of us taking selfies

We then walked him to sleep and got some food in Mexico. Just at La Cantina De San Angel.

We both got the Taco Trio which was super yummy! It was Barbacoa, Pollo, and Camarón Tacos on homemade Corn Tortillas. Served with Rice and Black Beans with Queso Fresco.

We then took a stroll via Germany and i thought it would be best to grab some dessert from Karamell-Kuche.

I grabbed a Caramel cookie dough cup and a Caramel smore of course!

Photo limit reach again! To be continued...

Tashifer90 · May 29, 2024

Friday 06th October - Continued
We managed to get a LL for Remi whilst he was snoozing so meandered towards France to get him ready for when he woke up and took in the sights!

He was very interested in the giant Rats!

Action selfie on the ride!

This photo looks slightly more terrifying now that i remember, but still... He managed to keep the 3D glasses on for the whole ride too!

We thought we would grab him a small snack after the ride, but forgot that Disney don't do small. So he enjoyed his GIANT CROISSANT!

I also didn't want him feeling self concious about eating alone, so thought i would grab something to eat with him too...

We then made our way to Figment, Tobias loved this ride but he especially enjoyed the play area afterwards!

Then we did the land and headed to the aquarium for Tobias to have a look at all the fishes!

We hopped on Nemo and got stuck in the turtle tunnel for a good 4/5 minutes! Good job none of us got motion sick! haha!

Got the bus back to the resort whilst i was cradling my most prized possession from EPCOT...

Tobias's favorite ride will always be the bus it seems!

Once we got back to Port Orleans, Tobias enjoyed a good run around the park!

Always going down the slide head first though... He's such a daredevil!

To be continued...

Tashifer90 · May 29, 2024

Friday 06th October - Continued

Since we got to Port Orleans i had been dying to do the Cajun Campfire, mainly because i had my first 'proper' smore in New Orleans City park at Christmas Time and wanted Tobias to have the same experience! I had also tried on more than one occasion when we came last year to do it at old key west but unfortunately we never got the timing right.

It was great, the staff were so welcoming and kind, Tobias enjoyed me cooking the marshmallow at least for a little while.

He wasn't a fan of the marshmellow of the chocolate but did steal the graham cracker and scoffed it down, (We brought a packet back with us and he still loves them now) then he had a good run around on the lawn

During this time Tasha had ordered us some Chinese food which we picked up on the way back to the room.

Although having only two seats in the room meant me and Tobias got the table..

Whilst Tasha was ostracized to the bed!

I can't remember where we ordered from but it was delicious! We enjoyed that whilst we watched little mermaid (LA version)

Then it was time for Tasha to get Tobias to sleep whilst i had a wander around Port Orleans and treat myself to a late night snack! (IDK what was going on with my metabolism, but today I ATE!)

I got the baton rouge beignets with baileys fillings. Verdict: OG beignets are perfect just the way they are, they don't require further improvement.

then another photo for the phone background album!

Then it was time for bed!

Tashifer90 · Aug 18, 2024

Saturday 07th October

We got up and ready at a reasonable time and were by the bus stop for 8.30. the only downside was that there were no busses to our destination, disney springs, until 10am!

We hoofed it back to the room to grab the car keys and drove over the the lime garage.

We were trying to wizz through security, however, adam was stopped for further screening (this is becoming a common occurance!)

there was another security guard just outside of this shot who was soo lovely and tried to keep Tobias occupied whilst Adam was scanned. Tobias was hangry and it didn't work but its the thought that counts right?

Despite thinking we were going to be late we were just on time for our reservation at Homecomin'. We've been saying we would have brunch there since it was first offered and now it was finally our chance. We were really excited.

Disney Springs was looking beautiful if a little gloomy this morning.

We were shown to our table almost immediately and were handed our menus. Tobias was excited to pick his brunch.

Adam decided to treat himself and ordered the peanut brittle (kind of like a fancy espresso martini) to give the proper brunch vibes. It had peanut butter whiskey in it which made it super fancy!

before long the food arrived and we were soo ready for it!

Tobias had the french toast with a side of fries. the portion size was huge for for a childrens portion, and a decent size for an adult too.

When I say Tobias devoured his meal I really do mean it

the face of a truly happy toddler

Adam and I were shocked and a little afraid at the quantity of food he consumed. this is all that remained from his french toast and I also forgot he ate a whole bowl of watermelon.

Tobias gives Homecomin' a 5/5, A+

Adam and I were no less dissatisfied with our meals although maybe not as successful in clearing out plates

I had the Hallelujah biscuit. also 5/5! I was sadly defeated although I wish I could have eaten it all.

Adam had the Hush puppy benedict with a side of grits. Again no complaints from him.

We left with full tummys and a promise that we will be back!

the sky brightened and it was looking to be a lovely day.

TBC....

Tashifer90 · Aug 18, 2024

Saturday 07th October - Continued

As we headed out of Disney springs we saw the super awesome Car! Someone definitely digs haunted mansion!

After brunch Tobias was feeling the snoozy vibes so fell asleep on the drive back and Adam chilled in the room with him whilst he snoozed. After his boozy breakfast Adam actually ended up snoozing with Tobias!

Whilst they relaxed i got on with a few chores and decided to do a quick wash (You can never have too many options for clothes with our messy toddler) Although i must say i would quite happily do the washing every day if it meant i got to relax by the pool when i did it!

Once Tobias and Adam were awake they both had fun on the splash pad, it was so nice seeing Tobias get more confident in the pool and on the slides, he even started going down the baby slides head first for the added thrill!

We decided to eat at the resort after this.

Tobias had his favorite chicken strips and fries. I decided to join him because lets face it, who doesn't love disney tenders?!

and Adam had the Jambalya.

Adam said it did taste nice, but wasn't sure if it was the batch towards the bottom of the pan/pot as it was a bit drier than he would have liked. Cornbread was great as always though!

As we had done well for time, Adam dragged us for the Cajun campfire again, determined to get Tobias to enjoy Smores! (I think he actually just wanted to eat more smores himself the snack fiend that he is)

One of the campfire cast members noticed that Tobias was not the biggest fan of the marshmellows so gave him a smores kit for free as it had a better biscuit! He was very happy with his disney biscuit/graham cracker

I believe their names were Marge & Tal? It was such a nice magical moment

Then it was a nice leisurely stroll along the river back to the room for the night!

we had showers and got organised for the next and and all fell asleep together after reading Tobias some bedtime stories.

Tiggertoo56 · Aug 19, 2024

Tashifer90 said:
Saturday 07th October - Continued

As we headed out of Disney springs we saw the super awesome Car! Someone definitely digs haunted mansion!

View attachment 810378

After brunch Tobias was feeling the snoozy vibes so fell asleep on the drive back and Adam chilled in the room with him whilst he snoozed. After his boozy breakfast Adam actually ended up snoozing with Tobias!

Whilst they relaxed i got on with a few chores and decided to do a quick wash (You can never have too many options for clothes with our messy toddler) Although i must say i would quite happily do the washing every day if it meant i got to relax by the pool when i did it!
View attachment 810379

Once Tobias and Adam were awake they both had fun on the splash pad, it was so nice seeing Tobias get more confident in the pool and on the slides, he even started going down the baby slides head first for the added thrill!

View attachment 810380

View attachment 810381

View attachment 810382

We decided to eat at the resort after this.

Tobias had his favorite chicken strips and fries. I decided to join him because lets face it, who doesn't love disney tenders?!
View attachment 810383

and Adam had the Jambalya.

View attachment 810384
Adam said it did taste nice, but wasn't sure if it was the batch towards the bottom of the pan/pot as it was a bit drier than he would have liked. Cornbread was great as always though!

As we had done well for time, Adam dragged us for the Cajun campfire again, determined to get Tobias to enjoy Smores! (I think he actually just wanted to eat more smores himself the snack fiend that he is)
View attachment 810385

One of the campfire cast members noticed that Tobias was not the biggest fan of the marshmellows so gave him a smores kit for free as it had a better biscuit! He was very happy with his disney biscuit/graham cracker
View attachment 810386
I believe their names were Marge & Tal? It was such a nice magical moment

Then it was a nice leisurely stroll along the river back to the room for the night!
View attachment 810387

we had showers and got organised for the next and and all fell asleep together after reading Tobias some bedtime stories.

I love French Quarter

and being able to do laundry while relaxing by the pool is do good (especially with a drink

) wish I could do that at home.
Looking forward to September snd our stay at Riverside.

lindawdw · Aug 20, 2024

It sounds like you had a nice relaxing day together!!!

Tashifer90 · Aug 23, 2024

Tiggertoo56 said:
I love French Quarter and being able to do laundry while relaxing by the pool is do good (especially with a drink ) wish I could do that at home.
Looking forward to September snd our stay at Riverside.

I think its our favorite resort now.. there are just soo many lovely things there and we love the smaller/quieter atmosphere. We also love all things New Orleans (Adam is a saints fan) so that helps.

I think if you must do washing there really isnt a better place to be doing it!

I'm jealous of your septmeber stay. Have a fantastic time! I hope there will be a trip report so we can live vicariously through your holiday!

Tashifer90 · Aug 23, 2024

lindawdw said:
It sounds like you had a nice relaxing day together!!!

It was so lovely thank you! the one good thing about having a toddler is that they make you take it easy some times or we'd be zombies all the time

Tashifer90 · Sep 3, 2024

Sunday 08th October 2024

I think we took the relaxation a bit too deep in our hearts and didn't wake up until 8.30am

we grabbed showers quickly and headed off for a day at animal kingdom.

When we arrived it seemed like the park was really busy with long wait times all over the park so we decided to keep our expectations low and just see where the day took us.

Seeing Kevin wandering around will never get old.

We were lucky and managed to get into the 11am showing of the Lion King. we made friends in the queue with the family behind us and commiserated with them over the terrible PTO that it seems most Americans get. I cant imagine only getting 10 days PTO when I get 42.5 including bank holidays!

the photo doesn't quite show it but we all loved watching the lion king. Tobias was a little unsettled sitting for so long on Adams lap as there wasn't enough space for him to sit next to either us and see the show. The tumble monkeys are this families favourite part of the show, its just so light hearted and fun to watch.

After the lion king we headed for a walk down the Gorilla falls trek to do some of the attractions that didn't require queuing. I didnt get a photo but the okapi were really close when we entered the trail.

not so sure about the birds...

but absolutely mesmerized by the fish and especially the hippos.

We had a moment where we got to see the circle of life. one of the hippos pooped and then the fish all came to eat it. bleugh! Im glad we didnt have to explain that to Tobias just yet

you can just about see both hippos, fish and the offending poop in question.

the gorillas were magnificent as always

Despite what we saw on the trail it was around lunch time and we were starting to feel hungry so we decided to head to the quick service at Yak and Yeti.

It took us a little while to find a table with how busy the park was. I somehow managed a dangerous walk across the path to the seating near the river with three full drinks and no lids. Luckily they all survived the journey.

I had the orange chicken. no complaints from me, I find this a solid easy quick service meal for animal kingdom.

We got tobias some chicken tenders and some fried rice, whilst adam got the korean bbq rib tips with fries. Much to Adams dismay Tobias decided he wanted Adams lunch much more than he fancied his own and Adam was forced to share.

On the other hand Tobias did not want to share his lunch with the local wildlife.

I can really recommend the sitting area across from the Yak and Yeti, the views were lovely and a lot less crowded than immediately next to the quick service.

To be continued...

Tashifer90 · Sep 3, 2024

Sunday 08th October 2024 continued

Tummies full we were trying to decide what to do next and noticed it was only 5 minutes before feathered friends in flight was about to start. We knew it was unlikely to be full so headed over and managed to nab fairly decent seats.

I have to say we were really pleasantly surprised with the show. I know its not a favourite show in animal kingdom and I seem to remember we werent as impressed with it the year before. The human and animal actors were all on top form and more than once we found ourselves laughing along.

Tobias was starting to get tired and a bit cranky so we decided to head back to the front of the park, getting a bit of the ac and shopping on our way.

I think big ears are a good look on Tobias

We tried to get a family photo in front of the tree of life but someone just wasn't feeling it. I'll let you all guess who it was...

When the toddler is grumpy you take photos without him to avoid further meltdowns lol

We arrived back at the resort around 3pm and I think it will surprise no one to say that Tobias fell asleep as soon as we got back to the hotel room

After nap time we all got ready for a reservation we had been looking forward to all trip. The boathouse! It has a special place in our hearts as its the place where we had our reception meal after we were married. We were 5 minutes late due to security but it wasn't an issue. (We'll let you guess who held us up...

)

the theme for the meal was 'panama jack'

It didn't take long for us to get a table although I will say the boathouse is pretty bad for stroller parking. I dont like having to touch other peoples property without permission but there was no way we could have parked the stroller if I hadnt.

there are very few things in life that beat the bread rolls at the Boathouse. Tobias agrees with this statement.

it was also nice for us all to be dressed up for a change.

We had the fire cracker shrimp as a starter. 5/5 and Tobias enjoyed stealing the crispy bits that came with them. hes a little spice fiend so we didn't have to worry about him getting a bit of the sauce on them.

I had the new york steak and fries. the garlic butter that it came with was particularly tasty. Although I do love boathouse for its sea food I would have this steak again.

To be continued...

Tashifer90 · Sep 3, 2024

Sunday 08th October 2024 continued

Adam went for one of his favoruites, mahi mahi tacos and a mojito for added fanciness!

he says tasty and just the right amount of food to feel full but not overwhelmed.

Tobias had the fried shrimp and fries from the kids menu

he was shocked by both the car shaped plate and by the quantity of food. no complaints from him whatsoever.

All in all a lovely meal. We did feel a little rushed however I'd like to put it down to a busy weekend meal rather than a downturn in service. We will go back I'm sure.

After our meal we went for a wander through world of disney and bought our nieces the starbucks tumblers they'd been eyeing up online. I bought myself a tshirt and we also bought Tobias a bubble wand.

Since Tobias had a late nap and showed no signs of being sleepy we were at a loss with what to do with our evening. We looked at the virtual queue for gideons however it was 5hours! no chance we would make it that late in disney springs.

Whilst we were musing on what we could do we realised that if we moved fairly quickly we would make it to the next showing of fantasmic. Feeling a bit crazy we decided to just go for it and made a speedy exit from disney springs.

We arrived at Hollywood studios at around 7.30pm. the parking booths confused us as they were all closed and we werent used to driving through into a park at such a late time in the day. We noticed a little side road that skipped the booths and used this to access the car park.

we speed walked our way down sunset boulevard but couldnt resist a quick photo of the hollywood tower hotel. She was looking particularly beautiful that evening. We had to separate getting into the theater as Adam needed a quick bathroom break. It was our first time going to fantasmic post children and getting the stroller put away was trickier than I had thought it would be. I just kept my fingers crossed that I would remember where it was parked in the post show madness.

We managed to get fairly decent seats considering our late arrival. We were to the right of the theatre as you look towards the stage on one of the rows near the top. We thought this would help us post show to make a quicker exit from the park.

Tobias LOVED his bubble wand. I felt bad we hadnt bought it for him sooner. His whole face lit up with joy when he saw it. In the process of opening it up and getting it ready i accidentally lost part of the wands and it rolled around 4 rows below us

Despite me interrupting, what felt like, half the audience people were very kind and helped me find the missing piece. We managed to enjoy a little bit of the pre show atmosphere and Tobias was blown away when everyone started to do the wave. Myself and Adam spent the time trying to cool off from our mad rush!

The show itself was better than we could have hoped. It was our first time watching fantasmic post covid and the changes I felt really elevated the show. Tobias was captivated throughout and we felt all the emotions as we watched it together. Our rush from disney springs was 100% worth it!

It was time to join the masses in trying to leave the park with minimal trauma. I managed to find the stroller whilst Adam carried Tobias.

we managed to get a quick selfie on the way back.

this photo is a bit blurry but i think it perfectly captures how we were feeling on our way out of the park, a little giddy, a lot tired but so happy that we made some core memories. We didnt realise until we were leaving that there was going to be a second showing of fantasmic that night so leaving the car park wasnt as painful as we expected it to be. We got back to the resort in decent time and Tobias seemed to be hyped up on all the fun we'd had. We ended up falling asleep at around 10.30pm.

lindawdw · Sep 4, 2024

It sounds like you all had a fun evening! We really enjoyed the new Fantasmic show too!

cgersic · Sep 4, 2024

Wow, what a great day packed full of fun!! The pictures are just priceless

luvinthemajik · Sep 4, 2024

cgersic said:
Wow, what a great day packed full of fun!! The pictures are just priceless

Agree, your pics are priceless, you tell your tale so endearingly and your sweet family is such fun to follow, thank you for sharing.

Trip Report We were on a (Disney) Break...

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