Trip Report "Where Are All the People?" A September Trip Report Brought to You by Hurricane Dorian

Hi there! My dad and I have been home for a little under a month, so I decided it was probably time to bite the bullet and write this report!

This trip was...different, for a lot of reasons. Considering I was coming off my 30th birthday trip with my mom in April that I've ranked as one of my top three favorite WDW trips ever (TR here!), this trip with my dad had a lot to live up to! We had some epic, awesome moments, some extreme fails, and lots of little moments in between! And it was HOOOOOOOT.

WHO: My dad (Matt) and me (Carrie) — we left my mom home for our very first father/daughter trip!

WHEN: August 30-September 8

WHERE: Port Orleans French Quarter

WHY: Cause it seemed like a good idea at the time...

(Remember these sweaty, sweaty faces...)

As I mentioned in the PTR, originally, my dad and I were planning a trip to Disneyland. But then we heard that Galaxy's Edge would open there first, in the Spring. So we decided that it would be way too crowded for a while, so we'd put DL off until another year. I mentioned that WDW hadn't been too crowded at all when my friend B and I were there the week of Labor Day in 2017 and that the crowd calendars were mostly showing 1s and 2s for that week in 2019. Since we had to leave our 2018 Christmas trip four days early since we were all very sick, wouldn't it be nice to have a WDW do-over before Galaxy's Edge opened in the late fall (which is WHAT THEY HAD ANNOUNCED)? Since we all know "late fall" for Disney means like December 20, we'd beat the GE crowds and have a hopefully pretty chill week. The only thing we'd have to contend with would be the heat.

We sort of ran around like chickens with our heads cut off when they announced the GE opening dates (it was opening the day before we checked in), and debated canceling. But we'd already booked our flights, and we figured we'd just try to avoid the inevitable crowds and still have fun. This was before GE had opened in DL, so we were still expecting huge crowds.

What we got turned out to be way different.

Please join me on a trip filled with plans rearranged on the fly, surprise private tours, a literally EMPTY Magic Kingdom, more humidity than Tatooine on a bad day, and a little thing called Hurricane Dorian. Oh yeah, and we did hit up a galaxy far, far away, too.

 

[carriehpotter]

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31: ANIMAL KINGDOM (continued)

**Spoilers for the Wild Africa Trek continue from last post**

We're in the home stretch, guys. I know that this report feels as if it's been taken over by the Wild Africa Trek, but I swear it will only be one more post after this one! It was just such an incredible experience, especially since it was a private tour, that I can't help but try to relive it here.

After we were done eating and relaxing, Christina asked if we wanted some photos with the savannah behind us. Umm, yes!!

(My dad was convinced all the people who waved to us from the safari, both on the boma and when we were in our vehicle, thought we were famous because we had a private tour.)

Then it was time to leave the boma and finish up our tour. We reboarded our vehicle and went to check our some rhinos!

UP NEXT: The final Wild Africa Trek post (I swear, lol)!!

 

[carriehpotter]

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31: ANIMAL KINGDOM (continued)

**Spoilers for the Wild Africa Trek continue from last post**

We stopped over by the cheetah and had a rousing game of "spot the big cat." With our powers combined, we finally spotted it up near the very top of the fence.

Then we moved on to the lions, and they weren't very active (so what else is new?).

The warthogs were out and about, though! I was excited, as this was the first time I'd ever actually seen the warthogs on the safari (they always seemed to be hiding on me in the past!). So Paula took a ton of pictures for me.

We also saw some more rhinos and this little guy (I can't for the life of me remember what sort of animal this is...):

We saw the ostriches (a bunch of them!), which have also tended to evade me on the safari, so I thought that was neat.

Finally, our Trek had come to an end. We were bummed but, not gonna lie, we were also excited about COFFEE. As we were driving back to the Trek unloading area, Christina and Paula explained that part of the proceeds from our tour tickets would be donated to the animals of our choice. The groups were: elephants, big cats, hoofed animals, and rhinos (I think it was rhinos, not 100% sure). They were quick to inform me that the hoofed animal group includes giraffes, and very few people pick that one, unfortunately. So my dad and I were immediately like...give all our money to the giraffes! Haha. I like that they do this, because this tour is not cheap, so it made us feel a little better about the expense!

Christina and Paula thanked us for the Trek, and said that they were really happy that we were their private tour participants, as it could have gone very differently if we weren't so awesome. I'm sure they say that to all the private tours, but it still made me happy.

Once we were back in the Trek staging area, they gave us the info about how we could download our photos (like I said earlier, we ended up with 101 unique photos of us and the animals, and 50 stock photos) for "free." We collected our stuff and they told us we got to keep the water bottles, so that was a nice little bonus. When we were all set, I asked Christina and Paula if they'd take a photo with us (but I made sure to say that they shouldn't feel obligated to if they didn't want to!), and they both seemed really excited about it and said yes.

Our little Wild Africa Trek tour group:

(Paula and Christina were awesome!! You're in for a treat if you get either of them on your Trek!)

They told us to stop in and say hi when we were next in the area. My dad was like, "oh, you won't remember us in a week!" and they responded that yes they would, we were memorable.

All in all, this was probably the best three hours I've ever spent in a Disney park. Did the private tour aspect aid that? Probably. Both my dad and I have agreed that we probably won't ever do this tour again, or at least not for a long time, as it won't ever be the same.

But I HIGHLY recommend this tour! Especially if you love animals and a behind-the-scenes feel. Our guides were top notch, the food was good (POG JUICE!!), the "takeaways" were good (all the photos + the water bottle + our name tags), and the animals were incredible, as always. It was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. It had its scary parts, like the bridges (sorry @riverside and @Swissmiss ) and the occasionally shockingly steep path, but it was worth it for me. I'll say, if you can do any tour in Walt Disney World, do this one or Keys to the Kingdom. And I'd give this one the edge.

With a spring in our step, we ventured back out into Animal Kingdom in search of sweet, sweet caffeine. Even though it felt like a full day had gone by, it was only noon!

UP NEXT: Finally something in AK that's not the Wild Africa Trek!

 

[Swissmiss]

Thanks for sharing so much about the trek. I’m going to seriously work on my height fears, because I so want to do it one day!

 

[carriehpotter]

Thanks for sharing so much about the trek. I’m going to seriously work on my height fears, because I so want to do it one day!

It's so totally worth it! Good luck!

 

[carriehpotter]

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31: ANIMAL KINGDOM (continued)

We pretty much hightailed it to the Starbucks on Discovery Island. My dad went in to get our drinks and I secured a table outside. I tried the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. It was pretty good!

We just hung out for a while, happy to be able to relax. It drizzled briefly, but we were just enough under cover that it didn't matter. It was only noon, but we were already starting to drag (late night before + early morning + intense experience = tired dad and daughter), so we enjoyed our rest. I called my mom and told her about our Trek experience. She reminded me about the Simba AP magnets they were giving out over at Discovery Trading Post. So after a while, we decided to head over there and grab them.

(I took this last night...)

We were floored at the amount of people waiting! (I wish I'd taken a picture!) There were temporary tape queues cow-penned back and forth several times, and the line still stretched far past the store. Since we didn't know how the line would look another time, we joined it. We waited about 15 minutes. Magnets in hand, we did a little shopping. I bought some LE Galaxy's Edge pins (it felt wrong to do so in AK, but I didn't know the pin situation in HS, so decided to get them when I could), as well as the black sparkly Halloween spirit jersey and the candy corn ears.

As we were checking out, my dad mentioned that he thought we should make an early night of it. Well, for anyone who read my PTR, you'll know that an early night was not in the cards. I'd been hoping to wait and tell him at dinner, but I decided to let him know that, "Well, I actually have a surprise planned. We're doing the Illuminations Frozen Ever After party later."

He was surprised, and I was worried a bit unhappy, but he assured me that he was excited. We'd just take it easy the rest of the day.

Shopping completed, we decided to grab some PP photos, as lines weren't that long.

("Wave your arms!" This is such an awkward photo... )

We passed the new Lion King photo spot on our way to Pandora, so of course we stopped...

(Whenever they say to "roar!" I always end up smiling anyway, so I look like I'm just playing a really high piano...)

It was time for our Na'vi River Journey FP. The lines were pretty short in Pandora (I think Na'vi was only a 30 min wait and FOP was like 50ish, maybe 60?). The park did not feel crowded and the lines were backing that up. Perhaps this would be a trend for the entire trip....????? *DUN DUN DUN* Foreshadowing.

It was ten minutes from getting into line to getting on our boat.

As usual I tried to get a pic of the shaman, and as usual, I failed.

Our breakfast felt like forever ago, so we decided to refuel with a Night Blossom (non-alcoholic this time. When my mom and I got the Rum Blossom in April, it was full of rum, and it was too hot and early for that) and a Pongu Lumpia.

(It came with a new glow cube. It was like a pod thing?)

We watched the mech show for a bit while we enjoyed our treats (it was dad's first time having both and he liked both!), but that show really is geared for kids, so once we were finished, we decided to check out the store. It started pouring rain while we were inside, so we luckily missed it and just hung out for a bit longer. I bought two new Pandora pins (because I didn't buy enough last time ) and we ventured out once the rain let up.

When we've been to Disney at other times of the year, it's not sooo hot and humid that the rain doesn't cool things off--it does and it's refreshing. But in August-September, since it's so hot and humid, the rain just makes it more hot and humid. Unbearably so. We were happy we had moisture-wicking everything on when it came to clothes, because it was damp.

We made our way back into Africa for our Safari FP. On the way, near the FotLK bathrooms at the mouth of the path from Pandora, I saw this construction. I wasn't sure what it was, so I snapped a picture. I'm still not sure what it is?

UP NEXT: Will safaris ever be the same?

 

[riverside]

I tried the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

I absolutely LOVE that drink. The only thing is I have to get a tall. Anything bigger than that & I can feel my heart racing!! So much caffeine!!

 

[krisri18]

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31: ANIMAL KINGDOM (continued)

We pretty much hightailed it to the Starbucks on Discovery Island. My dad went in to get our drinks and I secured a table outside. I tried the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. It was pretty good!

We just hung out for a while, happy to be able to relax. It drizzled briefly, but we were just enough under cover that it didn't matter. It was only noon, but we were already starting to drag (late night before + early morning + intense experience = tired dad and daughter), so we enjoyed our rest. I called my mom and told her about our Trek experience. She reminded me about the Simba AP magnets they were giving out over at Discovery Trading Post. So after a while, we decided to head over there and grab them.

View attachment 419897
(I took this last night...)

We were floored at the amount of people waiting! (I wish I'd taken a picture!) There were temporary tape queues cow-penned back and forth several times, and the line still stretched far past the store. Since we didn't know how the line would look another time, we joined it. We waited about 15 minutes. Magnets in hand, we did a little shopping. I bought some LE Galaxy's Edge pins (it felt wrong to do so in AK, but I didn't know the pin situation in HS, so decided to get them when I could), as well as the black sparkly Halloween spirit jersey and the candy corn ears.

As we were checking out, my dad mentioned that he thought we should make an early night of it. Well, for anyone who read my PTR, you'll know that an early night was not in the cards. I'd been hoping to wait and tell him at dinner, but I decided to let him know that, "Well, I actually have a surprise planned. We're doing the Illuminations Frozen Ever After party later."

He was surprised, and I was worried a bit unhappy, but he assured me that he was excited. We'd just take it easy the rest of the day.

Shopping completed, we decided to grab some PP photos, as lines weren't that long.

View attachment 419889

View attachment 419888
("Wave your arms!" This is such an awkward photo... )

We passed the new Lion King photo spot on our way to Pandora, so of course we stopped...

View attachment 419887

View attachment 419890
(Whenever they say to "roar!" I always end up smiling anyway, so I look like I'm just playing a really high piano...)

It was time for our Na'vi River Journey FP. The lines were pretty short in Pandora (I think Na'vi was only a 30 min wait and FOP was like 50ish, maybe 60?). The park did not feel crowded and the lines were backing that up. Perhaps this would be a trend for the entire trip....????? *DUN DUN DUN* Foreshadowing.

View attachment 419892

It was ten minutes from getting into line to getting on our boat.

As usual I tried to get a pic of the shaman, and as usual, I failed.

View attachment 419893

Our breakfast felt like forever ago, so we decided to refuel with a Night Blossom (non-alcoholic this time. When my mom and I got the Rum Blossom in April, it was full of rum, and it was too hot and early for that) and a Pongu Lumpia.

View attachment 419895
(It came with a new glow cube. It was like a pod thing?)

View attachment 419894

We watched the mech show for a bit while we enjoyed our treats (it was dad's first time having both and he liked both!), but that show really is geared for kids, so once we were finished, we decided to check out the store. It started pouring rain while we were inside, so we luckily missed it and just hung out for a bit longer. I bought two new Pandora pins (because I didn't buy enough last time ) and we ventured out once the rain let up.

When we've been to Disney at other times of the year, it's not sooo hot and humid that the rain doesn't cool things off--it does and it's refreshing. But in August-September, since it's so hot and humid, the rain just makes it more hot and humid. Unbearably so. We were happy we had moisture-wicking everything on when it came to clothes, because it was damp.

We made our way back into Africa for our Safari FP. On the way, near the FotLK bathrooms at the mouth of the path from Pandora, I saw this construction. I wasn't sure what it was, so I snapped a picture. I'm still not sure what it is?

View attachment 419896

UP NEXT: Will safaris ever be the same?

That will be the AK location for Club 33.

 

[amjt660]

Great reporting on the Trek
The pictures were wonderful
Thanks for sharing in such great detail

Max

 

[sheriffwoody]

Loved reading about your trek!! It's on my bucket list.

 

[carriehpotter]

I absolutely LOVE that drink. The only thing is I have to get a tall. Anything bigger than that & I can feel my heart racing!! So much caffeine!!

I wish they had it year round!!

That will be the AK location for Club 33.

Ah, makes a lot of sense! Thanks!

Great reporting on the Trek
The pictures were wonderful
Thanks for sharing in such great detail

Max

Of course! It was truly a once in a lifetime experience and I'm so glad we did it!

Loved reading about your trek!! It's on my bucket list.

Doooooo iiiiiit!!! It was so incredible. My view is obviously colored a bit by getting a private tour, but I'm sure it would be fantastic no matter what!!

 

[carriehpotter]

So, umm, hi. It's been a while. Like...three and a half months? I fell into a deep Disney depression, because I wasn't sure when I'd be getting back. And I don't know about you guys, but writing these reports actually makes me kind of sad when I don't have another trip planned! But now I have two planned for this year, so...I'm back? Heh. If anyone still cares, I'm going to continue this report now. It's all super out of date, but a lot of fun stuff happened, so I'd love to still share it with all of you!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31: ANIMAL KINGDOM (continued)

Almost forgot the classic Pandora PP picture we took!

We did our safari FP, and while it definitely felt different (like we knew all the secrets), it was still fun. I'm one of those people that always says, "I've done the safari so many times, so I'm just gonna enjoy this time and not take pictures" and then I proceed to take ninety subpar pictures. But this time, I actually sat back and enjoyed, because I knew our Trek guides had snapped a ton of shots for us!

I couldn't resist taking a few photos though. Are you surprised?

After we got off the safari, we walked over to the entrance to Rafiki's Planet Watch, but the train was down, so we decided to get out of the sun at Harambe Market and get some cool water. We'd brought empty bottles and electrolyte powder to help us keep hydrated, and the powder especially ended up being a lifesaver in the extreme heat and humidity!

After resting for a while, we started to meander over to Asia, but we stopped for a bunch of PP shots on the way...

(I don't think my dad really "got" the directions from the photographer here... )

(My dad looks truly horrified. I look...vaguely surprised?)

NEXT UP: More AK and then park hopping to Epcot!

 

[carriehpotter]

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31: ANIMAL KINGDOM (continued)

We continued on our way to Asia after our PP tour, just soaking in the sweaty, sweaty magic. Our final FP had been Expedition Everest, but while we'd been resting it'd gone down and turned into a multi-use FP. But while we were on our way over, it opened back up! We hopped in the FP line, requested front row, waited in the FR line for literally 30 seconds, and then we were on! This was the first big test for my scopolamine patches. When we'd gone over Christmas 2018, the patch hadn't really helped, but I'd also slapped it on only a few hours before. This patch had been on since the morning before.

Well, we had a wild ride through the Yeti's territory and...I felt OK! Not 100%, but it definitely wasn't as bad as the last time, when I'd had to sit for an hour to regain my bearings and stomach.

We did some shopping in the EE store after. My dad got a sweet hat. On my birthday trip with my mom, we'd bought a frame for one of our pictures from the trip. So my dad and I found a super lovely frame randomly in the EE store and did the same!

Then it was time for our favorite meal in WDW: Yak and Yeti!

We mostly get the same things here, over and over....the Big Bamboo to drink, a Dim Sum Basket and a side of egg rolls (the BEST egg rolls) to share as an appetizer, and I get the honey chicken for my meal. But this time I tried something new: one of the specials, the Asian street tacos. They were SO. GOOD.

We still got the classics, though...

(The Big Bamboo...Don Q Coconut Rum, Don Q Cristal Rum, Banana Liqueur, and Tropical Fruit Juices)

(The Dim Sum Basket for 2...those pork buns are to die for...)

(Pork egg rolls...aka the best egg rolls ever!)

(My Asian Street Tacos...much spicier than I would have expected at a WDW restaurant, but super tasty. And the fries were delicious, too!)

(Dad got the Thai Crab Cakes. He really enjoyed them!)

And, of course, the tied-for-best-dessert-in-WDW-in-our-humble-opinion dessert... the Cream Cheese Wontons!!

(Literally salivating looking at this picture right now.)

After another delicious meal at Yak & Yeti, with the usual excellent service, it was time for us to hop to Epcot for our ill-advised Frozen Ever After dessert party!

We were both really dragging by that point, but that didn't stop me from taking some paparazzi shots of my dad on the bus. He's definitely not as good as @Tuvalu at always being ready for that camera!

(So sleepy...)

UP NEXT: Epcot and the FEA Dessert Party with two pooped people!

 

[Swissmiss]

Welcome back

 

[fizzieee]

Welcome back! You left us on a bit of a cliffhanger there

 

[Sulley_1313]

Hi! I'm new-ish to the Forums and for my first post, I would just like to say that I am THRILLED to see this Trip Report back in action!

 

[arich35]

Following!!

 

[carriehpotter]

Welcome back

Thanks!

Welcome back! You left us on a bit of a cliffhanger there

I know! I'm sorry I'm clearly not cut out to write TRs when I don't have a trip planned. But now I've got two, so...I'm back! Haha. And I already have a trip planned for 2021, as well, so I should be OK writing reports for my two 2020 trips

Hi! I'm new-ish to the Forums and for my first post, I would just like to say that I am THRILLED to see this Trip Report back in action!

I am honored!! Thanks for your kind words and welcome to the forums!!

Following!!

Thank you!

 

[carriehpotter]

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31: FROM AK TO EPCOT (continued)

After a quick bus trip over to Epcot, we had some time to kill before the dessert party. Spaceship Earth only had a 5 minute wait. And I dunno about you guys, but unless you're running late for a FP or ADR, you're contractually obligated to ride SE if it only has a 5 minute wait. Just saying.

I thought the face I made for the picture was very funny, because I am a nerd.

After our journey through time, we stopped at the old pin store by the Fountain of Nations (RIP... ) and I got all of the Food and Wine LE pins except the one I really wanted, which featured Figment. The CM said that Mouse Gear might still have it, so over there we schlepped. And they did have it! We also picked up some F&W merch and some farewell Illuminations merch.

We still had time to kill, so we decided to go over and get our F&W AP magnet. This was right outside the Electric Umbrella (another RIP...this is making me sad!). The line was RIDICULOUS. The park was not that crowded. No. Everyone was in that line. But we persevered and we each got our cute Minnie magnet!

It was finally time to check in for the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party! As I said in my PTR, we've decided that even though the dessert parties are overpriced (though this used to be one of the best value ones at $79. It's since gone up to $99 for adults, which is bonkers), we like a guaranteed spot to watch the nighttime shows. And since this was officially the last time we'd ever see Illuminations, it made even more sense!

We were shown to our table, and not going to lie, I was pretty upset when we got there. It was a front table, but it's one of the two that are behind the Friendship boat launch. We have been seated at one of these two tables every. single. time. we've done this party (and it's been at least 4 parties). It's not a bad view by any means, but there's a flag pole that sticks straight up into one's sight line. I'm pretty sure I was just overtired at that point, but I actually started tearing up a bit. The CM seating us immediately wanted to know what was wrong, so I explained. She got her manager, who offered to show us a few alternate tables. Unfortunately, they were all tables in the back and off to the side, so much worse views. The Friendship launch table it was. I really appreciated that they tried to provide options, but I also just don't get why we were relegated to those tables every single time. Oh well.

I tried to take some pics of the decorations, but didn't do the best job (it's dark at the party, and I hadn't yet discovered the joy of my phone camera's night setting):

(Our table lantern...)

We got our food and drinks. I started with the cheese fondue and pitas and some grapes. This fondue is sooooo yummy! The mixed drinks are pretty good (and they're made strong), and they also have beer and wine. I like the Summertime Margarita and the Pina Colada the best.

(Fondue and grapes. Pretty sure that's the Summertime Margarita behind it.)

Then we got some dessert! The almond cookies (the half moon shaped cookie below) are very tasty! The warm cottage pudding with salted caramel glaze and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is also yummy!

One thing worth mentioning is that if you're a party of two, you will be seated with other people. I'm not sure if that happens to groups of three or more (I don't think so, but it's possible), but we've never been seated with people when it was mom, dad, and I. But my dad and I were seated with a lovely couple from our home state, New Jersey! We had a lot of fun talking with them and hearing about their trip and telling them about our long day! It's really luck of the draw who you're seated with, and we hit the jackpot!

I'd resolved not to take any pictures of the show itself, since it was my last time seeing it ever. I actually stuck to my guns and took no photos. I also bawled like a small child when "We Go On" started playing. But I was happy to see that the single fireworks that shoot off from around the lagoon from in front of the pavilions were back (they'd been absent in April when my mom and I watched). That's always been one of my favorite effects.

When I was younger, I didn't like Illuminations. But it definitely grew to hold a special place in my heart. I really hope its replacement is worthy (though I admit I kind of doubt it).

After the show was over, we waited around a bit and then it was time to walk over for our ride on Frozen Ever After.

We were literally exhausted at that point, so we decided we were not going to walk all the way out to the buses. Instead, we walked over to the International Gateway and to the Beach Club, where we ordered a Minnie Van to take us back to FQ.

One last pic on the way out:

Thus, finally, our first day had come to an end.

Once we were home, we unpacked the rest of the way (we hadn't had time the night before) and we went, happily, to sleep. Luckily, our morning started a lot later the next day!

UP NEXT: Trying new brunch offerings, a monorail tour, and "Thanks, Star Wars!"

 

[carriehpotter]

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1: RESORT HOPPING AND DISNEY SPRINGS

The next morning dawned a little earlier than we would have liked, even though we'd both slept really well. (Holy cow, the beds at FQ are comfy!) We definitely slept later than we should have, so we ended up having to scramble around to get ready for our brunch ADR. We ordered a Minnie Van (which had always been the plan this morning, since we weren't going to a park) and on our way to the lobby to meet it, I realized I'd forgotten my hat! So I dashed back to the room and then back to the lobby. That's one way to get your blood pumping!

When I'd been planning our days based on the crowd calendars (which I know can be unpredictable, but I still like to consult them on the best parks to hit each day), this day was the 9-10 day across the board...understandable, since it was the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. So we decided to take this as our resort hopping and Disney Springs day--a "rest" day. When we were planning, it seemed silly to have this day so early, but boy were we thankful at the time! Saturday had completely wiped us out, so being able to take it easy the next day was a blessing!

A quick Minnie Van ride later, we were pulling up to our destination: the Contemporary! I'd watched a couple reviews of the new California Grill Brunch (including The Tim Tracker's, which gives a nice overview) and knew we had to try it--they had sushi! And unlimited entrees! And cheese!

We were seated quickly at a window table (I didn't take a photo because I'm still having to remind myself to do that!) and we met our waiter, who was fantastic! He was attentive, he explained everything so nicely, and he never rushed us--in fact, he kept encouraging us to order more and get more!

This brunch is a hybrid: they have a buffet and an action station, but you also get unlimited entrees, dessert, and unlimited mimosas! There's also an absolutely wild Bloody Mary bar (you can add like lobster claws and stuff), but it costs extra.

My first (of many, I'm sad to admit) mimosa:

The mimosas didn't have orange juice. They were just champagne and orange boba balls. Kinda strange, and not my fav (it was a very dry champagne), but they certainly kept refilling it constantly! No additional boba balls though, but I'm sure I could have asked.

I didn't take a pic of the buffet, because I feel weird taking photos where only a couple people I don't know will be in them. But it had two parts. One part was a table set up with several different baskets of baked goods, including danishes, cheddar biscuits, croissants, and more. The other was along the kitchen bar area, and it featured sushi, a wide variety of meats and cheeses, deviled eggs, make-your-own parfaits, flat breads, different dips and spreads, bagels and lox, and more.

My first plate from the buffet:

(The cheddar biscuit in the middle, the deviled egg, and the hummus on the crisp pita were to die for.)

My parfait:

(They had the greek yogurt already in the glasses, and then a variety of toppings to add!)

My dad's first plate:

(He's the sushi boy. I only like California roll )

The coffee was also top notch. They had French Press coffee available as an extra cost, but our waiter recommended we just stick with the regular coffee. He said it was just as good. I'm glad we listened to him!

Then it was time for entrees! They had a mix of breakfast and lunch entrees available, but I love breakfast, so that's where I was staying. The pancakes on the menu change seasonally, and the ones that day I believe were some sort of blueberry-lemon, which I didn't find super appealing. Our waiter had said to ask him anything, so I asked if there was any way I could get chocolate chip pancakes, my vacation staple. And wouldn't you know it...he smiled and said, "I can make chocolate chip pancakes happen!"

(These were so. good.)

My dad got the shrimp and grits, and really enjoyed them:

(He said they had a really nice kick.)

And we also decided to share an additional entree, the Lobster Eggs Benedict (which were a big part of the reason I wanted to do this brunch):

(This was huge and amazing.)

We could have ordered more entrees if we wanted, but we were both already losing steam.

I went back up to the buffet, and also to the action station, where a chef was making some sort of delicious orange cornflake cake thing with ice cream.

(This had nuts in it, so I very kindly lorded it over my dad, who's allergic to tree nuts, how good it was...)

(I definitely went up to the buffet one other time, but apparently didn't take a pic of that plate. This was my last plate, though.)

We were both stuffed, so then of course our waiter brought out dessert, which we'd both forgotten about!

(My dad got a slightly different plate so he wouldn't have nuts, but I forgot to take a pic of his.)

It was not a big dessert, but I was so stuffed, I couldn't finish it. So our waiter boxed up the rest.

All in all, this is a pricey experience, but I really think it was worth it. Amazing (and copious) food and service, breathtaking views, a string duo playing Disney songs, and unlimited mimosas. Oh yeah. My dad and I have already decided we are definitely bringing my mom to this when we go again as a family in 2021! Be aware, though, the earliest reservation time is 10 (or it was when we went), and you will spend at least an hour and a half, if not longer, to get the full experience.

To recap:

Included: Buffet, action station, unlimited entrees, coffee, tea, juices, and soft drinks, unlimited mimosas, and dessert.
Not Included: Bloody Mary bar and specialty drinks, like cocktails and French Press coffee

UP NEXT: Exploring the monorail resorts and taking naps everywhere we can!

 

[carriehpotter]

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1: RESORT HOPPING AND DISNEY SPRINGS (continued)

After our giant breakfast/lunch, we basically waddled down to the main concourse level. We were so full that we decided to take a nap on the couches that are behind Fantasia Gifts. I slept for a good half hour, and then I got up to wander around a bit in the stores while I let my poor dad sleep more...he's not as young as he used to be

I love when the stores have trivia boards out! I knew all of these except the last one, because for the life of me I couldn't remember how old Mama Odie was!

Once I was done shopping (I ended up with pins and a shirt, because of course I did), I woke dad up and we both used the restroom before heading up to the monorail. I found a phone just sitting on top of the toilet paper dispenser in one of the stalls I brought it out with me and gave it the security guys checking bags. This might be an unpopular opinion, but I actually like that they check the bags in the resort. I bet it can get super backed up at peak times, but during the day, it's nice. What's not nice is having to get your bag checked at every stop when you're doing a tour of the monorail resorts

We skipped the Poly because we had plans for it later. (Why does that sound so foreboding?) So we hopped off at Grand Floridian, and since I'd made an effort to look cute even though it was a million degrees out, I made my dad take my picture:

While taking the chandelier picture above, I noticed that Alice and the Mad Hatter were out in the lobby greeting guests! So of course we rushed right down the steps, but who should we run into instead but one of my mom's favorites, Ms. Poppins!

After our jolly holiday, Alice and the Mad Hatter had disappeared, so we decided to explore the lobby and shops. I actually paid attention to the decor, and though it's not as overt as other resorts, it's very pretty!

These were hanging in one of the shops and I thought they were so pretty:

(One thing I genuinely love about Disney is that they tend to include plaques with explanations of things!)

UP NEXT: More resort hopping and more naps!