Who's Afraid of the Big Bad...Spring Break Crowds?

Hello Everyone and welcome aboard Jess's Walt Disney World Trip Report.


Well here I am again in cold, windy Pittsburgh when just a few weeks ago I was in….well cold, windy Florida. But a cold day in Disney is better than a warm day at home, right? That’s what I told myself as I bundled up for a chilly 4 day trip to Disney in March. And it’s Spring Break? Oh well – a crowded day in Disney is better than a…lonely day at home? Not quite sure how to end that but to sum it up…yes ANY day in Disney is better than ANY other day at home.


This trip was GIRLS ONLY. Why? Because boys have cooties, duh. But seriously with my Dad going away on a golf trip (currently on it) my mom felt better about vacationing without him and my fiancé is getting though his last rotations before he graduates in June (Yay!!) and my sister’s husband couldn’t get off work. Oh yes it’s Ladies Night…and day…and yeah so this trip is just us ladies.

For those of you who don’t know me (which you should…I’m a hoot)
I'm Jess.



I'm a big fan of food, villains and EPCOT.

There's my seester, Nikki and my dearest darling Momsie




The plan was – Pop Century for 4 nights – parks for 3 days – park openings/closings – get all 4 parks accomplished in 3 days during Spring Break crowds. OK GO.


March 24, 2013.

Our flight was scheduled to leave at 6:00pm. As we’re walking out the door to church – I see our flight was delayed to take off at 7. No big deal. About 4 seconds later I re-check and now it’s delayed to 7:45. Gah. There go my plans of hitting up AoA for a little when we check into Pop.

We head to the airport early anyway because they have a great restaurant there (Not the Pittsburgh one – the Latrobe one…about 15 minutes from my house) so we had some drinks and appetizers. At the end of the meal – we see our flight is delayed again to 8:15. FRICK DOUBLE FRICK. That’s ok – that’s why Steve Jobs invented iPads, iPhones and iPods to keep us busy. FINALLY the flight gets there and we are ready to board.

Who says we aren’t excited to go to Disney after a few hours in an airport?


Then we sit on the plane for another hour while they de-ice our wings. Joy. After the bumpiest flight of my LIFE…we landed in MCO around 11pm. Well shucks now we have to go to baggage to claim our bags like some kind of COMMONERS? Ugh – first world problems.
Anywho…off to DME to take us to POP.

We got to Pop around 11:45. 60’s section room 4349 – wonderful building location.





(Sorry for the blurry pictures - I was a bit frustrated with being so late and these were walking pictures. Not that there is any excuse for the pictures to come - I'm a point and shoot on the move kind of gal)

Very light unpacking and getting to sleep. DHS opens at 7 people – get to bed!

 

[tiaragirl]

Ahaha I saw this when I was in class and remembered it right before bed (it's like 12:19 and way past sleep time for me, feel special) - so glad I stopped to read it. Between the Ursula love and the "Yeah, you're cool" comments to the girls in VOTLM, I feel that we would get along swimmingly.

Pun because both of those things were Little Mermaid related.

Did you "sea" that?

Okay, bed.

 

[ginadee]

I canNOT believe I have never been to Starring Roles. That will be a must on my next trip. Thanks to your pics.

 

[Raven66]

Fabulous trip report and pictures so far. Can't wait to see more. The Starring Rolls pictures looked so yummy. I'm pretty sure I drooled a little.......ok a lot. I can't wait to try something from there in June.

I've had a super hard time flying for years. We haven't flown in 5 yrs and that is when I discovered xanax. That plane could do dips and spirals and I would have never known. We are driving this trip, whoo hoo.

 

[Tidbit]

AWESOME a "girls" trip!! Can't wait to read more!!

Oh an I totally feel for that poor girl at Mamma's!! I tell ALL of my clients that you must make ADR's no question about it, but every now & then you get people that just don't listen!!! Wow 10 peeps tho!!! I make them even for a place that's not even all that popular!

 

[sam_disney]

Yay a girlie trip to the world!

Loving reading your report as always! i rememeber your last one

The food pics... have made my belly rumble! Look so yummy!! xxx

 

[plaz10]

DHS is always a good one to start off on, keep them coming!

DHS is good...Animal Kingdom is not as good. Haha! I really do love DHS - even if it's just spending my mornings jumping from Toy Story to RnRC. And Fantasmic! is the best night time show EVER! Thanks for reading!

Great trip report. Enjoyed seeing those treats in the windows!

Thank you! I really love/hate looking at the food pictures - it makes me so hungry for Disney sweets!

Yes the pictures of the sweets are great but I still have the food music in my head. Hate it when that happens.

I think you should make it your ring tone. haha

 

[plaz10]

Ahaha I saw this when I was in class and remembered it right before bed (it's like 12:19 and way past sleep time for me, feel special) - so glad I stopped to read it. Between the Ursula love and the "Yeah, you're cool" comments to the girls in VOTLM, I feel that we would get along swimmingly.

Pun because both of those things were Little Mermaid related.

Did you "sea" that?

Okay, bed.

Kenzie, dear...I do feel special that my TR cut into sleep time! Thanks girl. Your swimmingly and sea puns in reference to Little Mermaid made me laugh out loud. If I'm ever in Canada...I'm looking you up! (Because as a dumb American I assume anyone I know in Canada live near each other and near to where I would be. haha)

I canNOT believe I have never been to Starring Roles. That will be a must on my next trip. Thanks to your pics.

Definitely gotta hit up Starring Rolls. Excellent breakfast and snacks. Small seating area and sometimes has a big line but it moves quickly. Beware this place closes at 4 so get your snacks early! Yummy!! Thanks for reading!

Fabulous trip report and pictures so far. Can't wait to see more. The Starring Rolls pictures looked so yummy. I'm pretty sure I drooled a little.......ok a lot. I can't wait to try something from there in June.

I've had a super hard time flying for years. We haven't flown in 5 yrs and that is when I discovered xanax. That plane could do dips and spirals and I would have never known. We are driving this trip, whoo hoo.

Yep it's a must do for us - each trip I say I'm gonna try something new but the RVCC just keeps calling me!

Normally I'm not a super nervous passenger on planes BUT when I was sitting there while they de-iced the wings...I was thinking of everything that could go wrong. Add the bumpy trip? I was gripping my arm rest like mad. I may need my fiance to write me a script for Xanax.

AWESOME a "girls" trip!! Can't wait to read more!!

Oh an I totally feel for that poor girl at Mamma's!! I tell ALL of my clients that you must make ADR's no question about it, but every now & then you get people that just don't listen!!! Wow 10 peeps tho!!! I make them even for a place that's not even all that popular!

Thanks for reading! Yep ADRs are a must - it's crazy how many people don't make them or get mad at the restaurant for being full. Oh well. They make a good example of what not to do.

Yay a girlie trip to the world!

Loving reading your report as always! i rememeber your last one

The food pics... have made my belly rumble! Look so yummy!! xxx

Thanks girl!
I will warn this trip report has less tipsy/breaking & entering moments but still lots of fun!

There are more food pics to come - the girls learned early to not eat their food before picture time...great traveling companions!!

 

[mousefreak]

As always...another GREAT TR from Jess! So glad you got to have a girls only trip. I told my wife that if she went to Disney without me...her stuff would be on the front porch when she got home.

BTW, love the food ! Bow chicka wow wow.

 

[plaz10]

As always...another GREAT TR from Jess! So glad you got to have a girls only trip. I told my wife that if she went to Disney without me...her stuff would be on the front porch when she got home.

BTW, love the food ! Bow chicka wow wow.

Thanks so much! Awww c'mon a girls trip can be GOOD for a lady! And absence makes the heart grow fonder. I am actually anticipating my next trip with the soon to be hubs MORE because I can't wait for him to see New Fantasyland and Test Track.

My name is Jess...and I'm addicted to food . I totally have a stash of it on my computer...and even some on my iPhone.

 

[mousefreak]

Thanks so much! Awww c'mon a girls trip can be GOOD for a lady! And absence makes the heart grow fonder. I am actually anticipating my next trip with the soon to be hubs MORE because I can't wait for him to see New Fantasyland and Test Track.

My name is Jess...and I'm addicted to food . I totally have a stash of it on my computer...and even some on my iPhone.

LOL! Wrong, but yet so right.

 

[WishIWasAtWDW]

Loving the trip report Jess! I saw your pictures on Instagram and was hoping a trip report would be coming soon. Your pictures of all the snacks in Starring Rolls look soooooo good! It's probably a good thing I just ate lunch before viewing them. You all got a lot accomplished for spring break crowds! Very impressive. Can't wait to read more!

 

[DaddyDisneyMan]

I just gained 10lbs. reading this...I'll be down in WDW in 3 days...can't wait to try all this!

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Jess! You are a hoot, lol!
Oh my word the food pictures.
Excellent alien picture!
Cracking up at your intro to Animal Kingdom!

 

[HollyBelle]

This is my...I'm really bad at taking mirror shots but i'll try for @HollyBelle

Now, that's what I'm talking about! Best mirror at the Studios. You do me proud!

 

[HollyBelle]

And then I proceeded to read further... hooooooooray for Gaston! Me thinks this is shaping up to be one great trip report.

 

[pumpkin7]

Awesome trip report. Though it is making me very hungry. I'll have to have a look in Starring Roles aswell, I've never been or knew it existed.

 

[plaz10]

Loving the trip report Jess! I saw your pictures on Instagram and was hoping a trip report would be coming soon. Your pictures of all the snacks in Starring Rolls look soooooo good! It's probably a good thing I just ate lunch before viewing them. You all got a lot accomplished for spring break crowds! Very impressive. Can't wait to read more!

Ashley! Thanks for reading. I went a little food picture crazy this trip without Bill's rolling eyes glaring at me like normal hahaha. He's always "just pick something and stop taking pictures of it - I'm hungry! It's like you've never seen a cookie before"

I just gained 10lbs. reading this...I'll be down in WDW in 3 days...can't wait to try all this!

I believe that Disney food has no calories - it's part of the magic. But seriously with all the walking we do...I think it evens out Haha. Have fun on your trip!!! Eat lots of goodies for me!!

Jess! You are a hoot, lol!
Oh my word the food pictures.
Excellent alien picture!
Cracking up at your intro to Animal Kingdom!

Tammy! There are many more food pictures to come - brace yourself. I seriously worry about myself and food on this cruise - I can have premium bars delivered to my room? I may never leave.

Yeah AK has never been a favorite - but my sister LOVES it. Luckily I was able to talk her into only 3 rides and OUT. And it helps that I do actually really enjoy Finding Nemo and we missed it last trip. Thanks for reading!

Now, that's what I'm talking about! Best mirror at the Studios. You do me proud!

And then I proceeded to read further... hooooooooray for Gaston! Me thinks this is shaping up to be one great trip report.

I am officially no good at the mirror shot! I'll practice before the cruise! Haha. Spoiler alert - you have not seen the last of Gaston!!

Awesome trip report. Though it is making me very hungry. I'll have to have a look in Starring Roles aswell, I've never been or knew it existed.

Its so tiny but so worth it. The line can look intimidating if it's prime breakfast time - but its a small place so the line tends to spill out most of the time - it goes quick! But seating is a premium (we ate on a bence) so maybe send one party to find a seat and one into get the goods! You won't be disappointed! Thanks for reading!

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

So I saw this TR was up and I thought what better way to start my day than with your TR!!

There is absolutely nothing, I repeat NOTHING wrong with a cream cheese based diet. I fully support the red velvet cheesecake cupcake followed by a carrot cake cookie. Those would be my two choices too! Though I have never had a carrot cake cookie HOWEVER - it is on my list for next month. Anything with cream cheese is good in my book!

I hear ya on quoting the Muppets all the time. Ashley and I do too. How can you not?!

Bumpy flights = a very nervous Nelly!! The worst was when I was flying to Switzerland. We were somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean and it was SOOO bumpy. Well, we hit an air pocket where there was no wind and the plane just dropped. My stomach seriously felt like it does on the RNRC launch. I thought that sucker was going down... but we survived (obviously)

Can't wait to read more!! This is getting me excited for my trip next month!!

 

[plaz10]

Alrighty where were we??? Ah yes...(or oh no...) Animal Kingdom.

I'll preface this part like I do all Animal Kingdom TR portions - AK is not my favorite park. In fact it's my least favorite. No disrespect to the beauty of the park or the theme...both very well done. But I'm not an animal lover. But in favor of my sister who adores this park....here we goooo




Oh just the wildest...




At least the weather was clear and beautiful!



AK was actually very crowded. It took a while to get through to Harambe to see there were no FPs available for the Safari. So Nikki ran off to Everest to get in single rider and we slowly made our way over past Everest to wait at Nemo for Nikki.






Where they at?


OH HELLO THERE. It's a shame that the backwards part makes me SO dizzy and sick because I really love this drop.


Hoping Nikki makes it for the 5:00 show...it was like 4:50 at the time of this photo.

She made it!! We sat way in the back but it was nice. There were a bunch of kids sitting on the steps (not foreign) and the CMs said "You can't sit there it's a fire hazard please sit on the benches. And the mother said "Ugh just come back and when the show starts go back to the stairs." Wonderful parenting, ma'am. Teach those good lessons early.

I really enjoy Finding Nemo the musical. It's very well done. And I really like the songs - I need to download them. But it is one of the parts of AK that I really like. (See...I'm not a total AK hater!)

 

[plaz10]

We bypassed all Dinosaur themed attractions in search of the only other thing we wanted to do in AK - Kilimanjaro Safari.



The wait said 35 minutes and no FP. Well...no time like the present - gotta stick it out. The wait was indeed 35 minutes - the longest I've waited for a Disney attraction in 5 years. Spoiler alert - LONGEST WAIT OF OUR ENTIRE TRIP. Yes...with the magic of early mornings/late nights and proper FP use...you don't have to wait 120 minutes to ride anything during Spring Break crowds...IT CAN BE DONE!

Ok so the safari - one of the best I've ever been on. It was getting chilly and the animals must have loved it because they were all out. Here's some obligatory photos of animals so you know I'm not lying...









The lioness was also out - but not in a great picture taking area. We also saw hippos just walking around on land. Very cool even for this non animal fan. Our safari guide was Jared and he was fantastic - totally into the job but also made lots of great jokes and stuff to keep it livened up. Really enjoyed it!

Mom and Nik wanted to do ITtbaB so while they did that I FaceTimed with Bill. Aw I missed him so.

That was all we wanted to do in AK so we were now heading back to Hollywood Studios to eat some dinner and catch the 2nd Fantasmic! showing.

We walk into DHS and they went to grab some legit dinner while I ran to Pizza Planet to get this lemon meringue cupcake Bill's sister had gotten a few weeks prior. STUPID EASTER CUPCAKE. The lemon was a season one that was sure to return after Easter - but now they had the same pineapple/coconut one you could find at Starring Rolls. My first Disney food failure of the trip. So as I'm sulking back towards Fantasmic...I have an idea.

I walked into Brown Derby. "Can I order a piece of the Grapefruit cake to go?" ..."You sure can!" SCORE! This has been on my must try list for a while but we haven't eaten at Brown Derby (just not high on our 2 credit list when we have DDP) Of course there was an automatic tip added to it making it like a $10 piece of cake but was it worth it? (lemme work it...) Oh and yes it has cream cheese icing so it's the 3rd cream cheese item of the day.


YES OMG I LOVE THIS. It was light and refreshing vs other heavy desserts (looking at you carrot cake cookie...) I seriously devoured this baby. I think of this as God closing a door (lemon meringue cupcake) and opening a window (Grapefruit Cake) because I would have never thought to get the grapefruit cake had I not been sulking over my cupcake. Everything happens for a reason!!

Mom and Nik got a turkey leg and chicken nuggets. I didn't really eat either - I was all team grapefruit cake!



We had about 45 minutes until Fantasmic! and the Pirates of the Caribbean Legend of Jack Sparrow had a 15 minute wait - OK we'll bite. It's a new attraction none of us had experienced. Cool effects and all - but kind of a waste of time. I'm sure Bill will want to see it but after that...I'll probably never see it again.

Into the Hollywood Amphitheater for the BEST NIGHTTIME SHOW EVER...


Is that a new dragon head? It looks good!



I cried at the beginning and cried at the end. I really love this show. Great music - great use of villains...love love love. We went back to POP to fill up our mug and I randomly took a picture of this sweet looking brownie in the grab n go section


random...but looks delicious.

We were back in our room around 11:30. Weather was clear but windy all day and pretty chilly at night - we all had our hoods up!

Up Next: A little morning jaunt through New Fantasyland