Trip Report You Can't Beat This Deal...Two Trip Reports for the Price of One! *COMPLETED*

Hi Everyone!

As some of you may know, it's been a very busy, Disney filled, end of the summer for us! After scrambling to find new vacations plans thanks to Hurricane Lane and having just returned from a solo trip to attend the Disney Institute Approach to Quality Service course, I have almost been able to get all of the photos downloaded and I'm nearly ready to report on our adventures.

Both trips we're remarkably different from what our typical Disney trip would look like but both were fantastic experiences and I'm really looking forward to sharing them with you.

I am planning on uploading the last of our pictures from the camera tonight and will start diving into the details very soon!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

I have to admit, I stalked Edmonton. Sadly i've never heard of it. I'm sure it's very beautiful and after just seeing where it's located I promise to quit complaining about Indiana's winters.

Edmonton is a beautiful city but being where we are, our winters can be cold and snowy. Definitely not for the faint of heart! But even in the winter, the city is lovely. The river valley running through the city is amazing all year long.

So, not long after gushing about our great city, we wake up to the following...

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2acfEgo]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

I will say this is not typical of this time of year but living in Alberta, this isn't a huge surprise. Next week we're back into double-digit temps and more normal fall-like weather. Hopefully this is just a primer to get us ready for the snow come late October, early November.

 

[Zipadeelady]

So, not long after gushing about our great city, we wake up to the following...

Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

I will say this is not typical of this time of year but living in Alberta, this isn't a huge surprise. Next week we're back into double-digit temps and more normal fall-like weather. Hopefully this is just a primer to get us ready for the snow come late October, early November.

I can't even imagine!! It's September! I may not be a fan of snow for 9 months out of the year but my dog sure would love to live there.

 

[Matt and Kelly]

I can't even imagine!! It's September! I may not be a fan of snow for 9 months out of the year but my dog sure would love to live there.

HAHA! Yes, it's one of the great things about living here. You can experience all four seasons in one day! Don't worry though, the snow will be gone by tomorrow. We don't typically get snow this early but I won't lie, we do tend to see snow for a solid six months of the year.

 

[wdwfamilynh]

So, not long after gushing about our great city, we wake up to the following...

Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

I will say this is not typical of this time of year but living in Alberta, this isn't a huge surprise. Next week we're back into double-digit temps and more normal fall-like weather. Hopefully this is just a primer to get us ready for the snow come late October, early November.

Following along, although it looks like I haven’t arrived terribly late.

After checking the map to see how much farther north Edmonton is comparatively, I was relieved to see it’s unlikely the white stuff will hit here anytime soon

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Following along, although it looks like I haven’t arrived terribly late.

After checking the map to see how much farther north Edmonton is comparatively, I was relieved to see it’s unlikely the white stuff will hit here anytime soon

Thanks for reading and enjoy the lack of snow while you can! Not the most ideal start to "Fall" here in Edmonton!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

We kept waiting for the rain to lighten up and every time it looked like it would, it seemed to pick up just as we prepared to make our move. Finally we had to bite the bullet, get wet and head towards the exit. Because of the weather the boat launches were stalled so off to the shelter of the bus stop we ran.

Thankfully it wasn’t too busy at the Wilderness Lodge stop and we didn’t have to wait very long before we were in the cozy confines of the bus. Wilderness Lodge is still my favourite resort on property and I think the moms would say the same thing. We all stayed at the Lodge a number of years ago on a family vacation and it was a huge hit with everyone. I was looking forward to walking into the lobby and seeing that beautiful, rustic entrance.

Lennon was most pleased to have a poncho to keep her dry!
[url=https://flic.kr/p/29jgXnT]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

We arrived and took in the sights of the lobby before making our way to the check-in for Whispering Canyon. The roaring fireplaces were well utilized at this point by guests trying to dry off.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/Nz1Pxh]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

The check-in line for the restaurant was pretty busy but I gave our name and we gathered to wait in the lobby. Both Kelly and I were super curious to find out what the dining experience was going to be like since they scaled back on the antics. Our kids LOVED the fun they had during our dinner in December and I was hoping they’d still have some of the fun tactics left over.

Our name was called after about 5 minutes and we were lead to our table. By this time we were all getting pretty worn down from the long travel day/night and our conversation shifted from returning to the park afterward to heading back to the hotel to find our rooms and settle in. Kelly and the moms eventually decided that they would hit up a Target (Kelly’s real reason for traveling to the States) and I would grab a Lyft and take the girls back to the French Quarter. The kids didn’t seem too bothered by not returning to the park and were looking forward to seeing the room.

Now that that was determined, food was next on the list! Kelly and I tried to convince the moms to go with the all-you-can-eat but they went another direction. We ordered the skillet, the kids both ordered mac and cheese, Kelly’s mom (Deb) ordered the pulled pork empanadas and my mom (Allyson) ordered the baked macaroni and the mixed green salad.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/LWyauD]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/LWj3D2]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/27WEkEj]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2aBVemE]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Everyone was very pleased with the first sit down meal of the trip. Kelly and I devoured the skillet and there wasn’t much left on the plates around the table. It felt good to have a real meal after such a long day. Plus the few Mooseheads, or Canadian water according to our server, made things that much tastier.

Aside from the good food, we were pleased to see the ketchup gag and the pony rides still taking place and Ella had a lot of fun ripping around the room a few times on her wooden horse.

Once we were finished with our beers and ready to go our separate ways, I hailed a Lyft to take me and the kids back to the resort. Our rooms were ready and I was looking forward to getting settled. Kelly and the moms called an Uber and were off to Target. Me and the kids piled into our ride and made the short 10-minute drive back to the French Quarter.

When we arrived we went straight towards our room on the main floor of building 5. We arrived to find a “Room Occupied” sign on the door which seemed kinda odd. I opened the lock with the MagicBand and we walked into a room that was completely dishevelled. Beds a mess, a pack-and-play set up in the corner and towels everywhere. Not exactly the sight I wanted to see having been up for 36 straight hours. I took a picture and we huffed back to the front desk.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2aBw5nd]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Of course it was packed when we arrived and I ended up cutting the line, which I felt bad about, to voice my dissatisfaction. The Cast Member was quick to apologize and seek alternative accommodation for us. As she waited for the new room number she asked how long we had been DVC members and talked about her mom joining the DVC last year as well. She did a really nice job of handling the situation and had us on our way to our new room on the main floor of building 7.

This worked out much better!
[url=https://flic.kr/p/LWuPwt]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/29iAfTe]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2aCdMws]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Obviously, we knew the room wasn't going to be quite the same as the DVC accommodation but it was definitely enough space, very clean and we were happy to be home for the week. I will say, I did miss the individually packaged H2O products you receive in DVC lodgings. I wouldn't be able to add to my stash of toiletries this trip...
[url=https://flic.kr/p/29j3zHX]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

We called Bell Services and had our luggage and groceries we ordered from the Garden Grocer delivered to the room. As I always do for any trip, no matter length of stay, I unpacked my suitcase and set everything up to my liking. It was after 730 at this point but the girls really wanted to go to the pool for a quick dip before Kelly got back so that’s exactly what we did.

The pool area at the French Quarter is a great set up for guests. Lots for the kids to do and plenty of seating around the pools and on a rise behind the pool. They put on some life jackets and jumped in while I sat in a chair nearby and watched.

Kelly messaged around 830 to say they were almost back so we left to pool to great her. When they arrived back the moms, well my mom, was quick to head to the front desk to see if they could move rooms to our building to be close to us which they were able to do. They weren’t right next door (thankfully) but just a few doors down which made her happy.

Now that we were all back, we all hit the wall and it was time for some sleep. Even the kids were asked to jump into bed which almost never happens, especially in Disney. It wouldn’t take long for us to pass out and we knew that the next morning would come quickly! [

 

[dizfan917]

Oh no!! I forgot about your addiction to all the Disney toiletries. What will you do?! How will you manage? I'm excited to read all about it!

hee hee hee...

Since I met @Tuvalu in July and you did in August, it's kinda like we've met each other through some degree of separation, right? And we both just ran into her walking through the parks. hilarious!!

 

[krisri18]

Oh no!! I forgot about your addiction to all the Disney toiletries. What will you do?! How will you manage? I'm excited to read all about it!

hee hee hee...

Since I met @Tuvalu in July and you did in August, it's kinda like we've met each other through some degree of separation, right? And we both just ran into her walking through the parks. hilarious!!

Does this make @Tuvalu the new Kevin Bacon?

 

[krause]

I wouldn't be able to add to my stash of toiletries this trip...

Oh no!! I forgot about your addiction to all the Disney toiletries.

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Oh no!! I forgot about your addiction to all the Disney toiletries. What will you do?! How will you manage? I'm excited to read all about it!

hee hee hee...

Since I met @Tuvalu in July and you did in August, it's kinda like we've met each other through some degree of separation, right? And we both just ran into her walking through the parks. hilarious!!

This was the first thing I thought about when walking through the room! I may have come back empty from Port Orleans but I sure made up for it at the Grand. More on that later in the report!

Does this make @Tuvalu the new Kevin Bacon?
View attachment 315561

Exactly what I was thinking too!

View attachment 315568

This would have been a good fall back! I’ll keep that in mind for next time HAHA!

 

[MeeskaMooska0714]

I'm so excited you have started your report! Loving it so far, and have always enjoyed reading about your trips. Your girls are growing up so fast! Lennon is adorable in those glasses

 

[Matt and Kelly]

I'm so excited you have started your report! Loving it so far, and have always enjoyed reading about your trips. Your girls are growing up so fast! Lennon is adorable in those glasses

Thank you for reading along! Lennon absolutely dreaded getting glasses when she was prescribed them but her eyesight was atrocious. She never said anything about it, probably because she knew no different, but once she put them on for the first time she couldn't believe how clear things really were. She hasn't taken them off since!

Hard to believe how quickly time flies. Ella turns 8 on Wednesday and Lennon will be 6 on October 1st. It's gone by in the blink of an eye.

 

[Tuvalu]

Thank you for reading along! Lennon absolutely dreaded getting glasses when she was prescribed them but her eyesight was atrocious. She never said anything about it, probably because she knew no different, but once she put them on for the first time she couldn't believe how clear things really were. She hasn't taken them off since!

My oldest son at 6 when he put on glasses for the first time: “Mommy, there are LEAVES on that tree!”


Worst Mom Ever award

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Day Two – Hollywood Studios and EPCOT

We had originally planned to be up early to head to DHS for park opening but before going to sleep the night before we all figured it would be better served to sleep in and get to the park at our own pace. The travel and our first park day took a lot out of everyone so some additional sleep would be most welcome.

I know it was for the girls!
[url=https://flic.kr/p/27WH6dN]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

I think Kelly and I woke up shortly after 8, which for us is definitely sleeping in! The kids were passed out but we were up and showering, getting ready for the day ahead. I wanted to run to the food court to get coffee in our resort mug to get the day started.

I quietly made my way out of the room so as not to wake the kids and made the short walk from our room to the food court for my morning caffeine. The resort was already busy with activity but I was happy to be taking things at a bit of a slower pace. When I returned to the room the kids had started to stir and were ready to get up, eat and get to the next park.

We had ordered groceries to the room and planned to eat as many breakfasts as possible in the room before heading to the parks. The kids enjoyed some Lucky Charms while Kelly and I usually ate fruit or sampled different flavours of Larabars. We phoned the moms room; they were still in bed enjoying a coffee and Baileys. We decided we would meet around 930 and head out to DHS.

Right outside our room was the beautiful grass courtyard with fountains and bench seating around the perimeter. The grass always had this nice morning dew on it and it was a really lovely space to sit and relax in the morning or as the sun was going down in the evening. We took some morning photos as we waited for the moms to make an appearance. Our camera had issues with the humidity and fogged up but we were able to clean it up shortly after.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2aCbVRY]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/29B9xvA]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2bdnqXP]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/P5zEdW]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2bdmV2X]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

What a lucky guy I am that she has put up with me for so long...
[url=https://flic.kr/p/29B8QD5]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Before hitting the bus stop the moms wanted to grab a muffin from the food court. While they were hunting for their breakfast we were enjoying the sights and sounds in the lobby. Couldn’t pass up the chance to take a pic with Steve before catching our bus. He made sure to give the girls another coin to throw into the fountain and make a wish before they left. Steve had a great energy and was a great ambassador for the resort!
[url=https://flic.kr/p/29AvXiu]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/LWAynt]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/Nz1aMN]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/29Audg9]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/LWtRkk]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

We were finally ready to make our way over to DHS and experience the new Toy Story Land that looked so cool in the pics we’ve seen since the expansion opened a few months ago. Kelly and I were hoping it would live up to the hype.

 

[Matt and Kelly]

My oldest son at 6 when he put on glasses for the first time: “Mommy, there are LEAVES on that tree!”


Worst Mom Ever award

HAHA! Sounds very much like Lennon after she put hers on. I think she said something to Kelly about the lines on her fingers. She'd never seen her fingerprints clearly before and was blown away. I can only imagine how things must have looked to her without them. As you can see from the pics, and you would have seen in person, they are pretty thick lenses!

 

[LeighM]

I had to get glasses when I was in 3rd grade. My family had no idea that I needed them (in fact I didn't know either!) because I always had great vision. If they dropped a sewing needle in the carpet I could find it. My grandfather would call me into the yard to find a nut or screw that fell off the mower. So when the teacher told Mom that I was having a hard time seeing the chalkboard they were suspicious but the optometrist confirmed it.

 

[Matt and Kelly]

I had to get glasses when I was in 3rd grade. My family had no idea that I needed them (in fact I didn't know either!) because I always had great vision. If they dropped a sewing needle in the carpet I could find it. My grandfather would call me into the yard to find a nut or screw that fell off the mower. So when the teacher told Mom that I was having a hard time seeing the chalkboard they were suspicious but the optometrist confirmed it.

That is pretty crazy that you were still able to see as well as you did. I know it's made a world of difference for Len and has definitely helped her in school. She's had the glasses for less than 10 months but it's so odd to look back at photos or remember a time with her not wearing them.

 

[Matt and Kelly]

@Tuvalu she also was surprised to see I have blue eyes lol. Poor girl!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

We were one of only a few families waiting for the bus, which arrived quickly and off we went. One of the nice things we came to realize pretty quickly was the French Quarter seemed to be a quick bus ride away from every park. Usually about 10 minutes to each park, which was very convenient.

We arrived at DHS to see the crazy amount of construction going on around the parking lot. The new Skyway looks like it’s going to be awesome and I’m all for a new bus stop but man that was quite the long walk to get to the main gates. Because we were arriving around 10 or so, the lines for security and entrance were pretty slim. Didn’t take us long to get through and start heading towards Toy Story Land.

Kelly noticed this window as we were walking towards the Theatre and it made us think of Marty back home at the dog sitter.
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

We were pretty excited to turn the corner towards Toy Story Land and as with most things Disney does, the detail throughout the new land had us looking all over the place. Great first impression and a really fun land for adults and kids alike.
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

The line for Buzz was pretty short so Kelly took the girls to stand in line while I went to get a return time for the new Slinky Dog Coaster. I was jacked to check it out and so were the kids. The moms were not as excited and Deb kept pointing to her “injured” neck. Something she apparently sustained on the Mine Train the day before!

I met the girls back at the Buzz line just as they were about to meet the Space Ranger.
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
[url=https://flic.kr/p/PfPXUu]WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

When they were done meeting Buzz we decided to check out the Alien Swirling Saucers while we waited for our return time to Slinky. The wait was about 30 minutes so I jumped in with the kids and my mom while Kelly and her mom went to Woody’s Lunch Box to grab a few snacks. Star Wars Land is really starting to take shape. These new areas are really going to transform DHS once everything is up and running. I’m looking forward to seeing the completed project.
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

It took her a while to get back to us, apparently, they were switching from breakfast to lunch so it took some extra time. She returned with root beer floats for the kids and a couple of Raspberry Lunch Box Tarts for us. She’s been super excited for one of these since reading up on the menu.
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

I’ll admit, they were tasty but probably a bit too sweet for me, especially for how big the tart is. Kelly loved it but I would probably wouldn’t get it again having now tried it.

We made our way through the line and were ready for our first taste of the new land. The ride, much like Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in Disneyland, was a lot of fun though I think the moms still joked it was too intense for their sore necks.
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Even though we had not purchased the Memory Maker yet, Kelly wanted to make sure we took as many PhotoPass pictures as we could so that we could buy the package after the trip (this took an unexpected turn which I’ll detail later in the report). There was a cool shot out front of the Saucers and we couldn’t pass it up before heading over for our first rip on Slinky.
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Once the photo was done we returned to Slinky. While we didn’t go through the Standby queue, the theming once you get close to the boarding area is excellent. We were all pretty excited to try the ride and we weren’t disappointed. What a fun coaster. Great for kids and still thrilling enough for adults. I heard a lot of screaming during our first ride. Some from the kids, but mostly from Kelly and the moms.
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Even with their fear of coasters, the moms loved it, actually proclaimed it their new favourite. It really is a fun ride and since we enjoyed it so much we decided to get another return time to come back once more before doing something else.
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

It was so hot out that we really had to do something to help cool off the girls. This meant picking up those blue water filled fans which wouldn’t leave their side for the rest of the trip. They were happy and it was pretty refreshing to get that cool mist now and then.

With our new fans in hand, we decided to hit up Toy Story Mania through the standby line. It was a posted 25 minute wait and we really wanted to get out of the heat for a bit. I really liked the new queue set up and how it really blended well with the original set up. A lot of detail to look at and memories from our childhood with the different board games scattered across the room. As we got closer to the end of the queue, Potatoes Head was hidden behind a curtain. I took a quick peek to see his torso without arms. Kinda creepy looking and I kicked myself after for not getting a picture.

As we were loading on to the ride I boasted about being the undefeated family champ of the game and challenged all comers. Kelly and Lennon teamed up to take me on which I didn’t sweat too much. I figured I could take em. I rode with Deb who was all kinds of confused on how to play the game but she figured it out pretty quickly.

Still one of my all-time favourite rides and my end total of 212,000 easily dusted Kelly and Lennon, though Kelly put up close to 180,000 which is getting closer and closer! Alas, I remain undefeated and have no plans of relinquishing my crown.

Even the walk from the ride back to the park was pretty cool with all the drawings on the walls and toys scattered around.
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Even if it’s not #PurpleWall, we stopped for a checkerboard wall pic.
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Our window for Slink had opened up so back we went for another trip around Andy’s backyard. Opinions on the ride didn’t change after a second riding. Still a lot of fun and a new fave for the kids. I have a feeling this may be one we have to try and do multiple times a day on future visits. Hopefully, by the time we come back they’ve figured out how to take better on ride photos as the ones captured now are pretty suspect!
WDW 2018 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

At any rate, a terrific first introduction to Toy Story Land and we were feeling pretty satisfied with our DHS visit even if we didn’t venture anywhere else in the park. The blazing sun was beating us up so we figured it would be a great time to head back to the hotel, grab a late lunch and take a dip in the pool. The kids were itching to get back on the pool slide and I was definitely ready for a couple cold beers.

We made the long walk back to the bus stop and set off for the French Quarter.

 

[DisneyGigi]

So, not long after gushing about our great city, we wake up to the following...

Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

I will say this is not typical of this time of year but living in Alberta, this isn't a huge surprise. Next week we're back into double-digit temps and more normal fall-like weather. Hopefully this is just a primer to get us ready for the snow come late October, early November.

Following. And I feel so bad for fussing about our 68 degrees today! Snow? Already?