Trip Report "You're mean!" & "I'm scared!!" - The Theme of our 2018 Trip.

Well, we're back. Another Disney trip is in the books.
We just got back from Disney at 2am, and i'm getting this thing rolling now while it's all fresh in my mind.

Without further delay....

Thursday 9/6 - Departure Day
I had worked all day and left work promptly at 5pm. My mom had picked Harper up from Daycare, so all I needed to do was head home. The van was already packed and ready to go. Surprisingly after only 10- 15 minutes, we were buckling ourselves into the van and heading on our way right before 6pm!

The drive was pretty uneventful. I had noticed pretty soon into the trip I was getting a pretty bad headache but I tried to ignore it. About 7:45-8pm, we stopped at a Cracker Barrel for dinner. Harper was having a blast walking around looking at all the stuff in the lobby. When they called "Lucabaugh, Party of 4!" Harper piped up and said "Where's the party at??" I had to laugh. I looked at her and said "We ARE the party!"

Service was SLOWWWWW tonight. I ended up just getting breakfast and some pumpkin coffee that they had on the menu. It was a pretty long stop, but Harper was pretty good while we were there. She wanted a few things in the gift shop but we assured her she'd get much cooler stuff in Disney. Thus started the "You're MEAN!!!" comments that continued pretty much hourly after that for the remainder of the trip. Ah, 4 year olds!

We got back on the road and were headed to our hotel in Hillsville, VA. It was only moments after being in the car after dinner that I started to feel pretty bad. My stomach wasn't feeling awesome and I was instantly transformed into a nervous wreck. I have a bit of a phobia of being sick. Being sick on a very very long car ride towards vacation would be even worse. Quickly I had worked myself into a full panic. We had to stop before we even got on the interstate, and then again about 10 minutes later where things were REALLY bad. It was so odd. I don't get car sick, but it was like the minute we got on the road in the dark, I started to feel extremely sick. After the second pit stop, I asked if I could drive the rest of the way. After some tums, ginger ale, and driving, I started to come around a bit.

We ended up stopping at the Hampton somewhat late and got in the room around 1 am, I believe. I was still very iffy stomach wise, and just a mess. I didn't sleep a wink that first night because the coffee had kicked in and coupled with my anxiety, I just couldn't get my brain to turn off. Not helping was that Harper and I had to share a bed. Eventually at some point I drifted off and got a few hours of sleep.

Up next: Will I feel any better tomorrow for the 2nd leg of our trip??

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Harper is so precious..I mean I can't get over how photogenic she is!! Your pictures are really good!

Thank you!!!

 

[ScarletBegonias]

9/12 - Animal Kingdom - Ctd

Next was John and I’s FP for FoP! I was very excited about this as I just wasn’t sure what to expect at all! Let me say, that I LOVE LOVE LOVED it. Probably the coolest thing I’ve ever been on! Like a completely jacked up version of Soarin’ only 3D and all the extra stuff they do with feeling like the banshee is breathing. Holy cow! I only had a SMALL issue with glasses and the 3D glasses like I always do. Some scenes were blurry instead of completely clear, which is bummer, but it’s like this for me any time I wear the glasses. When we got off, I couldn’t stop smiling! I said “now I’d wait for that !”

That was all we needed to do in Pandora, so we headed out. I had not had breakfast and was in need of a snack so we headed over to creature comforts. I got an iced green tea and a rice krispy treat and harper wanted a cake pop. We sat outside to eat/drink and the DVC people tried to convince us to buy. My mom shut them down real quick and the guy slunk back over to where he came from.

My mom and I saw that Dinosaur had a short wait, so we walked over while Harper threw a fit about not being able to go with us. I kept trying to tell her how scary it was, but eventually we had to just walk away. The ride was a walk on! It’s one of my favorites. No ride pic again. What is going on with this???

After Dinosaur it’s time to trek all the way up to the front of the park to go to lunch at Rainforest Café!

I’ve never been but upon walking in, I was awed by the place. Very cool. We didn’t wait long at all for table and were soon seated by a giant fish tank looking over our menus. I was feeling very woozy, and really needed to drink water and eat. Of course the meals took FOREVER to come.

The meal was ordinary, but very good. When it was finally time to move on, we went to leave and saw that it was POURING, so we waited it out in the restaurant a bit longer. Harper saw a CM playing with a bubble wand and the lady offered to make her a bubble crown! She loved that!

After the pouring rain let it, it was time to move on and time to do something else I’ve never seen before! The Finding Nemo show! This was really cool! Harper was scared of Bruce, and the floating jellyfish, but aside from that seemed to really like it. A plus was being able to sit in the dark in the shade for a bit!

A FP for the safari was next! We got to see quite a few elephants which I was excited about. Everything went great on the Safari, and soon we were getting off.

At this point, I believe we stopped for a snack and I was really wanted to get a coffee at the Tea Company. On a previous trip they had these amazing coconut iced coffees, but much to my sadness, they were no longer on the menu. I ended up getting the Shakin' Jamacian! It was pretty good, but nothing like that coconut one.

My step dad and I scanned our bands for our next FP at EE! I love this ride so much and my heart was pounding when we got off. I always seem to forget how much of the ride is backwards in the dark! So fun!

After this, we were all feeling pretty hot and beat, but Harper really wanted to ride the flying Dino's over in Dinoland! I'm pretty sure I had never done them before, so we headed over that way slowly and I grabbed some beautiful shots along the way.

After making it in line for the flying Dino's (what is this really called? LOL) we apparently had a bit of a fiasco loading. So they stand each "party" on a number. We got number 7 or something. I assumed it was just for making sure there were enough Dino's for everyone. So Harper and I find any ol' elephant when the gate opens. As we're sitting there buckling in, this guy comes over all disgruntled and said "You're in our Dino!!" I looked up and said "excuse me??" He said, even more disgruntled "You are in the dino that had our number that we are standing at." I'm just looking at this guy, completely dumbfounded as he's just standing there, clearly waiting for me to get out. I said "I just assumed it was so they knew they had a spot for everyone" and turned back to Harper. He continued to stand there and then snottily said "Well can you at least tell me what number you were so we have a spot?" Oh My! The CM's said NOTHING about finding your personal numbered DIno, so I had no idea. Whatever. Guess the guy found "MY" Dino. Hopefully his night wasn't ruined *eye roll*

Next: the best part of the night.....

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Animal Kingdom 9/12- End of the day

As we're going around in circles on our Dino's, I can hear bumpin' music coming from somewhere. Down below I see a Chip and Dale Halloween dance party going on and just KNEW Harper and I needed to be a part of that, so we rushed right over when our ride was over. At first Harper was shy, but eventually she let loose and went and danced her little behind off. Kids were running around everywhere and eventually they all started colliding. Harper ran smack into another kid, but rebounded quickly and got back to dancing. She was so full of happiness, I could of watched her dance around the entire night. It was SO CUTE.

After we had worn her out with all the dancing, we knew it was time to get going. We originally were going to try to see ROL, but I was beat after a day in the sun, and ROL wasn't for another 2 hours. We slowly made our way to the front of the park, but not without grabbing Harper and I a Mickey bar. Mine was all busted, and not suitable for a picture. By the time we got the the car, I knew we were in trouble, as Harper's was EVERYWHERE!

It had started to rain JUST as we were getting in the van, and I was bummed because I really wanted to swim tonight! As we drove back, the rain really never picked up and then it was gorgeous by the time we arrived back at the resort. We stopped at a different spot to see just how close SSR was to Disney Springs. This end of the resort felt much more alive and booming than where we were. Little paths by the water, a play ground, another nice pool, rocking chairs. I kind of felt for a moment that this was the spot to be!

 

[ScarletBegonias]

After checking out the other end of the resort for a while, we got back in the car and headed back to our room.

I know Harper and I got in the pool that night, but can't remember a ton more detail about being at the pool.

I do remember getting back to the room and Harper and I eating popcorn in bed before drifting off to sleep.

Next Up: EPCOT!

 

[amjt660]

Hi
I have been quietly followed along and enjoying your report

The Dino spinner is called triceratop spin

View attachment 318160
Max

 

[riverside]

The flying Dino ride is called Triceratop Spin

 

[riverside]

Hi
I have been quietly followed along and enjoying your report

The Dino spinner is called triceratop spin

View attachment 318160
Max

You beat me to it Max!!

 

[mmnw]

Those donuts look good. How was the gluten free food at WDW? I am considering it for my upcoming trip along with dairy free. ... Harper is still a cutie

Not to be negative, but i thought the GF hot dog buns at Casey’s Corner were not very good. I wasn’t expecting a gourmet meal, but each time the buns crumbled and didn’t function as a bun. We had some good GF bread at the Wave. I can’t remember the brand of bread, but it was one of the more common ones. Maybe Udis.

 

[amjt660]

You beat me to it Max!!

It is better to be lucky than good
And you my dear were good!!

Max

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Hi
I have been quietly followed along and enjoying your report

The Dino spinner is called triceratop spin

View attachment 318160
Max

Thank you to you AND @riverside !! I could not remember when writing !! LOL

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Not to be negative, but i thought the GF hot dog buns at Casey’s Corner were not very good. I wasn’t expecting a gourmet meal, but each time the buns crumbled and didn’t function as a bun. We had some good GF bread at the Wave. I can’t remember the brand of bread, but it was one of the more common ones. Maybe Udis.

I find most GF buns are terrible! Gluten free bread just isn't very good.

 

[ScarletBegonias]

9/13 Epcot
This day began even later than the rest, which was good as it was getting harder and harder to get up in the mornings. Today was Epcot, and we didn’t have any plans really other than a FEA FP, and then lunch at Garden Grill. (both of which I’ve never done!)

Harper could not wait to wear her special Anna & Elsa dress. We’ve had this dress for months, but I wouldn’t let her wear it until Disney. If you send her to daycare in anything like this, It’d come back ruined, so she FINALLY got to wear her dress!!

We didn’t have any major issues getting in to Epcot that I recall and I snapped a few pictures when we got into the park. It was a cloudy day, and kind of grey. Not a ton of bright sunlight.

We made our way over to Norway and parked the stroller. I had never been on FEA so I was a little curious to see what all the fuss was about. The queue was pretty cute, but very dark! It was an okay ride, but I certainly don’t think It was worth all the excitement it got. I suppose for kids who loved Frozen, it was awesome. Harper of course, spent the entire ride scared that the “big scary frozen guy” was going to be there. “I’m scared!!!” She was scared on the Frozen ride!

From there, we went over to Mexico to do (ANOTHER) first for me! Three Caballeros !

As soon as we exited, Harper wanted to do it again, and then again. I sat out the 2nd and 3rd passes to look around inside the Pyramid. Sitting on the fountain, I people watched until they were done and I started realizing I really needed some water.

We left world showcase and headed over towards the Land building so we were close by for lunch. We had plenty of time, so we decided to get on Nemo. Right outside, Harper fell and busted her knee up. I was afraid this would ruin our day (as she’s very bothered by boo-boos), but she recovered pretty quickly and we made it through the dark line. Immediately Harper was going on about the “big shark” and worrying. I assured her it was not scary and we got on. After our visit to the big blue world, we went over to get a snack before lunch as we were all really hungry. I got a gluten free cookie that wasn’t any good and we split a bag of chips. Lunch was still about an hour away, so we hopped on LWTL! I haven’t done this in years. Very nice way to pass some time!

We made the very short walk from LWTL to Garden Grill and checked in. We didn’t have to wait long before we were being taken to our table. I was pretty excited about this meal and the characters! The food came out pretty quickly and it was good. The meat was sooo good and I went back for seconds. They also brought gluten free rolls for my mom and I and I enjoyed that as I don’t really ever get it at home.
Garden Grill hardly had anyone in it! We saw the characters a bunch of times, but Harper didn’t seem super into them once they’d already been by a time or two. At the end of the meal, they brought my mom and I gluten free strawberry shortcake. I ate every single bite!

More GG up next!!!

 

[krisri18]

I find most GF buns are terrible! Gluten free bread just isn't very good.

Try Canyon Bakehouse, pretty good!

 

[ScarletBegonias]

9/13 EPCOT - Garden Grill Continued.

 

[MotherofaPrincessLover]

Garden Grill was one of our favorite meals last trip. We ate at a somewhat weird time and it was pretty empty so the characters stopped by the table a lot. When our strawberry shortcake came out, my daughter said something about not liking it (more for me!) and then before we knew it, the waitress had brought her out a different dessert (I can't remember what it was). We have an ADR for there again next trip.

 

[ScarletBegonias]

9/13 Epcot Continued…
Waddling out of GG, we made our way BACK to the World Showcase to meet Anna & Elsa!

Again, we didn’t wait long at all. The princesses were pretty quiet and I was standing out of the way, so I’m not super sure what they were talking about. I could tell Harper was nervous with Elsa because she started twisting her hair. It was super cute though. Harper looked so happy!

After meeting her idols, Harper and I strolled on to Germany where we spent a LONG time watching the trains. Harper found some other kids to watch with and was having a good old time. We stopped in the Christmas store too where Harper made me SUPER nervous picking up all the glass ornaments!

I love how in this MM picture this drunk girl would NOT MOVE from behind us! I have several pictures like this and she's in EVERY single one of them!

Coming up: The best dessert I've ever had.....

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Garden Grill was one of our favorite meals last trip. We ate at a somewhat weird time and it was pretty empty so the characters stopped by the table a lot. When our strawberry shortcake came out, my daughter said something about not liking it (more for me!) and then before we knew it, the waitress had brought her out a different dessert (I can't remember what it was). We have an ADR for there again next trip.

They brought Harper out a cookie! And she ate the whole thing! She wouldn't even try ours! Like you said, MORE FOR ME!

 

[ScarletBegonias]

9/13 Epcot Continued…
I finally pulled Harper from the trains at Germany and we were headed to meet my parents in Japan to do Pick a Pearl.

The store in here was crazy packed but there was a lot of cute things to look at. I ended up buying 2 Totoro fans for us because we are big fans of all the Studio Ghibli movies! I saw this awesome puzzle too. How cute!!

While we were waiting for her turn, I strolled back over to America to get some iced coffee. I wasn’t super impressed with any of the coffee’s on this trip. It was just okay. When I got back it was Harper’s turn. Her pearl was 7mm. We still have it at home in the baggie! We have to find something to do with it. All the things there were really expensive!

Pearl in hand, we decided to call it day. However, passing France, I decided that I wanted a snack before we left and so we found this little ice cream place nestled in the very back of France. The CM's inside were decidedly unhelpful. They just stood and stared at us, not daring to ask us anything. We finally settled and I got this amazing Chocolate macaroon ice cream sandwich. I'm STILL drooling thinking about this. It was probably my favorite thing in the entire week. Even over my gluten free donut!

We found a wall to sit on in France and ate and just enjoyed people watching while we sat there.

After we were done, we were going to try to meet Aurora, but it looked like rain, and the line was already pretty long so we made our way out of the park and drove back to SSR.

Up next: The night the sad feelings about leaving kick in...

 

[krisri18]

However, passing France, I decided that I wanted a snack before we left and so we found this little ice cream place nestled in the very back of France. The CM's inside were decidedly unhelpful. They just stood and stared at us, not daring to ask us anything. We finally settled and I got this amazing Chocolate macaroon ice cream sandwich. I'm STILL drooling thinking about this. It was probably my favorite thing in the entire week. Even over my gluten free donut

The strawberry macaron ice cream sandwich is my favorite!

 

[ScarletBegonias]

The strawberry macaron ice cream sandwich is my favorite!

I love strawberry, so I bet that is amazing as well!