Trip Report You've Got a Friend in Me

Hello friends!! Welcome & I'm happy to have you here for another TR!! This trip was filled with so much fun & friendship in so many different ways that when I think back on it I can't help but smile!! So many happy times & I look forward to sharing them with you all, my friends!!

WHEN: Tuesday, October 27th - Tuesday, November 3rd

WHO: Myself-Patti, JSR, E & J

In case you forgot what we look like here's one minus masks!!

WHERE: Saratoga Springs Treehouse Villa

So, I had made mention in my last TR that we were booked to stay at The Polynesian this trip. About a month or so before the trip we got the email that the regular rooms(which we were booked in) were not going to be open then. They offered to move us to The Grand Floridian. None of us were really feeling it so we explored our options. E & I really enjoyed our stay at Saratoga Springs in August(I think a lot has to do with it having that Riverside "feel" to it) so we decided to go with a treehouse villa. A big plus ended up being that it cost us all waaaay less than what the Poly/GF was going to. I was disappointed but felt better after some friends, @Darstarr & @Tuvalu, told me I was probably better off waiting to experience the resort until the remodel was done anyways!!

I drove to their house & got there at 9:15. My sister wanted to leave for the airport no later than 9:30. Notice that there are 3 suitcases but 4 people?? Someone wasn't done packing & E was not happy!! The stroller went with us but it went unused most of the time so E decided that this was going to be the last trip for it.

The reason for the packing delay? J snuck outside & excitedly told me a secret. His dad was packing our friend, PCB!!

Notice the scab on his face--the poor kid took a fall at school a few days before.

Remember E sending me this after our last trip? Well, we didn't have to get it!!

We got to the airport & unloaded the luggage. E went to park the car & we went to wait for her inside. It was then that J realized his mask was with his mom. I told him I had a bunch in my bag & for him to temporarily use one of them. It was a little big on him....

We checked in quickly & headed to the main terminal. J was happy to have his shark mask back!! One of our other sisters made that for him & he really likes it!!

The airport was a ghost town as it was in August.

J's favorite store was still closed

 

[riverside]

I still giggle when I think about FArts at EPCOT...A.S.S. isn't as bad for me.

I wish that was my picture...LOL!!

Since we will be there for this festival I will have to let J in on that. What 5 year old boy wouldn't find that hysterical!!

That pic is absolutely beautiful!! The colors are amazing!!

 

[riverside]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH

After "lunch" we headed to MMRR. J was excited for his dad to go on since it was his first time!!

J is liking this ride more & more!!

Not the greatest picture but I was glad I at least got this!!

We decided to check out a few stores as our boarding group was getting closer to being called.

I definitely couldn't pull this dress off but it is cute!!

Saw this HM Dooney but I still like the pattern I have better. Speaking of, the seam part on the bottom outside wore down. Now the plastic sticks out a little. I know the bags are guaranteed for a year but I've had it much longer than that. Does anyone know if or where it could get fixed?

The time had come!!

While shopping I saw this shirt. I knew E would love it so I texted JSR & asked what size I should get her. When we got outside I gave it to her. I got myself one too!!

 

[riverside]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH

Look who was hanging out!!

We had J stand there so he could get his picture "taken" with them.

I guess the "Bright Suns"(haha--see what I did there?) was in his eyes!!

And here I thought I didn't know anything about Star Wars!!

It was time....& E held true to her word & didn't go on.

But J & JSR were excited for their first time!!

 

[PacNWTigger]

Since we will be there for this festival I will have to let J in on that. What 5 year old boy wouldn't find that hysterical!!

That pic is absolutely beautiful!! The colors are amazing!!

Not my pic, but hopefully I will be able to share WDW pics later this year because we are chomping at the bit to get to Disney as soon as we safely can.

 

[amjt660]

Oh my gosh--I did not realize until now how that sounds!! I guess I should "preview" before I post more carefully!!
My reaction to what you said was a cross between cracking up laughing & a feeling of shame!! What have I done?? Maybe I should edit the post??

If you were commenting on an adult I would suggest an edit

But since it is J and he is sooo young - this is the best meme I could find !!.

(sorry - had to go there - just way too tempting)

Max

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

Iron Man was out again doing his thing

Hey, gotta get in a workout where you can...although Disney trips ARE a workout with all that walking!

Even though E didn't want to go on I included her in b/c 1-maybe she would change her mind? 2-I didn't want to complicate the situation & somehow end up screwing up & not get one at all!!

Smart move! That's what I would do because I'd be too worried of making a mistake!

They controlled the frizziness the rest of the trip. My mom made us a bunch of Disney ones a few years back. They're nice b/c they're all cloth so they don't hurt my head!! Problem solved!!

What a lovely little gift from your mom and a way to always include her on Disney trips forever!!

Baseline!!And I'm proud to say we were first in line!! Hey, it was 5 o'clock somewhere!!

ONE YEAR, I WILL MAKE IT TO BASELINE. We ended up at the Star Wars bar last time...I want that Pretzel so I'm putting Baseline in my phone right now (that's what I said last year, lol!

While shopping I saw this shirt. I knew E would love it so I texted JSR & asked what size I should get her. When we got outside I gave it to her. I got myself one too!!

AAAAAaaawwwwwwwwwww, you're such a sweet sister.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH

After "lunch" we headed to MMRR. J was excited for his dad to go on since it was his first time!!
View attachment 525146

J is liking this ride more & more!!
View attachment 525147

Not the greatest picture but I was glad I at least got this!!
View attachment 525148

We decided to check out a few stores as our boarding group was getting closer to being called.
View attachment 525149

I definitely couldn't pull this dress off but it is cute!!
View attachment 525150

Saw this HM Dooney but I still like the pattern I have better. Speaking of, the seam part on the bottom outside wore down. Now the plastic sticks out a little. I know the bags are guaranteed for a year but I've had it much longer than that. Does anyone know if or where it could get fixed?
View attachment 525151

The time had come!!
View attachment 525152
While shopping I saw this shirt. I knew E would love it so I texted JSR & asked what size I should get her. When we got outside I gave it to her. I got myself one too!!
View attachment 525153

Where did you get the Baseline shirt from? I want, no I NEED one!

 

[Katiekitten]

I am so late to this trip report! J seems to be getting bigger and bigger every trip.

 

[lindawdw]

We love Baseline Tap House too not only for their beers but the food is great! I love the shirt you got for yourself and E! TSM is still my favorite ride at DHS! You had me laughing out loud while reading your A.S.S. update. Glad you got such a great Boarding Group for ROTR! I know I say this every time you write a TR but J is so adorable and he seems to just go with the flow on these trips!

 

[riverside]

Not my pic, but hopefully I will be able to share WDW pics later this year because we are chomping at the bit to get to Disney as soon as we safely can.

I hope you go soon!! I need to get back myself!!

If you were commenting on an adult I would suggest an edit

But since it is J and he is sooo young - this is the best meme I could find !!.

(sorry - had to go there - just way too tempting)

Max

Thanks--that makes me feel better!!

Go there all you want--I deserve it!!

Hey, gotta get in a workout where you can...although Disney trips ARE a workout with all that walking!

All for the workout but if I was him I would have found a place a little more private!!

What a lovely little gift from your mom and a way to always include her on Disney trips forever!!

Yes--that's the way I look at it!!

ONE YEAR, I WILL MAKE IT TO BASELINE. We ended up at the Star Wars bar last time...I want that Pretzel so I'm putting Baseline in my phone right now (that's what I said last year, lol!

Baseline has moved high on my list of "need to go to" places while at Disney. We really enjoy it there!!

Where did you get the Baseline shirt from? I want, no I NEED one!

I can't remember the name of the store but right hand side(heading towards ToT) on Sunset Blvd. I thought it was an odd place to sell them. Maybe they'd get more sales if they were sold in/near Baseline?

I am so late to this trip report! J seems to be getting bigger and bigger every trip.

Welcome--but you're not late at all!! I'm the one that is waaaay far behind with this. My goal is always to finish a TR before I go on my next one & I have totally failed this time around!!
Yes, he does!! His height totally amazes me. He definitely takes after his dad!!

We love Baseline Tap House too not only for their beers but the food is great! I love the shirt you got for yourself and E! TSM is still my favorite ride at DHS! You had me laughing out loud while reading your A.S.S. update. Glad you got such a great Boarding Group for ROTR! I know I say this every time you write a TR but J is so adorable and he seems to just go with the flow on these trips!

I couldn't agree more!! A certain someone is literally there right now & I'm jealous beyond belief!!
There's a group of us going in July so when E & I went in January she stocked up on shirts for them also. I guess we'll be matching on our HS day!!
Glad you found it funny--I still can't believe the way that came out!!
I was excited about that also!!
He really does--he's a great kid!!

 

[riverside]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH

The last(& only) time I had rode RotR was back in January. That's when you had to be in the park at 7 to hopefully obtain a BG. How much that's changed since then!! On that trip I was with R, E, & J. I was the only one to get there for that(remember, it worked out b/c that was the day of the PCB reveal). Anyhow, that was also the day where my wait was about an hour once my BG was called. I was starting to get antsy b/c the rest of my crew had left me to go to POR & I was jealous. Can you believe that was the last time we were there? Who would have ever thought?

The line moved much faster this time around!!

J was excited but understandably a bit nervous so he wanted his dad to hold him.

I kept telling him how cool this part was going to be & he agreed with me!!

He asked me what this guy's name was & of course, I didn't have an answer!!

JSR enjoyed the attraction. J, not so much. He said he didn't want to go on it again(meaning in the future). Fast forward to our most recent trip--last month(I promise I'll get to that TR one of these days). I didn't mention about attempting to get a BG but figured I would try anyways. Was I successful? No. At one point in the day did J ask to ride RotR? Yes.

Next the 3 of us went on the Millennium Falcon. J was excited for this!! At the time it was still one party per flight so I told J & JSR to be the pilots. I got off of there seriously feeling a bit woozy. I'll just blame it on the pilots!

 

[riverside]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH

Upon coming back to earth we met up with E who was shopping on Hollywood Blvd.

Which was quite quiet then.

But this added a little life to things!!

Not really feeling the need to do much of anything else we decided to get a drink from The Brown Derby Lounge. That was a bit bizarre. They didn't sell bottled water, which JSR wanted. J wanted OJ. They didn't sell that either. Yet they had it there to mix drinks with. I got a beer & E got a vodka & cranberry. It was cheap vodka & E said it was obvious.

The J's ended up with these. They are frozen ciders from Backlot Express.

J wanted to get a PCB refill so I volunteered to go with him to get it. Where I'm taking this picture from is where the line started.

That, my friends, was a 20 minute wait!!

 

[riverside]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH

Throughout the day I had been texting with yet another forum friend about meeting up!! Yay--3rd one this trip!! We had decided to meet after their & before our dinner reservation. We had a little more time before our meet up so we decided to see the Frozen show that had recently reopened.

It was nice to see this again!!

I was cracking up at the end. Maybe from not doing the show for so long there was backed up snow or something? It really stood out on E!!

Behind the mask J was laughing at his mom also!!

Then it was time for another magic meet up!! Yay!! I(along with the rest of my family) had the pleasure of meeting @Sulley_1313 & her lovely mom!! They had just finished their dinner at Hollywood & Vine and our reservation was coming up in a half hour or so(50's of course) so it was perfect timing!! We enjoyed our time chatting with them. I was so excited to meet yet another forum friend!! I also thought it was pretty cool that I have cousins, who are sisters, that have the same name as her & her mom!! Pretty neat!! Unfortunately, time flew by too quick & it was time for our dinner reservation. But, I was very happy that we were able to meet & hopefully we can do it again!!

 

[Darstarr]

I couldn't agree more!! A certain someone is literally there right now & I'm jealous beyond belief!!

 

[riverside]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH

As I mentioned in the last post dinner was at 50's!! I'm sure most of you would have guessed that anyways!!

We did the mobile check-in.

We were very surprised when we were called 2 minutes later!! 50's seems to struggle when it comes to reservation times--esp. during prime time(haha!! ) meal times so this was a pleasant surprise.

Any guesses as to what we all got??

Mine, of course. JSR got the same thing also.

E got her usual.

As did J. I'm also happy to report that his salmon was back to a normal size. When we ate there in August he got a piece that was half that size!!

Wonderful meal as always!!

Our server, Dale, was hysterical!! He picked on JSR most of the time. I'm thankful we had him. He really made the meal!! As you can see J thought he was pretty funny also!!

This is so eerie looking to me. We have ate there 3 times since the reopening. Every time we exit E & I talk about why they don't have a few bar tables set up at least. It would be nice to be able to wait for your table in there.

 

[riverside]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH

With that we were headed out of HS. PCB was in the seating part of the stroller & a CM told E that her baby looked just like hers!! E did not find it humorous in the least. JSR, J & myself were cracking up though!!

We only waited a few minutes for a bus but I guess that was too long for J. He was back to sitting on the ground again.

In no time at all we were back to Saratoga Springs.

I keep telling R that he would love this resort b/c of the golf course!!

We hung out & watched some TV for a bit before heading to bed.

 

[lindawdw]

J looks so cute being a pilot on the Millennium Falcon! I love Schofferhoefer Beer too, we get it sometimes in the Germany Pavilion at Epcot! Don't you just love those short caravans with the cars at DHS! Your meal at 50's Prime Time Cafe looked good as usual and you're right about the lobby/bar area looking strange with no seating! I used to love popping in there just to take a look at the 50's style furniture! How fun that you got to have another magician meet up! I think R would have a great time at SS being on the golf course!

 

[Songbird76]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH

As I mentioned in the last post dinner was at 50's!! I'm sure most of you would have guessed that anyways!!
View attachment 530916

We did the mobile check-in.
View attachment 530917

We were very surprised when we were called 2 minutes later!! 50's seems to struggle when it comes to reservation times--esp. during prime time(haha!! ) meal times so this was a pleasant surprise.

View attachment 530918


Any guesses as to what we all got??
View attachment 530919


Mine, of course. JSR got the same thing also.
View attachment 530920

E got her usual.
View attachment 530921

As did J. I'm also happy to report that his salmon was back to a normal size. When we ate there in August he got a piece that was half that size!!
View attachment 530922

Wonderful meal as always!!
View attachment 530915

Our server, Dale, was hysterical!! He picked on JSR most of the time. I'm thankful we had him. He really made the meal!! As you can see J thought he was pretty funny also!!
View attachment 530923

This is so eerie looking to me. We have ate there 3 times since the reopening. Every time we exit E & I talk about why they don't have a few bar tables set up at least. It would be nice to be able to wait for your table in there.
View attachment 530924

I didn't see your drinks at 50s....did you get the drink with the glow cube for J?

 

[riverside]

J looks so cute being a pilot on the Millennium Falcon! I love Schofferhoefer Beer too, we get it sometimes in the Germany Pavilion at Epcot! Don't you just love those short caravans with the cars at DHS! Your meal at 50's Prime Time Cafe looked good as usual and you're right about the lobby/bar area looking strange with no seating! I used to love popping in there just to take a look at the 50's style furniture! How fun that you got to have another magician meet up! I think R would have a great time at SS being on the golf course!

He really enjoyed it!! Last month he ended up being an engineer & I think he was a bit bummed until I convinced him that he needs to try each part so he can say he's done them all!!
I believe I got that in Germany once before myself!!
Yes, they are great!! They're enough to put a smile on your face but you're not stuck in the same place for 1/2 hour b/c of them!!
As we all know my family & I have a great love for 50's & it bums me out to see the lobby look that way!!
I was so excited to meet as many magicians as I did on this trip. I'm glad I/we managed to make them work!! They really add such great memories!!
He would love it!! I'm afraid though that I wouldn't be able to get him to the parks!! We'll see what happens in July!!

I didn't see your drinks at 50s....did you get the drink with the glow cube for J?

You have a great memory!! I did not--I had a glass of wine!! I'm guessing he must not have asked for it for some reason or another?? If he tried I'm sure he could have talked me into it!!

 

[riverside]

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30TH

I woke up in the middle of the night & flipped around until I found my friend on the tv. That was the last time. She wasn't there last month.

We headed to the bus stop around 9:15.

Iron Man must have taken the day off b/c he was nowhere to be found!!

Disney had their air filtration system working at its best!!

We had an extremely empty bus ride with only a few other people on it. J was excited b/c we were assigned to the back!!

And at 9:45 we had arrived!!

AK didn't seem to have too many people flocking to it that day.

We had J pop in here to get a maskless pic.

Then we carried on into the park.