Tag: walt disney world

I woke in time to write up yesterdays blog post and be ready to leave shortly after 8am, dropping into the Piatto Cafe to pick up a bagel for Christy’s breakfast. Though I had packed breakie for both Kevin & myself, he decided to get a muffin as well.

Since we were going to the front EPCOT today we thought we’d take the bus instead of the skyliner. But after walking all the way the bus stop discovered it only operates with the skyliner is done (if it get very windy). So then not only did we have to walk from the back to the front of EPCOT, but also back all the way the skyliner. So much for saving some effort.

So it back on the skyliner and a walk through EPCOT to the Land Pavilion, where we went of Living with the Land again.

We then had a little break as Kevin wasn’t feeling too well. And then used a DAS pass for Soarin’. We were at the far edge of the theatre, which we’ve never been before, but it meant some of the images were warped – we had a leaning Eiffel tower !! Still a fun ride though and I just love the smells that you get.

It was then time for our first ever ride on Guardians’ of the Galaxy. We had paid $16 each for a Lightening Lane pass since our free ride wasn’t till an estimated 3.30pm when we weren’t planning to be in the parks.

We all LOVED this ride. It was so fun. Highly recommend. I think I might even like this more than rock n roller coaster.

Time for Kevin and Christy to do Mission Space. They even went on the rougher, more vomit inducing version. I waited for them in the exit area where there are some nice comfy seats to sit on – and areas for kids to play.

After this we had a bit of time before our lunch reservation at Space 220. So we found a bench to sit on for a bit before it was time for our trip into space.

Because this place has a fixed price for a two course meal of US$55 we only made a booking for Kevin and myself. But we thought it worth asking if Christy could still join us even though she wouldn’t be eating. There was no problem once we mentioned she has an eating disorder.

Our booking was for 12pm which was right when it opened – which worked out great since we checked in right away. We then caught our lift up into space. Such a fun concept. Kevin and I knew what to expect after having seen it on vlogs but it was all a surprise to Christy.

But seeing the restaurant in person was even more impressive.

And I was so pleased to be given a table by the window (thanks to Christy as the tables for 2 are further back).

We placed our order with our lovely waitress. Christy actually decided to order the mac n cheese from the kids menu (again no issue here – Disney are super great like this). While we waited for our first course every so often you’d see a space craft or people out the window.

It wasn’t too long before our starters arrived. Kevin had calamari and I had the beet salad.

Then for our mains Kevin had the chicken (since our waitress had recommended it) and I had the vegan stuffed shells. Everything was delicious, including Christy’s mac n cheese.

Christy’s second course was a cupcake and we were bought one as an anniversary treat (which I thought was such a lovely touch – we had been offered a glass of champagne). Though we were pretty full we managed to eat most of it – and it was really delicious.

After our short time in space it was time to return to earth and go for a second ride on Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind – this time using the free booking that Kevin had managed to secure and ended up being a 1pm boarding group (they give you an hour to return). We had still have a bit of wait though, but it was through the main line which meant we got to see more of the background story of the ride. We really enjoyed this again. Such a smooth ride.

Then it was time for to ride Test Track. Kevin and Christy had fun designing the cars. Not quite sure was Kevin was thinking with his design !!

Most surprising was that after testing the car it actually performed pretty well ?!

We were all needing a decent rest/ sit down now but rather than return to the resort for a few hours we decided to rest up at the DVC lounge and finish up the day earlier. On our way Kevin bought himself a gingerbread milkshake with vodka cream (one of the xmas specials). We had to laugh when we saw the saw the size of it versus the cost of it !! He did enjoy it luckily.

Unfortunately we we got the check in for the lounge there was a wait so we found a spot to sit outside. It actually was a really nice spot (outside the exit to Journey into Imagination – which we don’t bother to ride). It was quite and there were some lovely flowers and water features.

We only wait about 10-15 before we were called back. There are quite a few stairs to climb to the lounge (if I’d known I’d have opted for the lift). By the time we got to the top and were shown to seats, I was quite devastated to discover there was no toilet here and I’d have to go back down and around the front of the ride. However, I did come across Winnie the Pooh hanging out in the garden so that partly made up for it.

After a rest up I was in a better mood (and less pain) but I still forgot to get photos of the area. You get free softdrinks/tea/coffee while you are here and some little packets of cookies.

We stopped by the EPCOT Christmas tree for a quick

First stop was Mexico. We went on the ride and then had a look around some of the stalls/shops. I just love into here.

Then it was on to Norway.

And finally a ride on Frozen Ever After. It was open on our last trip in 2016 but the lines were always too long so we never got on it. Even with our DAS pass the line was pretty long and we waited around 15-20 mins I’d guess, in a crowded and noisy line. The ride was cute though and it obviously been many years since we’d riden Maelstrom so didn’t remember all of the features of the ride. Kevin bought himself a snack from the bakery before wwe moved on.

By the time we got to China I was in quite a bit of pain so opted for a sit down (with Kevin) while Christy went to check out the shop.

The sun was just starting to set now (5.30pm) so all the lights were coming on, which is when I think World Showcase is at its most magical – and also at its most busy !!!

Next up was Germany where we checked out the shops. Problem with us being minimalists is though we enjoy having a look, we don’t really buy much (which is also a good thing).

It was now almost full dark, though the phone camera makes it look a lot brighter.

We looked through more shops in Italy….

Japan… which sadly didn’t have any of the small dishes/bowls I was wanting to buy (I always get some here),

walked past Morocco as we were flagging by now…

Though it was busy a LOT of people were in line for the Candlelight Processional so it wasn’t too bad.

We finally had a look through the shops in France.

I been wanting to buy dinner from one of the Festival booths but the lines were just too long – even though Kevin had offered to wait in line – Christy and I were REALLY wanting to be back home and OFF our feet. So we headed for the exit and our last skyliner trip of the holiday. Back at the Riviera Kevin and I went via the piatto cafe to get some dinner. We did a mobile order and should have chosen to get it ready right as we got off the skyliner so it would have just been ready for us to collect. Instead we had another short wait (though I ended up going up to the room about 2 mins before it was ready). Everyone was so grateful to finally get off their feet. All my legs were hurting – both from walking pain, and fibro pain.

After enjoying dinner (veggie kebabs again) while watching YouTube, I went had a soak in the bath before taking some extra pain meds (since I was still in pain). It was a very good but I definitely overdid it. Just hope I’m not paying the price tomorrow. At least we can sleep/lie in a bit since it’s check out / transfer day.

I woke up around 6am today in quite a bit of fibro pain. We were supposed to leave at 8am but instead left at 20 past – which wasn’t too bad considering I’d need more time to get up and moving.

The only problem was this meant we arrived after early entry so had shortish line to enter the park. We had no DAS passes until 11am so got one booked as soon as we entered the park. Luckily the wait for Rock n Roller coaster was only showing 20mins so we did standby for that. Turned out to be basically a walk on for the preshow with a short wait for the actual ride. This was always my fav ride and it’s definitely still up there. So fun. And so smooth – my head didn’t even get shaken around.

We still had a good half hour until our DAS pass for Tower of Terror so we looked through some of my stores at WDW. And like every other time I made some purchases – including a Mickey t-shirt and my ears for this trip – which are Tiana themed.

We then headed back to Tower of Terror. Of course Christy had to get a photo since she was wearing her new Tower of Terror ears.

While waiting we came across Goofy who was posing for photos with guests. I love how they have kept the random character sightings/interactions going post covid.

A fun ride but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I remember doing on previous trips. Kevin and I decided we are now more into longer rides – with more storytelling. Probably an age thing I’m guessing :-).

We wandered back to the main central Hollywood area and came across Chip & Dale having a picnic. So cute !!

We found somewhere to sit while we waited for our next DAS. Kevin was kind enough to go and get some popcorn – which Christy and I quickly demolished. I’d forgotten just how good Disney popcorn is !!!

We had our advance DAS for the Frozen singalong – which was definitely not needed (but there had been little to choose from at the time we did our DAS bookings). We had about a 10min wait before we were let into the venue. Once again this was super fun – though I didn’t remember many of lyrics. The Arendale Historians weren’t quite as funny as the last time we’d seen this (6 years ago) but it was still very good and very witty.

On our way over to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Kevin got himself a shimmer & glimmer Churros – which he enjoyed.

Mickey & Minnie’s was super fun again. Love that there is actually attraction for them finally.

We were going to get lunch from the ABC Commisionary but decided on going through to Galaxy’s Edges Ronto Roaster so I could get the Zuchi wrap and Kevin could get another ronto wrap (though he believes this lunchtime one had extra meat compared to his breakfast one). Kevin liked that he could pack half of it away in a container to finish later. I ate all of mine and it was delicious – though messy and slightly spicy. Would definitely have again though. Such a contrast to our first trips to Disney back in the 1990s when all you basically got was burgers and fried chicken !! We found a table and were able to sit and enjoy our food.

Kevin got himself a fancy drink from Docking Bay 7….

We stopped by the toilets – where the theming continues…

before getting a few more photos taken.

Lastly DAS for today was for Toy Story Mania. I enjoyed playing this more than expected. But poor Kevin was feeling unwell by the end of it. Kevin still managed to win, followed by Christy, then me.

Our final to-do for today was to visit Walt Disney : One Man’s Dream. I’ve really enjoyed this little exhibit before but after visiting the Disney Museum in San Francisco I kinda feel like we knew most of the stuff about Walk. It’s always good to see the models though.

And special things like clothes from the movie Disenchanted (which we have yet to see).

One more stop on the way out for Christy to buy a Bambi loungefly bag that she had eyed earlier.

But just as we were about to leave the park we heard there was a parade coming. So we took a sweet on the curb thinking what perfect timing… only for this to really be a calvacade – since it was a parade of 2 !!! Still we didn’t wait for it so that was good.

Christy went off the toilet as Kevin strode off away from me. I called out to him but he exited the park before turning around to see where we were. The staff wouldn’t just him come him so he had to walk over to the entrance (only a few meters away) and re-enter the park to wait with me for Christy.

Time to leave the park and catched the skyrail back to the Riviera, arriving in our room around 3.30pm. I was very keen for a cup of tea, which I enjoyed with some bickies.

We did debate going for a swim but both Kevin and I myself ending up taking baths (I hope the bathroom in our new apartment is as nice as this one). Tonight we had some vegan chick’n pies (from the freezer) that were delicious, while we watched YouTube.

This morning I slept in till 8am, Christy and Kevin waking up sometime after 9am. It was quite clear we needed a day off from the parks. I sat outside on our balcony for a while working on blog posts.

We totally lazed the morning away and didn’t even start getting ready until almost 12pm.

We had thought we might get to World of Disney in Disney Springs around 10am when it opened. As you know that did not happen. So when we finally arrived at Disney Springs it was BUSY. I did plan to avoid going on a Saturday but I thought maybe it wouldn’t get too busy until late afternoon. I was WRONG.

We tried a couple of places for lunch but they were too busy/booked until 2.40pm so after walking around a bit (but not too far) we ended up with the only thing we could find that had a short/no line – Poutine. Basically hot chips with gravy and cheese curds. Kevin & I shared (I just didn’t eat the cheese curds). It was nice but I think we were both just grateful for some food (since we hadn’t had breakfast – only tea and cookies earlier).

With some food in our bellies but all of us still feeling sore and tired, we headed into World of Disney. But boy was it busy. We picked up a few items but quickly realized NONE of us were having fun in such a busy store so Kevin did mobile check out and we quickly cleared out of there. We’ll come back during the week when it should be a lot quieter. This is what happens when you go off your plan !!

Christy went to sit and wait for us but Kevin was on mission to get a candy apple and needed to find Goofy’s Kitchen for him. Which we did and we secured his apple so he was a happy boy.

We made our way back to Christy and then the car, glad to out of the place. Visiting Disney Springs was definitely a waste of (fibro) spoons todays.

Back at the resort Kevin and I visited the Petite Cafe and picked up some yummy treats. Kevin chose the lemon cheesecake and I chose lemon mandalines. Doesn’t everything look delicious?

Back in our room Kevin had a sleep while I sat outside finishing a blog post and working on a vlog. Around 5pm we finally headed down for a swim – I really need to get myself down there earlier. It was a lovely of day though – right on golden hour. We enjoyed a short swim – since the sun had already dissappeared around the side of the building – and then went in the spa – which was very nice. No photos from the spa though as there were 2 other couples in it.

Around 6pm we went back up to the room. Kevin cooked us the Gardein Mandarin chicken again tonight – it’s always such a yummy meal. We ended up watching a few hours of YouTube tonight while I also tried to get my video sorted so I could make a little into for the Universal vlogs. I also read a bit so didn’t end up going to sleep until around 10pm.

I had very solid nights sleep and was happy to be awake at 4.30am to given my pain meds time to kick in and to catch up on my blogs (which I did). I also enjoyed quite a few cups of Christmas tea before waking Christy up at 6.30am to give her plenty of time to get ready for the day.

We left at about 7.50am (10mins before our target) and walked over the skyliner. To get to Hollywood Studios you need to change lines. Again we had no waits in the morning. And since we arrived between the early entry opening and official opening, there was no line to get into the park either.

We were keen to get our magic bands and managed to find a pretty good selection in one of the stores here. Though none of us especially wanted a Magic Band Plus, that’s what we all ended up with since we liked the designs the best. And I must say having the bands made getting onto rides super easy (though you can use your watch or ticket).

I’ve always loved the main street of Hollywood Studios, especially when it’s decorated for Christmas. After checking out the shops and stopping for some photos

we had a DAS pass for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. It was our first time riding this and though we’d seen some spoilers, we had tried to avoid them. This ride was so cute and fun. A big improvement over The Great Movie ride that used to be here (and was very dated). We are all keen to do this again.

From here we made our way into Toy Story Land. Today was all about the NEW as everything we rode was new to us. Toy Story Land is so fun. I can only imagine how magical it must be for kids. So bright and colourful and large (to make us feel toy sized).

At this stage we were only passing through on our way to Galaxy’s Edge (or Star Wars Land as we keep hearing it called). And oh boy, were we impressed. Seeing it in videos did not do it justice. So many details. In fact, ALL the details. Like the Harry Potter areas at Universal, this is a fully immersive area. Even Christy, who has never seen Star Wars (what bad parents we must be) was impressed (and now keen to go watch Star Wars :-)).

We had managed to get a DAS pass for Rise of the Resistence. Now we had seen some spoilers for this but there were PLENTY of surprises in stall. Kevin and I agree that that is the most immersive ride we’ve been on. It is so well done.

We explored some shops. Kevin, even though he’d had breakfast, wanted a Ronto Wrap so we had a rest while he enjoyed that.

Then it was back into Toy Story Land (there was quite a bit of back and forth today) to ride Alien Swirling Saucers (with our Advance DAS). I’m so grateful we have this pass. The standby line said 120mins !! This was a fun ride.

We then got to ride Slinky Dog for the first time and it is a very fun little coaster. I imagine kids must especially love it.

It was then time to head back to the resort for an afternoon break. We had been going to view One Man’s Dream but Kevin had just bought a HUGE cup of coke that he wasn’t able to take it. Never mind – we’ll come back later.

Back in our room Kevin had a nap. I sat outside on the balcony to work on blog posts and finish up a vlog (only just uploaded our travel day to Orlando). I had some Gardein Chick’n tenders and microwaved mini potatoes for lunch. Kevin didn’t want anything after his ronto wrap earlier.

Around 3.30pm, when Kevin was awake we headed down to the quiet pool for a swim. The water temperature is devine, though the pool here is quite shallow. We had a nice float/relax and then got out to dry off in the sun. Such a nice way to spend some time. I really should have spent the whole downtime here. Next time.

By 5pm, right on golden hour, we were back in the park. We walked around the 40s style area which I think is just so fun. They do an amazing job of decorating this area at Christmas.

We then walked all the way around to Rise of the Resistence (where we had another DAS pass) but it was down (ie. not working). Apparently this happens quite a bit on Rise. So we continued walking through to Toy Story Land where we had mobile ordered Christy’s dinner from Woody’s Lunch Box. We were a bit early and there is definitely not enough seating in this area of the park. Eventually I found a seat. Christy just sat on the ground.

Finally it was time for Christy’s dinner to be prepared. It was done in no time since it was just two tubs of potato gems (or potato barrels? as they called here). Then we had to walk ALL the way back through Galaxy’s Edge and into the Muppets area to get our dinner from The Backlot Express. As we passed by Rise it must have just reopened as a great crowd of people moved towards it, making the area much less empty than it had been.

Kevin and I both had Tofu Rice Bowls which were pretty good and a really nice option for a theme park. Unfortunately by now Christy’s dinner was pretty cold and the gems were way more crunchy/crispy that she likes.

I was struggling with my feet/legs a lot more this evening so was glad of another rest.

After dinner it was back into Galaxy’s Edge to find that Rise still up and running and the crowds much lower now that it almost 7pm. We enjoyed our second ride on this. Still so many little details we are picking up on.

It was full dark by now and we got some more photos with a photographer – we and trying to get as many of these as we can.

We had a lesiurely walk/wait through to Smugglers Run and still had to wait a few mins for our advance DAS pass to be active. I wasn’t too sure about this ride as it is interactive. Both Kevin & I were pilots and Christy was a gunner. It was much more fun than I expected, though Christy felt as a gunner she was too buy pressing buttons to pay much attention to what was actually happening.

Kevin finally got himself a blue milk (which is really just a tropical flavoured slushy. He really enjoyed it. I thought it was quite nice but not really worth $9!! He was happy though. And compared to the lightsaber or droid that he wanted this was a bargain :-).

Both Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land are just so beautiful at night and definitely need to be experienced. We had a second ride on Slinky Dog as our final ride of the day and this was even more fun in the dark with all the lights around. Certainly a very cute, fun coaster and I can see why it is so popular.

As we headed back to the main area we caught the very start of the projection show Disney Movie Magic.

We then joined the hoards leaving the park, and it wasn’t even closing yet. When we got the skyliner there was a VERY long line and none of feeling up to waiting in line to board. So we had seat as per our SLOW holiday guidelines, and waited for the line to get shorter before we joined it. Two short skyliner rides and we were back at the Riviera. I have to say it was a bit of a painful walk for me back to our room. I definitely did more than I should of (in regards to my fibro) today. Thankfully we already decided not to go to Blizzard Beach tomorrow (mainly because we don’t feel it will anywhere near as good at Volcano Bay) and have a quiet day.

I was very much looking forward to my cup of Christmas tea when we got back, which I enjoyed in bed with Kevin while we watched some YouTube. At 10pm I crashed without even reading a page of my book.