A trip full of Triple Stay / Annual Pass / VIPassholder Fun - A Late Feb/Early March Trip

You know, everyone is all up in arms about seeing Buzz Lightyear from inside Galaxy's Edge... Well, I can see Space Mountain from Adventureland!
I love the way Disney is usually able to trick your eye into not seeing into other lands, but I have to say it really doesn't bother me too much. I kind of like being able to peek into another area of the park--it's not like we don't know what's over there anyway, right?! :)

Also, this sign is no more! man, not even a year since this pic and it's outdated. Did you see the new sign? It just went up today!
I saw that on FB yesterday! It's pretty simplistic compared to this one, but I think it looks sort of neat. There is so much light and other stuff that catches your eye as you cross over the bridge, having a simple sign seems OK. Plus, it reminds me of that big machine thing from Incredibles!
 
We had some SUPER slow service on our trip this past week too! And every time they were slow or disappeared it was times when we weren't looking to leisurely enjoy our meal and also cost us pool time one night!!

Love your land shirts! Those are super cute. Gwen's glasses are adorable too!

I wasn't a huge fan of the falafel at Skipper Canteen either! It was pretty dry!

Looks like a nice morning in MK!
 


Andy and I leave in 42 days for a short Adults only trip. And I am super excited to do Food and Wine and have a little get away from my kiddos.
That will be fun!
I don't know what it is about this restaurant, but we always come to check in and it seems like we will have to wait forever because there is so many people in there. And then we get called almost immeditely.
Yes! The waiting area is always packed, but I don't think we've ever waited more than maybe 5 minutes to be seated.
Arancini Balls
fried risotto balls, mozzarella, meat ragù

These did not disapoint! They were so good!!! And Morgan loved them!!! I could have used more sauce, but I almost always use more sauce. And there were 2 but again we were starving and dug in almost immediatly!
I've heard good things about those. I considered trying them on our trip, but we just went straight for the pizza order.
And this is where things started to go wrong. So, we were sat right at 5:30, and i have the picture of Casey's first visit at 5:50. So, they must have just arrived. We got our drinks at 5:50. A full 20 mintues for drinks! And our apps didn't show up till 6:00.
Yuck... yeah, there's really no excuse to waiting 20 minutes for drinks. Not a good start at all.
And the girls pizza and my pizza didn't show up till 6:40!!!!! A full half hour later!
::yes:: We've heard this too. I think because the pizza is made in the pizza ovens and everything else comes from a separate kitchen so they don't really prepare it side by side and time it well. It is kind of frustrating, as we've had this with my sister who has allergies and can't eat pizza. I guess that's part of why we just always order 1 or 2 big pizzas and split them. Seems to work pretty consistently well for us that way.:confused3
It really was a shame, because no one in my family wants to go back. And the pizza was really good. And I had picked this, cause I figured it would be fairly fast and we could head out and have a night swim. Well, that didn't happen.
I'm really sorry to hear this. We did have one time that we had a similar experience there in waiting quite a bit for the pizza, but that hasn't been the norm in our visits. While it isn't an excuse, I think part of the issue with a lack of an apology is that it is probably somewhat cultural. With the restaurant staff all being Italian, having a long drawn out meal is kind of the norm for them.
We got in line for Peter Pan and I think the wait said 20 mintues already.
And it will only get longer....
Well, was Andy right, or me? ME!!!! My time stamps were 9:08 for getting in the que and 9:28 getting on the ride. So, I win!!!
Woo Hoo!
Well, I'd hope it wasn't quite 40 minutes yet!
You know, everyone is all up in arms about seeing Buzz Lightyear from inside Galaxy's Edge..
Better to see the space man than the cowboy.
But Gwen wanted to find sunglasses as her last thing, so, we checked out the kiosk in Adventrueland. And picked out a cute pair of coral pink sunglasses.
B had to get those same sunglasses. I think she wore them twice and I haven't seen them since we got home. :headache:
Also, this sign is no more! man, not even a year since this pic and it's outdated. Did you see the new sign? It just went up today!
It either came down right before our first day or the night after our first day... I remember seeing the social media reaction to it while we were there. We were in MK on our first day, but we never approached Tomorrowland from that path so I couldn't recall if it was there or not.
Andy found GREAT humor in the irony of me using higher technology to ckeck into our flight than the show has in it, VERY funny! (This picture is me literally waiting to hit check in the second that the time was correct. A must for flying Southwest)
Kind of bold to go into CoP during your check in window. Some of those buildings, you just never know if you're going to have a strong data signal.
And then tossed the kids menu at Gwen and said "Here you go Tiny Human" And Gwen thought this was HILARIOUS!!!!
Thankfully it wasn't hangry Gwen.
Jungle Navigation Co. Shandy
Blue Moon Belgian White Ale mixed with Simply Lemonade®
That sounds pretty great. Love a good shandy.
I am SOOOOO glad that they changed this to not have the beef in it. I had said from the begining that, all they needed to do was give the option with or without for the kids menu.
::yes:: Our kids love mac & cheese, but if you put anything in it or try to get cute with it, they refuse to eat it. :headache:
 
Gwen’s new sunglasses are so cute
She loves them but only wears them in Disney.

I kind of like being able to peek into another area of the park--it's not like we don't know what's over there anyway, right?! :)
It's like we are cheeting the system or something..

We had some SUPER slow service on our trip this past week too! And every time they were slow or disappeared it was times when we weren't looking to leisurely enjoy our meal and also cost us pool time one night!!
Boo. I think if we go again, pizza only!

What are your Feb 2020 dates? I will be back for our annual cheer competition Feb 7-11.
We are there Feb. 7th - 16th! Maybe our paths will cross!

Better to see the space man than the cowboy.
so true!

B had to get those same sunglasses. I think she wore them twice and I haven't seen them since we got home. :headache:
Gwen only wants to wear them in Disney but at least we know where they are and had packed them both trips since the purchase....

::yes:: Our kids love mac & cheese, but if you put anything in it or try to get cute with it, they refuse to eat it.
EXACTLY!

Love your shirts and the pics in the lands. Sounds like a great experience at Skippers. I still haven’t tried it. One day
You should! Even if some of the things on the menu don't sound good. The chicken is very good! And is basically fried chicken.
 


Well, was Andy right, or me? ME!!!!
I never doubted you! ;)

(I later told him he looked weird in the pic and he got all offended and then he looked at the picture and was all like.. Oh yeah, I do look weird)
:rotfl2:

He was literally just walking around telling people that he was looking for adventure and causing problems. Or something like that.
That's hilarious. Some days of mine are like that, too... walking around looking for adventure and causing problems :rotfl:

We have raised our girls right, and they do enjoy this ride.
Yes, you sure did! :thumbsup2

Now this isn't as exciting of a flight check in as our last trip when I literally ended up doing on BTM!
No way?!?!? :laughing::laughing:

"Here you go Tiny Human" And Gwen thought this was HILARIOUS!!!!
Sounds like such a great meal, with lots of humor. :rotfl:
 
ou know, everyone is all up in arms about seeing Buzz Lightyear from inside Galaxy's Edge... Well, I can see Space Mountain from Adventureland!
Wow I hadn't heard this! What exactly can you see? I've been in GE twice now and haven't realized this
We have raised our girls right, and they do enjoy this ride.
::yes:: yup and surprisingly both our boys enjoy it too!
(This picture is me literally waiting to hit check in the second that the time was correct. A must for flying Southwest)
OK I know all SW lovers will tell me it's worth it but this is one of the reasons I don't try SW. It seems like a HUGE pain to me to have to remember EXACTLY when to do this while still on vacation and then stop what you're doing to do it! I know I know, they have good fares but I think I still prefer already having my seats as soon as I book :rolleyes1
Tastes like Chicken" Because it is!
Crispy-fried Chicken served with Jasmine Rice, Chili Glaze, and Seasonal Vegetables

We had them put the Chili Glaze on the side and I think the waiter asked her what kind of veggie she wanted and she said none. So he left them off for her.
We just ate here on Tuesday for the 2nd time and I had this for the 1st time. The chicken was great but I wish I'd thought to have the glaze put on the side. I found it a bit too strong/salty so stuck to eating the parts that weren't covered in it
Orinoco Ida's Cachapas
And you thought our jokes were corny! House-made Corn Pancakes, Beer-braised Pork, Roasted Corn, Fresno Pepper Salsa, and Avocado Cream
This was and is soooooo good!!! They have since changed the serving of this but still highly recommend! The Beer-Braised Pork is so good and the Avacado Cream.
I got these too but was a bit disappointed; I thought they lacked much flavor especially the pork. I liked the original version better. We did have the Kungaloosh for dessert and it was fabulous! We'd definitely go back again and our Skipper was excellent.
love the way Disney is usually able to trick your eye into not seeing into other lands, but I have to say it really doesn't bother me too much.
Yeah it doesn't bother me either but when I notice it I wonder why they've left things certain ways given that they don't generally like you to be able to see into other lands. For instance when walking around WS you totally see the huge light blue/gray Soarin' building and it's weird since it's the back part or "behind the scenes" part. But really I think unless you're looking for it you may not pick it out since there's so much to see in WS and also when looking across the lagoon so for most people their eye doesn't go to that.
 
Wearing different land shirts is a really awesome idea! I feel like I'm always saying, "I'm going to write that down for a future trip" whenever I comment on your updates. In all seriousness, though, I learn a ton from your reports!
 
We are there Feb. 7th - 16th! Maybe our paths will cross!

If I see you I will totally come say Hi. One this I am not is shy:). Our park time is kind of limited to cheer stuff (which makes it so hard on me -ha). But I do know we will be at AK the afternoon of the 7th for our team dinner, and MK that Monday since I have a BOG lunch. I think I have an Ogas for that night so will be at HS.
 
Sounds like such a great meal, with lots of humor. :rotfl:
That's hilarious. Some days of mine are like that, too... walking around looking for adventure and causing problems :rotfl:
I never doubted you! ;)
eard this! What exactly can you see? I've been in GE twice now and haven't realized this
I didn't either. You need to go out to Toy Story Land, And my guess is it isn't that big of a deal.

OK I know all SW lovers will tell me it's worth it but this is one of the reasons I don't try SW. It seems like a HUGE pain to me to have to remember EXACTLY when to do this while still on vacation and then stop what you're doing to do it! I know I know, they have good fares but I think I still prefer already having my seats as soon as I book :rolleyes1
I would love to fly something else. BUT our other choices are double in price for something like Frontier which is sketch-ish. I hate the loading system but it is a necissary evil for us.

I got these too but was a bit disappointed; I thought they lacked much flavor especially the pork. I liked the original version better. We did have the Kungaloosh for dessert and it was fabulous! We'd definitely go back again and our Skipper was excellent.
It def used to be better. I hope they fix that soon! It's a restaurant already not the most popular. Don't mess with your best dish!

Wearing different land shirts is a really awesome idea! I feel like I'm always saying, "I'm going to write that down for a future trip" whenever I comment on your updates. In all seriousness, though, I learn a ton from your reports!
I do have a little notes, where I add things to as I read other folks trip reports! Otherwise I would forget all about it. And thanks so much!

you I will totally come say Hi. One this I am not is shy:). Our park time is kind of limited to cheer stuff (which makes it so hard on me -ha). But I do know we will be at AK the afternoon of the 7th for our team dinner, and MK that Monday since I have a BOG lunch. I think I have an Ogas for that night so will be at HS.
I love the ones that just kind of happen! Hopefully that will happen.
 
Hi Everyone, Another Tuesday, and another rock climbing class. Which means another post! We go tonight to back to school night for Morgan and the middle school. And it's 2 hours!!!! Yikes. but we are going to be walking through her class schedule, so I guess that makes sense. Wish me luck!

Day Nine: Resting and Fireworks

So, I had left us off going to back to the hotel to rest. We got off the bus at our stop. And while we were walking back to the room, we were commenting on the fact that it is a nice resort but just not for us.

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You def felt like you were in the Bayou. But I guess we are just not Bayou people?

We got back to the room, and changed into our bathing suits. We all headed to the pool. I went with Andy and the girls to the pool to find a place to put our stuff and then I made a pitstop at the gift shop first. It wasn't easy getting a chair. We had to do the Christmas Eve parking lot rush, of walking around until we found someone leaving to grab ONE chair!

I grabbed a couple photos on my way from the pool to the gift shop.
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I needed to pick up our package from Hollywood Studios. Since this was the first time I had done this, I didn't know that it would take a whole day to show up. Which is good to know, basically you can't do it on your last day.

I found a CM to help me and they got my bag fairly quickly. I also poked around a bit to see if I liked the Riverside Coffee mug or anything. And I couldn't find one at ALL! Oh well. I wasn't in love with the resort, so not dyeing for the mug to go with it.

I also had to stop at the front desk, as we hadn't gotten a Magical Express tag yet, and I wanted to know waht time we needed to be up and out. I didn't have to wait too long, The person was more than happy to help me, but said they usually do it the night before. Which I knew but since we were fairly early in the morning, I figured it would have shown up already. They printed out our info and I headed to the pool to relax a bit!

After shopping I found Andy and the girls at the pool. It was crowded!
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This picture doesn't portray that, but it was busy. And the pool really isn't that big for such a big resort. And it has a really deep area on the one side, so most folks kind of avoided that part of the pool, cause they couldn't touch. Which is rare to have at a Disney Pool.

I also didn't love this pool. There are a lot of trees in the area and there was a lot of leaves and acorns and stuff on the pool deck. I mean I get it happens but it gave it more of a friends backyard feel than a Disney pool. That's all.

I think I filled up two travel mugs with beer, as always we end up with extra beer I try to finish it before we go or at least not waste too much. But I don't think I wanted to sit in the one lounge chair we claimed by myself, so I just swam with the girls for a bit and then we headed back to the room. I am not even sure if we got in the hot tub becauce it was just too crowded and full of kids.

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Gwen wanted a picture on a hamock and Morgan didn't want anything to do with it. So, Andy and Morgan went ahead while I did a Gwen Photoshoot.

We rested a bit in the room before we had to head back to Magic Kingdom. We all showered and snacked on whatever we had in the room.

We decided to head back in with time just to get to the dessert party. So, around 6-ish we headed back out.

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It was just starting to get dark when we arrived back at Magic Kingdom.

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We headed in and stopped for a photopass photo on the way to check in.
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I find it ironic that Morgan is the one wearing pink. She almost never does and we are all wearing her favorite color blue. Anyway....

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The pictures came out nice!

This was our first time doing the After Dessert Party. (or any dessert party). But some of the ladies on here gave it good reviews, so we went this it, and I thought it would make a great last night event.

We went and check-in at the tomorrowland terrace area. They escorted us over to the viewing area and put on wrist bands on us. We were told to sit where ever and that we were allowed to come and go from the area as needed.

We found a spot and sat down. There was tons of room around, so we all laid down!
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It is really dark and hard to tell, but we are all laying down in the middle of Magic Kingdom before fireworks. It was amazing! Everyone once in awhile I would kind of look around at the choas of people trying to find places to sit. And I was just glad that we had a place to sit!

The girls passed the time with some dollar store glow sticks.
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I am pretty sure we got here almost a full hour before the fireworks were starting, but we were enjoying just chilling. We were def still tired. We debated to try and go ride a ride before but we took the relaxed road tonight.

I took Gwen to use the bathroom before the fireworks started, and it was a FEAT to get across the way to the bathroom.

Soon the fireworks were getting ready to start. And there was so few people in the area, it was great! (we learned in May that it must have been under-sold that night)

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And as a short person, I am going to just say that THIS WAS GLORIOUS!!!!!! I can't tell you how many fireworks we have watched and I have seen only part of it, just the top half.

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Andy and the girls decided to stay sitting, but I wanted to see ALL of the projections, so, I stood up to be closer and see it all.

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Andy said after, he felt weird that I was standing all by myself. But also thought I was relishing in my seeing everything AND NOT holding anyone! Which I was!!!!

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We were in Disney the first time that they had Elsa lighting up the castle. Like EVER, so we decided to stay and watch, cause we had to. Well, I saw NOTHING of it!!! It was wall to wall people and I ended up holding Morgan at my waste so she was my height and could see. I was Sweating SOOOOOO bad and saw nothing. I remember going back to the room that night and watching a youtube video of it to and finally saw that Olaf was adult size! Ha.

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Long story short, I enjoyed having to not fight for a spot and actually seeing the show. Andy and the girls enjoyed being able to sit and watch the whole thing. So, it was a win win.

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After the show, we headed out to get to the dessert portion of the event. We "swam" across the sea of crowd of people trying to leave. And did a re-check in.

up next desserts!
 
I love the land shirts!

It's been a little while since we've eaten at Skipper's Canteen but your review makes me want to go back. The Blue Moon shandy with lemonade sounds delicious!

I did the After fireworks dessert party and loved it also. I thought it was great not to be rushing to eat to get a spot but to get to relax and eat them while the crowds emptied out!
 
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This is such a great picture! :lovestruc

Sounds like a great spot - wow! Excited to hear about the desserts!
 
I also didn't love this pool. There are a lot of trees in the area and there was a lot of leaves and acorns and stuff on the pool deck. I mean I get it happens but it gave it more of a friends backyard feel than a Disney pool. That's all.
Hmmm... hadn't thought about that, but you make a great point.
I took Gwen to use the bathroom before the fireworks started, and it was a FEAT to get across the way to the bathroom.
I can only imagine!
Soon the fireworks were getting ready to start. And there was so few people in the area, it was great! (we learned in May that it must have been under-sold that night)
Hmmm... foreshadowing for the next TR?
After the show, we headed out to get to the dessert portion of the event. We "swam" across the sea of crowd of people trying to leave. And did a re-check in.
Looks like a great set up for you. Looking forward to hearing about the desserts... I guess this is a different dessert party from what I was thinking... I always thought it was served before the fireworks at Tomorrowland Terrace?
 
I like Riverside but only in the manor section which is not preferred. We were put in the bayou once and begged to be switched. I don't actually understand why they seem to punish the families of 5 who have to stay over there or people who want preferred. I never loved the pool there either, we always did the King Triton pool over at POFQ!

Glad you enjoyed the dessert party!! DH and I really liked the one we did for MNSSHP this past trip because it was empty! The only one I did for HEA was over Columbus day weekend and was so busy! I definitely did not enjoy that as much! lol
 
I've
Day Five: Ohana!!!

We headed up to Ohana and checked in. I believe they took my cell phone number and said they would text me when they were ready. Gwen said she had to go to the bathroom. So I took her and while we were in the bathroom, I while we were in there we got the text message! Why do they do this?

Gwen and I came back up and we were seated. They brought us over to the far end and I have to say, it wasn't a great spot. We were kind of away from the main action, which I guess for some might be nice. But regardless, we did enjoy our meal.

Ohana_Bread
Ohana Pineapple-Coconut Bread
First the bread! I was starving by now, but I refrained from eating it to save room for the good stuff! But Andy and Morgan def had some.

Speaking of starving, Gwen was def HANGRY by now. She refused to eat the bread for some reason.

Our waiter came over and took our drink orders.

I obviously ordered this:
Ohana_Lapu Lapu
Lapu Lapu
Myers’s Original Dark Rum and Tropical Fruit Juices served in a fresh Pineapple topped with Goslings 151 Rum
The Lapu Lapu! So good!

I was going to try and order the girls drinks in the pineapples, but they didn't seem that intrested. Gwen ordered water because she said she didn't know what she wanted. And Morgan had water as well.

Ohana_Backstracher
Dragon Iced Tea
Hendrick’s Gin, Lemon and Ginger Herbal Tea, Tropical Juices, and Blood Orange
Andy ordered the Dragon Iced Tea, I labled this as the Backstracker, but I don't think that is what he got. He said it was ok.

Soon they also brought us our salad.
Ohana_Salad
Mixed Greens Salad with a Lilikoi dressing
This I have to say was very disappointing! This wasn't the same from our last trip, and it was fine but nothing great. I remember really liking the salad last time. But that is ok, it wasn't what we came there for.

And VERY quickly came out this plate of goodness!
Ohana Apps
Pork Dumplings tossed in Garlic-Ginger Sauce
served with Peanut and Sweet-n-Sour Sauces
and
Honey-Coriander Chicken Wings
served with Peanut and Sweet-n-Sour Sauces
Teriyaki Noodles
Stir-fried Vegetables


This is what I came here for! They also gave us two dipping sauces for the meats... But I have to say the peanut sauce was AMAZING with the noodles! I seriously could just eat this platter, and I probably ate a lot to that.

Ohana_Gwen dinner
We were trying to get Gwen to eat, and she was just not having it. Typical Hangry Gwen.. The waiter did offer her chicken fingers and french fries and she said she wanted that instead.

It took awhile but eventurally they brought out this platter for Gwen:
Ohana_Gwen's food
And she was MUCH happier.

Ohana_Food!! & M
They started bringing meats around almost immediately as we got our "appatizers" But we were hungry so we didn't really care.

Morgan loves beef, so she loaded up on the beef skewers. So, did Andy. I am sure I had some of all 3 Chicken, Beef and Shrimp. I have to say the Shrimp is my least favorite. It tends to be over cooked to me. The beef can be hit or miss in how well cooked it is, as well. But still yummy..

We stuffed ourselves silly. It was all yummy. Our waiter was a little lack luster, but not terrible.

And then it was time for dessert.
Ohana_Bread Pudding
‘Ohana Bread Pudding à la mode
topped with Caramel Sauce and Bananas
This seemed like a small portion for 4 people, but... it really wasn't. we were so full already that we didn't need much. I don't think I really ate that much. I think Andy and Morgan polished most of it off between the two of them.

I think they brought out the kid rice krispee treats as well. I have no photographic evidence of it, though.

Dinner was great but we were ready to check out our room! So, we got the check paid, and headed out.

Up Next we checked out the room!
Made those wings and noodles at home many times and while they are super close and super yummy they just aren't the same as getting them on that platter. Lol
 
So, I had left us off going to back to the hotel to rest. We got off the bus at our stop. And while we were walking back to the room, we were commenting on the fact that it is a nice resort but just not for us.
It seems to be a hit or miss resort for many people. I liked Riverside, but my wife did not. I think French Quarter would be a nice one to try though.

After shopping I found Andy and the girls at the pool. It was crowded!
I found the pool very crowded too. The quiet pools were OK, but of course no slide or water features there, so not as fun.

This was our first time doing the After Dessert Party. (or any dessert party). But some of the ladies on here gave it good reviews, so we went this it, and I thought it would make a great last night event.
I've never done any dessert party either. I would like to, based on the reviews in some trip reports. Sounds like you enjoyed the fireworks part.
 

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