Did you say nose picker or nose peeker? Our April 2021 trip! Update 8/19** complete!

[pkondz]

Yes, I will be interested to hear your take on it. It is always fun to experience a new attraction

Baseline has good prices for a Disney place. I thought the charcuterie board was good, it is small but perfect for 1-2.

That works for me!

I solved the housekeeping problem! We are doing a split stay x 3.

Ah! That certainly solves that problem.

I love that the room has an actual queen bed for both of us. Andi doesn’t have to sleep on a pull out couch.

Definitely a good thing. It was one of the things I really liked about OKW.

We will be able to use the Skyliner at Riviera, the boat and our legs at BC and the monorail and our legs at Contemporary yay!!

A veritable travel trifecta!

We are attending the Boo Bash on 8/31 and we can walk back to CR after the party.

Fun! And... convenient!

We will also be spending one night at Royal Pacific at Universal at the end of the trip. I didn’t realize the night we are there is the first night of Halloween Horror Nights. I’m not thrilled about that, I’m sure the place will be crazy busy.

maybe not too busy during the day? Fingers crossed.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

You came up with a brilliant plan to beat the lack of housekeeping! See if we all did this then Disney might wise up and just clean our rooms. They’d save money in the long run
i really like your choice of hotels as I love being able to walk to a park. It will be so good especially after the boo bash to just dander down the road to your room. Perfect!
Great dining reservations too so please write another trip report so we can hear all about it

 

[disneyAndi14]

Ah! That certainly solves that problem.

It does and we get to experience another new resort for us!

Definitely a good thing. It was one of the things I really liked about OKW.

I agree! The ability to have 2 queen size beds in a studio is such a plus!

A veritable travel trifecta!

A good use of all of Disney’s transportation unlike you we are not bus VIPs.

maybe not too busy during the day? Fingers crossed.

Yes, this is what I am hoping for! We have to make use of our AP’s at Universal!

You came up with a brilliant plan to beat the lack of housekeeping! See if we all did this then Disney might wise up and just clean our rooms. They’d save money in the long run

I wish! We actually are not paying more to do the split stay, maybe a few doLars but not much!

i really like your choice of hotels as I love being able to walk to a park. It will be so good especially after the boo bash to just dander down the road to your room. Perfect!

I do as well! Excited to stay at Riviera

Great dining reservations too so please write another trip report so we can hear all about it

If the Dis cooperates I will write a report!

 

[pkondz]

It does and we get to experience another new resort for us!

A good use of all of Disney’s transportation unlike you we are not bus VIPs.

Seriously though, construe bus horror stories I’ve been hearing… I doubt I’d have any “VIP” luck.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I have ADR’s at California Grill, Ohana, Topolino, Sanaa, Jaleo, Grand Floridian Cafe, and Frontera.

It all sounds so good!

 

[buzzrelly]

Today was DHS day, Andi woke up just in time to use her fast fingers and get us boarding group 14! Yay, we were excited!

Yay!

We went to the bus area around 7:35. We had a self appointed bus patrol this morning. He was telling us all where to stand for the bus. He was very protective of a family who had arrived before Andi and I. He was making sure we didn’t cut in front of them.

Haha! But I kind of agree with him and wish there was more of a line system at the mods and deluxes. On our first park day at The YC in April, there was a sandwich board sign designating MK on one side and AK on the other. Everyone lined up nicely so there was no question of who was there first. But the next time we took the bus, the sign was gone, I don't know why. And of course, there was confusion about where to stand and who was there first. Ugh.

We walked right on M&M railway and I enjoyed it a little more this time.

I love it

This place is popular, it filled up fast and it was only 10:45 am. We ordered the pretzel and charcuterie tray.

That looks so good! But I'm probably going to wait and try this with Mike in October.

We had fun singing in the rain!

That you Caroline?? Haha! Totally cleared out!

I wanted to let you all know, I solved the housekeeping problem! We are doing a split stay x 3.

That's one way to do it!

We are attending the Boo Bash on 8/31 and we can walk back to CR after the party.

Perfect!

 

[VAtink]

We had a self appointed bus patrol this morning. He was telling us all where to stand for the bus. He was very protective of a family who had arrived before Andi and I. He was making sure we didn’t cut in front of them. The bus arrived at 7:45 and once we arrived at DHS, we had to line up and wait for the temperature check area to open. Our bus patrol was still trying to direct us, however a CM took over and put us in a new line. I think our bus patrol was a little upset, lol

Ha! That is too funny!

We walked right on M&M railway and I enjoyed it a little more this time. I think it was growing on me. It is a little disjointed storyline, in my opinion. I don’t understand the Daisy part? I am not familiar with the new Mickey shorts/cartoons so that maybe why I am missing something. It is really a cute ride. We were one of the first groups on the ride.[/QUOTE}

Yes! I totally thought it was cute, but the Daisy part was so random!

We used the bathrooms in this area after the show and a lady was literally blocking the entrance with her double wide stroller. She was decided this was a good spot to change a poop diaper. We had to almost climb over the stroller, just weird. People do not think sometimes.

Um, that was obnoxious....there are people who really do not think!

For drinks, Andi had the Ace Space Bloody Orange hard cider and I had the California Sunset.

Somehow I missed they had hard cider there! I need to try that next time, sounds good!

The weather was starting to look a little daunting. We decided to make a go before the rain hit. Well, we timed that wrong! We should have stayed for another drink and waited it out.
It poured! My feet were soaking wet! We had fun singing in the rain!

HA, the storm I never experienced but will never forget

Stay tuned for a very dapper evening in Epcot!

So funny we were there at the same time! I wonder if we passed each other at all.

 

[disneyAndi14]

An Evening with some very Dapper guests!
We headed to Epcot around 3:00pm.
It was Dapper Days at Epcot. We enjoyed seeing so many creative and very dapper outfits. Some guests really went for it. We saw groups of people and they all coordinated. Now, I am sure some of you are anxiously awaiting to hear about our spectacular dapper day outfits! Well, dapper, we were not, however, we played the role of normal Florida tourists very well! I didn’t take pictures of people because, weird, so you will just have to imagine, guests walking with their parasols, frilly dresses and Kentucky Derby worthy hats!
It did feel busy at Epcot this evening. Some of the walkways were very crowded. We started off riding SE, followed by Nemo, Figment, and LwtL. As crowded as the park felt, the ride wait times were low.







My feet on LwtL, front row yay!

We skipped the big attractions. We had done Soarin and Test Track was down this evening. Frozen had a long wait and, as you all know, Andi boycotts this one. We worked our way towards Italy for our Via Napoli reservation.
We were seated at the big long table by the ovens.

I had the white Sangria with strawberry, pineapple, and a orange slice in it, this is very good, I highly recommend.

Andi had the Sicilian sunset, this had a big frozen ball of alcohol goodness in the center. She liked it.

We had the focaccia garlic bread as our appetizer and the individual margarita pizza with mushrooms on it.
We enjoyed everything it was so yummy.




A lady was coughing frequently in the restaurant and it freaks everyone out, lol. We are all so afraid to cough or sneeze now. We were socially distant from other guests and it was fun to sit at the huge center table.
We ate as much as we could and took our leftovers with us.
I stopped in Norway for the school bread. I love this Norwegian treat. I failed to get a picture of it, bad trip reporter. I saved this yummy treat for tomorrow morning. I had plans to try the rhubarb and strawberry dessert in the world showplace. This was very delicious. I tried to get it again in June, except this particular booth changed up the offerings and it was gone, boo Take my word for it, this was very tasty, it was served warm with chilled whipping cream on top! Yum! Andi was to full for dessert but not for another pink lemonade hard cider. We must have been tired because I did not get any pictures of my dessert .
We said goodbye to WS and Epcot. I was glad we had a trip in June, because I wanted to try so many other treats from F&G. As some of you know from reading and seeing my pictures, we did sample many more treats in June!
We headed out around 8pm. It was time to relax and get ready for our last full day at Disney, before moving over to Universal.
Stay tuned for “Animators we are not!”

 

[disneyAndi14]

Seriously though, construe bus horror stories I’ve been hearing… I doubt I’d have any “VIP” luck

Oh I think with your luck and VIP status it will still work for you!

all sounds so good!

Thank Ariella I am looking forward to our dining reservations in August!

Haha! But I kind of agree with him and wish there was more of a line system at the mods and deluxes. On our first park day at The YC in April, there was a sandwich board sign designating MK on one side and AK on the other. Everyone lined up nicely so there was no question of who was there first. But the next time we took the bus, the sign was gone, I don't know why. And of course, there was confusion about where to stand and who was there first. Ugh.

I know, we literally have been waiting first in line and people come up and just stand right in front of us! I hate that. He had good intentions but it was a little funny as well!

That looks so good! But I'm probably going to wait and try this with Mike in October.

It was very good, I am looking forward to returning in August

That you Caroline?? Haha! Totally cleared out!

Ahh my singing voice tends to do that!

That's one way to do it!

I‘m excited for the 3 resort stay! The packing up a few times is the only downside I can see.

Perfect

I love being able to walk back to our resort especially later at night!

Ha! That is too funny!

I think he secretly wants to work for Disney

Yes! I totally thought it was cute, but the Daisy part was so random!

Same here, I still don’t quite get that part.

Um, that was obnoxious....there are people who really do not think!

This is so true, happens every trip on some level with people just not thinking!

Somehow I missed they had hard cider there! I need to try that next time, sounds good!

I really liked it and for Disney the price was right!

HA, the storm I never experienced but will never forget

oh no, this plays a part in your TR title I’m guessing!

So funny we were there at the same time! I wonder if we passed each other at all.

I know! We may have!

 

[amazingact21]

All caught up! Sorry I fell behind, traveling and summertime with the kids out of school has taken away a lot of my free time.

Smart idea breaking up your upcoming trip so you get housekeeping. I actually forgot about housekeeping not coming and now think I'm going to do the same thing as you for my trip with my mom. She won't like not having the room serviced for our stay!

Oh, Via Napoli...some of the best pizza around. I got hungry reading your dinner update.

Grabbing some school bread for breakfast is great idea. I need to make note of that!

 

[Tracy161]

I hope you get back soon maybe the end of August, lol

I'm hoping so too...

C3PO is one of my all time favorites. I’m a bit neurotic like him.

Same! I see myself in him all the time!

Despite the crowds at Epcot, I'm glad that the ride times were low. I'm really hoping to get back soon and I'm not really sure what to expect. It's so helpful to read along on TRs!

 

[rdkeim]

Enjoying your TR! Lots of good food and drink The last couple trips I've stopped in Norway and picked up a school bread for breakfast - so good! And pretty reasonably priced - for Disney. It would be fun to be in a park on Dapper Day - some people are so creative. Thanks for sharing your trip!

 

[kastoney]

Hello

I’m back! This trip was a whirlwind, it went by so fast. I hate when that happens.

You posted this on the day we left for our trip. So bummed we missed ya

1. So busy, rope drop is just weird now, it felt busy no matter what time we went to the park.
2. I miss FP and extra magic hours

I couldn't agree more on rope drop. Our first day MK hadn't started it yet and it was wonderful. Then they had restarted it the next time we went back and complete cluster. I didn't love not so magic hours (as Casey called it) but I did miss FP. For the most part we could ride everything we wanted at some point but were never willing to wait for Slinky or Test Track and Casey was not happy about it. Of course she would have been even less happy with a 90 minute wait.

It was August hot this week, down right steamy, sweat glistening everywhere, type of hot! It also stormed a few times and we even lost power at the YC for about an hour!

You must have taken all the heat for us. We certainly had some hot days but it was overcast most of the time which kept the temperatures tolerable. But oh the rain. We've never experienced so much rain down there

Our room after 7 nights, yikes! The lack of housekeeping is just gross.

Is Disney not doing housekeeping at all???? We stayed at the Swan and they clean every 4th day (or after 3 nights). I thought I would hate it but other than having to make my own bed on vacation it worked out fine

The increasing of park capacity without enough CM’s, shows, entertainment, and restaurants is also a bad decision in my opinion

I know they are anxious to get more money into the parks but doing so when you are clearly not ready was a bad choice. I was surprised to see how many stores weren't even open yet.

This is awesome!!! I'd never seen it. No APs for us for the first time in forever so sadly no photopass

We went to the bus area around 7:35. We had a self appointed bus patrol this morning.

Oh how nice of him. So love when random people decided to put themselves in charge of something clearly not in their lane.

We walked right on M&M railway and I enjoyed it a little more this time. I think it was growing on me. It is a little disjointed storyline, in my opinion. I don’t understand the Daisy part?

I enjoyed it more than I thought but we watch the new Mickey shorts a lot. Though I so do not get the Daisy thing either. I'm pretty sure they just made it up to get the vehicles to move in synchronization. Definitely doesn't fit

I wanted to let you all know, I solved the housekeeping problem! We are doing a split stay x 3.

All hail the Disney housekeeping hack queen!!! Seriously brilliant

We will spend our first two nights at Riviera in a regular studio. I am so excited. I really like this resort and look forward to staying here. I love that the room has an actual queen bed for both of us. Andi doesn’t have to sleep on a pull out couch.

Can't wait to see what you think about it. This resort did nothing to appeal to me at all, then I walked in and I so want to stay here. I love all the clean lines and truly deluxe feel of the resort. And spoiler alert for whenever i get my report started we ate at Topolinos not once, but twice!!!! May be my new favorite Disney restaurant (or at least a close second to Jiko)

Now, I am sure some of you are anxiously awaiting to hear about our spectacular dapper day outfits! Well, dapper, we were not, however, we played the role of normal Florida tourists very well!

My feet on LwtL, front row yay!

Those are some seriously dapper shoes right there

 

[CruellaNY]

It was Dapper Days at Epcot. We enjoyed seeing so many creative and very dapper outfits. Some guests really went for it.

I don't now how I fell so far behind! I agree with you on this as we were there that day too for a bit and it's amazing the outfits some guests come up with, and the thought/planning that goes in to them. I also wanted to take a few pictures but like you said, weird lol. Although I bet some would be thrilled to be asked!

I like your split stay idea too, not just for housekeeping but it's always nice to try new resorts and for Andi it's 2. Riviera and POR are the only two resorts we haven't stayed at so we don't get that feeling very often, and even though the Riviera so far does nothing for me I'll stay at some point just to try it

The first day of HHN probably will see higher crowds, BUT on the other hand lots of locals and AP holders will go to the even that night and not do the parks during the day so that's a plus!

 

[Steppesister]

We even saw a HUGE mother roach in La Cava scurrying across the floor. Our server gave us free tequila shots as compensation...

I saw giant rat in the France Pav on my last stay. I should have been asked to be comped an ice cream martini.

Haha I get it, some of the poor bus etiquette has to be corrected. This guy, however, just wanted to boss people around.

Brother.

OMG so gross and she would not budge, several people said excuse me loudly and she just stood her ground, ugh! In June we were waiting in a small shaded area for our Mama Melrose lunch reservation to be called and this lady pulls into this small spot with her ECV and large family and basically pushes Andi and I right out of our nice spot. So rude, she even started spraying sunscreen at us pretending to put it on her neck and back. I wanted to knock her off the ECV, lol

I think there would have been words. Do NOT stand between me and my stall when I gotta go. I might have also pulled out my own sunscreen and used a little extra as repellant.

A light buzz is always nice!

Yes indeed.

We are doing a split stay x 3.

Oh my gosh!!! YOU ARE GENIUS!! Look at you go!!

We will spend the last four night at Contemporary as planned. I’m so excited!! We will be able to use the Skyliner at Riviera, the boat and our legs at BC and the monorail and our legs at Contemporary yay!!

This is an amazing plan. I don't mind the split stays as I don't unpack a ton. Plus gets me a change of scenery and it's like a whole extra trip!

I have ADR’s at California Grill, Ohana, Topolino, Sanaa, Jaleo, Grand Floridian Cafe, and Frontera.

What a lineup!!

I have is packing up and taking our groceries and water to each resort! At least Disney hasn’t cut out bell service’s at this time.

Yeah, the downside.

It was Dapper Days at Epcot. We enjoyed seeing so many creative and very dapper outfits.

Wasn't that fun!?!

We started off riding SE, followed by Nemo, Figment, and LwtL. As crowded as the park felt, the ride wait times were low.

Exactly what I'd have done too. If TT was short, I'd have thrown it in too for sure, but can take or leave Soarin' at this point.

We were seated at the big long table by the ovens.

My favorite!

A lady was coughing frequently in the restaurant and it freaks everyone out, lol. We are all so afraid to cough or sneeze now. We were socially distant from other guests and it was fun to sit at the huge center table.

It's such silly paranoia. It's like our respiratory tracts still work like they're supposed to!

I had plans to try the rhubarb and strawberry dessert in the world showplace.

Holy moly macaroni that was sooooo good!! Seriously. Very moist and that whipped cream!

I tried to get it again in June, except this particular booth changed up the offerings and it was gone, boo

Well, poop.

As some of you know from reading and seeing my pictures, we did sample many more treats in June!

Wait!! Do you have another TR?!

 

[disneyAndi14]

All caught up! Sorry I fell behind, traveling and summertime with the kids out of school has taken away a lot of my free time.

Nice to hear from you! I’m so glad you and your family traveled to Florida and had a wonderful time!

Smart idea breaking up your upcoming trip so you get housekeeping. I actually forgot about housekeeping not coming and now think I'm going to do the same thing as you for my trip with my mom

I think this will really make it better for us.

Oh, Via Napoli...some of the best pizza around. I got hungry reading your dinner update.

This is a definite winner, love the pizza

Grabbing some school bread for breakfast is great idea. I need to make note of that!

I love having the school bread with my coffee in the morning, yum!

I'm hoping so too..

Yay, I hope you can make a trip soon to our happy place!

Same! I see myself in him all the time!

Haha, same here, great minds are always a little neurotic, right!

Despite the crowds at Epcot, I'm glad that the ride times were low. I'm really hoping to get back soon and I'm not really sure what to expect. It's so helpful to read along on TRs!

The wait times for the most part have been okay, it does sound like the times are rising now this summer, yuck. Late August is usually slower and I hope it stays that way!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Enjoying your TR! Lots of good food and drink The last couple trips I've stopped in Norway and picked up a school bread for breakfast - so good! And pretty reasonably priced - for Disney. It would be fun to be in a park on Dapper Day - some people are so creative. Thanks for sharing your trip!

, It is fun trying different drinks at Disney now, I really like the lounges for great small bites and the drinks!
The school bread reminds me of my grandmother’s cardamom bread, she made the best bread! I have never had the same and have tried. The school bread reminds me of her!
The dapper outfits were the best this year, people really went all out!

 

[disneyAndi14]

You posted this on the day we left for our trip. So bummed we missed ya

I know, it would have been so nice to say hi, we have to do another epic trip!

I couldn't agree more on rope drop. Our first day MK hadn't started it yet and it was wonderful. Then they had restarted it the next time we went back and complete cluster

It really was, Epcot was a nightmare the day they tried rope drop! Trying to get all the peop,e around the construction walls was just horrible!

did miss FP. For the most part we could ride everything we wanted at some point but were never willing to wait for Slinky or Test Track and Casey was not happy about it. Of course she would have been even less happy with a 90 minute wait.

This is why we really miss FP, we could get in everything more than once! We were good at getting what we wanted with FP. I feel the same way, I just do not want to wait in any line for 40 minutes let alone 90 minutes, no way!

You must have taken all the heat for us. We certainly had some hot days but it was overcast most of the time which kept the temperatures tolerable. But oh the rain. We've never experienced so much rain down there

It was so hot with a few brief wicked thunderstorms.

Is Disney not doing housekeeping at all???? We stayed at the Swan and they clean every 4th day (or after 3 nights). I thought I would hate it but other than having to make my own bed on vacation it worked out fine

They really are not! They come into the room like a security check every 2 days and take the garbage and dirty towels and give you new towels, however the garbage cans hold a bottle of water so garbage is overflowing, yuck! Leave me some bags and a broom at least. I just don’t get it! This is why people travel to a resort/hotel for goodness sake. People want this amenity. I should just stay at a campground

I know they are anxious to get more money into the parks but doing so when you are clearly not ready was a bad choice. I was surprised to see how many stores weren't even open yet.

Very true, I think the pandemic is now an excuse for many things at Disney, while they line their pockets!

This is awesome!!! I'd never seen it. No APs for us for the first time in forever so sadly no photopass

It was a fun and newer since the movie Cruella came out

Oh how nice of him. So love when random people decided to put themselves in charge of something clearly not in their lane.

I know! Some people love to be in charge and listen to themselves

I enjoyed it more than I thought but we watch the new Mickey shorts a lot. Though I so do not get the Daisy thing either. I'm pretty sure they just made it up to get the vehicles to move in synchronization. Definitely doesn't fit

It is very cute and I’m sure you are right about the Daisy part, keeps the vehicles in sync.

All hail the Disney housekeeping hack queen!!! Seriously brilliant

I am really excited about this and happy with the 3 resort choices!

Can't wait to see what you think about it. This resort did nothing to appeal to me at all, then I walked in and I so want to stay here. I love all the clean lines and truly deluxe feel of the resort.

This is exactly how I feel. I feel at peace there and like I am truly on vacation. I have been to the French Riviera and it is spot on!

we ate at Topolinos not once, but twice!!!! May be my new favorite Disney restaurant (or at least a close second to Jiko)

I’m excited to hear about it in your reviews. We are eating here twice, breakfast and dinner, yay!

Those are some seriously dapper shoes right there

It is so funny you say that, Andi hates my Kuru shoes, thinks they are so ugly! Let me tell you these trail shoes are awesome, no sore feet and basically cured my planter fasciitis!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I don't now how I fell so far behind! I agree with you on this as we were there that day too for a bit and it's amazing the outfits some guests come up with, and the thought/planning that goes in to them. I also wanted to take a few pictures but like you said, weird lol. Although I bet some would be thrilled to be asked!

People really went all out for Dapper Days this year! I’m sure I could have asked a few to get a picture of them, I just feel to shy to ask, lol

I like your split stay idea too, not just for housekeeping but it's always nice to try new resorts and for Andi it's 2. Riviera and POR are the only two resorts we haven't stayed at so we don't get that feeling very often, and even though the Riviera so far does nothing for me I'll stay at some point just to try it

The more I think about our August stay the more excited I get. I love the three resorts and I am super excited about staying at the Riviera the place makes me feel like I am truly on vacation. I am even thinking of buying DVC there. Direct from Disney and then a small resale contract.

The first day of HHN probably will see higher crowds, BUT on the other hand lots of locals and AP holders will go to the even that night and not do the parks during the day so that's a plus!

Yes I think you are right. I hope the day isn’t to busy, we can spend a little morning time of our last day in one of the parks before our flight on Saturday

 

[disneyAndi14]

saw giant rat in the France Pav on my last stay. I should have been asked to be comped an ice cream martini.

Oh my gosh, how gross wait are you sure it wasn’t Remy,

think there would have been words. Do NOT stand between me and my stall when I gotta go. I might have also pulled out my own sunscreen and used a little extra as repellant

So annoying, some people are so rude!

Oh

Not sure what I quoted this for, haha

This is an amazing plan. I don't mind the split stays as I don't unpack a ton. Plus gets me a change of scenery and it's like a whole extra trip!

I am so excited to do the 3 way split! The moving our things is really not a big deal to have 3 different experiences

What a lineup!!

I know, we have some great ADRS in August

Wasn't that fun!?!

Dapper Days was very enjoyable!

Exactly what I'd have done too. If TT was short, I'd have thrown it in too for sure, but can take or leave Soarin' at this point.

Yes, I agree totally! I’m not waiting in a Soarin line for more than 20 minutes.

It's such silly paranoia. It's like our respiratory tracts still work like they're supposed to

So true, Andi kept doing the sign of the cross every time someone sneezed pr coughed by us!

Holy moly macaroni that was sooooo good!! Seriously. Very moist and that whipped cream!

I loved this dessert, I was so bummed out when it wasn’t there in June

Wait!! Do you have another TR?!

No, just the brief recap I did with pictures in this TR.