Social Disney-ing...a Feb/March 2021 Chunky Birthday trip! COMPLETED 8/28!!

[paradesintherain]

Hi, I'm here!

I read some of the first part on my phone and lost quotes, but I've loved the whole thing!

We entered Epcot on the International Gateway side and just started walking around the world. We noticed this new monstrosity sitting out in the lagoon:

Hate it! And isn't there supposed to be a total of 5 barges? Really can't imagine the fountains making it look better, but maybe...

I met my friend Liz over in Japan. We've been trying to meet up for 2 years and finally we did! And the coolest thing is, we have the SAME birthday! So awesome to finally meet her and on our birthday no less!

That's so fun! What a wonderful first time to meet!

Except I need him to take pictures at better angles so that it looks like I'm 10lbs lighter. Might be impossible to do!

I think he figured out those angles cause I don't see 10 pounds you could stand to lose. Gorgeous as is

You got to see Anna!! So fun. I do miss her old costume though.

Cutest shot. Most random spot for PhotoPass!

What's even more magical was that I was standing right in front of Main Street Bakery, aka STARBUCKS, watching the cavalcade when she sent it. It was the sweetest thing ever and I did not expect it at all! Thank you Yuki!!

Aww perfect timing, how sweet.

I went and ordered two lattes and got the new Brown Sugar Oat Milk latte iced and it was amazing!

That's funny, I also tried that for the first time at Disney. Super yummy.

THEY'RE TOO CUTE!!!

I literally got this reservation just a few days prior to the trip and I had been stalking the dining website every day and set up alerts too but dang it I ALWAYS miss the alerts, but finally I got one and it was on my actual birthday, I couldn't have planned it any better.

Fate steps in and sees you through. Pretty sure this is the exact situation the song is about.

DROOLING, wow. Need to get back to Cali Grill. So happy you had the most magical birthday possible, you definitely deserve it

 

[chunkymonkey]

Part 5: A Nervous Rex

We started the 2nd full day of our trip with a successful attempt at a boarding group for Rise! I think we were number 74 or something like that so probably will be late afternoon before we were called. I was only half awake for that as Steve took my phone and managed to get the group for us between both his and my phones.

Since we didn't have to be in the park right away we got some breakfast. This is our favorite breakfast to share:

The Croque Madame at Primmo Piatti with side of bacon. It's really yummy, especially if you like ham and gruyere cheese topped with an egg!

I cannot start the day at Riviera without an Almond Cold Brew, it's really good! I've actually taken to making it at home, but I just use regular coffee and a few pumps of almond syrup topped with whipped cream.

We rode on the skyliner to DHS. More skyliner hair pics to follow!

We met my birthday buddy friend Liz over in Toy Story Land where she and her son were already in line for Slinky Dog so we joined her. It said a 60 minute wait but she said we waited about 40 minutes. Her and her son were able to score Boarding Group 8 for Rise so they rode earlier that morning. It was the first time for both of them and they loved it!

Here we are on Slinky!

Always a Princess:

Stay Royal, my friends!

Next up was MMRR. Liz and Cam have also never ridden this so they were in for a treat. The line though is crazy, it snakes around the front of the theater so finding the end was a challenge. The line said 70 minutes but it was about 45-50 min wait overall.

Where is the end of the line?!?

When we got out it was time for our lunch at Sci Fi so we said goodbye to Liz and her son with the hopes of meeting up at WDW on another day!

Birthday Twins

We hadn't eaten in Sci Fi since Epic Trip 2019 so we were looking forward to it. We checked in and were soon called for our table.

Oh look they have predicted 2020:

We got some fried pickles to start. When we had these before, they were fried spears but this time they were rounds. Not sure which one are the official ones, LOL but I kinda like the spears better. Sorry the pictures in Sci Fi are so wonky because of the lighting!

And for my mainI just got a bacon cheeseburger with onion rings. Yum yum, although I asked for ketchup and it took a long time to come so by the time I bit into my burger it was a little lukewarm, still tasty though!

And Steve got this salad which was highly recommended by our server, the Buffalo Chicken Salad. I thought the chicken itself was tasty but the rest of the salad was ok since I'm not a fan of iceberg as it's so flavorless! (I should have ordered my burger without it on second thought). Steve liked it enough though.

By the time we were done with lunch it was almost time for our Boarding Group to be called so we headed into Galaxy's Edge. First we had to have another DISmeet!! With my girl, Molly (@Mollydolly334)! She was there on a bachelorette trip which sounded so fun! We even got to meet her very pregnant sister, who unfortunately had a sorta choking accident right as we went up to meet them at Ronto Roasters but whew, everyone was ok in the end!

They were waiting for their Oga's ressie and we were waiting for our BG so we hung around chatting until her party was called. We'll be seeing Molly again later in the week and will be joined by @paradesintherain too!

While waiting we managed to get some photopass pics:

Then we headed over to RoTR as our group was called! Somehow about 10 minutes after we got in line, the ride broke down. Luckily we were at the part of the line that just reached the shady section so we weren't waiting in the sun. We waited about 40 minutes though, and FINALLY we started moving again. So overall we waited an hour to ride. I guess they didn't think the issue was big enough to require all of us to leave and get return times for later. But glad we did finally get to ride!

The funniest part of the whole experience was when we were about to go into the interrogation room. I had a conversation with a First Order officer :

First Order Officer looks at me and says gruffly: "You look nervous."
and I said, "Well, that's because I'm a nervous Rex!"
Officer: "What?"
Me: "I'm a nervous Rex! See?" (points to my shirt, which says I'm a Nervous Rex)
Officer: (looking completely caught off-guard) "Oh! Well, hmph!"
Me (thinking): Did I just stump him? LMAO!

It was actually pretty funny as the officer didn't notice my shirt at first and then just looked bewildered when I pointed it out. I heard some other guests chuckling as well so that was a pretty funny moment! I'm sure the officer wanted to crack up too but could not because of his role-playing, hahaha.

After our lengthy wait on RoTR we decided to head back to the resort for some pool time.

More skyliner hair:

Coming up, pool time and a low-key evening!
​

 

[jnjusoioa]

Good to see you are back and writing, I enjoy reading your trip reports. I have a question, the Mickey photo, where it looks like Mickey is holding an iPad with a photo of you and Steve, is that a new magic shoot or border type thing? Wasn't sure and wanted to check as I think it is very cool.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We started the 2nd full day of our trip with a successful attempt at a boarding group for Rise!

That was lucky. I wish it was easier to get a boarding group. We haven't gotten one in a while.

And for my main I just got a bacon cheeseburger with onion rings.

The onion rings are really good. We always order them when we eat there.

It was actually pretty funny as the officer didn't notice my shirt at first and then just looked bewildered when I pointed it out. I heard some other guests chuckling as well so that was a pretty funny moment! I'm sure the officer wanted to crack up too but could not because of his role-playing, hahaha.

I think you totally stumped him.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I read your update via my email when the boards were down.

Sounds like a great day again!

 

[chunkymonkey]

My 14yo daughter was looking over my shoulder while I was reading your report. She instantly said "I want to go there and eat that sushi!" Guess who had to stalk for a last minute Cali Grill reservation lol Your birthday celebration look amazing!

LOL your daughter must be a foodie too! I'd love to go back (am heading to WDW next week!) but sadly no more Cali Grill ressies.

Just found this amazing TR and I loved reading it.
Happy Birthday to you a little late, but best greetings just the same.
My Birthday is the day after yours.
Your Day sure was grand!
Love your reports and looking forward to more...

Aw thank you so much! And Happy Birthday (belated) to you!! Hope your day was awesome too!!

So enjoying your TR. happy Bday

Thank you so much!!

What an amazing day in celebration of YOU! I loved reading through this part of your TR.

Aw thank you! It was such a lovely birthday!! I wish I could spend every birthday at WDW!

Hi, I'm here!

I read some of the first part on my phone and lost quotes, but I've loved the whole thing!

Hi Karamie!! I haen't even gotten to the good parts yet...that's when you join!!

Hate it! And isn't there supposed to be a total of 5 barges? Really can't imagine the fountains making it look better, but maybe...

I heard the 5th barge is out now. Nooooo....this better be some amazing show!

That's so fun! What a wonderful first time to meet!

It is!!

I think he figured out those angles cause I don't see 10 pounds you could stand to lose. Gorgeous as is

Aw thank you you're so sweet, we are our own worst critic.

You got to see Anna!! So fun. I do miss her old costume though.

Me too. I'm not sure what to call Elsa now...is she still Queen Elsa or just...Elsa?

Cutest shot. Most random spot for PhotoPass!

Thanks! Yeah totally random!!

That's funny, I also tried that for the first time at Disney. Super yummy.

It's been so popular my local starbucks has been selling out of oatmilk regularly!

THEY'RE TOO CUTE!!!

Aw thanks, they really are!

Fate steps in and sees you through. Pretty sure this is the exact situation the song is about.

Yes it most certainly is

DROOLING, wow. Need to get back to Cali Grill. So happy you had the most magical birthday possible, you definitely deserve it

Thank you Kara! I hope you get to Cali Grill soon! Are you going in May?

 

[Wood Nymph]

am heading to WDW next week!

We are staying at the Grand Floridian next week for a short trip, Apr 12 -15th.

 

[KaSe]

Your birthday sounds like a perfect day! Love it!

 

[kclark9830]

Oh my gosh, love that RotR story!

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Your entire birthday sounded great! That meal at Cali Grill looked perfect!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Part 6: A Chill Evening

We returned to the Riviera after a day in DHS. The pool sounded like a good idea considering it was so warm! Here's more mural pics as you head to the Riviera as when coming from the skyliner.

There's also an entrance into the hotel right here in between the two murals. It's good if you were staying in that side of the Riviera (which we were). Of course I get lost easily so I needed Steve to navigate. If it were just me, I'd probably just go the long way back through the lobby just to avoid getting lost!

The Riviera has the most amazing artwork and you can actually purchase posters or replica artwork in their gift shop at an electronic kiosk. It is sent from an outside vendor and you can also get it framed and stuff. I ordered an amazing castle picture that I've admired before, it's in the lobby on the way to the elevators that take you to Topolino's. I'll share a pic when I actually have the time to hang it up, LOL. But here's some other artwork I like that you can find in the corridors:

They are a set of four with two other princesses but can't seem to find the other picture now, lol.

We changed and set out for the pool. We went to the Beau Soleil pool (I think that's what it's called) - which is the smaller quieter pool. It's so pretty, I love it!

Oh and Pluto and Goofy said hi!! God I love this resort.
They are so cute!

We were in a snack-y mood so Steve got his all time favorite salad, the Tuna Nicoise from Primo Piatto.
Our #1 resort quick service!!

After a couple of hours chilling we got ready to head out that evening for a quick jaunt around Epcot and to say hi to our CM friend David who works over at Martha's Vineyard at the Beach Club. If you remember David from my previous TRs, he was a server at Yachtsman Steakhouse for a looong time and that's where we got to know him. But since Yachtsman is closed right now, he's working at MV. Very different sort of place but fingers crossed that Yachtsman reopens soon!!

I won't bore you guys anymore with skyliner hair pictures but know that I did take some, LOL!!

Instead I will share my favorite drink at Epcot: The Citron Slush! Steve said to pretend like I'm painting.

So yummy! I can't wait to have one (or a few) next week!

It was a lovely evening in Epcot. It had cooled down and was much nicer weather-wise. It was really nice to stroll around enjoying the sights of World Showcase.

I wasn't really hungry but just wanted to get something small to eat, and since there were no food booths yet, I thought to get a ramen from Katsura Grill in Japan since we were walking past it anyways. Unfortunately the ramen wasn't that good. It was bland and just wasn't satisfying, ya know? Should have gotten something else.

We walked around enjoying the atmosphere around Epcot but then decided to just head over to Beach Club. Love this view at night!

At the Beach Club we said hi to David and he brought us some menus. They now have physical menus!

Steve got a wine and I got a Moscow Mule which has been my cocktail of choice lately.

And we also shared a cheese platter. It was pretty simple but it was yummy!

David came by and wished my a Happy Birthday and gave me this cupcake which he got from Beaches n Cream. Yum!!

OK that's a seashell, not a finger. It was made from chocolate.

And David also gave me this giant Margarita glass. So the story with this is that they are offering chocolate and vanilla shakes from Beaches n Cream here, and they are usually served in the giant mason jar, but they ran out of jars, so they were serving them in take out containers and giving out these giant cups with it. So he gave me one even though I didn't have a milkshake, LOL. It's huge but it's made from plastic so was easy to bring home. It makes a nice little trinket holder!

Thanks David for the birthday treats!!
What a wonderful first two days it's been, I couldn't wait to see what the rest of the week had in store!

This will probably be my last update for the next week or so. I am headed to WDW again on Saturday, this time with Chunkysis (my sister, Su-Queen). It's her 40th birthday everyone!!! Hmm I wonder what sort of pixie dust she'll be getting?!? Follow me on Instagram as I will be posting via my stories once again.
​

 

[LifeTheDisneyWay14]

Part 6: A Chill Evening

We returned to the Riviera after a day in DHS. The pool sounded like a good idea considering it was so warm! Here's more mural pics as you head to the Riviera as when coming from the skyliner.

There's also an entrance into the hotel right here in between the two murals. It's good if you were staying in that side of the Riviera (which we were). Of course I get lost easily so I needed Steve to navigate. If it were just me, I'd probably just go the long way back through the lobby just to avoid getting lost!

The Riviera has the most amazing artwork and you can actually purchase posters or replica artwork in their gift shop at an electronic kiosk. It is sent from an outside vendor and you can also get it framed and stuff. I ordered an amazing castle picture that I've admired before, it's in the lobby on the way to the elevators that take you to Topolino's. I'll share a pic when I actually have the time to hang it up, LOL. But here's some other artwork I like that you can find in the corridors:

They are a set of four with two other princesses but can't seem to find the other picture now, lol.

We changed and set out for the pool. We went to the Beau Soleil pool (I think that's what it's called) - which is the smaller quieter pool. It's so pretty, I love it!

Oh and Pluto and Goofy said hi!! God I love this resort.
They are so cute!

We were in a snack-y mood so Steve got his all time favorite salad, the Tuna Nicoise from Primo Piatto.
Our #1 resort quick service!!

After a couple of hours chilling we got ready to head out that evening for a quick jaunt around Epcot and to say hi to our CM friend David who works over at Martha's Vineyard at the Beach Club. If you remember David from my previous TRs, he was a server at Yachtsman Steakhouse for a looong time and that's where we got to know him. But since Yachtsman is closed right now, he's working at MV. Very different sort of place but fingers crossed that Yachtsman reopens soon!!

I won't bore you guys anymore with skyliner hair pictures but know that I did take some, LOL!!

Instead I will share my favorite drink at Epcot: The Citron Slush! Steve said to pretend like I'm painting.

So yummy! I can't wait to have one (or a few) next week!

It was a lovely evening in Epcot. It had cooled down and was much nicer weather-wise. It was really nice to stroll around enjoying the sights of World Showcase.

I wasn't really hungry but just wanted to get something small to eat, and since there were no food booths yet, I thought to get a ramen from Katsura Grill in Japan since we were walking past it anyways. Unfortunately the ramen wasn't that good. It was bland and just wasn't satisfying, ya know? Should have gotten something else.

We walked around enjoying the atmosphere around Epcot but then decided to just head over to Beach Club. Love this view at night!

At the Beach Club we said hi to David and he brought us some menus. They now have physical menus!

Steve got a wine and I got a Moscow Mule which has been my cocktail of choice lately.

And we also shared a cheese platter. It was pretty simple but it was yummy!

David came by and wished my a Happy Birthday and gave me this cupcake which he got from Beaches n Cream. Yum!!

OK that's a seashell, not a finger. It was made from chocolate.

And David also gave me this giant Margarita glass. So the story with this is that they are offering chocolate and vanilla shakes from Beaches n Cream here, and they are usually served in the giant mason jar, but they ran out of jars, so they were serving them in take out containers and giving out these giant cups with it. So he gave me one even though I didn't have a milkshake, LOL. It's huge but it's made from plastic so was easy to bring home. It makes a nice little trinket holder!

Thanks David for the birthday treats!!
What a wonderful first two days it's been, I couldn't wait to see what the rest of the week had in store!

This will probably be my last update for the next week or so. I am headed to WDW again on Saturday, this time with Chunkysis (my sister, Su-Queen). It's her 40th birthday everyone!!! Hmm I wonder what sort of pixie dust she'll be getting?!? Follow me on Instagram as I will be posting via my stories once again.
​

Exciting, have a great time at Disney!!

 

[DLo]

Wishing Su-Queen a magical birthday trip. Can’t wait to see what pixie dust she gets !

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Have a great time in Disney celebrating your sister's birthday! I look forward to seeing your IG stories

 

[HumblePie]

Gah! I just found this trip report now - I've been missing your reports

What a lovely birthday! Enjoy your trip with Chunkysis! Can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Have a fun trip! We will just miss you two.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

So yummy! I can't wait to have one (or a few) next week!

Love it!!! Have one for me!!!

Unfortunately the ramen wasn't that good. It was bland and just wasn't satisfying, ya know? Should have gotten something else.

Bland but perfect for Gwen!

Steve got a wine and I got a Moscow Mule which has been my cocktail of choice lately.

I love Moscow mules!

Follow me on Instagram as I will be posting via my stories once again.

Already following along!!! I want to go to the rooftop coke and get the sampler!

 

[kastoney]

The only time I've gotten such a great view was during our Epic Trip with 25 other ladies! So imagine my surprise when we were led to the most amazing table with the view of the castle and space mountain!

Oh I remember that amazing brunch well. So happy you got such a wonderful view for your birthday.

I was just menu surfing yesterday (cause that is how I get my Disney food fix) and this had caught my eye. Sorry it was disappointing. It looks and sounds amazing.

OMG sooo good. I love this appetizer so much! And as an entree I think it works because it is so rich so it's a good thing it comes in appetizer size, although if I were ravenous I might have gotten two orders and called it a night.

Great call getting these as your entree. I'm sucker for anything in dumpling or wonton form but these are top notch

Turns out there were TWO packages for me and we returned upstairs with our arms full!

Way to go Chunky-Sis! Hope you two are having a blast now

The Croque Madame at Primmo Piatti with side of bacon. It's really yummy, especially if you like ham and gruyere cheese topped with an egg!

Between this and Steve's salad we will have to make it to Primmo some day. Love to see Disney upping the quality and offerings at the quick service locations. Definitely needed.

❤ ❤ ❤

We changed and set out for the pool. We went to the Beau Soleil pool (I think that's what it's called) - which is the smaller quieter pool. It's so pretty, I love it!

Gorgeous pool. That most definitely does not look like a typical Disney pool (which is a plus in my book)

OK that's a seashell, not a finger. It was made from chocolate.

A. Clearly wonderful of him to treat you to a cupcake and glass. But B. That looks like many things that are definitely not a seashell

I am headed to WDW again on Saturday, this time with Chunkysis (my sister, Su-Queen). It's her 40th birthday everyone!!!

Have a wonderful time. Happy 4-0 to Chunkysis!!!

 

[Deb Stoltman]

What a perfect birthday! You are definitely loved! Thank you for taking the time to write a trip report. Your reports are so detailed and full of beautiful pictures, my favorite kind. Cannot wait to hear more!

 

[anmay27]

Finally caught up on your trip report after just getting home from mine and following your IG for the current trip.