Birthday Trip Report 2023

[Bishoparc]

Managed to snag a reservation at the Fort for my birthday this weekend plus we wanted to be at MK for the return of Happily Ever After on April 3. On the way down we were also able to snag a reservation for Hoop De Doo tomorrow so I’ll be taking the DW for her first time!

We ended up in the 1000 loop, site 1010. Was a little tight getting in with my 350 but the spot across was empty when we first arrived so I made it. About to head up to get our golf cart and then head to Epcot for the evening. Wanted to get one more chance to see Harmonious before it goes away

The weather is lovely, 84 with a breeze but feels much cooler.

 

[4077]

Looks like a great day!

 

[bama_ed]

 

[Bishoparc]

The weather was absolutely perfect today. Clear skies and a breeze. The Fort doesn’t seem to be too busy and is pretty quiet.

Today was Epcot. It’s flower & garden festival and we always love seeing the topiaries.







I did something I’ve never done, sat my rear on the ground at Epcot to make sure I had a front row place for one of the last showings of harmonious. I know a lot of people didn’t like it but it got me through Happily Ever After being gone. The soundtrack is amazing and the show truly is beautiful. First time I’ve gotten to watch it straight on. Harmonious, you will be missed.




Tomorrow morning is MK for my birthday then HDDR tomorrow afternoon.

 

[garneska]

I love the topiaries too. Happy birthday @Bishoparc hope you have a great time at MK!

 

[proudmomof4]

Happy Birthday!

 

[cruising spud]

We haven't been to Disney since the spring before COVID. So, I am starting to have serious yearnings. Hope to get back for the 2024 Dismeet adventure! So, thanks for sharing.

 

[Bishoparc]

DW surprised me with these this morning for our golf cart. Sad to say that someone ran into our cart while we were at MK and ruined the pass holder one


So glad to see the other side of the beach restored.


MK was more packed today than I’ve seen in 3 years. We got to do our staples at least: Pirates, Jungle Cruise and Haunted. They had a rose on Madame Leota’s tombstone. I’m not sure what for, anyone know?


They had soft opened Tron and I lucked up and got in the virtual queue right at 7 this morning. We ended up in boarding group 56 and were called to ride about 1:30. I didn’t even bother trying the test seat, kinda embarrassing that it’s out in front of the line. We just sat in the buggy area in the back and it was just fine. Very short coaster but it was super fun. Can’t wait to ride it at night.




This afternoon was HDDR. My in-laws joined us and my FIL ended up getting called up on stage. The food was great and they all enjoyed it very much. Definitely a few changes from what I remember but it was still cute.




Will probably end up at the Springs this evening. Going to Steakhouse 71 for lunch tomorrow with friends and then HS tomorrow night.

 

[Teamubr]

Let me know how Steakhouse 71 is. We went there last year and it was terrible. I loved the Wave and was hopeful the retheme would be just as good. Donna and I both ordered filets. This is what they sent. I showed pics at our local very good steak place and no one could identify the cut, but we all agreed it wasn't a filet. It certainly didn't cut or taste like one. We did question it at the time and the CM said it was a filet. It was almost like a sirloin on one end and a ribeye on the other.



j

 

[bama_ed]

Let me know how Steakhouse 71 is.

It may depend on the meal at S71, Jim.

Me and DW went to a Breakfast there not so long ago and a Brunch more recently.

Both our meals were pretty delicious for both of us. You may have eaten there at meal times that we didn't (Lunch or Dinner). When I have read the reviews about S71, the breakfast/brunch ratings seem better than the rest.

Me, I'm not looking for a high level of service; I'm looking for a quality product on the table that is worth the price I'm paying. There are always variations day in/out but the Lunch/Dinner menu items I generally would not pay for even if they sang "Yankee Doodle Dandee" on the table.

Because I can cook a better steak at my campsite.

Butter - Beef - Hot oil - Seasoning. Thus <Chef's Kiss - Oh So Good>!

You and I know that last fact. Sorry you had a bad experience there.

Ed

 

[Teamubr]

Completely agree, Ed. We went for dinner. It had only been open for a month or so. I'll give it another chance, but have to consider it strike one for dinner. We'll have to try it for breakfast or lunch next trip. Like you, I always thought The Wave was a forgotten gem. Good food, good service and fairly easy to get a reservation.

j

 

[Bishoparc]

So today was Steakhouse 71 for lunch with our good friend John, aka Big Fat Panda. This was our first time eating here and it was ok but probably won’t be at the top of my list. DW had the burger and I had the steak frites. Service was meh and same for the food.


We also walked around the Contemporary and looked at their Easter egg collection.





After that we headed over to Hollywood Studios. Mainly just went to get in a ride on Rise of the Resistance. While walking around we also saw Mando and “the baby” out walking around. Storm troopers also out and about. Glad to see them back in the immersive experience.



After that we took the Skyliner over to Epcot to watch the last showing of Harmonious. To the cast, crew, and producers of Harmonious, thank you! Epcot was absolutely packed. After the show, a boat of crew came by waving and we all got to cheer and clap for them which made me feel good and gave a bit of closure. I’ll definitely miss it.


Earlier in the day we had taken the Minnie Van service via Lyft from Disney Springs to the Contemporary and so I decided to use it again from Epcot back to the Fort. Today was the first time we had used it and it was excellent, pricey, but great service. It’s very similar to “black car” service. The drivers are Disney employees and are top notch. If you’re ever in the mood to treat yourself when you don’t feel like taking Disney transportation, I highly recommend. They can pick you up and drop you off directly at your campsite as well. The vehicles are Chevy suburbans and they play music related to the park or resort you’re headed to just like the busses. They have usb phone chargers and are super comfortable.


Tomorrow is our last day and we head back to MK for the return of Happily Ever After and I can’t wait!

 

[Bishoparc]

We are camped out in front of Cinderella castle awaiting the return of Happily Ever After. Plenty of people already camped out with us.

 

[Teamubr]

Looks like the crowd gas started early. Tells you how many people wanted HEA back.

 

[Bishoparc]

Looks like the crowd gas started early. Tells you how many people wanted HEA back.

 

[Bishoparc]

And still growing

 

[Bishoparc]

We had been chatting with a cast member throughout the afternoon while waiting. Right before HEA was to start when we were all packed in like sardines we had been joking with her about wishing an ice cream cart would drive by. Low and behold she disappeared for a bit and came back with 2 Mickey Premium bars. I literally cried. That’s why we Disney. (And yes we stopped by guest services to leave her a cast compliment)

 

[Flametamr]

Happy Birthday Bishop. Congrats on the new truck. I haven't been on here much so I missed that. We'll be at the Fort on Apr 15th for Spring Break. Hopefully I can sneak in pulling double with my new golf cart behind me.

 

[Bishoparc]

Happily Ever After was everything we had missed and so much more. They added a lot of lasers and other projections that really enhanced the experience. I know we were crazy camping out all afternoon for it but I wouldn’t have traded that experience for anything in the world. I can say without hesitation that the size of the crowd that showed up for its return proved exactly how much the show is loved.




We were so happy to visit the Fort again. It had been far too long.

Disney is home to us. It’s where we go when the world has gone crazy or we’re stressed out. It is a place of comfort for us with memories around every corner. I’m hopeful we can squeeze in another trip to the Fort soon. Now that I know towing with my new truck is a breeze, it certainly makes the trip more doable.

Thanks for following along!

 

[tiggerdad]

Thanks for taking us along.