Disney Summerpalooza! June 2018 Trip Report - Updated 9/12

[NotZacHoward]

Disney Summerpalooza!
Hello everybody! I just got back (about 5 hours ago) from the most FUN vacation to Disney World I have ever taken. I cannot wait to share all the memories with you all as there were millions of them I feel like.

As always, lets start off with some introductions!

Zac (Me)

It is me again. Still as young and carefree as ever before! Not much has changed since the March LOL

Karen (Mom/Karebear)

This is my amazing mother who made this trip possible! I literally love her to pieces and she will forever be a child at heart. She is the most precious human I know and she truly made this trip extra magical!

Brenae (Sister/NaeNae)

This is my wonderful sister. We are just like any normal siblings and love each other while also wanting to bash each others heads in at the same time.

Trip details
When: June 23rd - July 3rd
Where: Disney's Bay Lake Tower
Why: TOY STORY OPENING
How: My mother just bought into the vacation club about 2 years ago and we haven't used our points for a family trip yet. When we heard about the opening of Toy Story Land, we knew we had to be there! We booked first at Saratoga but then a room at Bay Lake opened up and we HAD to book it, even if it meant borrowing some points from my grandma's account (Thanks Grammy )

Table of Contents
Part 1: Flying High and Eatin Good - Vlog 1
Part 2: Struttin Around The Springs - Vlog 2
Part 3: Being Their Guest - Vlog 3
Part 4: A Super Stretchy Afternoon - Vlog 4
Part 5: Dessert Party And A Surprise Guest - Vlog 5
Part 6: Motion Sickness Who? - Vlog 6
Part 7: Park Hoping To And Fro - Vlog 7​

Mousecellaneous
I am planning on finishing my other report soon, I just had two back to back 4 week summer classes so my days have been limited on being able to find time to do what I want (besides sleep). But I am extremely excited about this trip report because it was with my family and it truly was one of, if not the best, time I have ever had at Disney.

I cannot wait to share this awesome family time with you all and I hope you all are excited as well. My family is a little loud, a little weird but just like to have fun constantly. We will get things kicked off very very soon! Also please let me know of anyway I can enhance this trip report with any construction criticism along the way, since this is my second one and all!

Trailer video

 

[hardyb]

Love the trailer video.

 

[Clbemrich]

Joining in! Love the overalls!

 

[NotZacHoward]

Love the trailer video.

Thank you so much!

Joining in! Love the overalls!

Yay thank you! I will hopefully get my act together and start writing tonight. And thanks again!

 

[NotZacHoward]

Part 1: Flying High and Eatin Good!
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The morning of June 26th FINALLY came and I had been packed for a week already (naturally). I had to drive my house in at my school to my parents house which is about a 2 hour drive for me. I arrived at my house around 11:00 am to an overly excited mother (a mixture of leaving for Disney and not seeing me in quite a while) and that is when the excitement hit the peak for me! I always have a hard time believing that I am actually going to Disney until right before I am headed to the airport then my excitement explodes everywhere. We head to the St Louis airport and stop by Burger King before getting to the airport just to get something in our bellies until our reservation at Chef Mickey's at 6:30.

We get to the airport around 12:00 for our 2:05 flight and we literally FLEW threw security (no pun intended lol). I mean we didn't have to get our electronics out, take our shoes off and our bags didn't even stop in the scanner. My mom and I were amazed since we thought the airport would be super busy in the middle of the day. I had to do some homework so I would not have to worry about it during the trip, stupid grad school, so that is how I passed the time in the airport.

Boarding time finally came and my mom and I got to sit by each other AND by a window seat (we always fly southwest so it is always a gamble). There was a storm brewing up behind us so I started to get nervous because I HATE turbulence. Luckily, we were flying to opposite way, into nice and bright sunshine. However, our pilot did have to divert a little bit away from the massive amounts of storms that were over the northern part of Florida. This delayed us about 30 minutes in the sky but I was not upset about that at all since we had hardly any of the turbulence.

We got onto the magical express in about 20 minutes and then only waited about 5 minutes to get going to all the hotel stops. Since we were Bay Lake Tower, we were the last stop on the route. We went to the Poly, Grand Floridian, and Wilderness Lodge before getting to our hotel. I understand why this has to happen but it just makes the wait so much worse and the excitement build up even more.

We finally got to our hotel and it was BEAUTIFUL! I was amazed by everything and I seriously fell in love with the atrium lights. I can see where people would say there isn't much "disney" about it but that did not bother me at all as there were subtle hints of Disney. The views from the elevator windows were phenomenal as we were on the 8th floor so you could get the monorail shots right there as well.

Our room was quite spacious and the view was extra nice as well! We did not really stay in here long as we were 1) hungry and 2) an hour late for our Chef Mickey's reservations so we basically threw our stuff down and then ran to the Contemporary.

I have not been to Chef Mickey's in years, I cannot even remember the last time I was there honestly. However, I promised my mom I would buy her a nice meal since I accidentally used all of her Disney Reward Dollars on my last trip in March (teehee) and I thought this would be a perfect way to kick off our vacation together. Despite what many reviews say, the food was actually delicious! They have a chili cheese cornbread casserole that was to DIE for. I was in love with it! The lobster mac n cheese was equally as delicious. My mother is an extremely picky eater and she even found a ton that she enjoyed and ate a lot more than she was anticipating. The character interactions were equally as great and truly made some great memories even though we didn't have any kids with us (well we are kids at heart).

Palooza Vlog 1:

 

[Clbemrich]

Sounds like a great first day! I want to go to Chef Mickey's but we always end up choosing something else. I need to put it down as a must do for our next trip.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Signing up!!

 

[NotZacHoward]

Part 2: Struttin Around The Springs
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Even though it had been a long day of traveling and our bellies were full, we still had so much energy just from being a in Disney World we decided to head to Disney Springs to browse around in. Our bus came very promptly and we were the only ones who were on the bus. When we got to the Springs, we always immediately turn left for some reason. We quickly noticed that it was pretty empty for the nighttime at the Springs and it continued that way all night (I think it is because of the rain that happened while we were eating).

We wandered into a store that I had never been in before called Sugarboo and I was literally shook at all the inspirational quotes they had everywhere! I always just passed by this store because I was not sure what was in it but I am glad Karen wanted to stroll through it because they had awesome quotes everywhere! If you haven't been in this store I definitely recommend it because I got have walked around for hours reading everything!

After that we just strolled through the Springs and enjoyed the calm atmosphere that was everywhere. It was not super crazy busy anywhere and we just were enjoying our time together. When we walked into World Of (construction) Disney, I saw the souvenir I just HAD to buy. A GIANT Baymax! In case you forgot, he is literally one of my all time favorite characters and during my program I had a Baby Baymax that I treated just like a real child (I am literally never growing up). My mom and I decided to not buy him because of the price tag AND we were not sure how we would get him home (he was big enough he probably would need his own seat). It was one of the hardest goodbye's I had to ever encounter .

We then went and took in the smells of Basin, while also washing our hands with the Salt Soap thingy they have that makes your hands SUPER soft and smell really good, and then took in the smells of Goofy's Candy Co. They had a bunch of different items that were representing for pride which I just think is so wonderful that they do. I know not everyone agrees with it but I think it is just showing Disney does care about everyone.

After Goofy's and a lot of walking, we decided it was time for a drink. We hopped over to Jock Lindsey's and got a nice table right outside over looking the Springs and Saratoga. It was an absolutely beautiful night and just a great way to cap off the travel day. My mom got the Cool Headed Monkey (she decides things based on pictures and not actual ingredients) and I ordered the Wrong Island. We definitely got our money's worth of alcohol in both drinks because boy were they super strong! I am a college kid who is enjoying his college career so I definitely can pound a few back but this definitely was extremely strong but obviously not complaining considering the price point of them all.

After that we went back to the resort on an empty bus to try and get a few hours of sleep before our early morning at the Magic Kingdom! In the vlog, I do a room tour of our deluxe studio if anyone is wondering what it looks like/comes with!

Palooza Vlog 2:

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Hi joining in. Looks like you had a really great first day. Disney Springs is usually crazy crowded so you really lucked out with such low crowds thanks to the rain.

 

[CtinaDitty]

Joining in! I love the vlogs! How fun!!

 

[NotZacHoward]

Sounds like a great first day! I want to go to Chef Mickey's but we always end up choosing something else. I need to put it down as a must do for our next trip.

It really was! You do need to try it out, I was a bit hesitant as people always review it as awful but my mom and I absolutely loved all the food!

Signing up!!

Welcome aboard!!

Hi joining in. Looks like you had a really great first day. Disney Springs is usually crazy crowded so you really lucked out with such low crowds thanks to the rain.

Hello and welcome! We truly did have a great first day! I was so surprised and how low the crowds were especially since it probably only rained for about 30 minutes (granted I was stuffing my face at Chef Mickeys so I have no idea just how bad it got LOL)

Joining in! I love the vlogs! How fun!!

Welcome welcome and thank you! I love having different ways to remember all the magical moments we had as a family!

 

[NotZacHoward]

Part 3: Being Their Guest​

Morning came extremely fast since we had our alarms set at 6:45 but I still was riding the Disney high that I did not care that much. I opened our blinds in front of the sliding door and the fog was seriously CRAZY. I thought The Mist was going to happen or something it was so thick and eerie. We of course had the best and only channel playing on our TV as we got ready for the full day ahead of us at the Magic Kingdom.

We were out of our hotel by 7:45 which was our goal (if you have read my previous report you would know that I am not one that is usually punctual to anything, especially early mornings). Security and tickets were quick and easy and we were in Magic Kingdom in absolutely no time. I just love that feeling as you are walking down Main Street for the first time of your vacation knowing that you are finally at your happy place.

We had 8:10 Be Our Guest reservations and we thought, well hey we were on time for rope drop so why not ride a ride before breakfast? We initially wanted to ride the Haunted Mansion first (one of Karen's favorites) but for some reason it was not open by the time we got there so we strolled over to Peter Pan and enjoyed a relaxing ride through Neverland. This ride holds a dear and special place in my heart because my first time ever at Disney this was the only ride I would ride and my grandma rode it with me over and over again!

We made it to our reservations (ONLY 2 MINUTES LATE) and checked in and walked across the bridge into beasts castle. We were the first ones in the line so we naturally were like oh boy! But knowing our families luck, something was bound to go wrong and of course it did. I am not sure to what extent the problem was or what actually happened but inferring on how they started handling things and just from being a cast member before, I think the RFID system to find where people were sitting went down. We actually ordered our food and then saw a host who then would seat us. Obviously not a big deal since we would still get to eat and still sit in one of the great rooms. But much to our delight, we got to sit in the West Wing, the only room I had never been in before! We got our food in absolutely no time and it was truly delicious. My mom got the Feast Ala Gaston and she raved about it. (It really was just a traditional breakfast plate but hey as long as she's happy I'm happy). I ordered the Croque Madame and let me tell you, it was AMAZING. I am not a huge breakfast eater but I do love poached eggs and this sandwich did not disappoint. The only thing I didn't like was eventually the croissant got soggy from the egg yolk and I do not like when my food is really soggy (its a weird texture thing to me).

After breakfast, we tried to hit up some rides before the crowds started to pour in. We walked right onto Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and thank goodness we picked this first because when we got out, the line was already up to 50 minutes. After that, we walked over to Splash Mountain since the posted wait time was only 25 minutes. Well it ended up being 40 but I am almost positive that it was because they were adding more logs because for quite a while I did not see anyone exiting the ride. But, still 40 minutes is not bad in the grand scheme of things and we still had a wonderful time on my absolute favorite ride at Walt Disney World.

Summerpalooza Vlog 3:

 

[missangelalexis]

Joining in! You and your mom are the cutest! Your first night and start of the next day looks like it was so much fun

Ugh that big baymax is awesome!!

 

[NotZacHoward]

Part 4: A Super Stretchy Afternoon​

After getting soaked on Splash Mountain we used our Fast Pass and soared through the galaxy on Space Mountain and then enjoyed some other rides around the kingdom.

We were decided to do some shopping on Main Street before heading to our Pirates of the Caribbean Fast Pass. If you read last trip report you know I fell in LOVE with my Baymax ears so I knew I had to find some equally as exciting ears for this time. Well, after almost giving up and just not finding any, I finally saw the ears that HAD to be mine. My favorite Avenger: Spiderman! When I say I screamed when I saw them, that is not an exaggeration. I literally freaked out like a little kid! My mom also was debating on what ears to get because she did not want to "stand out". Well, being from our family you always stand out. She decided on the ones I loved and thought stood out the most.

After Pirates of the Caribbean we went back to Main Street to find a great spot of the Festival of Fantasy parade. We found our spot at 2:15ish and it was an absolute SCORCHER. Luckily we had an umbrella to get some shade but the sidewalk was absolutely burning our bottoms. Apart from how hot it was, we had an amazing seat and got to see the Dapper Dans as well!

After the parade we went to go help defend our galaxy on Buzz! I got a fast pass for this as well while sitting and waiting for the parade. I did manage to get Galactic Hero and I was pretty pleased with myself (naturally).

According to my time stamps, it was around 4:30 and we decided to grab a bite to eat since we had the dessert party coming up that night and did not want to be too full for that. I read online about the super stretchy burger and I knew I had to try it even if it was in the dreaded Cosmic Rays (to be fair I do not have the hatred towards that place as most people see to have). Well we split the super stretchy burger and fries, not to be dramatic, but it was an absolutely AMAZING burger. The garlic ranch was really tasty and the burger actually had really good taste to it. The mozzarella sticks were delicious and my mom and I agreed that it was truly delicious!

Summerpalooza Vlog 4:

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like a fun afternoon!

 

[NotZacHoward]

Joining in! You and your mom are the cutest! Your first night and start of the next day looks like it was so much fun

Ugh that big baymax is awesome!!

Sounds like a fun afternoon!

Welcome! And thank you so much. It definitely was an awesome first night and day which really kicked off the vacation in a great way!

 

[NotZacHoward]

Part 5: Dessert Party And A Surprise Guest​

After enjoying that delicious burger, we were headed over to use our FP we got during dinner for Seven Dwarves but my mom noticed that no one was in line for Pooh Bear but it looked like it just opened up. Pooh is my mothers favorite so we HAD to ride it (according to her LOL). I was fine with it since there was no wait (when does that happen at Disney?!) and I love that ride as well, especially the jumping with Tigger part!

After riding Pooh, we went over and used our FP for the Seven Dwarves Mine Train. It looked like a storm was rolling in so all the outdoor rides were shutting down so we headed around to go ride some of the indoor rides and kill time before the Happily Ever After Dessert Party. A little background of why we are doing this: Karen does not really like waiting to get a decent spot for the fireworks like me AND I had no idea what to get her for Mothers Day. So I thought well, before my sister arrives I should do something special with just me and mom. I crafted up a little "invitation" and then here we are. I have always wanted to do a dessert party so I figured this would be a win win for the both of us.

The dessert was AMAZING. I really really enjoyed all of the dessert (even though there was like a pork egg roll thing? Not that I have had all desserts in my life but I always consider pork to be an entree??) but I really really REALLY loved the ooeygooey cake or whatever it was called. It was SO delicious! After eating way to many desserts, we sat around and just enjoyed the down time and then headed to go pick our spot. I did like not having to camp out forever HOWEVER, the spot was just okay for me. I did not like the poles in the way of most of the views and I like being more "head on" for the castle instead of being to the side. Really picky of me I know but I like what I like.

Happily Ever After was incredible again and it made my mom and I cry and yes I did cry just as hard as the first time I saw it. We enjoyed a few rides after the fireworks and then we headed back to the hotel to pick up my sister some chicken strips and wait for her arrival to our hotel!

Right when she got there we let her eat and then headed to bed as we had an extremely early morning to get to Animal Kingdom as soon as possible to get in line for Flight Of Passage!

Summerpalooza Vlog 5:

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[mamamelody2]

Joining in! Sounds like a great trip so far!

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like a great end to the night! Great idea doing the dessert party with your mom!

 

[obisbondgirl]

Part 5: Dessert Party And A Surprise Guest​

After enjoying that delicious burger, we were headed over to use our FP we got during dinner for Seven Dwarves but my mom noticed that no one was in line for Pooh Bear but it looked like it just opened up. Pooh is my mothers favorite so we HAD to ride it (according to her LOL). I was fine with it since there was no wait (when does that happen at Disney?!) and I love that ride as well, especially the jumping with Tigger part!

After riding Pooh, we went over and used our FP for the Seven Dwarves Mine Train. It looked like a storm was rolling in so all the outdoor rides were shutting down so we headed around to go ride some of the indoor rides and kill time before the Happily Ever After Dessert Party. A little background of why we are doing this: Karen does not really like waiting to get a decent spot for the fireworks like me AND I had no idea what to get her for Mothers Day. So I thought well, before my sister arrives I should do something special with just me and mom. I crafted up a little "invitation" and then here we are. I have always wanted to do a dessert party so I figured this would be a win win for the both of us.

The dessert was AMAZING. I really really enjoyed all of the dessert (even though there was like a pork egg roll thing? Not that I have had all desserts in my life but I always consider pork to be an entree??) but I really really REALLY loved the ooeygooey cake or whatever it was called. It was SO delicious! After eating way to many desserts, we sat around and just enjoyed the down time and then headed to go pick our spot. I did like not having to camp out forever HOWEVER, the spot was just okay for me. I did not like the poles in the way of most of the views and I like being more "head on" for the castle instead of being to the side. Really picky of me I know but I like what I like.

Happily Ever After was incredible again and it made my mom and I cry and yes I did cry just as hard as the first time I saw it. We enjoyed a few rides after the fireworks and then we headed back to the hotel to pick up my sister some chicken strips and wait for her arrival to our hotel!

Right when she got there we let her eat and then headed to bed as we had an extremely early morning to get to Animal Kingdom as soon as possible to get in line for Flight Of Passage!

Summerpalooza Vlog 5:

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Your HEA pictures are amazing!