StarWarsMomofGirls!
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2015
That was really nice. And the way they keep customers.And because I had waited so long the manager came over and comped my entire meal! (I left the server a tip though since it wasn’t his fault.)
Hindsight is 2020 - A VERY late trip report (NYE and Feb/March cruise) - Updated 8/27-Off the cruise and a VIP Tour!
- Thread starter Lesley Wake
- Start date
missangelalexis
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2012
Glad you were able to get a BG for Rise that morning!
Sounds like a good day at Epcot! Spending New Year's Eve there seems fun!
It's just so weird to think how we all innocently anticipated a new year without any idea how crazy it was about to get!
Another day, another success at getting a BG! You were a pro! That sunrise pic over the skyliner is gorgeous!
The characters at Topolinos are soooo cute!
Wow, really nice to have your dinner comped because of the delay!
Sounds like a good day at Epcot! Spending New Year's Eve there seems fun!
It's just so weird to think how we all innocently anticipated a new year without any idea how crazy it was about to get!
Another day, another success at getting a BG! You were a pro! That sunrise pic over the skyliner is gorgeous!
The characters at Topolinos are soooo cute!
Wow, really nice to have your dinner comped because of the delay!
Lesley Wake
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2017
Haha, I do remember seeing a photopass of you on everest solo (though that could have also been in February... but I'm pretty sure it was this day, lol)!
Definitely! I think it also helped I wasn't making a big stink about it.
Oh @dina444444 is the BG wizard! I've ridden Rise 4x with a BG (3x on this trip and once at DL a week after it opened). All times she was the one to grab the BG! Hopefully I'll have some luck on my own in May!
New Years Eve is the best at Epcot! I do recommend it to anyone (maybe not someone on a first trip, but if you plan for the crowds, it is totally worth it).
Topolinos is now one of my favorites! I am grabbing dinner there in May.
Lesley Wake
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2017
Day 6 – January 2, 2020
On this trip the first Baby Yoda spirit jerseys came out, so of course I had to get one! (I actually rarely wear spirit jerseys as I just don’t like long sleeves.. the CA girl in me!) Though it was a pretty warm day, so I switched into something cooler for actual park exploring.
I purposefully booked things for the afternoon so I could get some sleep.
I decided to check out the decorations at the Grand Floridian, as they were still up, so I ubered over there.
And some photopass pics!
For lunch I decided to check out Gasparilla Grill, getting the mac and cheese, which came recommended. I wasn’t that big of a fan unfortunately; I prefer the ones at Liberty Tree Tavern and HDDR. At least a nice view during lunch.
And a peek on the construction of the MK bridge
On this trip the first Baby Yoda spirit jerseys came out, so of course I had to get one! (I actually rarely wear spirit jerseys as I just don’t like long sleeves.. the CA girl in me!) Though it was a pretty warm day, so I switched into something cooler for actual park exploring.
I purposefully booked things for the afternoon so I could get some sleep.
I decided to check out the decorations at the Grand Floridian, as they were still up, so I ubered over there.
And some photopass pics!
For lunch I decided to check out Gasparilla Grill, getting the mac and cheese, which came recommended. I wasn’t that big of a fan unfortunately; I prefer the ones at Liberty Tree Tavern and HDDR. At least a nice view during lunch.
And a peek on the construction of the MK bridge
Lesley Wake
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2017
Over to Magic Kingdom (via monorail).
Gotta stop for those photopass pictures!
And a bit crowded today… I did discover that the crowds were less manageable after NYE than they were in the days leading up to it. I think because there was so much other stuff to do before. I think in the future if/when I go for NYE I would leave Jan 1 or 2nd.
More photopass!
First fastpass, 7DMT. With a 140 minute standby wait and an extended FP queue.
Gotta stop for those photopass pictures!
And a bit crowded today… I did discover that the crowds were less manageable after NYE than they were in the days leading up to it. I think because there was so much other stuff to do before. I think in the future if/when I go for NYE I would leave Jan 1 or 2nd.
More photopass!
First fastpass, 7DMT. With a 140 minute standby wait and an extended FP queue.
Lesley Wake
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2017
Down to Jingle Cruise (105 min standby). This was the fastpass I had switched around after we had a great cruise a couple of days earlier. This time it was just fine…
It was a hot day, so gotta get that Mickey Bar!
And final Fastpass at Splash Mountain. Standby wait time 180 min, but they had actually shut off the standby line since the FP one got sooo long! Like it wrapped around every taped marker on the ground, went back and forth a couple times over the bridge towards Pecos Bill! I think it ended up being over a 45 minute fastpass line!
The crowds were just insane, with extended lines just to go back and forth to Tom Sawyer Island!
So I was outta there! There was no FP availability and every line was just ridiculous, no thanks!
It was a hot day, so gotta get that Mickey Bar!
And final Fastpass at Splash Mountain. Standby wait time 180 min, but they had actually shut off the standby line since the FP one got sooo long! Like it wrapped around every taped marker on the ground, went back and forth a couple times over the bridge towards Pecos Bill! I think it ended up being over a 45 minute fastpass line!
The crowds were just insane, with extended lines just to go back and forth to Tom Sawyer Island!
So I was outta there! There was no FP availability and every line was just ridiculous, no thanks!
Lesley Wake
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2017
I did check out the Christmas Carol windows on Main Street, which were super cute!
Rather than head back to Boardwalk I decided to go over to the Wilderness Lodge (via boat).
Decorations were still up, including the ‘new’ Gingerbread house.
And photopass there!
After chilling at the hotel for a bit, I headed out for dinner. I could see the top of Happily Ever After bursts too.
Dinner tonight at Kimonos (also at the Swan).
I think the kitchens at the Swan had some serious issues this week, as again there was a big delay getting my food. I ended up with the Shrimp Tempura Roll, Salmon Nigiri, and Gyoza. They also comped my meal due to that without me even complaining!
I actually was happy I got out when I did because it was karaoke night and the speaker was set up right behind me, so it would have gotten loud fast! I wasn’t the biggest fan of this place, it was just fine, but I prob won’t bother coming back.
Anyways, back to the hotel. I don’t know if I made my way to the hot tub tonight (I did go one night), but otherwise a chill day.
Coming up: More Animal Kingdom time
Rather than head back to Boardwalk I decided to go over to the Wilderness Lodge (via boat).
Decorations were still up, including the ‘new’ Gingerbread house.
And photopass there!
After chilling at the hotel for a bit, I headed out for dinner. I could see the top of Happily Ever After bursts too.
Dinner tonight at Kimonos (also at the Swan).
I think the kitchens at the Swan had some serious issues this week, as again there was a big delay getting my food. I ended up with the Shrimp Tempura Roll, Salmon Nigiri, and Gyoza. They also comped my meal due to that without me even complaining!
I actually was happy I got out when I did because it was karaoke night and the speaker was set up right behind me, so it would have gotten loud fast! I wasn’t the biggest fan of this place, it was just fine, but I prob won’t bother coming back.
Anyways, back to the hotel. I don’t know if I made my way to the hot tub tonight (I did go one night), but otherwise a chill day.
Coming up: More Animal Kingdom time
dina444444
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2013
It could have also been from my mid January trip. I was back again less than 3 weeks after NYE for Festival of the Arts.
missangelalexis
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2012
Wow those were some crazy crowds and wait times! Good thing for FP!
Love the Baby Yoda spirit jersey and your pics from WL!
Love the Baby Yoda spirit jersey and your pics from WL!
Lesley Wake
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2017
Yeah - it's weird how the crowds felt sooo much worse after NYE than before! I did not expect that!
Just the start of my Baby Yoda obsession...as you know very well, lol!
I know! I even was looking at my March photos from right before the lockdown and just couldn't believe everything we did on a normal basis.I'm a people person but pictures like those crowds (and looking at my own pics of music festivals from 2019) always make me wonder...why did we ever get so close to people?!Still seems like you managed to make the most of it!
Lesley Wake
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2017
Day 7, January 3, 2020
Another day, another busy park! This time Animal Kingdom
Really loved the Magical Menagerie decorations! Day and night. I hope they do it again this year!
Snacktime at Pizzafari for the pizza knots.
Into Pandora
And Flight of Passage, over a 200 min standby time! Thankfully another FP for me!
I considered getting this air plant for my mom but didn’t want to transport it
Some more decorations
Another day, another busy park! This time Animal Kingdom
Really loved the Magical Menagerie decorations! Day and night. I hope they do it again this year!
Snacktime at Pizzafari for the pizza knots.
Into Pandora
And Flight of Passage, over a 200 min standby time! Thankfully another FP for me!
I considered getting this air plant for my mom but didn’t want to transport it
Some more decorations
Lesley Wake
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2017
My typical routine at AK continued – up to Africa with the crowds
And a fun Christmas tree
Time for a safari, 115 min standby wait time.
Animal spam!
Savannah time, complete with baby (toddler?) giraffes galore
Mandrills were out and active
Elephants, rhinos
Cheetahs, lions, warthogs
And a fun Christmas tree
Time for a safari, 115 min standby wait time.
Animal spam!
Savannah time, complete with baby (toddler?) giraffes galore
Mandrills were out and active
Elephants, rhinos
Cheetahs, lions, warthogs
Lesley Wake
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2017
Continuing the animal explorations, over to Gorilla Falls trail.
I had a moment with one of the gorillas… we just sort of stared at each other for a while.
This one looked super relaxed!
And baby Gracie! I don’t remember if I got to see her the previous visit (she was born while I was there, so if I did see her, she was cradled by her mom), but this made up for it! Such a cutie!
On my way to Asia I stopped for a refreshing drink, The Asante Slush (shaved ice with mango and watermelon syrup; I don’t think I got the alcoholic option). It was pretty yummy!
And I ran into Kevin
And Everest, which had a 140 min standby and 60 minute single rider! Insane!
No extra wait for front row though, so I made sure to request that (I had a FP); I especially like requesting the front when I’m a solo FP person because then a single rider also gets to do it!
I had a moment with one of the gorillas… we just sort of stared at each other for a while.
This one looked super relaxed!
And baby Gracie! I don’t remember if I got to see her the previous visit (she was born while I was there, so if I did see her, she was cradled by her mom), but this made up for it! Such a cutie!
On my way to Asia I stopped for a refreshing drink, The Asante Slush (shaved ice with mango and watermelon syrup; I don’t think I got the alcoholic option). It was pretty yummy!
And I ran into Kevin
And Everest, which had a 140 min standby and 60 minute single rider! Insane!
No extra wait for front row though, so I made sure to request that (I had a FP); I especially like requesting the front when I’m a solo FP person because then a single rider also gets to do it!
Lesley Wake
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2017
Another animal exploration – Maharajah Jungle Trek
The girl tiger was out and playing with her ball in the water, which was super cool to see!
And then wandered around her enclosure; I also caught feeding time (a keeper threw her some meat from above)
Afterwards, gibbon time, and they were pretty active, which was again cool!
A lovely day even with the crowds!
I adored the Russell and Dug trees at their meet and greet.
And the lovely gate mural
I had some time before dinner so ended up chilling in Nomad Lounge. I was hoping for a patio spot but those are always all grabbed whenever I visit, so I was inside (where I always feel the A/C is pumped up too much)
For dinner, I met with Zach at Tiffins (gotta go here every trip)
I think we ate in the smaller room (can’t remember its name), which was a first as I usually eat in the Gallery room.
Typical bread. I got the Tamarind Short Ribs. Zach got the cheese plate and the shrimp and grits. Everything delicious!
For dessert, we both got the The Lion King (Caramel mousse, chocolate brownie, strawberry-mango sauce). I knew what it would look like, but Zach didn’t, and if you remember, he’s a major Lion King fan, so I took photos of his reaction, which was priceless! It was also a yummy dessert!
The souvenir artwork at the end
The girl tiger was out and playing with her ball in the water, which was super cool to see!
And then wandered around her enclosure; I also caught feeding time (a keeper threw her some meat from above)
Afterwards, gibbon time, and they were pretty active, which was again cool!
A lovely day even with the crowds!
I adored the Russell and Dug trees at their meet and greet.
And the lovely gate mural
I had some time before dinner so ended up chilling in Nomad Lounge. I was hoping for a patio spot but those are always all grabbed whenever I visit, so I was inside (where I always feel the A/C is pumped up too much)
For dinner, I met with Zach at Tiffins (gotta go here every trip)
I think we ate in the smaller room (can’t remember its name), which was a first as I usually eat in the Gallery room.
Typical bread. I got the Tamarind Short Ribs. Zach got the cheese plate and the shrimp and grits. Everything delicious!
For dessert, we both got the The Lion King (Caramel mousse, chocolate brownie, strawberry-mango sauce). I knew what it would look like, but Zach didn’t, and if you remember, he’s a major Lion King fan, so I took photos of his reaction, which was priceless! It was also a yummy dessert!
The souvenir artwork at the end
Lesley Wake
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2017
Before leaving, we stopped at the entrance to admire the lights.
I was hoping the Tree of Life Awakenings would still be the Christmas one, but unfortunately it wasn’t, but we did get to see the Lion King version.
And back to the front where Zach gave me a ride back to the Boardwalk. This was also the first time I took the trams at WDW (although I would take them at DL all the time)!
When I got back to boardwalk it was a bit depressing as all the decorations were gone! (Another reason I advise leaving on Jan 1-2, so you don’t see everything being removed as it’s a bit depressing!)
I did like the castle paintings in the lobby though!
Coming up - First time at Diet Epcot...
I was hoping the Tree of Life Awakenings would still be the Christmas one, but unfortunately it wasn’t, but we did get to see the Lion King version.
And back to the front where Zach gave me a ride back to the Boardwalk. This was also the first time I took the trams at WDW (although I would take them at DL all the time)!
When I got back to boardwalk it was a bit depressing as all the decorations were gone! (Another reason I advise leaving on Jan 1-2, so you don’t see everything being removed as it’s a bit depressing!)
I did like the castle paintings in the lobby though!
Coming up - First time at Diet Epcot...
StarWarsMomofGirls!
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2015
missangelalexis
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2012
Sounds like a great day at AK!
eliseisawkward
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2019
Holy crowded MK! I would not want to deal with those crowds. I think you made the right touring decisions though, good fast passes and enjoy the little things and not stress.
AK also looks wildly crowded. But again, you’re a pro with the touring plan. Tiffins always looks so good. I don’t now if I’ll ever end up going, but it’s on my list of possibilities!
AK also looks wildly crowded. But again, you’re a pro with the touring plan. Tiffins always looks so good. I don’t now if I’ll ever end up going, but it’s on my list of possibilities!
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