Let’s Go Get that Dino! TR 9/1-9/10, a mom and daughter trip! PTR short version, 1/27/24*

[suse66]

It is wonderful to wake up at Disney, I love it especially when your trip is just beginning.

Nothing better!

Our plan was to ride MMRR first. It was a walk on. We watched the pre show and then nothing. We waited for awhile and the CM announced technical difficulties. We were escorted out with a FP on our magic band for any ride except Rise and SDD.

I had issues with MMRR this summer too.

We decided to go and ride TSMM. We did the SB line and waited only about 15 minutes. Andi was best in vehicle and I was a beaver again! I got my lackluster results as always!

I finally made it to 60.000 this summer and was super proud!

I do love this ride but $22.00 is a bit much. What do you all think? What price is too much for you? Let me know in the comments.

$22 is a lot. I try not to think about it, especially with the Canadian exchange rate.

I think she got 240,000. Good job Andi!

Woohoo!

Our wait was only about 5 minutes to the pre show. The pre show worked and we went into the next area and guess what? More technical difficulties, ugh! People were getting escorted off the ride. We got another FP. I guess it wasn’t in the cards to ride today.

So many issues!

We decided to drop in at the creepy hotel for one last ride before heading to the Riviera.

Love ToT!

One thing I will say is the LL line was super fast at all the attractions. I think people are not buying it as much now! The SB lines were huge.

I agree.

We still did not have a room yet. It was time to relax at Bar Riva.

Stay tuned for our review and room pictures!

Looking forward to hearing all about your room. Bar Riva is a great spot!

 

[VAtink]

A bit late to the party, but joining in now!

 

[disneyAndi14]

“Not our Dino, at least this one is a vegetarian”

After our relaxing ride on the Skyliner, we arrived at Riviera!

We loved staying at this resort in the summer of 2021. It is very subtle Disney in many ways! The artwork in this resort is amazing. There are so many pictures or Walt and family on trips to the French and Italian Riviera! The dining here is amazing, from my favorite coffee shop, lounge, quick service, and Topolinos! Did you know Topolinos is Mickey in Italian? Yes it is!

There are many hidden Mickey’s at the resort and a rug with the Fab 5 hidden images at the elevator area!

The rooms are also very subtle Disney. Simplistic and beautiful in my opinion.

I had requested a high floor. Our room category was deluxe studio with a preferred view.

We still had not received a room ready text upon arrival from the resort. We decided to sit at Bar Riviera for drinks and food.

The lounge was hopping today. We did find a table at the end of the lounge. The lounge is located by the main pool at the resort.

Our waiter was great. He was really busy yet organized, yay!

We ordered ice water and drinks. I had the Mediterranean Wave

Frozen blend of Cîroc Vodka, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto Liqueur, Pineapple, Agave and Bols Blue Curaçao

Andi had the Il Tramonto

Tito's Handmade Vodka, Aperol, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Minute Maid® Premium Lemonade, Turmeric, Pomegranate and Orange

The drinks were very tasty. I liked mine the best of the two.

We ordered Mushroom Arancini

Risotto, Mushroom, Cheese, and Truffle served with House-made Marinara

These were amazing! You could taste the mushrooms and truffle oil. The risotto was perfect! The marinara sauce was delicious. Full of flavor!

We also ordered the Grilled Vegetable Skewer

Harissa-marinated Vegetable Skewer, Plant-based Cucumber Yogurt, Tomato Lemon Vinaigrette and Quinoa Salad served over a Grilled Pita (Plant-based)

This was another winner, full of flavor and savory. Very different than the typical food at a bar/lounge area.

Lastly we had to get my favorite French fries on property!

Romano and herb French fries! I love these French fries! I could eat them everyday!

Everything was delicious and a wonderful open lounge area to sit and enjoy all the activity around us.

This was the busiest I have ever seen this place! It was Labor Day weekend.

We took our time and it was around 3:30 and still no text from the resort. We decided to go up to the front desk area to check on room status.

The CM checked for us and said your room is ready now and she sent us the text. Our room was 8860.

The room was on the 8th floor close to the ice machine and not far from the elevators.

It was a total different area than our last stay. It was very nice but I miss the view of Epcot. We had a view of the main pool, lake, and Caribbean beach resort.

No fireworks view this time. Our room was very clean and I honestly don’t think we had anyone in the room next to us the whole time. It was very quiet. I loved the balcony area!



The studio can sleep 5 people. Tight in my opinion! 2 queen beds (one is a pull down Murphy bed). There is also a single bed below the TV. We didn’t use that bed at all. There is a small kitchenette area, a large closet, and a huge split bathroom. The bathroom only had a one sink vanity. There is a tub/shower in the vanity room. The other room had the toilet and a huge walk in shower with a big rainfall shower head and a portable shower head. It also has a bench in it for toiletries or to sit if you are tired.

The DVC/deluxe resorts now have the body wash/shampoo/conditioner in the multi use bottles on the wall.

I got a text from Amazon fresh saying they would be at the resort in about 5 minutes.

We had to meet them because we ordered a 12 pack of Stella beer. We emptied our two carry ons and headed down to get our groceries.

We put the case of water and beer in the luggage so we could get everything up to the room in one trip.

Once we got the room situated, it was time to head to MK!

Stay tuned for all our rides at MK, thank you Genie Stacking is the way to go!

Out of picture space, will show more of the room in the next post!

“Flash Photography I wouldn’t”

 

[disneyAndi14]

Hi Caroline - I'm glad that I found your trip report. We were at WDW Sept 9-14, so just after you.

Hi, thanks for joining in! How did your trip go with your family? I remember you were going to use Genie. Let me know how it was for you all!

We had a flight to Hawaii which had a layover in Minneapolis. It is a nice airport.

It is a big airport but very easy to navigate compared to some I have been in!

These are the first pictures I've seen of the Broadway section. It looks better than All Star Sports.

I really liked it and honestly would request that area for adults only! Nice and quiet although it is far from the lobby/food.

That was lucky. Our trip was mostly rain free, too. We were back in our room before the one huge storm that we had.

Same it rained one other time and we were resting in our room before Horror Nights and it never rained again, yay!

We bought ILL for RotR for the first time and I think it was $20. We had a lot to do that day and didn't want to waste time standing in line. We had someone with us who hadn't ridden it before.

We love Rise and have been fortunate to ride it many times but we knew our stay was shorter this trip and we just bit the bullet and bought it!

$25 is a lot to pay for Genie+

I think the most I have paid before this trip was $18.00 a day

Rope drop for the win.

We use to RD all the time! I do think the open 30 minutes earlier for every park every day has made RD less desirable now. Very crowded, not like the good old days!

You need to keep going. Say... several times a year. That should help.

Haha, obviously it doesn’t help my score!

Nope. Did that once and didn't like it a bit. I missed the entire ride since all I did was stare at the buttons.

It isn’t near as fun. There was a lady in front of me as the gunner and she was a single rider and I was getting so stressed because she wasn’t pushing any buttons!

$22 is fine... if you've never done it before and it's a priority. After that? Nope. Too pricey. I mean... it's one ride. I don't care how good it is.

I had made up my mind to pay for fancy rides this trip and Genie so I was okay with it but the huge jump in cost from trip to trip is getting a bit much!

Actually, yes they should. Can you imagine paying for, say... a set of Mickey ears and it's ripped? You'd ask for an exchange or a refund, wouldn't you?

I should have been a Karen and went to complain,

It's from your hand, I think. And no, I don't think you look creepy at all

Ahh thanks, the older I get the less I like my pictures, lol

Bit too much upside down for ya?

You could say that, check this out! Jack looks like he is on a Sunday ride, I’m fearing for my life!

I don’t know the people in front of us, they look scared

Love it too. Great way to get from A to B.

Loved it this trip and no weather delays with the Skyliner this trip! I have heard this can be bad trying to get back to the resort. I would most likely do a Lyft if that happened!

Nice shot of Andi.

Thank you! She loved when we had our own cab on the Skyliner

 

[disneyAndi14]

lol....love your description of you in TSMM.....I`m the lacklustre one on those types of things too...nice pictures and love ToT.

It is so true, no matter how hard I try. Always the same Andi does better each trip, not me!

Love the huge smile Andi has in that last picture!!! Love the update and look forward to seeing your room and more to come

Thank you Carole! The Skyliner is very peaceful and a ride all on its own. We also loved when no one else was in the cab with us!

Buy the Genie+ and fancy ride pass. I specifically budget for this. Yes, it is expensive and yes, everyone can't afford it. But you shouldn't feel guilty if you can afford it and you can use it. For my April trip, I am already budgeting to use it on days when I am starting at MK and DHS. I find I don't need it so much for AK and Epcot so I'll leave those days off (but I might do fancy ride for Guardians and FOP). Love your first day!!! Can't wait to hear more.

Yes, I agree, I always buy it. I just wish it was different the way it is at this time!
It is good to budget for it. I always by discounted gift cards at BJ and Target. I buy several every month and it really saves me money and pays for all my trips!

feel that! I was buying it for four of us during Easter week when it was $35 pp! Ouch!

I know, I always think about families of 4-6 or more and what a chunk of money you spend for the short waits. I still think it is worth it for us in most circumstances

It is a really tough start to the day! But it sounds like you were pretty successful!

I wish you could pick your selections the night before!

You and me both! My arm gets too tired and I end up giving up at the end!

My arm gets very tired, I have to switch arms and of course that doesn’t help my score!

I forgot they were even there, I'll have to look for them next week!

Have a wonderful trip! I hope you see Mando and Grogu. Who are you going with this trip? Have fun!

Yes, it's too much. But do I still buy it sometimes? Also yes

Same!

Smart girl, I should have made Allie ride Incredicoaster alone!

Check out the picture above, scared me so much I’m scarred haha I hate going upside down! I could never go on the Incredi Coaster!

Wait, what do you mean? Drop first before what?

Sometimes we go up first before dropping, have you ever had that sequence? We always guess and usually we always drop first!

Paying for G+ and fancy rides suck but it does make for a much more pleasant trip. We also budget for it and have cut down on some of our TS meals to make up for it.

Yes I agree and we didn’t do as many sit down places this trip to help with the costs. We also share food and that helps as well!

 

[buzzrelly]

Who are you going with this trip? Have fun!

With Mike! Then we go on the WISH!

Sometimes we go up first before dropping, have you ever had that sequence? We always guess and usually we always drop first!

Oh, I don't know if I've ever thought about it but I'll have to notice next time!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Nothing better!

The best feeling waking up for your first full day at Disney

had issues with MMRR this summer too.

I had read many reviews about the issues with the ride and this was the first time we had it happen to us, 2x in one day!

I finally made it to 60.000 this summer and was super proud!

Yay I usually always get around 130,000!

$22 is a lot. I try not to think about it, especially with the Canadian exchange rate.

I bet it stings more with the exchange rate, ugh I wonder how high the system will get?

Love ToT!

We love it. It is a ride I hated the first time I rode it, mostly because of the unknown but the more I ride it, the more I love it!

I agree.

We rarely waited more than 15 minutes for all rides and most of the time walk on in the LL

Looking forward to hearing all about your room. Bar Riva is a great spot!

It didn’t disappoint except I wish we would have had the Epcot view again but can’t have everything!

A bit late to the party, but joining in now!

Glad to have you here!

 

[disneyAndi14]

With Mike! Then we go on the WISH!

I’m so jealous!! I want to cruise on the Wish! Let me know how it is. Is it your first time on the new ship?

Oh, I don't know if I've ever thought about it but I'll have to notice next time!

Check it out next time!

 

[buzzrelly]

Is it your first time on the new ship?

Yes! We were supposed to go in 2021 and then in 2022! Third time's the charm!

 

[summerlvr]

Looks like a great trip so far! That mushroom arancini looks really good, will have to try it since they changed my beloved baked brie.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I purchased Genie + at $25.00 a person for park hopping. *note, the price was $25 for just DHS or PH option. I purchased a fancy ride for Rise of the Resistance at a ridiculous price of $22.00 per person. I also purchased a fancy ride for Tron at MK for $20.00 a person. So for the mere price of $134.00 before tax, we were ready for the day. I didn’t do this everyday and you can close your mouth now, lol

I hate that this is even a thing! It would be so much easier to swallow if it was one or the other, you know?

It was time for our Rise Fancy ride! We had virtually no wait.

You better at that $$$

I do love this ride but $22.00 is a bit much. What do you all think? What price is too much for you? Let me know in the comments.

We have managed to not pay for it yet! But we were lucky enough to have ridden it a handfull of times before they did this. And we just go first thing in the morning or last thing at night. BUT if it was our first time, we would have paid for it.

Andi got best in vehicle again. I think she got 240,000. Good job Andi!

She is a pro!!

I think people are not buying it as much now! The SB lines were huge.

I think this is true! But it makes it more worth it, at least.

Tito's Handmade Vodka, Aperol, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Minute Maid® Premium Lemonade, Turmeric, Pomegranate and Orange

I think Andi and I like the same types of drinks!

Harissa-marinated Vegetable Skewer, Plant-based Cucumber Yogurt, Tomato Lemon Vinaigrette and Quinoa Salad served over a Grilled Pita (Plant-based)

This looks amazing!

 

[pkondz]

We loved staying at this resort in the summer of 2021. It is very subtle Disney in many ways! The artwork in this resort is amazing. There are so many pictures or Walt and family on trips to the French and Italian Riviera! The dining here is amazing, from my favorite coffee shop, lounge, quick service, and Topolinos!

You certainly paint an inviting picture.

I had the Mediterranean Wave

That both looks and sounds good. I'd order that.

Andi had the Il Tramonto

That sounded good too.

Okay... I'll have one of each.

We ordered Mushroom Arancini

mmmm...

We also ordered the Grilled Vegetable Skewer

Interesting choice. Certainly looks yummy.

Lastly we had to get my favorite French fries on property!

Of course!

The room was on the 8th floor close to the ice machine and not far from the elevators.

Not bad.

It was very nice but I miss the view of Epcot. We had a view of the main pool, lake, and Caribbean beach resort.

Ah. Next time order a high room with a view of Epcot. Then you'll be set.

Our room was very clean and I honestly don’t think we had anyone in the room next to us the whole time. It was very quiet.

Nice. Nothing worse than noisy neighbours keeping you up/waking you up.

a huge walk in shower with a big rainfall shower head and a portable shower head.

I do think the open 30 minutes earlier for every park every day has made RD less desirable now.

Agreed. I still do it, but it's not nearly as big a perk as it used to be. Now you can do 1-2 rides with no wait whereas before you could knock out half a dozen.

Haha, obviously it doesn’t help my score!

There was a lady in front of me as the gunner and she was a single rider and I was getting so stressed because she wasn’t pushing any buttons!

I should have been a Karen and went to complain,

Yup. You could've gotten your $22 back........ and wasted about $300 worth of Disney touring time while doing it.

Ahh thanks, the older I get the less I like my pictures, lol

Oh dear. I do understand that. Every time I see a picture of me I think "Surely that can't be me?"

You could say that, check this out! Jack looks like he is on a Sunday ride, I’m fearing for my life!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Well my lunchtime bowl of chicken noodle soup didn't quite measure up after looking at your photos of deliciousness from Bar Riva That food and drink looked scrumptious. Well worth a visit even if not staying there especially now the skyliner makes it easy to resort hop.
Your room looks lovely and even though the view isn't Epcot it's still pretty decent. Did Disney leave you and Andi a welcome balloon bouquet? Nice touch if they did

 

[SimplyGoofy]

So for the mere price of $134.00 before tax, we were ready for the day.

Oh goodness - it’s crazy how those costs add up! Considering your short waits and good luck (minus all those breakdowns - yeesh!) I think it was worth every penny. I have zero qualms about doing exactly the same thing on my next trip.

I really wanted to see Mando and Grogu. We took our time looking around the marketplace and a few other spots and never did see him, boo

Did you know they now appear in the MDE app? I saw an update due to my “get caught up on Disney” research. If you go to the park map lists and choose characters, it lists their appearance times. I believe the character also appears on the map itself when present.

It was time for our Rise Fancy ride! We had virtually no wait.

Hooray! I’m glad you didn’t have a breakdown on this ride.

Also, bravo to Andi for the great score on TSM! I’ve broken 200K but never gotten a score as high as Andi’s.

After our relaxing ride on the Skyliner, we arrived at Riviera!

The Riviera does look beautiful - I’m especially excited to see the murals.

Lastly we had to get my favorite French fries on property!

Those look delicious! I love a good fancy French fry.

No fireworks view this time. Our room was very clean and I honestly don’t think we had anyone in the room next to us the whole time. It was very quiet. I loved the balcony area!

It’s too bad about the view, but I would take the quiet room. A clean room is great, too!

I got a text from Amazon fresh saying they would be at the resort in about 5 minutes.

Would you recommend Amazon Fresh over Garden Grocer or Instacart? I’ve never used third-party grocery delivery in Disney World but may need to for our next trip thanks to traveling with kids (especially if we don’t get a rental car).

 

[Wood Nymph]

We took our time and it was around 3:30 and still no text from the resort. We decided to go up to the front desk area to check on room status.

We never had a room text when we were at POR in Sept, not even the "your room is not ready yet" text. We finally went to the front desk around 2:30pm. One room was ready, one wasn't ready yet.

It was a total different area than our last stay. It was very nice but I miss the view of Epcot. We had a view of the main pool, lake, and Caribbean beach resort.

I would have thought that preferred view would be a fireworks view.

The bathroom only had a one sink vanity.

I could never figure out why the DVC resorts had only one sink in the bathroom. They could have put two sinks in the Riviera but they have kept with the standard DVC layout.

How did your trip go with your family? I remember you were going to use Genie. Let me know how it was for you all!

Our trip went very smoothly and my sister-in-law was very happy that I had planned it all out. We bought Genie+ for our Epcot day because we wanted to do Test Track, Frozen and Remi. Genie+ only cost $13 and I used it to get Frozen and Remi. We did Test Track as an early open walk on. I was able to move the Genie+ reservations all around to the perfect times I wanted, which was great. It was worth the $13 to get those two rides because standby lines were very long.

 

[vamassey1]

It is wonderful to wake up at Disney, I love it especially when your trip is just beginning.

YES!!!

Our plan was to be at Hollywood around 9am. Park opened at 8:30 for resort guests. I had made a Slinky Dog FP for 11:00-12:00. I was ready for a nap after making all these reservations

Making all those reservations and forking over that much money is exhausting.

Andi was best in vehicle and I was a beaver again! I got my lackluster results as always!

Way to go Andi! I'm terrible at this ride.

We decided to check out Galaxy’s Edge. I really wanted to see Mando and Grogu. We took our time looking around the marketplace and a few other spots and never did see him, boo

We lucked out in April and was told when to show up for Mando. It's in the app now when he'll be out.

The Kylo animatronic was not working again. Disney should give a discount for that!

I totally agree with this.

I made a RnRc next. Andi would ride twice because I do not ride this. I rode it once with my son Jack many years ago and never again!

I don't ride this anymore either. I gave it 2 chances.

t was time to make our way to the exit for now. We looked in a few shops before heading to the Skyliner. I love this mode of transportation! It is really fast and so convenient.

Love the Skyliner!

 

[vamassey1]

Lovely description of Riviera.

Your lunch looks so good. It's making me very hungry.

The room looks really nice, so no fireworks view but still not bad.

Love the use of your luggage to get the groceries up.

 

[KPeterso]

I am back from my trip so now I can jump in and follow your trip. And we got stuck on Mickey and Minnies when we were there. Were walked off the ride.

 

[suse66]

We loved staying at this resort in the summer of 2021. It is very subtle Disney in many ways! The artwork in this resort is amazing. There are so many pictures or Walt and family on trips to the French and Italian Riviera! The dining here is amazing, from my favorite coffee shop, lounge, quick service, and Topolinos! Did you know Topolinos is Mickey in Italian? Yes it is!

I think Riviera is growing on me although I have not stayed there yet. As a resale DVC member, I can't use my points there so it would have to be a cash stay.

We ordered ice water and drinks. I had the Mediterranean Wave

That looks great!

We ordered Mushroom Arancini

Yum!

We also ordered the Grilled Vegetable Skewer

One of my favourite dishes on property.

Lastly we had to get my favorite French fries on property!

I need to try those!

The CM checked for us and said your room is ready now and she sent us the text. Our room was 8860.

The room was on the 8th floor close to the ice machine and not far from the elevators.

I know you love your ice machine!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Looks like a great trip so far! That mushroom arancini looks really good, will have to try it since they changed my beloved baked brie.

The trip was going really well so far! We weren’t rushing and trying to soak up as much as we can! The arancini was delicious. I didn’t realize the Brie was different. I did see it on the menu!

I hate that this is even a thing! It would be so much easier to swallow if it was one or the other, you know?

I really dislike this whole money grab! Why don’t they have an add on to a package with Genie+ so it is paid for when you travel! Why do we have to do it at 7am each day of the trip! Ugh! The whole this day it costs this drives me crazy! Simplify it!!

We have managed to not pay for it yet! But we were lucky enough to have ridden it a handfull of times before they did this. And we just go first thing in the morning or last thing at night. BUT if it was our first time, we would have paid for it.

We have always paid for it since the virtual cue went away. I think it is less of wait now in SB at certain times of the day

I think this is true! But it makes it more worth it, at least.

It really does! The SB lines were so long at DHS that day!

I think Andi and I like the same types of drinks!

She really liked this one!

This looks amazing!

It was very good and hard to believe it is vegetarian. Such a savory vegetable kebab