A Last Hurrah Trip! We just didn't know it at the time. (A Pre-COVID Trip Report)

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I love those cauliflower tacos! Yum yum!

They were suprisingly good!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Day Three: A dip in the Pool & Dinner

I left us off leaving Magic Kingdom. We must have walked right no a bus, as I have us being back in the room 3:48. And the picture of our Mint Julip was 3:16. Impressive!

IMG_0841
Gwen opened up her Space Mountain themed Wishable once we were back in the room.

I think we chilled in the room for a bit. Enjoyed the air conditioning. But I said if the girls wanted to swim, they needed to go soon. So, we headed to the pool around 4:30.

IMG_0845

IMG_0845
In that hour that we chilled in the room, the temp dropped fast! And I had no intrest in going in the pool anymore.

IMG_0845
But the girls enjoyed the quick dip in the pool.

IMG_0845
IMG_0859
They tested out the slides...

IMG_0845
Posed for a few photos...

The pool here is a fun one and the girls do enjoy it. While the girls swam, Andy and I discussed dinner options. We aren't huge fans of the counter service here. And we could see the boat to Disney Springs from the pool area. So, we convinced the girls to go to Disney Springs for dinner.

So, around 5:30 we rounded the girls up and headed back to the room to change.
IMG_0845

IMG_0864
Gwen really liked posing with the alligators...

IMG_0845
The girls were wipping there towels at each other and they got them tangled together. And they were very proud of this... and made me take a photo of it...

The girls threw on clothes fairly quickly and we headed over to the ferry to go to Disney Springs.

This is where our day went down the drain! It took FOREVER to get on a boat!
IMG_0869
It looked like it was going to be a beautiful boat ride to Disney Springs!

Boats came regularly but could only add 1 or 2 parties each time. The boats were filing up from Riverside and they weren't sending an empty boat to French Quarter. The Ferry was a HUGE disapointment to us! I think we waited a good 45 minute wait to get on a boat. And then the boat ride is kind of long. We even debated getting on a boat going to Riverside just to get on a boat quicker.

We finally got to Disney Spring around 7:15, and now we were all hungry and tired (and slightly annoyed)
IMG_0869
It got dark FAST!

We went straight to Polite Pig and ordered our food. The only good thing was that the dinner rush had passed and we didn't have to wait too long to order!

IMG_0869
Andy and I split 2 things...
Baby Back Rib Meal:
Half Rack Ribs with Polite Rub and layla’s sweet bbq
Sides: Sweet Potato Tots. signature polite coleslaw and Jalapeno Cornbread muffin

Andy really liked the ribs, I found them just ok. I am a heavy on the BBQ sauce rib person, which I know isn't always popular opinion, i know.

But that was ok because we also go the Brisket Sandwich:
Low & Slow Brisket - Prime Brisket, Pimento Cheese, Porter BBQ, Pickled Jalapeños and Onion Straws served with a Pickle Spear
IMG_0869
This is my favortie thing here. I just love it! Sooooo good. (Sorry that it is so blurry, I think I was READY to eat that bad boy!)

I ordered the Seasonal Slushie, I think.
IMG_0869
I think it was some sort of berry bourbon slushie, it was really good!

Gwen ordered the Burnt Ends meatballs kids meal
IMG_0869
We subbed waffle fries instead of carrot sticks. It also came with an apple juice.
These meatballs are really good, as well! And Gwen ate all of her meal.

Morgan ordered a Pulled Pork Sandwich
IMG_0869
After doing the sampler in December, she decided that was her favorite one, pulled pork. We asked for all of the toppings on the side and they gladly did just that.
Southern Pig - Pulled Pork, Fennel-apple Slaw, tangy Mustard BBQ and Duke's Mayo served with a Pickle Spear
I don't think she touched any of the sides, next time we will probably just say to leave them off for Morgan.
Morgan loved this.

Morgan also ordered a pink lemonade,
IMG_0869
I don't remember anything fancy about it other than it came in a pretty glass.

We, also got a side of Waffle Fries for all of us to share. Morgan actually ended up liking the sweet potato tator tots better. So, she ate those and I ate her fries! I love these fries, by the way. They dust them with some sort of paprika or something, and then I dip them in the BBQ ranch dressing they have here. So yummy!

Everything here was delish as usual. I could have used another order of waffle fries, as we split 1 order between Andy, myself and Morgan. But we were happy with our food and full!

It was 8:30-ish by now, so we decided to shop our way back to the uber pick up spot and head back to the hotel.

We stopping into Amorette’s Patisserie. We had never been in there!
IMG_0869
I was tempted to buy a dessert but instead just got a Raspberry Pinot Noir Frose.
IMG_0869
The Frose was good but not as good as Wine Bar George’s Frose.

We then headed into World of Disney. Morgan was looking for something specific, I can't remember what. But she didn't find it in here. Gwen picked out the perfect big footed Baby Groot Plush! She literally looked at like 25 of the groots to find the right eyes... Plush #2 if you are counting! (picture of it coming tomorrow morning!)

Next we stopped in Star Wars Trading Post. Here Morgan picked out X-Wing Wooden model kit.
IMG_0901
I was worried at how easily it would be to break this while making it. But Morgan was able to put it together once we were home.

After this, we had one more stop... As we made our way to Goofy's Kitchen, we saw the roaming Piano Guy! I was super excited for the girls to see this guy. I don’t know, I think it is so cool.
IMG_0882
It was a little after 9 by now, and I think the girls were just tired. And they weren't impressed. Oh well.

We headed into Goofy’s Kitchen for make you own treats
IMG_0882
Morgan ordered a Rice Krispe Treat with Dark Chocolate, Crushed Butterfingers & Cinnamon Sugar and Dark Chocolate Drizzle.
Gwen ordered a Ride Krispe Treat with Milk Chocolate, Crushed Oreo & Mini M&Ms with White Chocolate Drizzle

With treats paid for and made, we headed to the uber pick up and headed back to the hotel!

It had been a good day, but we hadn't planned on being out quiet so late. So, it was straight to pjs, and dessert in bed!

Next Up Animal Kingdom!

 

[cstorm65]

It looked like it was going to be a beautiful boat ride to Disney Springs!

Boats came regularly but could only add 1 or 2 parties each time. The boats were filing up from Riverside and they weren't sending an empty boat to French Quarter. The Ferry was a HUGE disapointment to us! I think we waited a good 45 minute wait to get on a boat. And then the boat ride is kind of long. We even debated getting on a boat going to Riverside just to get on a boat quicker.

That is very frustrating. We never had that problem the time we were at French Quarter, but I'm also not sure we ever tried to get a boat during the dinner rush either, so that may have had something to do with it. You'd think each resort would have their own boat, at least during busy times.

IMG_0869
I think it was some sort of berry bourbon slushie, it was really good!

Gwen ordered the Burnt Ends meatballs kids meal

Ummm...First I didn't know they had Burnt Ends here. Second, I'm a little put off that they turn them into meatballs. Burnt Ends are the most delicious part of BBQ to me and I just want them as they are! I'm sure it is just the way to make something interesting for kids, but I'm kind of a Burnt End snob!

We headed into Goofy’s Kitchen for make you own treats
IMG_0882
Morgan ordered a Rice Krispe Treat with Dark Chocolate, Crushed Butterfingers & Cinnamon Sugar and Dark Chocolate Drizzle.
Gwen ordered a Ride Krispe Treat with Milk Chocolate, Crushed Oreo & Mini M&Ms with White Chocolate Drizzle

I did not know this was a thing. As many times as we've been in this store...something new to try!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I did not know this was a thing. As many times as we've been in this store...something new to try!

Your boys would love this! Def do it this coming trip. You get to pick a rice krispe treat, marshmellows on a stick, gingerbread cookie or an apple. The cookie might have been seasonal. But you get to pick type of chocolate and toppings. And then you can watch them make it. It's a lot of fun.

Ummm...First I didn't know they had Burnt Ends here. Second, I'm a little put off that they turn them into meatballs. Burnt Ends are the most delicious part of BBQ to me and I just want them as they are! I'm sure it is just the way to make something interesting for kids, but I'm kind of a Burnt End snob!

Every time you talk about BBQ, I feel like such a northern, ha! I don't know if I have been anywhere where they just had burnt ends on the menu! They are really good meatballs...

 

[kclark9830]

Finally all caught up! I am watching the Princess and the Frog right now and wa already thinking I want to stay at a POR someday...then I started reading your TR and now I really want to stay there!

I love the art scavenger hunt at Epcot. Super fun!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I am watching the Princess and the Frog right now and wa already thinking I want to stay at a POR someday...then I started reading your TR and now I really want to stay there!

We love French Quarter! We def perfer it over Port Orleans. POR is much larger. There is something super quant about the pretend streets of FQ. We stayed at POR for 3 nights in August 2019, and the rooms there were in need of a refurb. Which really turned us off to the whole resort. But I know there are people who love POR.

 

[vamassey1]

I'm trying to get caught back up.

Farts Mermaid Lagoon Photo Op
And then one of the photo ops for Peter Pan!

This is sooo cute.

Some how Andy and I AND Morgan and Gwen picked all the same answers and we had the SAME future. It was pretty funny.

The perfect family of the future.

Very pretty.

This is so perfect for Morgan.

I'm impressed.

So, I suggested we try Katsura Grill for lunch, as it was basically right behind us.

Danielle really likes this place.

Nothing amazing but it wasn’t terrible. I won't be clammoring for it but it hit the spot and the noodle dishes were perfect for the girls.

Sounds like a good overall choice.

The garden outside is beautiful!

Yes it is.

 

[vamassey1]

Here is the card that I made..

This is a great idea.

But I do have this picture of 2 very happy girls. I will say, that I don't think these are the best churros. But I think the girls just love the presentation and all.

Danielle love churros too.

The girls both got Blue Sky Boba Drink. I believe it was Black Cherry "Juice" with popping boba. (which they love)

And again she likes boba drinks. I'm thinking your girls are younger versions of her.

I don't think there was any kind of line for Figment. Which was nice. I know it's not the best ride, but with no wait, why not? Plus Morgan and Gwen do like it.

Maybe not. Danielle does not like this ride due to the skunk.

Which I was super happy came with the Chicharrones!
Guacamole
Topped with Mango and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds served with Chicharrónes and Salsa Valentina
This was excellent. Fresh Guac is always good.

This does look good.

We went straight to bed as I think the day had been longer and more exhausting than we had expected it to be!

I'm feeling how tired you were.

Andy in Mirror
No idea why Andy took this picture. I guess he had never noticed the makeup mirrors before?!?!

First order of business? A photo pass photo of course!

Nice family photo.

I got a notification that Big Thunder Mountain was down. So, our first fast pass turned into an anytime fast pass. Which actually was good. It meant we didn't have to rush across the park after this.

I'm not disappointed when I see this either, gives you more flexibility.

Donald hiding Gwen peaking around
Gwen thought this was HILARIOUS!!!! And I love this photo with Gwen peaking around.

We did check out the snacks in here, which we had never done before!

Pre-Covid this was a great snack place and not near as crowded as Main Street.

 

[vamassey1]

Gwen wanted a Cheshire Cat Tail.

Excellent choice. Danielle and I love these.

Morgan & Cinnamon Roll
Morgan wanted her beloved Cinnamon Roll. So, we got that and grabbed a seat and relaxed for a bit while they girls ate there goodies.

Another good choice.

And then we went into this room that we had never been in before. And I looked up...
LMR Ceiling #1
There was a whole story on the ceiling!

LMR Ceiling#2
And some amazing art work!

LMR Ceiling #3
It really was cool to read them all. And kept us semi-entertained in this room.

LMR Ceiling #4

I found these a few trips past and love looking at it now.

This ride is fun but def too short. But we do like to go on it at least once.

I agree.

Great family photo.

Andy & Ariella Split 3 Tacos all Cauliflower
Taco Trio - Tacos topped with Lettuce, Tomato, and Shredded Cheese
These are really good. They aren't always on the menu though.

Morgan: Nachos with Beef & cheese (and literally nothing else)

And Gwen ate only waffle fries... Lunch of champions!

Sounds like a great meal for all. Tell me about the Cauliflower tacos.

Which was nice as always. Nice and cool and relaxing.

Perfect place to cool off and rest.

Andy decided to skip Space. It bothers his back too much and it was too early in the trip to even try and tempt fate. So, he just waited for us.

I'm with Andy on this one.

 

[becauseimnew]

Gwen wanted a Cheshire Cat Tail.
Gwen & Cheshire Cat Tail
So, we grabbed one of those, and then headed to Gaston's.

Morgan & Cinnamon Roll
Morgan wanted her beloved Cinnamon Roll. So, we got that and grabbed a seat and relaxed for a bit while they girls ate there goodies.

The Cinnamon Roll is HUGE! We really need to up our snack game.

There was a whole story on the ceiling!

I don't think I've ever notice, that line is fast moving.

And then we headed out to check out the iron bikes.
IMG_0835
The girls were SUPER excited to try these out! Let me tell you, where the track come out of the show building and the angle you are on these bikes... This is going to be TERRIFING!!! You are practically laying down!

This looks like it's going to be amazing.

Boats came regularly but could only add 1 or 2 parties each time. The boats were filing up from Riverside and they weren't sending an empty boat to French Quarter. The Ferry was a HUGE disapointment to us! I think we waited a good 45 minute wait to get on a boat. And then the boat ride is kind of long. We even debated getting on a boat going to Riverside just to get on a boat quicker.

That makes for a terrible evening, specially when everyone is getting hangry.

I was tempted to buy a dessert but instead just got a Raspberry Pinot Noir Frose.
IMG_0869
The Frose was good but not as good as Wine Bar George’s Frose.

Taking notes for our trip later this summer.

Can't wait to read about your AK day.

 

[vamassey1]

Wow it looks like the girls almost had the pool to themsleves.

They tested out the slides...

Danielle loved the slide when we stayed there in 2010.

This is where our day went down the drain! It took FOREVER to get on a boat!

I'm so sorry. Normally the boat ride is so relaxing but not when you have to wait too long and you're hungry.

Everything here was delish as usual.

Still haven't eaten here but everything y'all got sounds so good.

So many pretty desserts.

As we made our way to Goofy's Kitchen, we saw the roaming Piano Guy!

I've never seen this.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

And again she likes boba drinks. I'm thinking your girls are younger versions of her.

Ha! They would get along well!

Sounds like a great meal for all. Tell me about the Cauliflower tacos.

So, it's been awhile but they were seasoned with something... I know super descriptive... not spicy I want to say more of a bbq seasoning. But they were cooked perfectly, again I want to say they were lightly fried. I want to say they had some sort of sauce with them as well. And then with the toppings perfect! My memory is really vague on them at this point in time but they were good. It was the second time we ordered them, so we def liked them. Ironically, both times we ordered them, I didn't take any pictures!

Taking notes for our trip later this summer.

Def go to the walk up window at Wine Bar George. There frose are the best!!! They will even let you sample them before you pick your flavor.

Wow it looks like the girls almost had the pool to themsleves.

Optical illusion... But also the benefit of coming in winter, pools aren't as busy.

I've never seen this.

Andy and I saw the piano person on our last adults only trip. And I just thought it was the best thing. So fun!

 

[kastoney]

Morgan & Cinnamon Roll
Morgan wanted her beloved Cinnamon Roll. So, we got that and grabbed a seat and relaxed for a bit while they girls ate there goodies.

I am solidly in the Cinnamon Roll camp with Morgan. So good though I think the ones you gave us the recipe for were even better. We keep talking about making them again.

I finally ordered got my food and quickly swung around to leave and dropped the cheese sauce all over the ground! The person waiting behind me was very nice and helped me pick up what we could and told the CM for me what happened. I felt pretty stupid! And thankfully the CM gave me a new cheese sauce quickly.

Oh no!!!! Glad to hear they replaced it though. We've only eaten here once or twice and it has moved slow every time. I think they just want you to stand in the blazing sun for as long as possible so the fries taste even better than they actually are.

And Gwen ate only waffle fries... Lunch of champions!

She is something

IMG_0830
We got to see Tron construction at the time. They hadn't even started on the outside section yet!

I can't believe this is a year and a half ago and they haven't made more progress. Between tron and the epcot changes they certainly did not take advantage of the covid down time to get any work done.

Boats came regularly but could only add 1 or 2 parties each time. The boats were filing up from Riverside and they weren't sending an empty boat to French Quarter. The Ferry was a HUGE disapointment to us! I think we waited a good 45 minute wait to get on a boat. And then the boat ride is kind of long. We even debated getting on a boat going to Riverside just to get on a boat quicker.

Ugh. We've only stayed here once I think and this was our exact same experience. You want to take the boat because its so relaxing and DS is so close yet they do nothing to balance the boats out between the resorts. We ended up doing busses after that.

Low & Slow Brisket - Prime Brisket, Pimento Cheese, Porter BBQ, Pickled Jalapeños and Onion Straws served with a Pickle Spear
IMG_0869
This is my favortie thing here. I just love it! Sooooo good. (Sorry that it is so blurry, I think I was READY to eat that bad boy!)

Blurry or not that looks and sounds delicious. Love the idea of pimento cheese on bbq

After this, we had one more stop... As we made our way to Goofy's Kitchen, we saw the roaming Piano Guy! I was super excited for the girls to see this guy. I don’t know, I think it is so cool.

It is super cool. I'm always fascinated by it. I'm guessing they aren't doing it any more - cause they aren't doing anything anymore - but it was always fun to see

 

[vamassey1]

So, it's been awhile but they were seasoned with something... I know super descriptive... not spicy I want to say more of a bbq seasoning. But they were cooked perfectly, again I want to say they were lightly fried. I want to say they had some sort of sauce with them as well. And then with the toppings perfect! My memory is really vague on them at this point in time but they were good. It was the second time we ordered them, so we def liked them. Ironically, both times we ordered them, I didn't take any pictures!

These sound delicious!

 

[Araminta18]

Morgan ordered a Rice Krispe Treat with Dark Chocolate, Crushed Butterfingers & Cinnamon Sugar and Dark Chocolate Drizzle.
Gwen ordered a Ride Krispe Treat with Milk Chocolate, Crushed Oreo & Mini M&Ms with White Chocolate Drizzle

Best treats ever!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

So good though I think the ones you gave us the recipe for were even better.

Homemade is always better. But man are those alot of work!

the epcot changes they certainly did not take advantage of the covid down time to get any work done.

I know! They could have demolished everything while no one was around. Oh well.

You want to take the boat because its so relaxing and DS is so close yet they do nothing to balance the boats out between the resorts. We ended up doing busses after that

It was a huge disapointment! And I don't think we will be staying there for awhile.

Blurry or not that looks and sounds delicious. Love the idea of pimento cheese on bbq

Highliy recommend polite pig if you guys need a counter service at some point this trip! I know you aren't fans of counter service but this one is delish!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Hello Everyone! Sorry for being a little MIA lately! I feel like life is starting to go back to normal and I have totally forgotten what it is like to have things to do!

Gwen "graduated" from the elementary school this week! She is off to the middle school with Morgan next year! She is not happy about it. She will like it once she is there, she is just holding on to what she knows for now. the girls of course have 3 more days of school! I swear we are always THE LAST school to be done for the year!

Morgan got her 2nd vaccine shot yesterday! So, in 2 weeks, 75% of our household will be fully vaccinated. Poor Gwen, she really wants to get her shot as well. She really has been a little worrier this whole time about all of it. And it will really put her mind at ease once she can get hers as well.

Alright, on to our next park day! I will admit, for whatever reason, I really had to piece this day toghether with pictures and food recipts. This day is very blurry in my memory!

Day Three: Breakfast & Dinos

Today we were off to Animal Kingdom! I have a love/hate relationship with AK. I love the feel of the park and it has some great rides and food. But it somehow always ends up being our meh day. I don't know why? Maybe because the park is so hot? Maybe because we never go to it first and we are just tired already. I am really not sure.

Day 3 Cheat Sheet
Here is our cheat sheet for the day. AK had EMH this morning, but we decided against trying to make that. I think they only reason we wanted to try was to ride Navi River Journey at Rope Drop. And let's face it, it isn't worth it.

We have dinner reservations at 5:30, so we knew we wanted to stay in the park all day. So, we decided to "sleep in"

Tinker Bell Shirts
Of course, sleeping in, was 7:37 when you are in Disney!

Gwen checking out Tink Gifts
Today's tinkerbell gifts were just some new shirts for the girls. They didn't even go on theme for the day. But they still liked them all the same.

Gwen and Big Footie Groot
We took our time getting ready. There is Gwen's Big Footie Groot that she got the night before.

Leaving our room
We headed out of the room a little before 9 am. French Quarter is a beautiful resort!

French Quarter Bus Line
But we got to the bus stop and were greated with this! Yikes!!!

I will say, there was a CM here this morning and she was doing an amazing job containing the crowds and lines! She was making sure everyone showing up knew which line was for what and keeping defined lines. It was VERY NICE. I tried to see what her name was to give her a complement.

But as soon as we walked up we saw 2 busses pulling in!
French Quarter Line
And since AK was EMH, most of the people waiting were for MK, I think. So, we got right on a bus and off we went.

Animal Kingdom Entrance
We were seeing this at 9:30! We really lucked out!

And our luck continued!
AK Annual Pass Entrance for the WIN!
This was our view of the line of people trying to get into the park! But we were able to use the Annual Pass line and it paid off again this morning. (If I am being honest, this might be one of the perks we are going to miss the most with no APs anymore)

We were really trying to take it slow today, and just enjoy this park. We always seem to be rushing from one fast pass to the next.
Cave
So, we explored the front area as we walked into the park.

Cave Peak Hole
And I am just going to say it. There really isn't THAT much to explore. A few small animals and a cave.. If you rush past this area, it's not like you are missing some AMAZING thing. there I said it...

Tree of Life Photo
We grabbed Tree of Life photos as well. (OK, photopass might actually be the thing we miss, we used to never get it. And now I think I might have to add it on our next trip, Andy loves seeing the photos right away and being able to post them while in line.)

IMG_1018
The CM had us do this magic shot and the girls were perplexed by what it was going to be. Which was kind of fun to hear there guesses as to what it would be. They did not guess correctly!

We decided to head to Dinnosaur this morning. It had been a VERY long time since we had ridden it. Gwen refused to for awhile but for some reason agreed to this morning. So, we hung a right at the tree of life.

Tiger Tails
I suggested grabbing a couple tiger tails for the girls on the way. And they gladly accepted! The girls claim that they tasted different but I think they are the exact same thing as the Cheshire Cat Tails only with different colors...

Dino Bash
We took our breakfast to go and kept heading for the ride.

Dino Cuo
We got in line a little before 10.

Dino Que
Ready to Ride
On the truck
And we were ready to ride by 10:10. So, the wait wasn't too long of a wait.

I have to say, we liked this ride more than we were expecting to. Is it an AMAZING ride? Probably not, but it is fun. All though it is VERY bumpy!

After Dinasour, we headed to our first fast pass of the day!
Kilimanjaro Safari 10:10 - 11:10

Dino Car
I tried to get the girls to pretend they were driving in a car. Morgan didn't either get the idea or just didn't want to play along....

Harambe Market
It was nice a peaceful still this morning.

We headed over to ride on the Safari.
Elephant

Giraffes
We got some good views of the elephants and giraffes. My favorite animals!

It was a good safari and then we were off to back track to ride Everest!

Up next will Gwen willingly ride?

 

[suse66]

Looks like a super fun AK morning! I am going to miss that AP line too if they don't bring them back.

 

[SEAGULL59]

Yay for Morgan getting her second vaccine! My son got his two weeks ago as well. We're getting closer!!

I'm taking my daughter on a mommy/daughter short trip in November and we are going to AK for the first time. It has always been the park we skip but want to give it a try with her! She will be 7 and loves animals!!

 

[suse66]

Gwen "graduated" from the elementary school this week! She is off to the middle school with Morgan next year! She is not happy about it. She will like it once she is there, she is just holding on to what she knows for now. the girls of course have 3 more days of school! I swear we are always THE LAST school to be done for the year!

Oh I feel your pain! I am teaching until the 28th!! Such a long year.

Morgan got her 2nd vaccine shot yesterday! So, in 2 weeks, 75% of our household will be fully vaccinated. Poor Gwen, she really wants to get her shot as well. She really has been a little worrier this whole time about all of it. And it will really put her mind at ease once she can get hers as well.

Yay! Great news for Morgan! I got my second dose yesterday too. Hopefully they will get vaccines approved for under 12 soon.