It's going to be an "Incredible Summer" About This Page:

[lindawdw]

Just signing on Darlene. So glad that you all were able to get back to WDW after such a tough couple of years. It sounds like you had a bit of a rocky start but glad to hear that it got better as the week went on for you. We haven't used the mobile ordering too much yet but are hoping to do it with our next trip! I hope they are able to be more efficient with letting you know that your order is ready so that everything is hot.

[CinderAbby]

Originally Posted by pamcarey

Sorry that your day was a little rough! I can’t believe that Disney didn’t have the ferries running at that time of the morning! That’s crazy and I would’ve gotten cranky too! Great pictures with the Pooh characters and the princesses! Very cute that Abby wore a T-shirt with the Pooh characters on it to dine at Crystal Palace!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

No ferries, no express monorail, no buses. I couldn't believe it either but yeah, not a good start. Abby loves that shirt that I made her and she wanted to wear it again. The characters seem to love it too. They always gesture to it.

Originally Posted by SuperDave

Good day in the MK so far. Too bad with the ferry situation as I would have been unhappy too. Nice character interaction with Abby at the CP and in the park.

Thanks. It did start off rough with the monorail. Abby loves seeing the characters and I know her interactions with them have grown over the years. Especially the face characters. She will talk with them a lot more than she ever has.

Originally Posted by DMA

I know what you mean about things not going according to plan. It does make you feel a little off.
When we were there last week, I commented about all the people standing in the hot sun watching the castle show. I could not do that! : It makes me wilt!

Yes, the first day felt off and there didn't seem to be anything that could turn it around. I kept hoping it would so when it didn't, I was ready to leave. Heat is such a lovely thing. Abby stood in the sun wearing her hat, Lenny and I sat back from her. Lenny had his canopy and I'm pretty sure I used the umbrella for shade now that I think about it. It was still hot though.

Originally Posted by purplegal

Sorry your morning didn’t start out like you wanted, but you did get a lot done, and it looks like Abby had lots of fun. Hopefully tomorrow will go better and Lenny will feel better.

It's funny you should say we got a lot done. I didn't feel that we had but I kept getting "stuck" on the fact we did I think all of 3 actual rides the entire day. I wasn't taking into account the M&G's and the shows. Abby did have fun, I don't think her day was as off as mine. As for tomorrow, stay tuned.

[patclairesmom]

Sorry your first day at MK was rough but glad that Abbey seemed to be having a good time. Your call for leaving the park early was a good one!

[CinderAbby]

Originally Posted by patclairesmom

Even though it was a tough day, it looked like Abbey had a great time. I think your call of leaving the park early was a good one. Hopefully a good night sleep will do the trick

Abby did have fun, I don't think things affected her as much as us. I too think leaving early was a good call. Stay tuned to see if it helps or not.

Originally Posted by Ashli

Was it foggy at all the morning you were heading into MK? I have experienced the ferries not running due to fog. However, there was a bus option added to the monorail option when I have seen the ferries down. It is kind of off to the side and hard to see though, so most people don't know to go over to it unless a CM is there directing people.

No, no fog. Just not running. Neither was the express monorail or the buses. We did ask.

Originally Posted by NanaTink

Sorry your day was off. It happens sometimes, but boy, it can pop that Disney bubble right quick when it does.
I haven't worked with the ordering of food in advance. good to know it might not be the most reliable about letting you know your food is ready!

Thanks - and isn't that the truth. It did pop the bubble very quick. As for the Mobile ordering, what I did (and I don't think I'm spoiling anything by saying this) is as the week went on, I would pretty much click "I'm here" and then head towards the counter. The biggest "line" I ever had in front of me was 2 people so I could see when my order was getting put on a tray and I just stayed back away from the counter until it was.

Originally Posted by lindawdw

Just signing on Darlene. So glad that you all were able to get back to WDW after such a tough couple of years. It sounds like you had a bit of a rocky start but glad to hear that it got better as the week went on for you. We haven't used the mobile ordering too much yet but are hoping to do it with our next trip! I hope they are able to be more efficient with letting you know that your order is ready so that everything is hot.

Thanks Linda. It was rocky to start and after being a couple of years between trips, it wasn't the start I wanted. As for more efficient, as I said above, I would hit "I'm here" and then go wait at the counter. I think part of the problem for me is the fact that I took a very inexpensive table with us that was only wifi enabled. I'm sure those that have devices/phones that have cell use will have much less trouble than I did. To be fair, I can have trouble with the device here in my own house too (maybe I should have said it was cheap instead of inexpensive).

[CinderAbby]

Originally Posted by patclairesmom

Sorry your first day at MK was rough but glad that Abbey seemed to be having a good time. Your call for leaving the park early was a good one!

Thanks. I'm glad we decided to do that. Abby did have a good time despite the bumps.

[clio]

I'm sorry your first day was a little rough. I can sympathize with you. I got sick during our last trip and spent most of it on my room.
I enjoy looking at all your pictures and reading about your trip. I must say that Abby is getting braver.
In spite of every you managed to do quite a bit.
Liz

[Cam22]

Bummer that the day got started off sync! I love the photos of your day, especially of Abby with the dance parade and with the Incredible 2 Expo backdrops.

[cattailmarsh]

I know you felt like you did not accomplish a lot when looking at the # of rides but looking at the shows, time for food, bathroom breaks and of course the very important M&Gs - you did a lot and all with still leaving MK early. Looking at the photos - Abby was definitely enjoying herself. Totally great that you were able to stand back and let her race ahead, play and try new things. She is really blossoming. I loved your attitude - shoes and clothes will dry so play! Those little moments make a huge difference. Great memories will persevere past remembering the small annoying bumps. I absolutely loved those Incredibles photos.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[CinderAbby]

Originally Posted by clio

I'm sorry your first day was a little rough. I can sympathize with you. I got sick during our last trip and spent most of it on my room.
I enjoy looking at all your pictures and reading about your trip. I must say that Abby is getting braver.
In spite of every you managed to do quite a bit.
Liz

Thanks Liz. That stinks that you were sick during a trip. That is no fun at home so I can only imagine how bad it must have been to have it happen at Disney. I'm glad you enjoy my TR's. Abby has gotten much braver - or maybe more confident in her abilities - from our trips and I love to see it myself.

Originally Posted by Cam22

Bummer that the day got started off sync! I love the photos of your day, especially of Abby with the dance parade and with the Incredible 2 Expo backdrops.

Thanks Cam. At the time it was worse than just a bummer but it was what it was. We could only deal with it. I'm glad you're enjoying the photos. It's a different format from my past TR's but this way I can actually do more - and it took far less time too.

Originally Posted by cattailmarsh

I know you felt like you did not accomplish a lot when looking at the # of rides but looking at the shows, time for food, bathroom breaks and of course the very important M&Gs - you did a lot and all with still leaving MK early. Looking at the photos - Abby was definitely enjoying herself. Totally great that you were able to stand back and let her race ahead, play and try new things. She is really blossoming. I loved your attitude - shoes and clothes will dry so play! Those little moments make a huge difference. Great memories will persevere past remembering the small annoying bumps. I absolutely loved those Incredibles photos.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

You're right, overall we did get quite a bit done but at the time, it really didn't feel like it. Taking time for things like photos and MK's is still being there and doing something and I usually look at it that way but it was a rough start so I know that impacted my thinking. Now that we're home, that is what I'm thinking about and remembering - Abby being willing to get soaked from the rain, Abby wanting to run ahead saying "don't worry mom, I know where you are." It's those moments and memories that keep us going back.

[CinderAbby]

Tuesday morning I was up at 3:30. It wasn't on purpose. I got up to use the bathroom then could not get back to sleep. Abby was up about 4:30 and I got Lenny up about 4:55. We all got ready, got everything together, and left room at 5:45. Very soon after, we were at the Studios, through security, and actually in the park at 6:15 a.m. Despite other people's experiences with getting to Toy Story Land at 6:30, we were not let there until 6:45 and when we got in line for Slinky, it was posted at 30 minutes already. It actually took us that long to get on the ride too. I had a lot of fun on the ride and really enjoyed it. Lenny on the other hand not so much. The end kind of made him nauseous. Since we didn't get into Toy Story Land as early as I expected and we were in the line so long, the only thing we had time to do before breakfast was to go back and get a wheelchair. I also bought an autograph book as I realized at some point in time that morning that I left my notebook back in the room. Now fully prepared for the day, we headed to Hollywood and Vine to check in for breakfast. It didn't take long to get seated and once again we felt here had a lot of good options. We enjoyed what we had, we saw all the characters - a couple of them multiple times - and we were out at about 8:30. We then went right to Olaf who had a short wait. He no longer signs autograph books however. We had good interaction with him but we weren't done with characters quite yet. We went to see Mickey and Minnie next. The line was posted at 20 minutes but it took about 25 before we saw them. Abby enjoyed seeing them but once we were done, she wanted to go to Muppet Vision since we were so close.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/V34TtZ8VmUTe3mEd8

We did our tour of the Muppet labs and once we left, Abby wanted to go to the Launch Bay. On the way there, we stopped to see the March of the First Order. I don't know how long they've been doing it but it was cool how it was filmed and shown on the screens on the stage. We weren't up close so I didn't take any photos of it. After the Storm Troopers left, we continued on and ended up in the line for Kylo Ren since it was only a 10-minute wait. He keeps telling Abby he'll teach her the ways of the dark side but I don't think it will ever happen. On our way out, we saw a couple of Storm troopers who were looking for recruits. I think Abby was picked due to her "I'm celebrating" button but I don't care why. She was picked and it was fun memorable interaction. I chose to film it instead of photo it.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qV3Dsg286mzLLS2y6

Beauty and the Beast was our next destination and on the way one of the "Citizens of Hollywood" was just setting up. It was the one who gives advice. Abby rang her bell and as the conversation went on, Lenny and I both thought "who's the one giving advice?" Again I filmed it instead of taking photos. We finally made it to the theater and at 10:45 it was pretty packed. We were still able to get seats down front but they were all the way to the left. They were okay seats. Depending upon the scene, either dancers or Cogsworth were in the way and that's all we saw. From Beauty and the Beast it was time to go to another large theater, this time for the Indiana Jones stunt show. It's been years since I've seen it but for Lenny and Abby, it was their first time. As we walked there, we made a quick stop at Min and Bills for the s'mores brownies I had heard about. I'm glad I got one for each of us as they were good and too small to share. Okay. Maybe they are good size for sharing but I enjoyed it so therefore I didn't want to share it.

Once at Indy, we were seated in the back and it was fine but they announced that there were technical difficulties with the boulder scene and we wouldn't see it. Abby was a little bummed but she said she can watch it online. Then to "add insult to injury," when they were asking for volunteers, someone standing almost behind Abby was picked. She wasn't happy that she didn't get picked as she was waving both hands trying so hard to be noticed. Abby didn't know until I explained it to her that the guy in the bright orange Hawaiian shirt was not a guest picked over her. He was in reality a performer in the show. It didn't matter where he was standing he was going to get picked so she really didn't lose out. She was fine after that and I think she enjoyed the show.

After the show, we used the bathrooms and then headed to theater number four of the day to see Voyage of the Little Mermaid. It was also our first Fastpass today. Something seemed different to me at the time but I couldn't put my finger on what it could be. Maybe it has just been so long since I have seen it that it just seemed different. After Voyage of the Little Mermaid, we were in the right area for our next fastpass - and our fifth theater show of the day -Disney Junior. Abby's 18 but still likes this show and with it leaving soon, she definitely wanted to see it again. For this, I sat in the wheelchair and since I don't remember seeing the whole show, I'm pretty sure I fell asleep during it. Is anyone surprised? I know I'm not. We were already into our 7th or 8th hour in the park and I was doing it on maybe only five hours of sleep. Lenny probably slept too.

After all our sitting in nice, cool theaters, it was now time to go roast in the backyard - Andy's backyard also known as Toy Story Land for those not keeping up. Instead of getting a Fastpass for Slinky Dog - which would have interfered with the shows we wanted to see - I opted to get it for Alien Swirling Saucers instead. I'm glad I did as I don't really think this ride is worth a long wait. Lenny didn't want to ride it so we parked him in what little shade was available near the bathrooms then Abby and I got in line. As we walked through, we noticed one side of the ride was shut down and maintenance guys were working on it. I don't know if, or when, they got it up and running as after our one ride on it, we never went back to it. The ride is really short and if you can't stop yourself from doing it, you slide all over the seat. I slid around a lot and one time I whacked my shoulder hard on the side of the car. I'm surprised it didn't bruise but it did hurt for a while. Since we had a little bit of time before our next fastpass for the 3:30 Frozen show (I got this while in line for Alien Swirling Saucers), I left Lenny and Abby in the shade to go get some photos the new land. I didn't make it far before the Green Army Men Boot Camp started. When Abby heard what was going on, she came running over to stand next to me. Just like with the Storm Troopers, I think her "I'm celebrating" button help her to get picked. I filmed this and it was a lot of fun to watch.


https://photos.app.goo.gl/XVExKt4bbzA8WNcEA

[CinderAbby]

After boot camp and photo-taking, we went to theater number six of the day to see Frozen. While waiting, I used the device to get another Fastpass, this time for Star Tours. It was for 5:30 - later than I really wanted it - but I took it anyway. As for Frozen, we still enjoyed it but it has been changed since the last time we were there. The "Royal Historians" were all different and not quite as funny as before. There were other tweaks and changes to the show as well. It didn't ruin the show in my opinion. It just made it different. After leaving the show, and buying a plush Marshmallow (the snow monster from the movie) we headed over to Star Tours to see what the wait time was. 40 minutes was posted but the Jedi training was about to start so we waited for it since Abby likes it. Clouds had been building and even though it didn't rain, part way through the show that dreaded announcement was heard "due to inclement weather the show has been canceled." With the show being over so suddenly, we weren't sure what to do but now the wait for Star Tours was only 15 minutes. We decided to try and get in. The cast member let us right in even with the scooter. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't, but with the threat of rain I'm glad he let us in with it.

As usual, I sat this one out and just made notes while waiting. As soon as Lenny and Abby came out, we decided with the ride now behind us, we could go to dinner and try to change our Fastpass but not necessarily in that order. In the past we've eaten at ABC Commissary but this year they changed the menu so we would try Backlot Express instead. It was near Star Tours so as we headed that way, Abby saw Jedi training was about to start again (the storm had blown over). We stopped so she could watch it again and I used the time to cancel the Star Tours Fastpass. I was able to get one for the 9 p.m. Fantasmic show. I also used the mobile ordering for our dinner. Today it worked like it was supposed to. As soon as we got a table in the restaurant (and while Lenny was plugging in the scooter - yes we actually found a plug) I hit the "I'm here" button and only a couple minutes later it told me my order was ready. Abby got the bacon cheeseburger, Lenny got the chicken club minus all the stuff he doesn't eat (aioli, avocado), and I got the chili cheese dog. Everything was good and hot which is what made me think our Cosmic Rays order sat for a while before I picked it up. I personally wouldn't do the chili cheese dog again. I like chili and I like hot dogs but not necessarily together. Abby and Lenny liked what they got.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/f8YhSD7CwVbYdq3M6

After dinner, we went back to Toy Story Land to ride Toy Story Mania. We must have gotten a return time for it but I don't know when that was. As we waited for the wheelchair accessible vehicle to come back, the person right behind us said my name. It was Marci - Disney4us2 here on the boards. We got to ride Toy Story Mania together - twice. Marci rode with Abby and I rode with Lenny. After we got off the ride, I tried to get a return time for Slinky so we could maybe ride that together too. We couldn't get matching times but with a little bit of cast member magic, Abby and I were allowed to join Marci on her return time. Lenny didn't want to ride so he stayed behind and waited. Slinky was just as cool the second time and after a few pictures, some talk, and exchanging phone numbers we said goodbye to Marci. For those wondering, I did get a later return time for Abby and I but we never used it.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/LMHY1XMb5PysdvQj8

Lenny at this point in time wanted to plug the scooter in for a bit so we went and found the plug on the pillar near the Pixar Place bathrooms. He plugged it in for about 20 minutes and while it was charging he used the wheelchair so we could go to One Man's Dream for a bit to beat the heat. About 8 we went back to get the scooter and head over to the amphitheater for Fantasmic. Abby wanted to see it this year and we weren't feeling too tired so we stayed for it.

[CinderAbby]

When we got to the amphitheater, we could walk all the way up the path but when we got to the Fastpass touch points, I thought it would be too early - it was only like 8:10 or 8:15 and my Fastpass wasn't until 8:25. It wasn't too early to use them so we tapped our bands and continued on our way. When we got close enough, a cast member directed us on where to go and we were pretty much smack dab in the center which was cool. The last time we saw this, even with arriving an hour early, we were on the very far left of the theater. The better seats of tonight didn't make me like the show any better however. It's not terrible but it's just not my thing. If I want to see snippets of movies put to music, I'd rather it be in an air-conditioned theater with an actual screen that I can tell what is on it instead of water screens that I'm left wondering what I'm supposed to see (although the screens here are better than the ones used for RoL at AK). Abby likes it so that's all that matters.

Anyway, we were there early and it was hot so I had the bright idea to get some slushy drinks - which I did. For some reason, when I walked by the refreshment stand, I thought the flavors would be blue raspberry and cherry. I was only partially right. There was blue raspberry but I was told it was all alcoholic. If I wanted a non-alcoholic slush, I had to get the strawberry lemonade. Okay not a problem, I got three of them. When I got back to our spots I quickly regretted the decision. The drink was so tart I couldn't drink it. Lenny had difficulty but Abby drank hers - and mine - with no problems. What little I had started to bother my stomach so I left Lenny and Abby again to go buy a Mickey pretzel in hopes that the bread in my stomach would help. Thankfully it did but since the pretzels are so big, I shared it with Lenny and Abby. Right about 9 p.m., for whatever reason, Abby decided she didn't want to sit on the bench anymore so I let her sit in the wheelchair. As we switched seats, I tried to encourage her to use the bathroom since she had downed those two drinks. Afraid she would miss even a second of the show, she refused. Luck, or whatever word you like to use, was on my side though. We heard that dreaded announcement "due to inclement weather the show will be delayed". I don't know what weather they were talking about though - the sky seemed pretty clear to me. Upon hearing that, Abby was more than willing to go. So was Lenny. I just didn't want to be in a situation where someone really needed to go - and badly - at the end of the show. I had visions in my head of extremely long lines just like any at any Stadium or Arena event. No thank you. Lenny and Abby went and pretty much as soon as she got back, not even a minute later, the lights went out. Abby was getting ready to panic though as Lenny was not back but I saw him coming and he was back in his spot before the music started.

As I said, I'm still not a fan of the show. Abby likes it and wanted to see it. Once the show was over, we were not in any rush to join the crowd leaving so we just stayed put until the theater was practically empty. We made it back to the hotel by 10:30 so that wasn't too bad. Abby pretty much went right to bed while Lenny and I made it to bed around midnight.

[DMA]

Sorry you didn't get into DHS earlier, as I know I was the one who pointed out to you that they were letting people in sooner than the posted start.
Good use of the indoor air conditioned shows. It sure does help when it's so hot outside!

[CinderAbby]

Originally Posted by DMA

Sorry you didn't get into DHS earlier, as I know I was the one who pointed out to you that they were letting people in sooner than the posted start.
Good use of the indoor air conditioned shows. It sure does help when it's so hot outside!

Don't feel bad Donna. It's not your fault - and we still did get in early. And if people didn't constantly cut us off and prevent Lenny from going faster, we could have actually gotten to the ride before we did but I swear people see scooters and think "hurry up, we have to get in front of that person." It's a shame they don't stop to think about what they're doing.

Just a quick side story though about that. Later in the week as we waited for the ferry, we were pretty close to the front and I said to Lenny, "once they open those gates, take off and get on that boat, Abby and I will stay here and try to prevent people from cutting you off so you can" and the group of people behind me heard this. I think they were trying to do just that but I didn't notice them until they started to step back and then they said "we'll help you make sure he gets on the ferry too." We talked with them for a bit and then when the gates were opened, someone tried to go around them and they stopped the person saying something along the lines of "let the person on the scooter go first."

[SuperDave]

Great day at Studios with some good attractions, meals, character experiences and an overall good time! Sorry, you weren't let in to Studios early!