10 Nights of Magic in The Orlando Trifecta-TR - COMPLETE!! 12/10 About This Page:

[chezp]

Oh I'm so glad you ate there and enjoyed it. We've only had breakfast there, but we love it there.

[Tara O'Hara]

That place looks really cool and we may have to try it in November!! I love the setting. Your lunch looked yummy!! I can't wait to see how different the WL looks!! We haven't stayed there in years!!!

[purplegal]

Your lunch looked good and what a nice open area to enjoy it. Wilderness Lodge looks so inviting, its not a place we have visited yet.

[KimmyAnn1147]

Nice update. I love the way you pop in to the parks, ride a FP+ choice, and pop out again. Such a peaceful way to enjoy a day at WDW!

[patclairesmom]

That's awful when the buses come so late. At least it didn't mess up your plans. What a great choice for lunch.

[Colexis Mom]

Great pictures from WL! Looks like a great lunch!

[SuperDave]

Originally Posted by chezp

Oh I'm so glad you ate there and enjoyed it. We've only had breakfast there, but we love it there.

I knew you'd be happy I went here for lunch! Great choice, easy to get to, lovely views, ambience and good food! I also wanted to explore the new additions to the WL, which I enjoyed.

Originally Posted by Tara O'Hara

That place looks really cool and we may have to try it in November!! I love the setting. Your lunch looked yummy!! I can't wait to see how different the WL looks!! We haven't stayed there in years!!!

You definitely should try it as you'll be staying at the WL. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Just loved the whole feel to this outdoor eatery as so relaxing. Some good choices on the menu but it is a bit limited.

[SuperDave]

Originally Posted by purplegal

Your lunch looked good and what a nice open area to enjoy it. Wilderness Lodge looks so inviting, its not a place we have visited yet.

Really enjoyed Geyser Point and especially the feel and openess to it. WL is a nice resort and a good place to visit.

Originally Posted by KimmyAnn1147

Nice update. I love the way you pop in to the parks, ride a FP+ choice, and pop out again. Such a peaceful way to enjoy a day at WDW!

I definitely pack a lot in to my days! Quite easy to do with so many convenient transportation options available in WDW! Having a lot of variety makes it a better trip.

[SuperDave]

Originally Posted by patclairesmom

That's awful when the buses come so late. At least it didn't mess up your plans. What a great choice for lunch.

That wasn't the way I wanted the WDW portion to begin but at least I got to the MK and having a great time! Glad I went to Geyser Point and enjoyed a nice lunch a nice and relaxed outdoor setting. I also got to explore some of the new additions to the WL, which was part of the reason I came here for lunch.

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

Great pictures from WL! Looks like a great lunch!

Thanks. I enjoyed my lunch at Geyser Point quite so and it's a great addition to the WL. I will certainly return when I stay at the WL again or use the boat option from the MK again.

[KimmyAnn1147]

Originally Posted by SuperDave

I definitely pack a lot in to my days! Quite easy to do with so many convenient transportation options available in WDW! Having a lot of variety makes it a better trip.

I really feel like you may have mastered the "less is more" touring philosophy. Less attraction-packing, but more relaxed enjoyment!

[SuperDave]

Originally Posted by KimmyAnn1147

I really feel like you may have mastered the "less is more" touring philosophy. Less attraction-packing, but more relaxed enjoyment!

Perhaps, at times it's like this but don't necessarily plan it this way always. It just sort of happens but it works.

[SuperDave]

Two Firsts in The Magic Kingdom with So Many Previous Trips!

(The Above Will Be in the Next Update)



Sunday, October 8th (Part IV)
When I arrived at the Wilderness Lodge boat dock one had yet to arrive but was approaching. We had about ten of us waiting for one to the Magic Kingdom. After a nice start to the Magic Kingdom earlier I was looking forward to returning with more attractions and other experiences. Some of these would be new experiences for me as I’ve been traveling to WDW since 2002 with 12 previous trips. So, certainly, something to consider as it unfolds later. You will be surprised as much as I am with this.

As I’ve mentioned in this update, I still have two more FP+s to use today. I was thinking about adding another FP+ later but what was available didn’t interest me or if it did, I wouldn’t be able to do as I have an ADR in Disney Springs tonight. My first one is coming up shortly at 2:05 pm. But, this wouldn’t be the first thing I would do on my return.

Our boat arrived shortly and we got on board once everyone had disembarked and the boat was close to capacity as these passengers probably had been at the Magic Kingdom since opening and returning for some downtime or possibly spending it at the pool or just exploring this great resort.

Once we boarded, we were on our way shortly to the Magic Kingdom and arrived just several minutes later. What I did notice on arrival is how hot and humid it was now! It didn’t seem that bad over at the Wilderness Lodge for lunch, but then again I was inside at Geyser Point Grille. Even when I explored the area outside (Copper Canyon), there was plenty of shade. I do know thunderstorms are possible for later today. I just hope it doesn’t spoil anything for me in the Magic Kingdom!


Walt Disney World Railroad at Main Street USA station

I went through the security line almost immediately and then I got in line to scan my MagicBand. The line wasn’t bad at all and I got through rather fast. It amazes me how efficient the CMs are even after so many visits, which continues to amaze me on every trip! Before heading to my next FP+ attraction, since it was so hot I decided it would be a good time to take a ride on the WDW RR, which would be more comfortable than walking to Tomorrowland. I would still have a bit of a walk but I’d be much closer.

The wait for the train was a few minutes and as always there were a lot of guests waiting for the next train. I always enjoy this ride, but don’t always think about doing this unfortunately as it’s so enjoyable!





Once the train arrived and everyone who was getting off here did so, we boarded the train. There was a bit of a delay as some passengers needed assistance with boarding. The same as with the WDW buses but more passengers who need this as many more getting on here than a WDW bus. It was just a few minutes and then we departed for a nice relaxing ride. I always enjoy the scenery and theming between Main Street USA and Frontierland. We arrived at Frontierland in a few minutes, but I wasn’t getting off yet but at the next stop, which is Fantasyland.





After a short stop at Frontierland we departed for Fantasyland. It is such a nice, relaxing and peaceful ride. Unfortunately, in just a few minutes we arrived at Fantasyland and this is where I got off to go to my next FP+. It wasn’t in Fantasyland but in Tomorrowland. It’s just a short walk from the Fantasyland station to Tomorrowland. I almost felt like doing a complete circuit back here to Fantasyland but there were other things to do, but probably could have made it happen and wouldn’t lose my FP+s. Well, anyway, I still had a great ride!












Train in station waiting to depart to Main Street USA

I decided to postpone my upcoming FP+ by several minutes as there was something I wanted to experience first and was close by. I had a lot of time remaining on my FP+, so I wasn’t worried. I had until 3:20 with the extra fifteen minutes in the FP+ window and it was about 2:30 pm, so plenty of time.


Not one of my favorite attractions in the MK as I find it pretty boring



Space Mountain was in front of me as that would be my FP+ shortly and the one I bypassed for another attraction before going there. Instead, I headed over to Carousel of Progress, which is always a good attraction and show. I try to experience this on each trip. One reason for doing this now as it would be good to sit down and relax inside without the heat and humidity for a while and this attraction certainly provides it. This can also lead to nodding off a bit during the ride, which is quite easy to do!

When I arrived at the top of the ramp, they weren’t letting people in yet as the previous show had not ended yet. The CM told us it would be just a few minutes. We were let in the theater in about five minutes. It felt quite good once we got into the air-conditioned theater. Over the next few minutes the theater quickly filled up and was about ¾ full, when they closed the doors. It’s always a good show with the four different parts to it from the early 1900’s through the 1980’s. Although, I think it could use some updating.

Here we go with Carousel of Progress and a few photos. We have one from each era!


Early 1900’s I think or a bit later? Possibly 1920’s? Anyone know this starting point?


Several years later and I think in the 1940’s?


This is definitely the 1950’s as I'm more aware of things in the scenes. Although, I still wasn’t around yet!


This is definitely the 80’s as with a lot of things with the clothing and the technology that follows in this portion of the show. I love COP so much and I feel I haven’t visited the MK until I see this show on each trip! Great show as always, even though it doesn’t ever change. Hopefully, they’ll update it eventually as it’s needed.

It was as enjoyable as ever As expected, I did have the “nods” on occasion as getting out from the heat, it’s dark in here and very relaxing!




Love these and the color schemes!

After this attraction, I made the very short walk over to Space Mountain. This was my 2nd of 3 Fastpass+ reservations for the day. One of my favorites in the MK and possibly my favorite one. You get jerked around a lot on this ride but I enjoy the ride as so thrilling overall as quite unique in every way. It was my first ever ride experience in WDW back in 2002. I will always remember this. I’ve gone on this attraction on every trip so far. Generally, and I think every single trip to WDW, I’ve had multiple times on this attraction and this one will be no different! But, more down the line in the days ahead, with five more remaining.



The FP+ line was fine until you had to scan your MagicBand inside at the top where the lines shift and either you go on the left or right. There is always a wait here and just a matter of rounding the corner in several minutes when things can happen for you being a single rider. For this, I always stay alert!

I always love the theming here and in the queue and especially the music as I walk through, which is the best! Once I got to the top and scanned my MB it was about a five minute wait. Once we rounded the corner into the attraction area, CMs called out for single riders (once I entered this area) and of course I volunteered! I don’t remember which row on SM I got on but it didn’t matter as I saved several minutes waiting. I had a great time on this attraction as always and such a thrill! I will be back for this later in my trip as it’s just my first day in WDW. I look forward to Space Mountain on every trip and it never disappoints. Well, unless the ride is down, when you arrive for you FP+ (on a few occasions) or the lights go on inside during your ride (one time) and stops at the worst possible place! It was on a nearly 90 degree incline about halfway up about five years ago or so! Not fun for any of us in the car! It was a good five minutes on the incline! At least I got a Fastpass ticket for this experience, which I used!

One thing to add, is if you are inside Space Mountain with the lights on, it is just so cool to experience and see this as it doesn’t happen often. But, I’ve been lucky to experience this on a few occasions. Of course, it will occur when you have so many trips to WDW as I’ve had. At least two times on the ride without interruption and a third with the stoppage as I mentioned. I also experienced the illuminations of SM inside with the People Mover attraction when going through. It was just by pure luck this happened and was the first time I had seen Space Mountain all lit up inside like this. Just amazing! Looks like a giant erector set is how I can describe it!

One thing to mention is my first experience with Space Mountain in 2002 as it was my first attraction on my very first WDW trip, well, at least with a stay involved.

On my first ever experience with Space Mountain in April, 2002 I had a Fast Pass ticket (you remember those days?) and as a first time visitor I was well versed in what I had to do for the top tier attractions on my first stay. I got to the left side queue and a CM was about to assign me my row. He began talking to me about WDW and I told him this was my first stay in WDW and on my first day. This was odd and especially on my first attraction. Not sure if they could get info on this when I handed my Fastpass to him. He asked where I was staying and I told him I’m at the Wilderness Lodge for seven nights. There was a bit of a wait until he could assign me and we talked more and asked what else I’d be doing on this trip. I told him I was looking forward to the dining options in WDW and had made several ADRs as well as playing a few rounds of golf on the WDW courses. He was probably in his mid 20’s back then and very friendly and so welcoming to me. Just what I love about the WDW experience and why I keep coming back with so many amazing CMs. This wasn’t the end of our talk. Just before assigning me my row on Space Mountain before my car arrived, he handed me a Fastpass, which could be used at any time. There wasn’t any expiration on it! That was so cool! A bit of Disney Magic bestowed on me by an amazing CM on my very first day and attraction experience! Makes it even more magical as I was not expecting this!

I knew now, that I’d be returning to WDW (on future trips) and surprisingly it was nearly an hour after arriving at the Wilderness Lodge. It is something I will never forget, even though it is just a Fastpass. The Magic by CMs can be quite something if you receive it. It’s not a matter of whether you’ll receive it, but when as it will happen! It has on many occasions and you just don’t know when it will, which is the element of surprise on an amazing WDW trip!

I thought, I could do my return to the MK from my lunch at the WL in one update, but that won’t happen! You can disregard my “Next” tease in this update as it will be in the following one.



NEXT: Two Firsts in The Magic Kingdom with So Many Previous Trips!

[chezp]

What a lovely story about Space Mountain. We have seen it lit up a couple of times, but each time, the camera was away (I know - rare for me, right? ) so I've never got any photos of it. One day....

[SuperDave]

Originally Posted by chezp

What a lovely story about Space Mountain. We have seen it lit up a couple of times, but each time, the camera was away (I know - rare for me, right? ) so I've never got any photos of it. One day....

I had never mentioned it before as it was some amazing Disney magic. I'd love to get a photo of it too one day.

[Tara O'Hara]

That was such a cool story, Dave!! We have also experienced lots o of Disney magic over the years and it never gets old!! That guy was awesome!! We also love COP and I agree that this attraction as well as Little Mermaid and Bug's Life are conducive to snoozing! Especially on a hot day!!