Hi all! It is hot and beautiful here at WDW. I am keeping an extensive trip log this time, and will add the pics when I get back. The crowds were amazingly low yesterday...folks must be coming in for the big 4th of July week. Stay tuned!
OK Disneydoc I am tuned in bring on the reports.
have a wonderful time. looking forward to reading about your trip
I will be there starting tomorrow! I'm driving down to philly to airport and staying over tonight! Maybe I'll see you! I'll be with my husband toting 6 teenagers around! We are hitting Epcot on 7/1, DHS on 7/2 and ohana at 5, MK on 7/3 and AK/TL on 7/4 and la nouba at night!
Grovesnor offsite '93 ~ Port Orleans '94 ~ Port Orleans '95 ~ Caribbean Beach '97~ Carribbean Beach '99 ~ Caribbean Beach '00 ~ Offsite '02~ Caribbean Beach '08 ~ Port Orleans French Quarter '10 ~ Dolphin/Hilton '12-~All Star Sports '16
I have a friend that just left there today! She survived "Debby" and hopefully had a good time! Can't wait to hear about your travels. 
"Keep moving forward"
Living vicariously through you! Can't wait to hear about it! Have fun!
Have fun all!
Bring on the report, disneydoc!!! I am needing a vacation and living yours second hand is gonna have to do for now!
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.
J. R. R. Tolkien
Can't wait for the trip report. Have fun!
Have a great time! Can't wait to see some pictures!
6 teenagers! Oh my word. I have 4 in their 20s....and exactly NONE with me. 
It is quite fun both ways, but being a single traveler just rocks. I am lovin it. Will share more later! I am planning on being in the MK for fireworks July 3 too, and HS for fireworks on the 4th. AK tomorrow...don't know beyond that.
The BEST thing that happened today - pics with Chip and Dale. I have a pic of my mother (deceased for 11 years) being kissed by Chip and Dale on a band trip when I was 15. She was the exact same age as I am now. So I will have my mother at 52, and me at 52...with Chip and Dale. Stay tuned with those pics.
Is that not a priceless Disney moment?
That is awesome!!! Nothing better than making those wonderful memories.
Yay can't wait to hear all about it and see that priceless chip and dale picture
Have a great time!
Member of the 6 castle club and working to pay for my next Disney vacations: 1/5-10/18, September 2018 for my 50th and 2018 the year of Disney cruising.
OK, I decided to shoot this out day by day....I will forget stuff if I don't. Pics will just have to come when I get home.
Arrival Day June 29
Rolled into Orlando around 2:30 PM. Checked into my offsite hotel and by 3:30 headed straight to the park I always have to begin the magic with...MK! Took a ferryboat over (my preferred method, even though I love the monorails), and was delighted by what seems like lower than normal summer crowds.
Visited Mickey at Town Square, and got my first EVER pic with him and Minnie. Minnie absolutely stole the show " she made me want to exit to that gift store and buy everything with her pic on it (pics to follow!)
I decided to take the advice of this forum, and stop and smell the roses this trip instead of barreling through in my usual Disney obsessed manner. SO...these Dapper Dans on Main Street were just the ticket. They play these amazing organ pipes by hand while they sing.
Because the crowds were so low " maybe folks are coming in later for the big 4th of July week (yikes) " I was able to get into so many rides with a walk up and little waiting. I rode:
The new Dumbo (the inside carnival waiting area is awesome " I wish grown-ups could climb on the stuff. I wanted to, as I am a very big kiddo at heart, but no one else was doing it...)
Alladin's Magic Carpets
People Mover - which was cool, because Space Mountain's lights were ON inside " they were having a tech problem (or someone got sick 
). That thing is scary " glad it's dark when it runs!! I rode it a few weeks ago on my first summer trip, but think I will skip it this time. Don't want them to have to clean up after me.
Caught the show on the Castle steps that I usually blow by on my way somewhere else " gotta say, made me tear up with memories of all those Disney characters. I think adults adore Disney for the old as well as new magic " and kids are in the process of making it. How did Walt know this would happen? I wonder if he did???
Did some browsy shopping, and headed over to Frontierland to Pecos Bills for a quick bite of dinner. Must say " very disappointed. I am one of those really light eaters, so burgers don't work for me. The chicken wrap was kinda pitiful, and not tasty. Mostly wrap, too much dressing, not enough chicken. The burgers did look good if you are a beef carnivore. I made up for it with lots of mushrooms and extra salad stuff from their fixin's bar.
Then off to get a fastpass for Peter Pan[b] (9:30 " 10:30!). Meanwhile, more people watching and walking, checking out the [b]New Fantasyland landscape. Rode Pirates of the Caribbean & Haunted Mansion with minimal waiting. (looked for that engagement ring that is supposed to be in the concrete somwhere around HM....no luck....)
Dole Whip at Aloha Station! I may be a weirdo, but I like the Vanilla ones.
Off to get a good spot for Magic, Memories & You on the bridge leading to Tomorrowland " score! [pic]
Caught tail end of SpectroMagic, then MMY and Wishes. Saw Tinker Bell fly from the castle right over my head for the first time in my life!!!
Off to ride Peter Pan with my fastpass. Resisted the temptation to stay and ride other stuff. Went back to buy that Morning Mickey mug that I wanted earlier. So cute...pic to follow.
Ferryboat back with lots of tired folks...hit the sack by 1:30. Long day that began with an 8-hr ride down from Georgia, but when you are a Disney die hard, you do what you gotta do. I have to hit the ground running - cannot wait till the next day.
Day Two (June 30)
Epcot/HS day. Took it a bit slow this AM, cheerios in the room for bkfast, then began with a trip to Downtown Disney for a little cruise by shopping. (one of everything, please.)
Then on to Epcot, probably my favorite park. Took a spin around WS, and stopped for any cool stuff. I totally did not plan anything, but somehow happened up exactly on the beginning of acts that I have previously blown by (again, on the way to something I "planned"). I saw the Mariache Cobres (amazing), and that waiter/wine server duo in France (hilarious), and just plain enjoyed being there.
Lunch in The Land - a FABULOUS salmon, green beans, roasted potato plate from their food area. My kind of food. (pic later)
From their I hoofed it over to HS, sauntering through the Boardwalk to take in the sights ( so beautiful). Walked through the gate just in time to perch on the main drag for the 3 PM parade - which I of course have never slowed down to see in my run about. (I also note that my kiddos never wanted to do shows or parades much - they opted for rides, so I missed a lot of those in our years there). Found myself again a big kid, waving at characters, blowing kisses, and swept up in Walt's happiness. I LOVE watching others enjoy this too...an anniversary couple my age nearby doing the same.
Cruised around HS, caught a hilarious improv group, Citizens of Sunset Blvd (?), doing their thing, and Mulch, Sweat, & Tears on Streets of America. Now guys, they put me in the show...I rocked the cowbell for "Start Me Up" (my kinda music!!!!) - but can you believe I have no pic to prove it? I was about their only spectator...so no one to make a pic. But, I have the pic forever in my mind.
Over near Rockin' Roller Coaster for soft serve swirl. Asked directions, and a cast member told me to "Walk This Way"...the details of Disney theming at work! Did not ride RRC...sorry, no can do.
Cruised around more, then back over to Epcot for my favorite part of the day - the evening. I saw an INCREDIBLE performance in their Sounds of Summer series by the America pavillion - Stayin' Alive (BeeGees music, for you youngsters). I saw the 5:45 show, but I walked by later during the 8 show - much cooler lights, effects, and white suits. Note to self: do the last show.
Saw Off Kilter in Canada, and Mo Rockin' in Mo-rocco - also amazing, and again, totally unscripted. Shot out to the cooler in my car to get some carrots, pretzels, cold water, and a banana (dinner), then back in to people watch more. Since I had ridden not one ride all day, I caught Nemo - walked all the way in and sat down in a shell - in June, folks!!!
Back out to cruise the Showcase - my favorite place on earth. Caught Illuminations - then back to the hotel for some sleep!
July 1 (bright and early)
Ok, woke up this AM at 6:30, rarin to go. Drinking my coffee and contemplating the day...I am thinking AK, especially to see the parade (blown by in the past) and the Nemo show that I missed last trip. Would like to do the Kilamajaro thing, and get over to Conservation Station...we'll see. Based on my trip this far, serendipity is best. Last time I was there, I saw a Possum up close. Those little dudes end up road kill where I live (Georgia)!
More later...no telling what the day will bring in Magic land. Wish you could all be here too.
What a great live action trip report!! And so glad you are getting to see and do things you hadn't done befor. I swear, you can go to Disney 100 times and have a different experience each time 
That Walt....
And sooo jealous you got picked to ring the bell!! YAY!!!
Awesome trip report so far...keep it coming! Sounds like you are having a blast! Wish I was there with you right now!
July 1 (bright and early)Ok, woke up this AM at 6:30, rarin to go. Drinking my coffee and contemplating the day...I am thinking AK, especially to see the parade (blown by in the past)
Oh! I hope that you do, Dawa Bar is a great spot to take a break and watch it from!
Great trip report so far
Day Two Trip Report
Today I hit some things on my "to do" list. Began at DTD with some shopping (can't stay out of that Disney mecca store), then on over to AK. I am in trouble, as DTD is strategically placed on the RIGHT side of the road on the way in the the parks every day.
Planed to get a Fastpass for the Kilamanjaro Safari, but the walk up time was short! Lunch at Yak & Yeti counter service (Mandarin Chicken salad, light & yummy in the heat). Also caught Conservation Station, and saw the cutest, smallest little owl up close.
Flights of Wonder was also on my list. I remember seeing something like this at Discovery Island near Ft. Wildnerness back in the day? Anyone else remember that?
The Nemo musical was great. Holds attention the whole time - even the little ones. I keep thinking about all the talent that is launched right here at Disney. I get to see arts stuff at home a lot...and the "pros" got nothin' on Walt's team.
Took in the afternoon parade! It was colorful and Disney energetic, but I think I prefer the MK ones. They still make me cry.
Hopped in my car and shot over to HS to park (plan to end the day here), and strolled over the walkway, across the Boardwalk, and to Epcot. (I just wanted to walk at this point...AK was kinda jammed up in the common areas, and I needed some wide open spaces!). The crowds are definitely moving in - but I just never mind them. Part of the Disney experience.
Enjoyed some light dinner in Sunshine Seasons, rode Spaceship Earth, Imagination, saw the movie in China, and generally enjoyed the WS. Indulged in a Chocolate Eclair from France - not quite as flaky as I thought it would be, but still good. Folks kept walking by me and pointing at the eclair (or perhaps it's eater? Caught the beginning of Illuminations, and cruised back across to HS. Caught the Great Movie Ride, then Fantasmic (my first time!!!!). Never been at HS after dark....will definitely do that again.
I tell you what, I am wearin' out that park hopping annual pass.
More later!
- 2013 Trip Report!
- My Int3ractiv3 Trip R3port '12 - CLICK HERE!
[url='http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/forum/pick-mases-dinner-disney']- My Interactive Trip Report '11[/url]
OK, Day Three - MK all the way.
I think I just had my mind changed yesterday. I have gone around saying that Epcot is my favorite park, but this trip has messed up that thought process. I did not hop yesterday - a first for me!! I stayed and played at MK for about 10 hours. I am smitten. Now I can't decide - so I won't. 
Got great positions for castle show and Celebrate parade - those shows never get old. Kept thinking about how getting my PhD was a "dream" for me for nearly 30 years of my life - and one I did not think I would ever get to pursue (took a 4 kid detour). I went and got one of those "I'm Celebrating" buttons. Yeah.
Kristen, I was reading your posting about your non Disney pageant trip. YES...if everyone maintained Disneyesque behavior, the world would be a much nicer place. Seriously, one of my takeaways from today is to bring more of that to my daily interactions with kiddos (and other folks). I do try, but like us guests here in the park, others don't know (or care) if you (cast member) have already been repeating yourself for 8 hours, or dealt with meltdowns before them. They want the "magic" with you each time. Hmmm.
The crowds were gettin' heavy in prep for the 4th hooplas...but Disney did a fabulous job of managing and moving us around. Noticed lots of cast members out in the main drags helping to move folks around (moooooo). I Fastpassed my head off and rode nearly everything I wanted.
COOL find of the day for me - the BEST counter service in MK for light eaters.......Columbia Harbour House, hands down. I had the most amazing plate of salmon, couscous & broccoli for $10!!!!! I was so full I was good to go for hours. Take that, Pecos Bills.
Over and out for now...July 3 looms ahead, fireworks at MK tonight...who knows what else. It's Disney.
Kept thinking about how getting my PhD was a "dream" for me for nearly 30 years of my life - and one I did not think I would ever get to pursue (took a 4 kid detour). I went and got one of those "I'm Celebrating" buttons.
Good for you, That is great.
We were in the world for the 4th a couple of years ago. We saw the fireworks from the MK (bridge to Tomorrow Land) on the 3rd, and then saw them from the beach at FW on the 4th. Same show, but completely different feelings. In the MK you're in with the crowd competeing for a good view. On the beach was more like being in a park at home.
Have a great time!
Same show, but completely different feelings. In the MK you're in with the crowd competeing for a good view. On the beach was more like being in a park at home.
Were both experiences just as celebratory? Did you get the same sense of awe watching from the beach as in the park?
You're right. In the MK you are more in awe. The fireworks are right on top of you. The sound is instantaneous. The accompanying music helps to drive the emotions. There's the smell of the cordite and the crowd, and of course, you're in the MK. Also you can see both sets of fireworks, the castle ones and the duplicates from the parking lot.
From the beach you don't hear the music and the sound of the explosions is delayed significantly, but even from a distance, the MK 3rd or 4th of July fireworks kicks the butt of any home town fireworks.
The fireworks yesterday (July 3 ) were amazing. They were delayed a whole hour due to rain/lightening, but it sure did cool things off for us. I snagged a spot on the bridge from Tomorrowland to the Castle....gosh, it was stunning. I had never braved the crowds to do that, but it was SOOOOOO worth it. The awe, like you say.
Thats funny, we were in MK yesterday and ate at the Columbian house - fish and chips were yummy. We were pleasantly surprised by the lighter than expected crowds, especially at MK which in my mind is always so crowded. We just poked around, did some of the cooler rides before heading over to EPCOT since it was so hot. Got to EPCOT in time to see British Revolution with a lighter than usual crowd, then to see one of our faves, the Bon Jovi tribute band Slippery When Wet. We love them and see them every year. DisneyDoc if you are around EPCOT and like Bon Jovi, they are a must see.
We planned to go back to MK and see the fireworks, but it was pouring rain and storming by that time so we just headed home, thinking the fireworks would be canceled. Glad they were able to go on after a delay. It was clear driving home and we didn't get a bit of rain. Darn those isolated showers, you just never know. The security guard laughed at me in the morning for having raincoats when he checked my bag, but we ended up using them.
Mike commented on how funny it was to have empty tables in the Columbian House, but we ate at 3:00 while the parade was going on.
Julie
Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust
WOW! Love your reporting, disneydoc!
And so lucky to have light crowd days while taking it slow. MIT must be absolutely Magical!
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.
J. R. R. Tolkien
OK guys, the big 4th of July report.
Began the day at Epcot for the express purpose of seeing the VOICES of LIBERTY special concert. WOOWzeee. No wonder they have been invited to perform at the White House. I have seen their little rotunda act inside, but if you have never been to the World for the 4th, this needs to go on your must do. The crowd was filled with veterans, many in wheelchairs, standing in tribute to their respective branches. I was just overcome with emotion, and there was not a dry eye in the house. (my dad, Navy, WWII). After their performance, the Spirit of America Drum & Fife group marched out and performed, including leading us all in the Pledge of Alligiance (again, no dry eyes).
I was walking around the showcase later that day, and overhead some folks from another country advise their peers to skip America that day - they were celebrating "some holiday." Thought it was interesting to note - the respectful tribute to so many different places there, yet this response would still be expressed. 
Hoofed it over to Hollywood Studios (I just LOVE the walkway connecting those two parks) to see a few things over there (Little Mermaid just doesn't really hold up against the quality of the other stuff, in my humble opinion...). Rain had set in big time by then and cleared the park....waaahaaaaahaaa. I never mind a little rain - have good poncho, will travel.
Hung out for the evening festivities at HS - rain cleared, beautiful night, big ole moon. I tend to avoid HS "hat" shows because they are rock and roll-y (which I love, but I am here for the mouse magic). But the fireworks were awesome, right over the hat, and the crowds were totally manageable and pleasant. After the fireworks, I made my way across the crowd with about 8K of my friends to see Fantasmic again...the night was just too pretty to leave. Love that show.
I discovered the real crowds of the day NOT in the parks, but when leaving them that night! Apparently the locals come out for the 4th fireworks in droves. I converged on tons of cars leaving all the parks, and what is normally a 10 minute max ride back to DDT & my hotel became close to an hour. But no worries...it was so worth it....(but I can only imagine how crazy the MK was yesterday - I purposefully avoided it).
A great 4th, and my first in the World. Probably not my last.
Hey Julie, I am going to see Slippery When Wet tonight! I have an ADR for Teppan Edo, then plan to chill out the rest of the night in the World Showcase and catch their last show. Hope you are all having fun. Maybe today will be less rainy, although it is really nice to have the cooldown.