Walt Disney World: 2015
Monday, 27th April 2015
There are, perhaps, other places to go if you're after a relaxing break, but that was my plan for this Disney vacation. For the most part I think I actually managed to pull it off! I was staying at the Polynesian and had requested a room in Rarotonga, where I'd stayed on my previous trip. This is a great location - the Great Ceremonial House is right next door and the Bus Stop just outside.
I had a reservation for the Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace and my table was right at the front of the viewing area. This is the way to watch Wishes - sat down with a plate full of desserts! Once the fireworks were over, I headed off to experience the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train for the first time. I rode this several times during the course of my trip and, thanks to FastPass+, doubt I ever waited more than 10 minutes. It's a fun ride but I'm not sure it's worth the amount of time people in the general line had to wait.
I had a reservation for the Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace and my table was right at the front of the viewing area. This is the way to watch Wishes - sat down with a plate full of desserts! Once the fireworks were over, I headed off to experience the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train for the first time. I rode this several times during the course of my trip and, thanks to FastPass+, doubt I ever waited more than 10 minutes. It's a fun ride but I'm not sure it's worth the amount of time people in the general line had to wait.
Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party
Wishes
Tuesday, 28th April 2015
My first visit to Orlando was with my sister back in 2004. We stayed at off-site hotel, which had free transport to all the local parks. I haven't been back to Universal since then, despite the lure of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. However this year, following the opening of Diagon Alley, I decided I had to make the effort - and pre-booked my ticket so I wouldn't change my mind.
First, however, a Disney holiday tradition - Tonga Toast to set me up for the day! I then had a wander around the Polynesian's controversial new reception area in the Great Ceremonial House. I know people miss the waterfall feature but I have to admit, I quite like the new design. It's very open and light. Did the hotel need another "cute" Tiki god on display? Probably not. But if I was a first time visitor I'm sure I'd be more than happy with how it looks.
Unfortunately, the day I'd picked to go to Universal was grey and wet. Gloomy grey skies when I'd so wanted to take photos of Hogwarts with a lovely blue sky. On the other hand, if Hogwarts is supposed to be in Scotland then maybe the weather was appropriate! Mid-afternoon the rain finally stopped and the skies cleared - leading to a fair bit of dashing around to take photos. Weather aside, I was pleased with how much I managed to accomplish in one day. The biggest queues I encountered were at the lockers - the thought of facing that chaos again put me off riding The Forbidden Journey for a third time.
Back at the Polynesian I tried my luck getting into Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, which had just officially opened but no luck, although I did get a quick peek inside from the doorway to take a couple of photos. However there was room on the adjoining Tiki Terrace, which has a great (if more relaxing) atmosphere of its own so I settled down there with a HippopoMai-Tai before heading over to the beach to watch Wishes.
First, however, a Disney holiday tradition - Tonga Toast to set me up for the day! I then had a wander around the Polynesian's controversial new reception area in the Great Ceremonial House. I know people miss the waterfall feature but I have to admit, I quite like the new design. It's very open and light. Did the hotel need another "cute" Tiki god on display? Probably not. But if I was a first time visitor I'm sure I'd be more than happy with how it looks.
Unfortunately, the day I'd picked to go to Universal was grey and wet. Gloomy grey skies when I'd so wanted to take photos of Hogwarts with a lovely blue sky. On the other hand, if Hogwarts is supposed to be in Scotland then maybe the weather was appropriate! Mid-afternoon the rain finally stopped and the skies cleared - leading to a fair bit of dashing around to take photos. Weather aside, I was pleased with how much I managed to accomplish in one day. The biggest queues I encountered were at the lockers - the thought of facing that chaos again put me off riding The Forbidden Journey for a third time.
Back at the Polynesian I tried my luck getting into Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, which had just officially opened but no luck, although I did get a quick peek inside from the doorway to take a couple of photos. However there was room on the adjoining Tiki Terrace, which has a great (if more relaxing) atmosphere of its own so I settled down there with a HippopoMai-Tai before heading over to the beach to watch Wishes.
Tonga Toast @ Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Great Ceremonial House Reception
Universal's Superstar Parade
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto
HippopotoMai-Tai @ Trader Sam's Grog Grotto/Tiki Terrace
Wednesday, 29th April 2015
With my off-site excursion out the way, I could focus on Walt Disney World! I'd planned this trip around the Flower & Garden Festival, which was in it's last couple of weeks. One slight distraction came when I stopped at Starbucks to check my emails and discovered I'd been offered a job I'd been for an interview for the previous week. Good news on the face of it, of course, but it did mean I spent a fair bit of "Disney" time wondering whether I'd be making the right decision if I accepted (Six weeks into the job I'm still wondering!).
Having cancelled an ADR on a previous trip, I finally made it to Le Cellier for lunch. I had the taster version of the Filet Mignon at the Food & Wine Festival but now it was time for the real thing - not to mention a side of Poutine, oh and the wonderful pretzel bread. Each time I visit Walt Disney World I assume it will be my last time - if and when I visit again I'll definitely make a return trip to Le Cellier.
After a stroll around World Showcase to work off lunch (albeit with a stop at La Cava del Tequilla - OK, and for a Piggylicious Cupcake..and an Ice Pop) I walked across to the BoardWalk, an area I've never really explored before, the Yacht Club Resort and back to Epcot. I was stopped by someone on the BoardWalk who asked if I would take his photo - no problem and I quite often offer to take people's photos when it's clear one of the party is being left, but he then proceeded to strike various poses and I did wonder how long I was going to be there...
I figured I'd try my luck at Trader Sam's again and this time actually got a pager with a relatively short estimated wait time. I decided to risk rushing back to my room for a shower and in fact had barely made it back within range when the pager went off. I've been to the Disneyland version of Trader Sam's a couple of times but have never actually sat inside, so this was a first for me. And it was a great experience. I got a seat at the bar (next to that seat) so was up close for all the drink-making shenanigans. Atmosphere aside, the food (and of course the drinks) I had on these visits was excellent.
Having cancelled an ADR on a previous trip, I finally made it to Le Cellier for lunch. I had the taster version of the Filet Mignon at the Food & Wine Festival but now it was time for the real thing - not to mention a side of Poutine, oh and the wonderful pretzel bread. Each time I visit Walt Disney World I assume it will be my last time - if and when I visit again I'll definitely make a return trip to Le Cellier.
After a stroll around World Showcase to work off lunch (albeit with a stop at La Cava del Tequilla - OK, and for a Piggylicious Cupcake..and an Ice Pop) I walked across to the BoardWalk, an area I've never really explored before, the Yacht Club Resort and back to Epcot. I was stopped by someone on the BoardWalk who asked if I would take his photo - no problem and I quite often offer to take people's photos when it's clear one of the party is being left, but he then proceeded to strike various poses and I did wonder how long I was going to be there...
I figured I'd try my luck at Trader Sam's again and this time actually got a pager with a relatively short estimated wait time. I decided to risk rushing back to my room for a shower and in fact had barely made it back within range when the pager went off. I've been to the Disneyland version of Trader Sam's a couple of times but have never actually sat inside, so this was a first for me. And it was a great experience. I got a seat at the bar (next to that seat) so was up close for all the drink-making shenanigans. Atmosphere aside, the food (and of course the drinks) I had on these visits was excellent.
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival
Le Cellier
Disney's BoardWalk
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto
Roasted Chicken and Pork Pâte Báhn Mì Sliders @ Trader Sam's Grog Grotto
Polynesian Pearl @ Trader Sam's Grog Grotto
Thursday, 30th April 2015
A full day at the Magic Kingdom, starting with a long conversation with Mickey Mouse about the perils of hitch-hiking ghosts.
I'd already made a dinner reservation for Be Our Guest for later on in the week but when breakfasts were announced, decided I'd try that to. Following breakfast I took a walk around the new Hub area which looks gorgeous and certainly does make the area seem more open. I then finally made it all the way over to Tom Sawyer Island, which I'd definitely recommend for the chance to view Frontier Land, and the Haunted Mansion from different perspectives.
Another first on this trip - FastPass for the parade. This would be my first time seeing the Festival of Fantasy Parade, which I was very excited about, but I really wasn't sure what to expect with the reserved area. In fact, it worked out great - I still ended up sitting around for a fair length of time but in a far less crowded area and with a view looking straight down Main Street towards the castle. As for the parade itself, quite possibly my favourite so far. The Steampunk dragon is an obvious standout but I loved seeing Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs out together.
I ended the day crossing another item off my Disney bucket list - dining at Cinderella's Royal Table, which I covered in this blog entry. Not a bad way to bookend my day, dining in two royal castles!
I'd already made a dinner reservation for Be Our Guest for later on in the week but when breakfasts were announced, decided I'd try that to. Following breakfast I took a walk around the new Hub area which looks gorgeous and certainly does make the area seem more open. I then finally made it all the way over to Tom Sawyer Island, which I'd definitely recommend for the chance to view Frontier Land, and the Haunted Mansion from different perspectives.
Another first on this trip - FastPass for the parade. This would be my first time seeing the Festival of Fantasy Parade, which I was very excited about, but I really wasn't sure what to expect with the reserved area. In fact, it worked out great - I still ended up sitting around for a fair length of time but in a far less crowded area and with a view looking straight down Main Street towards the castle. As for the parade itself, quite possibly my favourite so far. The Steampunk dragon is an obvious standout but I loved seeing Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs out together.
I ended the day crossing another item off my Disney bucket list - dining at Cinderella's Royal Table, which I covered in this blog entry. Not a bad way to bookend my day, dining in two royal castles!
Mickey Mouse
Be Our Guest Restaurant
Magic Kingdom Central Plaza
Magic Kingdom Central Plaza
Headed for Tom Sawyer Island
Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Cinderella's Royal Table
View from Cinderella's Royal Table
Friday, 1st May 2015
Another gorgeous day - how typical that the one day I had to take "new" photos was the day it rained!
First stop of the day was the now hatless Hollywood Studios! There has been much discussion online recently about how much this park has to offer guests at the moment but I was planning on a short day anyway, heading off to Downtown Disney once I'd had lunch. My time at the Studios centered around one thing - the Big Hero 6 Meet & Greet!
I had a FastPass+ for Toy Story Midway Mania and with the park virtually empty at this point, walked straight on. Continuing onto the Streets of America I was delighted to find Cinderella's Carriage still on display (contrary to my belief at the time of this post!). Now, on my last trip to Disneyland, I managed to get a photo of the display of Iron Man suits without any other guests in the photo. Perhaps even more satisfying than that, I managed to get a clear photo of the Muppet fountain! Sometimes it really is the small things in life....
The queue for the Big Hero 6 Meet & Greet was probably the longest I waited for anything. Totally worth it though, probably the best character experience I've had. The other thing that always impresses me is the level of detail that goes into the photo backdrops. and it saddens me to think this area has now closed.
Next up was the the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration before lunch at the Hollywood Brown Derby. Each time I visit WDW I tell myself to try new restaurants - and I do, but I just can't resist the Brown Derby! No dessert though, I was saving myself for Anna's Happy Birthday Cupcake! Plus I had another large meal to come.
A quick pop into the ABC Commissary to see what they had on display and was pleased to find a small selection of Nashville props.
I hadn't made it to Downtown Disney on my last couple of trips but I wanted to check out the changes as it transforms into Disney Springs. As it happened, the new Super Hero Headquarters store was having its grand opening and Thomas Scott was signing Avengers Vinylmations.
After a drink at new arrival Dockside Margaritas, I went to eat at THE BOATHOUSE, the subject of a fair amount of controversy leading up to its opening due to the price of some of the items on the menu and the cost to ride in one of their Amphicar. Well, the restaurant was busy and I saw a few cars out on the lake so I guess they'll do OK.
First stop of the day was the now hatless Hollywood Studios! There has been much discussion online recently about how much this park has to offer guests at the moment but I was planning on a short day anyway, heading off to Downtown Disney once I'd had lunch. My time at the Studios centered around one thing - the Big Hero 6 Meet & Greet!
I had a FastPass+ for Toy Story Midway Mania and with the park virtually empty at this point, walked straight on. Continuing onto the Streets of America I was delighted to find Cinderella's Carriage still on display (contrary to my belief at the time of this post!). Now, on my last trip to Disneyland, I managed to get a photo of the display of Iron Man suits without any other guests in the photo. Perhaps even more satisfying than that, I managed to get a clear photo of the Muppet fountain! Sometimes it really is the small things in life....
The queue for the Big Hero 6 Meet & Greet was probably the longest I waited for anything. Totally worth it though, probably the best character experience I've had. The other thing that always impresses me is the level of detail that goes into the photo backdrops. and it saddens me to think this area has now closed.
Next up was the the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration before lunch at the Hollywood Brown Derby. Each time I visit WDW I tell myself to try new restaurants - and I do, but I just can't resist the Brown Derby! No dessert though, I was saving myself for Anna's Happy Birthday Cupcake! Plus I had another large meal to come.
A quick pop into the ABC Commissary to see what they had on display and was pleased to find a small selection of Nashville props.
I hadn't made it to Downtown Disney on my last couple of trips but I wanted to check out the changes as it transforms into Disney Springs. As it happened, the new Super Hero Headquarters store was having its grand opening and Thomas Scott was signing Avengers Vinylmations.
After a drink at new arrival Dockside Margaritas, I went to eat at THE BOATHOUSE, the subject of a fair amount of controversy leading up to its opening due to the price of some of the items on the menu and the cost to ride in one of their Amphicar. Well, the restaurant was busy and I saw a few cars out on the lake so I guess they'll do OK.
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
The Great Movie Ride
Cinderella's Carriage
Muppet*Vision 3D
Big Hero 6 Meet & Greet
Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Downtown Disney
Nashville display at ABC Commissary
THE BOATHOUSE Amphicar
Thomas Scott signing at Super Hero Headquarters
Saturday, 2nd May 2015
Avengers Vinylmation
A bit of park-hopping today, heading first to Epcot and then back to the Magic Kingdom in time for another viewing of the Parade from the same FastPass+ spot.
Having cancelled ADRs there a couple of times previously I had lunch at Via Napoli Ristorante. Actually, this might have been one of the longest queues I waited in...it certainly seemed like it!
Back to Be Our Guest for dinner, this time I was seated in the main ballroom. Unlike breakfast and lunch, Beast is on hand to greet guests in the library after their meal.
One last stop at the Grand Floridian, for a drink in the lounge at Citricos before heading back to the Polynesian.
Having cancelled ADRs there a couple of times previously I had lunch at Via Napoli Ristorante. Actually, this might have been one of the longest queues I waited in...it certainly seemed like it!
Back to Be Our Guest for dinner, this time I was seated in the main ballroom. Unlike breakfast and lunch, Beast is on hand to greet guests in the library after their meal.
One last stop at the Grand Floridian, for a drink in the lounge at Citricos before heading back to the Polynesian.
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Flower & Garden Festival
Flower & Garden Festival
Via Napoli Ristorante
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
Be Our Guest Restaurant
Sunday, 3rd May 2015
My last full day, at a very crowded Animal Kingdom, although I still managed to ride Expedition Everest a couple of times before the queues built up. And the ride broke down. The park has changed a bit since my last trip - the "loss" of Camp Minnie Mickey more than made up for by the picturesque additions to Haramabe.
Kilimanjaro Safaris is always pot luck as to what animals you'll see, and of course the "normal" attraction will never compare with the Wild Africa Trek, which I did on my last trip. However, quite a variety of animals were out and about even I hadn't seem much on the safari, I still had my favourite AK animals to look out for - the Silverback Gorillas on the Pangani Exploration Trail. I'll never get tired of photographing these amazing animals.
I had lunch at another restaurant I always seem to end up at - the Yak & Yeti and then passed the time wandering around DinoLand USA waiting for the DinoLand Dance-A-Palooza, as I was curious as to which characters it would feature. As the park was very busy by this point, I decided to call it a day and head back to the hotel, to get ready for dinner at the California Grill.
Great meal aside, I had a table facing the Magic Kingdom so had a perfect view of Wishes. I could definitely get used to watching fireworks from a comfy seat!
Kilimanjaro Safaris is always pot luck as to what animals you'll see, and of course the "normal" attraction will never compare with the Wild Africa Trek, which I did on my last trip. However, quite a variety of animals were out and about even I hadn't seem much on the safari, I still had my favourite AK animals to look out for - the Silverback Gorillas on the Pangani Exploration Trail. I'll never get tired of photographing these amazing animals.
I had lunch at another restaurant I always seem to end up at - the Yak & Yeti and then passed the time wandering around DinoLand USA waiting for the DinoLand Dance-A-Palooza, as I was curious as to which characters it would feature. As the park was very busy by this point, I decided to call it a day and head back to the hotel, to get ready for dinner at the California Grill.
Great meal aside, I had a table facing the Magic Kingdom so had a perfect view of Wishes. I could definitely get used to watching fireworks from a comfy seat!
The Tree of Life
Harambe
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Pangani Exploration Trail
Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe
Expedition Everest
The Yak & Yeti Restaurant
Donald Duck
DinoLand Dance-A-Palooza
California Grill
Wishes viewed from California Grill
Monday, 4th May 2015
A hectic last day! First stop was the Magic Kingdom - no real plans, save for another ADR for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, but it always feels weird to leave without one last trip to the Magic Kingdom! As luck would have it, I was walking through Fantasyland at the right time to catch Alice and the White Rabbit taking a spin on the tea cups.
A bus ride over to the Hollywood Studios to check out the May the 4th merchandise. I can't remember the last time I bought a pin but I couldn't resist picking one of these up. Maybe I should plan my next trip around a Star Wars weekend!
On my previous visit to the Art of Animation I'd managed to overlook checking out the latest display of concept art. I'd gone to have one more peek at Baymax so put that right - the current exhibits being from Pixar's "Inside Out". You can view more photos here.
Finally, a boat to Epcot for one last wander around the Flower & Garden Festival before heading back to the hotel and grabbing a cocktail at the Tambu Lounge whilst waiting for the Disney Magical Express.
Now, when to plan my next trip for?! You can view more photos from the Flower & Garden Festival here and I've also added lots more photos to the Disney Food & Drink gallery.
A bus ride over to the Hollywood Studios to check out the May the 4th merchandise. I can't remember the last time I bought a pin but I couldn't resist picking one of these up. Maybe I should plan my next trip around a Star Wars weekend!
On my previous visit to the Art of Animation I'd managed to overlook checking out the latest display of concept art. I'd gone to have one more peek at Baymax so put that right - the current exhibits being from Pixar's "Inside Out". You can view more photos here.
Finally, a boat to Epcot for one last wander around the Flower & Garden Festival before heading back to the hotel and grabbing a cocktail at the Tambu Lounge whilst waiting for the Disney Magical Express.
Now, when to plan my next trip for?! You can view more photos from the Flower & Garden Festival here and I've also added lots more photos to the Disney Food & Drink gallery.
Mad Tea Party
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
May the 4th LR pins
"Inside Out" concept art
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Spaceship Earth
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