Trip Report: More BBQ & Apple Pie (Day 1, Part 3 | July 2021)

 Since Animal Kingdom closed and we still wanted to be out, we park-hopped over the Epcot. I feel like everyone hops there in the evening because it’s usually open the latest. 

The first thing we did was stop at Gateway Gifts to pick up our maps for the Remy Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt. Yes, I bought four so I could get all 4 prizes. 

We were hungry again so we mobile-ordered at Regal Eagle. Apparently it was a barbeque-heavy day. Unlike other restaurants, you could get your own drinks here. We just got water, but it was nice to not have to ask for more.

After dinner, we went looking for Remy around the World Showcase. We could not find him in Japan, but we had success in other countries.

In Canada, we stopped at Appleseed Orchard. It was in the O’Canada theater and had a few interesting Food and Wine options. We split the frozen apple pie. It was good and did taste like an apple pie, but don’t feel the need to get it again.

We decided to go back to the hotel since it had been a long day. Our Room was in the Mighty Ducks section and was refurbished. Dad actually really liked it. We both think the pull-down bed is like the best thing Disney has ever done. 

Our bags were in the room. But so was someone else’s laptop bag with a laptop in it. At first I didn’t notice because it looked like my dad’s CPAP bag. I called the front desk and they sent someone to get it. I hope it was reunited with it’s true owner.

I was pretty tired so I showered, unpacked, and went to bed.

Today’s Highlight: The Feisty Sheep

                                                                Steps Walked: 20,589

Trip Report: Feisty Sheep (Day 1, Part 2 | July 2021)

 As we’ve been doing lately, we were starting at Animal Kingdom. The bus came quickly which is always a happy thing. Before heading in the park, we stopped at Guest Relations to activate our recently renewed annual passes.

Once we entered the actual park, we placed a mobile order at Flame Tree Barbeque since we were hungry and wanted lunch. We both got the salad. It’s good and on the lighter side. I would recommend a bit more to get you through the day. 

While we ate, 2 of the character flotillas went by. I love sitting on the water at Flame Tree and those boats are a great reason why. We also made a rough plan for the day and looked at things like Touring Plans. 

After we finished eating we tried for the next Lion King show since it recently reopened. Sadly, it was already full so we’d have to wait for the next one. We thought about it, but decided not to wait since it was awfully hot.

Instead we took the train to Rafiki Planet Watch. I love going out there especially since it has one of my activities-the Animation Experience. The next class was in 10-15 minutes so we hopped in the line for that.

We drew Grogu/Baby Yoda. It’s a fun character to draw, but he’s not an animal. The video was about baby animals. He was pretty hard to draw and my dad’s was definitely better. I painted him at Painting with a Twist which was better. Although they did give us a stencil so that could have played a role.

Then, we popped in the Affection Section/petting zoo area. Most of the animals were tucked away. They probably wanted to stay in the shade where it was a little cooler. I 100% support and respect that choice. There was one sheep who really wanted to see her handler-it’s so adorable to see that connection. 

It was a quick train ride back to Harambe and then we went through the Gorilla Trail.

When we got out, we decided to get in line for Kilimanjaro Safaris since it's right there. It was about a 30 minute wait, but we didn’t mind since it’s in the shade. Plus, you get to sit for a good amount of time at the end of the line. We got to see some baby flamingos which I’m not sure I’ve seen before so that’s exciting. There were a lot of animals that I’m used to seeing that weren’t out. Maybe it was close to dinnertime. 

Before we left and the park closed, we went on a journey to the past. No, we didn’t watch Anastasia (now on Disney+), but we did ride Dinosaur. I just love this attraction so much. It’s funny and thrilling.

Up Next: More BBQ & Apple Pie

Trip Report: Two Days of Travel (Day 1, Part 1| July 2021)

 Day 0: Tuesday, July 20th

Another trip report where I’m starting my trip before the official Disney trip. This is another father-daughter trip and it was a slightly spontaneous vacation. We’ve also never been to Florida in the summer so this should be interesting.

We had a fairly early flight-leaving BUF at 6:15 AM so we decided to spend the night in Buffalo. So, this is really the first of two travel days.

I worked a full day today. I think I tried to leave a bit early, but it wasn’t very successful. At home, I did those last minute things like taking the trash out. I had one suitcase and a cat to get to the car. I’m lazy so I attempted it in one go. Fortunately, I have a nice neighbor and he helped with my suitcase. Seriously, he can’t move unless I move because he’s great. 

As I drove to my grandma’s to drop off my cat, it started to rain. I also couldn’t remember if I locked my door or not. I may have had a minor breakdown in my car. My dad told me we weren’t in a hurry and to go back to my place. I was worried about being “late” plus there was a weather advisory. My door was locked but I would’ve been worried the whole trip if I hadn’t double-checked.

I got to my dad’s around 7 and we headed to Buffalo. We took my car, but dad drove. Traffic ended up backed up on the thruway for about 2 miles before the exit. It took us like an hour. We still have no idea what caused it. Maybe construction. Maybe an accident. Maybe both.

Sadly, because of this we were too late to hit up the Cracker Barrel. We tried Denny’s, but they had to close early. Subway was closed, too. Subway was closed, too, so we ended up at McDonald’s for dinner. I realized we normally go to Buffalo on Fridays so restaurants are open later.

At the hotel, we checked in and then took the car to the off-site parking. It was in a kind of creepy place, but did seem very secure. In the room, we watched the latest Summer of Chaos video from All Ears. I took a shower and went to bed.

Day 1: Wednesday, July 21st 

Now, it’s the official travel day.

We woke up at 4 AM which is sooooo early. And we took the hotel shuttle to the airport at 4:30. While the offsite parking was a bit creepy, the employees at the hotel were very nice. Dad and I both agreed we would stay here again. 

Surprisingly, the line at the Southwest counter was pretty long. So dad called an audible and we went with a skycab (skycap? IDK). Then, we went through security. The TSA agent said something about the picture on my license. But I’m pretty sure that’s my most recent picture. 

We boarded our flight at 5:45 and were off to Midway. Originally, we booked direct flights, but Southwest moved them to having a layover. What are you going to do? I slept a bit on and off.

At Midway, we stopped at the first restaurant we saw for breakfast. I got a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. Later I learned that restaurants had tater tots and I’m sad I didn’t get some. Then, we went to our gate which was at the other end of the airport. We definitely made a good restaurant choice because they got long lines right away. We ate and eventually got on the plane.

Around 11:30 we landed at MCO. We went to baggage claim and filled our water bottles while we waited for the bags to arrive. Once we got those, we were off to Magical Express which always feels like a mile long walk.

The Magical Express line was pretty long, but it moved quickly. We waited maybe 10 minutes for our bus once we got in line for our hotel. They still assigned seats on the bus, but there was no social distancing. Our bus driver, Virginia, was very good. We stopped at Coronado Springs first and then All Star Movies. Our room wasn’t assigned yet which wasn’t a surprise. We left our bags at Bell Services. He said we could have them delivered automatically when our room was ready. I didn’t know they could keep track that way, but it was nice.

Up Next: Feisty Sheep