Trip Report: Flying Home (Day 5, Part 3 | July 2021)

 We waited for 15-20 minutes for a bus. We got back to All Star Movies around 12:30. I bought a Powerade and we hung out in the food court. We also booked rooms for our next father-daughter tip in March of 2022. We couldn’t decide where to stay so I booked a room at Pop Century and he booked at Coronado Springs.

Around 1:15, we picked up our bags from Bell Services. At 1:45, Magical Express picked us up. We had a cruise line bus. Sadly, there was no goodbye video. The Southwest counter had a lot of people, but it went fairly fast. We also have TSA precheck, so the security line wasn’t bad. I bought some pretzel bites from Auntie Anne’s and then waited to board our plane.

There ended up being a mean lady in line and then there was an angry grandma behind us on the plane. She was saving seats which is not allowed and another passenger tried to sit next to her. He ended up walking away so it didn’t get too bad.

We flew into BWI where we had a three-hour layover. I was excited to get Chick-Fil-A for dinner. Sadly, it was Sunday so they were closed. We switched to Arby’s but their fryer was broken. Dad stayed there but I headed to McDonald’s. They had no Coke, Diet Coke, our quarter pounders, but I didn’t want any of those. 

We ate and talked about DVC. I was considering buying a resale contract. Then we headed to our gate about 30 minutes before our boarding time. There was a brother and sister arguing. Airports were full of drama today. We did end up boarding about 10-15 minutes late, but it could be worse. The Grandma was on this flight too, but I don’t think there were any issues this time. 

Even though we left a little late, we landed on time-11:20 PM. We got our bags, called the hotel shuttle, and picked up my car. I spent that night at my dad’s and then went home and picked up the Murphy cat the next day.

Today’s Highlight: Gus Gus Photoshoot

Steps Walked: 11,696

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Trip Report: Finding Pascal (Day 5, Part 2 | July 2021)

 We wandered over to Big Thunder, but the line looked pretty long so we decided to pass. I heard a Cavalcade coming so we stopped to watch. 

Instead of staying on this side of the park we went to Tomorrowland-we often gravitate to that land. We rode the People Mover because that’s never a bad choice. I stopped into some gift shops. I was looking for the light green ears. They give me Tiana vibes. I also checked some gift shops in Fantasyland, but wasn’t successful. Maybe they’ll release them again someday. 

I wanted to take pictures of my Gus Gus bag. So I took some at the Cindereall fountain behind the Castle. I also took some in front of the Castle with my dad helping model.

It was time to start going back to the hotel so we slowly made our way out. As we went down Main Street I looked at the windows. There are so many fun touches and references. We also checked out some shops like the Aribas one which I normally don’t look at. I’m becoming a fan of glasswork.

Trip Report: Haunted Mansion (Day 5, Part 1 | July 2021)

 Sunday, July 25th

Sadly, another Disney trip has come to an end. I woke up at 8 and got around. About quarter to 9 we said goodbye to our room. We stopped at baggage claim to store our bags. I was either confused or my brain really didn’t want to leave, because I gave the CM our plan departure time instead of Magical Express pick-up time. 

There was a bus waiting for us when we got to the bus stop. We were going to Magic Kingdom, because I always think that’s the best park to finish a trip with. As we rode over, I placed a mobile order for the fruit and nutella waffle from Sleepy Hollow. Originally we had a 9:30-10:00 window, but switched to 10:05-10:35 so we could ride Haunted Mansion first. 

Security was busier than any previous days, but it still moved fast. We were through the gates and on Main Street by about 9:15. 

The Dapper Dans came out to perform as we made our way to Liberty Square. Haunted Mansion was a walk-on so that was a good call. I now know where they take the picture so I posed. I kind of froze and tried to go for the opposite of creepy. I need ideas for Mansion pics.

When we came out, the line was very long so I guess we did have good timing. Dad had to go to the bathroom so we swung by the Tangled bathrooms. I wandered around taking pictures and looking for the hidden Pascals. Normally, I have no luck, but this time I found three.

Dad was done, so I hit “I’m here” on my mobile order. Almost immediately my order was fulfilled. So, dad grabbed a seat while I picked up the food. We ate our waffles and then I took pictures around Liberty Square. 

Trip Report: Citrico’s Dinner (Day 4, Part 3 | July 2021)

 At All Star Movies, we stopped in the gift shop. I picked up a magnet and a powerade. In the room, we checked our Southwest boarding passes and Magical Express pick up time. I also started packing. 

I learned Citrico’s, being a signature restaurant, has a slight dress code. My biggest concern was no tank tops which was all I had. I put on a cardigan, but honestly I don’t think it’s a big deal.

Around 6:45, we left the room. Our reservation was at 8:35 PM. We stopped to look around the Toy Story section before going to the bus stop. 

We took a bus to Magic Kingdom and then a boat to Grand Floridian. When the Cast Member came with the boat he said he was going to the Grand, but went to the wrong line. My dad asked the other CMs if he could be trusted 🤣. We did get there safely.

We had about an hour to kill so we walked around and checked out the gift shops. Dad bought a Hawaiian shirt which he’s gotten into. It was pricey, but he could use his discount.

Dad wanted to try the Enchanted Rose. We sat on a couch and got drinks. Dad likes scotch so he got Johnny Walker Blue. I got a B&B which was a non-alcoholic cocktail. I liked it. There was an obnoxiously loud guy in the lounge, but other than that it was nice.

We aren’t always appetizer people, but when at a signature dining…or something. Dad got the pork belly which he loved. I got the corn bisque which was so good. It tasted just like liquified corn in the best possible way. The corn flavor really shined. I still think about that soup.

For an entree, dad got the short ribs. Again he really enjoyed it. I got the rigatoni which was the vegan dissh. It had an “egg” on top which was really a yellow tomato. It was very good and I especially liked the zucchini. I would recommend it to vegans and non-vegans. 

I was full, but dad wanted dessert so he ordered the apple rose. I tried to bite and it was good-not too heavy.

We thought about walking to Magic Kingdom, but were tired so decided on taking a bus to Disney Springs. That may have been a mistake, because it took a long time. We started to worry, but a bus did show up around 11. It took a bit to catch a bus at Disney Springs, too. Ultimately, we ended up in the room around midnight so it was a late night. 

Dad stopped in the lobby at the dog tag/ID machine and made a tag for his horse, Gabe. In the room,I showered, finished packing, updated my notes, and went to bed.

Today’s Highlight: Citrico’s dinner

Steps Walked: 13,644