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Post by rwethereyet on Feb 18, 2024 20:48:49 GMT -5
I love OKW, but I hate that Housekeeping starts beating on your door before you are ready to check out. First knock at the door was at 8:30 and I wasn't even up yet. Got up shortly, showered, had breakfast in the room, loaded the car and off I went. Since it was a cold and rainy day and since my room at Riviera would not be ready for a while, I thought it a good idea to go ahead and charge the car up the rest of the way so that I would be set for the week. I headed to the SuperCharger at Celebration and when I got there, there was one car ahead of me waiting for a spot. I got one with not too long of a wait. About 20 minutes later I was on my way and decided I would hang out at the Character Warehouse Outlet on Vineland. I knew it was probably a big mistake but I did it anyway. Long line of impatient people waiting to get into the parking lot. I was first in line at a stoplight to turn left into the lot and this yoyo in the lane to the right of me decides to pull right in front of me so he could pull in the lot. Now, if you aren't aware, you can set the horn on a Tesla to make a very large fart sound. My son does that all the time. I could not find it fast enough to use it or I would have tooted at him many times.
Parking was rediculous, so I decided to use Valet and there was even a line for that. They did put the "Lot Full" sign up right after I got in line.
I got to the store and there was quite a line to get in. I didn't need to be anywhere until 3:30, so I stayed in the line and got very cold while getting rained on. I should have left, but it ended up not taking quite as long as I thought it would. Everyone and their long lost cousin must have come to shop since the weather was so bad. I found a few things and plan to go back later in my trip.
I left the Outlet Mall and got back to the Riviera just in time to meet Gold Mobility with my scooter. I can walk short distances, but my back gives me a fit if I walk more than about 10-15 minutes. So, I need the scooter to do the parks. I had not received a text about my room, but by the time I got into the lobby it was assigned. I love these Tower rooms, just right for me.
Unpacked a few things and then I started getting hungry so I knew I needed to get my quick service meal from my one night's dining plan. And I decided on Polite Pig. Ribs were good, mac and cheese was very good and jalapeno corn bread was delicious. Then I stopped into UniqLo for a couple of things and down to World of Disney to grab a snack item off the dining plan to take home to my Grandson. Found him some sour somethings, which he prefers. Back to the Lime parking deck and home for the night.
I am whooped, I am not even going to finish unpacking. Think I will sleep in and unpack in the morning, It is still going to be cold tomorrow so I am not in a rush to get out and go anywhere. Besides I have many more days here this trip. See ya tomorrow.
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Post by Brian5581 on Feb 18, 2024 21:09:20 GMT -5
Continuing to enjoy your adventures. Thanks for taking the time to share. Looking forward to more…
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Post by MinnieMom on Feb 19, 2024 9:37:38 GMT -5
Thanks for posting! Love this level of detail!
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Post by rwethereyet on Feb 19, 2024 20:24:19 GMT -5
So this morning I slept in until closing doors woke me up. The only problem with the Tower rooms is that they are located by one of the doors that go to the stairwells that the CMs use often. The doors are heavy and close very loudly and that is what woke me up this morning. I unpacked my suitcase, had some breakfast in the room and got showered. It was still overcast and cold - in the 50s - so a zippered sweat jacket and jeans were in order.
I wanted to go to EPCOT when I realized today was the last day if FARTS and checked my phone and my park reservation was for MK. I learned that I needed to go to MK and once I was checked in, I could go to EPCOT. So, off to the bus stop I go and a MK bus was there when I arrived. Once I got to MK, my finger scan would not work, but they got that resolved and I decided to check out MK for a bit, The shops were not busy at all, and it was a pleasure to check everything out. I really wanted to see some of FARTS so I left and took the monorail to EPCOT. This was the first time in a long time that I had taken the express monorail and was able to walk across the platform from the express to the EPCOT monorail without having to go down ramp and back up the other ramp. I thought they had totally done away with that, but maybe I just had not taken that route in years.
Quick entry into EPCOT and it was really busy, I don't know if a lot of locals came out because of the holiday and it being the last day of FARTS but it was packed. I went all the way around World Showcase checking everything out--the only food I had was the Hummingbird cake at America, two egg rolls at the quick service in China, and then tomato soup and half a grilled cheese around. I didn't see near as many appealing food items as there were at Food and Wine and it seemed that each booth had one food item or two at the most. The rest of the items were drinks, and yet they talk about trying to cut down on "drinking around the world."
I picked up the Disney Villains Clue game for my Grandson and the Figment Little Golden book as well. It might be a little young for him, but I wanted him to have it in his collection. Does anyone know if there have been any other books about Figment in the past?
It was starting to get cold, even with the sweat jacket so I decided to head back to the Riviera via the Skyliner.
I then noticed I had dribbled a bit of tomato soup on my t-shirt, so when I got back to the Riviera, I asked in the shop if they had any stain remover, answer is no, so then I decided to see if they had any in the vending machine in the laundry room, again, answer is no, so back to the room I go. Magic Band doesn't work on the door, I tried and tried and tried, until I realized I was still on the 4th floor, and not on my floor and this was not my room. I hope no one was inside and heard the door rattling, how embarrassing, back to the elevator and to the right floor and right room. Geez, I felt so stupid. I grabbed a snack out of snack bucket I had packed for the car and fixed some hot tea and then sat down to work on this. If I don't do it right away, I will forget stuff and truth be told, I put it in writing so that I can go back and remember what all I did.
Cya tomorrow.
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Post by captjacksfamily on Feb 20, 2024 4:42:24 GMT -5
It looks like you should get cool but nice weather the next few days, maybe a little rain on Friday. I am surprised that MK wasn't busy, we drove by the parking lot about 9:30 and from the number of cars parking it look like it would have been a big day. I imagine some of the crowd on Monday is do to us having rain Saturday and Sunday. They are also heading into The Princess Half weekend so the runners and their families are probably starting to show up.
I'm Enjoying your posts, have fun for the rest of your trip.
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Post by annamaria on Feb 20, 2024 6:53:29 GMT -5
Enjoying following along.
Did you check the travel/trial size section to see if they had the Tide pen? I remember seeing this (BCV?).
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M2JRA
One Bedroom
Posts: 231
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Post by M2JRA on Feb 20, 2024 9:26:45 GMT -5
...so back to the room I go. Magic Band doesn't work on the door, I tried and tried and tried, until I realized I was still on the 4th floor, and not on my floor and this was not my room. I hope no one was inside and heard the door rattling, how embarrassing, back to the elevator and to the right floor and right room. Geez, I felt so stupid. ... Not Stupid! (or, we both are, haha). Similar story: Picked up DD#3 at her college near Philly for a flight to MN - never have flown from that airport. Parked the car in one of the ginormous garages and was so proud of myself for remembering to take a photo of the pylons marked with the color and number of our row. Fast-forward to our return a few days later. She's had surgery, so is very slowly walking and I scurry ahead jostling both our carryons and backpacks to get the car and bring it around to where the terminal meets the garage so she doesn't have to walk all through the huge garage. I am hustling to minimize her standing/waiting time. I get to where the car should be. Mind you, my car is brand new (used, but new to me) and I am already a little nervous hoping no one dinged it in the garage. I get to where it should be and am starting to think whether I really remember what it looks like because it's not there. AH, but WAIT, I was so smart and have a picture on my phone of exactly where it is! Fumble with the bags and backpacks to find my phone and look up the photo. Ok, yes, comparing photo to where I am standing...yes, between these two numbers...yes, in the orange zone...no car here.... OMG where is my car? It should be right here. I look back and forth from the phone to the not-my-cars in the row about six times. Panic starting to creep in, and then Dawn Breaks over Marblehead -- I AM ON THE WRONG FLOOR. Oh mygoodness. Feeling both relieved and utterly stupid, I hurry back to the elevator, to the correct floor where my daugher is now waiting for me and very confused how I can be BEHIND her coming off the elevator. Oh forheavenssake what an epic fail. Dropped all the stuff with her and flew to the car which was, of course, exactly where I left it. I still cringe at myself but it's a funny story and adds to the memorability of that trip. |
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Post by henrycpa on Feb 20, 2024 13:46:59 GMT -5
Quick entry into EPCOT and it was really busy, I don't know if a lot of locals came out because of the holiday and it being the last day of FARTS but it was packed. FoTA (I cannot use the other acronym or I laugh) is our favorite festival and we are missing it this year. That said, Presidents Weekend is always NUTS! I mean crazy busy. Add to it the end of the festival and you have a recipe for long lines. |
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Post by rwethereyet on Feb 20, 2024 21:18:37 GMT -5
Feb 20, 2024
Up a little earlier this morning, but not much  I had decided that since the weather was still cool that it would be a great day for Animal Kingdom where it is usually steamy. No breakfast in the room this morning as I really wasn't hungry. Got ready to leave the room, went thru my checklist, yes I have one to make sure I don't forget anything that will make my day more comfortable. And I arrive at the bus stop just as a bus for AK was getting ready to leave. A guest alerted the driver that I was there and he stopped and let me on--I really did appreciate that. Once thru the turnstiles at AK, I always bear to the right as both sides drop you out at the same place, and I was fortunate to have a sighting of Divine. I always enjoy watching her and she had really tucked herself into a corner that made her hard to spot. Instead of passing by everything, I stopped and checked out all the nooks and crannies of the animals that lead up to seeing the Tree of Life. I decided that maybe I should mobile order some lunch and decided on Satuli Canteen--always a good meal there. Next decision was should I try Genie+ since it was later in the day. I have only used it a couple of times and thought this might be for my to learn how to use it. I don't ride the coasters, but I thought Genie+ would shorten the lines for me on the things I wanted to do. I managed to get in Tough to Be a Bug, Festival of the lion King, Safari and then a tour thru Gorilla Falls. When I got to the area where it is a wide open area, there were two gorillas climbing one of the huge trees, they were close to the top and trying to get some of the leaves at the end of the branches. It was really fun to watch. A lot of the Keepers were standing around and it seemed they were worried they might fall. It was getting cooler and I was trying to figure out dinner and Blaze pizza sounded really good, so I headed out after hitting all the shops. When I got to the busses, I quickly figured out there was no bus to Disney Springs, I thought there was starting at 3:00 PM, but nope, so I decided to go to Saratoga Springs and get off at Congress Park and then scoot over the rest of the way. A Saratoga bus finally pulled up and the driver insisted in backing me onto the bus. It didn't take long for me to figure out it was one of the new buses I had heard about. They hold 4 ECVs and have power outlets on the seat bottoms. The new system for ECVs is very different. I could not see behind me, but I was backed in so that I was facing backwards and the back of my ECV was right behind the bus driver. It was a very different experience. It is nice to have new, clean buses with charging capabilities though. When I got off at Congress Park, the driver undid whatever was holding me in and said I was good to go, so I did, but all of a sudden, my scooter was being pulled to the right and I could not go any further, it seems that the seat belt part had gotten caught on the right arm of the scooter. I had to back up so he could get it undone and be on my way. By the time we got to Saratoga, the sun had gone down and it was a lot cooler. You would think after all these years, I would remember how long it takes to get from one place to another, but it still surprises me. By the time I scooted around to Blaze, I was freezing, especially my hands that I could not put in my pockets. Blaze was slammed, but it did not take them long to get the pizza out there and it was good, but not as good as the Blaze back home-couldn't quite put my finger on it. I devoured the pizza and then headed to the bus stop and I was lucky that there was a bus already there waiting. The driver asked me if I had ridden one of the new buses. He said he has been trained on it but had not actually driven one, He was most interested in my experience--it seems the drivers are excited about new buses. When I got into the Riviera, first thing I did was head to the gift shop to purchase a pair of the knit gloves I had seen earlier. I might not need them during the day, but when the sun goes down it really turns cold on those scooter fingers. I cannot believe the number of people I am seeing in shorts and flip flops and short sleeved t-shirts with the temps in the mid 50's. There were kids in the pool yesterday--must be Eskimos. Back to the room where the first thing I did was turn off the A/C and turn on the heat. Fireworks have just finished up, so I am not long before calling it a night. |
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Post by rwethereyet on Feb 21, 2024 20:20:29 GMT -5
Feb 21, 2024
Woke up way too early this morning and decided to grab Genie+ for Magic Kingdom to see how I would do--I am not the most confident with making the most of Genie+. I definitely wanted Peter Pan and the earliest I could get was 11:30. This was at 7:02 AM. I thought I would really miss out on everything else with my first one being that late.
Ate breakfast in the room and then headed to the bus stop. The MK bus came very quickly. When I got to MK I had plenty of time to kill before Peter Pan, so I knocked out PeopleMover (man was it cold riding on that), then Carousel of Progress and then went around to Peter Pan's Flight. I want to say that for almost every Lightening Lane saw for every ride, the LL people were out the queue and into the walkways, even for It's a Small World. I have never seen them like that before.
After Peter Pan I stopped and watched the Festival of Fantasy Parade--I always enjoy this. I wasn't up close, but it was still fun to see from a distance. Then I was off to the Plaza for a turkey club sandwich. It was pretty good, but the ham and turkey club they used to have was better. Sitting in there made me hungry for some ice cream, but I was cold enough as it was and decided I did not need it. I thought maybe I would find something yummy at the Confectionery, but since they changed it, nothing jumps out at me, and I sure miss the JellyBelly selection. I got about a handful of M&Ms and went out on to Main Street to listen to the Dapper Dans--they are always so talented. Then it was around to Buzz Lightyear--I have always loved this because I could always beat my husband. He was color blind and could not see the laser!?!?!?!?! But then he always stomped me on Toy Story Mania. Anyway, moving along, I scored 999,999. I have a picture to prove it--just don't know how to post it, honest. I told the CM and said to go get my sticker--did not know that was a thing, but I now have one to prove it.
When I left out of there, I saw the Laugh Comedy Club had a short wait, so I went in and was able to get into the next show. It was cute and always fun to see how the people they select re-act when called upon. As I went on down the way I saw the Wicked Stepsisters, but they were just about to leave. I only caught a couple of minutes of their antics. Then I went straight in to Mickeys Philharmagic, and then last but not least I went to Pirates. I had the last row of the boat to myself and I got soaked by some of those cannon balls hitting the water.
It was now getting late in the afternoon, sun was going down and it was getting cooler. I could not think of anything I wanted to eat there at MK and decided to monorail over to EPCOT and try something at Connections Eatery. I ordered the chicken sandwich and was going to have the liege waffle for dessert but wanted to wait and order after eating my chicken sandwich so it would be warm. I did not care for the chicken sandwich-ate about 1/2 of it and tossed it. Then when I went to order the liege waffle, it said it would be 30 minutes. I ordered and then very shortly thereafter canceled as I was cold and tired and ready to get back to the room.
I zipped thru EPCOT to the International Gateway and up to the Skyliner, a gondola was sitting there waiting for me and my scooter. I came back to a fully cleaned villa with a towel animal on the bed. Made me think I was on a cruise. I also noticed she left me extra towels in the closet in the bathroom. I really appreciated that.
OK, well, I think I got quite a bit done with my Genie+, especially not knowing what I am doing. I did not get Haunted Mansion or Jungle Cruise, but I will do those another day. I am actually pretty pleased with all I did and I had very little down time at all.
Not doing a park tomorrow, but doing something I have never done before. Stay tuned to find out what it is.
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Post by WDWGoof on Feb 21, 2024 22:28:44 GMT -5
Enjoying your trip report! Looking forward to hearing the surprise.
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Post by raspus on Feb 22, 2024 12:18:11 GMT -5
I’m really enjoying your trip report. Looking forward to more.
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Post by simbasmom on Feb 22, 2024 13:48:12 GMT -5
I love OKW, but I hate that Housekeeping starts beating on your door before you are ready to check out. First knock at the door was at 8:30 and I wasn't even up yet. I've noticed that, too, but what I noticed at HHI was that housekeeping never knocked on check-out day. We had a late flight, so were not planing to leave until 10:59 am, but the whole time I kept waiting for the knock from housekeeping. And not only did they not knock, but when we did leave the room at 10:59am, I never saw housekeeping on the trip to the car. We walked by the housekeepers' supply room and down the elevator-good chance of seeing them if they were headed to our room. Anyone else who noted whether they got the knock or not at the HHI resort? |
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Post by Hi from RI on Feb 22, 2024 19:16:06 GMT -5
Thanks for the report...waiting to hear what the mystery is.....!
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Post by rwethereyet on Feb 23, 2024 11:20:07 GMT -5
Thursday, Feb 22, 2024
Today I had something fun planned with a friend of mine. We used to work together at the Disney Store in Raleigh and now she lives down here in Celebration and we get together every trip I come down and when she comes home to see her Mom.
We booked a class at Wilderness Lodge called Tasteful Artistry where you make wooden trays or plaques with Disney or DVC or seasonal designs. They provide the wood, the hardware, you do the stain and then you use a stencil to paint in the design with the colors you have chosen. I chose a design that has an icon from all 4 parks, and I loved that for Hollywood studios it had the Earful Tower. They also provided beverages (unlimited soft drinks and one alcoholic drink per person) and some snacks, which included flatbread and a popcorn buffet with a variety of flavors. My friend had done this before, both at Ft. Wilderness and at Wilderness Lodge, so she went with me for moral support and company. Class says it is 2 hours, but we were there for about 2.5 hours to the point that they were starting to set up for dinner service while we were finishing up. She had several different designs, including a Run Disney. I would do the class again for a holiday design. I would say there were probably 30 people in the class.
We checked out the gift shop and then we headed out to the outlet mall down International Drive. I had not been down there since it was Belz and two groups of shops. Golly gee has that area changed to the point that I had no idea where I was. Our destination was the Dooney and Bourke outlet store. They had some fabulous deals, and it was really hard for me to walk out of there with only one bag. The only Disney Dooneys they had were last years Haunted Mansion. I am considering another quick trip up there if I keep thinking about the bag I left behind. We also hit the Vera Bradley store but didn't find anything I had to have. Next was the Disney Outlet store, and that was such a disappointment. The store had moved from its former location and it is very, very dark and dingy looking. They did have totally different items than the one located down here closer to Disney, but I honestly could not wait to get out of there. My friend found a couple of things, but I didn't get anything.
Then we were both getting a bit hungry, the snacks from Tasteful Artistry had worn off. My friend knows I like Portillo's, so we headed there and I got my hot dog fix. I like the decor and the variety they offer.
Back to the Riviera as my friend wanted to check out the Tower room I have. She walked in and said what a tiny room, but by the time she left, she agreed it was really all that one person needs with plenty of storage. My only complaints are the lack of lighting and the noisy slamming door that the CMs use. Other than that, I just love it here. It is interesting that I have not eaten a meal here yet on this trip, the timing just hasn't worked out and I brought plenty of stuff for breakfast.
My friend left as she had to work the next day and I called it a night. I got caught up on some emails and stuff like that and then lights out.
It was nice to have a day that wasn't the parks or Disney Springs.
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I had decided that since the weather was still cool that it would be a great day for Animal Kingdom where it is usually steamy. No breakfast in the room this morning as I really wasn't hungry. Got ready to leave the room, went thru my checklist, yes I have one to make sure I don't forget anything that will make my day more comfortable. And I arrive at the bus stop just as a bus for AK was getting ready to leave. A guest alerted the driver that I was there and he stopped and let me on--I really did appreciate that. Once thru the turnstiles at AK, I always bear to the right as both sides drop you out at the same place, and I was fortunate to have a sighting of Divine. I always enjoy watching her and she had really tucked herself into a corner that made her hard to spot. Instead of passing by everything, I stopped and checked out all the nooks and crannies of the animals that lead up to seeing the Tree of Life. I decided that maybe I should mobile order some lunch and decided on Satuli Canteen--always a good meal there. Next decision was should I try Genie+ since it was later in the day. I have only used it a couple of times and thought this might be for my to learn how to use it. I don't ride the coasters, but I thought Genie+ would shorten the lines for me on the things I wanted to do. I managed to get in Tough to Be a Bug, Festival of the lion King, Safari and then a tour thru Gorilla Falls. When I got to the area where it is a wide open area, there were two gorillas climbing one of the huge trees, they were close to the top and trying to get some of the leaves at the end of the branches. It was really fun to watch. A lot of the Keepers were standing around and it seemed they were worried they might fall. 
