"Enjoy these moments; they are precious"-Lesley's EPIC May TR!-COMPLETED-10/2-Last stops at Flower & Garden and Wrap Up

[Steppesister]

The boat that arrived got full up, so rather than wait another 20 minutes or more, we decided just to walk, arriving a few minutes after the park officially opened.

And perhaps even faster than the boat anyways.

Then I headed over to Star Tours, where I planned on meeting up with various other Epic gals. I think it ended up being 10 of us: my roomies, Su-Lynn’s crew, Bobbi & Sarah, and Jackie & Ariana. Not everyone had fastpasses, but one of my friends (Matt, who came out for SWGE opening weekend) actually works at Star Tours, so the Fastpass people were kind enough to let us all on

That was super nice of them (but it helps to have friends too!)

But we took up almost a whole Slinky, which was fun! (Of course both of these connections have now moved on to a galaxy far, far away...)

FUN!!!
And talk about a dream job!

And AGAIN with the Slinky Dog Face! I don’t get it @Steppesister and @paradesintherain!

LOLOLOL!!

Awww, some of my very favorite peeps!

I LOVE how Chunky Sis is milking it for all it's worth!

 

[docsoliday1]

Hahaha Chunkymojis are taking over the world by storm!

Chunkydoc, standing by. :thumbsup

Steve on Steve! I love it!

Never saw that...was at the other end

Love this picture! I'm glad you got pictures and video of their birthday at Ohana!

agreed!

It was quite delicious! I'm not even a huge fan of cheesecake but it's probably because I've not had Doc's before!

Aw thanks.

What a thoughtful gift from Jenn!

It was. I didn't know about this
Very cool

You all really took over Ohana! The pics really show what a blast you all were having!

I guess I'm the rarity...I enjoyed the company much better than the food

I never wear dresses in normal life

Wow! Amazing! I don't either

It was an awesome time!

It was and I thank all of you for allowing the rogue male along.

The quilts were just amazing!

 

[ariane37]

Sorry May the 4th wasn't better for all you fans but you did get lots of EPIC time and it looks like a really fun morning! We've eaten at Sci Fi a couple times and while it's not one of our favorites the food definitely doesn't disappoint.

How did you find the walk? I don't think we'll attempt it from Beach Club in August, but it's a great option to have!

I know I'm not the one you asked lol but I've done it. We like the walk; especially at night after the park closes as we find it relaxing and it's never hot or cold and the lights as you walk away/get close to the resorts are pretty. However as you said it'll be August so the walk will be hot and you'll arrive already sweaty! If it's for park opening and the heat hasn't gotten that unbearable yet you might want to try it but otherwise maybe do it on your way back

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Definitely not a fan and Uber has spoiled me; I don’t know how often I will take buses in the future!

I feel the same!

Okapi from the front this time!

My favorite

What a great photo idea! So cute.

It was time for our huge EPIC dinner! I think we ended up having 28 of us and took over 3 tables!

Wow! Sounds like a lot of fun.

But nothing could compare to what Jenn made for me and Su-Lynn! She made each of us a custom quilt with photos from various Dismeets and Disney trips! It was sooo amazing, I actually cried a bit! It truly was above and beyond and I’m still in awe of it!

Oh wow! That's amazing!

 

[chunkymonkey]

(I'm just going to post this now - I was planning on stealing some of Su-Lynn's photos when she posted them, but now I just want to get this TR done!)

Sorry! I'm like 2 days behind everyone!

The boat that arrived got full up, so rather than wait another 20 minutes or more, we decided just to walk, arriving a few minutes after the park officially opened.

That's a long walk!

I had hoped to maybe get in a ToT ride, but the line was already 45 minutes, so I skipped that and instead just went to buy the May the 4th pin (the small one, not the jumbo, which actually sold out before I got to the register but I wasn’t planning on getting anyways).

Oh I didn't know you wanted the big one! Did I tell you I ended up getting one but returning it because I was like, what am I gonna do with this?!? It was like 50 bucks!

Then I headed over to Star Tours, where I planned on meeting up with various other Epic gals. I think it ended up being 10 of us: my roomies, Su-Lynn’s crew, Bobbi & Sarah, and Jackie & Ariana. Not everyone had fastpasses, but one of my friends (Matt, who came out for SWGE opening weekend) actually works at Star Tours, so the Fastpass people were kind enough to let us all on (in reality I think they would have let us on even if I didn’t know anyone, as only Caroline and Molly didn’t have FPs). But, it was fun because we went to Matt’s gate and Molly and I got to be joint Rebel Spies - I wish we had been taking video or something!

That was really fun! Now I can say I KNOW someone who was the rebel spy! Whic will tide me over until I get to be the rebel spy!

Afterwards, the group of us headed for Toy Story Land, where we met up with Ariella and her family. I used my connections again so we all were able to ride together – again, most of us had FPs, so it wasn’t a big issue. But we took up almost a whole Slinky, which was fun! (Of course both of these connections have now moved on to a galaxy far, far away...)

I's not the same riding Slinky dog without the whole thing filled with Chunky friends!

And AGAIN with the Slinky Dog Face! I don’t get it @Steppesister and @paradesintherain!

That is the look of determination.

but Su-Lynn and Steve were hitchhikers in the car next to us.

Beware, a ghost will follow you home!

For food, I got the Oreo shake (it was another very hot/humid day and I wanted something cool), and the American burger. It was delicious! Sooo good! Probably my favorite Disneyworld burger (granted, I haven’t tried that many yet)! [Oh and a funny thing – I didn’t realize the burger came with bacon on it! So when I saw the photo that had bacon I almost called the waitress over. Luckily I checked the menu quickly and realized it was ok!]

I think we got the same thing, it was really good!

I liked the atmosphere, nice and cool and dark and relatively quiet. Well, maybe too quiet… because this happened

LOLOLOLOL this picture has so much meaning. #payback
I also like Caroline smiling in the back.

 

[franandaj]

O'hana looks so good! I need to get back there again! It sounds like you left just before all the drama took place. Glad you had a nice evening.

Your day at DHS seems like a pretty chill time. Glad you enjoyed Sci Fi Dine in Theater.

 

[thumper*]

 

[Lesley Wake]

We were not far behind you then.

Too bad we didn't attempt to meet up!

No way! So cool! So many want this... so few get it.

Yeah. Lauren (my sister) and I have each gotten it at Disneyland before, so we each have the "I am the rebel spy" shirt.

Good to know! I haven't been back there in ages. Maybe it's time.

I did like it.

Yeah, that's what stunk for me...so many people I'd chatted with on the boards, but so little time and too spread out.
Also, since I wasn't one of the girls or their husband, I felt a little awkward, but @chunkymonkey assured me it was okay.

Oh no, it was fine! And you were all the way down with the guys anyways!

That is sooooo cool!!!! I didn't see that.

Too bad! Guess its hard to see what happens on the other side of the restaurant!

How did you find the walk? I don't think we'll attempt it from Beach Club in August, but it's a great option to have!

It wasn't too bad. We did have to walk around the construction fences, but hopefully that will be down by August. I know though you can be more sensitive to heat, so I would do boats more often.

Awesome! Nice that you've got friends in high places!

I think you're probably right though. I mean, I know it's never guaranteed or anything. But I'm pretty sure I read somewhere about CMs at least at some locations being trained that if a group comes and they don't all have FPs and they are kind and ask politely, to let them all through.

Yeah, as long as you're nice, I haven't had issues.

Awesome!! Nothing like a little Star Tours pixie dust

Yup! I guess he liked to pick 2 people whenever possible!

Woops! Easy to do at Disney. We've all been there. It's cool...it's dark...you're not sleeping enough and playing a little too hard...

Yup!

 

[Lesley Wake]

And perhaps even faster than the boat anyways.

Yeah, I think we probably arrived around the same time. Especially because they had to load up at Swolphin too.

FUN!!!
And talk about a dream job!

Yeah, they are loving it! One works for Hondo and one will be joining the Resistance!

I LOVE how Chunky Sis is milking it for all it's worth!

Yup.... I got her back though!

Wow! Amazing! I don't either

I know - I think they'd look good on you though!

Sorry May the 4th wasn't better for all you fans but you did get lots of EPIC time and it looks like a really fun morning! We've eaten at Sci Fi a couple times and while it's not one of our favorites the food definitely doesn't disappoint.

It wasn't necessarily bad. Just nothing special for SW. It happens...

I feel the same!

And it's so affordable too! Really, unless the bus is about to arrive or I'm headed to Magic Kingdom, I probably will just uber/lyft!

What a great photo idea! So cute.

I know! Especially because now I know, that photo was for Grace's birthday, not just a random Gorilla Falls photo!

Sorry! I'm like 2 days behind everyone!

Slacker!

Oh I didn't know you wanted the big one! Did I tell you I ended up getting one but returning it because I was like, what am I gonna do with this?!? It was like 50 bucks!

Don't worry - I didn't actually want it! I don't like the cost for the Jumbo pins!

That was really fun! Now I can say I KNOW someone who was the rebel spy! Whic will tide me over until I get to be the rebel spy!

Haha - I've been rebel spy 3x (2x at Disneyland). Lauren and I both have the "I'm the rebel spy" shirts.

I's not the same riding Slinky dog without the whole thing filled with Chunky friends!

Nope!

Beware, a ghost will follow you home!

LOLOLOLOL this picture has so much meaning. #payback
I also like Caroline smiling in the back.

I know!

O'hana looks so good! I need to get back there again! It sounds like you left just before all the drama took place. Glad you had a nice evening.

Your day at DHS seems like a pretty chill time. Glad you enjoyed Sci Fi Dine in Theater.

Ohana was yummy! And DHS was fun as a group! I still don't love that park, but I can enjoy some times there.

 

[Lesley Wake]

Day 8, Part 2 - In which we gamble and lose...

After a little break, Caroline and I headed back out to Epcot, as everyone planned on meeting at the IG at 2pm. We did gather, but then someone pulled up the weather radar and realized a storm was heading our direction and quickly. So people decided to scatter and head to the Odyssey pavilion.

While on the way there of course, Renee happened to see Tim Tracker and his wife and screamed sooo loud! It was hilarious! She and Chad gushed all over them and took some selfies.

Ariella, Su-Lynn and I were the last group making our way (we had sort of waited at IG to pick up any stragglers), but then we also decided to make a pit stop at the Citrus Blossum. All three of us got the Orange Wine Slushy (soooo good). Su-lynn and I got the Lobster Tails (also very good, but overpriced). And I got the Citrus Shortcake. (I think Su-Lynn has some cute photos, but I'm just waiting on that slacker to post them...)

We ate our food and realized it was starting to sprinkle. And then it was no longer sprinkling. So, we tried to make a run for it, which involved me trying to protect my citrus cake from being too water logged and just lots of laughing and screaming!

When it got too bad, I basically had to stuff the cake in my mouth and then we made a run for it, showing up at the Odyssey as wet rats! I guess we decided to gamble on the weather and lost big time!

In the Odyssey, it was pretty packed (oh and Cinderkelly was there, so my final Dismeet - #25 – happened). Minnie was also meeting this weekend only in a special outfit, but I didn’t bother to meet her (the line was pretty long).

Eventually it stopped raining so we decided to head out, with the strategy that if it did start raining, we would just try to find cover wherever we were!

(Also the original plan was to go Mexico and clockwise, but somehow we ended up going counter-clockwise.)

​

 

[Lesley Wake]

Some of us made a stop at La Isla Fresca, where we got the Sugar Cane Shrimp (aka, Steve’s shrimp, because Ariane’s DH Steve loves them so much), and had a bit of a Shrimp party. I also got the Tropical Mousse Cake, which wasn’t too bad.

Of course I had to stop and take some Flower & Garden photos, including a posed one with my favorite nephew ducks!

People moved on to gather outside the refreshment port, so I stopped for a Violet Lemonade from Pineapple Promenade on my way.

Oh, and I got photo proof Melinda and Jenn were filling up on celery, instead of F&G goodies!

As people began to move on, I decided to head back and get the Local Wildflower Honey-mascarpone Cheesecake (with orange blossom honey ice cream garnished with fennel pollen meringue kisses and petit lavender shoots) from the Honey Bee-stro; Billie and Sarah joined me. This was a yummy meal, but a bit of a logistical mistake, as it meant I never ended up catching up to the group!

They also forgot about Billie’s, so gave her an extra scoop of ice cream – and please note her lovely fork in ear strategy!

As I passed through the West side of the World Showcase I had to stop for photos!

I made a stop at Fleur de Lys for a Macaron au Chocolate n Sucette (large chocolate maracon lollipop), and La Vie en Rose Frozen Slushy. Unfortunately the macaron this year is covered with nuts, instead of the chocolate pearls like last year (it’s also not on any menus). So, I ate the half that wasn’t covered and gave the rest to Billie and Sarah.

After sitting in France a while I just realized how wiped I really was! I knew everyone else was heading around the showcase (I think they were in America by then), but the heat and humidity were getting to me. So I decided – I paid a premium for a great hotel location, might as well take advantage of it! I headed back to YC to rest a bit! I wish I could have stuck it out as it looked like they all had fun, but it just wasn’t going to be pleasant for me!​

 

[Lesley Wake]

Anyways, after resting a bit, it was time for our fun evening activity – or was it. We were supposed to have an Illuminations cruise, with 3 boats booked. Unfortunately the weather took a turn and they had to cancel all the boats that evening. Thankfully I got a full refund, which I sent onto the group, but it was disappointing all the same.

Here are the snacks we would have been offered…and I may have dug into one of the bags of pretzels when the CMs offered them to me!

I know Su-Lynn ended up at Hurricane Hannas with some people during the worst of the storm (I was nice and comfy waiting by the boat dock under cover of the offices). Other people had gathered in the YC lobby. Eventually all of us ended up there (thankfully because I was staying there, I could get access to the side entrance and barely get wet before getting into the safety of the bldg. interior).

Anyways, people did end up scattering – I’m not sure exactly where everyone went. I know a group of us ended up at Ale & Compass lounge, where we got some drinks and bites. Everything was very good and I will definitely be back!

We ended up with:

Seaworthy Breeze – Yacht Club Vodka with juices of Grapefruit and Cranberry. I liked it! Not too strong

Parker House Rolls and Spreads – Yum! I didn’t even care about the spreads – I just liked the warm, buttery, garlic taste!

Some sort of meatballs in tomato sauce – it’s no longer on the menu. I liked this one too.

Roasted Garlic Shrimp – Also very yummy

I went up earlyish to pack up my suitcases (we were switching resorts the next day). When Molly came up, she was craving pizza, so she ended up getting a room service pizza, which was surprisingly good!

And then bed!​

 

[Jenny Sanders]

We were supposed to have an Illuminations cruise, with 3 boats booked. Unfortunately the weather took a turn and they had to cancel all the boats that evening

This was so disappointing!!!! I was so sad.

 

[disneyAndi14]

That was a fun evening despite the rain and the canceled Illuminations Cruise!

I really liked the Parker rolls, I hope to try them again in a couple weeks!

The room service pizza was pretty yummy and how nice of Molly to share with us!

 

[buzzrelly]

I liked the atmosphere, nice and cool and dark and relatively quiet. Well, maybe too quiet… because this happened

Oops!

Oh, no!

Anyways, after food, Caroline and I decided to head back to the room for a break, taking some photopass pics along the way. (I also had a change of shirt to my Flower & Garden shirt.)

Great shot of you two!

While on the way there of course, Renee happened to see Tim Tracker and his wife and screamed sooo loud! It was hilarious! She and Chad gushed all over them and took some selfies.

I was literally one minute ahead of you guys…I was so mad I missed them

Minnie was also meeting this weekend only in a special outfit, but I didn’t bother to meet her (the line was pretty long).

She looked so cute, but I didn't have it in me to wait in that line either.

They also forgot about Billie’s, so gave her an extra scoop of ice cream – and please note her lovely fork in ear strategy!

Genius!

After sitting in France a while I just realized how wiped I really was! I knew everyone else was heading around the showcase (I think they were in America by then), but the heat and humidity were getting to me. So I decided – I paid a premium for a great hotel location, might as well take advantage of it! I headed back to YC to rest a bit! I wish I could have stuck it out as it looked like they all had fun, but it just wasn’t going to be pleasant for me!

If I was staying that close, I definitely would have been tempted to go back and rest too!

When Molly came up, she was craving pizza, so she ended up getting a room service pizza, which was surprisingly good!

That pizza does look surprisingly good

It was so much fun, despite the on and off rain all day!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

All of your desserts from the booths look SO good! (The other food looks good, too, but my favorite is definitely dessert!)

It's a shame your Illuminations cruise was cancelled (stupid Florida weather!), but it looks like you all managed to have a good time anyway. Many of the small plates look quite tasty!

I've never had the room service pizza, but it's nice to know that it's good!

 

[dolewhipdreams]

So, we tried to make a run for it, which involved me trying to protect my citrus cake from being too water logged and just lots of laughing and screaming!

Yes! Priorities!

Of course I had to stop and take some Flower & Garden photos, including a posed one with my favorite nephew ducks!

Your photos are so pretty! F&G is probably my favorite season at Epcot. And I love your floral shorts! Very on theme.

Oh, and I got photo proof Melinda and Jenn were filling up on celery, instead of F&G goodies!

I could not imagine eating celery instead of F&G goodies. Way to go them for having discipline!

and please note her lovely fork in ear strategy!

GENIUS

I headed back to YC to rest a bit! I wish I could have stuck it out as it looked like they all had fun, but it just wasn’t going to be pleasant for me!

Ugh that is never a good feeling, but I'm glad you made the best call for you and got some rest!

Anyways, after resting a bit, it was time for our fun evening activity – or was it. We were supposed to have an Illuminations cruise, with 3 boats booked. Unfortunately the weather took a turn and they had to cancel all the boats that evening. Thankfully I got a full refund, which I sent onto the group, but it was disappointing all the same.

Bummer!! I bet that would have been super fun. But it sounds like your chill evening was pretty good, too.

Parker House Rolls and Spreads – Yum! I didn’t even care about the spreads – I just liked the warm, buttery, garlic taste!

Those. Rolls. Look. Heavenly.

When Molly came up, she was craving pizza, so she ended up getting a room service pizza, which was surprisingly good!

She and I have the same "my pizza is here" face.

 

[Newsies]

While on the way there of course, Renee happened to see Tim Tracker and his wife and screamed sooo loud! It was hilarious! She and Chad gushed all over them and took some selfies.

How cool!!! I would have screamed, too!!!

Everything here looks amazing, I'm dying for that orange wine slush!

I made a stop at Fleur de Lys for a Macaron au Chocolate n Sucette (large chocolate maracon lollipop), and La Vie en Rose Frozen Slushy. Unfortunately the macaron this year is covered with nuts, instead of the chocolate pearls like last year (it’s also not on any menus). So, I ate the half that wasn’t covered and gave the rest to Billie and Sarah.

So annoying that they changed the pearls to nuts! I wonder why they would do that, especially with how popular the one last year was?

Anyways, after resting a bit, it was time for our fun evening activity – or was it. We were supposed to have an Illuminations cruise, with 3 boats booked. Unfortunately the weather took a turn and they had to cancel all the boats that evening. Thankfully I got a full refund, which I sent onto the group, but it was disappointing all the same.

I am so sorry, that stinks!

 

[pkondz]

Too bad we didn't attempt to meet up!

Had no idea you'd be there! Met Kari, Su-Lynn, Ariana, Jackie and Doc.

Yeah. Lauren (my sister) and I have each gotten it at Disneyland before, so we each have the "I am the rebel spy" shirt.

Awe. Some.

Renee happened to see Tim Tracker and his wife and screamed sooo loud! It was hilarious!

All three of us got the Orange Wine Slushy (soooo good).

I never got that. I did get the orange slushy in the souvenir cup. They were out or had some problems when I went.

Su-lynn and I got the Lobster Tails (also very good, but overpriced).

That was soooo good!

(I think Su-Lynn has some cute photos, but I'm just waiting on that slacker to post them...)

And then it was no longer sprinkling. So, we tried to make a run for it, which involved me trying to protect my citrus cake from being too water logged and just lots of laughing and screaming!

Sounds like you guys had fun, despite the weather.

Some of us made a stop at La Isla Fresca, where we got the Sugar Cane Shrimp (aka, Steve’s shrimp, because Ariane’s DH Steve loves them so much),

Shoot! I don't remember seeing that one, some how.

Oh, and I got photo proof Melinda and Jenn were filling up on celery, instead of F&G goodies!

This is possible????

We were supposed to have an Illuminations cruise, with 3 boats booked. Unfortunately the weather took a turn and they had to cancel all the boats that evening.

I heard about that. Too bad.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

A partial group photo, though I realized we didn’t get to take a photo with Ariella’s girls too!

I am suprised Gwen didn't jump in. This was technically after your nap... We were leaving Baseline Tap house and you guys were leaving Sci-Fi.

Well, maybe too quiet… because this happened

Still hilarious!

Oh, and we ran into the SW characters getting ready for the “fashion show”

Have they said anything about the "fashion show" going away once Galaxy's Edge opens up? I feel like they will have to, right?

While on the way there of course, Renee happened to see Tim Tracker and his wife and screamed sooo loud! It was hilarious! She and Chad gushed all over them and took some selfies.

It was soooooo loud! I thought sometime bad had happened.

All three of us got the Orange Wine Slushy (soooo good).

It was worth it! Soooo good!!!!

Cheers!

So, we tried to make a run for it, which involved me trying to protect my citrus cake from being too water logged and just lots of laughing and screaming!

It was a good bonding moment, right? It felt good with the heat, at least.

I def felt like that when we walked in...

People moved on to gather outside the refreshment port, so I stopped for a Violet Lemonade from Pineapple Promenade on my way.

I wanted to try this and didn't have a chance to get it.

I headed back to YC to rest a bit! I wish I could have stuck it out as it looked like they all had fun, but it just wasn’t going to be pleasant for me!

I think you needed it!

When Molly came up, she was craving pizza, so she ended up getting a room service pizza, which was surprisingly good!

I love this pic! And sometimes I kind of wish we did this. But I have always heard the pizza is terrible.