I’m not going to trust that psychopath! April 15-24th, trip report. I’m back and TR link 9/17*

[disneyAndi14]

I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet boy.

Thank you! He was a sweet little man and had been with us since he was 2 months old! He grew up with my kids!

I love to wander through there!

It was really nice in the Butterfly garden with low crowds in there! Loved it!

One day you'll go on it!

This September is it! I’m doing Guardians and Tron!

I am glad to hear you weren't sick. I might try it again this summer.

The first time it was bad! I now focus more on Remy and it really helps! I would try it again and focus on the rat!

Sounds fabulous! There is nothing like the Hoop!

It really was perfect in many ways. The transportation was the only downfall really!

Again! I am surprised the CMs didn't say anything. The rule is to stay seated. And what is wrong with the parents who do not ensure their children behave properly???? Ugh!

We were in the back part outside and the CM never came back there. The kid running around and jumping on the benches with people on the benches was at least 10, his parents ignored him!

I absolutely LOVE Hoop Dee Doo! Definitely a must-do for our next trip. We've been lucky enough to have members of our party be picked to go on stage 3 different times. It was hilarious

I’m so glad we decided to add this! Donna loved it and it really was such a perfect evening of entertainment and delicious food!

It was sad when we were staying at Fort Wilderness last February and the show was still closed

I’m sure it was! Really glad it is back with the audience participation! We didn’t get picked which is okay with me, I’m a little shy for that lol

That's... really bad. I mean... Covid impacted for sure, but... really, Disney? Really?

It really is. I had really high hopes of it being restructured back to a FP+ type of system. Instead they just keep making it worse

Hmmm... scenic. Relaxing... but time sucking. Something which is in short supply when at Disney.

Yeah, the internal bus thing really isn’t fun either at FW so I would buffer more time if I go again and do the boat!

Yes! I could see me filming.
"Whoops. There's my feet. Okay... castle. Nope! Goat!... Darn it, feet again."

Same. My phone came out of my pocket on Big Thunder and thank goodness Andi is quick and grabbed it before it flew out of the train!

 

[pkondz]

It really is. I had really high hopes of it being restructured back to a FP+ type of system. Instead they just keep making it worse

Same. My phone came out of my pocket on Big Thunder and thank goodness Andi is quick and grabbed it before it flew out of the train!

Close call!

 

[disneyAndi14]

7/3 is my ADR day. I have been working on our plans for the last couple weeks!
I wanted to interrupt this TR for a little pre trip planning.

We are staying at the Riviera in a preferred studio. I got a really good discount. This resort is crazy expensive and of course, I love staying here! The discount makes it more affordable thank goodness.

Our first night, we are staying at AS Music. A new resort for us.

I got a great rate for the one night. Our flight was supposed to leave at 5:20pm and arrive in Orlando at midnight. Well, Delta changed it up, dropped that flight and put us on a flight at 2:00pm but we would have to sit in Minneapolis until 8:00pm, ugh

I decided to just fly out earlier in the day and arrive in Orlando at 5:00pm. Yay to adding a little extra time the first evening. It is 9/1/23. We move to Riviera the next day and stay until 9/7/23. We move to Universal Orlando on 9/7-9/10 at Portofino Bay for Horror Nights!

I have an AP for both Disney and Universal. I bought Andi 5 day park hopper tickets for Disney and 4 day Park to Park tickets for Universal, oh my gosh tickets are pricey! I did get discounts. It is crazy how much tickets are now a days! I haven’t had to buy Disney tickets in forever! APs are the way to go even if only going twice a year!

I will still have to fork out mega bucks for our Horror night tickets with express pass! I am spoiled and would not do HHN without the EP now, no way! The houses have huge waits and EP makes a big difference in seeing all the houses! Our plan is 2 nights at HHN with the express both nights.

Andi only requested Sanna, Via Napoli, and Frontera Cocina for reservations. We plan to eat at F&W a few times! Bar Riva, Nomad Lounge, and WBG. I have found we can get ADRs on the fly for Frontera and WBG so I may not make any for those on Monday.



We want to do an early breakfast at Garden Grill and I think that is it!


It is weird not to be making a bunch of reservations.

We love Primo Piatto the quick service at Riviera so we will eat there a few times.

At Universal, we would like to go to Strong Water bar to eat, and Antojitos, mainly for the guacamole and margaritas, otherwise wide open there. Pro tip if you are staying at a “deluxe” resort at Universal, you have priority seating at the restaurants. You can have concierge call and get you in anywhere! How awesome is that! I love it!

Pretty easy planning for Universal!


Disney is pretty easy for this trip as well! I don’t think I will have any trouble getting in the few places we want. Garden Grill maybe a little difficult just because breakfast is only open for a couple hours each morning.

We are doing the MNSSHP on 9/4/23. I bought a comfortable dress with the Minnie Mouse red and white polka dots.

I need to be comfortable at the party because it is very hot at these parties! I’m excited to do the party with my Andi girl!

It has been awhile since we went together!

Every year I say I’m not going and every year I do, lol

The parade and trick or treating is worth the ticket price in my book!

I don’t think we are doing any other add ons this trip. We just want to spend time together and enjoy our favorite vacation spot in the world!

Okay wish me luck for ADR Monday!

I will let you know how I did and I will have a new post soon for the current trip report!

 

[summerlvr]

Good luck with your ADRs! Your trip overlaps mine for a few days. I'll be arriving on 9/5, but sadly not staying at Riviera.

 

[DVCjj]

Trip Report still so fun!

I LOVE your black top with stars with those shorts. Wow...it's perfect. Would buy in an instant. Where did you buy that outfit and the adorable red and white polka dots? (if you don't mind answering)

 

[schumigirl]

Catching up again Caroline.

I`m so sorry to read about the losses you`ve had recently, such a tough time for you as a family, I hope planning for the trips has helped take your mind to better places.

Sangria, cornbread and butter would make me happy too.......we do love BBQ food so it all sounds amazing.

Loving hearing about your plans for September, I do hope HHN is a hit for you this year

 

[buzzrelly]

I decided to just fly out earlier in the day and arrive in Orlando at 5:00pm.

That sounds like a much better option.

It is weird not to be making a bunch of reservations.

I find we make less and less the more we go.

I’m excited to do the party with my Andi girl!

Yay! So happy for you, I know it's been a while and I know how precious these trips are for you!

The parade and trick or treating is worth the ticket price in my book!

Yes, that parade is one of my favorites, along with the Once Upon A Christmas parade

Okay wish me luck for ADR Monday!

Good luck!!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Good luck for Adr Monday
Plans sound great and I’m sure you can’t wait to take a trip with your girl. You’ll be weaving your way through those parks together in no time!

 

[pkondz]

We are staying at the Riviera in a preferred studio. I got a really good discount.

Nice!

Our first night, we are staying at AS Music. A new resort for us.

My old stomping grounds.
Although I'm changing over to POP for the Skyliner these days.

Well, Delta changed it up, dropped that flight and put us on a flight at 2:00pm but we would have to sit in Minneapolis until 8:00pm, ugh

Ew. Nope!

It is crazy how much tickets are now a days!

Guess what! I'm betting the prices will go up even more! Wanna bet?

I will still have to fork out mega bucks for our Horror night tickets with express pass! I am spoiled and would not do HHN without the EP now, no way!

Andi only requested Sanna, Via Napoli, and Frontera Cocina for reservations.

Pretty good choices, although I've yet to try Frontera.

I have found we can get ADRs on the fly for Frontera and WBG

I'm surprised that you can do that with WBG.

Pro tip if you are staying at a “deluxe” resort at Universal, you have priority seating at the restaurants.

I did not know that!!!

We are doing the MNSSHP on 9/4/23.

oooohhhh!!! So envious!

Every year I say I’m not going and every year I do, lol

I'd do the same, given the chance.

Okay wish me luck for ADR Monday!

Good luck!

 

[suse66]

7/3 is my ADR day. I have been working on our plans for the last couple weeks!
I wanted to interrupt this TR for a little pre trip planning.

We are staying at the Riviera in a preferred studio. I got a really good discount. This resort is crazy expensive and of course, I love staying here! The discount makes it more affordable thank goodness.
View attachment 773425
Our first night, we are staying at AS Music. A new resort for us.

I got a great rate for the one night. Our flight was supposed to leave at 5:20pm and arrive in Orlando at midnight. Well, Delta changed it up, dropped that flight and put us on a flight at 2:00pm but we would have to sit in Minneapolis until 8:00pm, ugh

I decided to just fly out earlier in the day and arrive in Orlando at 5:00pm. Yay to adding a little extra time the first evening. It is 9/1/23. We move to Riviera the next day and stay until 9/7/23. We move to Universal Orlando on 9/7-9/10 at Portofino Bay for Horror Nights!

I have an AP for both Disney and Universal. I bought Andi 5 day park hopper tickets for Disney and 4 day Park to Park tickets for Universal, oh my gosh tickets are pricey! I did get discounts. It is crazy how much tickets are now a days! I haven’t had to buy Disney tickets in forever! APs are the way to go even if only going twice a year!

I will still have to fork out mega bucks for our Horror night tickets with express pass! I am spoiled and would not do HHN without the EP now, no way! The houses have huge waits and EP makes a big difference in seeing all the houses! Our plan is 2 nights at HHN with the express both nights.

Andi only requested Sanna, Via Napoli, and Frontera Cocina for reservations. We plan to eat at F&W a few times! Bar Riva, Nomad Lounge, and WBG. I have found we can get ADRs on the fly for Frontera and WBG so I may not make any for those on Monday.
View attachment 773424
View attachment 773427
View attachment 773430
We want to do an early breakfast at Garden Grill and I think that is it!
View attachment 773423
View attachment 773429
It is weird not to be making a bunch of reservations.

We love Primo Piatto the quick service at Riviera so we will eat there a few times.

At Universal, we would like to go to Strong Water bar to eat, and Antojitos, mainly for the guacamole and margaritas, otherwise wide open there. Pro tip if you are staying at a “deluxe” resort at Universal, you have priority seating at the restaurants. You can have concierge call and get you in anywhere! How awesome is that! I love it!

Pretty easy planning for Universal!
View attachment 773428
View attachment 773432
Disney is pretty easy for this trip as well! I don’t think I will have any trouble getting in the few places we want. Garden Grill maybe a little difficult just because breakfast is only open for a couple hours each morning.

We are doing the MNSSHP on 9/4/23. I bought a comfortable dress with the Minnie Mouse red and white polka dots.
View attachment 773426
I need to be comfortable at the party because it is very hot at these parties! I’m excited to do the party with my Andi girl!

It has been awhile since we went together!

Every year I say I’m not going and every year I do, lol
View attachment 773431
The parade and trick or treating is worth the ticket price in my book!

I don’t think we are doing any other add ons this trip. We just want to spend time together and enjoy our favorite vacation spot in the world!

Okay wish me luck for ADR Monday!

I will let you know how I did and I will have a new post soon for the current trip report!

Great plans! I am sad to miss you by only a few days but know that you will have the best time with Andi!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Good luck with your ADRs! Your trip overlaps mine for a few days. I'll be arriving on 9/5, but sadly not staying at Riviera.

Yay for a trip around the same time! Where are you staying? Riviera is definitely a splurge! The discount I got is really good. I think because it is off peak time. The regular price I usually see is $200.00 more a night, that is crazy! I was tempted to switch to CR garden room for a great price but we both really want the Skyliner access and the vibe of Riviera.

 

[disneyAndi14]

Trip Report still so fun!

I LOVE your black top with stars with those shorts. Wow...it's perfect. Would buy in an instant. Where did you buy that outfit and the adorable red and white polka dots? (if you don't mind answering)

I know my trip with Andi will be a little more go go so the current TR with my sister Donna was such a nice trip! We did so much but didn’t run ourselves ragged.
My outfit with Mickey at GG is all from Old Navy. I found really nice linen shorts from there, which are ideal for the late summer heat in Florida
The dress is from QVC, I know TV shopping seems weird but I like a few brands on there and they always have petite which I need!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Catching up again Caroline.

I`m so sorry to read about the losses you`ve had recently, such a tough time for you as a family, I hope planning for the trips has helped take your mind to better places.

Sangria, cornbread and butter would make me happy too.......we do love BBQ food so it all sounds amazing.

Loving hearing about your plans for September, I do hope HHN is a hit for you this year

So much! It has been a month of loss in June. I hope July brings comfort, it is the best month to live in Duluth, hands down! Beautiful weather with a lake breeze from big old Lake Superior!
Hoop dee Doo is really a fun dinner show and the food is delicious! The all of care to eat and drink is a real plus!
I hope HHN is a hit. I think it will be, Andi will love it. We both really like The Last of Us so we are excited about this house!
Are you skipping it this year? I think I see in your signature you are going in December this year! Another wonderful time, love all the Christmas events and decorations at Universal.

 

[disneyAndi14]

That sounds like a much better option.

It really does. I was just trying to get there a night earlier but getting there around 5pm is way better than midnight! They also didn’t charge me more since it was their change and I was upgraded to comfort plus for no additional cost, yay! Now I just hope it doesn’t get changed again!

I find we make less and less the more we go.

I agree! With 2 people we can usually get reservations on the day of or night before. Via Napoli is a must, we have been going here together for many years!

Yay! So happy for you, I know it's been a while and I know how precious these trips are for you!

It really has and she is really getting excited since it has been awhile for her!

Yes, that parade is one of my favorites, along with the Once Upon A Christmas parade

It is my favorite and I do love the Christmas one too! It is hard to pass up these special parties especially, if we happen to be there at that season. I am still tossing around a December trip for all the Christmas fun!

Good luck!!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Good luck for Adr Monday
Plans sound great and I’m sure you can’t wait to take a trip with your girl. You’ll be weaving your way through those parks together in no time!

I hope I can snag a Garden Grill breakfast for early morning! You sure nailed it about weaving and bobbing! Andi is such a pro at that! Sometime mom gets left in the dust

 

[disneyAndi14]

My old stomping grounds.
Although I'm changing over to POP for the Skyliner these days.

We have stayed at AS movies! I agree about the Skyliner it is a game changer for sure! Part of our love for Riviera!

Guess what! I'm betting the prices will go up even more! Wanna bet?

I would lose that bet, considering they have essentially doubled Genie+ from 15 to 30 dollars in basically 1 year! Ugh not cool!

Pretty good choices, although I've yet to try Frontera.

Andi loves the homemade guacamole and I love the house made chicken taquitos and the margaritas are the best on property. (In my opinion)

I'm surprised that you can do that with WBG.

I know, it is crazy there are almost always day of reservations for WBG. It gets rave reviews and does have unique delicious food so it is surprising

did not know that!!!

Yes, it really helps for on the fly planning!

oooohhhh!!! So envious!

I love the Halloween party at MK one of my all time favorites! It has become more crowded over the years but still wonderful in my book!

I'd do the same, given the chance.

I couldn’t pass up this party even though I say I’m not doing it this year!

Good luck!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Great plans! I am sad to miss you by only a few days but know that you will have the best time with And

Thank you Susan, sad to miss you by a few days! Another reason to plan a ladies trip for us in the future!

 

[DVCjj]

I know my trip with Andi will be a little more go go so the current TR with my sister Donna was such a nice trip! We did so much but didn’t run ourselves ragged.
My outfit with Mickey at GG is all from Old Navy. I found really nice linen shorts from there, which are ideal for the late summer heat in Florida
The dress is from QVC, I know TV shopping seems weird but I like a few brands on there and they always have petite which I need!

I love QVC and HSN and gotten items/clothing that I love….and for the same reason as I’m petite also.
I need to revisit Old Navy as I always loved their prices.

Re RIV stay, we stayed there recently and accidentally came upon Bar Riva for lunch. It was wonderful and we loved our food. It was like a hidden gem for us.

You will have a great stay there. So convenient with my beloved Skyliner.

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

HAPPY ADR DAY

 

[summerlvr]

Yay for a trip around the same time! Where are you staying? Riviera is definitely a splurge! The discount I got is really good. I think because it is off peak time. The regular price I usually see is $200.00 more a night, that is crazy! I was tempted to switch to CR garden room for a great price but we both really want the Skyliner access and the vibe of Riviera.

I've changed my mind so many times it's not funny! Currently booked at AKL, but may change my mind again. The AP rates for September are really good!