Making Lemonade from Lemons.

[buzzrelly]

I'm enjoying your TR! I love all your pictures and used to enjoy seeing them over on the "Show me…" thread. I haven't been over there in a bit.

My kids are around the same ages…my DD will be a senior this year and had her musical cut short in March. Luckily, we were able to see it once before they pulled the plug. I really feel for your daughter not being able to perform the lead she probably worked so hard to get.

My DH isn't the biggest Disney fan either, but I've learned what he does like…food, drinks, vintage Disney attractions…and he's really starting to come around. He won't go on any coasters or drop rides, but he doesn't mind poking around by himself while I do. I think he's resigned himself to the fact that we will be taking many trips to Disney so he'd better find some things to enjoy! And he really does now and will talk about planning our upcoming trips and where we're eating, etc.

One thing my DH really likes are the tours…we did Keys to the Kingdom and Marceline to the Magic Kingdom and I think he started to appreciate the parks and history more after that. When they start doing tours again, maybe that's something your wife would like?

Also, it's funny how much your son looks like you!

PS-The Haunted Mansion is one of the greatest rides EVER…don't feel bad for enjoying it!

 

[cajunfan]

Your pictures are BEAUTIFUL!!

I may be the odd man out, but I like the new castle colors. I only wish the pink portion was just a bit toned down, and only because it makes it look too much like Sleeping Beauty's castle in Disneyland.

Thank you for capturing Splash Mountain. I am afraid I will not see it again until after the re-theme...and I LOVED the songs and theming in Splash! I love Princess & The Frog (I'm a NOLA native), but I get Laughing Place and Zippee-Do stuck in my head all the time.

I would have been unhappy too if the rooom ready was so late. I like to get unpacked and settled in when I arrive.

I can't wait to read and see more!

Lynn

 

[everreal15]

Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us! Looks like you are all having a wonderful time despite everything going on.

Cant wait for our trip next month.

Looking forward to more of your trip report.

 

[CruellaNY]

Joining in and enjoying your report! Great pictures especially of the HM which I love

After having our April Disney cruise cancelled along with a couple spring Disney trips we finally hit Universal in June and had an amazing time, and then Disney last month. It was really great with the exception of fewer food options as we enjoy eating lol. We will be back in about 30 days!

oni missing out on a big chunk of her High School Senior Year

Same with DS18, it was a crappy year for all HS seniors. We drop him off at college tomorrow and really hoping he has a positive experience.

At first I thought it was an attempt at some Florida humor but they were dead serious. I had no idea what the meant by "gator".

Funny but sorry you had to go back! Disney banned the "gaitors" shortly after reopening the parks. Universal allowed them a bit longer but now, nope.

I wasn't too happy with this; I was expecting more of a lunch menu

Ugh another change upon reopening. We loved dinner there before it was a prixe fixe menu and thought at least the pricing for QS breakfast and lunch was ok. But now with the prixe fixe lunch it's another nope. But it is gorgeous in there so glad you got to see it!

n hindsight, going on the Liberty Belle would have been a great thing to do with Val and the kids but we never made time for it. It was good to see it running as on our last trip it never left the dock.

It's so relaxing riding the Liberty Belle, put it on your list for sure for next time

he Contemporary completely pulled the plug on them. I did not like this approach but Val was just fine with it.

Agree with you. I never had the desire to stay there but we did last summer as I want to try all Disney resorts. The room was nice and big and walking to MK was convenient, we also had a really nice Bay Lake view. Otherwise we weren't impressed. However for $175 a night I probably wouldn't say no!

Look forward to your HS day review, it was the most "crowded" park when we were there in July.

 

[fractal]

I'm enjoying your TR! I love all your pictures and used to enjoy seeing them over on the "Show me…" thread. I haven't been over there in a bit.

My kids are around the same ages…my DD will be a senior this year and had her musical cut short in March. Luckily, we were able to see it once before they pulled the plug. I really feel for your daughter not being able to perform the lead she probably worked so hard to get.

My DH isn't the biggest Disney fan either, but I've learned what he does like…food, drinks, vintage Disney attractions…and he's really starting to come around. He won't go on any coasters or drop rides, but he doesn't mind poking around by himself while I do. I think he's resigned himself to the fact that we will be taking many trips to Disney so he'd better find some things to enjoy! And he really does now and will talk about planning our upcoming trips and where we're eating, etc.

One thing my DH really likes are the tours…we did Keys to the Kingdom and Marceline to the Magic Kingdom and I think he started to appreciate the parks and history more after that. When they start doing tours again, maybe that's something your wife would like?

Also, it's funny how much your son looks like you!

PS-The Haunted Mansion is one of the greatest rides EVER…don't feel bad for enjoying it!

Hi @buzzrelly ! Yes, we miss you on that thread!

Happy that your daughter was able to perform at least once. Toni missing her recital was tougher for her than missing the prom; and for me and Val. I typically will go during the dress rehearsal and between that day and the day of the recital will take literally 2,000+ photos of the dancers and share them.

Glad your husband is slowing growing to like WDW. Val really enjoyed the second half of our trip. One year she did the Segway Tour of World Showcase which she loved.

Lol - yes Sterg lucked out.

I agree on HM. I enjoyed it more then next time I rode.

Thanks for following along and taking the time to comment!

Your pictures are BEAUTIFUL!!

I may be the odd man out, but I like the new castle colors. I only wish the pink portion was just a bit toned down, and only because it makes it look too much like Sleeping Beauty's castle in Disneyland.

Thank you for capturing Splash Mountain. I am afraid I will not see it again until after the re-theme...and I LOVED the songs and theming in Splash! I love Princess & The Frog (I'm a NOLA native), but I get Laughing Place and Zippee-Do stuck in my head all the time.

I would have been unhappy too if the rooom ready was so late. I like to get unpacked and settled in when I arrive.

I can't wait to read and see more!

Lynn

Thank you Lynn! At first the new colors were shocking to me but gradually I started to like them more. After the florida sun fades the pink a bit it might look better.

Yes on Slash. Love that ride.

The room was a bummer but overall we really enjoyed the Contemporary.

Thanks for following!

Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us! Looks like you are all having a wonderful time despite everything going on.

Cant wait for our trip next month.

Looking forward to more of your trip report.

Thank you @everreal15 ! I hope you have a great trip and thank for following along!

 

[fractal]

Good morning Walt Disney World! I didn't quite get the sunrise but a beautiful view none the less as I was enjoying my Joffrey's coffee on the balcony. When I opened the shades to walk onto the balcony one would have thought based on the screeching the rest of the family were vampires as the bright sunlight pierced through the cave dark room they were still sleeping in. Took this with my Google Pixel 2 which has a great little camera. I'm the only one in the family without an Apple and really until the very latest Apple phones, my 3 year old Pixel 2 has been a better phone in the things that matter most to me; camera and water resistance.

Toni was up next, then Sterg. Val decided she would join later. We got ready, grabbed a bus to DHS and before long we were there!


Back to the Sony camera as I started the day with the 55mm 1.8 lens while carrying 3 more lenses in my camera bag.

Wasn't quite sure who's dress Sterg was wearing around his head that morning and frankly didn't really want to know.

The second we went through the gates, our First Order (get it?) of business was to book us into a Rise of the Resistance virtual queue which Sterg did efficiently.

We then made our way to Galaxy's Edge to get our first look into how well Disney spent a few $billion.

The entrance into GE is not awe inspiring but instead slowly transports you to another world with immediately recognizable Star Wars substance and then things that look like Star Wars but were new otherwise.

Growing up I figured by now I'd be flying an X-wing fighter to work if I wasn't driving there in Speed Racer's Mach 5. Neither was meant to be.

We entered this little market place where I found many subjects to photograph.

Like this guy,

and these things

And this thing,

and these strange creatures. She looks like a hired assassin to me.

Continuing through the marketplace...

Luke's landspeeder was also supposed to be in my garage by now! What have all these scientists and inventors been doing the past 40 years?

Could use a dependable droid while we're at it.

Up next; about a billion more photos of Galaxy's Edge.

 

[fractal]

Leaving the marketplace we started to enter a rougher neighborhood.

Sterg would've been happy with Kylo Ren's "whip" (what my kids call a car).

Pretty cool I thought.

"Isn't this clever? They serve blue milk like from the Original Star Wars." I said out loud.

"Hi blue milk." Toni replied unimpressed.

Well I was impressed and loved the look of the little quick service. But decided to pass on the beverage which cost almost as much as a magical beer.

We continued to explore and take it all in.

And were treated to this sight just around the (river?) bend.

I really enjoyed how the partially hid the Falcon as you approached and how it slowly came into full view entering the docking area. It allowed you to appreciate the initial "Wow" longer as the scene unveiled itself. "The really did build a to scale sized Millennium Falcon!" I said to myself. Even my own Millennials were impressed.

Let's get a closer look at this hunk of junk.

The detail was really amazing. Every inch of the ship was an exact replica if not more.

Even the steam from the bottom of the ship. Just outstanding work by the Imagineers.

Smuggler's Run was a 5 minute wait, so after taking this shot of another ship (because why not?), we started our path towards becoming a space pirate.

 

[becauseimnew]

How about some pictures of The Contemporary?

Our room was the second to last before the fire exit, which at first seem like a bummer but ended up with having some nice benefits.

\

The room was big - like the Poly - but was completely void of anything "Disney". I remember commenting in my last report that the Yacht Club really turned down the volume on Disney accents in its rooms and made what was left very subtle.

The Contemporary completely pulled the plug on them. I did not like this approach but Val was just fine with it.

Sign of the times.

We mostly unpacked, got settled and grabbed a quick meal from the Contemp Cafe. It was our first experience with the required mobil app ordering for quick service spots. We fumbled a few times but got the hang of ordering and paying through the app then picking up at a designated area.

After our dinner we changed and decided to spend time at the quiet pool which was open until 11. Normally I would be in the parks at this time but with no other option we were poolside, much to Val's enjoyment. We had a nice relaxing few hours in the cooler air. First thing I noticed was how refreshing the water in the pool was - my biggest complaint at the Beach and Yacht Club is the way too warm temperature of Storm-along-Bay in the middle of summer. I was wondering if the main pool was the same. Second thing I noticed was there was no mask requirement in the pool area which I was just fine with.

Helping me to enjoy the family time next to Bay Lake was the 2 or 3 (maybe 4 or 5?) bourbons I had. I was very relaxed and we laughed and made fun of each other to pass the time. This was quality time for Val, but I appreciated it as well. I kept the camera on "off" for most of the duration but managed a couple of pics of Toni and the Man-Child.

Back in the room I reviewed the photos of the day with mostly a smile on my face, then began to anticipate our next day in Hollywood Studios. A lot has changed since our last visit and I couldn't wait to experience it!

Up Next - Incredible transformation at DHS and genuinely one of our best days at WDW!

Ahhh! Your trip looks amazing and it's only day 1!

 

[WishesQueen]

Great trip report....thanks!

 

[fractal]

Joining in and enjoying your report! Great pictures especially of the HM which I love

After having our April Disney cruise cancelled along with a couple spring Disney trips we finally hit Universal in June and had an amazing time, and then Disney last month. It was really great with the exception of fewer food options as we enjoy eating lol. We will be back in about 30 days!


Same with DS18, it was a crappy year for all HS seniors. We drop him off at college tomorrow and really hoping he has a positive experience.

Funny but sorry you had to go back! Disney banned the "gaitors" shortly after reopening the parks. Universal allowed them a bit longer but now, nope.

Ugh another change upon reopening. We loved dinner there before it was a prixe fixe menu and thought at least the pricing for QS breakfast and lunch was ok. But now with the prixe fixe lunch it's another nope. But it is gorgeous in there so glad you got to see it!

It's so relaxing riding the Liberty Belle, put it on your list for sure for next time

Agree with you. I never had the desire to stay there but we did last summer as I want to try all Disney resorts. The room was nice and big and walking to MK was convenient, we also had a really nice Bay Lake view. Otherwise we weren't impressed. However for $175 a night I probably wouldn't say no!

Look forward to your HS day review, it was the most "crowded" park when we were there in July.

Wow! Thanks for all your comments! Glad you made it back this Summer and have a great trip next month!

Good luck to your son in college. Toni started her online classes at Clemson this week. Just not the same.

We did Liberty Belle a long time ago but it's definitely on the list for next trip.

We enjoyed Contemporary but would rather stay at the YC/BC for the money.

Thanks! we had a blast at DHS.

Ahhh! Your trip looks amazing and it's only day 1!

Thanks @becauseimnew !

Great trip report....thanks!

Thank you @WishesQueen !

 

[GAN]

I wonder if Eric had to ever deal with room reservation check in times?

 

[fractal]

For the record, I had swapped out the 55mm lens for the 24mm.

We went through a Star Wars "garage".

Then a great view of the top of the Falcon...

Then walked in...

The authenticity was amazing.

Up to the cockpit we go. Sterg and I were the pilots and Toni a gunner.

Waiting our turn.

Ready to go! (missed focus)>

I took the Han Solo spot, Sterg in Chewie's seat. Toni was ready to shoot (at least I thought). We were the only ones in the cockpit.

Toni has limited knowledge of Star Wars and was a little confused as to what she was supposed to do. "Just push the buttons that light up!" I called back to her in my best Harrison Ford voice.

Then I put the entire operation at risk by pulling out my camera mid-flight.


This guy wasn't happy with my flying and neither was Sterg and Toni who kept telling me to get my hands on the controls.

"Yeah well maybe if you would actually shoot something once in a while!" I called back to Toni.

"I don't even know what the heck I'm doing!" She screamed back. "and you're crashing into everything!"



It got pretty intense as if we really were flying through space hitting asteroids and being chased by tie-fighters.

We barely survived but somehow managed to gather one unit of whatever it was we were after. The simulator probably felt bad for us. Truth be told the ship is hard to steer - the response to the controls is very slow so by the time you start going the direction you want it's time to move the other way. But who said being a space pirate was easy? Overall however it was loads of fun and we definitely wanted to ride it again!

Walking out a little humbled.

Some more exterior shots.

In all her glory!

There's that assassin again;

Notice the cut on her arm - bounty hunting is not an easy profession.

some detail;

We asked this R2 Unit for coordinates to our next destination.

Directions were spot on.

 

[tundra1]

I love this photo of the back side of the castle. Is the pink a lighter color (than the pink on the front of the castle) with contrasting edging, or is that just the way the light is hitting the castle?

Also, if there are only three of you in the Millennium Falcon, who does the other roles? Does the CM put the other positions on auto pilot or something? I have seen videos of people riding this solo, and I don't understand how they make it work...

I am enjoying your trip report so far! Thanks again!

 

[anniebean]

Absolutely LOVE your pictures, especially the ride photos! You are truly talented!

 

[buzzrelly]

Yes, we miss you on that thread!

I miss it too. I'll have to make my way back there. I've been moody over these past months and sometimes looking too far back makes me sad…and sometimes it helps lighten my mood so

Good morning Walt Disney World! I didn't quite get the sunrise but a beautiful view none the less as I was enjoying my Joffrey's coffee on the balcony.

What a gorgeous view to wake to

Wasn't quite sure who's dress Sterg was wearing around his head that morning and frankly didn't really want to know.

Sometimes it's better not to ask

Even the steam from the bottom of the ship. Just outstanding work by the Imagineers.

Amazing. I cannot wait for my DS to see SWGE since he is the biggest SW fan!

"I don't even know what the heck I'm doing!" She screamed back. "and you're crashing into everything!"

Haha! That was me and Allie in December! She kept yelling at me to push buttons!

 

[fractal]

Hello Toy Story Land! Another new experience for us!

Buzz looking great, like he could take on the entire First Order himself!

What a contrast to Galaxy's Edge! Everything so colorful, bright, clean and smooth vs the more gritty, worn and edgy land of Star Wars.

Even the restrooms!

Slinky Dog whipping around the tracks drew us in, but that's what we were there to do anyway.

Toni was especially excited. "That looks like so much fun!"

But she gave me the serious look waiting in line. The child, unlike her siblings, never failed to pose without complaint for a photo for me.

Sterg was checking his Tick-Tok or some other social media outlet.

Look alive soldier, he's coming around the bend!

Just looking around this Land makes you smile and makes you feel like you're 10 years old again!

I'm sure they're smiling under those WaWa masks.

Some photos while in the queue.

It didn't take long before we were on Slinky Dog.

Off we go!!!

Nice view! Was worried about knocking a tooth out trying to get this shot.

Cruising to the end. What a fun, happy, coaster! Not the most thrilling, not the fastest, heck, you don't even go upside down; but what you do is leave it with a big smile on your face!

Definitely smiling under that mask!

 

[buzzrelly]

Hello Toy Story Land! Another new experience for us!

I love TSL!

Slinky Dog whipping around the tracks drew us in, but that's what we were there to do anyway.

What a great perspective!

Cruising to the end. What a fun, happy, coaster! Not the most thrilling, not the fastest, heck, you don't even go upside down; but what you do is leave it with a big smile on your face!

Exactly! I think it's simply perfect and definitely one of my happy places

 

[KellO]

Loving your awesome pictures and glad your lemonade seemed to be just sweet enough!

 

[wannabee]

Amazing report. Love the grown kids at Disney. Wish I could get DS21 interested in a trip!

 

[fractal]

Saying goodbye to Jess and REX and TSL at least for now.

Slinky Dog got our Rollercoaster juices flowing so we went to visit an old friend.

The heat was starting to climb as was the humidity.

Unfortunately, we couldn't buy any ice cream to cool off.

Rock N Roller Coaster is nearly perfect as a Disney Thrill Ride. The theming begins immediately; from the wonderful classic car hanging gate...

To the enormous bright red electric guitar with the finger board and neck extending and twisting into a track holding the car and hinting to what was to come.

And as quickly as we could walk through was as quickly we got to ride. Made checking your phone difficult for some.

And taking photos difficult for others.

I asked Toni to stop and pose for this one and as always she was more than happy to, and while sporting her now bandage covered cut.

This was a walk through; No Steven Tyler and the rest of the gang.

As you can see I was now back to the fisheye.

I was holding my camera and pressing it down against the safety harness. I moved my aperture small enough (I think f/16?) and set my exposure to 2.5 seconds in an attempt to take a longer exposure of the launch. It was going to be tough to keep the camera still enough but all things considered I think it came out pretty good! Here's what zero to 60 in 2.5 seconds looks like.

Once again RRRC was a big hit! A completely different coaster experience than Slinky Dog; both excellent in their own right.

On our way to another kind of thrilling. I could tell Sterg and Toni were in their element; really enjoying the day. No complaining (mostly), no picking on each other, just following orders and marching along.

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