Travel dates: May 15th to May 18th
Travel Method: Spirit Airlines, DME
Resort: Bay Lake Towers
Cast of Characters, John, 72 Trip Reporter
Norma Jean 61 Trip Planner
Disney Experience: Very experienced. Go at least two times a year
Travel: Well fly out of Atlantic City, NJ on Spirit Airlines
Dining: We have ADRs at Cape May Caf, Kona Caf and a lunch the last day at Yak and Yeti.
We requested a MK view when we booked and it wasnt available then, but Disney came through at the end of March. This put more anticipation into the trip.
We also received a Garden Tour for a Christmas present. Since I have a huge garden and NJ has a flower garden were looking forward to this also.
Tuesday 4/15
We were up and ready to go at 3:45AM, out of the house at 4:40. Our son drove us to the airport which is a 25 minute drive. Our flight was scheduled for 6:30. We backed away from the terminal at 6:22. Spirit Airlines has low fares but they have add-on fees for baggage over 40 lbs, carry-ons and assigned seats. We opted not to get the 18 dollar assigned seat, so we ended up in the next to last row of the plane.
We landed on time and the back row was no problem since everybody was at the shuttle when we got there. We were the first to the Magical Express area since we knew where we were going but that didnt matter either since we had to sit in the bus and wait for people for 4 resorts.
For the first time on any of our trips our room was ready when we got to the Contemporary. We have a Magic Kingdom view. We settled in and headed to the MK via the walkway.
We had to renew our annual passes first and then we walked into our favorite place. Our first stop was at Peter Pan for fast passes. Then it was off to Haunted Mansion which is always a fun ride.
Since we hadnt had anything for breakfast we decided to have an early lunch at 11:30. We both got fish and fries at the Columbia House.
We went over to the new Fantasyland area and rode the Barnstormer with very little wait.
PhilharMagic was listed as 5 minutes and we still had a short wait for our fast pass window to open so in we went. I had a small boy sitting next to me and it must have been his first time seeing this because he was reaching out for the 3-D objects all the time. Our FP window was now open so we went into Peter Pan. NJ was playing a game with the kids at home taking pictures of things and asking them where are we but it was too dark to take pictures in PP. Its fun to try and stump somebody who thinks they know all the nooks and crannies of Disney.
We then went to Snow White since its going to close for good. The wait time read 25 minutes but in 15 we were in out the door.
Went into Tomorrowland to do Buzz since the phone app said it was only a 10 minute wait but they were lined around the building and there was no wait time on the standby clock. We decided to go back later on and jumped on the TTA. It was starting to get hot so we decided to head back to the resort for some rest and to look around. On the way back we stopped in one of the stores on the left side of Main Street and bought a Jim Shore Steamboat Willie.
We napped about a hour and got ready for dinner. We went into the Contemporary and looked in the shops before going over to the Poly for our Kona Caf reservation. We checked in at 5:05 and were seated right away. NJ had the Coconut-Almond Chicken and I had the Shrimp and Scallops. NJ especially liked the salad that came with her meal. Everything was very good.
We took the boat over to MK and we were going to ride the RR around the park back to the Train Station. The train was just pulling out when we entered the park. There was a 10 or 15 minute wait for the next train. After everybody got on board you could see bad weather off to our left. They made everybody get off the train because of the coming storm. We decided to go back to the room for our umbrellas so we left the park and hopped on the monorail. We grabbed what we needed and headed back to the park. When the monorail stopped at the Poly the people who were sitting at the table right next to us at dinner got into our car. Small World.
Some attractions were down because of the storm so we went into Pirates and that was a walk on. We decide it was time for our desert so we got Dole Whips. The storm seemed to have blown over so we when to the Jungle Cruise. We were next to get on the boat if there was enough room but I noticed the driver in the next boat was joking with one of the CM so I told NJ not to get on the boat if there was enough room that we would wait for the next boat. We didnt make the first boat and I was proved right. We sat up front and our guide, Rick, was great. He had the usual Disney lines but added a lot of his own and we really enjoyed the trip.
It was now 8:15 and decided to grab a spot for the Electric Parade. It was only 45 minutes till the parade started but we were able to grab a spot right behind people sitting on the pavement looking straight at the train station and where the parade makes the turn around the hub. It was now time to people watch. There was a lady sitting next to the people in front of us and she was spread out like she was saving spaces. About 20 minutes before the parade started her husband came over to sit. He gets up and looks around and sees his two kids with their grandmother and calls them over. Now 3 people are squeezing into a space for 1 but they make it. We stayed in the same spot for the Memories and You show and Wishes. We decided to walk back since the park was closing and the monorail would be jammed. We got coffee back at the Contemporary and we were in bed by 10:45. Nice first day of vacation.
Wed, May 16
Today is Hollywood Studio day. I got up at 5:30 and quietly left the room to get coffee. I came back at 6:30 and woke up NJ. We were off and walking at 7:20. The bus arrived at 7:35. We arrived at 8:10 and went straight to TSM and got fast passes with no line for 10 to 11. We headed over to Star Tours which I havent ridden in years because it upsets my stomach but Ive read where the new version is not as intense. I still felt queasy when the ride was over so I can say I did it once. Starring Rolls was the next stop for coffee and a cinnamon roll for me and an apple turnover for NJ. Always delicious. Next we went to the Great Movie Ride and had the gangster side. Our fast pass window was not open yet so we went into One Mans Dream. In the rear of the exhibit is a full layout of the new Fantasyland area. It looks great.
Were within our window now so we went to TSM and just after getting our glasses a single rider made a wrong turn and was going in a restricted area and the CM taking the fast passes yelled for him to stop and leaped over the railing and grabbed him as he opened the door. NJ beat me 120,000 to 106,000. The high for the month was 561,000. Ill bet that persons arm was tired. I picked up fast passes afterwards since there was no line. I knew I would be giving them away since we wouldnt be in the park at the time they came due.
It is now Muppet time and we arrived just before the preshow was getting done. I like the Muppets and always enjoy the show.
The dance team was getting ready to start so we headed off to the Hat. About 5 minutes into the show it started to rain so they cancelled the rest of the performance. On our way out I gave the FP to a young couple looking at the map to see what or where they were going. They were happy to get them.
It was 11:15 and we are heading to DTD to meet someone who worked with NJ years ago who moved to Florida. We waited at the Saratoga Springs bus stop for about 25 minutes, a couple already there had been there 10 minutes before us, when a bus for Pop Century pulled up. We debated about going there and getting a DTD bus but they were changing drivers. After the driver change our bus still hadnt come so we went over and got on the PC bus. The driver got up three times to adjust the rear view mirror and then pulled out a towel and started wiping down the steering wheel when the SP bus pulled up. We got off and got on the SP bus. A total wait of 40 minutes. We got dropped off at the Congress stop in Saratoga Springs (third stop) and took the walkway to DTD. The couple we were to meet wasnt there yet so NJ went into World of Disney. After they showed we had lunch at Earls and talked for 2 1/2 hours. NJ saw some tee shirts in W of D for the 5 grandkids so she did some shopping while I went into Ghiradellis. They gave me 4 samples, I think because one end was open on the candy. Yes, Im now looking at my notes through melted chocolate. I purchased a container of chocolate covered blueberries for NJ because she loves blueberries. It started to rain on our way out but not hard.
We took the bus back to the MK and hopped on the Train for our ride around the MK.
We decided to get something to eat at Caseys and on the way there they were starting a musical street parade. Sorry, forgot the name. After watching that we were right by Caseys and it was empty when we went in. Hot dog, corn dog and fries is what we ate.
We went to Buzz and it was practical a walk on. NJ beat me 374,000 to 75,400. She had to hit one of the big score targets. Next up was the Laugh Floor. I enjoy this attraction because it is always different. When they pick on the one guy in the audience sometimes they hit a real joker, but today was not the case.
It started to rain again so we decided to go back to DTD for hot fudge sundies. We went back to the room after that to watch the fireworks from our balcony. Lights out at 10:30.
Thurs May 17th
Today is our garden tour at Epcot. I was up early again and went to the Contemporary for coffee for me and NJ. We were on our way by 7:40. We made the transfer for the Epcot monorail and no one was there waiting but two cast members. Today I was wearing a tee shirt that had a big picture of Mickey and the words Mickey for President. NJ bought it for me in 1999 when she worked part time at the Disney store. I wear it one day every 4 years during election year when we go to WDW. One of the cast members saw it and said it was an antique. She said she bought two buttons that year and 6 months later they were worth 25 dollars and I should put it away in a drawer and not wear it. After we got on the monorail NJ said I better not get anything on it today and not to wear it again. I will wear it again in 2016. I get a lot of comments each time I wear it. Four years ago a guy stopped me and wanted to know where I bought it, he wanted one.
We checked in at Guest Relations about 8:15 and other tour guest started to arrive. There were 12 of us altogether. Our guide was Tracy and she was assisted by Denisse. Yes, with 2 ss.
Tracy explained to us the reason why there are different flowers in front of each country and its interesting why. I didnt note the reasons. There are 45,000 plants on one side of the water near the Land and 35,000 on the other. The floating baskets are foam baskets painted black and anchored by a cinder block. The tour lasted three hours and we were given a pin and a poster (which was 11.99 in one of the shops).
We went to get Chinese. NJ had the orange chicken and I had a shrimp dish. Both good. After picking up FPs for Sorin we headed back to the resort to drop off the poster instead of lugging them around.
We returned in 45 minutes and rode Spaceship Earth and Living with the Land. It was getting close to our ADR for Cape May Caf so we strolled over to the Beach Club. We checked in at 5:10 and were seated right away. If you like seafood, this is a buffet youll enjoy. There are other dishes that are tasty and items for kids also.
Our FP window was open for Soarin so it was off to the Land. We walked right to the boarding area. After Soarin we went back to Future World and Off Kilter was starting in 15 minutes so we waited for that. Jamie was not there and the fellow who is normally on his left was the lead. I forgot his name. There was a fiddler player on his left and he was very good.
It was about 8 and we decided to head back and catch the fireworks again from our balcony. The weather was very warm and it was taking its toll.
We got something to drink at the Contempo and settled in, so much that the first firework woke me up on the balcony. It was lights out again at 10:30.
Friday May 18th
Today is our last day and I was up at 5:20. Went out for coffee at 6. Yesterday there was a guy in the cafeteria with a 1 year old and we made small talk since we were the only two in there. Today he was there again and he asked to sit with me and we talked till 6:55. He is from Chicago and his dad has the DVC. He and his dad and 10 others started a business a few years ago and now employ 400 people in 5 different states.
I got NJ up and we were on our way to the bus stop for Animal Kingdom at 8. A fellow was there monitoring the buses. At 8:15 a guy asked him when the bus was coming. He had been on the phone trying to get one that had dropped off people at the MK. Two buses did come with no destination and he talked to them but they left without picking anybody up. 3 Downtown Disney buses came but no body got on. Remember, there are only three destinations at the Contemporary. HS, AK and DTD. The bus came at 8:25. After stopping at the Poly we got to AK at 8:55.
We got FPs for the safari and went to get a snack of a cinnamon roll and bagel. We still had 20 minutes for our FP window and the wait time was 10 minutes so we went in the standby line. Our driver was just OK and didnt make the ride special. We gave the fast passes away when we got off.
We went to the Lion King since it was starting in 15 minutes. There were still a lot of seats when the show started. This is one of my favorites at WDW.
Went to Dino Land and rode Dinosaur. Even though this ride throws you around, I can take this over Star Tours.
Finding Nemo was going to start in 20 minutes so we went there. Since we were early it was time to people watch again. We were in the 4th row on the second tier. There was a guy and his wife in the first row on the end and a space between him and two ladies, enough for two people. A man and his wife and a boy of about 12 squeezed in the space for two. The guy on the end was looking to see if he had enough room on the end of the bench. Now here comes this oversize lady with a boy about 12 who knows the couple that squeezed in. The cast member came over and asked the two ladies to slide down. I saw her motion to the stage like I have a line of sight that I like and Im not moving
The second lady had slid down but moved back. I give that first lady credit for not moving. The oversize lady squeezed in but the boy sat in the row in front of us. The CM should have told them both to find other seats. I like to be early for everything and if I get a seat on the end I dont slide in for somebody who comes in at the last minute. OK, back to Disney. Finding Nemo was great.
It was now time for our lunch ressie for Yak and Yeti. We were seated right away. NJ had the Sweet and Sour Chicken and I had the Beef and Broccoli. Both were real good. I know because I always have to finish NJs.
After lunch Flights of Wonder was close by and was starting in 15 minutes so we went there. Its not a long show but its worth watching.
NJ got a frozen banana after the show. It started to rain a little bit so we got under the shelter thats on the other side of F of W.
It only rained, not hard, for 5 minutes so we headed to the Pangani Trail. After the trail there was an empty bench in front of the First Aid Station so we sat to wait for the parade. It was 3:20 and the parade was to start 3:45. NJ didnt sit. She did what all women do. Im going to look in a couple stores.
The parade doesnt start by the safari anymore. It comes out of the big gates on the side of the shop by the First Aid Station. The parade was enjoyable and we followed it down the street and headed back to the Contemporary to relax until our Magical Express time of 5:55.
We found a couple of soft chairs near the conference center and got something to drink at the Contempo to kill time.
The ME bus had 3 stops after picking up us and two other parties. One was at the Grand Floridian. Nobody came out after 5 minutes so the driver left. We were the last ones to get dropped off and the driver dropped us off on the wrong side of the airport. It was a long walk to the other side. While we were in line, the guy behind us said our flight for 8:50 was delayed to 11:55 because of mechanical trouble in Pittsburgh. He wanted to stay at the resort but a taxi was 65 dollars to get to the airport. Normally, they send an e-mail out but we did not get anything. The guys mom called him and told him it was delayed.
After checking our bags we went to the food court before security and got Big Macs.
Security was a breeze and we headed to our gate. An announcement came over that our flight was now at 1:00AM. At midnight they announced it was now a 1:30AM flight. Spirit did give vouchers for McDonalds for whoever wanted them. We didnt take them since we had Macs earlier. They also gave everyone 50 dollars credit.
When the plane finally arrived, they moved very fast to refuel and get everyone on board. We had the same flight attendant that was on the flight down from Atlantic City.
We got in at 4 and our son picked us up. He works on the night shift at the casino so he only had to wait two hours. We got home at 4:30AM which is later then I get up for work. I slept on the plane so I didnt bother going to bed. I caught up on all the newspapers.
After thoughts:
We would have liked to have spent more time in Epcot.
Crowds were at a low level. Thursday and Friday there were some school trips.
Brought bathing suits but didnt get to the pool.
Our next trip is in December, the week after Pop Warner football and cheerleading. We have been going the same week as Pop Warner but its been so crowded in the parks. The December trip will be with 10 people total and Ill try and keep notes but it may be too hectic.
Hope you enjoyed my trip report and counting down to our next trip.
Originally Posted by njtomasella
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