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Post by rwethereyet on Feb 27, 2024 17:43:42 GMT -5
Sunday, Feb 25, 2024
Slept in again. I think the cold is definitely coming on (my cold, not cold weather). I realized I had left a feature on in my car that drains the battery and when I checked the app, the battery was getting a bit lower than I like. I didn't want to head back over to Celebration because it was so crowded so I looked for another Supercharger area and there was one over on Palm Parkway. So once I got up I headed over that direction. I had not been down that road in years, other than the day my friend and I went to the Dooney outlet store. Gracious it has changed so much and when you get to the end of Hotel Plaza, to see the Goodings shopping center totally leveled was a big shock to me. I knew it was going to happen, but that McDonalds is the one we always stopped at for breakfast on our way headed home on the trips that we drove The Supercharger is less than a mile on the right once you turn on to Palm Parkway. There had been several spots available when I left the Riviera, but now my car is telling me I want to try another "less busy" location. I went on anyway, and my wait was very short.
While I was charging, my friend texted and asked about having dinner.
After charging up, I wanted to find a Skechers outlet and I did. I have a wide foot and high arch, TMI, I know, but it makes it hard for me to find shoes that fit well. They have gotten in some sandals in the stores down here, while a little further North they are all still black Fall styles. I found one pair that was comfortable and grabbed them up. Notice I have not been back to the Dooney outlet, I don't need to go, I just saw a bag that I really liked. We will see how long I can resist.
We decided on Cheesecake Factory out by Portillos for dinner. I always enjoy that place and can never get my family to go with me back home. My friend met me at the Riviera and off we went. We went kind of early to beat the crowds. Food and service were both good. I always get the same thing, Chicken Bellagio. It is more than I can eat, but she took the rest of mine home along with what she had left. Leftover containers do not fit in the "beverage coolers". I didn't even suggest we go on over to the Dooney store even though we were right there.
We went back to the Riviera and sat in the Voyageur Lounge and visited until she needed to head home. It was interesting to see all the people "limping" down the hallway and those that had their legs wrapped in bandages from running in the races, and the moaning and groaning, oh my!!!
Today is the first day that I have noticed people in the pool. There may have been and I just missed them, but definitely not while I was going by any of the windows, even in the middle of the day.
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Post by rwethereyet on Feb 27, 2024 17:46:27 GMT -5
"Subdued" sounds awesome to this Gen Zer who wishes he had time (and resources) for trips like this! Thank you for the report!
This Boomer loves "subdued" but also feels guilty about not making the most of my time here. I have to convince myself it is ok not to go, go, go anymore.
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Post by rwethereyet on Feb 27, 2024 17:48:53 GMT -5
Just being here puts a smile on my face. Worth the trip!!!
For a "cheap" lego gift and endearing, get to the store 15m before opening and get in line. When they open, go straight to back and buy a customization lego character. You then design your character body with logos, colors, words, etc and they print the body out with your custom design. You then select arms, head, legs and accessories to complete your character. This has become one of our favorite things to do at the Lego store with the grandkids.
Stopping at Earl's for a sandwich is 1) a requirement and 2) a lot of times the only thing we do at Disney Springs.
My Grandson has done that customized Lego character a couple of times. I might have to do one for myself. And I agree with you and the Princess races and too many events mucking up everything. There is no really good time to go now when the weather is "pleasant" |
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Post by tomandrobin on Feb 28, 2024 7:18:45 GMT -5
Worth the trip!!!
For a "cheap" lego gift and endearing, get to the store 15m before opening and get in line. When they open, go straight to back and buy a customization lego character. You then design your character body with logos, colors, words, etc and they print the body out with your custom design. You then select arms, head, legs and accessories to complete your character. This has become one of our favorite things to do at the Lego store with the grandkids.
Stopping at Earl's for a sandwich is 1) a requirement and 2) a lot of times the only thing we do at Disney Springs.
My Grandson has done that customized Lego character a couple of times. I might have to do one for myself. And I agree with you and the Princess races and too many events mucking up everything. There is no really good time to go now when the weather is "pleasant" Well...Since you brought it up
Here are the "best" dates to travel to WDW in 2024
Jen 16-31 (past)
Feb 1-9 (past)
May 6-23 (Only two events to be concerned - May the 4th (DHS) and Mothers Day weekend)
August 5-29 (light crowds but too damn hot) September 3-19
Since Easter falls on March 31st this year, I thought April 15-30 will be a great time to go. But no, Disney added a Marathon weekend the 18-21 and is hosting a dance/cheer competitions the following week.
Most mid-week stays during Oct and Nov will mostly see moderate crowds. There are exceptions like Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Jersey Week). December is no longer crowd friendly for the whole month.
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Post by Hi from RI on Feb 28, 2024 19:14:42 GMT -5
tomandrobin.....how do you find out the dates of the dance/cheer events....is Jersey week the first week of Nov or is it always around Veterans weekend?
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Post by rwethereyet on Feb 29, 2024 16:17:31 GMT -5
Monday, February 26, 2024
I woke up with this cold hitting me full force, but I decided to push on. I headed to EPCOT because I mistakenly thought today was the start of Flower and Garden. When I got to Creations Shop and saw there was no line to get in and no new merchandise, I knew I was all wrong. Oh well, what was nice was that the majority of the topiaries were already up, and the crowds were not there, so you could enjoy them and get pictures without people stepping in front of you. I really like the new open area with Walt's statue. I know it has drawn a lot of criticism, but I feel that the openness and all the added seating and tables were needed. It is also a great place to sit and watch the light show on Spaceship Earth at the end of the evening. I went around World Showcase, grabbed some egg rolls in China and poked around in some of the shops.
The plan for the day was to meet my friend when when she got off work and we would ride Soarin' as Tuesday was the last day it would be Soarin over California and the other Soarin would be returning. I wasn't aware of that but since I love them both, I told her I would go with her. I did everything I wanted to do at EPCOT, so I headed back to the Riviera to catch a quick nap.
Two hours later... back to EPCOT and we met at Connections Eatery. She had the pepperoni pizza and I had the liege waffle. My friend said the pizza was really good for Disney pizza. The liege waffle is small, but I didn't have much appetite and that was all I wanted.
We both took the time to have our pictures taken with the new Walt Statue. It was very moving to me. The statue is very natural looking and I was most happy to sit and visit with this man for a few minutes. We each had a separate picture and several with the two of us, but they have not shown up on Photopass, but the ones of the people that were in line behind us did show up!?!?!?!?!? My friend has made an inquiry, but they still have not shown up, 3 days later.
After eating we did go over to The Land and rode Soarin. The line was unusually short, I thought, said it was 40 minutes, probably took us 10 total. We lucked out and got the center section, second row, without even asking. Enjoyed it as usual.
After that it was getting dark and cooler, but we went over to see if we could find the new Groot topiary. He is holding a casette player and was supposed to be playing some music. He is really cute and worth searching out, but we did not hear any music.
My friend headed back home to Celebration as she had to work the next day and I headed back to the Riviera, where I crashed. This cold has really zapped me.
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Post by PirateLinda on Feb 29, 2024 17:27:25 GMT -5
Monday, February 25, 2024 We both took the time to have our pictures taken with the new Walt Statue. It was very moving to me. The statue is very natural looking and I was most happy to sit and visit with this man for a few minutes. We each had a separate picture and several with the two of us, but they have not shown up on Photopass, but the ones of the people that were in line behind us did show up!?!?!?!?!? My friend has made an inquiry, but they still have not shown up, 3 days later. Try going to Guest Services in the park. We had this happen with our Gaston pictures a few years ago. By giving them the day/time/where, they found our pictures and linked them to our MDE. Hope you are feeling better. |
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Post by rwethereyet on Feb 29, 2024 18:36:19 GMT -5
I just got back from eating dinner at Sebastian's Bistro. I have been eating there almost every trip that I have stayed at the Riviera. And I had the most amazing thing happen. I enjoyed my meal as always. The server brought the bill and said he would take off the DVC discount when he charged my card. He very quickly came back and said he did not charge my card because someone had already paid for my meal. He did not know who because whoever it was told their server who told my server. I was just astounded. Sebastian's is not cheap, certainly not quick service cheap. Someone must have felt very sorry for this old lady sitting there eating by herself. I told the server who wished me a "good evening" as I was leaving what had happened. I told the CM in the gift shop at the Caribbean Beach and the people I was in the elevator with. I certainly hope whoever it was could see the shocked expression on my face when my server told me. That was one of the nicest things that has happened to me in a long time.
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Post by Hi from RI on Feb 29, 2024 19:19:50 GMT -5
WOW! How lovely and nice of the person who did that.....
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Post by tomandrobin on Mar 1, 2024 7:09:32 GMT -5
tomandrobin.....how do you find out the dates of the dance/cheer events....is Jersey week the first week of Nov or is it always around Veterans weekend? There are several sites that you need to check, because it varies by what location the event is held. There is not one source, you need to search many and sort thru the layers.
Jersey week is either the first or second week in November. It when the NJ teachers hold their convention. What II find curious is why don't the teachers hold their convention in the summer, when schools are closed, instead of interrupting the school year? |
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Post by tomandrobin on Mar 1, 2024 7:13:07 GMT -5
I just got back from eating dinner at Sebastian's Bistro. I have been eating there almost every trip that I have stayed at the Riviera. And I had the most amazing thing happen. I enjoyed my meal as always. The server brought the bill and said he would take off the DVC discount when he charged my card. He very quickly came back and said he did not charge my card because someone had already paid for my meal. He did not know who because whoever it was told their server who told my server. I was just astounded. Sebastian's is not cheap, certainly not quick service cheap. Someone must have felt very sorry for this old lady sitting there eating by herself. I told the server who wished me a "good evening" as I was leaving what had happened. I told the CM in the gift shop at the Caribbean Beach and the people I was in the elevator with. I certainly hope whoever it was could see the shocked expression on my face when my server told me. That was one of the nicest things that has happened to me in a long time. What an amazing thing someone did for you.
People can be so "ugh" these days, then you hear about a story like yours.
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Post by Hi from RI on Mar 1, 2024 19:08:51 GMT -5
Thanks!!! My DD was a cheerleader for 7 yrs so not anti-cheer but would prefer to avoid the masses  |
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Post by jedimom3 on Mar 2, 2024 9:11:23 GMT -5
I just got back from eating dinner at Sebastian's Bistro. I have been eating there almost every trip that I have stayed at the Riviera. And I had the most amazing thing happen. I enjoyed my meal as always. The server brought the bill and said he would take off the DVC discount when he charged my card. He very quickly came back and said he did not charge my card because someone had already paid for my meal. He did not know who because whoever it was told their server who told my server. I was just astounded. Sebastian's is not cheap, certainly not quick service cheap. Someone must have felt very sorry for this old lady sitting there eating by herself. I told the server who wished me a "good evening" as I was leaving what had happened. I told the CM in the gift shop at the Caribbean Beach and the people I was in the elevator with. I certainly hope whoever it was could see the shocked expression on my face when my server told me. That was one of the nicest things that has happened to me in a long time. what a wonderful gesture. That was so sweet! Enjoying all of your fun and adventures! Thanks again for sharing. |
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Post by rwethereyet on Mar 2, 2024 20:11:51 GMT -5
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
I am still feeling terrible. I believe I went thru an entire box of Kleenex today. I had to call Mousekeeping to bring me more. Tonight was Moonlight Magic at Animal Kingdom, so I decided to take it easy during the day. I got some laundry done and also snuck in a nap. I met my friend at Animal Kingdom at 7:00 PM. We just missed being able to order a meal at any of the quick service locations and I was hungry. My friend was perusing the guide for the evening and she started freaking out. She discovered that Bernard and Bianca from the Rescuers would be there. She said the only time she knew they ever showed up at WDW was at special CM events, and normally they are only in Disney Paris. I did not know that but knew I had never seen them that I could recall. We saw that Mr. Kamals was one of the snack options and I had heard that his fries were the some of the best. So, we rushed to the back to the park where the bird show is put on and my friend got in line for Bernard and Bianca while ai went and got the fries and an order of dumplings for me. I have to be honest, the fries were good, but I didn't think they were that good, maybe the hype had me expecting too much. It was a real thrill to have our pictures taken with Bernard and Bianca. Then we went around saw Baloo and King Louie, they were both a hoot and we got some great pics with them. Then we grabbed the free Mickey bars they were giving out. We thought it strange that you were required to use one of your three coupons for a coke, that cost them next to nothing, but they handed out Mickey bars and Mickey ice cream sandwiches like crazy. Then off for pics with Tarzan and Jane. I had not seen them since the Tarzan show closed. On to Scrooge McDuck and then to DarkWing Duck and Launchpad McQuack. Then we were heading to Chip and Dale and they cut the line off just as we got there. Somewhere along the line we got corn on the cob and Mickey Pretzels. We were going to use the vouchers to play games in DinoLand, but we ran out of time. The event was only 7-10 and waiting in line for characters does eat a lot of time. We were thrilled to see characters that we don't often get to see and appreciated DVC putting on the event. We did not ride any rides, but I think there were only 3 open anyway. Next time, I will make sure I get to the park earlier and have time to eat a proper meal before the event--I think because I had been feeling so bad, I just had not thought it totally through. My friend headed off to her car and I went on to the busses. I got another of the new ones that requires you back on the bus and then your back is butted up to the back of the driver. Unfortunately, this time, the Riviera bus also took on Caribbean Beach passengers and we stopped at Caribbean Beach first. That was the first time in my many stays at the Riviera that I have had a bus share with another resort.
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Post by rwethereyet on Mar 2, 2024 21:00:28 GMT -5
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 I would have loved to have slept in this morning, but my subconscious knew that it was the first day of Flower and Garden, and I don't often get the opportunity to attend an opening of an event. So, I woke up bright and early and got out the door and on the Skyliner. I went thru the International Gateway and caught up to the line of the rest of the resort early entry people that were stopped by the stage in Canada. They let us in a couple of minutes early but by the time I got to the Creations Shop, it was already packed. People already had baskets and arms-full of merchandise. There were lots of really cute things, but I limited myself to one of the new Lug Crossbody bags and 2 t-shirts. I have gotten compliments on all 3 of them. I also picked up the Reyn Spooner Orange Bird shirt for my son to wear on our cruise in June. When I got there, I was able to enter the store with no problem. By the time I checked out, the regular entry folks were arriving and there was a line to get in that went back past the Starbucks. I went around and saw more of the topiaries I had missed before and then went around to the countries. The food kiosks were not open yet--not until 11:00. I did check out all the menus for the different kiosks, and it seems that there were fewer items offered at each kiosk. It seemed that way at FARTS, which I was able to catch the last couple of days of, as well. Like one food option, or two at the most. There might have been some exceptions, but most of them seemed that way. When I got around to that large alleyway, for lack of a better word, just passed the American Adventure, the characters were all out. I saw Meeko, Stitch, Piglet and Pinnochio. I have only caught this one other time that I can remember--such a nice surprise. Off to Figment, I always do this, even though I miss the original very much. I then went around to the DVC lounge and there was a wait. I got in line for Figment and the text came thru that my spot was available but I had 10 minutes to return before they cancelled my spot, but I only had a couple of people in front of me. so I stuck it out for Figment and then went up to the lounge. It seems they have all new chairs up there since the last time I visited. Unusual looking, like the last ones, but still comfortable. I always appreciate the opportunity to go up there for some peace and quiet, a snack or two and a cold drink plus a chance to plug in the scooter. I then went over to Connections Eatery to try the pizza that my friend had enjoyed so much. They give you two huge slices per order and it was pretty good for Disney pizza--not Via Napoli, but pretty good--I could only eat one slice and I was full.
I went back to the room and picked up a jacket I had bought a while back to see if I could return it. I hopped on a bus and went to World of Disney. I was able to find the jacket in my Mobile Checkout history, and it was still in the Disney inventory history so they refunded the full amount. It was a 50th anniversary white jacket with gold lettering down the sleeves and the gold lettering had rubbed off in spots. I hate that happened as I loved the jacket, but I was so glad they worked with me on this.
Back to the room for another early evening and hopefully a good night's sleep. |
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