Post by goofyguy1958 on Sept 28, 2023 9:30:31 GMT -5
Just returned (Tuesday September 26) from my self-styled 19-day retirement celebration – official retirement day was Monday September 25, 2023. For days 1 through 3 drove from PA (west of Philly) to visit friends in Amelia Island, FL. On day 3 drove from Amelia Island to pick up DD (27) and DS (24) at MCO for 8 nights at AKVK. After our stay at AKVK drove DD and DS to MCO for their flight home and picked DW up at MCO for 7 nights at SSR. Thoroughly enjoyed myself, and would recommend this type celebration trip. The drive both ways was uneventful and made easier with podcasts Fly on the Wall (Dana Carvey and David Spade interviews with SNL alum, lots of laughs). Day 19 was drive home.
Highlights (meals):
• Probably number one was the accidental dining (elevator door was open and we just stepped in) at the Bar at California Grill. In over 60 trips I have made since my first trip in 1996, I have never even been up there. DW and I just wanted to see the view and enjoy an adult beverage. When the elevator opened, we were greeted by an awesome cast member who informed us that the lounge required a sign up at the bottom floor, but that we were in luck because it was early, they had some openings. We enjoyed some excellent beverages and then shared the prix fixe meal of heirloom tomato salad, oak-fried filet, and chocolate brownie/cake (can’t remember what it’s called). So good! We even got to experience a stunning sunset. Will definitely do this again, but with the proper sign-up next time
• Topolino’s breakfast – second time here for me and is the only character meal I will return to regularly. I recommend the wood-fried steak and eggs
• Boma breakfast (x2)– always my favorite breakfast at WDW
• Via Napoli, Maria and Enzo’s, and the bar at Raglan Road
• Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – so much fun and the drinks are awesome
• Oga’s (x2) Cantina
• Food and Wine – was pleasantly pleased with just how many treats, both food and beverages, that I really enjoyed; very little disappointed.
Firsts:
• Tron – a blast but a bit short
• Guardians – so much fun, and the music just adds to the experience
• Ratatouille – pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this because I am one of those who does not enjoy MMRR. It is a very cute ride
• Moonlight Magic in DHS – was fun but also disappointing in that many places were closed (Baseline Taphouse, so sad I was). I think they missed the boat with closing all of the shops too. I do not think I would scramble to do this again
• Not Disney-related, Gatorland. Was an off-park day so DD, DS and I decided to check it out and had a great time. It is less than a half hour from AKVK and more than we expected.
Negatives:
• Food at Maji – the pool bar at AKVK – was very much unappetizing
• A lot of rides were down in Magic Kingdom on our days there
• The crowds were WAY more than all of the internet Disney ‘News” sites (one in particular but I will not mention them here) have been proclaiming – a 65-minute wait for Buzz at 10 AM does not equate to the many “Crowds are non-existent” clickbait headlines these sites have been screaming
• Speaking of Buzz, I just missed the coveted Galactic Hero with a score of 999,720.
Things that made me wonder:
• I was wearing a celebration pin that my daughter had me get on day one for retirement. This turned into a lot of fun interactions with many guests and cast members. However, in Magic Kingdom not one cast member ever acknowledged this. My DD who did 2 DCP programs in MK (one at Pirates and one in the Confectionary on Main St.) said she thinks this was because the cast members were focusing on children.
• It was hot, temps were above 93 and the heat index between 103 and 107 for the first 8 days, so what gives with the people wearing hoodies, with the hoods up, and jeans? How are you not melting?
• How did that bear get into MK in the first place? Look it up. This really happened on September 18, and they had to close 11 or so attractions.
That’s all for now folks. Thanks for reading. If I remember any additional high or lowlights, I will add them later.
Cheers.
Highlights (meals):
• Probably number one was the accidental dining (elevator door was open and we just stepped in) at the Bar at California Grill. In over 60 trips I have made since my first trip in 1996, I have never even been up there. DW and I just wanted to see the view and enjoy an adult beverage. When the elevator opened, we were greeted by an awesome cast member who informed us that the lounge required a sign up at the bottom floor, but that we were in luck because it was early, they had some openings. We enjoyed some excellent beverages and then shared the prix fixe meal of heirloom tomato salad, oak-fried filet, and chocolate brownie/cake (can’t remember what it’s called). So good! We even got to experience a stunning sunset. Will definitely do this again, but with the proper sign-up next time
• Topolino’s breakfast – second time here for me and is the only character meal I will return to regularly. I recommend the wood-fried steak and eggs
• Boma breakfast (x2)– always my favorite breakfast at WDW
• Via Napoli, Maria and Enzo’s, and the bar at Raglan Road
• Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – so much fun and the drinks are awesome
• Oga’s (x2) Cantina
• Food and Wine – was pleasantly pleased with just how many treats, both food and beverages, that I really enjoyed; very little disappointed.
Firsts:
• Tron – a blast but a bit short
• Guardians – so much fun, and the music just adds to the experience
• Ratatouille – pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this because I am one of those who does not enjoy MMRR. It is a very cute ride
• Moonlight Magic in DHS – was fun but also disappointing in that many places were closed (Baseline Taphouse, so sad I was). I think they missed the boat with closing all of the shops too. I do not think I would scramble to do this again
• Not Disney-related, Gatorland. Was an off-park day so DD, DS and I decided to check it out and had a great time. It is less than a half hour from AKVK and more than we expected.
Negatives:
• Food at Maji – the pool bar at AKVK – was very much unappetizing
• A lot of rides were down in Magic Kingdom on our days there
• The crowds were WAY more than all of the internet Disney ‘News” sites (one in particular but I will not mention them here) have been proclaiming – a 65-minute wait for Buzz at 10 AM does not equate to the many “Crowds are non-existent” clickbait headlines these sites have been screaming
• Speaking of Buzz, I just missed the coveted Galactic Hero with a score of 999,720.
Things that made me wonder:
• I was wearing a celebration pin that my daughter had me get on day one for retirement. This turned into a lot of fun interactions with many guests and cast members. However, in Magic Kingdom not one cast member ever acknowledged this. My DD who did 2 DCP programs in MK (one at Pirates and one in the Confectionary on Main St.) said she thinks this was because the cast members were focusing on children.
• It was hot, temps were above 93 and the heat index between 103 and 107 for the first 8 days, so what gives with the people wearing hoodies, with the hoods up, and jeans? How are you not melting?
• How did that bear get into MK in the first place? Look it up. This really happened on September 18, and they had to close 11 or so attractions.
That’s all for now folks. Thanks for reading. If I remember any additional high or lowlights, I will add them later.
Cheers.