A Polynesian Birthday: March 6th - 12th! *Updated and completed 6/10*

[paradesintherain]

Day 4 - Friday, March 9th - My Birthday!


After our late night at Magic Kingdom we got up a little later than usual, and that was ok because it was my BIRTHDAY. I had to start out my day with some breakfast from Capt Cook's - I think Dad and I split breakfast again.

Breakfast Sandwich - Eggs, Bacon, and Cheddar on a Croissant

I ate on the patio once again. Even though I had wanted a balcony, the patio actually ended up being really nice.

Dad and I were off to a late start for our FPs, and when we finally got to the bus stop Dad decided he wanted to change his shirt because he was worried he'd get too hot. Of course, the second he left the Hollywood Studios bus pulled up. (And yes, I had chosen to spend my birthday at Hollywood Studios!)

Dad told me to leave without him, and I ended up with a bus to myself. Happy birthday to me!

While on the bus I was able to modify our first FP for Toy Story Mania. Our FP time was at 9:30, but I was still able to modify it at 10:48 AND I still found a FP for Toy Story Mania. Maybe some birthday luck?


I arrived at Hollywood Studios, and it was a beautiful day!

To pass the time until Dad arrived I grabbed some Starbucks and got a new name.

Dad arrived soon after and we went to Star Tours for our first FP.

We caught some of the Jedi Training show. I wish Darth Vader was still a meet.

I also wish there was a meet for C-3PO and R2-D2. Guess I'll just have to go to Shanghai.

Once again, I was not the rebel spy. Didn't they know it was my birthday?! We got Jakuu, Poe Dameron, Crait and Batuu for our scenes - and I thought they were all impressively done. I especially liked Crait.


It was already time for our next FP at Tower.

We got a good drop sequence - which for me means you drop first. It's never as fun when you launch first.

After riding my favorite ride, I wanted to meet my favorite wookiee! My birthday wouldn't be complete without a hug from Chewie.

Unfortunately, it was more of a love and shove situation. It was one of my worst interactions with Chewie. Guess he didn't know it was my birthday either. Maybe he was mad at me for not bringing the Porg.

We explored Launch Bay a little bit - this cage full of props was pretty fun!

I thought about meeting Kylo Ren, but since the Chewie meet hadn't been great I didn't know that I was up to another possibly disappointing encounter so I skipped Kylo.


Next post: Day 4 - Friday, March 9th - My Birthday, part 2​

 

[disneyAndi14]

A few months late! I wish Darth Vader still had a meet and greet. Chewie loved my daughter Andi so much, he pretty much ignored me so I know what you mean by the quick hug and get out of here feeling

 

[missangelalexis]

Your birthday was off to a great start! I always find getting an empty bus to be so exciting for some reason! And that's awesome that you were able to change your FP for Toy Story to a later time!

 

[richmo]

...So you were some of the earliest to see the new redhead scene!...

I did take a look that day and word must have gotten out because the standby line was 50 minutes. Didn't bother then, but I was going back to MK a couple days later and the line was much shorter, so that's when I rode it. I thought it was pretty well done...

And Happy belated Birthday!

 

[paradesintherain]

A few months late! I wish Darth Vader still had a meet and greet. Chewie loved my daughter Andi so much, he pretty much ignored me so I know what you mean by the quick hug and get out of here feeling

Thanks for the birthday wishes! A Darth Vader m&g would be so cool - I never got to do it.

Boo to Chewie ignoring you; you need to meet him again because I've found he's normally super interactive and wonderful

Your birthday was off to a great start! I always find getting an empty bus to be so exciting for some reason! And that's awesome that you were able to change your FP for Toy Story to a later time!

The empty bus was really exciting - I took a lot of selfies that I opted not to share here

I was super pleasantly surprised that I was able to change the FP after it had expired

I did take a look that day and word must have gotten out because the standby line was 50 minutes. Didn't bother then, but I was going back to MK a couple days later and the line was much shorter, so that's when I rode it. I thought it was pretty well done...

And Happy belated Birthday!

I'll get to experience it in less than a month! I expect it won't really make much of an impact on the ride one way or another.

Thank you! It was a very good birthday!

 

[paradesintherain]

Day 4 - Friday, March 9th - My Birthday, part 2



With Launch Bay completed I started thinking about lunch. For a long time I had wanted to try the famous Cobb salad at Hollywood Brown Derby, so we decided to try the Hollywood Brown Derby lounge. It was a perfect day for a meal outside, and we were seated immediately. I started my meal with a Bloody Mary.

Bloody Mary - Absolut Peppar Vodka and Bloody Mary Mix garnished with House-made Pickles, Pickled Green Beans, Celery, and Olives

It was a perfectly adequate Bloody Mary, but a little uninspired. There was only one thing I wanted for lunch.

The Famous Hollywood Brown Derby Cobb Salad - with Finely Chopped Greens, Turkey Breast, Bacon, Egg, Tomatoes, Crumbled Blue Cheese, Avocado, Chives, and Cobb Dressing

I've had other Cobb salads, but this was absolutely the best. It's a lot of different flavors, but somehow they all mesh perfectly. I will definitely be ordering this again at some point.

Dad ordered the sliders, but I didn't take a picture of them. He enjoyed them but thought the duck slider was a little out there for his tastes. We enjoyed people watching for a while - the view from our table was lovely.

After our very satisfying meal I wanted to find another drink, and somehow we ended up at the Backlot Express.

Since it was my birthday I decided I needed some cake. I've gotten this BB-8 cupcake before and found it surprisingly good. It has a light lemon flavor, and the cake has always been moist, and the slightly crunchy chocolate rocks on top add some difference in texture, which I enjoy.

Please enjoy this super flattering picture of me enjoying my cupcake.

For drinks I got the Galactic Lemonade, and this is apparently the only picture I took of it.

Galactic Lemonade - crafted with Tito's Handmade Vodka, Guava and odwalla® All-Natural Lemonade

The drink wasn't great. It was one of those premixed things. I really wouldn't recommend it. Since my drink hadn't been what I was hoping for I had to make up for it by going to Baseline Taphouse.

It was super exciting to see Star Wars land popping up in the distance. I know it has another name, but I think I'll always call it Star Wars land.

I liked this little detail on what's left of Streets of America.

Before Baseline Taphouse it looks like we watched Muppetvision 3D. It had been a looooooong time since I'd done this attraction and I really didn't remember much of it. Like, I didn't remember Sweetums coming out to the audience. It was a pretty fun show, but not something I'd need to do every time.

THEN it was time for Baseline Taphouse.

Look at the cute opening day at Disneyland ad! These little details are so great.

I ordered a beer flight. I really can't remember which ones I enjoyed, but beer flights are the best.

Usually we'd drink indoors so that Dad could get a real glass for his beer, but the day was so nice he decided to forego the real glass in favor of being outside.

While we were out there Max Goof and Goofy were meeting together. I watched for a while, and then decided to get in line, because how often do you get to meet Max Goof? But, of course, they had just closed off the line for the day, so no meet for me.



Next Post: Day 4 - Friday, March 9th - My Birthday, part 3​

 

[heidijanesmith]

Great trip report, I am really enjoying it!!

I loved Baseline, a great addition to DS. I am glad to hear the Cobb Salad at BD is good outside, I will have to try that in a couple weeks.

 

[unwritten01]

Maybe he was mad at me for not bringing the Porg.

 

[Lesley Wake]

It was super exciting to see Star Wars land popping up in the distance. I know it has another name, but I think I'll always call it Star Wars land.

I think I will too! Most people will!

 

[RLGNC]

I am enjoying your trip report! I was wondering, how do you get your ride photos? Do you do MM or do you take the a picture of the photo when you get off the ride or something else? We'll be at WDW in a couple of months and I really love the ride photos but don't particularly feel the need for the whole photo package. Thanks!

 

[paradesintherain]

Great trip report, I am really enjoying it!!

I loved Baseline, a great addition to DS. I am glad to hear the Cobb Salad at BD is good outside, I will have to try that in a couple weeks.

Thank you!

I agree, Baseline is fantastic. I do wish it had a little more variety, but I'll take what I can get. I really recommend the Cobb! It's a small appetizer portion outside, but I found it was a good amount of food. I've heard you can also order the whole Brown Derby menu, so if you wanted a full salad you probably could get it.

It's definitely the missing Porg, right?

I think I will too! Most people will!

As is right! Though Galaxy's Edge really is a pretty cool name.

I am enjoying your trip report! I was wondering, how do you get your ride photos? Do you do MM or do you take the a picture of the photo when you get off the ride or something else? We'll be at WDW in a couple of months and I really love the ride photos but don't particularly feel the need for the whole photo package. Thanks!

Thank you!

I have an annual pass, so photo downloads are included with that. In the past I've purchased Memory Maker and found it worthwhile, though it wouldn't be if all you wanted was ride photos. I THINK you can buy photos individually, but I found that incredibly high priced.

 

[RLGNC]

I have an annual pass, so photo downloads are included with that. In the past I've purchased Memory Maker and found it worthwhile, though it wouldn't be if all you wanted was ride photos. I THINK you can buy photos individually, but I found that incredibly high priced.

Thanks for your reply! Darn, guess I'm going to have to decide between splurging on MM and no ride photos. When we go in July it might be our last trip for a while so I may have to splurge. Looking forward to reading more about your birthday trip!

 

[paradesintherain]

Thanks for your reply! Darn, guess I'm going to have to decide between splurging on MM and no ride photos. When we go in July it might be our last trip for a while so I may have to splurge. Looking forward to reading more about your birthday trip!

I really think Memory Maker is worthwhile - it's fun to be able to get good pictures of the whole group. Of course, some of the photos turn out better than others, but that's just more reason to stop at every PhotoPass you see!

 

[paradesintherain]

Day 4 - Friday, March 9th - My Birthday, part 3



Unable to meet Max Goof and Goofy I noticed a PhotoPass photographer standing around doing nothing, so I decided to give her something to do.

Who's excited for Star Wars land?!

I really hate all the other pictures from that shoot, so that's all I'm sharing! I was ready for another meet so I made Dad march to One Man's Dream - the natural place to meet a Guardian, right?

I briefly looked at all the exhibits, but it was pretty fresh in my memory from the November trip.

For some reason Dad didn't want to meet Star Lord and bb Groot with me, so I had to wait alone. I had some entertainment in line because a little boy noticed my button and told me happy birthday and then said, "by the way, he's single" referring to his older brother. The older brother was mortified, and it was very amusing.

The line was short so soon enough I was meeting two of the Guardians. This meet is really fun because of baby Groot. He'll dance and play and say his signature phrase over and over. And Star Lord is ok too!

I just realized that Groot is trying to plug in the speaker, just like at the start of Guardians 2. And speaking of the Guardians of the Galaxy, I'm really looking forward to their dance party at Epcot this summer. Maybe Guardians isn't the best fit for Epcot, but oh well. There's no denying Future World needs some sort of change (though I'm pretty sure this dance party is at the American pavilion).


ANYWAY. It was then time for our rescheduled Toy Story Mania FP.

I always enjoy this ride, but I've never been able to break 200,000. At least I did better than Dad!

Since it was my birthday I wanted to ride Tower of Terror again, so I grabbed a FP for 6:10.

While we waited for our FP we grabbed another beer on Sunset Boulevard.

When it was time we jumped in the FP line, and it was the light out was really pretty.

I decided to pretend like I was really scared for the photo, which is a recreation of a previous photo.

Here's the previous photo for comparison. It was hilarious because the guy next to me must have thought I was really scared. In the ride video you can see him turn to look at me

=



Continued in next post: Day 4 - Friday, March 9th - My Birthday, part 4​

 

[paradesintherain]

Day 4 - Friday, March 9th - My Birthday, part 4



At this point we decided to head back to the Polynesian because I thought it might be fun to watch Happily Ever After from the beach. Gotta make use of those monorail resort perks, right?

Hollywood Studios is the best at sunset/night.

Full disclosure, I stopped taking notes at this point in the trip (aside from a little bit the next day) so I won't be able to recall if the bus was at the stop or we had to wait forever. But our bus luck was pretty good so I'll just go ahead and assume we boarded a bus quickly.


We hadn't eaten since Brown Derby so when we got back to the Poly the first order of business was some food. I was pretty indecisive but I eventually settled on a pepperoni flatbread from Capt. Cooks, which was perfectly adequate for a pizza craving.

Dad ordered the nachos because everyone raves about them. The chips were delicious - a mix of wonton chips and homemade potato chips, but neither of us were fans of the sweet pineapple salsa.
=

Pulled Pork Nachos - topped with Onions, Cheese, Spicy Mayo, Tomatoes, and Pineapple Salsa


As you can see we ate our meals outside on beach chairs. We got to the beach early enough to snag some chairs, although we did have to drag them to an area with better visibility. It was really cold at this point, but I was determined to see the fireworks. I'll share a few pictures, though they're not the best.

Look at this perfect Moana swirl!

So, impressions: I enjoyed being away from the crowds of Main Street to view these, but you really miss half the show since you can't see the projections. And the speakers weren't that great on the beach, and of course everyone there was talking and whatnot, which was fine. I did love seeing the reflections on the water, though! All in all, a fine spot, but I definitely wouldn't recommend it for a first viewing.

Once the fireworks ended we went back to the room and relaxed. I did end up feeling a little nauseous in the middle of the night - maybe I overdid it with the alcohol, or perhaps the pizza didn't agree with me. Thankfully, I still had some alka seltzer, so I drank that and it helped tremendously!



Next post: Day 5 - Saturday, March 10th - Epcot​

 

[suse66]

The best part of the room was definitely the view.

This is a gorgeous view! I am staying at the Poly in August and can't wait!

It was a slow and uneventful arrival day, but I don't think I could have tolerated much more! We turned in early, ready for a much more exciting day tomorrow.

A quiet and relaxed arrival day is often the best kind.

I couldn't get over how neat it was to be able to take a few steps and see the castle!

Love this!

I actually think this is the aviary that had the really active birds now that I think about it.

Your pictures are fantastic!

I ordered the build-your-own bowl with crispy fried tofu, the new rice and beans, and black bean vinaigrette. This is such a delicious and filling meal, I highly recommend it to everyone! Next time I think I might branch out and try the fish instead. I believe Dad also ordered a bowl with beef and also enjoyed his meal.

I love Satuli as well and am really looking forward to eating there again this summer.

Love the waterfall in the sunlight!

Beautiful!

I really had my heart set on Sanaa this trip, so even though no ADRs were showing up on the app we decided to go to Animal Kingdom Lodge and try for a walk-up. Plus, it just doesn't feel right if I don't visit Animal Kingdom Lodge while at Disney World. The Animal Kingdom Lodge bus was waiting at the stop for us - it was a sign!

Definitely a sign!

For appetizers, we obviously started with the bread service. This was every bit as delicious as I remembered - though much harder to finish with just 2 people.

I had the bread service on my own last summer.....managed about a third of it and had to declare defeat. But it was so good!

I considered getting the Tonga Toast but I'm more of a savory breakfast person so I settled for the Samoan. I enjoyed this, but I thought the previous pulled pork Eggs Benedict was superior.

We have a Kona booked for breakfast in August and I am debating the Tonga or Samoan.

Whew, that was a lot of photos of a very small area! But it was a really beautiful day and it was nice to be going at a more relaxed pace where I was able to really pay attention to the details.

That's the best part of Disney, there are so many immersive details to enjoy.

So, all things told, I thought Disney After Hours was a great event. There were no crowds anywhere, and the longest wait I saw was 30 minutes for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (and possibly for Peter Pan) but I doubt it would have really been that long of a wait. There was also decent value to be had with the treats. We each had 3 ice cream treats, and Dad also had a popcorn. We left loaded down with about 6 bottled drinks per person. The carts did seem to run out of water, and at first I thought that was just it, but I actually saw them restock.

I wish this event was going to be offered during my trip this summer!

The Famous Hollywood Brown Derby Cobb Salad - with Finely Chopped Greens, Turkey Breast, Bacon, Egg, Tomatoes, Crumbled Blue Cheese, Avocado, Chives, and Cobb Dressing

Best. Salad. Ever.

Usually we'd drink indoors so that Dad could get a real glass for his beer, but the day was so nice he decided to forego the real glass in favor of being outside.

Must add Baseline to the list for August!

 

[paradesintherain]

This is a gorgeous view! I am staying at the Poly in August and can't wait!

Ooooh you'll love it. Have you stayed before? I liked the ground floor room a lot more than I thought I would.

A quiet and relaxed arrival day is often the best kind.

I agree, especially after the stress of travel. Of course, it can also be fun to hit the ground running! Basically, any day at Disney is perfect.

Love this!

Hope you get a great view on your August trip!

Your pictures are fantastic!

Thank you so much! It's fun taking them.

I love Satuli as well and am really looking forward to eating there again this summer.

Me too! That, and Sanaa

Beautiful!

Pandora is so much better than I ever imagined.

Definitely a sign!

I thought so! Hoping for another walk-up in June on our arrival day.

I had the bread service on my own last summer.....managed about a third of it and had to declare defeat. But it was so good!

That's impressive! My dad doesn't understand the draw of the bread service so he suggested we skip it next time. Absolutely not! haha

We have a Kona booked for breakfast in August and I am debating the Tonga or Samoan.

I think they're both really good - I guess it would just depend on if you're craving savory or sweet that morning. OR maybe someone would split the entree so you could try both! That's my favorite way to order, but no one ever wants to.

That's the best part of Disney, there are so many immersive details to enjoy.

Agree fullheartedly!

I wish this event was going to be offered during my trip this summer!

Does it end just before your trip? It starts the day I leave in June so I'm missing it too. So sad!

Best. Salad. Ever.

It's really so good! Definitely lives up to the hype!

Must add Baseline to the list for August!

You won't regret it! The pretzel is really good too if you're feeling a snack!

 

[paradesintherain]

Trip Planning!

​

I know I made a PTR, but I'm horrible at PTRs so I'm just gonna include some trip planning here - my next trip is in June anyway.

We've got some fun things planned, like:

• California Grill brunch - I'm really excited for this meal, people seem to really rave about it. It's high price but it seems like it might actually be worth the cost.
• Sci-Fi Drive In - I've only been here once way back in 2005, and people keep saying how much they love the atmosphere and enjoy the food, so why not give it a shot again?
• Trattoria Al Forno breakfast - the food seems really good, and super cute to boot. Plus, can't pass up the chance to meet Flynn! The cousin of one of my best friend's will be at Disney World at the same time, and while we've never met we follow each other on social media so it seems like we have. Anyway, she's going to go to this breakfast with us!
• Thinking of trying the Typhoon Lagoon night party! I'll probably decide last minute how I'm feeling, but I really loved Disney After Hours.

Inspired by @MeghanEmily I decided to make a fun list of things to do at Disney to keep it fresh:

• Try the Malva Cake Sundae at Tamu Tamu Refreshments
• Try the Magic Cookie Bar at Wilderness Lodge
• Guardians Dance party at Epcot
• Try the chocolate chip cookie at The Polite Pig
• Meet Merida
• Tangled lantern PP shot
• Try for Boma breakfast one morning? (We've been to all the AKL restaurants, but never breakfast at Boma)
• Tom Sawyer Island - I can't even remember the last time I visited it
• Try a Sprinkles cupcake (the line was too long last time)
• Swim in AKL pool. This will be my third time staying there, and I worked there, and I've never swam in the pool.
• Brioche ice cream sandwich at L'Artisan de Glaces. Last time I tried the macaron ice cream sandwich!
• Meet Ariel in her grotto
• Get my face painted
• Star Wars virtual reality

This concludes our brief intermission!​

 

[MiracleCream]

Following along. I adore your TRs especially with your dad because I’m besties with my dad! Yay for your trip to June and your planning details!

• California Grill brunch - I'm really excited for this meal, people seem to really rave about it. It's high price but it seems like it might actually be worth the cost.

• Sci-Fi Drive In - I've only been here once way back in 2005, and people keep saying how much they love the atmosphere and enjoy the food, so why not give it a shot again?

I can’t wait to hear what you think of both. I’m hoping to book my adr tomorrow for the brunch! My family loves breakfast and will eat their weight in bacon at least so I’m hoping that will justify the high cost. We did sci fi drive in last June but I did not get to order an actual meal because I was too busy wrangling my two kids to actually eat. I always hear their burgers and shakes are awesome though.

 

[VAtink]

A bit late to the party, but joining in! The DAH looks awesome! We're going to the one in September, and your report on it has me so excited!