Post-Trip Report: Elizabeth’s Disney/Universal Extended Family Trip (July 2024)

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VIRGINIA: Welcome to another episode of Where I Long To Be, A Magical Trip Report Podcast.

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VIRGINIA: I am your host, Virginia.

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VIRGINIA: Before we get started, I have to acknowledge the audio issues that the tracks had for this interview.

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VIRGINIA: I wish I could explain it, but it was different than anything I've ever experienced before.

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VIRGINIA: In a couple of recent episodes with Alex, we had to record on the same microphone, but that was always related to Wi-Fi signal strength, I think.

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VIRGINIA: And in the end, it was really fine.

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VIRGINIA: It was just me being picky about the way it sounded.

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VIRGINIA: But this was something else altogether.

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VIRGINIA: The master tracks for Elizabeth recorded extremely quietly, while my master tracks recorded extremely loudly.

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VIRGINIA: So when you listen to them together at one volume level on your computer without touching your volume at all, you could barely hear her and it sounded like I was screaming in your ear.

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VIRGINIA: So I was able to work some magic with my editing software to get it at least listenable.

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VIRGINIA: So it was salvaged to some degree, which is a blessing because I know Elizabeth and I, with our schedules, would have had a really hard time finding a time to re-record, and I would never want to ask someone to do that unless it was absolutely necessary.

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VIRGINIA: All of that is bad enough, but it's especially frustrating because today is not only the season 2 finale, but I realized after Elizabeth and I recorded that this is actually the hundredth full episode of the show.

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VIRGINIA: I absolutely cannot believe it.

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VIRGINIA: It is so gratifying to be able to do this show and to put it out into the world and know that you are out there listening.

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VIRGINIA: Many of you are in the US, of course, but I also have listeners and these are just going to be an alphabetical order in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Granada, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Israel, Netherlands, Nigeria, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, South Korea, and of course, the United Kingdom.

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VIRGINIA: So thank you all for your continued support across the globe.

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VIRGINIA: Please keep listening.

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VIRGINIA: Please keep submitting yourselves for trip reports and sharing the show with friends.

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VIRGINIA: Here's to the next 100 episodes.

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VIRGINIA: Now, let's get to today's show, and please remember to give me some grace for the audio.

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VIRGINIA: I got it fixed as best I could, but the tracks seemed like they were just corrupted, so there was a limit to what I could do.

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VIRGINIA: Regardless, it's still a really fun episode, and you'll hear by the end.

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VIRGINIA: My cheeks were actually hurting from all the smiling I was doing, and by here at the end, I mean I say it.

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VIRGINIA: You're not going to hear my cheeks hurting.

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VIRGINIA: I hope that it makes you smile too.

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VIRGINIA: Here's Elizabeth.

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VIRGINIA: Welcome back, Elizabeth.

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ELIZABETH: Thank you for having me.

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VIRGINIA: I am so excited to see your face because you got lots of fun stuff to talk about today.

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VIRGINIA: So overall, big picture, how was the trip?

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ELIZABETH: It was truly phenomenal.

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ELIZABETH: It was sincerely magical, and it definitely, especially the last half of our trip, exceeded my expectations for what we could accomplish and how much fun we would have with 13 people.

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VIRGINIA: Okay.

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VIRGINIA: And for the first part of this trip, you were doing some Universal Times.

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VIRGINIA: So let's talk a little bit about that before we get into all the Disney fun.

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VIRGINIA: So first of all, your arrival day, did everything go according to plans with your flight and you were flying into Sanford Airport?

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ELIZABETH: Yes.

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ELIZABETH: Yes.

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ELIZABETH: In fact, yep.

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ELIZABETH: So we traveled from Omaha to Sanford and it was a direct flight.

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ELIZABETH: I told you in my pre-show that I got these fantastic $97 tickets.

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ELIZABETH: So that just felt so great.

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ELIZABETH: I will say, I mean, $97, I like no complaints.

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ELIZABETH: But with that, no internet, no free drinks, there was one bathroom on board for 180 people.

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ELIZABETH: So it definitely was, oh yeah, at one point there were eight people standing in the aisle.

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ELIZABETH: And I know that that's really inadvisable, but we were all just like, well, what do we do?

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ELIZABETH: So that was, I mean, it was bare bones, but it went smoothly, it was direct.

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ELIZABETH: And we landed in Orlando at 12.15 on our arrival day without issue beyond that.

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ELIZABETH: So like I said, I can't complain.

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ELIZABETH: It was just something that I will know for next time if I see one of those cheap seats.

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VIRGINIA: How long is the duration of that flight?

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ELIZABETH: About two and a half hours.

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VIRGINIA: That's time change.

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ELIZABETH: That's time change, but also some tailwinds.

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ELIZABETH: So less than two and a half hours.

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VIRGINIA: OK, so not so bad.

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VIRGINIA: And you'll know going into it to make sure you use the restroom literally right before you get on the plane.

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ELIZABETH: Absolutely.

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ELIZABETH: And just have all the screen things we want for the kids like down without fault to make sure we don't have to rely on a Wi-Fi connection that won't be there.

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ELIZABETH: So now we know.

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VIRGINIA: Right.

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VIRGINIA: OK, so what did the kids do on this flight?

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ELIZABETH: Oh, we, I mean, I have books.

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ELIZABETH: I had Harry Potter activity books because I'm so excited about visiting all of the Harry Potter things at Universal, so that kept us really busy.

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ELIZABETH: Books, Harry Potter things, coloring things, writing things.

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ELIZABETH: I will say if if there is a side of the trip to not have those, you know, screen crutches, I think it's going there because you have all of that momentum and excitement that kind of carries right couple hours where you don't have to rely on on your board of hats so much.

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VIRGINIA: Yeah.

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VIRGINIA: Well, it sounds like you were well prepared.

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VIRGINIA: I feel like I would have just been up the creek without a hat at all because I don't carry any of that kind of stuff for Alex or myself.

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ELIZABETH: Right.

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VIRGINIA: I mean, I always have my Kindle with me, which is always good to go.

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ELIZABETH: Yes.

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VIRGINIA: All right.

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VIRGINIA: So you were staying at the Royal Pacific, which I've actually stayed at before and loved.

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VIRGINIA: What were your impressions of the resort?

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ELIZABETH: We walked in the resort and I was immediately impressed with and reminded of Disney because they just have that immediate, delightful smell, right?

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ELIZABETH: Like it's so, just appeals to your senses when you walk in and you just have that immediate, this isn't, you know, we're on an island in the South Pacific.

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ELIZABETH: You can see the fountains.

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ELIZABETH: It's very open.

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ELIZABETH: It's very airy and it just smells so good.

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ELIZABETH: And when we went to the front desk to check in, they had lays for the kids.

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ELIZABETH: So they were definitely leaning into that theme.

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ELIZABETH: And truly, the lobby and the just the whole entrance, front desk area was very, very grand and beautiful.

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ELIZABETH: Our impression of our room was that it was a little small and a little tired by commission with what we've seen in Disney.

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ELIZABETH: Even the All-Star Resorts at Disney have been renovated really recently, so they feel just very modern and this didn't have that.

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ELIZABETH: But, and I'm sure we'll explore this later on, but a lot of pros and cons, like the benefits that we got with this hotel made staying in a room that felt a little more tired, totally worth it.

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ELIZABETH: So that was fine.

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ELIZABETH: And again, there were lovely restaurants, lovely pool, like lots of really beautiful amenities.

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ELIZABETH: The room itself just felt a little, a little older, honestly.

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VIRGINIA: Yeah, I think that when we stayed there, it must have been, I'm thinking probably 2018.

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ELIZABETH: And I think that it was last refurbished.

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VIRGINIA: Okay, because I was like, it felt brand new at that time, but six years is a good long while in hotel years.

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ELIZABETH: Sure.

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VIRGINIA: All right.

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VIRGINIA: So you did not have any part-time that arrival date.

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VIRGINIA: So did you get into the pool?

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VIRGINIA: Did you go visit the city?

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VIRGINIA: What's it called?

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ELIZABETH: Yeah, City Walk.

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VIRGINIA: City Walk.

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VIRGINIA: In my head, I wanted to say City Field, but that is literally a Major League Baseball stadium that is near me.

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ELIZABETH: So no, we didn't go toward the theme parks or City Walk that first day.

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ELIZABETH: And in fact, I had no concept of how close that all was, like we could have.

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ELIZABETH: But again, I just think as a more seasoned Disney traveler, you know, you expect, like, I'm at my resort, and there is some distance between that and the theme park experiences, but not the case here.

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ELIZABETH: But anyway, so we arrived, didn't go that direction, but we were really hungry.

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ELIZABETH: I mean, we basically not eaten until we arrived, you know, in the afternoon.

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ELIZABETH: So we went to Jake's American Bar at the Lowe's Royal Pacific, and everything was very South Pacific, like Asian cuisine themed.

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ELIZABETH: We had a welcome Mai Tai, which was delicious, and just fed ourselves and the kids, honestly.

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ELIZABETH: And then we were able, you know, to kind of get that second wind, and go upstairs and get in our swim suit.

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ELIZABETH: And we did go to the pool, which was stunning.

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ELIZABETH: And I love pool days in July in Florida, when it's not even the least bit shocking to walk into the pool.

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ELIZABETH: Like, it just feels like backwater.

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ELIZABETH: It feels so refreshing.

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ELIZABETH: But it just, it's just perfect.

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ELIZABETH: So we probably spent a couple hours there before the afternoon thunderstorm rolled through.

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ELIZABETH: But it was a good amount of time just to explore that and enjoy some swimming.

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ELIZABETH: And the kids had a great time.

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ELIZABETH: And then we went up to the room and got changed for dinner.

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VIRGINIA: Where did you have dinner that day?

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ELIZABETH: So we, I had really been looking forward to the Orchid Court Sushi Lounge, which is right in the center of Lowes Royal Pacific.

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ELIZABETH: And it is beautiful.

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ELIZABETH: It's beautiful.

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ELIZABETH: Again, light, airy, beautiful lighting, really comfy seats, and delicious food.

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ELIZABETH: So we had a reservation at 7, which was just perfect after, you know, later lunch and some pool time.

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ELIZABETH: And then just had dinner and some drinks there.

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ELIZABETH: And went up to bed because we knew that we were going to wake up early the next morning.

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VIRGINIA: Okay.

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VIRGINIA: All right.

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VIRGINIA: So as we go through your Universal time, just because you do have kind of a long trip with all of your Universal and your Disney stuff combined.

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ELIZABETH: Yeah.

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VIRGINIA: Yeah.

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VIRGINIA: So let's, let's kind of talk in, in terms of categories, I guess.

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VIRGINIA: So Universal, let's talk Harry Potter, because you all are huge Harry Potter fans, representing all four houses within your family.

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VIRGINIA: So how did you like all of the Harry Potter stuff?

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VIRGINIA: And did you end up starting in Diagon Alley as we discussed in your pre-trip?

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ELIZABETH: Yes.

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ELIZABETH: I was thinking about that discussion and I was thinking about what you said and you were spot on in terms of, you know, in order to follow the storyline best to start in Diagon Alley and go to Hobbsme and Hogwarts, right?

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ELIZABETH: But we, being inexperienced, didn't realize that actually Islands of Adventure opens early.

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ELIZABETH: So we showed up for, quote unquote, early entry to Universal thinking that we could just do that and then realize actually the other side that's early and we're here.

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ELIZABETH: So in order to maximize our time, we left the Universal side, which is how we would have gone to Diagon Alley and went to Islands of Adventure instead.

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ELIZABETH: So it was not a lot open at that time, but we walked through the park and got to Hogwarts.

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ELIZABETH: And my daughter, I spoke about her in the pre-trip.

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ELIZABETH: She is the biggest, I would say, of the family, self-proclaimed Harry Potter.

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ELIZABETH: And when she saw Hogwarts and we were on that bridge from Islands of Adventure, she was giddy.

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ELIZABETH: I mean, I will just hold that memory of her excitement in seeing Hogsmeade and Hogwarts in my car.

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ELIZABETH: That's just such a special memory.

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ELIZABETH: So we took our obligatory bridge picture with Hogwarts in the background.

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ELIZABETH: And then the first ride that we rode with Harry Potter in The Forbidden Journey, that was our first universal experience ride.

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ELIZABETH: And I think it's a really good one to kick off with, especially for Harry Potter fans.

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VIRGINIA: Okay.

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VIRGINIA: And in terms of height, Dean was tall enough to ride that.

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ELIZABETH: He made it, Virginia!

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VIRGINIA: Okay.

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ELIZABETH: Oh my god.

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ELIZABETH: This little guy.

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ELIZABETH: Yeah, it was a 50-inch height requirement the last time we went to Disney, which was only, you know, early April.

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ELIZABETH: He had just made 48 for Con, and that was a big deal.

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ELIZABETH: So he apparently has had a little growth spurt this summer and got to go on 50-inch rides with us.

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VIRGINIA: Perfect.

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VIRGINIA: Okay.

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VIRGINIA: Did you get a chance to do Hagrid's?

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ELIZABETH: Yes, we did.

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ELIZABETH: We did that the second night, actually.

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ELIZABETH: And as you obviously, and probably a lot of your listeners know, is it one of two rides there that is not applicable with the Fast Pass?

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ELIZABETH: So we were really trying to find the right time to ride it, because it was a consistent 90-minute wait at minimum.

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ELIZABETH: But so, yeah, we did ride Hagrid's and it was the end of our trip.

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ELIZABETH: So we started with Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey.

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ELIZABETH: Great start.

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ELIZABETH: Ended with Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure.

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ELIZABETH: Perfect ending.

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ELIZABETH: So much so that when we were on the ride, after I would say like a 70-minute wait, so not bad.

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ELIZABETH: There were fireworks going off and we had not done any spoilers with that ride.

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ELIZABETH: So it was dark, it was nighttime, and it was so fun.

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VIRGINIA: That is the perfect opportunity to ride it with no spoilers.

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VIRGINIA: We'll be in the dark in my opinion.

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ELIZABETH: It was really fun.

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ELIZABETH: So I would say worth the wait.

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VIRGINIA: In terms of the other parts of the Harry Potter world, what did the kids like the most outside of the rides you've already mentioned?

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ELIZABETH: Great question.

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ELIZABETH: The wand experience.

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ELIZABETH: We went to Ollivander's wand shop.

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ELIZABETH: We watched the show.

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ELIZABETH: Our little Gryffindor unfortunately was not chosen, but she was not even visibly sad about it.

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ELIZABETH: She just really enjoyed watching and enjoyed the experience.

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ELIZABETH: We went in knowing that that would be a big souvenir that we would let them do that because we had heard that it was just a really special interactive experience around the Harry Potter land with the wand, which it was.

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ELIZABETH: So we went in to Ollivander's and everybody there was very helpful in explaining to the kids, with just the right magic and just the right language, what they were doing and what they were looking for and how the wand would choose them.

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ELIZABETH: I feel like we got into that.

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ELIZABETH: So Dean chose the wand.

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ELIZABETH: It was the first wand of Aldous Dumbledore.

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ELIZABETH: In his early days, so that felt so special.

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ELIZABETH: So we made a big deal about how that wand chose him.

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ELIZABETH: Our little growl, the thrift and door, and again, they chose these without knowing who they belonged to.

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ELIZABETH: So that made it even more fun.

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ELIZABETH: And she chose one that belonged to Hermione Granger.

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ELIZABETH: So she just felt like, oh, that was a special connection that wand had chosen her.

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ELIZABETH: And so yeah, it was just super fun to go to all those little stations and watch them do their magic with their wands.

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VIRGINIA: Did you love the Hogwarts Express?

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ELIZABETH: Yes, yes.

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ELIZABETH: And in fact, the first time we wrote it, you know, backwards, so to speak, from Hogsby, Dagon Alley, we wrote with a family who, you know, mom, dad, and a couple of teenagers who were so kind because they could tell it was our first time.

00:16:06.903 --> 00:16:13.983
ELIZABETH: So they let both Hope and Dean sit by the window, really enjoy the ride and enjoy the show from the window.

00:16:13.983 --> 00:16:16.323
ELIZABETH: So that was really kind and really nice.

00:16:16.343 --> 00:16:17.083
VIRGINIA: Oh, nice.

00:16:17.683 --> 00:16:26.063
VIRGINIA: Outside of Harry Potter, what were your top things that you enjoyed at Universal or Islands of Adventure, either park?

00:16:26.963 --> 00:16:30.363
ELIZABETH: I really enjoyed our second morning.

00:16:30.363 --> 00:16:34.143
ELIZABETH: We took it a little slower because we accidentally slept in.

00:16:34.143 --> 00:16:37.823
ELIZABETH: Whether I forgot to set my alarm or slept through it, I don't know.

00:16:37.823 --> 00:16:39.783
ELIZABETH: You know, that first day was a 20,000 step.

00:16:40.423 --> 00:16:42.803
ELIZABETH: Everybody knows it's a 20-hour day.

00:16:42.803 --> 00:16:49.823
ELIZABETH: So we slept in that second day and just kind of took it slower, but met some really fun characters going into the parks.

00:16:49.823 --> 00:16:59.683
ELIZABETH: We met Edith and Margot from Despicable Me, and the kids took a really cute, like quintessential older sibling and younger sibling picture with them.

00:16:59.683 --> 00:17:05.863
ELIZABETH: We met Optimus Prime, which Dean acted with Transformers at the moment.

00:17:05.863 --> 00:17:07.383
ELIZABETH: So that was very cool.

00:17:08.003 --> 00:17:23.583
ELIZABETH: And then I thought DreamWorks Land was a super cute, fun space, and the kids rode the roller coaster all by themselves, which it's a little coaster, but that was like a big deal that they went just the two of them.

00:17:23.583 --> 00:17:34.563
ELIZABETH: And we got to meet Poppy and Branch as family, which I plan on sending you that picture to be a part of the show notes, because that was just a really, really fun special meet and greet as well.

00:17:34.563 --> 00:17:36.163
ELIZABETH: So I liked that.

00:17:36.703 --> 00:17:44.103
ELIZABETH: I would say both my kids and my husband are thrill-seekers, and I like rides, but they love the bigger, the better.

00:17:44.103 --> 00:17:46.263
ELIZABETH: So they loved The Revenge of the Mummy.

00:17:46.263 --> 00:17:49.483
ELIZABETH: They loved The Fast and the Furious Supercharged.

00:17:49.483 --> 00:17:51.563
ELIZABETH: They loved, I mean, all of it.

00:17:51.563 --> 00:17:54.383
ELIZABETH: I also thought ET Adventure was really classic and cute.

00:17:54.383 --> 00:17:59.183
ELIZABETH: That felt like Universal's Peter Pan flight, you know?

00:17:59.183 --> 00:18:00.603
VIRGINIA: Right, right, exactly.

00:18:00.603 --> 00:18:02.203
ELIZABETH: Really thoughtful and well done.

00:18:02.203 --> 00:18:05.343
VIRGINIA: Now, I haven't heard anyone hurt you because I'm interviewing you.

00:18:07.143 --> 00:18:09.883
VIRGINIA: I haven't heard you say Velocicoaster yet.

00:18:09.883 --> 00:18:10.743
VIRGINIA: Did anyone write that?

00:18:10.743 --> 00:18:11.943
ELIZABETH: He didn't.

00:18:13.023 --> 00:18:21.203
ELIZABETH: Every day, as Florida does, it thunderstormed by about three or four.

00:18:21.203 --> 00:18:23.223
ELIZABETH: Never went just straight there.

00:18:23.223 --> 00:18:25.943
ELIZABETH: We never waited over an hour to do it.

00:18:25.943 --> 00:18:28.503
ELIZABETH: Dean would have been too short for it.

00:18:28.503 --> 00:18:34.243
ELIZABETH: I'm sure that was part of our subconscious thinking was just like, well, not all of us are going to do it anyway.

00:18:34.543 --> 00:18:42.203
ELIZABETH: So, I am, oh gosh, I fully understand that that is just, I've heard everybody say it's just the best coaster that they've ever ridden.

00:18:42.203 --> 00:18:44.123
ELIZABETH: So, we'll have to go back.

00:18:44.123 --> 00:18:45.243
VIRGINIA: What about King Kong?

00:18:45.243 --> 00:18:47.403
VIRGINIA: Because I know Dean was excited for that.

00:18:47.403 --> 00:18:51.443
ELIZABETH: That was a really cool attraction as well.

00:18:51.443 --> 00:18:54.143
ELIZABETH: My daughter was scared of it.

00:18:54.143 --> 00:18:55.463
ELIZABETH: I mean, it is scary.

00:18:55.463 --> 00:19:05.123
ELIZABETH: And I will say the rides at Universal, and again, anyone who's listening knows, they are technologically spectacular.

00:19:05.123 --> 00:19:07.743
ELIZABETH: They are phenomenal, so immersive.

00:19:07.743 --> 00:19:13.743
ELIZABETH: But almost all of the big, heavy hitter rides do have that element of peril.

00:19:13.743 --> 00:19:22.063
ELIZABETH: And I feel, in contrast to Disney World, you can have some really spectacular, fun rides that don't necessarily have that peril-fear element.

00:19:22.063 --> 00:19:27.643
ELIZABETH: With Universal, that is a big, it's a fun piece of it, but a really prominent piece of it.

00:19:27.643 --> 00:19:31.163
ELIZABETH: And I feel like King Kong, Skull Island is a good example of that.

00:19:31.243 --> 00:19:38.303
ELIZABETH: Like, it is scary, and Hope thought it was scary, but the animatronic of Kong, I mean, was, again, spectacular.

00:19:38.303 --> 00:19:40.923
ELIZABETH: I had, my husband actually wrote it twice with Dean.

00:19:40.923 --> 00:19:45.463
ELIZABETH: The second time he wrote it with Dean, we got Hope's hair braided, which was super fun.

00:19:45.463 --> 00:19:50.923
ELIZABETH: But I had him record that Kong animatronic, because I just think it's awesome.

00:19:50.923 --> 00:19:58.323
VIRGINIA: Well, I think we've got most of your big highlights for Universal, so if you're ready, let's hop to Disney.

00:19:58.323 --> 00:19:59.463
ELIZABETH: Yes, I'm ready!

00:19:59.683 --> 00:20:03.223
ELIZABETH: And that's honestly, that's how I felt during our trip, Virginia.

00:20:03.223 --> 00:20:06.203
ELIZABETH: Like, I soaked in Universal.

00:20:06.203 --> 00:20:07.723
ELIZABETH: I love Universal.

00:20:07.723 --> 00:20:16.143
ELIZABETH: Pat says he prefers Universal for a variety of reasons, but I just felt ready to hop to Disney, like you said.

00:20:16.143 --> 00:20:19.823
ELIZABETH: Like, Disney has my heart, and that's just that.

00:20:19.823 --> 00:20:25.643
VIRGINIA: I remember the first time we did Universal, when we had stayed at Royal Pacific.

00:20:25.643 --> 00:20:25.843
ELIZABETH: Yes.

00:20:26.463 --> 00:20:29.383
VIRGINIA: I really enjoyed my time.

00:20:29.383 --> 00:20:30.143
VIRGINIA: Loved it.

00:20:30.143 --> 00:20:31.603
VIRGINIA: Had a fantastic time.

00:20:31.763 --> 00:20:38.783
VIRGINIA: But by the end of the park days I had, I was itching to get over to Disney.

00:20:38.783 --> 00:20:39.003
ELIZABETH: Yeah.

00:20:39.003 --> 00:20:44.783
VIRGINIA: And that has been my experience every time since then, which is why we go to Universal every few years now.

00:20:44.783 --> 00:20:46.103
VIRGINIA: We do not go every time.

00:20:46.103 --> 00:20:46.823
ELIZABETH: Yes.

00:20:46.823 --> 00:20:47.783
ELIZABETH: I get it.

00:20:47.783 --> 00:20:48.823
ELIZABETH: I get it.

00:20:48.823 --> 00:20:53.923
ELIZABETH: That last day, and by last day, I mean like our departure day from Universal.

00:20:54.403 --> 00:21:04.763
ELIZABETH: We actually had the gift of being able to go to the Low Sapphire Falls Resort Pool because the Royal Pacific one was going to start some renovation.

00:21:04.763 --> 00:21:08.523
ELIZABETH: So that timing worked out awesome because we got to experience both.

00:21:08.523 --> 00:21:12.943
ELIZABETH: And we just had a, it was perfect right in between Universal and Disney.

00:21:12.943 --> 00:21:18.463
ELIZABETH: We had just a really, really relaxing, fun pool day.

00:21:18.463 --> 00:21:24.283
ELIZABETH: I mean, we were at that pool for four or five hours before our Uber picked us up to head to All-Star Sports.

00:21:24.283 --> 00:21:29.783
ELIZABETH: So that was a nice way to kind of bridge the two experiences with some R&R.

00:21:29.783 --> 00:21:30.583
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:21:30.583 --> 00:21:34.203
VIRGINIA: What time did you actually pull into the All-Star Sports Resort?

00:21:34.203 --> 00:21:40.263
ELIZABETH: It was right about three, which was perfect because obviously that's when they tell you your check-in time is.

00:21:40.263 --> 00:21:45.023
ELIZABETH: We got a notification a little bit earlier than that, that our room was ready.

00:21:45.023 --> 00:21:47.903
ELIZABETH: And we had made a couple room requests.

00:21:47.903 --> 00:21:53.623
ELIZABETH: We were staying in a standard, so I knew we weren't going to be staying in football or surfing.

00:21:53.623 --> 00:22:03.863
ELIZABETH: But I had requested that we have conjoining rooms because I knew that it would be me and my husband and son in one room, and then my sister and my daughter in another.

00:22:03.863 --> 00:22:10.663
ELIZABETH: And I also wanted to be in the Home Run Hotel because that is so close to all-star music.

00:22:10.663 --> 00:22:14.663
ELIZABETH: And that's where my cousin's family of six and my parents were staying.

00:22:14.663 --> 00:22:16.823
ELIZABETH: So I had made both those requests.

00:22:16.823 --> 00:22:23.763
ELIZABETH: They had gotten us a conjoining room, but it was in the Hoops Hotel, which my son was really excited about.

00:22:23.763 --> 00:22:27.103
ELIZABETH: Because he thought it was really fun to stay in the basketball section.

00:22:27.103 --> 00:22:37.463
ELIZABETH: But I did check in in person and just asked if there was availability for conjoining rooms or side-by-side rooms in the Home Run Hotel.

00:22:37.463 --> 00:22:41.643
ELIZABETH: And they waved their magic wands and made it happen as they so often.

00:22:41.643 --> 00:22:43.403
ELIZABETH: Oh, good.

00:22:43.403 --> 00:22:44.163
ELIZABETH: So that was wonderful.

00:22:44.163 --> 00:22:48.083
ELIZABETH: So we got to all-star sports around three, had our welcome drinks.

00:22:49.203 --> 00:22:58.983
ELIZABETH: The kids did the, I don't know what it's called, but that machine, that like photo booth kind of thing that takes your pictures, but it looks like the characters are around you.

00:22:58.983 --> 00:23:00.563
ELIZABETH: And it'd be awesome.

00:23:00.563 --> 00:23:02.143
ELIZABETH: They had fun with that.

00:23:02.143 --> 00:23:05.883
ELIZABETH: As soon as we step on Disney property, they're always ready to pin trade.

00:23:05.883 --> 00:23:09.863
ELIZABETH: And so it was just, you know, that immediate Disney bubble immersion.

00:23:09.863 --> 00:23:13.543
ELIZABETH: And on top of all of it, they were able to grant us a request.

00:23:13.543 --> 00:23:18.683
ELIZABETH: So we were in the Home Run Hotel, and it is just so close to all-star music.

00:23:18.683 --> 00:23:20.003
ELIZABETH: So that worked out perfectly.

00:23:20.003 --> 00:23:20.703
VIRGINIA: Perfect.

00:23:20.703 --> 00:23:28.803
VIRGINIA: And this night was very special because you and your hubby were having dinner at Victoria & Albert.

00:23:29.243 --> 00:23:32.263
VIRGINIA: So take us through the whole thing.

00:23:32.263 --> 00:23:32.943
ELIZABETH: Okay.

00:23:32.943 --> 00:23:38.383
ELIZABETH: There is nothing, there's nothing I can say to convey how special the experience was.

00:23:38.383 --> 00:23:45.043
ELIZABETH: I want to start with that because I am going to try and it's going to be very clumsy in a net because I don't know.

00:23:45.043 --> 00:23:47.383
ELIZABETH: I don't know the words for everything.

00:23:47.643 --> 00:23:51.043
ELIZABETH: It was truly a spectacular experience as it is designed to be.

00:23:51.043 --> 00:23:57.023
ELIZABETH: So I feel so, so thankful that we were able to experience that and that I'm able to share it with you guys.

00:23:57.023 --> 00:23:59.963
ELIZABETH: So we had a 550 reservation.

00:24:00.743 --> 00:24:09.143
ELIZABETH: When we get to Disney, we typically like to take it really slow and unpack and organize and like at the All-Star Resorts decorate our window, like no time for that.

00:24:09.263 --> 00:24:12.363
ELIZABETH: Like my sister got to the resorts that we did.

00:24:12.363 --> 00:24:15.343
ELIZABETH: She and the kids were going to Storybook Dining at Artists Point.

00:24:15.343 --> 00:24:17.563
ELIZABETH: We were going to the Grand Floridian for Victoria & Albert.

00:24:17.563 --> 00:24:19.943
ELIZABETH: So it was a frenzy of like everybody get dressed.

00:24:19.943 --> 00:24:24.063
ELIZABETH: And obviously, we touched on this in our pre-show.

00:24:24.063 --> 00:24:26.183
ELIZABETH: It was not like throw on my jean shorts.

00:24:26.183 --> 00:24:28.763
ELIZABETH: Like it was, I'm going to the All-Star Resorts.

00:24:28.763 --> 00:24:31.483
ELIZABETH: Like this is, I'm taking this very seriously.

00:24:31.483 --> 00:24:35.283
ELIZABETH: So got all dressed up and arrived at 5.54.

00:24:35.283 --> 00:24:36.523
ELIZABETH: So we were four minutes late.

00:24:37.023 --> 00:24:44.583
ELIZABETH: But we went in to that alcove that you can see, like from the Grand Floridian, that leads into Victoria & Albert.

00:24:44.583 --> 00:24:56.563
ELIZABETH: And right away, we're just greeted with calm and kindness and attention to detail, which, I mean, was in the entire experience.

00:24:56.563 --> 00:24:59.523
ELIZABETH: And the woman who greeted us said, Mr.

00:24:59.523 --> 00:24:59.883
ELIZABETH: and Mrs.

00:24:59.883 --> 00:25:01.503
ELIZABETH: Ackerman, so glad to see you.

00:25:01.503 --> 00:25:06.563
ELIZABETH: Like they knew exactly who we were and said, your table will be ready in just a moment.

00:25:06.563 --> 00:25:07.863
ELIZABETH: Like, what can we bring you while you wait?

00:25:07.863 --> 00:25:12.763
ELIZABETH: I mean, just this immediate elegance and intimacy and attentiveness.

00:25:12.763 --> 00:25:22.663
ELIZABETH: And in fact, Virginia, because I'm a language person and a bit of a nerd, I have three words to describe the experience and I have three words to describe the menu.

00:25:22.663 --> 00:25:28.003
ELIZABETH: They are elegant and intimate and attentive, unlike anything I've ever experienced.

00:25:28.003 --> 00:25:30.103
ELIZABETH: So it truly was less than a minute.

00:25:30.703 --> 00:25:38.363
ELIZABETH: And I am not going to identify all of the wonderful cast members correctly in terms of their role.

00:25:38.363 --> 00:25:44.023
ELIZABETH: But the head host came out and escorted us to our seat.

00:25:44.043 --> 00:25:57.963
ELIZABETH: And when I say that you walked in to the dining room and every sensory detail was accounted for, what you saw, what you smelled, eventually what you touched, what you heard, what you tasted, like everything was phenomenal.

00:25:58.423 --> 00:26:12.283
ELIZABETH: There was a harpist playing everything from contemporary hits, like I heard a Rihanna song, to Disney, you know, Beauty and the Beast, of course, to classics.

00:26:12.283 --> 00:26:17.563
ELIZABETH: I heard Tchaikovsky, like a beautiful score on a hearth.

00:26:17.563 --> 00:26:23.063
ELIZABETH: I don't know if I've ever been in the presence of a live hearth.

00:26:23.063 --> 00:26:26.383
ELIZABETH: Again, the Disney sense that I just, that made me so happy.

00:26:27.663 --> 00:26:37.683
ELIZABETH: A beautiful, understated, but in a very elegant way, table for two, and a plush stool for my handbag.

00:26:37.683 --> 00:26:40.263
VIRGINIA: Oh, I mean, I love that.

00:26:41.043 --> 00:26:43.063
ELIZABETH: Every detail.

00:26:43.063 --> 00:26:47.583
ELIZABETH: The host who escorted us for a seat, pulled out my chair for me, placed my napkin in my lap.

00:26:47.583 --> 00:26:49.883
ELIZABETH: I mean, again, very upscale.

00:26:49.883 --> 00:26:55.323
ELIZABETH: And then he assured us that the table was ours for the evening and to expect to be there for three hours.

00:26:55.463 --> 00:26:58.383
ELIZABETH: Spoiler, we ended up being there for four.

00:26:58.383 --> 00:26:59.143
VIRGINIA: Wow.

00:26:59.143 --> 00:27:01.323
ELIZABETH: Four hours at our table.

00:27:01.323 --> 00:27:09.863
ELIZABETH: So big shout out to my sister, the kid's aunt who spent the entire evening having a blast with them, but just like couldn't without her obviously.

00:27:09.863 --> 00:27:12.923
ELIZABETH: And that is when our experience began.

00:27:12.923 --> 00:27:13.663
VIRGINIA: Wow.

00:27:13.683 --> 00:27:15.143
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:27:15.143 --> 00:27:15.503
ELIZABETH: Wow.

00:27:15.503 --> 00:27:16.443
VIRGINIA: What a prelude.

00:27:16.443 --> 00:27:20.023
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:27:20.023 --> 00:27:32.463
ELIZABETH: So we were then greeted by, again, just like a host of people, like the head, like Garçon, so to speak, who came over and just kind of explained the entire process to us and welcomed us.

00:27:32.463 --> 00:27:41.423
ELIZABETH: They were so calm, but as uses in their greeting and just in every interaction with us.

00:27:41.423 --> 00:27:43.483
ELIZABETH: We had at least three different servers.

00:27:43.483 --> 00:27:45.643
ELIZABETH: We had like the wine master.

00:27:45.643 --> 00:27:49.963
ELIZABETH: We had the gentleman who was in charge of like teaching us about our food.

00:27:49.963 --> 00:27:52.443
ELIZABETH: The gentleman who was in charge of bringing us our food.

00:27:52.783 --> 00:27:55.423
ELIZABETH: The gentleman who was in charge of like bringing water.

00:27:55.423 --> 00:27:59.123
ELIZABETH: I mean, just like so many people.

00:27:59.123 --> 00:28:02.123
ELIZABETH: And there was staggered seating.

00:28:02.123 --> 00:28:08.563
ELIZABETH: So in this space that is not a big space, there was probably 10 to 12 tables.

00:28:08.563 --> 00:28:13.243
ELIZABETH: But we were, you know, I assume there was like a 515, a 530 seating.

00:28:13.243 --> 00:28:14.823
ELIZABETH: We were the 550 seating.

00:28:14.823 --> 00:28:16.583
ELIZABETH: Then there was a 610 seating.

00:28:16.583 --> 00:28:21.883
ELIZABETH: So every guest who comes in, every party who comes in gets just all of that attention.

00:28:22.183 --> 00:28:29.523
ELIZABETH: You know, I don't think I've ever dined at a Michelin star restaurant.

00:28:29.523 --> 00:28:37.183
ELIZABETH: They've, I mean, again, like Victoria & Albert has been given the Forbes Travel Guide 5 Star Award, the Triple A 5 Diamond Award ever since 2000.

00:28:37.183 --> 00:28:42.863
ELIZABETH: Like it truly lived up and exceeded to everything I could have anticipated.

00:28:42.863 --> 00:28:49.143
ELIZABETH: They poured us a champagne glass, the champagne flute, to start, and it was just very crisp and refreshing.

00:28:49.143 --> 00:28:52.163
ELIZABETH: And then they also poured us some kind of juice.

00:28:52.163 --> 00:28:57.383
ELIZABETH: I mean, everything was concocted with so much care.

00:28:57.963 --> 00:29:02.423
ELIZABETH: And thus, I would like to share with you my three words for the menu, if I may.

00:29:02.423 --> 00:29:04.123
VIRGINIA: Okay, please do.

00:29:04.123 --> 00:29:09.023
ELIZABETH: Brilliant, and intricate, and elite.

00:29:09.023 --> 00:29:09.523
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:29:09.523 --> 00:29:11.183
VIRGINIA: I have a question about the menu.

00:29:11.183 --> 00:29:18.423
VIRGINIA: So I know that they do all of this interviewing to try to get to know what you like and that sort of thing.

00:29:18.423 --> 00:29:24.643
VIRGINIA: Is the menu that you experienced, was it created specifically for the two of you?

00:29:24.643 --> 00:29:35.703
ELIZABETH: I don't think it was created specifically for the two of us, but I do think it was created for that night, potentially that week, but probably that at the longest.

00:29:35.703 --> 00:29:42.663
ELIZABETH: The menu arrived at our table in a beautiful envelope that said our full names on it.

00:29:43.423 --> 00:29:48.403
ELIZABETH: We opened the envelope, we opened the menu, and it had a title.

00:29:48.403 --> 00:29:55.843
ELIZABETH: The title of our dining experience was A Midsummer's Night, which is obviously perfect.

00:29:55.843 --> 00:30:17.683
ELIZABETH: And we did have a choice between a prefix menu with nine courses, which I chose because that sounded, I mean, extravagant enough, or a menu with 12 courses, the elevated menu, and that's what Pat chose, which was fun because then I got to, you know, we got to experience a few other things.

00:30:17.683 --> 00:30:25.343
ELIZABETH: And then from there, they, with brilliance and intricacy, they explained everything that came to us.

00:30:25.343 --> 00:30:33.463
ELIZABETH: So when they brought us all of these nine courses, I know 12 courses, I know that sounds like so much, but it wasn't superfluous.

00:30:33.463 --> 00:30:37.723
ELIZABETH: It wasn't too much because everything, and the word I keep using is morsel.

00:30:38.063 --> 00:30:42.843
ELIZABETH: Everything was like this delicious, intricate, thoughtful morsel.

00:30:42.843 --> 00:30:48.863
ELIZABETH: So think like the size of a sand dollar was the biggest portion of something we got.

00:30:48.863 --> 00:30:51.003
ELIZABETH: And some of them were like the size of a quarter.

00:30:51.003 --> 00:30:57.703
ELIZABETH: I mean, it really was just meant to experience everything without obviously leaving feeling miserable or too full.

00:30:57.703 --> 00:30:59.983
ELIZABETH: I mean, it was just, it was perfect.

00:30:59.983 --> 00:31:11.383
ELIZABETH: So not only were the menus themselves presented beautifully, but obviously everything that came to us was so thoughtfully explained, thoughtfully presented.

00:31:11.383 --> 00:31:24.463
ELIZABETH: And part of our favorite part of the entire experience was really that, you know, the cast members were storytelling at its finest, like explaining everything that came to us.

00:31:24.463 --> 00:31:37.123
ELIZABETH: One of my favorites was a fish dish that they told us that that fish on our plate had come from the coast of Spain.

00:31:37.123 --> 00:31:51.123
ELIZABETH: They explained how that exact fish was caught, why they decided that was good enough for the plate, what they did to prepare it, and they really did that, you know, that much storytelling and explaining with everything.

00:31:51.123 --> 00:31:59.043
ELIZABETH: But that one just sticks out in my mind because I even said, I was like, you're telling me you can, you know exactly when and where this fish was caught.

00:31:59.043 --> 00:32:01.003
ELIZABETH: And they were, they were just like, absolutely.

00:32:01.723 --> 00:32:02.283
VIRGINIA: Wow.

00:32:02.283 --> 00:32:05.123
VIRGINIA: So, I mean, how do they keep track of all that?

00:32:05.123 --> 00:32:06.523
VIRGINIA: That's crazy.

00:32:06.523 --> 00:32:31.383
VIRGINIA: So, it sounds to me like maybe they, if they're changing the menu, maybe weekly, it's mostly the same menu for everyone, but they're taking your likes and dislikes, and maybe, you know, accenting certain things that you would really particularly love or taking things away and substituting something in a case where it's like, I'm either alerted to this or I really do not care for this.

00:32:31.423 --> 00:32:33.343
ELIZABETH: Yes, yes, I think so.

00:32:33.343 --> 00:32:41.063
ELIZABETH: And I think a good example of that was when they presented the caviar, which was one of the courses.

00:32:41.063 --> 00:32:46.023
ELIZABETH: You know, they knew enough to know that, like, I have a more mild palate.

00:32:46.023 --> 00:32:51.863
ELIZABETH: I don't like anything super seasoned, but Pat does, my husband does.

00:32:51.863 --> 00:32:59.983
ELIZABETH: So there were some different, like, adornments and flakes that they added to our caviar experience, but they made sure to give me less and give him more.

00:33:00.143 --> 00:33:00.823
ELIZABETH: You know what I mean?

00:33:00.823 --> 00:33:08.283
ELIZABETH: So there was definitely a gap between that attention to personalization based on what they had gathered.

00:33:08.283 --> 00:33:08.843
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:33:08.843 --> 00:33:09.783
VIRGINIA: All right.

00:33:09.783 --> 00:33:10.623
VIRGINIA: Very good to know.

00:33:10.623 --> 00:33:11.363
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:33:11.383 --> 00:33:13.423
VIRGINIA: A follow-up question from our pre-trip interview.

00:33:13.423 --> 00:33:13.883
ELIZABETH: Yes.

00:33:13.883 --> 00:33:17.903
VIRGINIA: Did they know anything about you that you had not provided to them?

00:33:17.903 --> 00:33:19.143
ELIZABETH: Ooh.

00:33:19.143 --> 00:33:26.163
VIRGINIA: Because we were speculating of whether they would be doing, like, secret service type of investigations on you or what.

00:33:27.283 --> 00:33:27.823
ELIZABETH: No.

00:33:27.823 --> 00:33:28.383
ELIZABETH: Gosh.

00:33:28.383 --> 00:33:28.683
ELIZABETH: No.

00:33:28.683 --> 00:33:31.663
ELIZABETH: It's not like they were like, so how do you feel about the school year starting again?

00:33:31.663 --> 00:33:33.383
ELIZABETH: Like, you ready for those middle schoolers?

00:33:33.383 --> 00:33:34.943
ELIZABETH: Like, no.

00:33:37.643 --> 00:33:38.563
ELIZABETH: Nothing like that.

00:33:38.943 --> 00:33:42.503
ELIZABETH: But they just truly made us feel like friends.

00:33:42.503 --> 00:33:48.123
ELIZABETH: Like, we were just such valued patrons, and they just wanted us to have the best time.

00:33:48.123 --> 00:33:50.983
ELIZABETH: They told us stories about our families.

00:33:52.043 --> 00:33:54.723
ELIZABETH: I'm sorry, that would be like CIA level.

00:33:54.723 --> 00:33:56.603
ELIZABETH: They didn't tell us stories about us.

00:33:56.603 --> 00:34:03.083
ELIZABETH: They told us stories about their families, and their experiences, and what brought them to Victoria & Albert.

00:34:03.083 --> 00:34:08.463
ELIZABETH: So yeah, it was personal without being a CIA level.

00:34:08.463 --> 00:34:08.983
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:34:08.983 --> 00:34:09.343
ELIZABETH: All right.

00:34:09.343 --> 00:34:11.623
VIRGINIA: Without being super creepy.

00:34:11.623 --> 00:34:14.423
ELIZABETH: Yes.

00:34:15.023 --> 00:34:39.783
ELIZABETH: At the end of our almost four-hour experiences, and I apologize if I'm jumping ahead, but at all of these wonderful courses, and we had seen from other guests around the dining room, that the coffee experience, and I'm going to speak about this so ignorantly because I'm not a coffee drinker, and I'm sure you have listeners who are like, she has no idea.

00:34:39.783 --> 00:34:59.083
ELIZABETH: But they made the coffee in this contraption that was heated by flame, and it just was so spectacular looking, and we were talking to our server about it and talking about how impressive it looked, but we're not coffee drinkers, so we're not going to ask for that.

00:35:00.303 --> 00:35:14.683
ELIZABETH: But Pat did mention that we both enjoy an espresso martini, so he was able to use that implement to make us some very delicious espresso martinis to end our evening.

00:35:15.243 --> 00:35:16.123
VIRGINIA: That sounds so good.

00:35:16.123 --> 00:35:18.363
VIRGINIA: I love an espresso martini myself.

00:35:20.083 --> 00:35:24.743
VIRGINIA: Although I always say it's an upper and a downer and a glass, so I don't know what it's trying to do.

00:35:24.743 --> 00:35:26.143
ELIZABETH: Delicious nonetheless.

00:35:28.823 --> 00:35:29.783
VIRGINIA: All right.

00:35:29.783 --> 00:35:30.423
VIRGINIA: Wow.

00:35:30.423 --> 00:35:31.563
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:35:31.563 --> 00:35:32.723
VIRGINIA: Technical question.

00:35:32.723 --> 00:35:33.783
ELIZABETH: Yes.

00:35:33.783 --> 00:35:41.283
VIRGINIA: We all know that Victoria & Albert is the highest price point you can have for a meal at Disney.

00:35:41.283 --> 00:35:50.683
VIRGINIA: Do they include gratuity or are you doing that on top of what you're doing on your own, or was it just included in the price?

00:35:50.683 --> 00:35:54.163
ELIZABETH: That would be a great question for my husband.

00:35:57.883 --> 00:36:04.383
ELIZABETH: If it was included, we had such a beautiful, beautiful experience provided by those cast members.

00:36:04.383 --> 00:36:07.123
ELIZABETH: I would have to believe that he tipped them more.

00:36:07.123 --> 00:36:22.443
ELIZABETH: If it wasn't included, I just would have to trust that they are hopefully all very well taken care of because much like so many things, obviously at Disney, and all your listeners know, the cast members really are the ones to make it just extra magical and memorable.

00:36:23.483 --> 00:36:24.643
ELIZABETH: No exception.

00:36:27.523 --> 00:36:30.623
ELIZABETH: One more little anecdote that I want to share.

00:36:30.623 --> 00:36:34.703
ELIZABETH: Halfway through our meal, I was like, I think I'm going to get up and use the restroom.

00:36:35.243 --> 00:36:39.363
ELIZABETH: And none of it, none of the experience felt so elite that we were uncomfortable.

00:36:39.363 --> 00:36:42.623
ELIZABETH: But there were definitely moments where we're like, okay, is this allowed?

00:36:42.623 --> 00:36:43.503
ELIZABETH: Like, is this okay?

00:36:43.503 --> 00:36:44.763
ELIZABETH: Like, how do we?

00:36:45.523 --> 00:36:48.103
ELIZABETH: So I just kind of started, you know, scooting back my chair.

00:36:48.103 --> 00:36:57.143
ELIZABETH: And by the time I had stood up to make my way to the restroom, the host who had initially escorted us to our seat was by my side, like willing, like ready.

00:36:57.143 --> 00:37:09.403
ELIZABETH: Like he just was keeping eyes on everyone, ready to escort me to the restroom, which was as beautiful as any other space in the restaurant.

00:37:09.843 --> 00:37:12.583
ELIZABETH: Beautiful like Cinderella artwork on the way.

00:37:12.583 --> 00:37:17.563
ELIZABETH: I mean, just such a gorgeous hybrid and again, elegance.

00:37:17.583 --> 00:37:19.283
ELIZABETH: Used the restroom, came back.

00:37:19.283 --> 00:37:21.083
ELIZABETH: He was ready to walk me back.

00:37:21.083 --> 00:37:33.283
ELIZABETH: And Pat said from the moment I walked away with him from the table toward the restroom, someone came out and took my napkin, replaced it with a new napkin, arranged it on the table just so.

00:37:33.283 --> 00:37:44.843
ELIZABETH: I mean, there are people whose jobs and they're such appreciated jobs and such wonderful jobs are to replace your napkin there when you get up to use the restroom.

00:37:44.843 --> 00:37:47.503
ELIZABETH: I mean, just that level of detail.

00:37:48.523 --> 00:37:49.343
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:37:50.103 --> 00:37:53.843
VIRGINIA: I am dying to do this myself.

00:37:53.843 --> 00:37:55.323
VIRGINIA: How did you get your reservation?

00:37:55.323 --> 00:37:59.043
VIRGINIA: Because I know that some people really struggle to get the reservation.

00:37:59.303 --> 00:38:05.603
VIRGINIA: So, I guess, was your trip planned around the fact that you were finally able to get a reservation?

00:38:05.603 --> 00:38:07.363
ELIZABETH: That's a fair question.

00:38:07.363 --> 00:38:14.003
ELIZABETH: I mean, it really, this is not something, this is not for us a repeat experience.

00:38:14.003 --> 00:38:17.783
ELIZABETH: I mean, it really was so special.

00:38:17.783 --> 00:38:21.263
ELIZABETH: But shout out to Amy Belfi, who we mentioned in the pre-show.

00:38:21.263 --> 00:38:25.983
ELIZABETH: She is a friend and travel agent who is just phenomenal.

00:38:26.183 --> 00:38:30.683
ELIZABETH: I mean, and I know I spoke of this in the pre-show, but she really is on top of things.

00:38:30.683 --> 00:38:32.883
ELIZABETH: She's organized, she's detail oriented.

00:38:32.883 --> 00:38:40.823
ELIZABETH: And I don't know if this was her first, like they want to do this, like her first, you know, 60-day plus reservation that she made.

00:38:40.823 --> 00:38:44.383
ELIZABETH: But she was able to wave her magic wand and do it.

00:38:44.383 --> 00:38:49.323
ELIZABETH: So I'm appreciative that I don't really know the details of that, but she made it happen.

00:38:49.323 --> 00:38:49.923
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:38:49.923 --> 00:38:50.183
ELIZABETH: Yeah.

00:38:50.183 --> 00:38:50.763
VIRGINIA: All right.

00:38:50.763 --> 00:38:51.403
ELIZABETH: Yeah.

00:38:51.403 --> 00:38:59.843
VIRGINIA: And again, Amy's information will be in the show notes, as well as links to her episodes, so that folks can listen to those as well.

00:39:00.923 --> 00:39:01.823
ELIZABETH: They were so fun.

00:39:01.823 --> 00:39:06.643
ELIZABETH: And they just got another trip where her girls got all dressed up again as well.

00:39:07.923 --> 00:39:09.283
VIRGINIA: She was so much fun to talk to.

00:39:09.283 --> 00:39:09.423
VIRGINIA: Yeah.

00:39:09.423 --> 00:39:11.283
VIRGINIA: I really, really enjoyed talking with her.

00:39:11.283 --> 00:39:12.403
ELIZABETH: Yeah.

00:39:12.403 --> 00:39:13.923
VIRGINIA: All right.

00:39:13.923 --> 00:39:15.663
VIRGINIA: Lots more to discuss.

00:39:15.663 --> 00:39:16.023
ELIZABETH: All right.

00:39:17.183 --> 00:39:20.763
VIRGINIA: So let's move into Thursday, July 25th.

00:39:21.043 --> 00:39:35.363
VIRGINIA: So this was the day that your parents arrived and you were planning on going to Animal Kingdom for the first half of the day and then hopping to Hollywood Studios for a reservation at Woody's Roundup Barbecue.

00:39:35.363 --> 00:39:39.743
VIRGINIA: So what time of the day did your parents end up arriving?

00:39:39.743 --> 00:39:42.123
VIRGINIA: Were they there from the very beginning of the day?

00:39:42.123 --> 00:39:42.723
ELIZABETH: No.

00:39:42.723 --> 00:39:47.283
ELIZABETH: And the plan had been all along that they would meet us at Hollywood Studios.

00:39:48.663 --> 00:39:53.743
ELIZABETH: Animal Kingdom is my family of four's favorite Disney park.

00:39:53.743 --> 00:39:54.463
ELIZABETH: I love it.

00:39:54.463 --> 00:39:57.383
ELIZABETH: And I feel like I love it more every time I go.

00:39:57.383 --> 00:39:58.143
ELIZABETH: So we love it.

00:39:58.143 --> 00:40:01.383
ELIZABETH: But it's my parents' least favorite.

00:40:01.383 --> 00:40:08.063
ELIZABETH: So they were OK to make that their travel day and meet us at Hollywood Studios and let us have a good time at Animal Kingdom.

00:40:10.143 --> 00:40:13.203
ELIZABETH: It was our get together with my cousin's family.

00:40:13.503 --> 00:40:20.783
ELIZABETH: So it was morning that we met at the All-Star Music bus stop at 730.

00:40:20.783 --> 00:40:33.503
ELIZABETH: And I just like, I can't explain my excitement about like seeing them for the first time at Disney and their adorable Animal Kingdom outfits, other than to say that Pat was a little embarrassed by my like exclamations.

00:40:33.503 --> 00:40:35.023
ELIZABETH: Like, what?

00:40:35.023 --> 00:40:36.003
ELIZABETH: We're excited.

00:40:36.003 --> 00:40:36.683
ELIZABETH: Super excited.

00:40:37.483 --> 00:40:39.583
ELIZABETH: So they joined us at the line.

00:40:39.583 --> 00:40:55.143
VIRGINIA: When you love a place like Disney, and you are so excited to welcome new people into the fold and just wanting to show them the best time, and to see them in a setting that you have never gotten to see them in before, I understand.

00:40:55.143 --> 00:40:56.063
VIRGINIA: I totally get it.

00:40:56.063 --> 00:40:56.843
ELIZABETH: Yes.

00:40:56.843 --> 00:40:57.903
ELIZABETH: Well, thank you for that.

00:40:57.903 --> 00:41:00.223
ELIZABETH: I know that you get it and I know that your listeners get it.

00:41:00.223 --> 00:41:02.923
ELIZABETH: So it's exciting to be able to share that.

00:41:03.603 --> 00:41:04.923
ELIZABETH: So yeah, we got on that bus.

00:41:05.083 --> 00:41:07.383
ELIZABETH: I was also just really proud of us.

00:41:07.383 --> 00:41:15.163
ELIZABETH: I mean, we're talking about 11 people meeting at the same bus stop at 730 in the morning with little kids.

00:41:15.163 --> 00:41:16.303
ELIZABETH: Like, I was proud of us.

00:41:16.303 --> 00:41:18.783
ELIZABETH: Like, that was a good start.

00:41:18.783 --> 00:41:19.583
VIRGINIA: Well done.

00:41:19.823 --> 00:41:22.203
VIRGINIA: You won the Disney Olympic.

00:41:22.223 --> 00:41:23.643
ELIZABETH: Right off the bat.

00:41:23.643 --> 00:41:31.123
ELIZABETH: So so yeah, so we got on the bus headed to Pandora, the world of Avatar, which I adore.

00:41:31.123 --> 00:41:44.103
ELIZABETH: And my sister, again, who is with us as as travel auntie as well, has always wanted to try Flight of Passage and has never had the chance, even though she's been to Disney with us before.

00:41:44.103 --> 00:41:49.063
ELIZABETH: So I was so excited for her to have that experience and whomever else wanted to.

00:41:49.083 --> 00:41:58.703
ELIZABETH: I and my daughter, my nine year old daughter, said that we would stay with our littlest one in the group, who was six.

00:41:58.703 --> 00:42:03.743
ELIZABETH: And so us three girls kind of did a different experience.

00:42:03.743 --> 00:42:06.803
ELIZABETH: So we sent a few people off to Flight of Passage.

00:42:06.803 --> 00:42:10.263
ELIZABETH: And I do think that was one of the keys to our success.

00:42:10.263 --> 00:42:15.943
ELIZABETH: And I know that you've done big group trips as well, was being able to divide and conquer well.

00:42:17.443 --> 00:42:19.903
ELIZABETH: Oh, the three of us girls went and did some other things.

00:42:19.903 --> 00:42:22.383
ELIZABETH: A few of them went to Flight of Passage.

00:42:22.383 --> 00:42:34.583
ELIZABETH: And then Pat took some of the boys and rode Everest, Expedition Everest, not once, not twice, not three times, not four times, but five times during rope up.

00:42:36.143 --> 00:42:41.303
ELIZABETH: So, yeah, Hope, Emery and I, we got our Wilderness Explorer Packets.

00:42:41.303 --> 00:42:46.663
ELIZABETH: We did the Naube River Journey Adventure, which I would like to share something with you about that.

00:42:46.663 --> 00:42:47.243
VIRGINIA: Sure.

00:42:47.243 --> 00:42:49.543
ELIZABETH: I have never seen it.

00:42:49.543 --> 00:42:54.563
ELIZABETH: And what I have come to learn is called B-mode.

00:42:54.563 --> 00:42:54.923
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:42:54.923 --> 00:42:56.083
VIRGINIA: What's B-mode?

00:42:56.083 --> 00:42:59.243
ELIZABETH: When the animatronic is not there.

00:42:59.243 --> 00:43:00.263
VIRGINIA: Where did she go?

00:43:00.263 --> 00:43:02.103
VIRGINIA: Did she have a hot date?

00:43:02.103 --> 00:43:03.523
ELIZABETH: Well, like, let's hope so for her.

00:43:03.523 --> 00:43:04.343
ELIZABETH: Like, that sounds fun.

00:43:05.443 --> 00:43:07.743
ELIZABETH: But she was not there.

00:43:07.743 --> 00:43:09.343
ELIZABETH: I couldn't believe it.

00:43:09.343 --> 00:43:10.903
ELIZABETH: My mind was blown.

00:43:10.903 --> 00:43:15.943
ELIZABETH: I could tell Hope's mind was blown, you know, when you've done it before, or if you've just been out the ride.

00:43:15.943 --> 00:43:25.943
ELIZABETH: You've heard that it's this spectacular animatronic, which it is, and you're just waiting through this beautiful journey, slow journey, to see this phenomenal animatronic.

00:43:25.943 --> 00:43:34.283
ELIZABETH: And then there was just a screen where she normally is, and it was just like her face singing her song on this screen.

00:43:34.283 --> 00:43:36.543
ELIZABETH: The animatronic was gone.

00:43:36.543 --> 00:43:45.783
ELIZABETH: And Hope looked over at me, over Emory's head, and said, completely uncensored, well, that's disappointing.

00:43:48.243 --> 00:43:52.403
ELIZABETH: You know, I was kind of giving her like the gesture.

00:43:52.403 --> 00:43:55.583
ELIZABETH: Emory doesn't know, like she doesn't know any different.

00:43:55.583 --> 00:43:57.963
ELIZABETH: So like, let's, you know, what do we see that we like?

00:43:57.963 --> 00:43:59.923
ELIZABETH: But also, yes, though.

00:43:59.923 --> 00:44:00.583
ELIZABETH: Wow.

00:44:01.463 --> 00:44:02.983
ELIZABETH: So we did that.

00:44:03.003 --> 00:44:13.263
ELIZABETH: And then we walked toward Everest, where a group of our boys were just going again and again and again, because Hope was a really good sport to stay with her little cousin.

00:44:13.303 --> 00:44:14.543
ELIZABETH: And whom she loves so much.

00:44:14.543 --> 00:44:15.823
ELIZABETH: She was happy to do it.

00:44:15.823 --> 00:44:18.803
ELIZABETH: But her favorite ride at the park is Expedition Everest.

00:44:18.803 --> 00:44:21.983
ELIZABETH: In fact, she had a tank top on that day for Expedition Everest.

00:44:21.983 --> 00:44:25.843
ELIZABETH: So I knew I had to get her over there because she really wanted to ride with her cousins.

00:44:25.843 --> 00:44:27.543
ELIZABETH: And so we got to do a ride with them.

00:44:27.543 --> 00:44:32.083
ELIZABETH: And I was so proud of our little Emery, the six-year-old, because she rode it too.

00:44:32.083 --> 00:44:33.383
ELIZABETH: Oh, good for her.

00:44:33.383 --> 00:44:37.743
ELIZABETH: Just like just reached 44 inches, much like Dean had just reached 50.

00:44:38.223 --> 00:44:41.963
ELIZABETH: And she rode it and I rode with her.

00:44:41.963 --> 00:44:43.503
ELIZABETH: And my husband was right.

00:44:43.503 --> 00:44:48.643
ELIZABETH: He said, I just think you kind of need to kind of warn her as to each step, right?

00:44:48.643 --> 00:44:49.543
ELIZABETH: It's going to get dark.

00:44:49.543 --> 00:44:50.723
ELIZABETH: It's going to go backwards.

00:44:50.723 --> 00:44:51.543
ELIZABETH: We're going to see the Yeti.

00:44:51.543 --> 00:44:53.703
ELIZABETH: And that seemed to help a lot.

00:44:53.703 --> 00:44:59.223
ELIZABETH: And when we got off, she said, I won't be doing that again.

00:44:59.223 --> 00:45:00.003
ELIZABETH: But it was fun.

00:45:01.823 --> 00:45:05.283
ELIZABETH: So she had a real, I mean, she did really well.

00:45:05.283 --> 00:45:05.723
VIRGINIA: Good.

00:45:05.723 --> 00:45:06.883
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:45:07.223 --> 00:45:09.843
VIRGINIA: But she knows what she likes and what she doesn't like.

00:45:10.863 --> 00:45:19.943
ELIZABETH: It took all of that time for the third part of our group to make it through the line for flight of passage.

00:45:19.943 --> 00:45:26.323
ELIZABETH: So they were probably in line for about 90 minutes, but each of them said that it was worth it.

00:45:27.083 --> 00:45:35.963
ELIZABETH: And my sister, who does get nervous on rides, just was blown away and loved it, as one does, I think.

00:45:37.803 --> 00:45:38.263
ELIZABETH: Yeah.

00:45:38.263 --> 00:45:43.843
ELIZABETH: So then we each kind of got to start our morning, you know, again, dividing conquer method.

00:45:43.843 --> 00:45:55.403
ELIZABETH: But we met back up at Ciccioli Canteen and had a little bit of air conditioning and snack and made our way over to Animal Kingdom's flagship attraction, Kilimanjaro Safaris, to ride together.

00:45:55.903 --> 00:45:56.723
VIRGINIA: That must have been fun.

00:45:56.723 --> 00:46:01.643
VIRGINIA: Did you take up an entire vehicle just with your group?

00:46:01.643 --> 00:46:03.663
ELIZABETH: We took up three rows.

00:46:03.663 --> 00:46:04.223
ELIZABETH: Yep.

00:46:04.223 --> 00:46:06.883
ELIZABETH: Okay.

00:46:06.883 --> 00:46:12.743
VIRGINIA: I was like, I've never ridden it where it was just about everybody in the car was with me.

00:46:12.743 --> 00:46:13.143
ELIZABETH: Yeah.

00:46:13.143 --> 00:46:14.523
VIRGINIA: So that would be really cool.

00:46:14.523 --> 00:46:23.303
ELIZABETH: So Virginia, we actually had just to jump ahead of it, which I'm sure is fine because this is going to be a novel of a show.

00:46:23.623 --> 00:46:32.923
ELIZABETH: But we actually had that experience at Dinosaur, which was the third and final ride we all rode at Animal Kingdom.

00:46:32.923 --> 00:46:40.523
ELIZABETH: We had, and I plan on sending you this picture, we had a vehicle to ourselves at Dinosaur.

00:46:41.163 --> 00:46:44.903
ELIZABETH: That was one of my favorite memories from the trip.

00:46:44.903 --> 00:46:46.163
ELIZABETH: It was so fun.

00:46:46.163 --> 00:46:49.843
ELIZABETH: We could be silly without obviously disrupting other guests.

00:46:49.843 --> 00:46:58.703
ELIZABETH: So the whole time my sister and I who are in the back, are just extra, extra like, we've got this, fam, we can do this.

00:46:58.703 --> 00:47:05.503
ELIZABETH: At one point, as we were getting going, my sister started with, we are family.

00:47:05.503 --> 00:47:11.943
ELIZABETH: We were joking because the poor lovely young cast member was trying to get our attention and say, pull up on the yellow strap.

00:47:11.943 --> 00:47:12.983
ELIZABETH: Pull up on the yellow strap.

00:47:13.063 --> 00:47:18.343
ELIZABETH: But we were just feeling it and eventually got it, but just having a really good time.

00:47:18.343 --> 00:47:19.743
VIRGINIA: That's so much fun.

00:47:19.743 --> 00:47:20.483
VIRGINIA: All right.

00:47:20.483 --> 00:47:22.083
VIRGINIA: So you said that was your final ride.

00:47:22.183 --> 00:47:24.243
VIRGINIA: So this is when the hopping started.

00:47:24.243 --> 00:47:25.823
ELIZABETH: Hopping started after that.

00:47:25.823 --> 00:47:26.163
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:47:26.163 --> 00:47:27.783
VIRGINIA: So approximately what time was that?

00:47:27.783 --> 00:47:29.883
VIRGINIA: Because I think you were planning around 3 o'clock.

00:47:29.883 --> 00:47:30.203
ELIZABETH: Yeah.

00:47:30.203 --> 00:47:33.403
ELIZABETH: And I would say it was about that.

00:47:33.723 --> 00:47:34.763
ELIZABETH: We got some food.

00:47:34.763 --> 00:47:39.823
ELIZABETH: We got some drinks, which are some of my favorite places to get food and drinks, is at Animal Kingdom.

00:47:39.823 --> 00:47:49.983
ELIZABETH: So I'm skipping over that, but we did Perk Hop to Hollywood Studios and met my mom and dad, which was so exciting.

00:47:49.983 --> 00:47:54.403
ELIZABETH: Everybody's great aunt, great uncle, grandma, grandpa, like just super fun.

00:47:54.403 --> 00:47:58.183
ELIZABETH: And right in front of Chinese theater.

00:47:58.223 --> 00:48:06.703
ELIZABETH: And it was just a little bit bit of Disney magic that Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway had been down and had just come back up.

00:48:06.703 --> 00:48:14.943
ELIZABETH: So we all got to ride it as soon as we got to Hollywood Studios with like a 20-minute wait.

00:48:14.943 --> 00:48:23.543
VIRGINIA: That's awesome because you had mentioned that and Rise of the Resistance were the two that you were really hoping that you could do altogether, because you would all be tall enough for it.

00:48:23.543 --> 00:48:26.043
ELIZABETH: And we did it!

00:48:26.043 --> 00:48:27.023
VIRGINIA: That's amazing.

00:48:27.023 --> 00:48:32.383
VIRGINIA: What a great way to start off the part of your time where all 13 of you were there.

00:48:32.383 --> 00:48:32.863
ELIZABETH: Yes.

00:48:32.863 --> 00:48:33.703
VIRGINIA: Yeah.

00:48:33.703 --> 00:48:39.863
VIRGINIA: I don't think I got the time for your Woody's Roundup BBQ reservation in our pre-trip.

00:48:39.863 --> 00:48:41.943
VIRGINIA: What time did that end up happening?

00:48:41.943 --> 00:48:50.023
ELIZABETH: So because it was 13 of us, I think we had one reservation for six at like 505 and then a reservation for seven at 515.

00:48:50.823 --> 00:48:59.543
ELIZABETH: So after we rode Mickey Minnie's Runway Railway, we visited Olaf really quick, which is a fast and fun little meet and greet.

00:48:59.543 --> 00:49:06.203
ELIZABETH: And then we made our way to Woody's Roundup and got there about five.

00:49:06.203 --> 00:49:12.163
ELIZABETH: We waited a little bit because they were really trying to keep us all together, which I appreciate.

00:49:12.163 --> 00:49:16.303
ELIZABETH: And I would say we were in the restaurant by 530.

00:49:17.363 --> 00:49:18.523
ELIZABETH: So that was really special.

00:49:19.583 --> 00:49:24.063
VIRGINIA: And they got both of the parties' tables together.

00:49:24.063 --> 00:49:25.203
ELIZABETH: Yes, yes.

00:49:25.603 --> 00:49:28.443
ELIZABETH: We sat nine of us all together.

00:49:28.443 --> 00:49:35.403
ELIZABETH: So all the adults plus the two girls and then the four boys had a table to themselves, which is probably how they preferred it anyway.

00:49:35.403 --> 00:49:39.663
ELIZABETH: So that worked out just fine.

00:49:39.663 --> 00:49:40.183
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:49:40.183 --> 00:49:43.443
VIRGINIA: And what did you think about the food?

00:49:43.443 --> 00:49:47.443
VIRGINIA: And let's forget all about your Victoria & Albert experience the night before.

00:49:48.023 --> 00:49:55.963
ELIZABETH: So we were all just so appreciative because my parents had made this reservation and were treating us all.

00:49:55.963 --> 00:49:59.143
ELIZABETH: I mean, which is obviously so generous.

00:49:59.143 --> 00:50:04.263
ELIZABETH: I really think in terms of, I know you asked about the food, the food was great.

00:50:04.263 --> 00:50:10.083
ELIZABETH: I'm not a big barbecue meat person, but I am a huge barbecue size person.

00:50:10.203 --> 00:50:16.423
ELIZABETH: Like, give me mac and cheese and biscuits and corn and beans at Happy Camper.

00:50:16.423 --> 00:50:20.403
ELIZABETH: So I think everybody had food that they liked.

00:50:20.403 --> 00:50:24.203
ELIZABETH: Again, the theming there is so immersive and fun.

00:50:24.203 --> 00:50:31.543
ELIZABETH: In retrospect, I wish we would have, now we were all exhausted, obviously, so it felt good in the moment to just sit and chat and eat and drink.

00:50:31.543 --> 00:50:35.323
ELIZABETH: But I wish we had gotten up and walked around a bit.

00:50:35.323 --> 00:50:42.023
ELIZABETH: I wouldn't want to be disruptive to other guests, but there just is so much to see there.

00:50:42.023 --> 00:50:46.963
VIRGINIA: Did you opt, since you're not a big barbecue person, did you opt for the salmon?

00:50:46.963 --> 00:50:48.563
VIRGINIA: Because I heard that you can get salmon.

00:50:48.563 --> 00:50:51.903
ELIZABETH: We did get salmon and it was delicious.

00:50:51.903 --> 00:50:58.043
ELIZABETH: I mean, don't get me wrong, I ate ribs, but I ate meat and there was plenty of food.

00:50:58.043 --> 00:50:59.863
ELIZABETH: But yeah, that was delicious.

00:50:59.863 --> 00:51:00.203
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:51:00.203 --> 00:51:03.823
VIRGINIA: Yeah, I consistently hear really good things about the salmon.

00:51:04.283 --> 00:51:04.643
ELIZABETH: Yes.

00:51:04.643 --> 00:51:06.083
ELIZABETH: I think we all loved our meal.

00:51:06.083 --> 00:51:10.163
ELIZABETH: I think it was the perfect place for us all to have dinner together.

00:51:11.663 --> 00:51:14.503
ELIZABETH: Again, just the theming is so fun.

00:51:15.843 --> 00:51:25.543
ELIZABETH: From 6 to 60, when Andy was there, we were all just freezing and playing into it and having a good time.

00:51:25.543 --> 00:51:26.783
VIRGINIA: So much fun.

00:51:26.783 --> 00:51:29.923
VIRGINIA: Did you end up getting on to Rise of the Resistance?

00:51:29.923 --> 00:51:31.463
ELIZABETH: Yes.

00:51:31.463 --> 00:51:42.503
ELIZABETH: At the end of that meal, we looked at My Disney Experience and Rise of the Resistance at a 40-minute wait.

00:51:42.503 --> 00:51:48.083
VIRGINIA: You're getting all kinds of good, positive energy on this day.

00:51:48.083 --> 00:51:48.843
VIRGINIA: I love it.

00:51:48.843 --> 00:51:49.623
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:51:49.623 --> 00:51:50.643
VIRGINIA: Wow.

00:51:50.643 --> 00:51:52.663
VIRGINIA: Did it actually end up taking 40 minutes?

00:51:52.663 --> 00:51:53.763
VIRGINIA: I think it did.

00:51:53.763 --> 00:51:58.703
ELIZABETH: It certainly was much longer, and it wasn't much shorter.

00:51:59.823 --> 00:52:07.503
ELIZABETH: The trend at Animal Kingdom was that there were long wait times, but we never waited as long as it said.

00:52:08.603 --> 00:52:12.023
ELIZABETH: But I think it was probably about 40, 45 minutes.

00:52:12.023 --> 00:52:25.503
ELIZABETH: But like most things, the queue itself is so interesting and immersive, and you have all these kids, not just siblings, but cousins, to entertain each other, so that's helpful.

00:52:26.683 --> 00:52:33.343
ELIZABETH: So yeah, we got through it and just had as much fun as one does on Rise of the Resistance.

00:52:33.343 --> 00:52:34.863
ELIZABETH: It's spectacular.

00:52:34.863 --> 00:52:38.663
VIRGINIA: Were your cousin and her family, were they Star Wars fans?

00:52:40.723 --> 00:52:46.203
ELIZABETH: That's a funny question because my cousin's husband is a Star Wars fan.

00:52:46.203 --> 00:52:54.043
ELIZABETH: He has actually gone to Star Wars movies with my mom, who I would say in the group is the biggest Star Wars fan.

00:52:54.043 --> 00:52:55.163
ELIZABETH: So that was super fun.

00:52:55.163 --> 00:52:59.763
ELIZABETH: And I know she had been looking forward to because they've shared those movie experiences going on that ride with him.

00:53:00.023 --> 00:53:01.563
VIRGINIA: That's so cute.

00:53:01.603 --> 00:53:03.903
ELIZABETH: It was very fun.

00:53:03.903 --> 00:53:04.203
VIRGINIA: Yeah.

00:53:04.203 --> 00:53:14.703
VIRGINIA: I always say that people can enjoy that ride, whether they're a Star Wars fan or not, but it just does add to the excitement if you're into any part of the Star Wars genre.

00:53:14.703 --> 00:53:16.863
ELIZABETH: I'm sure that's so true.

00:53:17.343 --> 00:53:23.583
ELIZABETH: I've heard it said, I've heard people say, I'm not a Star Wars fan, but I am a Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World fan.

00:53:23.683 --> 00:53:25.623
ELIZABETH: And that resonated.

00:53:25.623 --> 00:53:27.023
VIRGINIA: Yeah.

00:53:27.023 --> 00:53:28.983
VIRGINIA: Yeah, I can get that.

00:53:28.983 --> 00:53:30.403
VIRGINIA: All right.

00:53:30.403 --> 00:53:32.863
VIRGINIA: You wanted to try to end your day with Fantasmic.

00:53:32.863 --> 00:53:35.863
VIRGINIA: Did you even have any energy to do that?

00:53:35.863 --> 00:53:46.543
ELIZABETH: You know, I don't know if I had the energy to remember that it existed, which I know is so bad because Fantastic is phenomenal.

00:53:46.543 --> 00:53:51.983
ELIZABETH: But I was thinking back and reflecting on our trip, Virginia, and I was like, how did we not do that?

00:53:52.123 --> 00:53:55.703
ELIZABETH: Like, we left the park at 9.

00:53:55.703 --> 00:53:58.563
ELIZABETH: Fantasmic, doesn't it happen at 9 or 9.30?

00:53:58.563 --> 00:53:59.663
ELIZABETH: We could have made it happen.

00:53:59.663 --> 00:54:05.663
ELIZABETH: But again, another 14-hour day from the time we left, the time we got back.

00:54:05.663 --> 00:54:18.223
ELIZABETH: So after Rise of the Resistance, we took a family picture in Galaxy's Edge, which was our all-family picture, and just headed to the buses because we were going to get up and do parks again the next day.

00:54:18.223 --> 00:54:19.283
ELIZABETH: So we called it a night.

00:54:21.503 --> 00:54:31.663
ELIZABETH: My husband, my kids, my sister, and I took the All-Star Sports Bus, and my parents, and my cousin, and her family took the All-Star Music and said, we'll see you in the morning.

00:54:31.663 --> 00:54:32.123
VIRGINIA: All right.

00:54:32.123 --> 00:54:37.383
VIRGINIA: That was probably actually for the best, given how busy your day had been and how busy it was going to be the next day.

00:54:37.383 --> 00:54:37.783
ELIZABETH: You're right.

00:54:37.783 --> 00:54:39.683
ELIZABETH: Thank you for that.

00:54:39.683 --> 00:54:41.943
ELIZABETH: I hope my guilt about missing that.

00:54:42.803 --> 00:54:46.743
VIRGINIA: I know, but you can't get everything done every trip.

00:54:46.743 --> 00:54:58.703
VIRGINIA: And I am guessing that part of your guilt is not just that you love Fantasmic and would have loved to have seen it, but to also see your cousin and her family experiencing that.

00:54:58.703 --> 00:54:59.103
ELIZABETH: Absolutely.

00:54:59.103 --> 00:55:02.143
VIRGINIA: But it's not possible to do everything, and that's okay.

00:55:02.243 --> 00:55:03.523
VIRGINIA: It's a reason to come back.

00:55:03.523 --> 00:55:03.963
ELIZABETH: Yes.

00:55:03.963 --> 00:55:08.843
ELIZABETH: And I think that's especially good for people who haven't done Disney before to hear.

00:55:08.843 --> 00:55:10.263
ELIZABETH: Like, there's so much to do.

00:55:11.023 --> 00:55:17.523
ELIZABETH: I have now had the absolute fortune to do it eight times in my adulthood, and there's still stuff I've never done.

00:55:17.523 --> 00:55:17.883
ELIZABETH: Like, it's-

00:55:17.883 --> 00:55:18.543
VIRGINIA: Right.

00:55:18.743 --> 00:55:19.323
VIRGINIA: Exactly.

00:55:19.323 --> 00:55:21.563
ELIZABETH: That's part of what's so fun about it.

00:55:22.183 --> 00:55:23.323
VIRGINIA: Yep.

00:55:23.323 --> 00:55:23.963
VIRGINIA: All right.

00:55:23.963 --> 00:55:26.863
VIRGINIA: So, let's move into the Magic Kingdom Day.

00:55:26.863 --> 00:55:30.643
VIRGINIA: So, how early did you get there?

00:55:30.643 --> 00:55:38.363
ELIZABETH: So, funny you should call it that, Virginia, and rightfully you call it that, the Magic Kingdom Day, because that's what we talked about in the pre-show.

00:55:39.203 --> 00:55:50.243
ELIZABETH: But one thing that we haven't talked about on this episode is the Lightning Lane multi-pass, and we don't even need to touch on that because that could be an episode in and of itself.

00:55:50.243 --> 00:55:50.723
ELIZABETH: Yes.

00:55:50.723 --> 00:56:01.363
VIRGINIA: So, just to refresh people who did listen to the pre-trip, we talked about the fact that the multi-pass system was going into effect on your vacation.

00:56:01.923 --> 00:56:08.283
VIRGINIA: So, we were kind of talking through the merits of that and how it might come into play.

00:56:08.283 --> 00:56:14.023
VIRGINIA: You hadn't mentioned that you had gotten any of it yet, so I was going to wait for you to tell me if you ended up buying it.

00:56:14.023 --> 00:56:15.843
VIRGINIA: So, did you buy it this day?

00:56:15.843 --> 00:56:19.103
ELIZABETH: We didn't buy it for any day.

00:56:19.103 --> 00:56:36.523
ELIZABETH: Again, I could write a book, as they say, about what I see as the disadvantages of the new Lightning Lane multi-pass over Genie Plus, but it just was not going to work well for us, and it just didn't work well.

00:56:36.523 --> 00:56:42.883
ELIZABETH: I think that this can be presumed, it's somewhat understandable, but the first day, our arrival day, it was the first day they debuted it.

00:56:42.883 --> 00:56:44.643
ELIZABETH: It was glitchy, it wasn't working.

00:56:44.643 --> 00:56:49.263
ELIZABETH: It worked for my mom this minute, it didn't work for me the next minute, it didn't work for her.

00:56:49.263 --> 00:56:57.303
ELIZABETH: It was just problematic enough that we said, you know what, we are fortunate enough to be going at a time where crowds are low.

00:56:57.863 --> 00:57:00.743
ELIZABETH: I mean, 20 minutes, 40 minute rise in resistance.

00:57:00.743 --> 00:57:03.083
ELIZABETH: I mean, that's unheard of.

00:57:03.083 --> 00:57:13.763
ELIZABETH: So we just leaned into that good fortune and did not buy the multi pass, which also meant that we actually did decide to forego Magic Kingdom this trip.

00:57:13.763 --> 00:57:15.243
VIRGINIA: Wow, okay.

00:57:15.243 --> 00:57:16.043
ELIZABETH: No, I know.

00:57:16.043 --> 00:57:31.203
ELIZABETH: But just with everybody's wants and priorities to have one more Park Day altogether, my cousin's family, it was their first trip and they had already done a whole day of Magic Kingdom.

00:57:31.203 --> 00:57:36.503
ELIZABETH: So they really wanted to get Hollywood Studios and do more of that.

00:57:36.503 --> 00:57:40.843
ELIZABETH: And we all wanted to get to F-Ride because there are a lot of rides that we really like there.

00:57:41.423 --> 00:57:49.123
ELIZABETH: I was disinhibited not to do Tiana's Bayou Adventure, but that was, I love Magic Kingdom, don't get me wrong, I love it.

00:57:49.123 --> 00:57:51.423
ELIZABETH: But that was really my big draw there.

00:57:51.423 --> 00:57:54.843
ELIZABETH: And the multi-pass was sold out for it.

00:57:54.843 --> 00:57:58.723
ELIZABETH: And the virtual queues were, I mean, it just wasn't in the cards.

00:57:59.803 --> 00:58:05.883
ELIZABETH: So instead, on Friday, we met at the bus stop at 7.30 again.

00:58:07.043 --> 00:58:12.703
ELIZABETH: And we did what we do a lot, which is rope drop choice railing.

00:58:12.703 --> 00:58:14.643
VIRGINIA: Okay, all right.

00:58:14.643 --> 00:58:17.063
VIRGINIA: Way to shift, okay.

00:58:17.303 --> 00:58:18.383
VIRGINIA: I love a good pivot.

00:58:18.403 --> 00:58:19.803
ELIZABETH: A lot of shockings.

00:58:21.463 --> 00:58:23.563
VIRGINIA: No, that totally makes sense.

00:58:23.563 --> 00:58:31.543
VIRGINIA: And I think given your track record, you will be back to the Magic Kingdom fairly soon and get a chance to ride Tiana's.

00:58:31.543 --> 00:58:38.443
VIRGINIA: And the fact that your cousin had already felt like they had done everything that they wanted to do in that park, that makes sense.

00:58:38.603 --> 00:58:47.563
VIRGINIA: And then knowing that you wanted to get over to Epcot, that's a really easy split day between Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

00:58:47.563 --> 00:58:49.043
ELIZABETH: Of me some Skyliner.

00:58:49.043 --> 00:58:51.743
ELIZABETH: So, yeah, fine.

00:58:51.743 --> 00:58:52.143
VIRGINIA: Yeah.

00:58:52.143 --> 00:58:52.803
VIRGINIA: Okay.

00:58:52.803 --> 00:58:53.083
VIRGINIA: All right.

00:58:53.083 --> 00:58:56.063
VIRGINIA: So started off your day in Toy Story Land.

00:58:56.063 --> 00:58:57.363
VIRGINIA: Where did you go from there?

00:58:57.363 --> 00:59:02.523
ELIZABETH: So we divided and conquered right after that.

00:59:02.523 --> 00:59:09.063
ELIZABETH: In fact, my cousin's family wasn't, I mean, again, they had a full Disney Day every day that whole week.

00:59:09.063 --> 00:59:13.663
ELIZABETH: So they were not quite ready to go at 730 that morning, and that was okay.

00:59:13.663 --> 00:59:17.323
ELIZABETH: So my mom, my dad, and my sister and I rope dropped Toy Story Land.

00:59:17.323 --> 00:59:28.163
ELIZABETH: And again, Dean being that coveted 48, 49, 50 inches, was just so excited to ride Rock and Roller Coaster because it just came back from refurbishment and he's never had the chance.

00:59:28.163 --> 00:59:33.663
ELIZABETH: So my husband and kids went there while the four of us went to Toy Story Land.

00:59:33.903 --> 00:59:43.263
ELIZABETH: And I was so proud of us, Virginia, because the past two trips, we've tried to rope drop Slinky Dog and we've just been too late.

00:59:43.263 --> 00:59:44.863
ELIZABETH: But this time we were not late.

00:59:44.863 --> 00:59:46.083
ELIZABETH: We were on time.

00:59:46.083 --> 00:59:46.903
ELIZABETH: We were early.

00:59:46.903 --> 00:59:47.823
ELIZABETH: We were ready to go.

00:59:47.823 --> 00:59:48.903
ELIZABETH: So excited to ride it.

00:59:48.903 --> 00:59:50.003
ELIZABETH: My sister's never ridden it.

00:59:50.003 --> 00:59:52.043
ELIZABETH: My mom's never ridden it.

00:59:52.043 --> 01:00:08.223
ELIZABETH: And as we turned that corner by that jaw freeze to go toward Toy Story Land, there was a cast member declaring that Toy Story or I'm sorry, Slinky Dog was down and encouraging us to ride another attraction.

01:00:08.283 --> 01:00:09.563
VIRGINIA: Oh no.

01:00:09.563 --> 01:00:11.343
ELIZABETH: But I had to complain.

01:00:11.343 --> 01:00:12.443
ELIZABETH: Listen to this story.

01:00:12.683 --> 01:00:14.103
ELIZABETH: We have had plenty of good fortune.

01:00:14.103 --> 01:00:17.143
ELIZABETH: So how long was it down for?

01:00:17.143 --> 01:00:22.163
ELIZABETH: I mean, you know, they always say that they never know.

01:00:22.163 --> 01:00:23.543
ELIZABETH: They can't predict it.

01:00:24.043 --> 01:00:26.343
ELIZABETH: I believe they did disclose that it was a maintenance issue.

01:00:26.983 --> 01:00:29.163
ELIZABETH: So we did Toy Story Mania.

01:00:29.163 --> 01:00:33.323
ELIZABETH: We rode Mickey & Minnie's, which is my favorite ride for the second time that trip.

01:00:33.323 --> 01:00:34.243
ELIZABETH: So that was all good.

01:00:34.243 --> 01:00:37.723
ELIZABETH: By the time we were through those two rides, it was back up.

01:00:37.723 --> 01:00:44.723
ELIZABETH: So again, another just kind of magic moment of like, we got probably a shorter queue just because of that happenstance.

01:00:44.723 --> 01:00:49.123
ELIZABETH: So at that point, my cousin and her littlest ones were in the park.

01:00:49.123 --> 01:00:55.103
ELIZABETH: So we joined them and got in line for Slinky Dog and maybe waited 25 minutes.

01:00:56.143 --> 01:00:56.903
VIRGINIA: Oh, perfect.

01:00:56.903 --> 01:01:01.063
ELIZABETH: Yeah, we were able to ride it with them, so that was really fun.

01:01:01.063 --> 01:01:01.723
VIRGINIA: Right.

01:01:01.723 --> 01:01:03.263
VIRGINIA: The good energy continues.

01:01:03.263 --> 01:01:03.923
VIRGINIA: I love it.

01:01:03.923 --> 01:01:05.403
ELIZABETH: Yes.

01:01:05.403 --> 01:01:08.363
ELIZABETH: So we did all of that.

01:01:08.363 --> 01:01:11.883
ELIZABETH: And my husband and kids got to do Rockin Roller Coaster.

01:01:11.883 --> 01:01:17.743
ELIZABETH: They did Tower of Terror, which I love Tower of Terror too, but as you said, you can't do it all.

01:01:17.743 --> 01:01:29.243
ELIZABETH: So they got to do those front of the park rides, and we all kind of reconvened at Woody's Lunchbox for one of my favorite snacks, the raspberry lunchbox tart.

01:01:29.243 --> 01:01:35.523
ELIZABETH: And then my cousin and her kiddos and my sister did Alien Swirling Saucers.

01:01:35.523 --> 01:01:48.023
ELIZABETH: And then we ended our time at Hollywood Studios with a Millennium Falcon Smuggler's Run flight.

01:01:48.023 --> 01:01:48.563
VIRGINIA: Okay.

01:01:48.883 --> 01:01:49.703
VIRGINIA: And how did you do?

01:01:50.283 --> 01:01:53.143
VIRGINIA: Did you get everything you needed to do?

01:01:53.143 --> 01:01:56.763
ELIZABETH: Our youngest boys of the group were the pilots.

01:01:56.783 --> 01:01:57.403
VIRGINIA: Oh, fun.

01:01:57.403 --> 01:01:58.303
VIRGINIA: Okay.

01:01:58.303 --> 01:02:03.703
ELIZABETH: I affirm that that ride really does react to your pilots.

01:02:06.143 --> 01:02:09.623
ELIZABETH: It was a rocky but hilarious and very fun ride.

01:02:09.623 --> 01:02:12.743
ELIZABETH: And our little girls were in the back.

01:02:12.743 --> 01:02:15.983
ELIZABETH: So my cousin and I were in the middle row.

01:02:15.983 --> 01:02:17.803
ELIZABETH: Our little boys were in the front piloting.

01:02:17.803 --> 01:02:18.843
ELIZABETH: Our little girls were in the back.

01:02:18.943 --> 01:02:21.323
ELIZABETH: So they were just consumed by all the light up buttons.

01:02:21.323 --> 01:02:28.343
ELIZABETH: So they weren't like distracted by the horrid flight we were taking.

01:02:28.343 --> 01:02:30.983
ELIZABETH: So it was just really fun.

01:02:30.983 --> 01:02:36.323
ELIZABETH: And after that, everyone, everyone else went over to Epcot via Skyliner.

01:02:36.323 --> 01:02:52.523
ELIZABETH: And my little family of four, as any parent of young children will understand, my husband and I just really noted that we needed a little break because the whining was reaching a fever pitch.

01:02:52.523 --> 01:02:54.383
ELIZABETH: You will.

01:02:54.383 --> 01:03:12.883
ELIZABETH: So we started to walk out toward the Skyliner and just took a sharp right into the tune-in lounge at 50s Pride Time and enjoyed just a little rest, a little AC, a little sit, a little drink, and took a little break that I'm really glad we took.

01:03:12.883 --> 01:03:13.463
VIRGINIA: Okay.

01:03:13.463 --> 01:03:13.883
VIRGINIA: All right.

01:03:14.943 --> 01:03:22.243
VIRGINIA: I was thinking you were going to say you went back to the resorts to take a break, but I say tune-in lounge, 100% better.

01:03:22.243 --> 01:03:23.183
ELIZABETH: Right.

01:03:23.183 --> 01:03:34.023
ELIZABETH: And in fact, one of my favorite places, not that we don't shop a whole lot, but one of my favorite places to take the kids' souvenir shopping on each trip is around Sunset Boulevard.

01:03:34.023 --> 01:03:49.463
ELIZABETH: So I took each of them just one-on-one and got them one souvenir from from Disney and so that was just a really good kind of rest regroup before we took the liner to Epcot.

01:03:49.463 --> 01:03:50.763
VIRGINIA: Okay, perfect.

01:03:50.763 --> 01:03:56.563
VIRGINIA: So once you made it over to Epcot, where did you end up meeting up with the rest of the group?

01:03:56.563 --> 01:03:58.023
ELIZABETH: We didn't.

01:03:58.023 --> 01:04:00.183
ELIZABETH: We kind of did some separate things.

01:04:00.183 --> 01:04:06.723
ELIZABETH: When we got there, my little family of four was first greeted by Daisy.

01:04:06.723 --> 01:04:09.363
ELIZABETH: Just serendipitous timing.

01:04:09.383 --> 01:04:14.443
ELIZABETH: Ended up walking to the UK with Alice.

01:04:14.443 --> 01:04:17.863
ELIZABETH: And she chatted the kids up along the way.

01:04:17.863 --> 01:04:20.483
ELIZABETH: And it was just again, just more of that.

01:04:20.483 --> 01:04:23.443
ELIZABETH: This is why Disney is so magical.

01:04:23.623 --> 01:04:25.143
ELIZABETH: Like this is the Disney.

01:04:25.143 --> 01:04:33.683
ELIZABETH: So we did all ultimately meet up at Moana Journey of Water, which I had never done before.

01:04:33.683 --> 01:04:34.843
VIRGINIA: Well, what did you think about it?

01:04:34.843 --> 01:04:37.143
ELIZABETH: I thought it was beautiful.

01:04:37.143 --> 01:04:41.023
ELIZABETH: Yeah, I thought it was I thought it was stunning.

01:04:41.023 --> 01:04:42.343
ELIZABETH: I love Moana.

01:04:42.343 --> 01:04:43.103
ELIZABETH: My kids love Moana.

01:04:43.103 --> 01:04:44.283
ELIZABETH: My husband loves Moana.

01:04:44.283 --> 01:04:47.023
ELIZABETH: My sister loves Moana.

01:04:47.023 --> 01:04:49.643
ELIZABETH: Her character on my Disney experience is Moana.

01:04:49.643 --> 01:04:51.863
ELIZABETH: She feels a real affinity to her.

01:04:53.183 --> 01:04:53.723
VIRGINIA: I feel her.

01:04:53.723 --> 01:04:55.323
VIRGINIA: I named a podcast Where I Long To Be.

01:04:55.323 --> 01:04:56.423
ELIZABETH: That's exactly right.

01:04:56.423 --> 01:04:58.483
VIRGINIA: A whole lyric from one of her songs.

01:04:58.483 --> 01:05:01.023
ELIZABETH: That's exactly right.

01:05:01.023 --> 01:05:05.023
ELIZABETH: It was really special to experience that with my sister.

01:05:06.163 --> 01:05:07.543
VIRGINIA: Was everything working?

01:05:07.583 --> 01:05:16.403
VIRGINIA: I keep asking people when they tell me about visiting the Journey of Water because the last time I was in there, the curtain of water effect was turned off.

01:05:16.763 --> 01:05:18.143
ELIZABETH: Oh, shoot.

01:05:18.143 --> 01:05:23.203
VIRGINIA: And I know it's back on every other time, but I'm always like, did you get to see the curtain of water?

01:05:23.203 --> 01:05:24.143
VIRGINIA: Because it was off.

01:05:24.143 --> 01:05:25.783
VIRGINIA: I mean, I've seen it before, but.

01:05:25.783 --> 01:05:28.243
ELIZABETH: Yeah, no, this was our first time walking through it.

01:05:28.243 --> 01:05:32.703
ELIZABETH: And as far as I could tell, yeah, as far as I could tell, everything was working.

01:05:32.703 --> 01:05:34.303
ELIZABETH: It was really, really fun.

01:05:34.303 --> 01:05:36.343
ELIZABETH: The curtain of water was working.

01:05:36.343 --> 01:05:41.023
ELIZABETH: The hand raising, the waving was working.

01:05:41.243 --> 01:05:43.603
ELIZABETH: So everybody enjoyed it.

01:05:43.603 --> 01:05:48.163
ELIZABETH: And somehow, someway, my 7-year-old son walked out absolutely drenched.

01:05:48.163 --> 01:05:54.683
ELIZABETH: So everybody experienced it, you know, to the level of their choosing.

01:05:54.683 --> 01:05:56.743
VIRGINIA: Yeah, that's so funny.

01:05:56.743 --> 01:06:02.523
VIRGINIA: Yeah, you can you can get as into the water or not as you want in that attraction.

01:06:02.523 --> 01:06:08.783
VIRGINIA: My favorite part of that is the big tefiti out of, I guess it's greenery.

01:06:08.783 --> 01:06:10.323
VIRGINIA: I'm not sure what what she's made out of.

01:06:10.463 --> 01:06:12.883
VIRGINIA: But I just think it's so pretty.

01:06:12.883 --> 01:06:13.943
ELIZABETH: It is.

01:06:13.943 --> 01:06:17.663
ELIZABETH: It's just a beautiful, relaxing walk.

01:06:17.663 --> 01:06:18.063
VIRGINIA: Right.

01:06:18.063 --> 01:06:21.743
VIRGINIA: Where did you go to after your journey of water?

01:06:21.743 --> 01:06:27.203
ELIZABETH: We got to all 13 of us ride Soarin together.

01:06:27.203 --> 01:06:28.043
VIRGINIA: Oh, wow.

01:06:28.163 --> 01:06:29.883
VIRGINIA: How many of you fit in one row?

01:06:29.883 --> 01:06:35.083
ELIZABETH: That's a I think there were two or three overflow.

01:06:35.083 --> 01:06:37.603
ELIZABETH: I think we were all in a row.

01:06:37.963 --> 01:06:47.983
ELIZABETH: And I think my husband and dad were the separate row because my husband got a picture that he at first I was like, what?

01:06:47.983 --> 01:06:49.883
ELIZABETH: But he thought it was so special.

01:06:49.883 --> 01:06:53.223
ELIZABETH: He got a picture of all of our feet above them.

01:06:56.703 --> 01:07:05.923
ELIZABETH: Yeah, you know, you know, the littlest six her feet and yeah, my yeah, my cousins, my sister, my mom.

01:07:05.923 --> 01:07:08.543
ELIZABETH: Yeah, all of our feet enjoying the picture.

01:07:08.543 --> 01:07:10.203
VIRGINIA: You did not know you needed.

01:07:10.203 --> 01:07:11.863
ELIZABETH: That's exactly right.

01:07:14.003 --> 01:07:14.183
ELIZABETH: Yeah.

01:07:14.183 --> 01:07:15.283
VIRGINIA: Oh my goodness.

01:07:15.283 --> 01:07:18.063
ELIZABETH: And I'm sorry.

01:07:18.063 --> 01:07:21.783
ELIZABETH: What I'm about to share with you, I've been really excited to share with you, Virginia.

01:07:21.883 --> 01:07:23.643
VIRGINIA: Oh, I'm excited to hear it.

01:07:23.643 --> 01:07:39.003
ELIZABETH: When we were leaving Soaring, we were walking, about to walk out of the land pavilion, and it was pouring, and so we decided to ride Living with the Land.

01:07:39.003 --> 01:07:46.663
ELIZABETH: And again, since I've been taking these adulthood trips, I say that because my mom insists that I wrote it when I was a kid.

01:07:46.683 --> 01:07:48.663
ELIZABETH: I've never done Living with the Land.

01:07:48.663 --> 01:07:51.363
ELIZABETH: My kids have never done Living with the Land.

01:07:51.363 --> 01:07:55.803
ELIZABETH: So this was our first experience, and it got to be with our whole family.

01:07:55.803 --> 01:07:59.983
VIRGINIA: Ah, Living with the Land is like meditation for me.

01:07:59.983 --> 01:08:01.223
ELIZABETH: Lovely.

01:08:01.223 --> 01:08:02.723
VIRGINIA: So relaxing.

01:08:02.723 --> 01:08:04.903
VIRGINIA: I just, I love it.

01:08:04.903 --> 01:08:07.903
VIRGINIA: Every time I can look at all the plants, like they're new again.

01:08:07.903 --> 01:08:09.643
VIRGINIA: I'm like, oh, look, a banana.

01:08:11.043 --> 01:08:20.343
VIRGINIA: But, you know, going through the scenes and then the pan flute music, the guitar music in that one section, it's just so relaxing.

01:08:20.903 --> 01:08:21.363
ELIZABETH: Yes.

01:08:21.363 --> 01:08:24.923
ELIZABETH: It was a lovely way to end.

01:08:24.923 --> 01:08:30.443
ELIZABETH: It ended up being the end of our parks experience with everybody.

01:08:30.443 --> 01:08:31.943
VIRGINIA: I have a suggestion for you.

01:08:31.943 --> 01:08:32.443
ELIZABETH: Yes.

01:08:32.443 --> 01:08:41.343
VIRGINIA: Next time you go back and it's just your family of four, I highly recommend doing the Behind the Seeds tour.

01:08:41.343 --> 01:08:42.443
ELIZABETH: I've heard of that.

01:08:42.443 --> 01:08:43.843
ELIZABETH: What do you like about it?

01:08:43.843 --> 01:08:51.043
VIRGINIA: It's just, it's a very low cost way to experience one of Disney's tours.

01:08:51.043 --> 01:08:52.163
VIRGINIA: I cannot remember.

01:08:52.163 --> 01:08:57.963
VIRGINIA: I think we might have gotten a discount for DVC.

01:08:57.963 --> 01:09:11.683
VIRGINIA: So I think it was maybe like $30 a person for us, but it might be like $40 for non-discount, which is an excellent price, very doable for a family to do that tour.

01:09:11.683 --> 01:09:21.323
VIRGINIA: You get to, if you're into gardening at all, which my husband is the one who, our plants are alive because of him.

01:09:21.343 --> 01:09:23.543
VIRGINIA: I have nothing to do with it.

01:09:23.543 --> 01:09:32.563
VIRGINIA: And so he always talks about, you think about if I retired and started to work at Disney for like a part-time job in retirement, what would I want to do?

01:09:32.563 --> 01:09:37.363
VIRGINIA: And for him, he wants to tend to plants in Epcot.

01:09:37.363 --> 01:09:43.383
VIRGINIA: And so we did the tour, you get to go back and you're like walking back among the plants.

01:09:43.543 --> 01:09:49.683
VIRGINIA: You see the boats coming by and people looking at you like, who are these people and why do they get to walk among the plants?

01:09:49.683 --> 01:09:52.723
VIRGINIA: They give you all of the details about things.

01:09:52.723 --> 01:09:58.223
VIRGINIA: There are special plants that you can only see on the tour.

01:09:58.223 --> 01:10:02.363
VIRGINIA: Specifically, I don't want to spoil things for you, so I won't tell you what it does.

01:10:02.363 --> 01:10:07.903
VIRGINIA: But there is one plant named Stanley that you get to see, that is a very unique plant.

01:10:08.843 --> 01:10:22.183
VIRGINIA: And then, they will pull off, in our case, I don't know if it's a different vegetable each time, but they cut some cucumbers up that had just been picked from the exhibit.

01:10:22.183 --> 01:10:24.163
ELIZABETH: Oh, that's so cool.

01:10:24.163 --> 01:10:27.743
VIRGINIA: It's just, it's fun, and it's not a super long tour.

01:10:27.743 --> 01:10:31.583
VIRGINIA: Again, it's very affordable for a family to all experience.

01:10:31.583 --> 01:10:42.463
VIRGINIA: And if you like living with the land as an attraction anyway, it's just one way to sort of elevate your day in Disney to do something different that you've never done before.

01:10:42.463 --> 01:10:45.643
VIRGINIA: And then nobody can beat a Disney tour.

01:10:45.643 --> 01:11:03.163
VIRGINIA: And even if it's behind the seats versus like, you know, Key to the Kingdom or something like that, they're still making you feel like you're getting this elevated experience, even though it's probably, I'm assuming it's the lowest cost tour on Disney property.

01:11:03.163 --> 01:11:04.783
ELIZABETH: No, that does sound really special.

01:11:04.883 --> 01:11:05.863
ELIZABETH: That's a great suggestion.

01:11:05.863 --> 01:11:07.043
ELIZABETH: Thank you.

01:11:07.043 --> 01:11:07.663
VIRGINIA: Yeah.

01:11:07.663 --> 01:11:09.203
VIRGINIA: So all right.

01:11:09.203 --> 01:11:15.283
VIRGINIA: Well, it sounds like you had some amazing Disney time with your cousins who are getting to experience this for the first time.

01:11:15.283 --> 01:11:18.283
VIRGINIA: So follow up related to your cousin.

01:11:18.283 --> 01:11:19.923
ELIZABETH: Yes.

01:11:19.923 --> 01:11:25.363
VIRGINIA: Are they going to be coming back to Disney on a trip by themselves again?

01:11:25.363 --> 01:11:28.943
VIRGINIA: Do you think that they have become Disney fans?

01:11:28.943 --> 01:11:30.043
ELIZABETH: I hope so.

01:11:30.043 --> 01:11:32.703
ELIZABETH: I think they did a wonderful job.

01:11:33.663 --> 01:11:40.203
ELIZABETH: It's not, you know, it's not, I know personally that it's not easy to appease two kids all the time.

01:11:40.203 --> 01:11:41.943
ELIZABETH: And here they have four.

01:11:41.943 --> 01:11:45.903
ELIZABETH: But I think that they did a wonderful job taking it on the first time.

01:11:45.903 --> 01:11:48.043
ELIZABETH: And I think everybody had a good time.

01:11:48.043 --> 01:11:52.143
ELIZABETH: And I know that her kid said they would love to go back.

01:11:52.143 --> 01:12:00.103
ELIZABETH: And in fact, in fact, I don't know when or if they'll be taking another Disney trip, the six of them.

01:12:00.263 --> 01:12:13.243
ELIZABETH: But I have asked her and her daughter, that little aforementioned six-year-old, if they might consider joining us for a princess weekend for the race in February.

01:12:14.403 --> 01:12:15.943
VIRGINIA: A little girl's trip.

01:12:16.403 --> 01:12:18.723
VIRGINIA: A princess, a real princess trip.

01:12:18.723 --> 01:12:19.143
ELIZABETH: Okay.

01:12:19.623 --> 01:12:20.423
ELIZABETH: Best trip.

01:12:20.423 --> 01:12:24.063
ELIZABETH: And back to the Magic Kingdom Point.

01:12:24.063 --> 01:12:32.723
ELIZABETH: I'm already imagining that trip and thinking that we might do just one part and it would be all day Magic Kingdom.

01:12:33.783 --> 01:12:34.323
VIRGINIA: Okay.

01:12:34.323 --> 01:12:34.823
VIRGINIA: Perfect.

01:12:34.823 --> 01:12:38.863
VIRGINIA: And someone else very special will be there at that time.

01:12:38.863 --> 01:12:40.203
VIRGINIA: And you're looking at her right now.

01:12:40.363 --> 01:12:42.943
ELIZABETH: Yes!

01:12:42.943 --> 01:12:46.963
ELIZABETH: On Instagram that you're doing it with your husband and your son.

01:12:46.963 --> 01:12:47.463
VIRGINIA: Yeah.

01:12:48.083 --> 01:12:48.843
VIRGINIA: We're going to try that.

01:12:48.843 --> 01:12:51.963
VIRGINIA: We were going to be there anyway because we always go Presidents Week.

01:12:51.963 --> 01:12:56.543
VIRGINIA: And I know so many run Disney people who've been trying to convince me to sign up for one.

01:12:56.543 --> 01:12:57.103
VIRGINIA: Yeah.

01:12:57.103 --> 01:13:00.763
VIRGINIA: And so I said, okay, I'm going to do it because we're going to be there anyway.

01:13:00.763 --> 01:13:04.363
VIRGINIA: So I don't have to pay for an extra hotel or anything like that.

01:13:04.363 --> 01:13:09.083
VIRGINIA: Like I was already booking the room that I'm staying in, regardless of the race.

01:13:09.343 --> 01:13:09.963
ELIZABETH: Right.

01:13:09.963 --> 01:13:10.503
ELIZABETH: Right.

01:13:10.503 --> 01:13:10.803
VIRGINIA: Yeah.

01:13:10.803 --> 01:13:11.983
VIRGINIA: So maybe we'll see each other there.

01:13:11.983 --> 01:13:13.843
ELIZABETH: That would be really fun.

01:13:13.843 --> 01:13:15.183
ELIZABETH: Yeah.

01:13:15.183 --> 01:13:15.503
VIRGINIA: All right.

01:13:15.503 --> 01:13:36.843
VIRGINIA: Let's get into the last tail end of your journey because even though that was your last Disney part time with your cousin and her family, you and your husband still had one more Disney Day because your sister graciously agreed to do some kid watching for you so that you and your parents and your husband could have some adult Epcot time.

01:13:36.843 --> 01:13:38.703
VIRGINIA: So tell me about your Epcot Day.

01:13:39.063 --> 01:13:42.683
ELIZABETH: You're fantastic, wonderful listeners are like, how is this more?

01:13:45.543 --> 01:13:52.083
VIRGINIA: I promise you the type of people who listen to my podcast are the type who are like, no, we want all the details.

01:13:52.083 --> 01:13:53.763
ELIZABETH: Get it, because I'm one of those people.

01:13:53.763 --> 01:14:00.963
ELIZABETH: And at the end of every episode, I'm like, oh, yes, we had one more day left.

01:14:00.963 --> 01:14:02.163
ELIZABETH: And yes, you're exactly right.

01:14:02.723 --> 01:14:07.643
ELIZABETH: My cousins had to leave, which was sad, but they'd been there earlier than we were.

01:14:07.843 --> 01:14:13.863
ELIZABETH: So we left my kids and their aunt to a resort day.

01:14:13.863 --> 01:14:18.403
ELIZABETH: And they got to swim, so much swimming, in the baseball pool at All-Star Sports.

01:14:18.403 --> 01:14:23.583
ELIZABETH: So they were happy campers, that and the arcade and Vicky Waffles and all the wonderful things.

01:14:23.583 --> 01:14:30.203
ELIZABETH: And he slept and didn't make it to the bus until 830 in the morning.

01:14:30.203 --> 01:14:32.303
ELIZABETH: So look at us in our...

01:14:32.743 --> 01:14:33.943
ELIZABETH: Yeah.

01:14:33.943 --> 01:14:34.663
ELIZABETH: Our morning.

01:14:34.663 --> 01:14:35.963
VIRGINIA: Sleeping beauties.

01:14:35.963 --> 01:14:36.203
ELIZABETH: Right.

01:14:36.923 --> 01:14:44.943
ELIZABETH: And so yeah, we headed to Epcot with my parents, which was just a really special opportunity for the four of us to enjoy Disney, obviously.

01:14:44.943 --> 01:14:50.463
ELIZABETH: And yeah, we were at the bus stop at All-Star Music at 830, and we were on Spaceship Earth at 9.

01:14:50.463 --> 01:14:54.663
ELIZABETH: So that have been more efficient.

01:14:54.663 --> 01:15:02.083
ELIZABETH: And I told my husband when we were on the ride, I said, I've never sat next to you on Spaceship Earth.

01:15:02.083 --> 01:15:08.103
ELIZABETH: I mean, I probably haven't sat next to him on a lot of rides, you know, because we're always blessed to be with our kiddos.

01:15:08.103 --> 01:15:09.683
ELIZABETH: But that was really nice.

01:15:09.683 --> 01:15:13.523
ELIZABETH: And so we thanked him and enjoyed that.

01:15:13.523 --> 01:15:15.143
VIRGINIA: And you got to play in your future together.

01:15:15.143 --> 01:15:16.203
ELIZABETH: Yeah, we did.

01:15:16.203 --> 01:15:16.983
ELIZABETH: Yeah.

01:15:16.983 --> 01:15:19.443
ELIZABETH: We saw our little faces on the little rocket ships.

01:15:19.443 --> 01:15:21.723
ELIZABETH: It was very sweet.

01:15:21.723 --> 01:15:23.183
ELIZABETH: Perfect.

01:15:23.183 --> 01:15:27.043
ELIZABETH: And then after Spaceship Earth, we went to Mission Space.

01:15:27.043 --> 01:15:30.003
ELIZABETH: My husband and kids are crazy.

01:15:30.003 --> 01:15:32.503
ELIZABETH: They do the orange one every time.

01:15:32.503 --> 01:15:33.263
ELIZABETH: I won't do that.

01:15:33.683 --> 01:15:35.303
VIRGINIA: I did it once, never again.

01:15:35.303 --> 01:15:37.183
VIRGINIA: But I don't really enjoy the green side.

01:15:37.183 --> 01:15:39.343
VIRGINIA: I can be convinced to do it every couple of years.

01:15:39.343 --> 01:15:40.223
ELIZABETH: Yeah.

01:15:40.223 --> 01:15:41.103
VIRGINIA: But I don't love it.

01:15:41.103 --> 01:15:42.263
VIRGINIA: So usually I skip it.

01:15:42.263 --> 01:15:42.943
ELIZABETH: Yeah.

01:15:42.943 --> 01:15:44.583
ELIZABETH: My dad and I did the green side.

01:15:44.583 --> 01:15:46.143
ELIZABETH: I enjoy it.

01:15:46.143 --> 01:15:49.743
ELIZABETH: My mom, you know, explored the Space Center.

01:15:49.743 --> 01:15:51.623
ELIZABETH: There's lots to see in there.

01:15:51.623 --> 01:15:55.363
ELIZABETH: And we made our way into the World of the Showcase.

01:15:55.943 --> 01:16:00.963
ELIZABETH: And the first stop was the Kringla Bakery, O'Cafe.

01:16:00.963 --> 01:16:02.363
ELIZABETH: I probably butchered that.

01:16:02.363 --> 01:16:03.103
ELIZABETH: I had to look that up.

01:16:03.103 --> 01:16:05.143
VIRGINIA: You said it exactly right.

01:16:06.163 --> 01:16:07.783
ELIZABETH: We got a Mickey Cinnamon Roll.

01:16:07.783 --> 01:16:12.063
ELIZABETH: And okay, now I'm going to try a Lefsky?

01:16:12.063 --> 01:16:12.963
ELIZABETH: Leafsky?

01:16:12.963 --> 01:16:15.163
VIRGINIA: Oh, I don't know about that.

01:16:15.163 --> 01:16:17.023
VIRGINIA: I'm going to say you got that exactly right.

01:16:17.083 --> 01:16:19.083
ELIZABETH: Even though I have no idea.

01:16:19.083 --> 01:16:20.583
ELIZABETH: A delightful Norwegian pastry.

01:16:21.443 --> 01:16:23.723
ELIZABETH: So I had a little breakfast and then what do you know?

01:16:23.723 --> 01:16:26.563
ELIZABETH: The Frozen line was down to like 25 minutes.

01:16:26.563 --> 01:16:35.923
ELIZABETH: So we jumped in that and the four of us rode the Frozen ride, which I just think, I mean, that Olaf is one of my favorite animatronics every time.

01:16:36.003 --> 01:16:36.683
VIRGINIA: Oh, me too.

01:16:36.683 --> 01:16:39.603
ELIZABETH: It's so beautiful and adorable.

01:16:39.603 --> 01:16:39.923
VIRGINIA: I know.

01:16:39.923 --> 01:16:40.903
VIRGINIA: I love how he walks.

01:16:40.903 --> 01:16:42.883
VIRGINIA: He's just got like a little waddle to him.

01:16:43.023 --> 01:16:43.303
ELIZABETH: Oh, man.

01:16:43.303 --> 01:16:44.223
VIRGINIA: So cute.

01:16:44.223 --> 01:16:44.823
ELIZABETH: I know.

01:16:44.823 --> 01:16:47.523
ELIZABETH: Yeah.

01:16:47.523 --> 01:16:52.523
ELIZABETH: We held off on a drink until probably like 10 45 in the morning.

01:16:52.523 --> 01:16:54.023
ELIZABETH: Again, look at us.

01:16:54.023 --> 01:16:55.363
VIRGINIA: Such a strain.

01:16:57.143 --> 01:16:59.803
ELIZABETH: Actually, my parents had some wine in Italy.

01:16:59.823 --> 01:17:10.903
ELIZABETH: I was holding out for, I believe it's called the Moonshine Sour in the American version, which I've seen on Instagram, so many good things about, so many recommendations.

01:17:11.303 --> 01:17:13.083
ELIZABETH: So I wanted to wait for that.

01:17:13.083 --> 01:17:18.643
ELIZABETH: But it was really my first time exploring the American Pavilion.

01:17:20.103 --> 01:17:21.543
ELIZABETH: Seeing former president george W.

01:17:21.543 --> 01:17:33.023
ELIZABETH: Bush's pictures of war, like the paintings he's done, and the war veterans were really special, and the singers, oh my goodness, the opera singers, I'd never heard them perform.

01:17:33.023 --> 01:17:35.263
ELIZABETH: They were spectacular.

01:17:35.263 --> 01:17:40.003
VIRGINIA: That when we talk about retirement gigs, that is what I always say.

01:17:40.303 --> 01:17:42.343
VIRGINIA: I'm like, I want to be a voices of liberty.

01:17:42.343 --> 01:17:44.003
ELIZABETH: Yes!

01:17:44.003 --> 01:17:44.663
ELIZABETH: So fun.

01:17:44.663 --> 01:17:56.403
ELIZABETH: So we got to listen to them sing America the Beautiful, and then they sang a friendship medley with friend like me, and you've got a friend in me, and that was just really lovely.

01:17:56.403 --> 01:17:59.723
ELIZABETH: And at that point, I could get my moonshine sour.

01:17:59.723 --> 01:18:00.963
ELIZABETH: So it was just-

01:18:01.323 --> 01:18:01.943
VIRGINIA: How was that?

01:18:01.943 --> 01:18:03.583
VIRGINIA: Because I have never had it.

01:18:03.583 --> 01:18:04.743
ELIZABETH: I thought it was delicious.

01:18:04.743 --> 01:18:07.143
ELIZABETH: It was sweet, but it was really refreshing.

01:18:07.743 --> 01:18:09.923
ELIZABETH: I mean, at that point, it was 1130.

01:18:09.923 --> 01:18:12.623
ELIZABETH: If I'm going to have a drink at 1130 in the morning, it was the right kind.

01:18:12.623 --> 01:18:13.543
ELIZABETH: Like, it was just light.

01:18:13.543 --> 01:18:14.143
ELIZABETH: It was sweet.

01:18:14.143 --> 01:18:15.403
ELIZABETH: It was refreshing.

01:18:15.403 --> 01:18:16.563
ELIZABETH: It was really tasty.

01:18:16.563 --> 01:18:17.923
ELIZABETH: I'm glad I tried it.

01:18:17.923 --> 01:18:20.303
ELIZABETH: You know, we made our way through some more pavilions.

01:18:20.303 --> 01:18:27.643
ELIZABETH: I got one of those delicious almond, soft almond cookies from the Morocco pavilion that just melted down.

01:18:27.643 --> 01:18:35.763
ELIZABETH: We got to the France pavilion for lunch and had one of those, again, delicious ham and cheese croissant sandwiches.

01:18:35.883 --> 01:18:37.243
ELIZABETH: It was so yummy.

01:18:37.243 --> 01:18:38.943
ELIZABETH: Yeah.

01:18:38.943 --> 01:18:51.383
ELIZABETH: I wish I would have been more detailed in my notes for this, and I'm sure a lot of your listeners will know to what I'm referring, but that wonderful little champagne shop that used to be this, like, well-prepared secret, but now is not so much anymore.

01:18:51.383 --> 01:18:55.163
ELIZABETH: I think people have caught on that you both get your move to go.

01:18:55.703 --> 01:19:07.003
ELIZABETH: And it's one of my husband's favorite little traditions in Epcot is to get some move at the champagne store in France and totally be in front of the beautiful France Pavilion.

01:19:07.003 --> 01:19:07.783
VIRGINIA: So nice.

01:19:07.783 --> 01:19:12.903
VIRGINIA: I have realized over the past couple of years that France is my favorite pavilion.

01:19:12.903 --> 01:19:19.283
VIRGINIA: There's just something about the France Pavilion that I feel like you really get to immerse yourself.

01:19:19.283 --> 01:19:25.143
VIRGINIA: And I'm a sucker for when it looks like you're walking down a real street outside.

01:19:25.143 --> 01:19:26.203
VIRGINIA: Like Mexico is cool.

01:19:26.203 --> 01:19:27.943
VIRGINIA: You go in.

01:19:28.183 --> 01:19:32.663
VIRGINIA: My husband is a sucker for it looks like outside, but it's inside.

01:19:32.663 --> 01:19:33.283
VIRGINIA: You know?

01:19:33.303 --> 01:19:34.403
ELIZABETH: Absolutely.

01:19:34.403 --> 01:19:35.803
VIRGINIA: And so he loves that about it.

01:19:35.803 --> 01:19:37.323
VIRGINIA: But then I love in France.

01:19:37.323 --> 01:19:42.923
VIRGINIA: I'm like, I really feel like I'm just walking down a little alley in a little French town.

01:19:43.183 --> 01:19:44.443
VIRGINIA: And that's what gets me.

01:19:44.443 --> 01:19:47.723
VIRGINIA: So and then the the patisserie.

01:19:47.723 --> 01:19:50.843
VIRGINIA: I have never had something there that I did not like.

01:19:50.843 --> 01:19:53.163
ELIZABETH: Delicious.

01:19:53.163 --> 01:19:54.483
ELIZABETH: No, I totally see your point.

01:19:54.483 --> 01:19:57.763
ELIZABETH: It does look and feel really authentic.

01:19:57.763 --> 01:19:58.103
VIRGINIA: All right.

01:19:58.103 --> 01:20:00.663
VIRGINIA: So where did you head after France?

01:20:00.663 --> 01:20:07.103
ELIZABETH: We did want to make it back to my sister and our kids at a reasonable time.

01:20:07.103 --> 01:20:11.743
ELIZABETH: So we ended our Epcot day with Tequila de la Cava.

01:20:12.223 --> 01:20:16.683
ELIZABETH: It's my husband's favorite, favorite stop in Epcot, I would say.

01:20:16.683 --> 01:20:27.883
ELIZABETH: And in fact, he wore his flight crew shirt from Tequila de la Cava circa, I don't know, what, 2023, 2022, maybe, for the occasion.

01:20:27.883 --> 01:20:29.363
ELIZABETH: So we went there with my parents.

01:20:29.363 --> 01:20:32.543
ELIZABETH: We got a standing table, had some drinks.

01:20:32.543 --> 01:20:42.563
ELIZABETH: Delicious is always such a fun, fun atmosphere and just toasted to a fun little adult's trip to Epcot that morning.

01:20:42.563 --> 01:20:46.003
ELIZABETH: And then we made our way back to All-Star Sports.

01:20:46.003 --> 01:20:55.303
ELIZABETH: And my parents had sent their luggage over because they were doing a split stay and staying a little longer than us at Coronado Springs.

01:20:55.303 --> 01:21:06.943
ELIZABETH: So we got to collect the kiddos back at the hotel from their fun swimming day and head over to Coronado Springs, which is one of my favorite resorts we've stayed at.

01:21:08.303 --> 01:21:10.743
VIRGINIA: And you had dinner at Maya Grill.

01:21:10.743 --> 01:21:12.323
ELIZABETH: That's correct, yep.

01:21:12.323 --> 01:21:22.143
VIRGINIA: Okay, tell me a little bit about that, because I have, I think, eaten everywhere you can possibly eat at Coronado Springs except for Maya Grill.

01:21:22.143 --> 01:21:26.803
ELIZABETH: Yes, and I felt that way leading into this trip as well.

01:21:26.803 --> 01:21:33.943
ELIZABETH: We loved Dahlia Lounge, loved Villalago, Three Bridges, loved Ricks.

01:21:33.943 --> 01:21:38.403
ELIZABETH: I mean, again, have eaten at those spaces too, but had not eaten at Maya Grill our last trip.

01:21:38.403 --> 01:21:40.283
ELIZABETH: And it was awesome.

01:21:40.283 --> 01:21:42.023
ELIZABETH: It was delicious.

01:21:42.023 --> 01:21:43.303
ELIZABETH: It was beautiful.

01:21:43.303 --> 01:21:54.543
ELIZABETH: I mean, it felt, it felt, you know, casual enough to feel accessible and like we could have our kids there, obviously, but also kind of fancy.

01:21:54.543 --> 01:21:56.783
ELIZABETH: There were these beautiful flickering lights.

01:21:56.983 --> 01:21:59.903
ELIZABETH: They had a miriachi band playing.

01:21:59.903 --> 01:22:01.943
ELIZABETH: I mean, it was really, really lovely.

01:22:01.943 --> 01:22:03.623
ELIZABETH: And the food was just so good.

01:22:03.623 --> 01:22:09.683
ELIZABETH: It was a delicious, you know, delicious margaritas, the fajitas, the quesadillas.

01:22:09.683 --> 01:22:15.423
ELIZABETH: They had some kind of snapper, a red snapper dish on special.

01:22:15.423 --> 01:22:17.143
ELIZABETH: And it was incredible.

01:22:17.143 --> 01:22:27.283
ELIZABETH: Not only did it taste amazing, but it came as a complete red snapper, like a complete fish, a complete fish on the plate.

01:22:27.283 --> 01:22:30.223
ELIZABETH: And it was, that was fun.

01:22:30.223 --> 01:22:30.983
VIRGINIA: Okay.

01:22:31.343 --> 01:22:34.063
VIRGINIA: Fun for you, I would be like, no, thank you.

01:22:34.063 --> 01:22:38.763
ELIZABETH: I made it for the cookbooks, definitely fried, but you know how you think of like a pig at a luau?

01:22:38.763 --> 01:22:41.923
ELIZABETH: It was a fish at Maya Grill.

01:22:41.923 --> 01:22:42.523
VIRGINIA: Okay.

01:22:42.523 --> 01:22:43.903
VIRGINIA: Very, very good to know.

01:22:43.903 --> 01:23:04.003
VIRGINIA: I will add it to my list of things I need to try, because I do always say one of the things I really love about Coronado Springs is sort of what you just described about Maya Grill, where it's accessible, there are kids, it's a moderate hotel, but it has a more grown up feel in spite of there being lots of kids around.

01:23:04.003 --> 01:23:04.463
ELIZABETH: Yes.

01:23:04.463 --> 01:23:07.343
VIRGINIA: It just has a more elevated grown up feel to it.

01:23:08.063 --> 01:23:08.983
VIRGINIA: And I appreciate that.

01:23:08.983 --> 01:23:09.783
ELIZABETH: Completely agree.

01:23:09.783 --> 01:23:10.403
ELIZABETH: I do too.

01:23:10.403 --> 01:23:11.583
ELIZABETH: I love it.

01:23:11.583 --> 01:23:11.903
VIRGINIA: All right.

01:23:11.903 --> 01:23:14.083
VIRGINIA: Well, that ended your last full day.

01:23:14.083 --> 01:23:15.743
VIRGINIA: The next day you had your departure.

01:23:15.963 --> 01:23:19.003
VIRGINIA: So how was your return trip home?

01:23:19.023 --> 01:23:20.343
VIRGINIA: Everything go smoothly with that?

01:23:20.343 --> 01:23:21.423
ELIZABETH: It did.

01:23:21.423 --> 01:23:22.023
VIRGINIA: It did.

01:23:22.023 --> 01:23:23.443
ELIZABETH: It was uneventful.

01:23:23.443 --> 01:23:28.263
ELIZABETH: We ubered from All-Star Sports to MCO.

01:23:28.263 --> 01:23:39.203
ELIZABETH: This time we were flying southwest and our flight departed at 1130, which was a really nice time because it still got us up and moving, but not at the Krakadon.

01:23:39.863 --> 01:23:41.123
ELIZABETH: So that was really nice.

01:23:41.123 --> 01:23:45.343
ELIZABETH: But yeah, uneventful two and a half ish hour flight home.

01:23:45.523 --> 01:23:49.423
ELIZABETH: And land in Omaha early afternoon.

01:23:49.423 --> 01:23:50.343
ELIZABETH: Tired.

01:23:50.563 --> 01:23:53.263
ELIZABETH: You know, it's said over and over again on your show, but it's true.

01:23:53.263 --> 01:24:04.783
ELIZABETH: There's nothing like Disney tired, but just really thankful, truly thankful for such a, what I consider to be just fabulous full family trip.

01:24:04.783 --> 01:24:13.023
VIRGINIA: What a gift to be able to be able to do something like that with your family and to have so many of you be able to be there.

01:24:13.543 --> 01:24:28.243
VIRGINIA: It's hard enough sometimes to get trips scheduled for your own family, but to be able to coordinate with multiple families like that, it takes a lot of effort and it sounds like it really paid off.

01:24:28.243 --> 01:24:28.963
ELIZABETH: Yes.

01:24:28.963 --> 01:24:29.323
VIRGINIA: Yeah.

01:24:29.323 --> 01:24:30.223
ELIZABETH: I'm so thankful.

01:24:30.623 --> 01:24:31.863
ELIZABETH: It was so fun.

01:24:31.863 --> 01:24:32.303
VIRGINIA: All right.

01:24:32.303 --> 01:24:37.023
VIRGINIA: So you mentioned that potential princess trip coming up in February.

01:24:37.023 --> 01:24:40.823
VIRGINIA: Do you have any other Disney plans before then?

01:24:41.503 --> 01:24:42.363
ELIZABETH: Yes.

01:24:42.363 --> 01:24:51.743
ELIZABETH: So my husband and I are joining another couple, another Disney fan couple.

01:24:51.743 --> 01:25:01.463
ELIZABETH: In fact, I believe I mentioned them in the pre-show episode because they were the ones to really tip us off and suggest Victoria and Albert on our very first trip.

01:25:01.463 --> 01:25:04.823
ELIZABETH: We are joining them on the Disney Magic in October.

01:25:05.323 --> 01:25:07.143
VIRGINIA: Ooh, okay.

01:25:07.143 --> 01:25:11.223
ELIZABETH: Yeah, it'll be my and my husband's first cruise together.

01:25:11.223 --> 01:25:18.343
ELIZABETH: And yeah, for it to be an adults-only Disney cruise will be a really unique and fun experience, I'm sure.

01:25:18.623 --> 01:25:20.843
VIRGINIA: I dream of the day I get to do something like that.

01:25:20.843 --> 01:25:25.063
VIRGINIA: I have a husband who cannot be convinced to go on a cruise to save his life.

01:25:25.063 --> 01:25:35.603
ELIZABETH: The funny thing is, my husband was kind of like that for a while, too, but I think because it's one of his dearest friends and they really did the heavy lifting when it came to organizing and reserving things.

01:25:36.283 --> 01:25:43.663
ELIZABETH: He was kind of the one convincing me because I have to take some time off school and obviously be away from the kids for a little bit, which I was nervous about.

01:25:43.663 --> 01:25:45.043
ELIZABETH: But we're excited.

01:25:45.043 --> 01:25:46.463
ELIZABETH: We're excited.

01:25:46.463 --> 01:25:46.703
VIRGINIA: Yeah.

01:25:46.943 --> 01:25:59.663
VIRGINIA: I was speaking with somebody just, I don't know, within the past week, probably somebody I was interviewing and the topic of Disney cruises came up and I said, like I always say, he will not go on one.

01:25:59.663 --> 01:26:02.563
VIRGINIA: And they said, you know what you have to do is just book it.

01:26:03.443 --> 01:26:05.083
VIRGINIA: And then he will go.

01:26:05.083 --> 01:26:07.303
VIRGINIA: And I was like, you know what?

01:26:07.303 --> 01:26:08.623
VIRGINIA: He's a passenger princess.

01:26:08.623 --> 01:26:09.663
VIRGINIA: So maybe that's true.

01:26:09.663 --> 01:26:12.943
VIRGINIA: Maybe if I just book it, he will be on board.

01:26:12.943 --> 01:26:13.643
ELIZABETH: There you go.

01:26:13.643 --> 01:26:14.923
VIRGINIA: So to speak.

01:26:16.023 --> 01:26:18.223
ELIZABETH: Let me know if he goes to Virginia.

01:26:18.223 --> 01:26:18.663
VIRGINIA: All right.

01:26:18.663 --> 01:26:20.063
VIRGINIA: I will.

01:26:20.063 --> 01:26:22.063
VIRGINIA: Well, Elizabeth, thank you so much.

01:26:22.063 --> 01:26:26.563
VIRGINIA: I'm so grateful to Amy for connecting the two of us.

01:26:26.763 --> 01:26:29.263
VIRGINIA: I've been smiling the entire time we've been talking.

01:26:29.263 --> 01:26:30.483
VIRGINIA: In fact, my cheeks hurt.

01:26:31.143 --> 01:26:38.083
VIRGINIA: And I always enjoy interviewing people, but I don't generally have cheek pain at the end of the interview.

01:26:38.083 --> 01:26:41.163
VIRGINIA: So it's been so much fun talking to you.

01:26:41.163 --> 01:26:41.663
ELIZABETH: Thank you.

01:26:41.663 --> 01:26:42.923
ELIZABETH: I've enjoyed it so much.

01:26:42.923 --> 01:26:44.783
ELIZABETH: And I'm so thankful for your show.

01:26:44.783 --> 01:26:46.263
ELIZABETH: So I love listening to it.

01:26:46.263 --> 01:26:46.863
VIRGINIA: Thank you.

01:26:46.863 --> 01:26:48.163
VIRGINIA: I hope you'll keep listening.

01:26:48.163 --> 01:26:49.803
ELIZABETH: I will.

01:26:49.803 --> 01:26:50.983
VIRGINIA: All right.

01:26:50.983 --> 01:26:51.563
VIRGINIA: Take care.

01:26:51.563 --> 01:26:53.483
ELIZABETH: Thank you.

01:26:53.483 --> 01:26:57.603
VIRGINIA: Elizabeth, thank you again for being such a joy to interview.

01:26:57.603 --> 01:27:05.983
VIRGINIA: I'm very grateful for Amy sending you my way and as I said, you get the official nickname of Number 100 from here on out.

01:27:05.983 --> 01:27:12.463
VIRGINIA: If you are interested in being a Trip Report guest, I'm looking for people traveling in early 2025.

01:27:12.463 --> 01:27:19.063
VIRGINIA: So whether that's you or if you are a travel agent and you have a client who's traveling, then the link is in the show notes.

01:27:19.083 --> 01:27:24.903
VIRGINIA: And if you have any questions, please DM me on Instagram or send me an email at whereilongtobepodcastatgmail.com.

01:27:27.063 --> 01:27:35.103
VIRGINIA: If you are a travel agent, please speak with your client and have them do the submitting if they are interested in being a guest.

01:27:35.103 --> 01:27:37.703
VIRGINIA: That is a wrap for season two.

01:27:37.703 --> 01:27:41.723
VIRGINIA: The first episode of season three will be on September 9th.

01:27:41.723 --> 01:27:47.503
VIRGINIA: Until then, keep up with me on Instagram as I will be posting stories from our London adventure.

01:27:47.503 --> 01:27:49.523
VIRGINIA: Thank you all for being here with me.

01:27:49.523 --> 01:27:53.583
VIRGINIA: And as always, keep daydreaming about where you long to be.