Since I’m in the 2-week countdown and things are feeling locked in (for the most part…just a couple of this-or-that’s left), I figured it’s time to start my trip report! 
Cast: Me! I’m Beth. Lifelong lover of all things Disney, recent-ish lover of things Marvel. 
I teach Special Ed in Brooklyn, NY so I’m on summer break!! Whee!!! Other friends will be joining at various times, but it’s another fabulous solo trip!
The Plan:
July 18, I’ll fly down to Orlando from Newark at 4:55pm and stay at the MCO Hyatt. I did this the first time in February and it was great - no stress about would my morning flight get in on time (I seem to always end up with the crew that didn’t get in on time and has to complete their rest on the first flight out of the morning.), how long is the line for DME, etc. I was initially on an earlier flight on the 18th, but my new church has been closed for renovations that started before COVID and is just finishing up and will be holding the first in-person service on July 18. Yes, it’s at 10am and yes, it’s a United Methodist Church (of the Reconciling variety), but by changing to the 4:55pm flight I’ve got plenty of time to get the train from Penn Station and AirTrain from the Newark Airport station. I treated myself to First Class since it’s for my big birthday! Whee!!
July 19 - Arrival at Disney and Magic Kingdom
Get up early (I was absent the day they handed out “sleep in ability” genes, so this is not a big deal), eat a protein bar in my room, and head to DME really early to head to my resort. After much debating, to-ing and fro-ing, changes galore, I finally settled on Coronado Springs. I’m booked into a Standard View room (not Tower), but that’s all good. Room request has been submitted via the form on here.
I know the odds of having my room ready that early are slim to none, but after the Magic Band needing to be linked debacle in February at the Poly, I’m planning to head to the desk to make sure the 2-3 that I’m planning to use are linked. Odds are high I’ll be checking my bags with bell services after that - but on the off chance that I get lucky and my room is ready, I’ll drop the bags there. Then either way I’ll head to the busses (probably going to a stop via El Mercado to get a refillable mug) and head to the Magic Kingdom. I’m doing lunch at Whispering Canyon with my friend Cristen and her boyfriend Scott - I’m not sure yet if we’re meeting up in MK before we head over or if we’ll meet at the boat or what that plan is. Back to MK after lunch, and I’ve got dinner at Skipper Canteen (yes, I’m planning on lunch being lighter - this is my one day with 2 TS meals planned).
July 20 - THE day!! Animal Kingdom!!
Get up and have some coffee, then head out to get the first bus to AK as I have Capture Your Moment booked at 8:00am. Definitely planning on taking a change of clothes with me to change out of photo clothes and put them in a locker. 9:20 ADR at Tusker House. And I’m planning to close out the evening in Pandora - going to try and time Satu’li so that I can eat and then just before park close get in line for Flight.
July 21 - Epcot
Lunch at LeCellier. I’m planning to head back to CSR for Three Bridges - hopefully IN the restaurant, but I’ll do take out if I have to. (Don’t worry…I’ll get Epcot Forever in.)
July 22 - Disney Springs/Epcot
Lunch at Boathouse. Then I’m going to hopefully meet up with multiple friends either at Disney Springs in the afternoon and/or at Epcot to hit F&W booths and catch Epcot Forever. (We had initially discussed renting a theater at the Springs AMC and seeing In The Heights - but they don’t do private rentals on Thursday there for some reason. 
But it will work out this way.) Those who want to hang the whole time can and those who can only make one or the other can.
July 23 - Animal Kingdom
Standard AK day. Dinner at Tiffins.
July 24 - Magic Kingdom
Head over to MK in the morning. I’m planning to boat over to Poly to get my meatballs and rice from Capt. Cook’s. And then head over to the GF to see a friend do a set or two on the lobby piano. The timing is up in the air - lunch will be fairly early as I do have a dinner ADR…well, 2 that I am deciding between. One is at Citricos. The new menu looks good and the things I would eat look like they either are or can be adapted to be gluten-free - but they don’t have an allergy menu posted yet. I’m keeping an eye on that. If I decide to keep that one, I’ll likely go back to MK (I’ll likely take my photo shoot outfit and get a locker and change before dinner regardless of which place I choose - but definitely if I choose Citricos) after lunch and then go back to catch one of Chris’ sets closer to my dining time and get a drink at Enchanted Rose. OR I’ll catch his earliest set, head back to MK for a bit, and then head to SSR via bus and walk over to Disney Springs for dinner at Jaleo. The more I think about it, I think I’m leaning towards Plan A (back to MK after meatballs, then a later set by Chris, drink at Enchanted Rose, and dinner at Citricos). Jaleo is reserved on Open Table, so I can cancel that one last minute.
July 25 - Disney Springs and departure
Get up, finish packing, check the bags with Bell Services, and head to Disney Springs. Brunch at either Raglan Road or Wine Bar George (leaning WBG, but I do love Ireland, so…), and then going to the WDW Radio Meet of the Month (which is the whole reason I added a night) before doing any last minute shopping and then heading back to Coronado Springs for the Tragical Express.
I’m super excited for this one!!! I feel like I’ve been planning forever!!
