3 WDW Trips in 6 months: August, October and December Reports *Completed*

[tspooh]

Meeko, yours are by far my favorite trip reports. Can't wait to read your next one! Love the pictures, too!

Teresa

 

[KathyRN137]

Great wrap-up! These really should be mandatory on all trip reports... what a wonderful way to tie everything together!


Kathy

 

[wdwgirl03]

Awesome little picture collages and wrap-up. I'm glad AIE was a pleasant surprise for you. I heard they stopped doing the Luxo stuff too. Bummer.

Great reports!

 

[meeko_33785]

Love your final reflections! I love the positive attitude you kept in spite of the weather!

Your pictures are again fantastic and I look forward to hearing what the rest of the family has to say!

Thanks Dawn. I'm glad we were able to stay possitive throughout the trip. It really was a fantastic one.

Meeko, yours are by far my favorite trip reports. Can't wait to read your next one! Love the pictures, too!

Teresa

Wow, thank you so much. I'm really glad you really enjoyed the report and the pictures. Hopefully you won't have to wait too long until the next one.

Great wrap-up! These really should be mandatory on all trip reports... what a wonderful way to tie everything together!


Kathy

Thanks Kathy. I love doing these wrap-ups. It's really fun to look back at the trip in a whole and reflect on all the fun we had and what might be most helpful to other DISers planning trips. Glad to know that they're really enjoyed.

Awesome little picture collages and wrap-up. I'm glad AIE was a pleasant surprise for you. I heard they stopped doing the Luxo stuff too. Bummer.

Great reports!

Thanks Sarah. You know AIE really once. Thanks for your description of it in your TR and for all the encouragement for us to try it. I think those things really helped convince me that this would really be something worth doing. And, yes, Luxo disppearing is a bit of a bummer, but I'm glad that at least Buzz and Dad got to see it before it did.

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Meeko,

Sounds like you had a lovely last breakfast, but how could you not with the beignets!

POFQ is just beautiful, I hope POR is just as nice for us in October.

Looking forward to hearing what your family thought of the trip.

Enjoyed reading your reports as always and the photos were all beautiful!

Di x

 

[meeko_33785]

Hi Meeko,

Sounds like you had a lovely last breakfast, but how could you not with the beignets!

POFQ is just beautiful, I hope POR is just as nice for us in October.

Looking forward to hearing what your family thought of the trip.

Enjoyed reading your reports as always and the photos were all beautiful!

Di x

Hey Di.

I hope you have a great time at Riverside. It's a bit bigger and more spread out than French Quarter, but it's really a beautiful resort and a lot of fun. I know we love it there.

Hopefully, the rest of the family's thoughts should be up next week (maybe Tuesday or Wednesday depending on how much time I have) Glad you've enjoyed the report so much, and thanks for sticking around since the very begining.

 

[meeko_33785]

To close out the report, I thought it might be fun to take a look back at some of our favorites from the August, October and December trips. Since this is a Disney favorites countdown, I thought a Top 7 format might be appropriate (Stacy might not do hers as a “Top 7” anymore, but that doesn’t mean we can’t). Since so much of the report has been my thoughts on the trip, let’s start with checking in with the rest of the family to see what was most fun and memorable. So, without further ado, are the answers that Mom and Dad (who were a part of the August and December trips) and my brother Buzz (who went in August, October and December) gave when I asked what their “Top 7” was for the year.



Dad’s Top 7:

Yak & Yeti

Dad’s only pick from the August trip (he enjoyed the trip, but I think the Christmas happenings and the fact that it was more fresh in his mind had something to do with this), Yak & Yeti proved to be a hit with Dad. He loved the food and thought that our waiter was one of the best we’ve had at Disney.


The Wave

This was another meal that was a hit with Dad. The Wave’s menu and eco-friendly practices seemed enough to win him over. If I can recall, he was talking about wanting to re-visit this restaurant before we even left.


Luxo Jr. at PIXAR Place

I think Dad was impressed with Luxo Jr. that (at the time) was dancing on the rooftops of PIXAR Place. He really seemed to enjoy the show that the lamp put on and the music. Too bad it’s gone already.


50s Prime Time Café

Dad enjoyed going back to the 50s and getting to enjoy the atmosphere. Dad really loved the retro feel and decorations of the place (not to mention the TV at the table), and I think he enjoyed his meal as well.


Kwanzaa Storyteller

Getting to see the Kwanzaa Storyteller at the American Adventure was something else that we had never done before. Dad was really impressed with her skills as a storyteller- very expressive and entertaining.


Los Tres Reyes Magos

It took a few tries, but we finally got to see the Three Kings in Mexico. Dad was really impressed by their elaborate costumes. Apparently these three were a hit with Dad, so I’m glad that we got to see them after all.


Flute Ensemble

A surprise holiday performance- Dad thought that the flute ensemble that we stumbled upon doing a special guests performance for Christmas in the lobby of the French Quarter were really wonderful and enjoyed their beautiful music.



**************


Mom's Top 7:

Yak & Yeti

I think Mom has wanted to try the Yak & Yeti since she first heard about it being under construction, and I think she was really pleased with it. The beautiful Asian décor and the food (especially the steamed mussels) really helped make this a highlight for her.


Chefs de France

Chefs de France is probably one of Mom’s favorites in World Showcase, and it again seemed to be a wonderful experience for her. Not only did she love adorable Remy coming to the table, but the Angus Burger she and Dad had inspired her to try to make it herself at home.


Port Orleans French Quarter

The French Quarter is usually a big hit with Mom, but this time around, with the whole resort decorated for a New Orleans style Christmas complete with trees, wreaths and even Mardi Gras masks, I think she might have enjoyed it even more.


The Wave

The Wave was just as big of a hit with Mom and it was with Dad. Again, the green, sustainable practices of the restaurant were extremely interesting to Mom, but the food also was fantastic as well.


50s Prime Time Café

The Prime Time was another memorable meal for Mom, especially because of the retro 50s Christmas decorations including aluminum trees and retro ornaments. It defiantly delivered on the 1950s Christmas cheer than she was hoping for.


The Leg Lamp at Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights

Sometimes the little things can be the most unique and fun. This time around, finding the A Christmas Story-inspired leg lamp in one of the windows of the Streets of America added some extra fun and uniqueness to this trip through the Osborne Lights.


Mexico

Mom was the one who has especially requested to try to see the Three Kings in Mexico in December, but that wasn’t the only Christmas highlight for in Mexico for her. A new Christmas ornament from the Mexican marketplace proved to be a memorable souvenir.



**************


Buzz’s Top 7:

Port Orleans

Buzz really enjoyed getting to return to both Riverside in August and the French Quarter in December after mostly trips to value resorts recently. The relaxing and highly-themed atmosphere of these moderate resorts was defiantly enjoyed.


Animals at the Animal Kingdom

Buzz loves to watch the animals at the Animal Kingdom, and this time around brought a number of fun sightings. Having a giraffe cross in front of our jeep and seeing the baby elephant at Kilimanjaro Safaris and the kangaroos of Discovery Island were highlights of the visit.


France

The France pavilion in EPCOT had many memorable moments for Buzz when we were there in August including lunch at Chefs de France with Remy, getting to see the Impressions de France film, and trying out a Kim Possible Mission for the first time.


All Star Resorts

The All Star Movies really surpassed Buzz’s expectations on how much he would like it, and he enjoyed getting to explore both the Movies and Music resort of the first time- especially the very well-themed Toy Story section of Movies.


Birthday at Magic Kingdom

What’s not to like about getting in free to spending your birthday at your favorite theme park and getting to go on a number of your favorite attractions? All of these things together really made his October trip to Magic Kingdom really memorable.


Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin

Not only did Buzz get a chance to ride one of his favorite attractions three times in one day, but one of his ride-through, he managed to defeat Zurg, get the high score of 999,999 and gain the rank of Galactic Hero for the very first time!


Christmas

In December, Buzz really appreciated having more time than usual to experience many of the Christmas entertainment and decorations throughout the parks and resorts. It certainly was a Holiday-intensive visit which suited Buzz just fine.



We’re almost done, but I wouldn’t sign off without posting my own Top 7 and final thoughs. Stay tuned for those

 

[dawnbu40]

Love reading the whole family's Top 7! It sounds like we need to try the Yak and Yeti and the Wave. Way to go Buzz on the super high score

Looking forward to your top 7!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I've fallen way behind...again. But I'm here...for the end. Sigh.

I seriously love the way you do your recaps. I love the way you put your pictures together. Just really nice. Makes the end of your reports a little easier to handle.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Awesome recap. I absolutely love the picture you have for the leg lamp and the one of the giraffe (the giraffes are definitely one of my favorites on the safari).

 

[KathyRN137]

Love it!

Now I'll just have to go back and read your other reports!

Once again, let me compliment you on your photography skills. Your pictures are just gorgeous!


Kathy

 

[meeko_33785]

Love reading the whole family's Top 7! It sounds like we need to try the Yak and Yeti and the Wave. Way to go Buzz on the super high score

Looking forward to your top 7!

Thanks Dawn. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was fun getting to include everyone's thoughts in the wrap up as well as my own (well, once I get to posting them, that is).

I'd highly recommend both Yak & Yeti and The Wave. Both were the two main restaurants of the year that were new to us, and they sure didn't disappoint. One of them will even make it into my Top 7.

Buzz was so thrilled to get the top score. I don't think it could have happened on a better day than his birthday either.

I've fallen way behind...again. But I'm here...for the end. Sigh.

I seriously love the way you do your recaps. I love the way you put your pictures together. Just really nice. Makes the end of your reports a little easier to handle.

LL! It's so good to see you. I hope things are going well for you.

Yeah, I can't believe it's almost over. I was starting to feel like this report would never end. I'd never thought of the recaps making the end easier to handle, but I think you're right. It's nice to leave on a high note remembering all of the good times of the trip. Thanks for reading, and I hope you'll stick around for my Top 7. I should have it up sometime tomorrow.

Awesome recap. I absolutely love the picture you have for the leg lamp and the one of the giraffe (the giraffes are definitely one of my favorites on the safari).

Thanks. Those are two of my favorites pictures too, especially the leg lamp one.

Love it!

Now I'll just have to go back and read your other reports!

Once again, let me compliment you on your photography skills. Your pictures are just gorgeous!


Kathy

Well, the other reports do have quite a bit of fun in them as well. I'll have a few more highlights from August in October in my Top 7 as well. If you go back and read them, I hope you enjoy them.

And thanks so much for the nice words about my photography. I'm so glad you really seem to like the photos. I really try to learn more and get better at taking pictures every time I go to Disney, so it's really encouraging to know that you like them so much.

 

[Lady Lallie]

LL! It's so good to see you. I hope things are going well for you.

Yeah, I can't believe it's almost over. I was starting to feel like this report would never end. I'd never thought of the recaps making the end easier to handle, but I think you're right. It's nice to leave on a high note remembering all of the good times of the trip. Thanks for reading, and I hope you'll stick around for my Top 7. I should have it up sometime tomorrow.

I'm sticking around for sure. Things are going well, just super duper busy. Do you have any more trips planned??

 

[meeko_33785]

I'm sticking around for sure. Things are going well, just super duper busy. Do you have any more trips planned??

Awesome. As for any more trips, I'm shooting for summer. Based on a couple of things it may be as early as next month or possibly as late as October. We shall just have to see what works out, I guess.

 

[meeko_33785]

All trip reports must come to an end, I suppose, so I think that it’s about time for one last wrap-up before the end finally comes. Since we’ve already learned Dad, Mom and Buzz’s Top 7 Highlights, here’s a look at a few of the things that I found most memorable from the August, October and December trips.


Meeko’s Top 7:

Yak & Yeti

I really think that out of all the meals we had at Disney over the last few trips, our lunch at Yak & Yeti was my favorite. The restaurant itself was beautiful, but the food was the real highlight for me. The Tempura Shrimp was fantastic and I certainly wouldn’t mind coming back here to try the Crispy Honey Chicken, which also looked delicious.


Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure

This was our first time trying any of the Kim Possible mission in World Showcase, and we all had a blast. It was great to be able to see new surprises and take a second look at many of the details around the countries. Out of the 4 we tried out this year, I think the Germany mission was my favorite. Definitely fun for guests of any age!


All Star Resorts

I’ve wanted to stay at this All Star Movies for a while, and I’m glad we finally did. Both the novelty of staying somewhere we had never been to before and the great atmosphere made it perfect for Buzz and my birthday trip. All the areas of the resort were a lot of fun, but Toy Story at Movies and Broadway at Music were my favorites to explore.


Birthday at the Magic Kingdom

Getting to experience a visit to the Magic Kingdom on my and Buzz’s birthday for the first time in many years- and with beautiful weather and low crowds we rarely have in August or December when we usually seem to go- was fantastic, and getting to do it for free thanks to the “What Will You Celebrate?” promotion was truly the icing on the cake.


Port Orleans French Quarter

The French Quarter is one of my favorite resorts, so it was so much fun to not only get to visit in August, but to get to stay there for the Christmas trip- especially with all of its Holiday decorations and Princess and the Frog themed surprises. Plus, the architecture and grounds were beautiful, as usual, and the food court, complete with delicious New Orleans dishes, is awesome.


Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

While it was less snowy and more rainy than usual, but the Osborne Family Spectacle of (sometime dancing) Lights was still a lot of fun. Walking through the display was as great as usual, but getting to see the entire street lit up in the evening during my first after-dark ride on the Tower of Terror was definitely a special treat for me this year.


Character Meet-and-Greets

All three trips were packed with so many wonderful characters meet-and-greets. It’s really hard to pick just a few highlights, but out of all of them, I think meeting the fairies at Pixie Hollow, hanging out with The Tremaines, randomly finding Marie and Snow White’s Prince in Future World, Kenai making me a Camp Minnie-Mickey “team captain” and having breakfast with Goofy and friends at Cape May Cafe were all very memorable experiences.



**************


Well, I guess that just about wraps things up. I was just remembering as I’ve been wrapping things up that the original title for my pre-trip was “3 WDW Trips in 6 Month- Can We Do It?”, and it seems that, yes we did indeed! These really were fantastic trips too, and I hope you enjoyed reading about them. Thank you to everyone out there who have been reading along and s special thanks to everyone who has responded along the way. I’m always so encouraged to know when you are enjoying my reports.


Now, concerning my next trip, I’m still trying to nail down some details, but once I do, I’ll likely be starting a new pre-trip, so you can keep an eye out for that. Until then, thanks again for reading everybody!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I was always skeptical of Yak N' Yeti but my lunch there in January was fantastic too. I will be going back for sure.

I loved French Quarter too. It is such a peaceful resort and the Princess and the Frog decorations were awesome.

Thanks again for a wonderful trip report(s)! I can't wait until you start another PTR.

 

[jenjolt]

I just loved the Top 7 lists!! What a great idea and the pictures SIMPLY WOWZERS!!! Love it!!!!

This was a great trip report and I am really looking forward to your next one!!!!

 

[wdwgirl03]

We did the Germany mission too and it was great. I agree that it is fun for any age.

Looking forward to your next PTR.

 

[dawnbu40]

So sorry to be at the end of your TR! Make sure you let us know when the ptr begins!

Your family has me convinced we need to try Yak and Yeti. That will go on our must try list!

I agree that Kim Possible is a great addition! It was a highlight of our trip in March and it really is fun for all ages!

Thanks for sharing your adventures and beautiful pics with us!

 

[meeko_33785]

I was always skeptical of Yak N' Yeti but my lunch there in January was fantastic too. I will be going back for sure.

I loved French Quarter too. It is such a peaceful resort and the Princess and the Frog decorations were awesome.

Thanks again for a wonderful trip report(s)! I can't wait until you start another PTR.

So true. You wouldn't think Yak & Yeti would be as good as it is, but we thought it was great! I'm sure we'll be back too.

Thanks so much for reading along. I've really enjoyed getting to chat with you here. See you later!

I just loved the Top 7 lists!! What a great idea and the pictures SIMPLY WOWZERS!!! Love it!!!!

This was a great trip report and I am really looking forward to your next one!!!!

Thanks so much Jen. I'm glad that you've enjoyed Top 7 and the report. It's been fun!

We did the Germany mission too and it was great. I agree that it is fun for any age.

Looking forward to your next PTR.

Thanks. Hopefully the PTR will start sooner than later. In the meantime, see you later over at your TR.

So sorry to be at the end of your TR! Make sure you let us know when the ptr begins!

Your family has me convinced we need to try Yak and Yeti. That will go on our must try list!

I agree that Kim Possible is a great addition! It was a highlight of our trip in March and it really is fun for all ages!

Thanks for sharing your adventures and beautiful pics with us!

If you try Yak & Yeti, I hope your experience will be just as great as our's was. And it sounds like I'm going to keep a look out for your Kim Possible review on your TR too.

Thank you for reading along. It's been a really great trip report, and I'm so appreciative for you and so many others that have followed along through all of these trips. If you like, I'll send you a PM to let you know when new PTR up. Until then, see you over at your TR.