A Jolly Holiday with Masseys: THE TRIP REPORT - WDW Dec2019

[vamassey1]

AK fill in.

Just a little I'm adding to Michelle's update.

But it looks like Dad went and took a bunch of scenic pics around Pandora.

Dennis took a ton of Pandora pictures but other than that I don't know what they did while they waited for us to ride FOP

Mom’ll have to tell you what they ate.

The receipt shows that Dennis had the Sicilian Pizza meal. Danielle and I had the chicken Caesar salad. We all shared the Lion King cupcake. I don't remember it being that great, but it sure was cute.

I just want to add how much I miss this show too. We had the best "Circle of Life" singer. She was the leader for our Warthog section so she was standing right in front of us when she sang. When she belted out the high notes Danielle and I went nuts clapping and she even acknowledge us. It was a great moment. I hope she comes back and I really hope it's back in early May when we're there, but to be honest it will most likely be latter.

It really does look like Dennis is offering him up to the animals below.

 

[vamassey1]

Lady... I'm a middle aged man. Of course I wear cargo shorts when I'm at Disney.

Dennis refused to wear cargo shorts until he had no choice but to wear them in Disney. He now swears by them for Disney trips. He needs the pockets for his 2 pairs of glasses.

 

[pkondz]

Dennis refused to wear cargo shorts until he had no choice but to wear them in Disney. He now swears by them for Disney trips. He needs the pockets for his 2 pairs of glasses.

Yup. I have either glasses or sunglasses on. The other is in the pocket.

We all shared the Lion King cupcake. I don't remember it being that great, but it sure was cute.

Yes it is!

We had the best "Circle of Life" singer. She was the leader for our Warthog section so she was standing right in front of us when she sang.

 

[Paulaparm]

All caught up. Loving all the pictures.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I literally just sent Gia a picture of Lilo and Stitch (her favorite) and it says "Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. Unless we're late for a fastpass, then BYE SUCKER."

I miss the baby phase but isn't kind of fun texting the prereens!

I think I miss that part of the planning and the assurance that we would ride something special. The crowds are low NOW but once things pick up more a year or two from now, fastpasses will need to be a necessity.

YES!!! Especially for new rides! The boarding groups is so stress full!!!

Great photo.

And when we went in September 2020, it had, like crazy eyes. Only one opened and it turned. It was kind of hilarious. But yeah it made him love hippos more. He is his own little person.

I love it. What kids latch on to is alwasy so random.

 

[Steppesister]

Hi Vanessa,

I was far too behind to multi-quote and engage as I like to, but your day at AK, everything about it, sounded like so much fun!! The smiles on JP's face, all of your mother-daughter photos, the Safari, show, rides, everything looked like it was just a blissful day. I love how Michelle loved FOP too! It's my favorite for sure! I've never been to Tusker, but would consider it for sure to get into the park early one day and have a nice leisurely breakfast to boot. It was fun to catch up here and see all your lovely photos!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

The new foottap is the text message. And my mom doesn't wait until you're "late" to start sending them.

Emm I may or may not be guilty of this

Seriously, this trip was all about them! Dad came up with this idea well over a year prior. and HE wanted to take JP, even if it was without me. And HE really showed up this trip. He was definitely our knight in shinning armour.

Your dad's relationship with Jp is just priceless. I think Grandas come into their own when their grandkids hit the proper toddler stage around 3yrs. My dad loved my kids from the moment they were born but when they started really chatting and developing their own personalities he and they were inseparable. My poor mum used to laugh and say the kids ran right past her to get to Granda until she mentioned jelly (jello) or treats. They were all Granny's kids then

This was John Paul testing the lighting for me. HAHA.

My sunglasses are prescription too. I have them on the strap and my regular glasses in the bag. I leave the sunglasses hanging and put on the regular glasses when I need them.

Snap! I do exactly this too

Man, I really hope fastpasses come back.

Me too. Even though it means a bit more planning I find it more relaxing on the actual park days knowing you've got at least some of your must-do attractions booked.

"Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. Unless we're late for a fastpass, then BYE SUCKER."

SO awesome we got to show all of this to JP.

You really did have an awesome day at AK. I love all the photos and JP is such a gorgeous wee boy. He looks like he really is taking it all in Love the Lion King show. Unbelievably talented performers!

Has anyone watched some of the AK shows on Disney+? They’re pretty fascinating.

I've been really enjoying these as has the 14year old. Those animals are so well cared for and loved by those that look after them. Fascinating show.

 

[PittypatBR]

WOW, what a roller coaster ride of a year and for the TR. I haven't been on the Dis in ages, so I was excited to see your names. I finally made it all the way through to this point, and you are still going strong! So sorry about Danielle's stint at Disney ending so quickly. My grandson was going to do a study abroad in Denmark last summer that got shut down before it began. And y'all had so many job issues, health issues, and everything else. I am just glad we are starting to see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel now. My husband and I have had our second shots so we can finally get back to spending time with the grandkids. I would so love to make another trip to WDW. I am having serious withdrawal. I was in Orlando for work a year ago in December and scheduled my trip home to give me a day at AK before I flew out. It really whetted my appetite for more! Looking forward to the rest of this multiple trips in one report!!

 

[buzzrelly]

So… sidenote… I AM SO EXCITED they’re making their way back into the park this summer. The show is amazing!! It makes me so happy to think that entertainment will be making a comeback. It’s like a small glimpse of hope is all the sadness in the world.

I am too! I love seeing all your pictures from FOTLK and I am so happy it's coming back!

 

[TheLittleKatie]

JP looks like he was having the best time at Festival of the Lion King and on the safari!! He's precious!!

And thanks for the recommendation of the AK shows on Disney+, I'm adding it to my watch list!

 

[vamassey1]

Yup. I have either glasses or sunglasses on. The other is in the pocket.

Great minds and middle age men.

All caught up. Loving all the pictures.

Thank you! Stay tuned for more.

YES!!! Especially for new rides! The boarding groups is so stress full!!!

I really hope Fast passes come back soon. I'm worried about Dennis in the heat and lines in May. He's a man of little patience.

Great photo.

Thank you!

Hi Vanessa,

Hi Leisa! Welcome back from your trip.

I was far too behind to multi-quote and engage as I like to, but your day at AK, everything about it, sounded like so much fun!! The smiles on JP's face, all of your mother-daughter photos, the Safari, show, rides, everything looked like it was just a blissful day. I love how Michelle loved FOP too! It's my favorite for sure! I've never been to Tusker, but would consider it for sure to get into the park early one day and have a nice leisurely breakfast to boot. It was fun to catch up here and see all your lovely photos!

No worries. I do know how much you love AK so I'm glad you made it back for our day here.

Snap! I do exactly this too

Great minds think alike!

WOW, what a roller coaster ride of a year and for the TR.

Hi Pat so glad you're back. It has been a roller coaster for all.

I haven't been on the Dis in ages, so I was excited to see your names.

I'm happy you found us.

So sorry about Danielle's stint at Disney ending so quickly.

Thank you, she's still morning it. She texts with her roommates every day.

My grandson was going to do a study abroad in Denmark last summer that got shut down before it began

So sorry for him too.

And y'all had so many job issues, health issues, and everything else. I am just glad we are starting to see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel now.

It is slowly getting better.

My husband and I have had our second shots so we can finally get back to spending time with the grandkids.

That's great. I plan on getting the shot when it's available for me.

I would so love to make another trip to WDW. I am having serious withdrawal. I was in Orlando for work a year ago in December and scheduled my trip home to give me a day at AK before I flew out. It really whetted my appetite for more! Looking forward to the rest of this multiple trips in one report!!

I hope you get there soon. I saw that the 2022 packages are out.


I see more comments to respond to but I want to give Michelle a chance to respond too. We're on our second ICE DAY, but it's melting. She is home with the kids, trying to work and she just lost her internet.

 

[vamassey1]

How is everyone doing?

I'm enjoying my 2nd ICE DAY. I know we over react here in the South, but a little ice or snow shuts things down. I really wanted snow, and lots of places around us got it but we got ice.








These were from yesterday and today. It's now melting so we should be back to normal tomorrow. Lots of people are without power and the interstates have been shut down, but hopefully those all get better for tomorrow. We have been blessed and have had no power issues. I could make it to work with no problems but I would be the only person there.

We received Mickey Mail on Saturday. I let Danielle open it.



It was our Magic Bands for May. I guess if you paying for them they don't make you wait until 30 days out anymore.


The Fantasmic band is for Danielle, the Snack band is for me and the Grumpy band is for Grumpy (Dennis).

We didn't do much for Valentine's Day since we were getting ready for our Ice Storm. I did pick up a decorate yourself cake from Sam's and we did got out to dinner that night. Good thing we went out then because very few places are open now.



Danielle did a good job on it.

Today is Mardi Gras but with no parades and everyone stuck at home due to weather and Covid it just doesn't seem real.


Onto more fun trip reporting.


Wednesday, December 18th- AK- Wanna Ride the Train?

After we finished Kilamanjaro we walked straight over to catch the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch. This had been down for awhile before our trip for some changes. We thought JP would enjoy the train ride and petting the animals. We also hoped there would be some animals inside too.

Waiting for the train.






We didn't wait long before we were loaded and on our way. I'm just going to go ahead and say we headed out there with high expectations for a toddler and were disappointed. It's just not the same. If you're interested in doing the animation class I'm sure it's great experience but for kids interested in animals it just isn't anymore. We did take some photo's and look around but it isn't something I would make time to do again with a toddler.



More photos. . .

 

[vamassey1]

What kid has NOT climbed on these elephants?


Passing by Rafiki.


And we're here.



I remember showing Danielle this hidden Mickey when she was little and taking her into the restrooms to hear the animal sounds.


They did have a colorful tree there to spread some Christmas Cheer.



We didn't stay long and were soon headed back to catch another train. John Paul was getting silly and tired by now. I played with him to keep him entertained while we waited for the train back. What kid doesn't like to be turned upside down or tickled?








Oh dear, you can really see how big my hair got on this day. The moisture in the air did a doozy to it. It started out as such an overcast day but did turn out really pretty.

I'm going to turn this back over to Michelle for the next update.

 

[LifeTheDisneyWay14]

The ice on the berries is so pretty! I used to live in North Carolina and how snowstorms were handled there was so different than here in NYC. Three inches if snow could cause a power outage/snow day!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

You are such a talented photographer Vanessa. Your icy photos are simply gorgeous❄ Sorry to her that Rafiki’s Planet Warch was disappointing. I would have thought it would be perfect for a toddler too but I also would have thought there were more opportunities to be up close and personal with the animals for little ones. The tree is beautiful so that’s something and train rides are always good to rest tired little legs but it doesn’t sound like it’s worth it unless you’re doing the animation class. It does look like a beautiful day in AK.
Isn’t it a strange world we inhabit right now where the days blend and celebrations cease to be met with the usual fanfare! Hopefully things will return to something more normal soon. I’ve had my first jab which really does give a sense of hope.

 

[Steppesister]

I'm enjoying my 2nd ICE DAY. I know we over react here in the South, but a little ice or snow shuts things down. I really wanted snow, and lots of places around us got it but we got ice.

We had SO much ice and it wreaked millions of dollars of destruction. HUGE trees, limbs and crap are all over cars and houses and there are many MANY still without power going on Day 6 now. I know so many co-workers and friends who lost al of their food. Grocery stores threw out all of their freezer and fridge food too. The last ice storm I remember of this magnitude was '96 when we had flooding from a major rainstorm follow it. I-5 was under 6 feet of water I remember and my kids were stranded up in Olympia for weeks until we could get them. I hope you guys are safe and warm- ice is no joke!!

I'd agree the Conservation Station is better for teens and adults. The Animation Class is super fun and I always try to do it and I LOVE seeing the procedures and exams they do there. Train rides never suck either!!

 

[pkondz]

Great minds and middle age men.

I'm enjoying my 2nd ICE DAY. I know we over react here in the South, but a little ice or snow shuts things down. I really wanted snow, and lots of places around us got it but we got ice.

How are you guys now?
I wouldn't say it's an overreaction when ice is involved.

But... pretty photo.

The Fantasmic band is for Danielle, the Snack band is for me and the Grumpy band is for Grumpy (Dennis).

Nice!

Danielle did a good job on it.

She sure did!

Today is Mardi Gras but with no parades and everyone stuck at home due to weather and Covid it just doesn't seem real.

I can only imagine. So sad.

Waiting for the train.

He looks like he was so patient.

How did I never notice the skull on the front????

I'm just going to go ahead and say we headed out there with high expectations for a toddler and were disappointed. It's just not the same. If you're interested in doing the animation class I'm sure it's great experience but for kids interested in animals it just isn't anymore.

Sorry that it was a disappointment. But... yeah, I can see how the animation class isn't really for littles.

What kid has NOT climbed on these elephants?

I've never seen that before!

oohhh... I like that one!

What kid doesn't like to be turned upside down or tickled?

All of them like it!

While I love this photo... the next two are wonderful.

Oh dear, you can really see how big my hair got on this day. The moisture in the air did a doozy to it.

Poof! Wish mine did that. First... I need hair.

 

[vamassey1]

The ice on the berries is so pretty!

Photo credit to Danielle. She took this with her new phone.

I used to live in North Carolina and how snowstorms were handled there was so different than here in NYC. Three inches if snow could cause a power outage/snow day!

We lived in Columbia, South Carolina for a few years and everything shut down there too for snow and ice.

 

[vamassey1]

You are such a talented photographer Vanessa. Your icy photos are simply gorgeous❄

I can't take credit for them all. Danielle took the berry photo with her new phone. It makes me really want to get the new IPhone before out trip.

Sorry to her that Rafiki’s Planet Warch was disappointing. I would have thought it would be perfect for a toddler too but I also would have thought there were more opportunities to be up close and personal with the animals for little ones.

The tree is beautiful so that’s something and train rides are always good to rest tired little legs but it doesn’t sound like it’s worth it unless you’re doing the animation class.

The train ride was nice, so we do have that. We may need to do the animation class in May since we will all be adults.

It does look like a beautiful day in AK.

It turned out to be a beautiful day!

Isn’t it a strange world we inhabit right now where the days blend and celebrations cease to be met with the usual fanfare! Hopefully things will return to something more normal soon. I’ve had my first jab which really does give a sense of hope.

I'm so glad you got your first jab! I hoping the vaccine helps all of us get back to normal in the not too distant future.

 

[vamassey1]

We had SO much ice and it wreaked millions of dollars of destruction. HUGE trees, limbs and crap are all over cars and houses and there are many MANY still without power going on Day 6 now. I know so many co-workers and friends who lost al of their food. Grocery stores threw out all of their freezer and fridge food too. The last ice storm I remember of this magnitude was '96 when we had flooding from a major rainstorm follow it. I-5 was under 6 feet of water I remember and my kids were stranded up in Olympia for weeks until we could get them. I hope you guys are safe and warm- ice is no joke!!

Oh dear! Such a strange year for weather. We still have many without power and Texas has it even worse.

I'd agree the Conservation Station is better for teens and adults. The Animation Class is super fun and I always try to do it and I LOVE seeing the procedures and exams they do there. Train rides never suck either!!

We may need to try the class since we will all be adults in May. I really miss the CMs being out with animals in the same area the class is now.