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

[vamassey1]

Would take a miracle for it to be this year, I think.

That's so sad.

Did you see also that Art of Animation opening was pushed back to Nov 1. I wonder where they will move you?

I did see that and I got an email. I'm not rushing to call. My guess is we'll be moved to Pop now. I like Pop but was really looking forward to trying AOA for the first time.

 

[pkondz]

Did you see also that Art of Animation opening was pushed back to Nov 1. I wonder where they will move you?

Grand Floridian, outer building 2 bedroom suite club level.

 

[vamassey1]

Grand Floridian, outer building 2 bedroom suite club level.

Only in my dreams.

 

[vamassey1]

More changes to our October reservation. . . .

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

More changes to our October reservation. . . .

Hopefully good changes

 

[buzzrelly]

I was home for lunch while she was on the call so I went ahead and asked about our reservation for Movies. Since Movies is closed I needed to move my reservation. I was offered Pop or a Little Mermaid Room @ AOA. Both were "price protected" so no additional cost to me. I chose AOA since I've never stayed there. I'm looking forward to something new.

Awesome! I've never stayed there either!

I don't think it took her a full 24 hours to book a flight and purchase tickets so she could join us in Disney! GIRLS TRIP!

Yay! How fun!

Have you ever done this?

Allie did pick-a-pearl once and it was cute. We never felt the need to go back and honestly have no idea where that pearl necklace is now

We staked out our spot to wait for Papa Noel.

I wanted to see this in December but Allie got bored after a minute so we left. This is partly why I want to go back in December with Mike so badly…he loves stuff like this.

Danielle and I also got some Photo Pass Pictures.

Super cute

I thought the set up of Christopher Robin's room was really cute.

So adorable! I've never been in there!

We still never got a smile. I think he was a little suspicious of the giant bear.

Adorable

We got the news yesterday that our flights with Southwest in October were changed. We're not flying out until almost an hour later and arriving about an hour later.

Omg, ours changed too. Apparently there are no more non-stops from Hartford to Orlando on Southwest (I think there is one flight every Saturday).

Now we just need for the number for Covid to get better.

Exactly!!

More changes to our October reservation. . . .

Dun, dun, dun!

Can't wait to see what now. Isn't it cute how we all thought planning a trip to WDW was stressful before Covid?? I've been planning our October trip and not even certain it's going to happen or what else will change by then Although, I'm not even really stressed about it. It is what it is at this point.

 

[vamassey1]

Hopefully good changes

Some good, some bad, but mostly good.

Awesome! I've never stayed there either!

And now I can keep saying I've never stayed there since it won't be open when we go.

Yay! How fun!

We're all excited she is coming now. Started working on matching Disney bounding for 1 of our days last night.

I wanted to see this in December but Allie got bored after a minute so we left. This is partly why I want to go back in December with Mike so badly…he loves stuff like this.

That's a bummer. I still haven't found someone that "wants" to do these with me.

Super cute

Thank you!

Adorable

Thank you, I think so too.

Omg, ours changed too. Apparently there are no more non-stops from Hartford to Orlando on Southwest (I think there is one flight every Saturday).

Did your change for the better or worse?

Can't wait to see what now. Isn't it cute how we all thought planning a trip to WDW was stressful before Covid?? I've been planning our October trip and not even certain it's going to happen or what else will change by then Although, I'm not even really stressed about it. It is what it is at this point.

I'm not too stressed since it's such a short trip. I've enjoyed the excitement. It's making the time go faster.

 

[vamassey1]

October Trip Update

Thanks to all the uncertainty with everything, we have another change for our up coming trip. I saw the news on Monday that some resort openings had been changed and of course Art of Animations had been pushed back to November 1st. Later that day I got the official email that it would not be open when we were scheduled to be there. I was disappointed, we were looking forward to staying there for the first time but also a little excited. Where would be going next? I did not call right away to have it changed but sat back and read what I could on the boards to see what everyone else was doing. My resort stay started at Allstar Movies, a value resort and least expensive resort. Anything we might be changed to would be a step up, even Pop would be a step up. I did feel Pop would be a step down from AOA but still better than what I had actually paid for. Most people who had LM section of AOA were getting Pop or CBR. I was good with either of those but my main concern was getting Michelle added and it not costing me an additional $300. The more I though about it the madder I got. Why should I have to pay so much more? I'm perfectly ok with paying the normal up-charge for adding a third adult. If my reservation had stayed at Movies that would be all I would have to pay. It wasn't my doing that the reservation had to be moved. This was going to be our second move plus I had had a cancelled reservation in April. It had crossed my mind that if I could not get Michelle added without a huge increase I might cancel and go ahead and cancel my annual pass too. Most of the updates I had read on the resort changes were that the CMs were being as accommodating as possible to people who had already been moved at least once. The consensus was that the Guest Services number was the best number to call, regular reservation CMs were not able to help some that had already been moved before. Tuesday night I got a survey asking if I was still planning to come in October. I was also asked a lot of questions on what was important to me and what would influence me to cancel my reservation. I did fill in my complaint on the increase to add another adult. Wednesday morning I bit the bullet and called Guest Services. My call was answered by Trey right away. He was a really great CM and knew what he was doing. I started out by stating I had gotten the email and needed to see what needed to be done with my reservation. I also stated I had a problem with not being able to add my daughter without a huge increase in my price. I did not want to be placed in a resort that was going to make my price go up. I stated I was prepared to pay the additional charge for a third adult. He stopped me before I got too hot to tell me I should not have to pay for the going rate for adding another adult, only changing my dates would take away the price protection. I told him that wasn't what Abree told me on 7/20. That was my mistake, I should not have called the reservation change number. I should have called guest services. He pulled up our reservation and advised I was eligible for an upgrade. I'm thinking great, I'm going to get CBR. I was getting pretty excited, but he didn't say CBR. Can you guess what he did say? Keep in mind anything is better than Movies. No it wasn't Grand Floridian @pkondz. He said he could offer us a standard studio @ Animal Kingdom Village Kidani. Wait, what did you say? I didn't even ask if there was anything else. He had me at Animal Kingdom Village. He also said there would be a $100 egift card sent to me about 3 days before check in for our trouble. It just kept getting better and better. He added Michelle with no extra charge. Trey also said I could add another adult with no addition charge. I'm sorry we're not going to be on the skyliner but soooo excited to try AKV. This works even better with our last day plans to go to AK. Trey also updated our Magical Express due to our flight changes. Yes I did the survey and he got all 5s! We were all 3 on after I spread the news, everyone but Dennis. He's not happy with all our news but still says he wants to wait and go back when we can all go and do more.

I've been researching our new resort and rethinking our dinner plans on the Saturday night. I think we'll go to Sanaa instead of Beaches n' Cream.

 

[pkondz]

The consensus was that the Guest Services number was the best number to call, regular reservation CMs were not able to help some that had already been moved before.

Good info!

No it wasn't Grand Floridian @pkondz.

I tried! However...

He said he could offer us a standard studio @ Animal Kingdom Village Kidani.

How great is that?!?!?!? That's amazingly good news!

He also said there would be a $100 egift card sent to me about 3 days before check in for our trouble.

Cha-ching! It just gets better and better!

It just kept getting better and better. He added Michelle with no extra charge.

And better and better!

Trey also said I could add another adult with no addition charge.

Stupid border closure.... I'm positive you were going to invite me.


Positive.

everyone but Dennis. He's not happy with all our news but still says he wants to wait and go back when we can all go and do more.

Well.... There's a person I know who has been quite recently. He said it was one of the best trips ever. Very low crowds and very little waits. I think he said he rode FoP 3 times one day.

 

[vamassey1]

I tried! However...

What happened? How could you let me down?

How great is that?!?!?!? That's amazingly good news!

I thought so.

Cha-ching! It just gets better and better!

I think Disney just bought our meal at Sanaa.

And better and better!

Stupid border closure.... I'm positive you were going to invite me.


Positive.

Of course you're the first person we thought of!

We did put the offer out to my niece Chelsea.

Well.... There's a person I know who has been quite recently. He said it was one of the best trips ever. Very low crowds and very little waits. I think he said he rode FoP 3 times one day.

This is what I'm hoping for. I would love to just enjoy the parks and not be squished. The parks have really gotten crowded over the years. It kind of feels like a park reset.

 

[pkondz]

What happened? How could you let me down?

Coronavirus fault.

I think Disney just bought our meal at Sanaa.

Of course you're the first person we thought of!

We did put the offer out to my niece Chelsea.

Good second choice.

This is what I'm hoping for. I would love to just enjoy the parks and not be squished. The parks have really gotten crowded over the years. It kind of feels like a park reset.

Well, you’ll have to let us know!

 

[buzzrelly]

Sounds frustrating, but what an amazing upgrade! Congratulations on AKV! With the way your luck is going, maybe you'll get a Savanna view

 

[vamassey1]

Coronavirus fault.

It effects everything.

Good second choice.

Glad you approve.

Well, you’ll have to let us know!

I'm sure we will.

Sounds frustrating, but what an amazing upgrade! Congratulations on AKV! With the way your luck is going, maybe you'll get a Savanna view

Thank you! I'm very thankful for any upgrades. Savanna would be fabulous, but I'm happy just to be there.

Where will you be staying?

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Oh I'm so delighted for you! Fab upgrades and so exciting to try somewhere new. Is Denis really sure he doesn't want to go? I know we are reading some of the same trip reports and it sounds like the parks have been safe and organized with low wait times for available rides plus he's free (except flight of course)!!
I'm looking forward to your trip for us both-love the escapism TR provide right now!

 

[NancyLuvsMickey]

That's a great upgrade!!!

Maybe Dennis will want to do now that you're at AKL... He can just hang at the resort or the pool if he's worried about going to the parks...

What number did you call??? I always all 407-934-7639 and never have any luck with them...

 

[vamassey1]

Oh I'm so delighted for you! Fab upgrades and so exciting to try somewhere new. Is Denis really sure he doesn't want to go? I know we are reading some of the same trip reports and it sounds like the parks have been safe and organized with low wait times for available rides plus he's free (except flight of course)!!
I'm looking forward to your trip for us both-love the escapism TR provide right now!

Thank you! We're very excited too. We asked Dennis again if he wanted to go but he said no. He's not worried about being in the parks but wants to wait until we can all go together. We are looking at a Mardi Gras trip in February. I know he's going to wish he had gone when he sees how low the crowds are for us. We're going to keep posting on this trip and the next so we can all ESCAPE.

That's a great upgrade!!!

Thank you! We're really excited.

Maybe Dennis will want to do now that you're at AKL... He can just hang at the resort or the pool if he's worried about going to the parks...

He would love to stay at AKV but would not want to miss out on the parks. He also likes things to be like what he's use to so he doesn't want to visit until it more back to normal. He a creature of habit and doesn't like change. He likes to do everything like he did it before.

What number did you call??? I always all 407-934-7639 and never have any luck with them...

I used 407-939-7866. I hope it works for you.

 

[vamassey1]

Epcot Park Day 2-Sunday, December 15th-Epcot @ night
It was finally time for our dinner @ Coral Reef. We checked in, found some seats and waited to be called. I don't think we waited too long but long enough to people watch a little and observe a kid being a kid. While we were waiting a Dad was exiting the men's room with his son. They had gone in to tidy up and wash their hands before dinner. Mom was waiting outside for them. She asked if they had washed their hands and Dad confirmed. As they were walking from the restroom area, young son proceeded to run his hands along the textured wall. Of course both Mom and Dad voiced their frustration and young son was sent back to wash his hands again. At the time I chuckled at a kid being a kid but now an incident like this has so much more meaning and fear.

We were seated in the middle section at one of the curved tables. Dennis and Danielle positioned themselves at each end with John Paul and I on the inside. This ended up being a very good idea, Dennis was able to prevent JP escaping on his side while Danielle did the same on her side. This even worked when he tried to escape from under the table, which he did try a few times. We were using our dinning plan credits and ordered a kid's meal for JP out of pocket. While waiting for our meal we tried to keep him entertained. He didn't sleep through this meal so this was our first real test. On this day I was still packing around the backpack full of stuff to keep him busy, in the end just letting him watch videos on my phone was the best entertainment. This was the last time we carried that extra bag.

I started with a drink. I think this was the Magic Star Cocktail. I could be wrong but I do like fruity drinks and I though JP would like the glow cube.


I'm sorry but I don't remember what everyone had and while wrangling JP I didn't do a good job with the photos. I know I had the Seared Mahi Mahi. It was pretty good and very colorful.


My drink must have been pretty good cause it looks like most of it is gone.

John Paul didn't eat much of his meal which I expected. I mainly ordered because I know he would love the desert.

Does this not look good?


If you look closely you can see Buzz on the table and Danielle's desert.

John Paul digging in!



I think he really enjoyed it. Looks like Danielle made a happy plate with her desert.



Dinner here was just okay. The first time Dennis and I ate here it was really great in 2002. We've been a few time since them but he has never been up to that level again. JP and I had eaten here in 2018 so I really didn't care to come back but Dennis really wanted to eat here again. He's a creature of habit. Our waitress was just okay and ended up getting a little tiffed with us. I had told her I wanted to pay out of pocked for JP's meal and the tip with gift cards but she charged it back to the room. She was not happy when I asked her to correct it. Looking back most of our service at meals was just okay. I always felt the servers were over stressed and over worked. Disney had gotten too crowded and rushed. I'm really hoping that the time the parks were closed and the gradual opening will help give everything a reset. I know as Disney Worlds fans we all really miss the parks and are just happy to experience the Magic once again and not take for granted what we have all missed.

After dinner it was time to use our FP for Living with the Land and all it's holiday glory. I'm now going to over load you with some of the sights. I really think the lights add to the charm of the ride.








Continued in next post . . . .

 

[vamassey1]

And here is the reindeer all lit up.







After finishing the ride we debated staying for Epcot Forever but it was still an hour away. I had really wanted to see it since we hadn't seen it before but we were tired. We all decided to take a look around as we made our way back to the Skyliner.





One last look at the Christmas Tree all lit up.


I can not say enough how nice it was to take the Skyliner back to the resort. I'm really going to miss that next trip. I think this was the night that it was a little windy so that made us somewhat nervous to feel it swing a little.

Once we were back at Pop we made out nightly stop for fruit for John Paul in the morning. I also picked up an autograph book and pen for JP. I was hoping we have more luck with characters the next day. I also enjoyed using my annual pass discount.

Looking back on the day we didn't get near as much done as I had wanted. I really wanted to see more of the Christmas Story Tellers, we didn't even make it back to World Showcase to hear any of the Candlelight Processional and we didn't stay for Epcot Forever. We still had half a day in Epcot on Tuesday but we would not have any time for those things. My total steps that day was 23,112.

Up next is Magic Kingdom finally! Will the castle impress the 2 year old?

 

[buzzrelly]

I think he really enjoyed it. Looks like Danielle made a happy plate with her desert.

Yummy!

The first time Dennis and I ate here it was really great in 2002. We've been a few time since them but he has never been up to that level again.

We ate at Coral Reef once, back in 2006 and thought it was just okay. We've never been back since though someday we might just because it is kind of cute in there.

After dinner it was time to use our FP for Living with the Land and all it's holiday glory. I'm now going to over load you with some of the sights. I really think the lights add to the charm of the ride.

Omg, I LOVED that Holiday Overlay! Just you wait til I share the WHOLE video in my trip report!

We all decided to take a look around as we made our way back to the Skyliner.

Looks so pretty at night

Looking back on the day we didn't get near as much done as I had wanted. I really wanted to see more of the Christmas Story Tellers, we didn't even make it back to World Showcase to hear any of the Candlelight Processional and we didn't stay for Epcot Forever.

Same! That's why I need a dedicated, week-long Christmas trip in 2021

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I hear a lot of “just ok” reviews of Coral Reef which is a shame because I feel like it had the potential to be amazing with the aquarium in there. I love the Christmas overlay on living with the land. So so pretty . I didn’t know they did that but I’m definitely adding it to the list of things I want to do when we get to do a Christmas trip.
Denis sounds so like the men in my life- maybe it’s just a boy thing- they also like routines and dislike change