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

[vamassey1]

How's everyone's Sunday going? I'm taking it easy right now but did do lots of laundry and some cleaning.

I've talked with Danielle everyday so I'm hearing her highs and lows. She was off last Sunday & Monday. She finally spent some time working on her room last Sunday. Monday she went to Disney Springs with Mer & Mik. They enjoyed a meal at Splitsville then played mini golf @ Fantasia Gardens. Something I have never done. I'm so happy for them. I love seeing them getting out and doing things they missed last time. They have all been training or working since then so the playing has stopped. Danielle's first day of training was Tuesday. This was a general Epcot info tour. They had to wear business casual and spent the entire day outside walking around. She was not a happy camper after that day and she was really tired. They got their uniforms that day so they were allowed to wear them on the next day. That made things a lot more comfortable. I know we're all waiting for Disney to get some more CMs in the parks and open everything back up. They are really trying. The uniform Danielle got was not a true uniform due to a shortage. They are hiring and handing out uniforms left and right. She wasn't too pleased that she had to wear a pair of boys shorts. But the uniform is very comfortable.


They were given the full Food & Wine menu with pictures but she could and would not share. She was pretty excited about the offerings. She informed us that CPs doing Festival Booths have 3 positions. They take orders, call out orders of pour the drinks if they pass their alcohol test. They do not mix drinks so if a drink you got was very strong on the top or bottom know it's because they can't mix them. I know next time I'll try to stir mine up before I take a sip. Her first true working/training shift in a booth was Citrus and she really liked it but when she was trying to get to work I got the negative texts since she could not find a parking space in the cast parking. She has since taken the bus since most of her shifts are in the afternoon and until close. Working the later shift makes it hard to find parking since the earlier shift has already claimed them. Wednesday she worked Outpost and learned how to make hot dogs. This was also a booth was totally indoors so much cooler. Not every CP working Festival Booths gets trained on Outpost. When Flower & Garden ends they will be sent to where ever they are needed until Food & Wine starts. If you're trained on Outpost you can actually be assigned there during the deployment. This is the same for Refreshment Port. Danielle was not trained for Refreshment Port so won't be scheduled there. You need fry training to work there. They were also told they can pick up shifts at most CS places in the bubble. Her training for seater at CRT is still showing so she can pick up shifts there too. Right now they being keep very busy and don't have much time to pick up any extra shift but it's nice to know she has so many options. Her actual birthday was Friday and she worked a very long shift but had a good day. One of her roommates made her cookies which was really nice. I think she worked one of the booths in the Showcase Plaza on Friday. Last night she was back in the Outpost and worked extra late so she caught the HEA testing from Epcot. She was real excited about that. Today she is working the Magnolia booth which is Louisiana food. I'm interested in her take on that. She has been trying lots of the food from the different booths. She's off Monday, Tuesday and Friday this week. She, Mer & Mik are going to MK tomorrow and AK on Friday. I know they are so excited to be back in the parks. Her roommate she matched with is moving in tomorrow so she had plans to spend Tuesday with her. Her roommate was sent home in 2020 too and worked the monorail on the Epcot line. She is gong to be doing monorail again. I really hope she is back on the Epcot line because that would mean one more thing opening up.

I promised pictures of Danielle's completed room. It's kind of hard to tell from the pictures but it's a long small room, it's not very wide.

 

[Steppesister]

This was going to be a first for everyone including John Paul

Firsts are the BEST!!!

The CM worked with him and worked with him but in the end he just didn't quite make it.

He was devastated and did what any toddler would do, he pitched a fit.

I could tell from the photo... Such a bummer.

I had been really looking forward to this ride but since we had split up it took some of the fun out of it for me.

Well, poop. That'd bum me out too.

I can't believe I'm going to share this horrible picture but anything for the report.

we were placed, not seated in an alcove with a standing bar.

Gross. Almost as bad as when Kari and I were put standing at the very edge of the bar squished with NO roon.

the bill it was for over $200

Dennis since he refuses to go back. I might try for a seating in September but I'm not sure I want to do this alone either.

What are your Sept dates?

then played mini golf @ Fantasia Gardens.

How did you like this? I'd love to do this someday.

They got their uniforms that day so they were allowed to wear them on the next day. That made things a lot more comfortable.

I can see that! Yikes!

Oh my!! But honestly, I think it's cute!

They were given the full Food & Wine menu with pictures but she could and would not share.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO wish she could share!

They do not mix drinks so if a drink you got was very strong on the top or bottom know it's because they can't mix them.

Ok! THAT is good information! Who knew! I always wondered why they taste so... unmixed.

I got the negative texts since she could not find a parking space in the cast parking.

Parking has been an issue since *I* started in 1986!

They were also told they can pick up shifts at most CS places in the bubble.

NICE!!!!

Her training for seater at CRT is still showing so she can pick up shifts there too.

That's fantastic!!

worked extra late so she caught the HEA testing from Epcot.

Signs of brighter times! Such happiness!

 

[vamassey1]

I could tell from the photo... Such a bummer.

It really was.

Gross. Almost as bad as when Kari and I were put standing at the very edge of the bar squished with NO roon.

Did you go back and have a better experience?

What are your Sept dates?

I'm going over Labor Day Weekend. I have to plan my trips around paid holidays or I'll run short of time too soon. I'm going September 4-8. I wish I could be there for the 50th but not enough time.

How did you like this? I'd love to do this someday.

They had a really good time until it started pouring on them, luckily they were at the last hole.

Oh my!! But honestly, I think it's cute!

I think she did really good.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO wish she could share!

Me tooo! But she's a ruler follower.

Signs of brighter times! Such happiness!

Everyday something changes for the good. I told Dennis today it just hit me that I will get to see HEA and Epcot Forever when I go in September.

 

[Steppesister]

Did you go back and have a better experience?

No, I've only been to DLR and WDW Oga's once each. Someday....

I'm going over Labor Day Weekend. I have to plan my trips around paid holidays or I'll run short of time too soon. I'm going September 4-8. I wish I could be there for the 50th but not enough time.

I totally understand that! I guess we'll have to wait until retirement!

They had a really good time until it started pouring on them, luckily they were at the last hole.

Everyday something changes for the good. I told Dennis today it just hit me that I will get to see HEA and Epcot Forever when I go in September.

Oh I think you will. At least that's what reports are saying.

 

[PittypatBR]

So glad Danielle is getting settled in. I think her room is really cute, and as for the uniform, she would look cute in a muumuu or overalls! It is a lot of fun keeping up with her activities - thanks for sharing!

 

[pkondz]

How's everyone's Sunday going? I'm taking it easy right now but did do lots of laundry and some cleaning.

Painful. Hurt my back a couple days ago and still recovering. Add that to cleaning and vacuuming and it wasn't the best morning. Afternoon was better, though.

They enjoyed a meal at Splitsville then played mini golf @ Fantasia Gardens.

Some day I'll get out to the mini-golf courses.

I love seeing them getting out and doing things they missed last time.

They had to wear business casual and spent the entire day outside walking around. She was not a happy camper after that day and she was really tired.

Welcome to the workforce.

She wasn't too pleased that she had to wear a pair of boys shorts.

I guess not!

Can tell she's thrilled.

She was pretty excited about the offerings.

Good!!

They take orders, call out orders of pour the drinks if they pass their alcohol test.

Last one to pass out passes the test?

They do not mix drinks so if a drink you got was very strong on the top or bottom know it's because they can't mix them. I know next time I'll try to stir mine up before I take a sip.

Huh. Had no idea.

Her actual birthday was Friday

Happy belated birthday Danielle!

One of her roommates made her cookies which was really nice.

Awww.

I really hope she is back on the Epcot line because that would mean one more thing opening up.

That would be great!

 

[vamassey1]

No, I've only been to DLR and WDW Oga's once each. Someday....

I have faith you'll make there again.

I totally understand that! I guess we'll have to wait until retirement!

I don't see retirement for me anytime in the future.

 

[vamassey1]

So glad Danielle is getting settled in. I think her room is really cute, and as for the uniform, she would look cute in a muumuu or overalls! It is a lot of fun keeping up with her activities - thanks for sharing!

Thank you! I wasn't sure if anyone would be interested in her program but it is nice to get some different perspective on how Disney is running.

 

[vamassey1]

Painful. Hurt my back a couple days ago and still recovering. Add that to cleaning and vacuuming and it wasn't the best morning. Afternoon was better, though.

I'm sorry to hear that. I was vacuuming yesterday too. My bad was not inflamed but I have done it in the past. I hope you start to heal.

Some day I'll get out to the mini-golf courses.

Me too. I looks like a fun night time activity.

Welcome to the workforce.

This program is about growing up and adulting.

Last one to pass out passes the test?

She did work with another CP that has not passed the test the other night.

Since she works as a server here at home she actually has her liquor license for the state of Louisiana. That required a test too.

Happy belated birthday Danielle!

Thank you! Even though she wasn't home she did get to celebrate lots of different small celebrations. We did a family dinner the night before she left and she has had small celebrations with friends and roommates. And what could be better than to be in Disney for your birthday?

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

They do not mix drinks so if a drink you got was very strong on the top or bottom know it's because they can't mix them.

Why can't they mix them? That is weird.. Explains ALOT!

She looks good still!

Last night she was back in the Outpost and worked extra late so she caught the HEA testing from Epcot. She was real excited about that.

NICE!!! That is pretty cool.

She is gong to be doing monorail again. I really hope she is back on the Epcot line because that would mean one more thing opening up.

I mean they have to! There are so many more people now.

 

[pkondz]

I'm sorry to hear that. I was vacuuming yesterday too. My bad was not inflamed but I have done it in the past. I hope you start to heal.

Feeling better today than yesterday.

Me too. I looks like a fun night time activity.

Oh! I hadn't even thought of doing it at night.

This program is about growing up and adulting.

She did work with another CP that has not passed the test the other night.

Ouch. That must have been disappointing for her friend.

Since she works as a server here at home she actually has her liquor license for the state of Louisiana. That required a test too.

Ah! A distinct advantage.

Thank you! Even though she wasn't home she did get to celebrate lots of different small celebrations. We did a family dinner the night before she left and she has had small celebrations with friends and roommates. And what could be better than to be in Disney for your birthday?

Sounds like she got to celebrate a fair bit, then.

 

[vamassey1]

Feeling better today than yesterday.

That good to hear. I hope you continue to improve and don't slide back.

Oh! I hadn't even thought of doing it at night.

It's so hot during the day. I think the passes given with the resort packages are only for the daytime.

 

[pkondz]

That good to hear. I hope you continue to improve and don't slide back.

Don't say "back"!!!

It's so hot during the day. I think the passes given with the resort packages are only for the daytime.

Ohhh...

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

It's great to hear Danielle is settling in and having some fun as well as working. We loved the minigolf even though it was a hot July day! Still a fun break from the parks. Love hearing all the details of the college program especially since it's not something I will ever get to do. Danielle's uniform selfie made me laugh just because her expression is priceless. She looks great boy shorts and all!

 

[vamassey1]

It's great to hear Danielle is settling in and having some fun as well as working.

She has been having fun but still has her moments when she complains, but she really is trying to make the most of it.

We loved the minigolf even though it was a hot July day!

I want to do this so bad but would rather try it at night because of the heat.

. Love hearing all the details of the college program especially since it's not something I will ever get to do.

I'm loving the details too for the same reason and because I miss her too.

Danielle's uniform selfie made me laugh just because her expression is priceless. She looks great boy shorts and all!

Thank you! I'm glad she can laugh at herself.

 

[Steppesister]

I have faith you'll make there again.

I hope so!

I don't see retirement for me anytime in the future.

Nor I.

 

[vamassey1]

DHS- Thursday, December 19-Moving Right Along

After we finished with Oga's we had to hightail it across the park to use our last FP for Beauty and the Beast. This really is a big family favorite and we hate to miss it. I really hope it comes back soon. We had waited to see it for when Michelle could be with us. We didn't take any photos since we were sitting so far back. I think we missed the FP seating area due to being so late. No worries we still enjoyed the show and John Paul was entranced.


This was the 4:00 show so we were out by 4:30. We had a little bit of time before our 5 dinner ADR so we took some PP pictures. I really love the Holiday frames and extras for the pictures.


Our dinner plans for the night was Minnie's Holiday Dine with the Fantasmic package. We had not eaten at Hollywood and Vine since our family trip in 2007. I remember the food selections just being ok so I didn't have high hopes. We booked it for this trip so John Paul get meet the Fab 5 in their Holiday finery. We checked in and waited to be called.



I snapped a few more pictures of the decoration and we also got a few more PP while we waited.







When we were called in the first thing we did was meet Santa Goofy and take more pictures. John Paul did really good with handing over his autograph book but he was not too trilled with having his picture taken. He did much better when we did a group photo. I was really happy to get a picture with Santa Goofy since Dennis and I had never had one. The girls got pictures with in way back in 2002.






After we were seated we took turns going up for our first plates of food. We actually had time to eat before the characters started coming around. The biggest joke was what all the adults brought back as their first plate. We all had the exact same things. Salad, Boiled Shrimp and Crab Claws. Enjoy the one and only picture of food I took for the night.


I'm sorry but I have to stop here. When I come back I'll share Mickey and Friends in their Holiday finest.

 

[pkondz]

I really hope it comes back soon.

They seem to keep adding back more and more as the days and weeks pass. I sure hope that trend continues!

John Paul was entranced.

Looks like!

Very nice family shot.

Our dinner plans for the night was Minnie's Holiday Dine

Never heard of that!

We had not eaten at Hollywood and Vine since our family trip in 2007.

I have never eaten there, because...

I remember the food selections just being ok

...because when I first came on the DIS, Hollywood & Vine was one of the worst places to eat.
Perhaps things have changed, though? Looking forward to your thoughts on the rest of the meal.

Really like this!

The biggest joke was what all the adults brought back as their first plate. We all had the exact same things. Salad, Boiled Shrimp and Crab Claws.

But of course! Gotta go with the more expensive goodies.

 

[Steppesister]

Haven't seen BatB in a LONG time. Loooooong time. The kids were a lot younger and I remember dying laughing at Gaston's muscles shirt falling off. It was hilarious!

Not done H&V either. Guess it always had such a horrible reputation that I never bothered. Plus our crew has only ever one exactly ONE character meal- one and done for us (Akershus in 2000).

 

[vamassey1]

Nor I.

I feel you.