Awesome last minute trip - Saratoga Springs

[Disney Anna]

At the start of November, my uncle called out of the blue and asked if I wanted to accompany he and my aunt to a WDW trip during Thanksgiving week. Last year they had just bought into DVC. They were staying in a one bedroom unit at Saratoga Springs. They would take the bedroom and I could take the couch. Holey moley, WDW here I come!

Stayed in Congress Park Section of SSprings. This resort is beautiful. I loved it. Our room overlooked the water and Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island. It was just a very short walk to Downtown Disney. The main pool was great as was our quiet pool. The only scary thing was once at the main pool, they announced that everyone was to get out of the pool so they could conduct an unscheduled pool cleaning. I took that to mean that one of the many kids had pee'd or pooped in the pool. Gross. Thank goodness I hadn't been swimming.

Anyway, I arrived on Thanskgiving Day. Wonderful, non-crowded day to travel. When I arrived at National Emerald Isle to pick up my compact, the associate told me I could take any car I wanted as they were down to just a few. Woo hoo, free upgrade. I selected a 4-door Chevy Impala. It was awesome.

First night had Thanksgiving Dinner at Yachtsmen Steakhouse. Delicious. Spent that evening looking at holiday decorations. Beautiful.

Next day, went to Animal Kingdom. Jammed pack. I did ride EE, Kilimanjaro Safari, Dinosaur and explored some jungle trails. That took from 10 a.m. to approx. 1:30. Headed to DS to meet aunt and uncle. Tried to ride TOT and RR, but lines were long (2 hours) and no more fast passes. Had quick lunch and went through One Man's Dream. Then rode Great Movie Ride. That was it bc park so crowded. Oh, we did Narnia walk through. What a waste of time. Huge line for nothing. Did enjoy Osborne lights; first time I've seen, my aunt said it used to better in past. Enjoyed apple cider and roasted chestnuts.

Took Saturday off as I figured parks would be too swamped. Had relaxing day exploring WLodge, Ft. Wilderness, Contemporary, Poly and GF. Enjoyed all the special decorations. I swear, I could just ride that little boat btn the Lodge and Ft. W forever. One of my fave things to do.

Sunday was EPCOT day. Had wonderful time. Crowds very manageable. Had an awesome bratwurst in Germany.

Next day, aunt and uncle left. I switched to POR resort. Also went to Magic Kingdom. Absolutely no lines till about noon. Had a great time. Rode my fave ride, COP, twice. Saw SpectroMagic for first time and loved it. Had quiet night alone in resort.

Final day, enjoyed beautiful grounds of POR. Also had a delectable breakfast (Sweet Potato pancakes with honey pecan butter) at Boatwright's. Terrific. I think this is so much better than the food court. I've had breakfast there before and was not impressed. Long lines for just okay food. Was able to have great food at Boatwright's for only $12.

Spent rest of day going back to WL (my fave resort). Walked trail from WL to Ft. Wilderness. Beautiful. Weather was great. That afternoon, took off for airport.

All in all had a wonderful time. Can't wait to return.

 

[averill94]

What a nice trip! I wouldn't think of going "on" Thanksgiving day- what a great idea.

Thank you for sharing!

 

[Taratink]

It sounds like you had a great trip. I would love to stay at SS sometime.
Tara

 

[OhMari]

Nice to see a long time member post on the Trip reports board. Glad you had an awesome vacation.

 

[Disney Anna]

I did have a very nice trip. Part of it was that it was unexpected, no huge build up. I would have never have gone on Thanksgiving week. I wanted to fly out a few days earlier, but could get no flights. The only day open was Turkey Day. That was a real break bc it was a very easy day to fly. Plus, the best time to be at the world is after the holiday. Like I wrote, Friday and Saturday was packed. It was back to normal by Sunday and Monday was a dream.

Plus, it was great to go as a semi-solo trip. I've often considered going solo and this was a way to try it out. Flying by myself, renting a car by myself, touring the parks by myself some of the time and spending a nite in the hotel all alone. I do it all the time at Disneyland, but this was first time in Florida. I really think I'll do a solo trip in the future.