Christmas in Disney...There's Magic All Around

[Tinkaboo]

Think of the Alabama song, "Christmas in Dixie", substitute Disney and make up your own words...

This was a kinda weird trip for me, being postponed from Dapper Day and these were the only three days that the Candy Cane had open. I arrived on Sunday, Dec. 14 and left on the following Wednesday. Normally I arrive on Saturday and there is an early flight so I get in about 9:30 and am in the park by 11. Well, Sunday only has a flight that arrives about 11 so I didnt get to park until early PM. Had a 3:00 rezzie at RDZ for Fantasmic.

First thing was to shop, or rather, attempt to shop. Had 3 things on my list: Gingerbread plushie ears, MK sweatshirt and the Gus Gus shoulder plushie. MAYBE the Santa Mickey plush and plush keychain. NOTHING, NADA, ZIP. "You should have been here in October", one CM said. VERY DISAPPOINTING.

Since I have so many food issues, eating at RDZ is a challenge. Honestly, I wish they would switch back to Hungry Bear cause I can do a burger. The chef was accommodating and we made it work.

After that, it was back to CCI to unpack and change for the night. Took shuttle back to park, hit ROTR and Buzz before scoring the gingerbread cookies at Harbor Galley for Fantasmic.

I honestly debated about doing it this trip but I really wanted a place to watch fireworks and to see if the show had improved since summer. It hasn't and I will forego in the future. I posted my thoughts on the Fantasmic thread so no need to repeat here.

After FW, faced the massive exodus and caught shuttle home.

I did not think the park was overly crowded...just typical Christmas crowd.

More to come....

PS- forgot this! While cruising by Bibbidi on my way to RDZ, I ran into this sweet lady...she reminded me to be home by midnight

 

[Tinkaboo]

Monday...

Up early and off I go...who do I run into first but Donald! Signed my book and grabbed a pic, then off to the tree for more pics. After that, off to FL to do my morning round.

The rest of the day was spent with my friends I met on my visit in September. We just happened to be sitting close at one of my fave hangouts in CA and started chatting. We ended up talking for two hours! It was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. We had breakfast at Red Rose and visited a bit then headed off on our adventure. Went to check out Santa at Fantasyland hoping to see Jiminy Cricket but alas, he was not there that day. Rode Casey Jr., saw Rapunzel's Tower, then off to Frontierland. Lo and Behold, the Columbia was sailing! Haven't ever been on it! Explored the lower level where all the quarters are, the galley, it was very cool. Up on deck, we were stationed right by the cannon that they fire. That was really a fun experience.

We headed over to CA to visit Santa at Redwood area, he's an awesome guy! We had to wait quite awhile as Santa was off feeding the reindeer but it was worth it.

After that, we visited for a bit, were going to draw characters but I was getting tired so we said our goodbyes until next time.

I headed back to CCI, stopping to get Subway and shop at my fave little store in the same little strip mall. I have visited this shop for years, they sell LF backpacks and hoodies and I scored a great deal on a Donald Duck crossbody. Take that, Disney!

Ended up crashing for night, watched the Rangers-Ducks game (Ducks won) then some Holiday Baking Championship and drifted off to a wonderful sleep.

PS- This was my Dapper Day outfit that I didn't get to wear LOL.

 

[Tinkaboo]

Tuesday...

Again, up early, caught shuttle with my buddy James who has been at the Candy Cane forever. Did my usual FL rounds, then off for frap and beignets. Did some pics at the castle, shopped but again, not finding anything I really loved. Did HMH, first time this trip as I did it in September too.

After my nap and packing, it was off to CA for Webslingers and cruise through AC. Ran into Ant-Man with Wasp so grabbed a pic. There was no one around.

Zipped back to DL for parade, managed to grab a spot between Coke Corner and the hub, right across from Plaza Inn. Parade is always a joy. Grabbed fried chicken dinner right after, managed to beat the crowd.

Back to CA to CarsLand, wow! So beautiful with all the neon combined with Christmas lights! The photos simply don't do it justice. Rode RSR (after dark, of course) then said goodbye to Monsters. I don't care if some people think its lame, I love it.

Back to DL for fireworks. Went back to my new fave place I found at IASW and the sweetest mom and daughters shared the bench with me. We ended up having a great convo about hockey and sports in general. Most pleasant. Fireworks were most strange...marine layer moving in up at altitude and they were very soft and diffused...I had never seen that and quite liked it. i def prefer the projections on a hard surface like IASW over the water screens at ROA. And of course, it snoaped....

Off to shuttle and sleep.
Wednesday was just a quick couple hours as I had to catch Uber to airport. Flight home was HORRIBLE once we hit the Rockies...very turbulent due to all wind we have been experiencing. Reminded me how I hate flying later in day so I changed my flight home to the early morning one next trip.

@Pluto468, I didn't keep it as short as I thought I would but here you go!

 

[Pluto468]

@Pluto468, I didn't keep it as short as I thought I would but here you go!

@Tinkaboo - I'm glad you didn't keep it short! It sounds like an awesome trip and I LOVE your dapper Day outfit. That sweater is fabulous.

It's too bad they were out of so many things you wanted to buy, though.

What is your new favorite place near IASW? I'll have to look into it. I'm glad people shared their bench with you

You got so many great photos, I especially love the one of you with the trolley.

On my last trip I went on the Columbia for the first time in probably 20 years. It's so cool downstairs! We didn't realize that the cannon near the bow is live and my daughter was leaning on it. The CM made an announcement to keep clear of the cannon!

It's so cool you met the Fairy Godmother, I've always wanted to meet her but so far I've only seen her from afar.

Thanks for taking the time to write about your trip

 

[Tinkaboo]

The Fairy Godmother just started making appearances around BBB, there was a CM with her and she went in the little adjacent shop where the carriage is where they take pics. I had just missed her and then the CM told her I was waiting and she came back out. So check out that area next tine!

My fave place is a little alcove behind where the reserved seats are. You are on the upper level.

I know...Columbia is SO COOL! Really enjoyed that.

Looking forward to my January trip as I will be wearing pants the whole trip...no skirts this trip. PLUS..I was finally able to score my LF Grail bag...the Cars Flo bag, which was a World 1-1Games exclusive. I can't wait to carry it! Got a CarsLand hoodie and leggings...gonna be fun!

When is your next trip? Last I read, you're thinking of Dapper Day in April? Wish they were having more SW Nights as last year, they started earlier in April and if they did, maybe I could do both but alas, only 4 dates this year. Not sure which I am going to try for.

Thanks for reading my report! Happy Holidays and hope your New Year is filled with Disney!

 

[BriannaRuth]

So cool that you were able to meet the Fairy Godmother! I'd never seen her in the parks before, but we were in line at Maurice's Treats one day and saw her walking back inside. Weren't able to greet her or get a picture, though. Your outfits look awesome, as always. You look so festive! Although I don't see how you weren't freezing in that skirt! I was cold all week and I was wearing jeans and a jacket the whole time.

I enjoyed seeing your photos. My daughters never want to wait in line to get the photos done by the Disney photographers. Yours are great!

 

[Tinkaboo]

Yes, I was really thrilled to see her, too! I'd never seen her before.
I was also happy to see Donald.
I just wish I could have seen Jiminy. But, as always, I am thankful for all the Disney magic that comes my way.

Thank you both, @BriannaRuth and @Pluto468 for the compliments on my outfits..y'all make an old lady feel good!

 

[irlandaise]

Such cute outfits!

 

[Pluto468]

Looking forward to my January trip as I will be wearing pants the whole trip...no skirts this trip. PLUS..I was finally able to score my LF Grail bag...the Cars Flo bag, which was a World 1-1Games exclusive. I can't wait to carry it! Got a CarsLand hoodie and leggings...gonna be fun!

When is your next trip? Last I read, you're thinking of Dapper Day in April? Wish they were having more SW Nights as last year, they started earlier in April and if they did, maybe I could do both but alas, only 4 dates this year. Not sure which I am going to try for.

Thanks for reading my report! Happy Holidays and hope your New Year is filled with Disney!

Yes, hopefully April Dapper Days! I already have my dress, but your talk of pants makes me want to rethink my outfit lol. It would be nice to be cozy the whole time. I'm so glad you found that bag, it's adorable.

Happy Holidays to you, too!

 

[CandyMouse]

Great trip report and cute outfits! Sounds like a fun trip!

 

[Tinkaboo]

Yes, hopefully April Dapper Days! I already have my dress, but your talk of pants makes me want to rethink my outfit lol. It would be nice to be cozy the whole time. I'm so glad you found that bag, it's adorable.

Happy Holidays to you, too!

Is it your Pluto skirt outfit? You should definitely wear that! Disney Store had Pluto backpack on sale this week...

 

[Pluto468]

Is it your Pluto skirt outfit? You should definitely wear that! Disney Store had Pluto backpack on sale this week...

My Pluto skirt is Christmas themed so I don't think I'll wear that, but I am tempted! I'll have to check out the backpack! Thanks for the heads up

For spring I'm torn between just Dapper or Disney bound Dapper. I love my dress but I'm not sure how I could tie it in to the park or a character.

 

[Tinkaboo]

Well, whichever way you go...we want pics!