Escape From School to Crazy Christmas Crowds - A December 2017 Trip Report - Finished 5/20

[disneyAndi14]

The WL lobby is amazing and the Christmas tree photos with your family are so nice!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I texted my parents and told them to knock on the adjoining door in a few minutes. When it happened our boys didn’t know what to think, but we told them to answer it and they were super surprised and excited to see the grandparents. We hadn’t told them they were coming so it was a neat moment. Of course we failed to photograph it, I think DW was videoing, so sorry about that!

I love it!

Anyways, we got dressed and got to the bus stop at about 9:30 and waited about 10 minutes for a Magic Kingdom bus. DS1 wanted to wear his backpack.

That little blonde girl sitting in the stroller looks like she is wishing she had a backpack and could walk around. That or she was SUPER tired!

 

[cstorm65]

I love it!

DS5 said..."How did you get here?" It was a great moment!

That little blonde girl sitting in the stroller looks like she is wishing she had a backpack and could walk around. That or she was SUPER tired!

I never noticed that!

The WL lobby is amazing and the Christmas tree photos with your family are so nice!

It was great at Christmas. This was our first Christmas trip to experience it and it certainly did not disappoint.

 

[cstorm65]

Day 3 - Part 2 - “We Will Need Biscuits and Gravy for Everyone Else”

After a great photopass session in the lobby at Wilderness Lodge it was time to introduce my parents to one of our favorite restaurants at Walt Disney World...Whispering Canyon Cafe! We love this place, especially DW. The atmosphere is fun and entertaining, but the food at breakfast is always awesome! It is the one restaurant DW says we cannot skip on any trip. We check in at 10:28 for our 10:30 ADR and were seated by 10:30. The boys were ready for some yummy breakfast.

We were all getting the platter so it doesn’t take long to order here and before long our breakfast had arrived and it looked as great as always. Here was our platter:

Before the server had left the table DW asked for another plate of biscuits and gravy. I’m convinced she could survive solely on biscuits and gravy from Whispering Canyon. I think she told the waiter something like, “Can you bring more biscuits and gravy...we are going to need some for everyone else.” In other words what was on the platter was only enough for her. So the waiter came back and sat this in front of her:

Overall it was a great meal. We had a great time and my parents loved it. Unfortunately I didn’t get many pictures as we were just enjoying the time together, but it was a fantastic meal. The bacon and sausage were so good, which is one of my favorite things here. Also, the boys of course loved the mickey waffles. It is still one of our favorite restaurants, especially when talking about breakfast!

We headed out at about 11:30 and were going to take a boat back to the Magic Kingdom to catch a bus to All Star Sports. We caught the tree again.

We headed to the boat dock. We decided to go ahead and just spend our afternoon resting and at the pool so that was what we were headed back to do. We waited just a few minutes for a boat and then I got a ton of pictures of the ride. This was one of our most favorite things of staying at Wilderness Lodge was arriving at the Magic Kingdom by boat. So, I’ll just let you enjoy that:

Look at the camera son! haha

After the ride we were back at the Magic Kingdom, but only to head back to our resort. We will be back Magic Kingdom!

Up Next: “Wow, We Need to do That Again!”​

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

“Can you bring more biscuits and gravy...we are going to need some for everyone else.” In other words what was on the platter was only enough for her. So the waiter came back and sat this in front of her:

I love it! I feel like I might say that at Sanaa, we will need more naan for everyone else!

This picture makes me sooo excitied for our trip! I love the boat ride!

 

[cstorm65]

I love it! I feel like I might say that at Sanaa, we will need more naan for everyone else!

I hadn't thought of that, but yes, that is definitely another place for that. Oh that bread service!!! ahhhh

This picture makes me sooo excitied for our trip! I love the boat ride!

I know. We loved that about staying at Wilderness Lodge. It's just so relaxing and a fun way to travel!

 

[cstorm65]

Day 3 - Part 3 - “Wow, We Need to do That Again!”

We got back to the Magic Kingdom bus stop at around noon and a bus came pretty quickly to pick us up. DS5 wanted my dad to sit with him at the back of the bus.

We were back at All Star Sports at about 12:20 and wanted to rest a little bit.

My parents were tired after their late arrival and so we all thought we’d rest before heading to the parks this evening. DS5 did talk me and my Dad into swimming before he took a nap and we had a fun time in the baseball pool before coming back to our room to find this:

DS1 was out and before too long DS5 was fast asleep as well. We all napped for a bit and at about 3:30 we took the bus to Epcot. We weren’t planning on staying through IllumiNations tonight so it would be too late of the night. It was nice to be able to head to a park at 4:00 and it not be scorching hot like all of our summer trips! DS5 was ready to go:

We were walking into Epcot by 4:00 and we looked over and Daisy only had one family in line. DS5 said he didn’t want to meet her because she was a girl. Oh well, I took DS1 over and we had a fun time meeting Daisy while the others watched us.

We had a 4:20 Fastpass for Turtle Talk with Crush and must have just missed a show because we spent about 20 minutes waiting on the next show. The boys were entertained for a bit by the aquarium.

The wait ended up being terrible thought. They cram all of the people for the next show in the little room surrounded by aquariums, but it is so full of people you can’t move around and the boys got restless in there. Finally we were in the show at 4:40, but neither of the boys wanted to sit down front, so they stayed with us.

We were out around 5:00 and headed over for our next FP on Soarin’. I went first with DW and DS5 as my parents wanted to get a snack at the Sunshine Seasons, so they watched DS1.

We had a good ride, then DW went with my parents and DS5 again with the Child Swap we had gotten and my parents FP’s. I stayed with DS1 and I bet we got another snack! haha

When my Dad got off the ride I guess he said, “Wow, We need to do that again!” So, they really enjoyed the ride which was awesome! That’ll do it for now, but I’m going to post this next update right after this since it is pretty much a bunch of pictures of the Character Spot!

Up Next: Minnie, Let Me Sit On Your Leg​

 

[cstorm65]

Day 3 - Part 4 - Minnie, Let Me Sit On your Leg

We had just finished our Soarin’ FP and headed over to the Character Spot for our next FP at 6:15. We waited 25 minutes for this. This is still one of my least favorite things in all of Disney World because the FP waits are still incredibly long, but it is a great meet and greet as well! Anyway, we waited:

We finally made it up and got to see the three characters. I’ll just let you see the pictures here, but make sure you find the picture for the title of this updated where DS1 says, “Minnie, let me sit on your leg.” We were cracking up because he just sat down on her!

2 - MICKEY PICS

3 - GOOFY PICS

4 - MINNIE PICS

Despite the long wait, even with a FP this was a great meet. So, we were done with our three FP’s and things we well, but let’s see how we handle what was going to be some crazy Christmas crowds in the World Showcase during Festival of the Holidays.

Up Next: Us Vs. Christmas Crowds​

 

[DisneyDreamer810]

Long time lurker here - but always love reading your trip reports! You mentioned in a previous post that you had used your travel agent week over the summer - are you a Disney travel agent? I've always lurked into the idea of doing that, but haven't really asked anyone their experience of it.

 

[disneyAndi14]

Your sons look so happy at Epcot and especially during the Character meets. DS1 is surprisingly at ease with the characters. He has the cutest dimples when he smiles!

I’m glad your family time at Epcot, so far, has been so fun!

 

[cstorm65]

Long time lurker here - but always love reading your trip reports! You mentioned in a previous post that you had used your travel agent week over the summer - are you a Disney travel agent? I've always lurked into the idea of doing that, but haven't really asked anyone their experience of it.

I love it! I started about 8 years ago as an effort to bring in some extra income while we were starting the adoption process and it has become something I love doing for sure. I love helping people plan their perfect trip!!

Your sons look so happy at Epcot and especially during the Character meets. DS1 is surprisingly at ease with the characters. He has the cutest dimples when he smiles!

I’m glad your family time at Epcot, so far, has been so fun!

We have been lucky so far that both boys really enjoy meeting the characters. DS1 acts a little scared sometimes, but for the most part he is really good and enjoys meeting them!!

 

[DisneyDreamer810]

I love it! I started about 8 years ago as an effort to bring in some extra income while we were starting the adoption process and it has become something I love doing for sure. I love helping people plan their perfect trip!!

If you don’t mind me asking - how did you get into it? Where did you even start? Lol!

 

[Bama Mom]

Just caught up on your TR. I have to say both of your boys are adorable, but DS1 has a smile that just makes you want to smile back. I imagine he lights up a room when he smiles.

 

[chocolateMinnie]

Your sons are gorgeous. My DD was 21 months on our first trip (DS was 5) and although she can’t remember we have wonderful memories.
The weather looks great for December.
Never tried Whispering Canyon for breakfast but love it for dinner.
Looking forward to more.

 

[sommergirl25]

Hey! I’m late but just caught up! Love all of your reports! I can’t believe how big the boys have gotten! So special that the grandparents got to come along this trip. My parents came with us the first time for our Universal trip this last November! It was special for sure. I loved taking my dad to MK also for his first time!

How was the Houston airport? We are going in Sept and will be doing OKC to Houston (Hubby and I). We usually fly into Dallas then to Orlando. I’m nervous that it is bigger and our layover is so short. Pretty sure we land and take off for next flight is 40 minutes later.

 

[cstorm65]

If you don’t mind me asking - how did you get into it? Where did you even start? Lol!

Kind of just took a shot in the dark! Now I've got a couple of other agents that work with us and we just enjoy doing it! Not sure I can post much more about it here, but you can message me if you have other questions.

Just caught up on your TR. I have to say both of your boys are adorable, but DS1 has a smile that just makes you want to smile back. I imagine he lights up a room when he smiles.

He has such a great smile for sure!

Your sons are gorgeous. My DD was 21 months on our first trip (DS was 5) and although she can’t remember we have wonderful memories.

The memories are just as special...and we've found they remember more than you think they are!

The weather looks great for December.

This day that I'm on right now was actually pretty hot for December, but the rest of the trip was great!

Never tried Whispering Canyon for breakfast but love it for dinner.
Looking forward to more.

We are the opposite. We love it for breakfast so much we've never even tried it for lunch or dinner! We will in the future though!

Hey! I’m late but just caught up! Love all of your reports! I can’t believe how big the boys have gotten! So special that the grandparents got to come along this trip. My parents came with us the first time for our Universal trip this last November! It was special for sure. I loved taking my dad to MK also for his first time!

They are getting big! It was a great trip and great for both the boys and the grandparents!

How was the Houston airport? We are going in Sept and will be doing OKC to Houston (Hubby and I). We usually fly into Dallas then to Orlando. I’m nervous that it is bigger and our layover is so short. Pretty sure we land and take off for next flight is 40 minutes later.

I would always choose Houston Hobby over Dallas Love. I hate Dallas Love with a passion that can't be surpassed by any airport I've ever been in. Of course it's probably because I've been stranded there more than once due to flight delays. I find there is never anywhere to sit and the food selection is just not as good as other places. Also, if you are there after about 7 PM I've found almost everything to be shut down! Houston I find has many more options and is much more equipped for the large crowds Southwest brings. Sorry...that is probably more of an answer than you wanted!

 

[cstorm65]

Day 3 - Part 5 - Us Vs. Christmas Crowds

We had just finished our FP’s and the plan was to spend some time in the World Showcase to take in some of the festival of the holidays events. Let me just start by saying this wasn’t one of our best nights at Disney. The crowds were...thick and it was unseasonable hot for December. The rest of our week would be ok temperature wise, but today had just been hot and now it was steamy. You’ll be able to tell by my lack of pictures, especially lack of food pictures, that it wasn’t our best night! Haha

We started off with the Photopass stop behind Spaceship Earth and got some good pics.

Then the Epcot Christmas tree:

We headed into the Mexico side of the World Showcase and I quickly saw a food booth I wanted to try.

Unfortunately things were so hectic I didn’t even manage to take any food pictures. I tried the tostada, which isn’t on the menu anymore, but it was delicious. I also had down I tried the Brunsuela, which also isn’t on the menu anymore, so I don’t know anything about it. It was so hectic I didn’t even take many notes.

We spent a little time and I forgot we had a FP left to use at Frozen. I had rescheduled our Turtle talk one because we didn’t need it and was lucky enough to snag Frozen FP’s. Go figure that it was wall to wall people, but I got a Frozen FP day of...talk about something that doesn’t make sense! Anyway, we got over to Frozen and what do you know? It was closed. So that played into our frustration on this night along with the crowds, as the ride never opened again that evening.

Next up a stop in China for some more festival food.

Hey, I didn’t get any food pictures, but I got two menus so far, that’s got to count for something, right? Anyway, DS5 and I split the egg rolls here and they were delicious! Reminded me of the good ones you can get at Yak & Yeti Counter Service in Animal Kingdom.

We headed over towards Italy and began to notice even more how miserably crowded it was.

DW couldn’t find anything at the booths to eat as she is not real adventurous when it comes to food and she wanted chips and guacamole. So she went off in search of that and the plan was we would find my Dad something to eat and head back towards her and do the other half of World Showcase on another day. My mom had picked up a dish at the festival booth in Italy and loved it, although I have no idea what it was. I’m sorry...I was flustered on this night!

My Dad is kind of like DW and isn’t a real adventurous eater so he found something he wanted in Liberty Inn! In six other trips I had never been inside of that quick service location. He loved what he got. I remember it being a steak or something, which I don’t think is on the normal menu, but he loved it and raved about the mac ‘n cheese. I don’t think this is a place we would ever eat while we were in World Showcase, though, there is so much other good stuff.

We finished up getting him fed and headed back around and met up with DW in Mexico. We had either a FP or child swap pass to still use at Test Track, I don’t remember where we picked it up and didn’t take great notes, but DS5 loved designing his car!

And then he wanted to pose with his car:

Me, DW and DS5 did the ride. I must have worked our FP’s to where the three of us had one and my parents had Soarin’ earlier then we used a child swap for the rest of us or something like that.

It was about 8:45 as we finished and we headed out. Love this at night:

It wasn’t the perfect night and it was super crowded and hard to find something to eat due to the crowds, but we ended up doing some fun things and we got back and in bed at a decent time, around 9:30 for the boys. Tomorrow was going to be an early day at Hollywood Studios.

Up Next: “It Sure Pays Off to Get Here Early”​

 

[nmrgrl55]

​

I just finished your other TR and have really enjoyed reading along. Where does your wife get those Minnie dresses and shirts? I LOVE them!

 

[cstorm65]

I just finished your other TR and have really enjoyed reading along. Where does your wife get those Minnie dresses and shirts? I LOVE them!

Thanks for reading along. I think they are Lularoe...not sure if I spelled that right. She's asleep already! haha

 

[cstorm65]

Day 4 - Part 1 - “It Sure Pays Off to Get Here Early”

We were up bright and early the next morning and ready for our day! We were headed off to Hollywood Studios and were at the bus stop by 8:00 for a 9:00 opening. It wasn’t super early, but early enough for us. The boys were ready to go.

We waited about 15 minutes before a bus arrived and it was a charter bus, which take a little longer to load and unload than Disney buses, but at least we were moving.

We arrived at the park by 8:30 and after getting through security here was our spot in line.

They opened the gates almost immediately and let us onto Hollywood Boulevard, but soon enough we just saw this:

Of course the crowd was growing even longer behind us. Not sure why I have this picture in here, I’m pretty sure it is out of order since it’s not where we were until later in the morning, but I’ll go ahead and throw it in since I have it.

They started letting people go towards rides at 8:50 and we headed straight to Toy Story. My notes tell me were in the line by 8:55 and on the ride by 9:08.

I had to sit in a row by myself, but that was ok...I got to concentrate on scoring points.

I am by no means very good, but I was the best in our vehicle.

When we got out we saw the line for Toy Story was already backed up way down Pixar Place. It was going to be a crowded day. As we headed off to our next stop my Dad said, “Man, It sure does pay off to get here early.” Umm...yes, yes it does. That is why we get out of bed at Disney and then nap in the afternoon! Anyways, what was up next...maybe it was time for a tasty treat???

Up Next: Cream Cheese Pretzels...Yes, Again!​