Girls Trip Take 2 - Labor Day Weekend 2021, Christmas 2021 and July 2024 Trips

[pkondz]

The first week of June she admitted she was having second thoughts but she had to make sure staying was an option. I've always said if something is meant to happen you won't have to force it. Keeping her job and finding the right place for her and her friends fell right into place. She officially stated she was staying last week. I had to break it to Dennis and Michelle that she was thinking of staying.

How did they take it?

 

[vamassey1]

How did they take it?

They were both surprised. I think Michelle was the most disappointed but we all agree it the best things for her.

 

[pkondz]

They were both surprised. I think Michelle was the most disappointed but we all agree it the best things for her.

I can understand the disapointment... but happy for Danielle.

 

[vamassey1]

Thursday, December 2, 2021-Epcot-Celebrating the Holidays

Today was our last park day. The plan was to spend the day in Epcot enjoying the Holiday festivities and food. We originally had an ADR for Biergarten but cancelled that when I got a last minute Coral Reef Candlelight package. We had never done the Candlelight Processional and when our trip dates got cancelled there was nothing available. Disney released some packages for Coral Reef right before we went. I was not thrilled with eating at Coral Reef but I did want the package. I reserved a package for 4, Danielle would be bringing a friend. Since it was the Candlelight package we had to eat at an off time. I think the ADR was for 3 or so. I was so excited. Guess who our narrator was? Jodi Benson (Ariel)! I could not wait.

We wanted to get some festival food and hopefully see some entertainment. I know we had already been in Epcot a few times, but today we would be here all day.

The hours for Epcot were still weird. The park didn't open until 11 and closed at 10. We did have early entry for 10:30 a.m.

Danielle had worked the night before so she stayed at her apartment. The plan was to sleep in a little, grab some breakfast at Music's food court and meet at the park entrance. I had my AP but Dennis couldn't enter without Danielle. She had been using her earned guest passes for him on this trip. The CPs earn 3 passes for a certain number of hours worked. They are sometimes referred to as Chip n Dales. They don't expire for 2 years but the CP or CM have to be employed when they are used.

Dennis and I did enjoy a shared breakfast of Mickey waffles, bacon and sausage cause you can't stay at a Disney resort and NOT get Mickey waffles. He also got a bacon and cheese bagel.





It was a beautiful morning.



We ate and caught a bus to Epcot in plenty of time to make it to Epcot before 10:30. Well we got there and we waited, and waited and waited. I could enter the park but Dennis needed Danielle. She and her friend N were driving and they were not in any hurry. I still don't know who was the lollygagger but if it was N, he was not making a good first impression. We had had pretty good luck getting Danielle out the door early in morning everyday but this day. I will say she is now impossible to get out the door early. Before she worked for Disney she was my rope drop buddy, but not anymore.

We finally walked past SE at 11:43 am.


I know we stopped so I could get Olaf's Scavenger Hunt.

Danielle and N had not had breakfast so we stopped at the Donut Box so they could get the Pumpkin Cake Donut and the Holiday Donut. I got the AP Gingerbread Milkshake because Danielle wanted some. They enjoyed their donuts and the milkshake was good but I thought it was too sweet. We did not finish it, but I do still have the cup.






It was about this time that I got a call from Michelle. The first thing she said was "Don't freak out". The first thought I had was she was in labor. Remember she was very pregnant with Dominic and due to induce on December 8th, it was now the 2nd. Well, she was at the hospital and thought she was in labor but it ended up being false labor but we didn't find that out for a few hours. Dominic did wait and was born on the 8th. That was a close call.

After all the sweets and anxiety we needed some carbonation so we went to the newly reopened Club Cool. We tried the different colas and everyone knew not to try the Beverly. I think Dennis broke down and got a frozen Coke too. Here is your first look at N.





Danielle and N were "friends" for several months. They met working in Epcot during their programs. It did not end well but it was another learning experience for her.

It was now time to enter World Showcase.


Continued in next post.

 

[vamassey1]

We passed the Christmas Tree as we headed to the Left. We don't always go left but most of the time we do.



We hit Mexico and just the right time for the Las Posadas Celebration.



This was our first time seeing this and we really enjoyed it. I loved all the poinsettia's and the story.




I forgot to look for Olaf but remembered when we got to Norway.



It wasn't time for the Mischievous Magical Barn Santa yet so we went to China to find Olaf there. We didn't catch the Lion Dancer either. I have yet to see it.





I'm going to stop now and share the Barn Santa in my next update.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Emm I can sense your frustration having to wait for Danielle to get Denis into Epcot. Sounds like she’s better off without N as first impressions tend to be the right ones in my experience.
I’m excited for all the Christmas festivities in your report. Love that each country showcases their traditions.

 

[vamassey1]

Emm I can send your frustration having to wait for Danielle to get Denis into Epcot. Sounds like she’s better off without N as first impressions tend to be the right ones in my experience.

It took her awhile but she eventually let this one go.

I’m excited for all the Christmas festivities in your report. Love that each country showcases their traditions.

This is what I was really looking forward to seeing. We didn't see near as many as I would have liked.

 

[piglet1979]

Your day of going to different parks at night sounds really neat and a lot of fun.

Yay! for Danielle on deciding to stay at Disney. Sounds like it was the right choice.. We were going through something similar with Nick in May. He held everything in until he couldn't any longer and finally told us he was overwhelmed and stressed with the end of the school year stuff and deciding the rest of his life. He really wanted to go to a certain college but it just didn't work out money wise. They wanted him to take out over $100,000 in loans to be teacher and never be able to pay that back. After he finally opened up we talked about his options and he decided to stay home and go to the college in our city. He is excited about it now but to get to that was rough.

 

[vamassey1]

Your day of going to different parks at night sounds really neat and a lot of fun.

We enjoyed our little adventure.

Yay! for Danielle on deciding to stay at Disney. Sounds like it was the right choice.. We were going through something similar with Nick in May. He held everything in until he couldn't any longer and finally told us he was overwhelmed and stressed with the end of the school year stuff and deciding the rest of his life. He really wanted to go to a certain college but it just didn't work out money wise. They wanted him to take out over $100,000 in loans to be teacher and never be able to pay that back. After he finally opened up we talked about his options and he decided to stay home and go to the college in our city. He is excited about it now but to get to that was rough.

Danielle had a really rough time when she was finishing college and didn't know what she wanted to do next.

I found it was harder for our son than the 2 girls to decide what to do after high school. It's jus so stressful. I glad you son has worked it out.

 

[pkondz]

Today was our last park day.

Too soon! Too soon!

We originally had an ADR for Biergarten but cancelled that when I got a last minute Coral Reef Candlelight package.

I didn't know it had one.

We had never done the Candlelight Processional

I haven't done it either. No big surprise. I've only been twice during that season. First time there was only the one park. 2nd time I hadn't heard of it.

Guess who our narrator was? Jodi Benson (Ariel)!

Cool!

The CPs earn 3 passes for a certain number of hours worked. They are sometimes referred to as Chip n Dales.

Like the name.

you can't stay at a Disney resort and NOT get Mickey waffles.

Um... er...
Well... you can...

I could enter the park but Dennis needed Danielle. She and her friend N were driving and they were not in any hurry.

Get your butts in gear, kiddos!

I still don't know who was the lollygagger but if it was N, he was not making a good first impression.

Oh dear...
I suppose it doesn't matter now.

Danielle and N had not had breakfast so we stopped at the Donut Box so they could get the Pumpkin Cake Donut and the Holiday Donut.

Breakfast of champions.

I got the AP Gingerbread Milkshake because Danielle wanted some. They enjoyed their donuts and the milkshake was good but I thought it was too sweet.

Hmm... I'd try that. Wonder if I'd have the same reaction?

This looks like a hole on a putting green.

And this one looks like it's got its arms crossed in defiance of being eaten.

It was about this time that I got a call from Michelle. The first thing she said was "Don't freak out". The first thought I had was she was in labor. Remember she was very pregnant with Dominic and due to induce on December 8th, it was now the 2nd. Well, she was at the hospital and thought she was in labor but it ended up being false labor but we didn't find that out for a few hours. Dominic did wait and was born on the 8th. That was a close call.

Phew!

Danielle and N were "friends" for several months. They met working in Epcot during their programs. It did not end well but it was another learning experience for her.

Sorry it didn't end well, but... it happens.

We don't always go left but most of the time we do.

I usually do... but don't really have a preference.

Cute.

It wasn't time for the Mischievous Magical Barn Santa

Very curious to read what this is!

 

[amazingact21]

What a change for Danielle! I remember how exasperated she was feeling back in April when we talked with her, but it sounds like she had to make a really mature and adult decision. I have nothing but admiration for her for looking at the situation and seeing that financially and professionally, staying in the current career is the best move. I hope having her own space helps!
And definitely good that you renewed that AP!

I love your evening of taking various Disney transportation. That sounds so relaxing and fun. And since my kids are firmly in the age of "we have to do all the rides and stay in the parks as much as possible" the idea of meandering around with my DH sounds lovely.

 

[vamassey1]

Too soon! Too soon!

Always!

I haven't done it either. No big surprise. I've only been twice during that season. First time there was only the one park. 2nd time I hadn't heard of it.

Something else to add to your list!

Um... er...
Well... you can...

Well, I sure can't.

Hmm... I'd try that. Wonder if I'd have the same reaction?

Do you like really sweet drinks?

This looks like a hole on a putting green.

You're right it does.

And this one looks like it's got its arms crossed in defiance of being eaten.

Another accurate observation.

 

[vamassey1]

What a change for Danielle! I remember how exasperated she was feeling back in April when we talked with her, but it sounds like she had to make a really mature and adult decision. I have nothing but admiration for her for looking at the situation and seeing that financially and professionally, staying in the current career is the best move.

I know, you heard it from the horse's mouth. I'm glad it wasn't a rash decision.

I hope having her own space helps!
And definitely good that you renewed that AP!

I hope it helps too. We'll see if she ends up being too loney.

I love your evening of taking various Disney transportation. That sounds so relaxing and fun. And since my kids are firmly in the age of "we have to do all the rides and stay in the parks as much as possible" the idea of meandering around with my DH sounds lovely.

It was a great couple's evening.

 

[pkondz]

Something else to add to your list!

I just did!

Well, I sure can't.

Fair point.

Do you like really sweet drinks?

 

[vamassey1]

If you like sweet than you would like the Gingerbread drink.

 

[vamassey1]

The Girls' Birthday Trip has now come to a close. Michelle made it home today safe and sound. Her boys were very happy to see their Mom and to all be back together again.

Michelle said they had a really good visit. They did lots of different interesting things and only went into the parks on Sunday and Monday. They did not get to do the Tianna's Bayou Adventure CM preview on Monday. Danielle received notice last week that due to the issues with the ride all previews for salaried CMs were cancelled. They will be given a LL for the ride for all tickets they hold that will be available starting August 1st through December 20th. They are blocked out of MK until August 1st. This was very disappointing but didn't ruin their visit. I'm so happy they got some valuable sisters time in. Michelle really enjoyed the changes in Epcot and can't wait for the boys to all experience The Journey of Water and the new Encanto show in Epcot. She was finally able to see the new scenes in Fantasmic even though it ended early due to lightning.

Based on Michelle's visit she wants to cancel the Fantasmic Dinner package. They were able to enter the theater about 20 minutes before the show started and still get ok seats. She and Dennis were the ones pushing for the package, Danielle and I just wanted to eat at Mama Melrose's. So, I should be cancelling Prime Time and Chef Mickey's.

Now I'm researching and worried about yesterday's announcement on the change from Genie + to LL Multi Pass. The change is going to happen in the middle of our trip on the day we're checking into AOA. We'll be doing Genie + on Monday and Tuesday and LL Multi Pass on Thursday and Friday. The worst part is we can't make our LL Multi Pass selections until the 24th and not the 7 days out. I'm sure it's going to be a mess with everyone trying to make their selections on the 24th for everyone already there and those with trips coming up. We won't even get to watch and observe since we'll be the Guinea Pigs. Should be interesting. Based on what I've seen it sounds a lot like FP+ but with a cost.

I haven't even started packing for my quick trip to go help Danielle move. I'm flying out Saturday night and back on Wednesday afternoon. Dennis has made us big plans for the 4th. He has always wanted to do the special package offered at Tsunami's downtown LSU Museum of Art & Tsunami Downtown Celebration so we're finally going to do it. I did seriously think about staying through the 4th, but I don't want to disappoint Dennis. He has really been on a kick to do things we've never done, especially experiences.

Does anyone else have any 4th of July plans?

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I loved seeing the girls photos from their trip on fb/insta. They look like they had a blast even if they didn’t get to ride Tiana’s.
Sounds like Denis has planned a great Independence Day celebration for you. Enjoy yourselves.

The new multi pass thing sounds like paid fastpass though without the stacking ability. At least now you have your annual pass you know you’ll always have a future trip to hit up anything you miss this time around

 

[vamassey1]

I loved seeing the girls photos from their trip on fb/insta. They look like they had a blast even if they didn’t get to ride Tiana’s.
Sounds like Denis has planned a great Independence Day celebration for you. Enjoy yourselves.

I enjoyed the pictures too. They also sent me ones throughout the days.

The new multi pass thing sounds like paid fastpass though without the stacking ability. At least now you have your annual pass you know you’ll always have a future trip to hit up anything you miss this time around

I just saw today that my favorite Fantasyland ride, Peter Pan will be closed when we go. I'm going to need another trip to make up for that.

 

[disneyAndi14]

I’m sorry you all will be the Guinea pigs for the Multipass aka old FP+.
We know as Disney vets it could be a sh** show. Hopefully it won’t since it is an old system with a new name so the technology is there.
This July 4th will be quiet for us, kids have plans and with it being a Thursday we decided to have a rest day, lol
Joe and I will BBQ and just hang out at home.
Have a wonderful trip with Danielle

 

[pkondz]

The Girls' Birthday Trip has now come to a close. Michelle made it home today safe and sound.

I saw some of that on IG. Looked like they had a wonderful time.

They did not get to do the Tianna's Bayou Adventure CM preview on Monday.

Oh, too bad.

Danielle received notice last week that due to the issues with the ride all previews for salaried CMs were cancelled.

I wasn't aware there were issues?

I'm so happy they got some valuable sisters time in.

We'll be doing Genie + on Monday and Tuesday and LL Multi Pass on Thursday and Friday.

Fun times...

I'm sure it's going to be a mess with everyone trying to make their selections on the 24th for everyone already there and those with trips coming up.

Oh, no. I'm positive it will go smoothly. Disney IT never has problems.

Ever.

I'm flying out Saturday night

Oh! Tomorrow! Have a safe trip and good luck with the move!

He has always wanted to do the special package offered at Tsunami's downtown LSU Museum of Art & Tsunami Downtown Celebration so we're finally going to do it.

So I take it, it's rooftop dining and fireworks viewing, yes?

Does anyone else have any 4th of July plans?

Um...