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

[vamassey1]

No matter what, it's got to be better than walls!

So much better and so pretty.

But it's a good tired, isn't it?

The best kind of tired.

 

[disneyAndi14]

I thought about you while I was at Universal!
I hope you had a wonderful time. It was really hot our first night at HHN. It was almost midnight and still felt like 92 and the humidity had returned in full force!!

 

[vamassey1]

I thought about you while I was at Universal!

And I thought about you while we were at Universal.

I hope you had a wonderful time. It was really hot our first night at HHN. It was almost midnight and still felt like 92 and the humidity had returned in full force!!

The days seemed to get hotter as we went and the humidity worse. It really zapped my stamina. I'm use to heat and humidity but now being outside all day.

 

[vamassey1]

Well, I've been back from Disney since September 13th, but I've been trying to get caught back up on life in general.

I really enjoyed my Girl's Trip, but it left me exhausted. I think it was a combination of being really busy and the heat. We've had really bad heat here in Baton Rouge, but I try to stay indoors.

We only made it to 2 parks in WDW and we spent a day between Universal & IOA. I really enjoyed my time on the Dark Side, but I only scratched the surface. I will try to go back in the future. I loved the Harry Potter areas, but they were the most crowded areas. I only rode a few rides due to only having a bit of time there. We did not make it to rope drop and the parks closed at 7.

Loved the MNSSHP! We did not do everything, but I did most of the highlights I wanted, and we closed the park down.

I enjoyed my stay at Club Wyndam. The condo had so much space compared to a hotel room. The only real downside was not being able to use the Disney transportation. We spent a lot of time in MK so having to park then take a ferry or monorail was time consuming.

I did spend some time with Danielle and her friends too and they also hung out with my Girl's trip friends. We made Ralphie and honorary Girl's Trip member.

I won't be doing a trip report in the future for this trip due to so many other people were included, and I want to respect their privacy.

We are looking forward to our Christmas Trip in 83 more sleeps. This is a very short trip to see Danielle at Christmas time. We'll only be there 4 nights, only doing 2 parks and we're bringing John Paul. The main things we want to do is see MK with decorations and do the Candlelight Processional since I had to cancel it last year. I originally had Riverside booked with an AP discount, but Danielle booked us in under her CM 50% off discount. We could save about $200 with her discount, but instead we went with another resort and it's actually going to cost us about $750 more. Fuzy Disney Math at it's finest. We booked Wilderness Lodge! It will be our first stay there and I'm so excited! This is a dream resort for me. I'll be doing lots or research to see what we want to be sure and do while there. Geyser Point is at the top of our list so far. Any suggestions?

We're still possibly looking at Mardi Gras week with Michelle, Jimmy and all 4 kids. Dennis is not happy with turning around and going back so soon, so we'll see.

 

[Paulaparm]

Glad you had a good time! I love Wilderness Lodge! My only advice is to make sure you give yourself time to enjoy the Lodge and pools.

 

[pkondz]

Well, I've been back from Disney since September 13th, but I've been trying to get caught back up on life in general.

I prefer to think of it as you're doing stuff to get caught back up to going back to WDW.

I really enjoyed my Girl's Trip, but it left me exhausted. I think it was a combination of being really busy and the heat. We've had really bad heat here in Baton Rouge, but I try to stay indoors.

Stay cool! Literally!

I loved the Harry Potter areas, but they were the most crowded areas.

Very popular part of the parks for sure.

Loved the MNSSHP!

I enjoyed my stay at Club Wyndam. The condo had so much space compared to a hotel room. The only real downside was not being able to use the Disney transportation. We spent a lot of time in MK so having to park then take a ferry or monorail was time consuming.

One reason I like staying on site. I'll sacrifice a little money and a little space to be in the bubble.

We made Ralphie and honorary Girl's Trip member.

I won't be doing a trip report in the future for this trip due to so many other people were included, and I want to respect their privacy.

Poop. But I understand.

do the Candlelight Processional since I had to cancel it last year.

Never done that. I've been there once during the times they have the Candlelight Processional, but it wasn't on my radar then. Well, technically I've been twice during the season, but the first time, Epcot didn't exist.

I originally had Riverside booked with an AP discount, but Danielle booked us in under her CM 50% off discount.

Nice!

We could save about $200 with her discount, but instead we went with another resort and it's actually going to cost us about $750 more. Fuzy Disney Math at it's finest.

We booked Wilderness Lodge! It will be our first stay there and I'm so excited!

Wonderful! I'm sure you'll love it.

 

[suse66]

We took a much needed break and didn't rush to get back to the park. My break usually includes a quick bath and a change of clothes. The heat just is too much to stay in the same outfit. I don't usually get any true rest but I feel so much better and refreshed.

I agree! I feel so much better after a shower and fresh clothes!

The first room is lots of big items like what was removed from the parks or other Disney property, icons and stuff. The next room had tons of stuff and some food and refrigerated items. When we went the merch was mostly stuff left over from the Cruise lines when they closed for Covid. I didn't get much but Michelle found something to take home for the kids and Jimmy. They also give the CM and AP discount. I would really like to go back again.

I'd love to go there as I know they sometimes have the Dress Shoppe dresses and the Dooney and Bourke bags.

We were in Liberty Square so of course our next stop had to be Haunted Mansion. The area was crowded and it looked like we might have a long wait but it ended up being less that 20 minutes.

Love HM!!

When we got off the ride we were greeted with the rain that had been building. We made the best of it and threw on our ponchos.

That sky did look pretty ominous!

We only made it to 2 parks in WDW and we spent a day between Universal & IOA. I really enjoyed my time on the Dark Side, but I only scratched the surface. I will try to go back in the future. I loved the Harry Potter areas, but they were the most crowded areas. I only rode a few rides due to only having a bit of time there. We did not make it to rope drop and the parks closed at 7.

Universal closed at 7:00 in September? That's pretty early!

Loved the MNSSHP! We did not do everything, but I did most of the highlights I wanted, and we closed the park down.

What did you do for costumes this time?

We are looking forward to our Christmas Trip in 83 more sleeps. This is a very short trip to see Danielle at Christmas time. We'll only be there 4 nights, only doing 2 parks and we're bringing John Paul. The main things we want to do is see MK with decorations and do the Candlelight Processional since I had to cancel it last year. I originally had Riverside booked with an AP discount, but Danielle booked us in under her CM 50% off discount. We could save about $200 with her discount, but instead we went with another resort and it's actually going to cost us about $750 more. Fuzy Disney Math at it's finest. We booked Wilderness Lodge! It will be our first stay there and I'm so excited! This is a dream resort for me. I'll be doing lots or research to see what we want to be sure and do while there. Geyser Point is at the top of our list so far. Any suggestions?

Yay!!!! The best ever....of course Geyser Point, check out the Carolwood Pacific room in the Boulder Ridge building, have coffee in the morning by the secret fireplace on the 4th floor, go Hidden Mickey hunting through the resort, walk the paths down by the cabins, take the free Lodge tour (offered every morning at 9:00), watch the Electric Water Pageant, watch fireworks from GP. It's the best and I am SO excited you are staying there!!

 

[amazingact21]

I'm glad you enjoyed your time in Universal! The WWoHP can definitely get really crowded. If you ever go back, I'd say get to Diagon Alley right at park open. It's usually empty and you can enjoy the surroundings before the mob of people arrive.


Hooray for Wilderness Lodge!!!! I'm so excited for you. And getting to see it at Christmas...
Try and walk around the resort if you can. I love, love, love strolling from the boat launch to the Copper Creek cabins. When you're on those pathways it doesn't even feel like you're in the Disney area.

 

[vamassey1]

Glad you had a good time! I love Wilderness Lodge! My only advice is to make sure you give yourself time to enjoy the Lodge and pools.

Thank you!
I'm so excited about Wilderness Lodge! We plan to stay in for the first night. Dennis' first inclination is always go to DS, but he's willing to stay put on this trip. We also have a non park day in between our 2 park days.

 

[vamassey1]

I prefer to think of it as you're doing stuff to get caught back up to going back to WDW.

This time around it is. My turn around isn't very long.

One reason I like staying on site. I'll sacrifice a little money and a little space to be in the bubble.

We prefer onsite too but I wasn't going to turn down Disney time.

Never done that. I've been there once during the times they have the Candlelight Processional, but it wasn't on my radar then. Well, technically I've been twice during the season, but the first time, Epcot didn't exist.

You need to do this! I really brings the true meaning of Christmas to your stay.

I knew you would understand.

Wonderful! I'm sure you'll love it.

I think we will!

 

[vamassey1]

I'd love to go there as I know they sometimes have the Dress Shoppe dresses and the Dooney and Bourke bags.

I didn't know that. Danielle went to the AP sale once it opened for cast members and she picked up her first Donne and Bourke.

Universal closed at 7:00 in September? That's pretty early!

I thought so too.

What did you do for costumes this time?

No costumes this time too hot. Danielle and Ralphie did dress. My friends and I had matching shirts with shorts. We represented the Sanderson Sisters.

Yay!!!! The best ever....of course Geyser Point, check out the Carolwood Pacific room in the Boulder Ridge building, have coffee in the morning by the secret fireplace on the 4th floor, go Hidden Mickey hunting through the resort, walk the paths down by the cabins, take the free Lodge tour (offered every morning at 9:00), watch the Electric Water Pageant, watch fireworks from GP. It's the best and I am SO excited you are staying there!!

Geyser Point is a must for our 1st night. Thanks for all the other suggestions I added them to my list. I think JP would love to see the trains. We have a rest day between our 2 park days so hopefully we will get to do some of these.

Thank you for sharing in my excitement!

 

[vamassey1]

I'm glad you enjoyed your time in Universal! The WWoHP can definitely get really crowded. If you ever go back, I'd say get to Diagon Alley right at park open. It's usually empty and you can enjoy the surroundings before the mob of people arrive.

My group needed so extra rest so we didn't make rope drop, maybe next time. I really would like to slow down and really look.

Hooray for Wilderness Lodge!!!! I'm so excited for you. And getting to see it at Christmas...
Try and walk around the resort if you can. I love, love, love strolling from the boat launch to the Copper Creek cabins. When you're on those pathways it doesn't even feel like you're in the Disney area.

I knew you would appreciate my excitement about Wilderness Lodge at Christmas.

Another vote to walk around the cabins. Will we see any wildlife?

 

[pkondz]

This time around it is. My turn around isn't very long.

As it should be.

We prefer onsite too but I wasn't going to turn down Disney time.

Onsite + Disney > Offsite + Disney > No Disney

You need to do this! I really brings the true meaning of Christmas to your stay.

Maybe some day.

I knew you would understand.

 

[vamassey1]

Monday, September 6, 2021- Adventure is Out There

It's past time to get this report back on track. I'm very sorry for the delay but life has been busy.

Today was our Animal Kingdom Day. The park opened at 8 and we were shooting for rope drop but didn't quite make it. This was back before the park opened early for Resort guests so we were just going to have the fight the crowds. Since we were staying so close to AK we elected to drive to the park. Danielle was also going to be leaving early since she had to work so having her car there would save her time. Disney housing for CPs is very close to AK and the All Star Resorts.

Before we headed out we took some adventure pictures. Who knew Movies would have such great vegetation. I think Leah and Michelle had a little too much fun doing this.



We did make it to the parking lot line by 8:01 am.



We were walking up to the turnstiles by 8:15 am, not too bad.



The crowds weren't really too bad either.

Danielle and Michelle took care of renting Michelle a wheelchair for the day and then headed to Creature Comforts for caffeine. Danielle still swears going up the hill towards the Tree was the hardest pushing she did the entire trip. Creature Comforts was empty when the y got there, this is not something I think we'll ever see again.


They supplemented their Starbucks with some fruit and a Pretzel from the Harambe Fruit Market. I think Michelle was going for the salty/sweet mix.



Leah and I followed everyone else to Flight of Passage. This would be a first for Leah. The only choice was standby. I will say there are some lovely sights to see while waiting in the standby line. We ended up waiting about 45 minutes.






Leah loved it!!

We were hungry so we headed to Creature Comforts for some breakfast sandwiches and caffeine. Sorry but I didn't get any food photos. I did get a photo of the lights.



Up next. . . The Return of the King.

 

[pkondz]

I'm very sorry for the delay but life has been busy.

The park opened at 8 and we were shooting for rope drop but didn't quite make it.

This was back before the park opened early for Resort guests so we were just going to have the fight the crowds.

I didn't know they'd stopped early entry. Huh.
Now if they can just bring back the hour long early entry...

Disney housing for CPs is very close to AK and the All Star Resorts.

I did not know that.

I think Leah and Michelle had a little too much fun doing this.

Yes, they did!

The crowds weren't really too bad either.

That's good. Especially considering no early entry.

Danielle still swears going up the hill towards the Tree was the hardest pushing she did the entire trip.

And yet Michelle says she didn't find it difficult at all.

Creature Comforts was empty when the y got there, this is not something I think we'll ever see again.

It looks closed!

I will say there are some lovely sights to see while waiting in the standby line.

One of the only (if not the only) standby lines I've never seen.

Leah loved it!!

Great! It always makes me sad when people don't enjoy it due to nausea. It's such a great ride.

We were hungry so we headed to Creature Comforts for some breakfast sandwiches and caffeine. Sorry but I didn't get any food photos.

Meh. I've seen Starbucks food.

 

[amazingact21]

Who knew Movies would have such great vegetation.

These are great. I wouldn't have guessed they were taken at the resort.

Danielle still swears going up the hill towards the Tree was the hardest pushing she did the entire trip.

I can imagine. I hated pushing a stroller up that hill, I'm sure a wheelchair was tough.


Glad Leah enjoyed FOP. A 45 minute standby isn't too bad. (I say having endured 80 minutes for my kids... )

A near-empty Starbucks at park opening is such a wild thought. Like you said, probably the first and only time they'll see it that way.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

You girls are so funny. Love the adventure poses . That’s the first time I’ve seen an empty anything at AK. So glad you photographed it to jog the memory in years to come as it’s likely a once in a lifetime thing
Glad FOP was a success!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I’m glad you enjoyed checking out the dark side! Harry Potter world is amazing but usually always crowded!
I hope you really enjoy the WL! It is a great resort!
Get the Huckleberry Punch at GP, so delicious
What are your dates?
Susan and I are traveling together 12/7-12/11. I’m so excited! We are staying at The Towers at CSR!
Andi thought pushing me at AK was the worst! She said I never usually sweat and I was dripping, lol

 

[vamassey1]

It's a good thing I like Sean Astin.

I didn't know they'd stopped early entry. Huh.
Now if they can just bring back the hour long early entry...

When the parks first opened there was no Resort early entry. The did tend to open the parks a little early to prevent crowds gathering.

And yet Michelle says she didn't find it difficult at all.

She might have commented that the pushing was going really slow.

One of the only (if not the only) standby lines I've never seen.

So much to see. We rode it on opening day at opening. I remember trying to see everything but missing so much since the line was moving.

Great! It always makes me sad when people don't enjoy it due to nausea. It's such a great ride.

It's a great experience.

 

[vamassey1]

These are great. I wouldn't have guessed they were taken at the resort.

We were surprised too. I guess it's vegetation found in Florida.

I can imagine. I hated pushing a stroller up that hill, I'm sure a wheelchair was tough.

Danielle said it was the worst.

Glad Leah enjoyed FOP. A 45 minute standby isn't too bad. (I say having endured 80 minutes for my kids... )

The things we do for our kids.

A near-empty Starbucks at park opening is such a wild thought. Like you said, probably the first and only time they'll see it that way.

When the parks were opening up after the shutdown there were so many experiences missing or slow to get going, but seeing lower crowds was so weird. I'm glad we went a few times to see it slowly evolve. I'm sure the people who went right after 9-11 has the same weirdness.