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

[SimplyGoofy]

Good luck to Danielle on scoring a CM preview! I’ll be crossing all my fingers for you.

I’m actually glad our trip will take place before the ride and previews begin - I feel like everyone is SO excited that the attraction (and therefore, MK) will be NUTS. I also don’t want to explain to a five-year-old why Tiana’s appears open but we can’t try it. However, I’m super excited to try it next time!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Have any of you guys heard of “Popeye’s Chicken” foot outlet?
Apparently one is opening in Belfast soon and I’m just curious if it’s really an American thing or they’re just promoting it that way?

 

[vamassey1]

I guess technically I went East from Houston to Lake Charles, but then went straight north from there.

That makes better sense.

I have lots of family in Lake Charles. They just had a tornado hit on Monday night. Everyone I know is ok. They also had one in Sulphur.

Poor town, they are still recovering from Hurricane Laura.

I didn’t realize Tiana’s was that close to being ready!

And getting closer every day. It really looks great so far.

 

[vamassey1]

I was already trying to figure out a short trip to ride, lol but like you, who am I kidding flights are expensive and it would cost me $$$ to maybe ride it!

I haven't looked at the comments for AP previews yet, but I'm sure there are lots of frustrated AP people with only the "possibility to ride". CM preview has a much better shot.

We will definitely ride in early September

It's it great to have a new ride to look forward too?

 

[vamassey1]

Crossing my fingers, toes , everything but eyes . I can’t cross my eyes never could, no matter how hard I tried as a teenager

We'll take all the crossing you can do! And some Irish Luck!

Have any of you guys heard of “Popeye’s Chicken” foot outlet?
Apparently one is opening in Belfast soon and I’m just curious if it’s really an American thing or they’re just promoting it that way?

Popeye's Chicken started out as a New Orleans business, so yes it's American and from Louisiana. The original owner was Al Copeland. He lost the business in bankruptcy but kept the rights to the spices used on the chicken so he could continue to make money. He had his hands in other restaurants here but never had the same success he had with Popeyes. Dennis actually worked for him for a bit and we were invited to 2 of his famous Christmas parties but didn't go. Al Copeland

I know they do food chains different in different areas but down here they have the original spicy and mild. I LOVE the spicy. I like the Cajun Rice too. Dennis likes the Red Beans and Rice and mashed potatoes and gravy. If you give it a try let me know.

 

[vamassey1]

Good luck to Danielle on scoring a CM preview! I’ll be crossing all my fingers for you.

Thank you! We'll take all the luck we can get.

I’m actually glad our trip will take place before the ride and previews begin - I feel like everyone is SO excited that the attraction (and therefore, MK) will be NUTS. I also don’t want to explain to a five-year-old why Tiana’s appears open but we can’t try it. However, I’m super excited to try it next time!

I'm hoping it keeps the crowds down for your trip too. It would be really hard to explain why M couldn't ride such a huge ride that is so pretty too.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

down here they have the original spicy and mild. I LOVE the spicy. I like the Cajun Rice too. Dennis likes the Red Beans and Rice and mashed potatoes and gravy. If you give it a try let me know.

Ooh it’s sounds nice. I like spicy food so hopefully we get that. They are currently building the location ( well not them but the owner of a local shopping centre called Forestside) so as soon as the unit is open I’ll give it a go and let you know.
When will you hear about Tiana’s preview? Sending the luck of the Irish your way

 

[pkondz]

They just had a tornado hit on Monday night. Everyone I know is ok. They also had one in Sulphur.

Poor town, they are still recovering from Hurricane Laura.

That’s tough. First a hurricane and then a tornado… so…. That’s two horsemen?

 

[disneyAndi14]

I haven't looked at the comments for AP previews yet, but I'm sure there are lots of frustrated AP people with only the "possibility to ride". CM preview has a much better shot.

I heard the preview days are already booked at MK for park reservations. I guess you can park hop at 2pm but if it is for AP holders you think there would be more availability.

 

[vamassey1]

Ooh it’s sounds nice. I like spicy food so hopefully we get that. They are currently building the location ( well not them but the owner of a local shopping centre called Forestside) so as soon as the unit is open I’ll give it a go and let you know.

Please report back!

When will you hear about Tiana’s preview? Sending the luck of the Irish your way

Danielle's sign-up opportunity is the 20th, so Monday.

 

[vamassey1]

That’s tough. First a hurricane and then a tornado… so…. That’s two horsemen?

Make it 3, they had a flood sometime after the hurricane.

 

[vamassey1]

I heard the preview days are already booked at MK for park reservations. I guess you can park hop at 2pm but if it is for AP holders you think there would be more availability.

They can hop after they have scanned into the park, they have a reservation for but have to wait until the 1 pm virtual queue release to try for Tianna's. Very slim chances.

 

[pkondz]

Make it 3, they had a flood sometime after the hurricane.

Oy!

 

[vamassey1]

Tuesday, November 30, 2021- Monorail Resorts-Christmas Sparkle
When I left the Magic Kingdom I boarded the resort Monorail to view the Christmas decorations. The first stop was the Contemporary, but I did not get off at this stop. Christmas decorations were back at most resorts but not here. Well, I take that back, I'm sure there were some decorations but not like before and not the gingerbread display they had done in the past.

I stayed on the Monorail until it stopped at the Poly. They certainly had more decorations than the Contemporary but still not what they had prior to Covid. I do enjoy the decorations here. There is a definite tropical vibe and not the normal holiday colors. I love the addition of pinks and light greens with yellows and oranges. I seem to remember there being CM decorated gingerbread houses back in 2019.

Most of my photos are the trees, garland and decorated tikis.






I saved the best decorations for last. The Grand Floridian has the most elaborate decorations of any resort with the Gingerbread House being the show stealer.

When you enter the resort from the monorail your see trees framing the scene as you look down into the lobby. The Victorian theme is beautiful and elegant. This years Gingerbread House paid tribute to the 50th anniversary. I could just spend hours just looking at all the details on the House. The main tree is huge and of course beautiful. The crowds weren't too bad at this time of the day.






Continued in next post.

 

[vamassey1]

It was getting late and knew I had left Dennis on his own for long enough. I rode the monorail to MK then caught a bus back to Music.
Dennis had had plenty of time for a good long nap and was pretty hungry. We decided to head to Springs for some counter service food. I wanted to try something new and convinced him to give the Polite Pig a try. The line was out the door but it was moving and it really smelt good so we joined the line. We're from the South so we like BBQ.
I had the Southern Pig-Pulled Pork, fennel-apple slaw, tangy mustard BBQ and Duke's May served with a Pickle Spear. I originally though I would try the BBQ Cauliflower but got the Crispy Brussel Sprouts instead.

Dennis got the Smoked Turkey BLT-Sweet BBQ Bacon-onion Jam, cheddar, lettuce, tomato and Duke's Mayo served with a pickle spear. He passed on the tomato. He also had the Polite Rub Chicken Wings with Pickled Carrots.


I enjoyed my pulled pork but wished that I had stuck with my original plan to get the Cauliflower. The Brussel sprouts were over cooked and tasted burnt. Dennis enjoyed everything he had. He did not eat the pickled carrots. We used my 10% AP discount on this meal. I want to go back here again someday and try some of the other sides.

Once we were done eating I wanted to see some of the Christmas Trees. The trees are beautiful at night but hard to photograph. We didn't stay out too long. We had to get our sleep to be up early for our Animal Kingdom Day. Danielle had to work again so she would only be with us for the first part of the day and we wanted to make the most of our time with her.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Oh my goodness Vanessa the Christmas decor at the Poly is gorgeous but the GF simply blew my away! The tree and wreathes are so elegant and the gingerbread house is simply spectacular!
I loved zooming in on your photos for some close ups of all the many details. It is truly fabulous!
Sounds like DS trees were pretty too and I’m sure heading there with Denis was a lovely way to finish the day. I thought your food looked decent though the sprouts did look a bit burnt rather than just crispy. I’m sure you were both excited for more Danielle time in the morning

 

[amazingact21]

Nothing beats the Christmas decorations at the GF. They are so classic and elegant! I'm glad you were able to stop at the resorts and see them all.

I didn't know about the AP discount at Polite Pig. I have to remember that.

 

[SimplyGoofy]

The Christmas decorations at the resorts, particularly that amazing gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian, are so well done. Thank you for all the lovely pictures!

I don’t spend much time at Disney Springs but I’ve heard wonderful things about Polite Pig. That’s too bad about your Brussel sprouts but I’m glad you enjoyed the rest of your food.

 

[vamassey1]

Oh my goodness Vanessa the Christmas decor at the Poly is gorgeous but the GF simply blew my away! The tree and wreathes are so elegant and the gingerbread house is simply spectacular!
I loved zooming in on your photos for some close ups of all the many details. It is truly fabulous!

I love looking at the details too. The tress are my favorite.

Sounds like DS trees were pretty too and I’m sure heading there with Denis was a lovely way to finish the day. I thought your food looked decent though the sprouts did look a bit burnt rather than just crispy. I’m sure you were both excited for more Danielle time in the morning

I was disappointed in my Sprouts but would give the Pig another shot, every thing else was good.

Nothing beats the Christmas decorations at the GF. They are so classic and elegant! I'm glad you were able to stop at the resorts and see them all.

I was really happy to get a chance to see so many resort decorations. I have not been able to repeat my success since then.

I didn't know about the AP discount at Polite Pig. I have to remember that.

Most places in DS gave the discount, just ask. I admit to embarrassing my family for asking but I would do it again.

The Christmas decorations at the resorts, particularly that amazing gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian, are so well done. Thank you for all the lovely pictures!

I'm so happy you enjoyed them. I sure enjoyed seeing them.

I don’t spend much time at Disney Springs but I’ve heard wonderful things about Polite Pig. That’s too bad about your Brussel sprouts but I’m glad you enjoyed the rest of your food.

I hope you can make some time for DS in the future. I had Polite Pig in my list to try thanks to @StarWarsMomofGirls! . Her reviews and pictures inspired me.

 

[vamassey1]

More Trip News and a Big Announcement.

So yesterday was our first ADR day. Our next ADR day in on the 25th. If your counting days you most likely wondering how our first ADR day can be so soon and also so far apart. Danielle has a reservation at Sports that starts on July 15th and runs until we all move to AOA on July 24th.

Why will she be at Sports for 9 nights? Well her lease is up on July 15th and SHE'S COMING HOME. Yes, she had decided after 3 years she's ready to leave Disney and start her adult life here for now. I'm thrilled she'll be home but I'm also torn for her. I hope she really is ready to leave for good. She will be coming back with us when we leave July 28th. Dennis is driving his truck so he can haul a UHaul trailer back with her things.

She made her decision after Dennis found out about his work conference so she worked her end date around that. I'm thinking this trip will be "The Farewell Tour". She has told her Proprietor (boss) that she is leaving and what her last day will be. She is working with Danielle and is being really good about it. She also hopes to talk her into staying. Disney doesn't just let you go when you give notice, they work with you. They would rather have time to replace someone. She would also like to leave on a good note for her resume and if she ever wants to go back.

Back to ADRS. Danielle's 60 days +10 started yesterday. She added Michelle to her reservation which gave us the option of using her room when we arrive on July 21st until our room at the Hilton is ready and extended our ADR window. We're staying the first part of our trip at the Hilton through work so that doesn't help us with ADRs. Michelle was set to make the ADRs yesterday but had some trouble doing it on her phone. I logged into her account online and made the ADRs. We have a Tusker House late breakfast, Via Napoli early dinner and Beaches and Cream lunch. There were so many options making the ADRs this far out. I got to thinking, I wonder if we can get a breakfast at Topolino's? Danielle called me to help her with the park reservations so I suggested she see what was available. Yep, we had no issued getting a breakfast on the day we move from the Hilton and Sports to AOA. She booked that and then Michelle changed our lunch at Beaches to an early dinner. Our thoughts were even if we're still full from breakfast or a snack we can still eat ice cream. This will also have us back at the Resort early to enjoy it before hitting MK the next day.

I'm also still debating renewing my AP. It expires May 24th. I know I won't be making as many trips now that Danielle is not there but I also know she is going to want to make a trip in the next year. Dennis doesn't plan to go back to Disney after this trip for a long time, but I know I'm not done with Disney. What to do?