Magic Still Exists! Our Family Jan 9-15, 2021 Trip Report

[EMHDad]

To all who come to this happy place; welcome.
Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past…
and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future.
Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America…
with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.
​

We can all agree that 2020 was an anxious, painful, and difficult year. Still, our family was safe, well, and blessed. I am grateful for that in such a year. Our Disney Vacation was planned for June 2020, but that was cancelled. We were going to go June 2021, but I am confident masks will still be required and we do not want 95*F weather in masks. So, in October, we moved in up to January 2021. This is our first trip in 7 years and our last Disney trip for a long while. So, we gave it our best. We hope you enjoy our trip recap and maybe get an idea or two from this like I have from so many of yours.

Lett me introduce us...


I am Tom: Husband, Dad & Pilot of this Trip
Favorite MK Attraction: Splash Mountain
Favorite HS Attraction: Rise of the Resistence
Favorite Epcot Attraction: Soarin
Favorite Animal Kingdom Attraction: Flight of Passage

Joining Me on this Adventure is wife, Kim


Favorite MK Attraction: Space Mountain
Favorite HS Attraction: Mickey and Minnie Runaway Railway
Favorite Epcot Attraction: Soarin
Favorite Animal Kingdom Attraction: Flight of Passage



Left to Right:
Owen
Favorite MK Attraction: Space Mountain
Favorite HS Attraction: Millennium Falcon Smuggler's Run
Favorite Epcot Attraction: Spaceship Earth
Favorite Animal Kingdom Attraction: Flight of Passage

Anna
Favorite MK Attraction: Space Mountain
Favorite HS Attraction: Mickey and Minnie Runaway Railway
Favorite Epcot Attraction: Spaceship Earth
Favorite Animal Kingdom Attraction: Flight of Passage

Eli (Elias, Named after Walt Disney)
Favorite MK Attraction: Space Mountain
Favorite HS Attraction: Slinky Dog Dash
Favorite Epcot Attraction: Spaceship Earth
Favorite Animal Kingdom Attraction: Flight of Passage
​

Here We Go....

We did not want to fly, so we drove two days down and two days back. It helped that we are on e-learning and have friends halfway. We left at 5:15amcst on 1/7. The go was to get to our destination (about 660 miles) by dinnertime. While I drove, the kids went to school. It's not ideal, but it's better than a missing school day and a lot of makeup work. We had a plan. Get as much as possible from teachers for winter break, complete as much as possible on the drive, and devote a couple of hours as select times. Outside of that, no worrying about school.

​

We got to our destination on time and spent some quality time with close friends. We were in the mountains, and it snowed all Thursday night. Due to weather, we decided to get a slow start on Friday. The snow wasn't too bad but we waited until 2:00pm to get going. The kids used the time to play and enjoy the weather.

Friday was another long drive. We decided to push through all day and have an easy Saturday, so we drove until we made it to the Disney Springs area at 11:0pm. We spent two days driving, doing schoolwork, and anticipating such a magical week. By 11:30pm, we were passed out and ready to begin.


Day 1: Disney Springs

Day 2: Animal Kingdom: Part 1

Day 2: Animal Kingdom: Part 2

Day 3: Magic Kingdom: Part 1

Day 3: Magic Kingdom: Part 2

Day 3: Magic Kingdom: Part 3

Day 3: Magic Kingdom: Part 4

Day 4: Hollywood Studios: Part 1

Day 4: Hollywood Studios: Part 2

Day 4: Hollywood Studios: Part 3

Day 4: Hollywood Studios: Part 4

Day 5: Epcot/Break Day: Part 1

Day 5: Epcot/Break Day: Part 2​

 

[EMHDad]

Day 1: - Disney Springs​

We got to Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area on Friday night around 11:00pm. It was late, but we wanted to push through the night so that we could have a restful morning. We got two nights in the hotel through Priceline. Our Plan was to make Saturday an easy day at Disney Springs.

We were given a Disney Springs View on the 14th floor with views of Disney Springs, Spaceship Earth, Tower of Terror (and maybe Expedition Everest??). I woke up Saturday morning around 7am. I ran out to McDonalds and got breakfast in time for everyone us to wake up about 7:30am. Before the fun, we had business to do. From 8-9:30am the kids were on computers finishing up schoolwork. Fortunately, it wasn’t much, but we did not want to fall behind too much when we got home. This worked out well, because at 10am when Disney Springs opened, and it was so nice to just walk over from the hotel!​

We literally were able to walk into World of Disney multiple times with no outside lines. We did some shopping there, and the Christmas Store. We took pictures with the Lego figures and statues.

​

We toured the Market place for a bit and kept it easy.

(DD6 was adament about taking this. Who is this??)

​

We had a 12:30pm reservation for T-Rex. This was our first must on our Disney Trip. The love the atmosphere and our dd6 got to experience it for the first time. We were in the Ice Cave (Our favorite!) and experienced three meteor showers.

​

After T-Rex, we started walking back to the Hotel. However, on the way, we found the Photopass shop and got some great pictures. If you have Photopass, I recommend doing it. We got several green screen pics, and some standard family photos. I wish we didnt have masks, but it was still nice.

After that, we walked back to the hotel and got in the rental and drove over to the Contemporary.​

I used Mobile Order to purchase a Cupake at the Contempo café and the kids shared it It was a nice treat, but the true purpose was a Monorail Ride.



We completed a full loop and got our first look at the Castle. After the Monorail ride we headed back to the Hotel for the evening. A Papa Johns Delivery and pizza in the Hotel Room was our last activity of the night. We had a VERY early day on Sunday and so we got to bed around 9:00pm.

 

[EMHDad]

Day 2: Animal Kingdom Part 1​

We got up a 5:00am. We had oatmeal in the microwave and coffee from the room. (Side tip. If you can, bring disposable coffee cups with kids. We did. The ones in all the rooms are 12oz and we brought 16oz cups. It was a nice amount for us each morning. By 5:50am we were walking out and getting in the rental. We drove over to the YC for our next hotel stay. We got to the resort about 6:10am and parked. Of course our room was not ready, but we did not care. We immediately went to the Bus Shuttle. Correction… I went to the Bus Shuttle while dw and my younger kids stayed in the rental (About 30 yards away). It was 38*F that morning. Woah! I know it sounds crazy to be at the bus stop at 6:15am for a park with 8am-6pm park hours, but I was adamant in getting a good start. It paid off. We took turns going to the bathroom in the YC and by the time that was done it was 6:35am.

​

At 6:40am exactly, the AK bus pulled up. We got on and enjoyed the bus in solitude. We arrived at Ak at 7:05am. The park was open and people were walking in, but not many.

​

We ‘walked with purpose’ as I like to say all the way to Pandora. This was our first trip to AK in 7 years and Pandora’s atmosphere did not disappoint. We parked the stroller quickly and hit the line for FOP and when we stopped in the line, there were maybe 12 people in front of us. The ride had not started and we were standing pretty much in front of the Avatar body. At 7:35am we were ushered to the Preshow room. And flying.

​

Watching and listening to my family just blown away was the Disney magic I was hoping for at the start of our Dis trip. IMHO, it’s a Homerun of a ride. Great job Disney!

We walked over to NRJ and were in line at 7:55am. Obviously, the ride was not as great for us at FOP, but it had its appeal. Especially considering that we were not going to see AK at night, it was cool to see the nighttime Pandora atmosphere. Highlight of the ride was the animatronic Navi. It was the most lifelike figure I have ever seen. We were off the ride at 8:04am. The park had been officially opened for 4 minutes and we had tackled the two biggest attractions. We took a few minutes and got Photopass pictures in Pandora and the promise to ourselves that we would return later to take it in more.

​

We walked out of Pandora and into Africa. At 8:17am we entered Kilimanjaro Safari Ride at 8:17am and were on the ride at 8:20am. The lions roared the entire time we passed by them. The giraffes never came close, but ran. The animals (excluding the lizards) were pretty active.

​

I am always amazed how time flies when you are having fun, because the two-week safari felt like it was over in 20 minutes. We hopped off the ride and traveled from Africa to Asia. We were in the line for EE at 9:10am. At 9:17am we were heading up the mountain.

​

After waving hi to Disco Yeti we were back at the station. The park had been officially open for 67 minutes and we had checked the four biggest attractions.
Ds11 & dd6 wanted to re-ride. Ds14 & dw declined, so I took the younger ones back on EE. Got in line at 9:10am and waited 7 minutes this time.

Had a great second trip and when we pulled back into the station, we had a hiccup.
DS11 got stuck.
His lap bar would not release.


​

The CM tried a bunch of things but nothing worked. They had to call maintenance. He came to the ride with a drill and in a minute ds11 was freed. He was stuck for about 10 minutes. Still the CMs were sorry and wanted to make it up to us. It was not a big deal, and we weren’t mad, but were very appreciative of the gesture. They gave us an experience pass to FP any ride but FOP, but also called over to FOP and got us another FP to FOP! We left EE at 930am and the wait time was now 45 minutes.

We walked back to Pandora and spent a few minutes taking pictures. On the way we stopped to was a cavalcade boat.

​

At 10:04am we got in line for FOP and finished or second run of the ride at 10:22am. Considering we woke up at 5:00am, the family was quite hungry.

​

We took some more pictures and Photopass and worked our way over to Dinoland.

More to Come...

 

[Bama Mom]

Following alog. Sounds like a great start to your vacation.

 

[Isabelle12345]

Following! What a great morning in Animal Kingdom!
I agree... it is so worth it to wake up early and get a lot done before everyone else gets there!!

 

[Sophie Rose]

Thanks for sharing your trip report! We miss Disney so much and it’s fun to see your pictures and hear your stories! It’s impressive that you got such an early start on your Animal Kingdom day with three kids. We always have good intentions but usually end up running behind. Looking forward to more!

 

[fivemonkeysplus1]

Wow! Sounds like your AK day went better than any I've read about. <3

 

[EMHDad]

Day 2: Animal Kingdom Part 2
​

We took some more pictures and Photopass and worked our way over to Dinoland. I ordered lunch from Restaurantosaurus. While we waited, the family jumped in line for Triceratop Spin at 10:52am and done with the ride at 11:00am.

​

We at lunch outside at one of the tables and the weather had warmed up and it was becoming a beautiful day. The Chili Dogs were crazy huge. Also, I didn't get a picture of it, but the kids meals came in sandpails. It was a cool small souvenir for the kids. If you are able to, there are tables on the porch outside. They are under overhangs and the outdoor air is great.

​

We got in line at Dinosaur at 11:39. We did not need to ride NRJ or EE again, so we used our second FP for Dinosaur and were on the ride at 11:47am. At 8 minutes, even with a FP, it was the longest wait for us of the day. The standard line was at about 30 minutes.

​

Little trivia for you. The T-Rex Skeleton in front of Dinosaur is an exact copy of Sue at the Field Museum in Chicago. The bones were prepped at the newly opened Animal Kingdom and the Field Museum gave Disney the model that you see there. If you are in the Chicago Area and the Pandemic ends, go check out the real deal sometime .

​

After getting off the ride and taking more pictures, we began walking torwards Rafiki Planet Watch. We found the Super Zoom Photopass, with no line and got that taken. (Super Zoom was one of our must do items). If you have Photopass and not sure what SuperZoom is... Basically, a Camera very far away takes your close up picture, then zooms out to see a large portion of the park, and then zooms back in. Without a doubt, one of are favorite pictures/short videos.

This is the close up part...



This is the zoomed out part...

​

We got in line at 12:31pm and on the train at 12:46pm. As riding, we realized that this would be our only train ride in Disney World. I strongly recommend doing this. With no train at MK, this is your one chance to ride a train. Knowing how much Walt loved trains, this was a nice moment.

​

We spent about an hour at the Conservation station. We almost did the animation academy, but the kids were getting tired. We got in the train line at 2:30pm. Right before that we did a kidcot station. Our dd6 completed about 6 of those spots. We got back to Africa at about 3pm and walked to ITTBAB. The wait was about 10 minutes, but we were just waiting outside the theatre for the previous show to finish. We Finished ITTBAB shortly before 4pm. I love the surprise on the kids when the bugs leave first.
The park had two more hours, but we were done. We did everything, including FOP and EE twice. We were tired and got back on the bus to head back to the YC. I dont know about now, but on 1/10/21 the Christmas Decorations were still up. We were expecting everything to be down, but so glad to see the Christmas decor and get pictures. The Front tree is so impressive and really requires a moment to admire it and the decorations.

This is what you call a successful first day...

​

This was our next Disney hiccup. We got the room number while at AK and went straight to the room. Magic Bands did not work. MDE on phone did not work. I had to go back down to lobby and got it fixed. Annoying, but not a big deal. We entered the room and got hit with our first real problem. We are a family of five and got a room with two doubles and a couch. The room had a table instead of a couch and this was a no go. I called and explained. Five minutes later we were given a new room, Room 3087. This had the couch. Also, we paid for a standard view. (Basically the lowest price room). We ended up with a water view and a great look at the lighthouse and pier.

(Internet Photo of Room View)
​

 

[EMHDad]

Day 2: Animal Kingdom Part 2 Continued...​

We spent 5pm-6:30pm riding the Skyliner. We rode every section before we were done and got to watch the sun set on Disney World. If you are in one of the skyliner hotels and have little ones, and you want to leave a little early you can describe the Skyline as a ride. It is a great final ride of the day...

​

We picked up dinner at the Beach Club Marketplace and took it back to the room. Lights were out by 9:00pm. Fantastic second day of the Disney Trip.

 

[Skywatcher1206]

Great report! We leave tomorrow. So glad to hear that the waits did not seem to be too bad.

 

[easyas123]

Following along and enjoying the trip report...I was amused to see your Owen! I to have a ginger Owen who once had long hair! Of course, he's balding now at 25 but his long, red beard is making up for it

 

[EMHDad]

Great report! We leave tomorrow. So glad to hear that the waits did not seem to be too bad.

Excited for you! Have a great time. What is your park order? Have you been before?

 

[Duck143]

Thank you for sharing! I love seeing you photos and hearing about your trip. Ours was cancelled May 2020 and I'm trying to convince my DH to let us take our 2 boys this coming May.

 

[EMHDad]

Following along and enjoying the trip report...I was amused to see your Owen! I to have a ginger Owen who once had long hair! Of course, he's balding now at 25 but his long, red beard is making up for it

He grows it out every two years for donation. So, 2 more months til St. Baldricks. still, you see my head. I am quite jealous of it. lol

 

[Skywatcher1206]

Excited for you! Have a great time. What is your park order? Have you been before?

We have been many times but this will be our first time PC (post-COVID).

Our park order will be:
Saturday- HS
Sunday-MK
Monday-AK

I made it like this because we are heading back to the airport on Monday and AK had the earliest closing time. I am a little nervous about the crowds for the weekend for HS & MK, but hopefully it will not be too bad.

 

[EMHDad]

Thank you for sharing! I love seeing you photos and hearing about your trip. Ours was cancelled May 2020 and I'm trying to convince my DH to let us take our 2 boys this coming May.

I feel your pain. I hope you are able to have your trip, either in May or as soon as possible after that.

 

[EMHDad]

We have been many times but this will be our first time PC (post-COVID).

Our park order will be:
Saturday- HS
Sunday-MK
Monday-AK

I made it like this because we are heading back to the airport on Monday and AK had the earliest closing time. I am a little nervous about the crowds for the weekend for HS & MK, but hopefully it will not be too bad.

I could be wrong, but I heard HS is busy no matter what the day, soif you are going somewhere sat, it’s prob better for HS than MK, so that’s a good plan. Good luck. A little tip...

when preparing to get in line for a ride, focus on finding the cast member with the ‘end of line’ pole. Every big ride has one. Hopefully, this will help you avoid extra walking or time to to go up to the rideonly to turn around and after to walk back somewhere.

 

[EMHDad]

Day 3: Magic Kingdom: Part 1​

On Tuesday we were destined for Magic Kingdom. After such a precise and perfectly executed Animal Kingdom day, we had high hopes for MK. In fact, we usually open and close our family trips with MK. This year we changed it up a bit. Our last day was Friday in the MK, and we thought it be best to go to MK on Monday instead of Sunday. Animal Kingdom would be less crowded on Sunday anyway.

Well, AK opened on Sunday at 8am and we were at the bus stop at YC by 6:30am for a 6:40am pickup. We gambled and went early and it paid off big time! We made the same gamble for MK on Monday. MK’s official hours for Monday were 9am-7pm. We got to the bus stop at 7:20am and beat a few groups of about 15 people by on a few minutes.

The Boys are not interest in pictures that early. lol
​

Based on the previous day, I was hoping for the bus to arrive at 7:40am and at 7:45am it pulled up…for Animal Kingdom. Gah! Everyone at the bus stop got on but us, and one person even commented on how crazy we were.

At the YC Bus Stop With No One Around
​

Ok, not 7:45am, but 7 minutes later a bus pulled up… for AK. By 7:55am people started lining up for MK and about 8am another bus puled up… for AK. GAH! Like 7 buses came an went, all for AK. Finally, at 8:20am the MK bus pulled up. We got on first and were sent straight to the back.

We pulled up to MK about 8:35am and by this point the park was open and people were streaming in. It was still before official opening and the crowds were not peak levels or anything, but we did not get the fast start I wanted. We ‘walked with purpose’ off the bus and through all the checkpoints. When we crossed under the train station, I started filming.

(A little trivia, this portion is design to represent the lobby of a movie theatre, which is why all the attractions have movie-like posters hanging up. The idea is that when you pass through it is like entering the movie.)

We filmed on ds11 seeing the castle for the first time when he was 2. (Watch our Youtube Video in my signature is you want to see it.) We knew it would be the same reaction, but we wanted to film our dd6’s first reaction. So, we walked quickly up main street, but taking in the sight and through the Castle.

​

I actually really like the new bold colors. I know it will fade over time, but right now, there is a WOW factor to it.

She's only missing the glass slipper...
​

We passed through the Castle, saddened over a closed BBB and straight to 7DMT. We arrived at the line at 8:50am with a 25 minute wait time.

​

That is not bad in the grand scheme of themes, but a far cry from the 5 minute wait I was hoping for. This was our first time on 7DMT. It is not that thrilling to be honest. I put it on par with Barnstormer, but in terms of theming, I was impressed. I understand that there was not much space to work with and so what they created is impressive. I am more amazed that after years of being open, it still seem to outpace Thunder/Splash/and Space in wait times. Maybe, because the height restriction is lower. Fun Ride. Not my favorite, but its good.

​

After 7DMT, we walked over to PP. We left our stroller in the spot next to the carousel. We actually left it there all morning lol. We hopped in line at 9:25am. We had to wait 13 minutes for PP. This is one of our most beloved classic rides, and always hit it early in the day. We have not been there since the refurbishment, and the line is amazing. We walked through the bedroom with Tinker Bell (her light) flying all about, messing with objects and paintings. We only got to see some because the line moved fast. Still, it made waiting a bit more magical.

​

My touring plan prescribed leaving Fantasyland and going to BTMR next. Then Splash Mountain.

(A little trivia... When you cross under the walkway past PP, you are leaving Fantasyland and entering Liberty Square. You also are leaving Europe and traveling across the Atlantic into America. When you enter Liberty Square, you are on the East Coast. As you walk, you are actually traveling across America, finally making into the wild west frontier. Also, the doors have numbers on them in Liberty Square. Add a '17' in front if the number and that is the year that particular style door was popular.)

On our way, we ran into Chip & Dale looking down from us in Frontierland. These were the first two characters we met at MK. I miss meet and greets, but I am glad Disney found safe ways to bring the characters back to us. Frontierland did not fee crowded at all at this point.

​

Still, by the time we got to BTMR, the wait time was 50 minutes. (I had not thought to use the app yet in the day. I was going on pure focus from planning. lol. We waited a minute and then decided we did not want to waste that precious time. We started to walk over to Splash and it was down. It had not opened yet. We backtracked to HM. We got in line at 9:56am and the wait was only 4 minutes. Side note: the stretching room scene is gone. The room is there but not the scene. Now, you just walk right through the room and the paintings are stretched. I agree with this for safety. However, it is actually my favorite part of the ride, so a little sad.

​

We got off the ride at 10:09am. This is the end of part one and I know we are only 69 minutes into official opening, but it was a busy morning. lol More to come soon. Thank you for following.

​

 

[rdkeim]

Following! Sounds like you put a lot of thought into your planning. It seems to be paying off!

 

[EMHDad]

Following! Sounds like you put a lot of thought into your planning. It seems to be paying off!

You & I say planning. My wife says obsession. lol Thank you very much!