The ABCs of a Very Merry Christmastime Land and Sea Adventure- M is for: Making the Most of a Morning Safari!

[missjackiemcg]

I think I took this picture!! For sure I was under the umbrella with you in any case. This one makes my heart so happy...and makes me miss all of you!

If you could stay at any Uni Resort which one would you choose and why??

Oooh, great question! The one I most wanted to stay at was Hard Rock, which we actually did for our 15th anniversary trip (during Covid!) Cabana Bay is still our favorite. I'm pretty easy to please!

YOUR TURN! Have you ever seen the holiday resort decorations at Universal? If so, which ones did you enjoy most?

​

There she is! We love Cabana Bay, so I'll vote for their decorations since they're the only ones I've seen! LOL

What's your favorite City Walk Place to eat and why?

We always go to Pat O'Brien's because we absolutely love the one in New Orleans, so we like to reminisce! Rob really likes the food and beer flights at NBC Bar and Grill. And though Jimmy's fav is Pat O's, we usually end up at Bubba Gump's, too, because they closed the one we had in Chicago!

 

[vamassey1]

I'm here and looking forward to all the fun.

I've never stayed at a Uni Resort but hope too someday. Pool hopping and looking at the decorations sound like a great way to relax and soak up the Christmas atmosphere.

 

[pkondz]

You sound so sure!

Oh, I am. 100%.

I've never heard of it! Looking now...

oooohhhh! WOW! That all sure looks fun! And yes, opulent and now that's on my list!

You're welcome.

 

[David G Farr]

Good to have another NP on the board. Boards didn't seem that hard to me, but I'm adult acute care certified and not family, so mine were totally different. Plus I took mine 13 years ago, so who knows if there's much difference there. If you're interested in a telemedicine job shoot me a DM. I have a full time clinic job but do telemedicine from home whenever I want to work, as it's a 24/7 type position.

 

[cheryllarsen]

What a fun trip!

 

[cheryllarsen]

Thanks so much for sharing!

 

[Steppesister]

Good to have another NP on the board. Boards didn't seem that hard to me, but I'm adult acute care certified and not family, so mine were totally different. Plus I took mine 13 years ago, so who knows if there's much difference there. If you're interested in a telemedicine job shoot me a DM. I have a full time clinic job but do telemedicine from home whenever I want to work, as it's a 24/7 type position.

That’s an incredibly wonderful offer! I’d love to learn a bit more. I’m actually on my celebration vacation right now but will definitely reach out as soon as I get back! If you want to, you could certainly PM me any high-level information that might be helpful.

 

[Steppesister]

I think I took this picture!! For sure I was under the umbrella with you in any case. This one makes my heart so happy...and makes me miss all of you!

I think you did!! What an incredibly fun night!

I sure miss you too; you're still welcome to join me and Kari on this trip.

Oooh, great question! The one I most wanted to stay at was Hard Rock, which we actually did for our 15th anniversary trip (during Covid!) Cabana Bay is still our favorite. I'm pretty easy to please!

Cabana Bay is a fun one for its theming. I've always enjoyed my visits there. Plus... the lazy river can be fun if you catch it on a not crowded day.

There she is! We love Cabana Bay, so I'll vote for their decorations since they're the only ones I've seen! LOL

YAY!!! Getting excited to see all the decorations everywhere.

We always go to Pat O'Brien's because we absolutely love the one in New Orleans, so we like to reminisce! Rob really likes the food and beer flights at NBC Bar and Grill. And though Jimmy's fav is Pat O's, we usually end up at Bubba Gump's, too, because they closed the one we had in Chicago!

I've never been to a Bubba's. I'll put it on the list of possibilities.

 

[Steppesister]

I'm here and looking forward to all the fun.

I've never stayed at a Uni Resort but hope too someday. Pool hopping and looking at the decorations sound like a great way to relax and soak up the Christmas atmosphere.

I'm so happy you're here, Vanessa!

I've stayed at 3 of them and loved them all. They are very clean and comfortable and the transportation is SUPER convenient and fun.

I'll be sure to take lots of photos and share what I can.

 

[Steppesister]

Thanks so much for sharing!

You're welcome.

 

[Steppesister]

C is for: Changing Resorts and Christmas Vibes
​

I know I haven't been on for quite some time. Miss me?! I am pleased to announce that my absence was filled with lots of review and study which was rewarded with PASSING MY BOARD EXAMS!! I'm now... Steppesister, MSN, APRN, FNP-C! WOOT! Now, an intensive job hunt...

After a couple of nights at Uni, it'll be time for a change of scenery; it probably comes as no surprise that we're all heading to Disney. Since I'm still not working much or regularly as I job hunt, I'm keeping costs down as much as possible (which means no TS meals and no Shop-Around-the-World).

So, going "on the cheap" (as if there was truly was such a thing at Disney ), I've chosen to stay at All Stars Music. I've not done that one yet, so will knock another resort off the list. I've done Movies and liked it well enough. Honestly, I'm just not in the room very much at all when I'm mostly solo-ish so don't really need much more. Kari will join me on the 8th, then we'll head to Port Everglades for the cruise. Caroline is sharing her swank room at the Boardwalk area with Susan, and while I hope to see them both lots, I'm not sure how much they are planning to meet up and hang out.

Rather than drag this PTR/TR out for days here's a quick(ish) and dirty rundown:

In planning my park days, I tried to find a way to have BOTH a park opening/RD AND a park closing at each of the 4. Shockingly, it worked so I can hit up the headliners and see the Christmas stuff all lit up for an evening at each park at least once.

Day 1- I think the other ladies said they will join me, but I tend to start and end my trips with AK, my favorite park. Whether I'm by myself or enjoying the company of Caroline and/or Susan, I'm super looking forward to the AK holiday tree and all the colorful decorations especially on Discovery Island. I've been wanting to try Cucina Frontera for years after @disneyAndi14 raved about it in her past TRs. We'll head to the Springs for dinner there and I'll take the opportunity to hit up Gideon's for a hideously expensive cookie that will last me the entire week and a peanut butter cold brew. I've not ever seen any of the trees at the Springs either so am excited to find those.

Day 2- Today is the day to RD MK then hop to DHS after a CS lunch somewhere. That way I can close out that park with all of its retro splendor before we start our Skyliner Crawl. There are some really nice lounges on the circuit and the company will be fun!

Day 3- It's AK opening day. I'll try to outrun the competition and get on FOP and Navi before I head to the Single Rider at EE. Other than that I'm mostly there to soak in the atmosphere and wander with no agenda. As with all but one meal, I'll stick with snacks and CS so looking at Y&Y, 8 Spoons (although I'll never forgive them for discontinuing the shrimp and sweet chili version), or other snacky things like Satuli or something. Keeping it all low-key.

The plan is to hop to DHS around 3 or 4:00 for my one splurge of the trip- Jollywood Nights! There may be exclusive snacks at this party? I don't know as I still need to research this a bit. If not, I'll probably get a something or rather from Woody's. I've never tried the grilled cheese and tomato soup, which I've heard rave reviews of, so probably that.

Day 4- Another MK opener today! There's just something magical about MK in the morning's but I'll always lament the absence of the Welcome Show. I'll try to get on "The New Splash" although admittedly, from the images and video I've seen so far, I'm VERY less than impressed. I'll reserve final judgement.... I'll stick "to the left" and make mad dashes for JC, POTC and HM as well. I resolutely refuse to be up-charged so will be content with what I can do without the fancy, pay-for-play model. The plan is to hop to EPCOT for the remainder of the day and eat my face off at the Holiday Kitchens. Kari will arriving that evening and the plan is to head to Jock Lindsay's for a couple of the Holiday-themed small plates. These look pretty tasty!!

2024 HOLIDAYS- Holiday Mine Car Meatballs- Maple-Bourbon Meatballs, Granny Smith Apple and cranberry chutney, sweet potato hay and thyme

2024 HOLIDAYS- Naughty or Nice Deviled Eggs - Crispy ham, sweet honey-glazed (Nice) or spicy honey-glazed (Naughty)

Day 5- EPCOT Opener Day; 8:30 AM... Let's GO!! I may take an Uber to the Beach Club and walk over and try to get on Remy first thing. I honestly have less goal punching to do for rides and want to focus more on doing the Olaf Traditions Expedition, hitting up as many Storytellers as I can, and seeing VOL with their REAL costumes on (is anyone else annoyed they changed to "business casual/I'm going to my 9 to 5 job outfits"?) I'm not sure if Kari will join me on my RD mad dash; if not, I'm sure we'll meet up at some point that morning and continue our touring together.

I may or may not hop back to MK depending on my mood. It's not my favorite park and I may have gotten my fill by now. However, that's also my only day to see that park at night, so may hop over around 5:30 to see a Castle Lighting. I'm rarely in the mood to be squished in a crowd of people for fireworks, so may skip out and hop the monorail to see the resort decorations.

Day 6- Last Park Day. This is my morning to open DHS. I'll RD Rise, then head to Slinky. My line-standing limit is about 30 minutes and only for a few rides. WHAT'S YOURS?? I dunno. My heart also tells me to head right and get on that elevator. I also really have come to love MMRR so want to see if I can get on that as well. Game time decisions coming my way. What I do know is that I will probably end up with a Ronto Dog or the pretzel from the Baseline for an early lunch.

After lunch, the plan is to hop back to EPCOT to finish out the day with a couple of fun stuffs! We have a Space 220 Lounge reservation (super looking forward to this as I've not been in there before!) and then a Glimmering Greenhouses Tour at 7:00. Apparently, those are hard to get, but Kari was able to snag one for us. Huzzah! The park closes at 9:00 and I want to make sure to catch Spaceship Earth's Frozen Show.

And that's that. A fun-filled, action-packed 6 days back in the bubble. I'll flesh out a few more details in one more chapter before I leave on the 3rd. Now.... off to find gainful employment....

 

[summerlvr]

Congratulations on passing your boards! Here's hoping you find your dream job! Will you be staying in Kentucky?
Also, a couple of comments on your December plans:

1. Now that I'm retired and have less disposable income, I am tending to stay at the All Star resorts more often. I love the theming of Music, especially the Broadway section, but I am not a fan of the layout of this resort. The buildings go straight back from the main building rather than surrounding it, if that makes sense. It can be quite a long walk from buses/food court to the standard rooms, so if that is what you have booked, just be prepared. All Star Sports has been my go-to, no particular reason other than it's usually the cheapest ( got a great passholder rate of $87/night for January!), and I like the layout better.

2. If you decide to Uber on your Epcot day, you would probably be better off going to the Swan. Y/B security guards may not let ride share in if you don't have a dining reservation.

Congrats again on passing your boards, and hope you have a great trip!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Congratulations on passing your boards. That is awesome!

I'd love to visit with you again. I'll be over at Disney from the 5th-11th. Just let me know your park plans and we'll go from there!

And that's that. A fun-filled, action-packed 6 days back in the bubble.

Here are our plans:
Tues Dec 3rd - Dana and I will be arriving via SWA this morning, too. We will be hanging around the airport until his sister's flight lands around 10:35am. Hopefully, we will be at POR by the tie your flight arrives. Then we are headed to Epcot

Wed Dec 4th - morning at Epcot and evening at MK

Thurs - morning at MK and evening at DHS

Fri - morning at DHS and dinner at Boathouse in Disney Springs

That's it. We are leaving for the airport around 11am on Saturday. It's a short trip.

 

[zanzibar138]

Congrats again on passing your exams!

My line-standing limit is about 30 minutes and only for a few rides. WHAT'S YOURS??

Mine is about the same. Generally 20 minutes for most rides, but I'll extend it to maybe 40 for faves. We've decided to plan not to use LLs either, but since our trip is a bit of a splurge, we will have EEH to help out, and plenty of time too with 14 days. Since this will very likely be in a once in a couple of decades type trip, if after our first week we're struggling to get onto anything, we'll probably splurge for select LLs just to make sure we experience as much as possible.

If you decide to Uber on your Epcot day, you would probably be better off going to the Swan. Y/B security guards may not let ride share in if you don't have a dining reservation.

This is a great tip, thanks for sharing!

 

[suse66]

I know I haven't been on for quite some time. Miss me?! I am pleased to announce that my absence was filled with lots of review and study which was rewarded with PASSING MY BOARD EXAMS!! I'm now... Steppesister, MSN, APRN, FNP-C! WOOT! Now, an intensive job hunt...

Congratulations!!! That is a huge accomplishment!

Caroline is sharing her swank room at the Boardwalk area with Susan, and while I hope to see them both lots, I'm not sure how much they are planning to meet up and hang out.

We are actually at Gran Destino.

Day 2- Today is the day to RD MK then hop to DHS after a CS lunch somewhere. That way I can close out that park with all of its retro splendor before we start our Skyliner Crawl. There are some really nice lounges on the circuit and the company will be fun!

Yes, MK together in the morning this day. We will meet you later at DHS to start our crawl at HBD lounge.

Day 4- Another MK opener today! There's just something magical about MK in the morning's but I'll always lament the absence of the Welcome Show. I'll try to get on "The New Splash" although admittedly, from the images and video I've seen so far, I'm VERY less than impressed. I'll reserve final judgement.... I'll stick "to the left" and make mad dashes for JC, POTC and HM as well. I resolutely refuse to be up-charged so will be content with what I can do without the fancy, pay-for-play model. The plan is to hop to EPCOT for the remainder of the day and eat my face off at the Holiday Kitchens. Kari will arriving that evening and the plan is to head to Jock Lindsay's for a couple of the Holiday-themed small plates. These look pretty tasty!!

Sunday we are at AK for Dapper Day weekend then doing MVMCP.

Day 5- EPCOT Opener Day; 8:30 AM... Let's GO!! I may take an Uber to the Beach Club and walk over and try to get on Remy first thing. I honestly have less goal punching to do for rides and want to focus more on doing the Olaf Traditions Expedition, hitting up as many Storytellers as I can, and seeing VOL with their REAL costumes on (is anyone else annoyed they changed to "business casual/I'm going to my 9 to 5 job outfits"?) I'm not sure if Kari will join me on my RD mad dash; if not, I'm sure we'll meet up at some point that morning and continue our touring together.

Starting at DHS on Monday then a late lunch at Boathouse. Caroline will be heading home earlier than me. My flight doesn't go out until 10:15 pm.

Fri - morning at DHS and dinner at Boathouse in Disney Springs

Any chance you two might be able to meet Caroline, Liesa and I after dinner for a drink? We'll be on our Skyliner crawl. HBD lounge>Banana Cabana>Bar Riva>Crew Cup. You'd be more than welcome!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I made our reservations for Strong Water Tavern and Big Fire
It will be nice to see you and spend time visiting!
I will be excited to hear about Jollywood. It sounds like it is much improved this year!
I’m very excited for the trip. I leave on 12/1, yay!

 

[Steppesister]

Congratulations on passing your boards! Here's hoping you find your dream job! Will you be staying in Kentucky?

Thanks! I was so nervous and am soooo happy that's behind me. I have only my background check to come back to my Board of Nursing for my Kentucky license and will start applying to jobs around in this area in earnest when that results in a few days. But I am NOT going to look only here. I actually have a semi-solid lead in New Mexico and have been talking with the owners quite a bit over the last couple of weeks. We shall see...

1. Now that I'm retired and have less disposable income, I am tending to stay at the All Star resorts more often. I love the theming of Music, especially the Broadway section, but I am not a fan of the layout of this resort. The buildings go straight back from the main building rather than surrounding it, if that makes sense. It can be quite a long walk from buses/food court to the standard rooms, so if that is what you have booked, just be prepared. All Star Sports has been my go-to, no particular reason other than it's usually the cheapest ( got a great passholder rate of $87/night for January!), and I like the layout better.

I'm actually looking forward to seeing it and taking in the new-to-me theming. I've not even ever visited.

Also, I'll definitely keep it in mind and will be prepared for long(er) walks. (And add extra time for that "commute".)

2. If you decide to Uber on your Epcot day, you would probably be better off going to the Swan. Y/B security guards may not let ride share in if you don't have a dining reservation.

Ohhh, THIS is what the Boards are for! Thank you for this excellent information! It is super odd to me that they wouldn't want folks to visit the resorts to spend $$$$ on drinks, shopping, snacks, etc.... I get that it might get clogged up, but I'd sure think it'd be a cash cow for them.

 

[Steppesister]

Congratulations on passing your boards. That is awesome!

Thanks, Sue!!! So glad that's behind me now! One more step forward.

Here are our plans:
Tues Dec 3rd - Dana and I will be arriving via SWA this morning, too. We will be hanging around the airport until his sister's flight lands around 10:35am. Hopefully, we will be at POR by the tie your flight arrives. Then we are headed to Epcot

Wed Dec 4th - morning at Epcot and evening at MK

Thurs - morning at MK and evening at DHS

Fri - morning at DHS and dinner at Boathouse in Disney Springs

That's it. We are leaving for the airport around 11am on Saturday. It's a short trip.

I land at 12:15 so will miss you at the airport. If all goes to plan, I should be to Sapphire Falls by 1:00 and have my hiney in a pool chair soon after. (Please let the weather cooperate!)

I think Susan's suggestion of you joining us for an after dinner drink would be fun! Your trip really is very short! But your plans look nice. No AK?

 

[Steppesister]

Congrats again on passing your exams!

Thanks!! I was soooo nervous but knew I'd prepared well. Just so happy to have gotten that "PASS" when I pushed Submit.

Mine is about the same. Generally 20 minutes for most rides, but I'll extend it to maybe 40 for faves. We've decided to plan not to use LLs either, but since our trip is a bit of a splurge, we will have EEH to help out, and plenty of time too with 14 days. Since this will very likely be in a once in a couple of decades type trip, if after our first week we're struggling to get onto anything, we'll probably splurge for select LLs just to make sure we experience as much as possible.

Sounds like a really solid plan and I am pretty sure with that long of a trip you won't have any problem getting on everything you want to. You can stay ahead of the crowds at RD with EEH if you hustle.

 

[Steppesister]

Congratulations!!! That is a huge accomplishment!

Thanks, Susan! I worked so hard during my program and took the pressure seriously. That all paid off!

We are actually at Gran Destino.

I have NO idea why I had in my mind Yacht or Beach. LOL!! I'll change that and continue to be jealous.

Yes, MK together in the morning this day. We will meet you later at DHS to start our crawl at HBD lounge.

I'm getting pretty excited for our evening. Such a great lineup in store.

Sunday we are at AK for Dapper Day weekend then doing MVMCP.

Ohhh, Dapper Days. I did that years ago and did have a wonderful time. Dressing up was super fun and seeing so many people all in their finery was really nice.

Starting at DHS on Monday then a late lunch at Boathouse. Caroline will be heading home earlier than me. My flight doesn't go out until 10:15 pm.

If you'd like to hop over to MK after your lunch I'd love to spend the late afternoon/early evening with you for a last ride or two.

Any chance you two might be able to meet Caroline, Liesa and I after dinner for a drink? We'll be on our Skyliner crawl. HBD lounge>Banana Cabana>Bar Riva>Crew Cup. You'd be more than welcome!

Wonderful idea!