The ABCs of a Very Merry Christmastime Land and Sea Adventure- X is for: The XIIth Day of X-Mas Vacation (8/2)

[Steppesister]

The Disney Springs bus for WL shares with the Contemporary. And the ride to DS is about 20 minutes long. Other than that, it is a mystery.

That makes more sense, but still 45 minutes seems really excessive!

We were at DS for dinner last December and it was extremely cold and windy.

The weather turned pretty cold in the evenings those last couple of days. I went out the next morning way better prepared!

I love your resort hopping day. We've seen the Christmas decorations at the Swan as well as the Epcot and WL resorts. They are all gorgeous.

They really are. Lots of work went into those and it shows!

The distance from the Skyliner station to the main building at CBR is one of the reasons I don't want to stay at that resort. It is quite a hike.

Agreed. The bus makes it a bit easier, but adds another leg of transport to mix. Not a fan. If they could guarantee a building close it'd be better, but they often don't.

 

[Steppesister]

Just got all caught up!

So glad you're still here and reading along! Only a couple of days left now to report on, then I'll look forward more to my October trip!

 

[pkondz]

I found myself on the backside of the trip. It’s like the backside of water, but way less exhilarating.

Way. Waaaayyyyyy less exhilarating.

Follow me on a day-long trek from resort to resort

Geez, if you can't remember your room number, just ask. Sheesh.

but drat-blasted if a group of folks who think it’s standard protocol to yell at the top of their lungs as they walk by rooms at 6:30AM did just that.

Why don’t parents check that nonsense anymore?

Because often enough, the parents are just as clueless.

heat up my leftover pizza from the night before for a decent breakfast.

I know that leftover pizza for breakfast is a thing for a lot of people, but it's just not for me.

The easiest way was to grab a bus to DHS, but that was listed as being 30 minutes away, so I hopped on an EPCOT bus that pulled up fairly quickly. From there, I boarded one to DHS.

Hard to believe that was quicker.

I was being a bit of a stingemeister.

Hence some of your dining... choices.

I had no idea the station was such a freaking long walk to Old Port Royale

Hence why I've never wanted to stay there.

I like that.

I approached a CM and asked what the fastest way back to the Skyliner would be and she suggested I take the internal bus back to the station instead of walking which was a perfect solution.

Ah. However... I don't want to go to my resort and then have to wait for yet another bus, just to get to my room.

Sadly, the line to AoA and POP was down

Wonder how often that happens?

Unfortunately, the Riviera’s trees were a paltry attempt at anything really magical; I was super unimpressed.

Just a wreath? Or was there a tree as well?

I asked a CM if that was “it”, and her reply was, “There just isn’t much room in our lobby to do more.”

Yeah... I'll wait for your response to my previous question.

My most very favorite coffee stop in all of WDW is the Joffrey’s at the Skyliner Transfer station.

Interesting. With all the choices there are in The World...

The first stop was the Swolphin and shockingly, I’ve never stepped foot in either one in all my years of going to Disney.

I haven't either.

I like this!

I was wondering why you said it was Santa's fave.

Meh. Time to move on…

Meh, indeed.

I took oodles of photos here because, well, as you can see, the decorations were over-the-top, just so much fun! Look at the animals? The colors? Just so turn-of-the-century retro and cool.

Won't comment on every photo, but... dang!

Here is the little diorama at the Boardwalk’s House- super cute, no?

I’d heard about the new Cake Bake Shop and wanted to see what a $25 piece of cake looked like.

I'd be tempted... but not very.

I also checked out the new Corn Dog stand and came very close to pulling the trigger on one but again had a hard time justifying the cost- $16 for a dough-wrapped mystery meat, hah.

Now this... I think I'd splurge and try one.

the most extraordinary gingerbread carousel!

Seen many photos and heard lots about it. Stunning!

here are the images I managed to grab of this marvelous creation

Thanks for that. Your closeups reminded me that it's actually made from food!

The Yacht Club’s Train display was equally incredible. The animations were outstanding with gondolas and trains, and the lights and sounds they added made this such a fun addition to the holiday fun of Disney.

I could watch this for a long time.

Even when it’s not Christmas-time I adore this lodge. But with the massive tree and rustic, nature-inspired additions, my love for this resort soars.

I bet!

Massive tree.

Having passed up the corndog and racketeering in the form of cake

With the weather just so absolutely perfect, Geyser Point beckoned

Of course! Great spot.

my hiney in an Adirondack.

From the grab-n-go I ordered some edamame with tajin

mmm... that sounds good.

I try not to be nosey, but hey when you’re having a conversation that others can hear in a public space…

If you're in public, you're broadcasting. Sorry, not sorry, but I'm not going to respect that.

I approached her and asked her about her job and if she had any words of wisdom for a new NP just starting out. She was soooo super friendly and asked if I was looking for work.

Well, small world!

Problem was, it was on the Oregon Coast, and I vowed never to return once I’d left.

Why?

My next notes are a bit of a mystery to me. They say, “On a bus to DS at 3:50. Arrived at 4:35. UGH, 45 minutes!” Why on earth would a bus from WL to DTD (sorry, still gonna call it that) take a whole freaking 45 minutes?

Odd you don't remember. Maybe it sat for a while after you got on?

I’d not dressed even remotely appropriately for the chilly temps and was becoming cranky.

Uh, oh! Cranky Steppe! Stay out of her way!

I checked in and was told that I could be seated right away on the patio or I’d have to wait about 30 minutes for an inside table. Seriously? I was already freezing my once-very-comfortable hiney off and now I was going to have to have a chilly dinner outside. Sigh… The only good news is that there was a stand heater pretty close to the table they sat me at.

I'm a bit surprised you didn't take the wait, to get out of the cold.

aside from the fact that they made someone with an ADR wait 30 minutes.

Yeah... I know how they do it, but... still, not a fan.

Agreed. Classy.

Chipotle Chicken Flautas: Crispy chipotle chicken tortilla flautas, Chihuahua cheese, red garlicky beans, roasted tomatillo-avocado salsa, garnished with crema, Cotija cheese, fresh herbs (contains dairy), $15

That sounds good!

The old song, "It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas” couldn’t have been any truer as I made my way back to the bus stop.

We all know how long that walk from the portico to the furthest bus stall is and whether you’re hot and sweaty or cold and shivering it always feels like you’re walking to the next zip code.

Apparently not, given my injurious performance at DHS just a day prior.

Hence my recommendation for bionic legs.

What I mean is that aside from these "REPRESENTATIONS" of living things, aside from plants/flora in Pandora, these are the only animals in the land outside the ride attractions.

ohhhh...

No, that's why they are VERY strict about telling you that EVERYTHING goes into the storage bins including cell phones. I've watched some videos of the ride system from the side (camera aimed at the seats/theater) and it's more "violent" that you think. It pitches quite a lot.

Huh. Never really realized that. Too busy having way too much fun on the ride.

 

[Steppesister]

Nice tip! I'm going to try that one!

Works all the time! Eyes on the prize, Violet...

Ouch! Sounds about right though at our age!

LOL!! For real.

What am I missing? There's another BBQ place coming? In addition to Woody's Round Up?

Roundup Rodeo BBQ, I think it's already open now?

One of my favorite meals

Simple but satisfying!

Oh my goodness! I've seen this kind of behavior online, that's crazy you witnessed it first hand!

I was so shocked. And so sad. Self-control has lost its way around here anymore.

Unbelievable. Let's just be happy knowing they'll now be banned for life.

Good riddance!

 

[Steppesister]

Way. Waaaayyyyyy less exhilarating.

Too true.

Because often enough, the parents are just as clueless.

That also is true.

I know that leftover pizza for breakfast is a thing for a lot of people, but it's just not for me.

I love it!

Hard to believe that was quicker.

I'm not even sure it was but at least I was moving.

Hence some of your dining... choices.

I saved on the things I could, but splurged now and then as well.

Ah. However... I don't want to go to my resort and then have to wait for yet another bus, just to get to my room.

The buses returning from parks, hmm, I think all the buses in fact, do the entire loop to all 4 stops, so no changing buses.

Wonder how often that happens?

Good question. I know they all shut down when there is lightning.

Just a wreath? Or was there a tree as well?

There was a tree... That first photo is a couple of the ornaments off the small tree, maybe 8-10' tall.

Yeah... I'll wait for your response to my previous question.

See above.

Interesting. With all the choices there are in The World...

I know, but same offerings just undiscovered and never a line.

I was wondering why you said it was Santa's fave.

I'd be tempted... but not very.

I hear that they have a version of a Magic Bar that I'd be tempted for.

Thanks for that. Your closeups reminded me that it's actually made from food!

Glad I could offer a new perspective.

Of course! Great spot.

Always relaxing!

If you're in public, you're broadcasting. Sorry, not sorry, but I'm not going to respect that.

Yup.

Why?

It's turned into a pretty sad state and not governed well. But that's all I have to say about that. You can look at recent photos and videos of the entire Willamette Valley and draw your own conclusions. I was having to step over needles and human poop to go anywhere in town at all. Not a place I care to live.

Odd you don't remember. Maybe it sat for a while after you got on?

Who knows.

I'm a bit surprised you didn't take the wait, to get out of the cold.

I was hungry and at that point, just wanted to get home I guess.

Hence my recommendation for bionic legs.

I need some!

Huh. Never really realized that. Too busy having way too much fun on the ride.

It's such a lovely ride.

 

[buzzrelly]

Roundup Rodeo BBQ, I think it's already open now?

Yes, it's been open a couple years and sadly hasn't done a thing to help with the poor seating situation at Woody's Lunch Box
I thought you heard they were making a new quick service place. I do think they recently revamped this area's seating area though so maybe it's better? I'll find out in October!

 

[missjackiemcg]

Follow me on a day-long trek from resort to resort where I find delicious artwork and Christmas décor for every taste.

Best kind of day!!! I'm hoping to make some time for a resort wander myself when we're there this Christmas!

The attention to detail is always incredible with Disney, but seriously!? Those little jars and perfect little pastries--so incredible!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I love resort hopping during the Christmas season. The Christmas Carol carousel was wonderful!
I’m really glad you liked Fontera Cocina despite the cold weather!

 

[Steppesister]

Yes, it's been open a couple years and sadly hasn't done a thing to help with the poor seating situation at Woody's Lunch Box
I thought you heard they were making a new quick service place. I do think they recently revamped this area's seating area though so maybe it's better? I'll find out in October!

Well poop. It's always such a choke-hold there. I wish there was far more seating in general scattered around the parks like little 2 or 4 tops in shade to just take a rest at or eat a quick snack or QS you've picked up.

 

[Steppesister]

Best kind of day!!! I'm hoping to make some time for a resort wander myself when we're there this Christmas!


The attention to detail is always incredible with Disney, but seriously!? Those little jars and perfect little pastries--so incredible!

I'll admit it does take time to do that. Pretty much a day lost to parks entirely, but it was worth it for sure. I can't even imagine how many hours it took to create these masterpieces.

 

[Steppesister]

I love resort hopping during the Christmas season. The Christmas Carol carousel was wonderful!
I’m really glad you liked Fontera Cocina despite the cold weather!

I'd eat there again.

I think my top faves at DTD are: Jock's WBG, Jaleo, Frontera and sometimes the Boathouse.

 

[Steppesister]

X is for: The XIIth Day of X-Mas Vacation​

The 12th day of the Very Merriest Land and Sea X-Mas Vacation brings me back to some robust park action. This would be my last full day in the Disney Bubble, so best to make the most of it.

Generally, DHS is not my favorite park, but Christmastime seems to lend a definite upgrade to my wanting to be there. I adore the retro vibe of all things Christmas past; the tinsel and vintage figures bring back so many memories of visiting great aunts and uncles and grandparents over the holidays as a child.

I didn’t plan to spend too long there but in the few short hours I was there, I packed a LOT in.

Waltzing in at Rope Drop, I breezed through a completely empty Toy Story Land and caught the first train through Andy’s backyard on his Dash and Dodge Track’s Expansion Pack. It’s not often you can grab a completely people-free photo anywhere in any of the parks which is reason #20377 why Rope Drop is worth it.

(The ornaments are a fun addition)​

MMRR has really grown on me and being still super early the line hadn’t started its usual status maximus. From start to finish, including grabbing a few of my favorite HM’s and Easter Eggs, I was on and off in under 20 minutes.

(2 of my favorite HMs!)


(Do you see it?)


(There's a VERY fleeting fun one!)​

I cha-cha’d my way back to ToT and grabbed a couple more hidden gems like the slot from “The Fever” (Season 1, Ep. 17) (just watched it today! Poor Franklin!)

(Every time I ride this I find a new prop!!)

​

and this creepy little gem:

(You’ve been warned.)


(Wonder if the letters leaving here are haunted too!)​

On the way to the Muppets I found yet another hat-tip to my childhood home:

​

My uncles did several electrical contracting jobs at Soboba and it’s right near where the Scientology compound is. If you care to be a bit creeped out, dig a little deeper into that and specifically this property. Soboba is better known though for the Casino and event venue; many a Hemet High reunion has been held there. I even went to Mt. Jacinto Community College for a term. Speaking of reunions, I’m headed back to Hemet for my 40th this month- HOW DID I GET HERE?! There is no WAY I graduated 40 years ago!! Sigh…

Know what else is over 40 years old? The Muppets. I trotted over that way next… for my very last time ever. This makes me rather sad. I will miss Statler and Waldorf’s dry, sarcastic one-liners; I will miss seeing Bean’s smile when he gets to light off all the fireworks…. I desperately hope they use at least a few of the sight-gags and long-standing shenanigans like the key under the door and a net full of Jello at the new coaster.

​

I had very few things left on the list of undone things, so got off of my feet in a nice cool theater with the always-wonderful shorts. Who doesn’t love to get away for some Vacation Fun?!

​

Or a visit to Potatoland?

​

You know you can watch them all on YouTube for free, right? And did you notice that Yodelberg features the Swisskapolka from Swiss Family Treehouse/Movie too?

Then it was time to pay a last homage to Uncle Walt and have a fun little trip down Memory Lane with all the props and posters from years of Disney entertainment.

​

Truly, everything here represents the Golden Age of Disney’s live entertainment.

​

It was now 11:00 and I had ridden Slinky, ToT, MMRR, and had seen the Shorts and Muppets. All that excitement builds up an appetite and there is no better lunch at DHS than a Ronto. No, really, there isn’t. I shoved more than half of this bad boy through my face, snapped a few quick photos, then tried to decide if I should sign a contract at the Rebel Base or hit the road.

​

Apparently, I hit the road because my first photo shows a timestamp at MK at 11:51. Thank goodness the wait til 2:00 to hop is over. Sayonara, stupid rule!!!

I’ll pick it up next time with a fun-filled afternoon at Magic Kingdom with a tasty dinner at Skippers!

 

[Wood Nymph]

It’s not often you can grab a completely people-free photo anywhere in any of the parks which is reason #20377 why Rope Drop is worth it.

You must have been near the front of the line!

Apparently, I hit the road because my first photo shows a timestamp at MK at 11:51. Thank goodness the wait til 2:00 to hop is over. Sayonara, stupid rule!!!

I'm glad that the rule is gone, too. We are usually done with Hollywood Studios by noon. There is only a limited number of things we like to see there.

 

[pkondz]

This would be my last full day in the Disney Bubble, so best to make the most of it.

Best thing to do almost any day at Disney, but... yes. Definitely. Time goes by so fast, there.

Generally, DHS is not my favorite park

Did not know that.
Then again... while there have been some improvements... there have also been some (IMHO) mistakes with the detractions.

the tinsel and vintage figures bring back so many memories of visiting great aunts and uncles and grandparents over the holidays as a child.

Awww.

Waltzing in at Rope Drop, I breezed through a completely empty Toy Story Land and caught the first train through Andy’s backyard

First one! Good for you! (I presume, most RDers went left or right while you waltzed straight ahead.)

It’s not often you can grab a completely people-free photo anywhere in any of the parks which is reason #20377 why Rope Drop is worth it.

Ah! So you didn't just make that up.

being still super early the line hadn’t started its usual status maximus.

(2 of my favorite HMs!)

Mine too...
Mind you I don't really look for them all that much.

(Do you see it?)

A hidden Mickey? Nope.

(There's a VERY fleeting fun one!)

Good catch.

the slot from “The Fever” (Season 1, Ep. 17)

Don't think I've seen that one. Or don't remember it.

Did know about this. Although I know it's not always there. I've looked in and seen nothing, before.

(Wonder if the letters leaving here are haunted too!)

On the way to the Muppets I found yet another hat-tip to my childhood home:

Nice that you did.

If you care to be a bit creeped out, dig a little deeper into that and specifically this property.

Hmmm... will try to remember...

Speaking of reunions, I’m headed back to Hemet for my 40th this month- HOW DID I GET HERE?! There is no WAY I graduated 40 years ago!! Sigh…

Bit of a typo there. you wrote "40" instead of "20"

The Muppets. I trotted over that way next… for my very last time ever. This makes me rather sad.

Me too.

I will miss Statler and Waldorf’s dry, sarcastic one-liners;

Maybe they'll heckle the line? That'd be fun.

I desperately hope they use at least a few of the sight-gags and long-standing shenanigans like the key under the door and a net full of Jello at the new coaster.

Just had this conversation with Caroline.

I forgot about that.

Or a visit to Potatoland?

The what now???

Just watched Treasure Island a few weeks ago.

there is no better lunch at DHS than a Ronto. No, really, there isn’t.

Hmmm... I do love the Cobb Salad at HBD. But... the Ronto Wrap is really good.

 

[Steppesister]

You must have been near the front of the line!

I'm not sure I was but not many go straight to Toy Story Land I think. Most head to Galaxy's Edge or over to ToT. That day it worked out well for me as I didn't have plans to ride RoTR.

I'm glad that the rule is gone, too. We are usually done with Hollywood Studios by noon. There is only a limited number of things we like to see there.

I think it depends on when it is in my trip. I love to just sit and listen to the BGM and people watch, or sit and have a cocktail somewhere, but if it's my first day there early on, I can spend a whole day trying to catch the majority of the rides.

 

[Steppesister]

Best thing to do almost any day at Disney, but... yes. Definitely. Time goes by so fast, there.

It always does. And although I really don't want to live there or go all the time, it's really a nice escape from work and life.

Did not know that.
Then again... while there have been some improvements... there have also been some (IMHO) mistakes with the detractions.

I agree- which ones are you specifically thinking of?

First one! Good for you! (I presume, most RDers went left or right while you waltzed straight ahead.)

I was. Such a cool thing to see a completely empty land for sure!!

Ah! So you didn't just make that up.

I did not!!

Mine too...
Mind you I don't really look for them all that much.

True, but still nice. I think most don't see on their way through the line.

A hidden Mickey? Nope.

A really nice nod to the old Great Movie Ride. May it forever rest in peace!!!!!

Don't think I've seen that one. Or don't remember it.

Good one! Gambling psychosis theme.

Did know about this. Although I know it's not always there. I've looked in and seen nothing, before.

Correct, it isn't. But glad I asked if I could check this time around. I lucked out.

Bit of a typo there. you wrote "40" instead of "20"

You're sweet..... but my back most definitely disagrees with you.

Maybe they'll heckle the line? That'd be fun.

Ok, yes, now that would be funny! If they don't change the track I probably won't ride it (too jerky and wrecks my neck) but I am super curious about the queue.

I forgot about that.

It's just so funny!!!

The what now???

They have a little photo opp area that's kinda cute.

Just watched Treasure Island a few weeks ago.

And although not Disney, I just finished Chitty Chitty Bang Bang- it, at least to me, is super Disney-esque.

Hmmm... I do love the Cobb Salad at HBD. But... the Ronto Wrap is really good.

Oh man, I sure do too!! With an Apricot Sour! But when you're on the go and don't want to savour and linger... Ronto FTW!!!

 

[pkondz]

And although I really don't want to live there or go all the time, it's really a nice escape from work and life.

I agree- which ones are you specifically thinking of?

The backstage tour ride. Was fun seeing the props and sets and the catastrophe canyon part was fun. I also liked the one where they'd take audience members and put them in TV shows/movies. And of course, GMR.

A really nice nod to the old Great Movie Ride. May it forever rest in peace!!!!!

Ah. Saw that.

Good one! Gambling psychosis theme.

I read that on Wiki.

You're sweet..... but my back most definitely disagrees with you.

Ok, yes, now that would be funny! If they don't change the track I probably won't ride it (too jerky and wrecks my neck) but I am super curious about the queue.

You can do the queue and then take the chicken exit. Just to see.

They have a little photo opp area that's kinda cute.

Ah

And although not Disney, I just finished Chitty Chitty Bang Bang- it, at least to me, is super Disney-esque.

I didn't know that it wasn't Disney!