"You'd Never Let the Darkness Get the Best of You. I'm Sure of That," a Christmas 2023 Disney Trip Report from an Old Friend. - UPDATE Oct. 18, 2024

[pkondz]

Hah! Good joke. R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Her face was awesome! Great photo, and some serious excitement when she came off the ride just bouncing.

I like the snope, I think because it's not cold! (And it doesn't stick on the roads.)

Too much of a trigger

N would agree with you. He's also a Halloween fan and prefers the Halloween parade.

N is smart.

Yes! (With real poop. It would be quite a job for the person who's responsible for that...imagine, you finally get your big break in a WDW parade and it's shovelling horse manure....

 

[VAtink]

Super late to the party, but joining in!

But lately I've been thinking a lot about how much joy I used to get from re-living my Disney trips and being around this site.

I 100% feel this, I had a health scare earlier in the year, and writing a trip report and just being on here really helped get me through.

 

[MeghanEmily]

Super late to the party, but joining in!

Welcome!!! I'm so glad you're here!!

I 100% feel this, I had a health scare earlier in the year, and writing a trip report and just being on here really helped get me through.

Disney generally and the DIS have been so huge for me getting through all kinds of things in my life, grad school, personal difficulties, and health stuff. It's therapeutic to have something that makes you smile even when life gets challenging! I'm glad you had the same kind of positive experience with being on here, and I hope you're doing okay now.

 

[piglet1979]

I just found this report. I am so sorry that you haven't been feeling good and hope that they figure it out soon. My daughter Elizabeth has had a few things that were mystery illnesses over the last few years. We finally got the official (without being official because they don't want to put her through another test) diagnosis of POTS. It was more that we couldn't get the doctors to listen to us. They just kept telling us she needed to eat more salt and drink more water because the symptoms mimic dehydration and show up when it is really hot out. Right now her and my SIL have a mystery cough that is really bad but all the tests are coming back normal for both of them. It must have started as a virus (from my 18 year old nephew) but these 2 just can't shake it and it has been 5-6 weeks now. All this to say I understand the frustration you have and hope it gets figured out.

I have watched the EPCOT show in the same spot you did. It is a great little spot away from the crowds with a great view. It is back next to the Rose and Crown.

I never would have guessed Hong Kong but that is amazing that you were able to go as a kid. If I get over my fear of traveling (it is the plane rides that worry me), I want to visit all of them.

 

[MeghanEmily]

I just found this report. I am so sorry that you haven't been feeling good and hope that they figure it out soon. My daughter Elizabeth has had a few things that were mystery illnesses over the last few years. We finally got the official (without being official because they don't want to put her through another test) diagnosis of POTS. It was more that we couldn't get the doctors to listen to us. They just kept telling us she needed to eat more salt and drink more water because the symptoms mimic dehydration and show up when it is really hot out. Right now her and my SIL have a mystery cough that is really bad but all the tests are coming back normal for both of them. It must have started as a virus (from my 18 year old nephew) but these 2 just can't shake it and it has been 5-6 weeks now. All this to say I understand the frustration you have and hope it gets figured out.

I'm so sorry to hear your family, and especially your daughter, has been going through a similar thing with health problems! I've been hearing more and more about people being diagnosed with POTS (and that it often takes a long time for medical professionals to figure that one out.) 10 years ago I only knew one person with POTS, but now it seems like it's finally becoming more of a common diagnosis. I hope she is able to get her symptoms under control and feel better. It's so hard when you're trying to get to the bottom of these things! Most people would assume that a "normal" test result is a good thing, and in a way it is, but it can also be really frustrating when all you want is an answer. Hope your daughter and SIL are both starting to feel better!

I have watched the EPCOT show in the same spot you did. It is a great little spot away from the crowds with a great view. It is back next to the Rose and Crown.

It really was a great little hideaway for watching the fireworks. I'm thinking we'll definitely have to keep it in mind for future trips.

I never would have guessed Hong Kong but that is amazing that you were able to go as a kid. If I get over my fear of traveling (it is the plane rides that worry me), I want to visit all of them.

I'm with you about plane rides! I absolutely hate to fly. I hope someday you're able to get to all the parks!

 

[piglet1979]

I'm so sorry to hear your family, and especially your daughter, has been going through a similar thing with health problems! I've been hearing more and more about people being diagnosed with POTS (and that it often takes a long time for medical professionals to figure that one out.) 10 years ago I only knew one person with POTS, but now it seems like it's finally becoming more of a common diagnosis. I hope she is able to get her symptoms under control and feel better. It's so hard when you're trying to get to the bottom of these things! Most people would assume that a "normal" test result is a good thing, and in a way it is, but it can also be really frustrating when all you want is an answer. Hope your daughter and SIL are both starting to feel better!

It is so frustrating. Sometimes I just want a test to come back bad just to have an answer Though at the same time I don't. DD saw the Pulmonologist this week and though we don't have answers we are at least getting somewhere. She now needs to see an ENT because she is losing her voice when ever she coughs, a Rheumatologist since her joints hurt and a strong presence of autoimmune in my family, and an immunologist (it was already scheduled) since she has low IgA which affects your raspatory and digestive immune system. The pulmonologist is talking with all the doctors so everyone is on the same page and getting all the test done. It is looking like more blood work, a next x-ray and a chest and neck CT. SO at least moving in the right direction.

 

[MeghanEmily]

It's been a while. You have come to expect this of me by now. Let's not talk about it.

Dec. 23 — Part 1

Looking back on where I left off, it's looking like I was about to share our first day of this trip as a duo, just N and me. We were missing my fam a little, but not nearly enough to join them at early-o-clock at MCO. There was still fun to be had, and by golly, we were gonna' be the ones to have it! I have to say, I never ever get tired of this view when we wake up on a sunny day in Central Florida!



Our resort may not have been quiiiiiiiite as magical as the Disney bubble, but it still feels pretty special when we wake up to this on our vacations at my grandmother's timeshare. I understand how privileged we are when I say that we've stayed there enough times now that it's starting to feel like home to us.

We were headed somewhere especially wild on this day, with one of my favourite Christmas trees....



....and one of my favourite icons...



....as you can see, it was an Animal Kingdom day! Big BIG love! Maybe it's because we just celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving, or maybe it's because one of the medications I'm currently taking for my gastro troubles also doubles as an antidepressant, but I'm feeling particularly grateful for the opportunities we've had to explore these places we love again and again. And also, for the way they never seem to get old, no matter how many times we go, and that we can always enjoy and appreciate something new. Years ago, I would have told you that Animal Kingdom was my favourite park. In recent years, EPCOT has managed to edge its way in as my top favourite place, but AK remains a solid #2. (....ew. <--consider revising?)

It's looking from my photo reel (no notes, NO NOTES!) like we started our day wandering through Africa...



...but it seems that we were passing through on our way to the train station! (Train selfie below, or it didn't happen...)



And on a trip where we were taking time to smell the roses, I think it's fitting that we started our day by sitting down to a drawing class. Our animation instructor for this class was an engaging young woman, (one might even call her animated,) who I felt did an exceptionally good job pacing us through this drawing of everyone's favourite little lion king-to-be.



As we shuffled out of the class, I stopped briefly to tell the animator how much I enjoyed her class, and how I felt her instructions were very clear and easy to follow, and the pacing just right. I love doing these little classes, and we've drawn a few characters over the years with a few different animators, but this was the first class where I didn't feel like I started to feel rushed and panicked about 2/3 of the way through the drawing. Maybe it was also a simpler character than we've done in past, but I do think it had something to do with a cast member who does an exceptional job with her teaching! I wish I remembered her name now, (NOOOOO NOTES, FOLKS!) but I do think we may have remembered to submit a cast compliment at the time.

I wasn't feeling my absolute best on this trip, sure, but something is seriously wrong with me if I don't stop for a selfie when I see a good Disney wall....and I guess I'm still not that far gone:



Next, we were in the area, so we rode the safari. Initially, writing this update today, I didn't remember anything particularly out of the ordinary about this safari until I started reviewing my photos...





....and I saw this guy:



Then I remembered that he(?) had been blocking the road momentarily, and our driver seemed to be really peeved about it. Like, genuinely peeved, not just acting out some kind of sarcastic bit. I remember it striking me as odd because we'd been on lots of safaris in past where the giraffes or other animals took their sweet time to clear from the road, and it was always just treated as a "that's the way it goes!" kinda deal. Who knows why our driver had a beef with this particular animal on this particular day, but it was important enough at the time for me to take a photo, and for me to somehow still remember it now, almost a year later, with nooooo noooootes! ​

 

[MeghanEmily]

Dec. 23 — Part 2

I've always been a when-hunger-calls-we-listen kinda girl, but with my health flare-up in mind, this was even more important. I don't always feel like eating, but when I do, I have to take advantage! After the safari, we we planning to duck out of the park for a break and an afternoon activity. Lunch, however, could not wait. We stopped for one of my favourite quick service options: build-your-own bowls at Satu'li Canteen. (Apologies that I often forget the photos before the bowl gets mixed, but it's hard not to dig straight in to this one!)



After a short rest—nothing of note to report there—we were on the road to Gaylord Palms for our planned afternoon outing. We were going to see...



^ICE!

This year's theme was A Charlie Brown Christmas, and as in previous years, the ice scuptures did not disappoint.











The ice slides, however, left something to be desired!



....movement. That's what was desired. My tush stuck and scooted all the way down. Perhaps because they're not built with adult bottoms in mind.

When we went to see ICE in past, I don't remember there being anyone doing any live sculpture carving, so I was excited to see they had an artist creating ice sculptures at the event in real time.



There was also some information posted at his workstation about the sculptures. We complimented his work, and he thanked us. When we tried to ask him some questions, it seemed like he didn't understand much English, so we just reiterated how beautiful the sculptures were and moved along.



While I really enjoyed seeing ICE again this trip, and with a different theme this time, I noticed a marked difference in how crowded and hectic it felt there. The last time we'd gone, when we saw the Polar Express sculptures, it was reasonably quiet and felt like a nice reprieve from our time in the parks. This time I felt like it would feel less chaotic to be back at Disney World! I don't know if the activities at Gaylord Palms have become more popular in recent years—it seems there's lots going on there! A Christmas village, refreshments, maybe even a build-a-bear type attraction?—or if it's just because we were visiting so very close to Christmas and on a weekend, and that maybe it had been a slower crowd day the last time we were there. Either way, I'd consider going back to see ICE again, but probably not on Saturday, December the 23rd. Lesson learned. ​

 

[pkondz]

It's been a while. You have come to expect this of me by now. Let's not talk about it.

Mum's the word.

Or whatever word you use on the East coast.
I like "Kumquat". Now there's a word.

Looking back on where I left off, it's looking like I was about to share our first day of this trip as a duo, just N and me.

Definitely. That's where you left off. Yes. Absolutely.


You could have said "We were just about to leap from the burning plane" and I would've gone "Yup. That's where she left off."

We were missing my fam a little, but not nearly enough to join them at early-o-clock at MCO.

I have to say, I never ever get tired of this view when we wake up on a sunny day in Central Florida!

Love seeing palm trees. I remember seeing one for the first time on my first visit... oh... 196 years ago.

Maybe it's because we just celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving, or maybe it's because one of the medications I'm currently taking for my gastro troubles also doubles as an antidepressant, but I'm feeling particularly grateful for the opportunities we've had to explore these places we love again and again.

Either way, I'm glad you feel up to posting an update.

Years ago, I would have told you that Animal Kingdom was my favourite park. In recent years, EPCOT has managed to edge its way in as my top favourite place

Really! Why is that?

but AK remains a solid #2. (....ew. <--consider revising?)

Cute shot of you two.

Wow! That's really good! I'm impressed.

I wish I remembered her name now

What kind of TR reporting is this???

(NOOOOO NOTES, FOLKS!)

Oh. That kind of TR reporting.

I guess I'm still not that far gone:

Must. Restrain. Self. From. Commenting...

Beached hippos ahoy!

Who knows why our driver had a beef with this particular animal on this particular day

That animal's family had a hand in an ugly incident with the driver's family over 10 generations ago and they never forgot.

 

[pkondz]

I've always been a when-hunger-calls-we-listen kinda girl

This is a good philosophy.

I don't always feel like eating, but when I do, I have to take advantage!

That's like my mom. She can't wait too long for a meal.

build-your-own bowls at Satu'li Canteen.

Has that always been there? Build-your-own?
I hardly every eat there, so don't know.

^ICE!

Nooooo...

I go to Florida in winter to get away from ice and snow!

This year's theme was A Charlie Brown Christmas, and as in previous years, the ice scuptures did not disappoint.

Okay... I might make an exception for Charlie Brown Christmas.

oooohhh... such a good part of the show.

Stawp! I'm getting shivers... and not from the cold!

....movement. That's what was desired. My tush stuck and scooted all the way down. Perhaps because they're not built with adult bottoms in mind.

I'm surprised they didn't supply... something... to slide on. Then again... you're in Florida. What do they know about ice slides?

When we went to see ICE in past, I don't remember there being anyone doing any live sculpture carving, so I was excited to see they had an artist creating ice sculptures at the event in real time.

That's cool. I'd like to see that.

 

[MeghanEmily]

Or whatever word you use on the East coast.
I like "Kumquat". Now there's a word.

Ooh that IS a good word!

East coast folk also use "mum," but now I'm feeling like I should give some more though to what MY personal word should be. Why "mum?" Why not something else more original? Can't go with "Kumquat," since that's already been picked....I'll have to think on it.

You could have said "We were just about to leap from the burning plane" and I would've gone "Yup. That's where she left off."

Hah! Maybe it would increase my readership if I beefed up this report with a little more drama! "And just as we were about to reach the front of the line to see Minnie Mouse, a pterodactyl swooped unexpectedly from the sky and carried off her character handler into the sky, the surrounding crowd erupting into horrified screams, weeping, gnashing of teeth..."

....I dunno, seems a little far-fetched. Maybe I'll stick to what I know.

Love seeing palm trees. I remember seeing one for the first time on my first visit... oh... 196 years ago.

Back in the olden days! But those palm tree memories never leave us.

Really! Why is that?

Why has EPCOT slid into first place for me? Cuz...cuz.....vibes?

It's only been since I've been taking adult-only trips with the hubby that EPCOT has turned into THE place to be for me. And I'm not really a drinker, or even a heavy snacker, so it's not about the "Around the World" challenges for me. I think I mentioned this earlier in the TR comments (but it's been long enough that I don't remember, and I'm not motivated enough to go back through and check,) so sorry if this is redundant. But I think part of it is because I tend to spend a lot of my park time simply exploring, wandering, and taking in the sights. We do some rides, but I'm not a thrill-seeker. And so I find EPCOT, (and also Animal Kingdom) have lots to absorb and look at. I also find, for whatever reason, that the EPCOT soundtrack music that's piped in is especially effective for me for inducing "the feels." I loooooved the Future World soundtrack, and was a bit worried that it wouldn't be the same for me when that area was recently updated, but I was pleased to find that I still like the new music and the other changes almost as much. (The only change I really can't get behind is the removal of the Fountain of Nations, but that's another rant for another time. And I'm not so sore about it that I can't move on and enjoy things the way they are now.)

Wow! That's really good! I'm impressed.

Thanks! Nathan's usually the artist of the two of us, obviously, but I tend to come out slightly ahead of him in drawing challenges. It's not perfect, but I was happy with it

That animal's family had a hand in an ugly incident with the driver's family over 10 generations ago and they never forgot.

Oh dear, drama! Well now I feel badly. I had no idea. We should have been more sensitive.

That's like my mom. She can't wait too long for a meal.

Your mom and I have that in common. When hunger strikes, I may get a little cranky, but then I have about 30-60 minutes lately before I'm in trouble. (Lightheaded, nauseated, shaky, brain-foggy, etc.) I usually carry a snack or two for this reason. Lately it's been a little more challenging because, with my current health struggles, I seem to have developed some kind of accommodation disorder of the stomach where my tummy doesn't expand as much as it's supposed to, and I often feel too full or unable to eat anything when it might be a normal mealtime for the rest of the fam, but then I can sometimes get hungry later unexpectedly. Along with some medication that's helping, it's been lifestyle changes--mainly eating small portions when I'm able, and making sure that I do eat in a timely fashion when the opportunity presents itself.

Has that always been there? Build-your-own?
I hardly every eat there, so don't know.

It has, but the "build-your-own" label is a bit misleading. You don't actually get to construct the bowls yourself, just choose which elements you want in them: a base (hash, noodles, salad, etc.,) a protein (beef, chicken, probably tofu?,) and a sauce, (green onion vinaigrette, something creamy and ranch-like, not sure about any other options...?)

Okay... I might make an exception for Charlie Brown Christmas.

It was really nice. Nostalgic, and felt like the cartoon brought to life. I think this year is going to be "Elf" themed, like the Will Ferrell movie.

I'm surprised they didn't supply... something... to slide on. Then again... you're in Florida. What do they know about ice slides?

I think the idea is that the "parkas" (lol) that they provide are long enough and slick enough that you can slide down on them. It's only somewhat successful, even for kids whose parkas might hit a little longer. But yeah....Florida....probably not well-versed in winter sliding best practices. We northerners all spent our childhoods training for this kind of moment. And now my mind is wandering to what it would look like if Floridians, who would have no prior sliding training, were handed crazy carpets and an incline made of solid-ice. *shudder* It would be like a bad movie. Paramedics would be called on the daily.

 

[pkondz]

East coast folk also use "mum," but now I'm feeling like I should give some more though to what MY personal word should be. Why "mum?" Why not something else more original? Can't go with "Kumquat," since that's already been picked....I'll have to think on it.

This is an important choice. Don't mess it up.

(filibuster was available, but has been recently taken by a chap in Saskatchewan.)

Hah! Maybe it would increase my readership if I beefed up this report with a little more drama! "And just as we were about to reach the front of the line to see Minnie Mouse, a pterodactyl swooped unexpectedly from the sky and carried off her character handler into the sky, the surrounding crowd erupting into horrified screams, weeping, gnashing of teeth..."

....I dunno, seems a little far-fetched. Maybe I'll stick to what I know.

Oh, no. I'm totally buying it.
Except...

"OMG!!! A pterodactyl grabbed Minnie!?!?!?!..."
"No! Not Minnie! But her handler! Took him right off his feet! Bit his head off! Horrible!"
"So... not Minnie, then?"
"Well... no..."
"That's all right then."

I also find, for whatever reason, that the EPCOT soundtrack music that's piped in is especially effective for me for inducing "the feels."

See... I almost never notice the soundtrack. Someone has to grab my arm and say. "Listen"... and maybe then I'll actually notice. For me it's part of the background that gives me happy feels, but...
"Did you like that song?"
Me: "Huh?"

The only change I really can't get behind is the removal of the Fountain of Nations, but that's another rant for another time.

Rant away. It's your TR.

Thanks! Nathan's usually the artist of the two of us, obviously

but I tend to come out slightly ahead of him in drawing challenges.

Really!

Your mom and I have that in common. When hunger strikes, I may get a little cranky, but then I have about 30-60 minutes lately before I'm in trouble. (Lightheaded, nauseated, shaky, brain-foggy, etc.) I usually carry a snack or two for this reason. Lately it's been a little more challenging because, with my current health struggles, I seem to have developed some kind of accommodation disorder of the stomach where my tummy doesn't expand as much as it's supposed to, and I often feel too full or unable to eat anything when it might be a normal mealtime for the rest of the fam, but then I can sometimes get hungry later unexpectedly. Along with some medication that's helping, it's been lifestyle changes--mainly eating small portions when I'm able, and making sure that I do eat in a timely fashion when the opportunity presents itself.

Sounds like you're learning both what is going on and also how to adapt.

It has, but the "build-your-own" label is a bit misleading. You don't actually get to construct the bowls yourself, just choose which elements you want in them: a base (hash, noodles, salad, etc.,) a protein (beef, chicken, probably tofu?,) and a sauce, (green onion vinaigrette, something creamy and ranch-like, not sure about any other options...?)

Ah. Shows you how often I eat there.

It was really nice. Nostalgic, and felt like the cartoon brought to life.

Oddly enough, yesterday I was watching an episode of Pawn Stars and someone brought in a first pressing LP (please, please tell me you know what an "LP" is) of Vince Guaraldi Charlie Brown Christmas.

I think this year is going to be "Elf" themed, like the Will Ferrell movie.

That'll be fun.

I think the idea is that the "parkas" (lol)

We northerners all spent our childhoods training for this kind of moment. And now my mind is wandering to what it would look like if Floridians, who would have no prior sliding training, were handed crazy carpets and an incline made of solid-ice. *shudder* It would be like a bad movie. Paramedics would be called on the daily.

Paramedics, huh? Yeah, I can see that.
I can see the start of that being...
"Where's the slide?"
"It's outside."
"Outside?? Is that possible?"
"Well, yes. Not only possible... but probable."
<takes one step outside and discovers they can't breathe and the air hurts their face. Gamely slides anyways (or perhaps, in shock, on autopilot) down to the waiting paramedics.>

 

[MeghanEmily]

This is an important choice. Don't mess it up.

(filibuster was available, but has been recently taken by a chap in Saskatchewan.)

I gave it some thought, and I think I'll go with "cattywampus," a variant spelling of "catawampus." Bumfuzzle and bamboozle were also contenders.

Oh, no. I'm totally buying it.
Except...

"OMG!!! A pterodactyl grabbed Minnie!?!?!?!..."
"No! Not Minnie! But her handler! Took him right off his feet! Bit his head off! Horrible!"
"So... not Minnie, then?"
"Well... no..."
"That's all right then."

I initially thought about going that dramatic, but just couldn't bring myself to do that to Minnie. I guess my brain also felt like carrying the CM away would have been "all right then."

See... I almost never notice the soundtrack. Someone has to grab my arm and say. "Listen"... and maybe then I'll actually notice. For me it's part of the background that gives me happy feels, but...
"Did you like that song?"
Me: "Huh?"

Oooh the soundtrack gets me every time! But I have a bit of a special interest in ochestral music. I'm no expert, but I love a good soundtrack. I'm acutely aware of how soundtrack often relates with memory and nostalgia for me. (The Jurassic Park area of Universal's Islands of Adventure is still one of my favourite places in all the Florida parks, not because I'm an especially big dino fan, or because I have much nostalgia for the films, but because John Williams's brilliant theme playing as you walk in gives me immediate joyful vibes and transports me to sunny days as a child walking through that park with my parents. *pauses typing to go put the soundtrack on now.*)

I also regularly listen to soundtracks from the parks and Disney/Pixar films in my daily life, doing the dishes, going for a walk outdoors, etc. I particularly like the Inside Out soundtrack. The Incredibles is good, too. I remember a friend sharing a piece from The Incredibles in a show-and-tell type assignment we had in one of our first-year courses in my music degree.

Sounds like you're learning both what is going on and also how to adapt.

I'm trying It's a combination of changing what I can through medical management and lifestyle changes, and learning to accept what I can't.

Oddly enough, yesterday I was watching an episode of Pawn Stars and someone brought in a first pressing LP (please, please tell me you know what an "LP" is) of Vince Guaraldi Charlie Brown Christmas.

I do know what an LP is! We even had a record player when I was younger. But I'm not one of the music-types who really appreciates or advocates for records over digital for sound quality or whatever. I think they're neat, but I listen to almost all my music from my phone or computer. That would have been a pretty cool pawn find, though!

 

[pkondz]

I gave it some thought, and I think I'll go with "cattywampus," a variant spelling of "catawampus." Bumfuzzle and bamboozle were also contenders.

I approve.

Oooh the soundtrack gets me every time! But I have a bit of a special interest in ochestral music.

I know. I’ve heard you sing.