Your ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE to Disney World at Christmas Time! UPDATE x2 10/21

[Kelliroo3]

Thanks for the info on the dine with an imagineer! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I'm going to HAVE to do it!!

I like Duffy too. I think he's cute. Plus I like his back story with Minnie making him for Mickey to bring on his adventures. Too cute.

Weren't the storytellers fantastic? I just loved them! Hahaha the monkey king! His voice is in my head still too haha. Just the way he said his name...so proud and excited! Loved it.

 

[BobbleClank]

I am doing the Deer Face now. Thanks A lot.

 

[fnrsgrl]

Just popping in to say that I'm enjoying this TR(as usual), and that is was nice to meet you! Also, I love Duffy! I think he's adorable, and his story is very sweet.

 

[sue_88]

Yay! I was glad to have four updates to read!!
And, I wanted to put in my "two cents" about Duffy! I think the people who don't like him are ones who want to dislike Disney in general and say that additions to the Disney characters is only an effort to increase sales. But, I love Disney and want to look at the bright side of new characters! For instance, tons of very young children are Disney fans and come to the parks each year. That, to me, makes having a Disney teddy bear make perfect sense. And a lot of adults can plainly see that Duffy is adorable too.
I was looking forward to a pic with Duffy when I was there in early November. I was a little disappointed that he was only appearing in his holiday outfit. I had been looking forward to seeing him in his typical everday clothes. So I guess I will just visit him again in the future.
Also, I wanted to say that the deer puppet is adorable! I see why you like it.

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Duffy came from the Tokyo Disney right? I don't think I noticed much of his merchandise on my last trip in '09. I guess I am kind of like you, if you like him and embrace him thats great, if not there are lots of other Disney characters to focus on. He sure is cute though!

Do they do storytellers throughout the year? These are all holiday themed, so do they offer regular ones at other times of the year. The Mexican one would be so interesting to see with my friend Sam because she speaks fluent Spanish so she could translate the whole thing for me!

Love all your pictures!! The flowers are gorgeous!!!!!!

Yeah he did! I think he's relatively new. I didn't notice his merchandise until my trip in 2011. (but then again I didn't go at all in 2010. Weird, I know. ) Yeah he is precious!

You know, I don't think they do. They have some performers like the mariachi band in Mexico, the mime in France, and the acrobats in China. That World Showcase entertainment is about the equivalent to the storytellers during the year, pretty much. If you check your times guide, then they would have the times for any of the entertainment going on while you're there!

Thank you!

I've never seen WDW during the holiday season, but have seen DLR and your pictures have me definitely wanting to pay a visit to WDW during this time soon.

I so hope u get your wish to stay at the Beach Club soon...it just seems like such a perfect resort....how far along the list are on having stayed at each hotel?

I love your pictures and details about the storytellers....I particulary think the Mexican ones looked awesome.

Yay for La Cantina...World Showcase CS is always the best.

Can't wait for more

Aww yeah it's beautiful! You're so lucky - I would love to see DLR during the holidays! Heck, I would love to see it at anytime! I only have been there once and it was when I was 12 years old!

Me too! I'm hoping for the next DVC trip we can stay there! And hmmm let's see... I have stayed at every resort except for the Polynesian, the Beach Club, All Star Music, All Star Sports, Art of Animation, and the Swan or Dolphin. (but do they count? I don't know.) So yeah, I am really grateful that I have had a lot of opportunities to stay at many different resorts!

Yeah I agree!

What a fabulous update. I love that they have all those storytellers out during Christmas. What a wonderfully unique thing to experience at Disney!! That is so incredible that you can learn so much and I love that you can get pictures with all of them too. It sounds absolutely fascinating!! Santa Duffy is so adorable too!! Goodness...I am so ready for summer, but man the holiday season is so magically amazing!!

Thank you! So do I - they really gave us something to do when it got crowded! Yeah, the whole thing as a really cool experience. And LOL I agree... I wish it was Christmas.

I LOVE your trip reports Jess! (First time posting though!). You could NEVER post too many updates for me! I can't wait to read more about this one, and hopefully about your latest trip! (if you make a TR for that)

Aww thank you so much! I'm glad you're here and are loving the updates! And yes, I am planning on writing one! I just don't know when quite yet!

I completely agree about Duffy! What's not to love about a cuddly teddy bear, seriously? No need to get panties in a bunch over him!

You seriously have such a good eye for photography. That picture looking across the World Showcase Lagoon is just GAHH. So beautiful. AND. That first monorail picture? Is it my imagination or are those clouds to the center-right in the shape of a classic Mickey ears hat? They totally are.

It's cool hearing about all the storytellers, especially since during my two December trips I only heard bits and pieces of Monkey King and Canada guy. Hahaha. So yay!

Haha yeah I just let him do his own thing. Duffy is cute!

Aww thank you! And yeah I went back to that picture and I see what you mean! Very cool!

I'm glad you're enjoying it!

Thanks for the info on the dine with an imagineer! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I'm going to HAVE to do it!!

I like Duffy too. I think he's cute. Plus I like his back story with Minnie making him for Mickey to bring on his adventures. Too cute.

Weren't the storytellers fantastic? I just loved them! Hahaha the monkey king! His voice is in my head still too haha. Just the way he said his name...so proud and excited! Loved it.

Of course! And yes, please do!! You won't regret it, I promise!

Yeah I think that is adorable. Once I learned the backstory I started appreciating him!

YES they were amazing! I'm glad you know what I'm referring to haha. I will never forget it!

I am doing the Deer Face now. Thanks A lot.

You are SO welcome!

Just popping in to say that I'm enjoying this TR(as usual), and that is was nice to meet you! Also, I love Duffy! I think he's adorable, and his story is very sweet.

AHH YAY! I'm so glad you commented! Kristen and I were trying to figure out your disboards name for the longest time but we just couldn't remember what you said exactly! And then her brother wouldn't let us stay behind after the Jungle Cruise to say hi once again. Oh boys But it was SO nice meeting you - you have no idea how much you made our nights! I hope you had a magical time in the world! And I'm glad you do too - I think he's precious.

Yay! I was glad to have four updates to read!!
And, I wanted to put in my "two cents" about Duffy! I think the people who don't like him are ones who want to dislike Disney in general and say that additions to the Disney characters is only an effort to increase sales. But, I love Disney and want to look at the bright side of new characters! For instance, tons of very young children are Disney fans and come to the parks each year. That, to me, makes having a Disney teddy bear make perfect sense. And a lot of adults can plainly see that Duffy is adorable too.
I was looking forward to a pic with Duffy when I was there in early November. I was a little disappointed that he was only appearing in his holiday outfit. I had been looking forward to seeing him in his typical everday clothes. So I guess I will just visit him again in the future.
Also, I wanted to say that the deer puppet is adorable! I see why you like it.

I would like to agree with that, but I know some people who are just as obsessed with Disney as me and they still don't like Duffy. To each his own, I suppose. I don't really care whether people like him or not, all I know is that I do! I think he's cute. I just like Teddy Bears haha.

I'm sorry that Duffy only had his Christmas garb on when you were there - hopefully next time you'll see him in the normal outfit!

Thank you! I love that puppet. I want it.

​

 

[RooRach0906]

I thought the Disney Bear that I got in 2003 which is purple and Duffy were the same because they look almost identical are they not???

By the way great updates!! I am definitely going to go over to the BC to check out the decorations!!!

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Chapter 44: Moving Back to Disney!
December 22nd, 2011

Before heading out of Epcot, we had one more stop to make - SUNSHINE SEASONS! Just look at these glorious desserts!

It was time for me to get my hands on some strawberry shortcake! This has to be one of the most photogenic foods in all of Disney. It's just so pretty!

Mom got a Yogurt Panne Cota.

Both of them were SO delicious and they were great light desserts to have after lunch!

On our way out, we saw that there was a gingerbread contest in The Land pavilion! We had to take a look at them - they were all really cool!

LOOK! PUMBAA IS MAKING THE DEER FACE!

We left the park after that.

We took a cab back to Mystic Dunes because Dad went on a bike ride at the hotel and we didn't want to make him stop to come pick us up.

It was approximately $25 from Epcot to Mystic Dunes. In case any of you were wondering, since I know you're all dying to stay there haha. Our driver was nice but he was quiet.

We got back to the room, I caught up in my trip journal, and we packed up all of our stuff!

We went to the front desk and checked out early. They didn't even question us or ask how our stay was at all! All they were concerned about was selling the other people there timeshares. How hospitable. LOL jk.

So yeah, terrible customer service and uncomfortable beds were the main reasons why we left. Bye bye!

We got our $50 deposit back from the hotel and then we WENT TO DISNEY!

We drove to Port Orleans French Quarter and Dad and I went inside.

This was my first time EVER at this resort, (besides when I was like... 2. That doesn't count.) and let me tell you, I was BLOWN AWAY. That lobby is so spectacular!! It is so different than all of the other resorts. The brickwork and tile combination is such a unique and appealing design. I was impressed. I was in awe! It was absolutely wonderful!!

It was all decorated for Christmas too! AHHH I was loving it so much!

The theming at this resort is extravagant. But even though it's very larger-than-life, I didn't find it overdone at all! It was displayed in just the right amount. A Mardi Gras theme is actually quite brilliant! And the New Orleans flare is unique and presented perfectly. Disney couldn't have done it better!

We were checked in by a [cute] cast member and we were assigned to our room! We were in Building 1 Room #1312!

Before we left the main area I wanted to look inside Sassagoula's really fast.

IT'S SO COOL!

I tweeted:
OH MY GOD THIS IS ONE OF THE CUTEST RESORTS EVER!!!!! Major points for absolutely fantastic theming. #welldonedisney

I was freaking out. Clearly.

Then it was time to go to our room!

Continued in Next Post
​

 

[POLY1985]

Wow lots of updates! Your pics were gorgeous as always. The sky seems to be so much bluer in the winter. Loved all the World Showcase Christmas stories. Also very interesting about the fountain. I had never heard about the CM's bringing water from their coutries. I just love all the little extras at Disney.

 

[onelilspark]

I love POFQ. It's my favorite resort on Disney property. Even more so than the deluxes! Mainly because I think it's a great value and I love the theming!

I thought the Disney Bear that I got in 2003 which is purple and Duffy were the same because they look almost identical are they not???

They're basically the same thing. I have one from 2003 that's grey. His name is Waltie. Which I think is a much better name than Duffy, but perhaps I'm a little biased. My Mom got one that is light blue and hers is named Lily (after Walt's wife Lilian...obviously.)

I think Duffy is really just a re-branding, that took off in Japan, so they brought the re-branding to the US. Personally, I like the Disney Bear story better than the Duffy story. Probably because that's what I was introduced to first.

I just Googled the background and found this, http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Duffy_the_Disney_Bear it's an interesting read.

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Hey Everyone! So this was supposed to be a two part update, but I wrote the first one last night and got too tired to finish the second. So, now that I have the energy, here it is - don't miss either one!
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Chapter 45: Dreams Do Come True in New Orleans
December 22nd, 2011

We drove to our room and we parked our car near our building. We took our luggage upstairs!

Our lovely room number:

We had a dark blue door!

I opened the door and I was just hit with EXTREME happiness! The newly refurbished rooms are absolutely beautiful! The comforters look so elegant - I felt like royalty!

Our Mickey towel animal!

There was actually a lot of floor space in between the door and the first bed. So that was really nice! I was impressed!

Then of course, the best part was that my old pal STACEY was there!!! We had to say hello to her!

The room was very spacious, had a fancy curtain divider... wow. The whole room was just better than I could have ever imagined!

The bathroom:

Mirror Pic!

French Quarter Tweet:
I feel like royalty right now. This room is BEAUTIFUL. And newly refurbished. And just... AHHH. #portorleans #frenchquarter

Looking down:

This is what the outside looks like:

These buildings are just so fun!

After settling in, Dad and I went for a walk. I took pictures of EVERYTHING - the grounds are just phenomenal.

This resort is so peaceful and relaxing.

You can actually take a boat from Downtown Disney right from here!

And our building was within very reasonable walking distance to the main area and the pool. The whole resort is pretty small, which I really like!

We walked by the frumpy dragon slide, as I like to call it. That is one beautiful pool! It's so big and it wasn't really that crowded.

I just love the bright color schemes!

Continued in Next Post​

 

[JessicaFaye508]

I thought the Disney Bear that I got in 2003 which is purple and Duffy were the same because they look almost identical are they not???

By the way great updates!! I am definitely going to go over to the BC to check out the decorations!!!

Hmm... I don't remember that bear! I have no idea!

Thank you! Yay you will love them!! They're so beautiful!

Wow lots of updates! Your pics were gorgeous as always. The sky seems to be so much bluer in the winter. Loved all the World Showcase Christmas stories. Also very interesting about the fountain. I had never heard about the CM's bringing water from their coutries. I just love all the little extras at Disney.

Yes yes, and I just posted another one because I was too tired to finish it last night Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed hearing about all of those little stories! They were lots of fun to learn about!

I love POFQ. It's my favorite resort on Disney property. Even more so than the deluxes! Mainly because I think it's a great value and I love the theming!



They're basically the same thing. I have one from 2003 that's grey. His name is Waltie. Which I think is a much better name than Duffy, but perhaps I'm a little biased. My Mom got one that is light blue and hers is named Lily (after Walt's wife Lilian...obviously.)

I think Duffy is really just a re-branding, that took off in Japan, so they brought the re-branding to the US. Personally, I like the Disney Bear story better than the Duffy story. Probably because that's what I was introduced to first.

I just Googled the background and found this, http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Duffy_the_Disney_Bear it's an interesting read.

Yeah it really is an awesome resort! I love staying there so much!

I don't even remember those bears! haha but I was 10 at the time so that's probably why.​

 

[Disneyfreak616]

I'm no I'm so bad at commenting, but I've been reading I swear! And I love these French Quarter pics <3333 One of my faves for sure!

 

[FancyNancy]

Still loving this trip report! Also, Jess I would like to compliment you on always keeping your trip reports, positive, upbeat, and exciting! We all have bumps in the road on vacation sometimes and I just love the way you handle writing about yours. You mention it, shake it off and keep on chugging!

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

YAY for checking into a DISNEY RESORT! POFQ looks gorgeous! My mama is from the New Orleans area and they stayed there last summer when my sister went down with her dance company. She loved it. (So did the rest of the fam!)

Mmmm... the strawberry shortcake always looks so delicious!

 

[onelilspark]

I don't even remember those bears! haha but I was 10 at the time so that's probably why.​

That makes me feel so old

I was 18 and went with a friend. It was my first trip to WDW without my parents (or any parents.)

 

[LifeIsDis]

omg the food pictures at Sunshine Seasons are beautiful. *drools*

I love the gingerbread house contest! I didn’t know that they had that!

Thank God you left Mystic Dunes. We stayed off property once and it was the worst thing ever.

We have only stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and I loved it there. French Quarter looks amazing!

I have to ask, did you get beignets there? They are just too good. MMMM.

I love the Christmas tree in the lobby!

The decorations are so awesome in Sassagoula’s.

The rooms are so nice! Wow!

I love being so close to DTD. We stayed at SSR last summer and being able to take the boat is wonderful.

 

[dreamerchic33]

As always, FABULOUS update!!! PO looks AMAZING!!! So pretty! Love the decor! You are getting me SO excited for going to disney at Christmastime!!!!!!!!!!!!
Those desserts look DELISH!!!!!
have a wonderful weekend!
xo <3

 

[princess_momma]

YUM YUM YUM!! That strawberry shortcake looks divine!! Soooo good! And I love the gingerbread houses!! Did it happen to say who entered? Was it randoms or CMs or what? So fun!! I would've made a castle. Or the Hollywood Tower Hotel.

LOVE POFQ. I went to New Orleans last year...such a great place!! I love the culture, the food, the colors, the FOOD, everything. So glad Disney has a resort themed to that lovely place! I really really love the curtain divider!! That is so handy, they should seriously have that everywhere!

 

[Caretames1]

LOVE the Boats to Downtown Disney! It's the best part of POR!

I think POFQ is beautifuly done, the only thing, Kadence thought the Jester was creepy.

 

[IheartDDuck]

POFQ is definitely my favorite moderate resort, and I'm dying to stay there since they refurbished the rooms. They look so purty.

Ugh, your Mystic Dunes experience sounds.....lovely. I can't stand the fact that other timeshare places insist on trying to sell you something every time. I always say "Disney doesn't do that". That's why they're so much better.