Trip Report Tu in ‘25 *COMPLETED*

Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise
Tu in ‘25

These lyrics came to mind when I thought about my trip reporting. (I also thought, Here we go AGAIN but the above sounds much more poignant.) It’s now that time of year when my Disney trips are frequent. And this Disney Senior loves sharing her visits with y’all because your engagement makes it fun!

Yes, there will be stuff that’s the same. Yes, there will be surprises (too soon for the reveals). And yes, there will be sun rises!

Spring break countdown is at 4 days.

Since this intro needs a picture, here are Tu.

 

[lindawdw]

I so love when you check into the Wilderness Lodge and then provide us with the great pictures from the Club Level! It's something I will never get to partake in at that resort, so you allow me to live vicariously through you! Woody must have been so surprised when the elevator doors opened! Your balcony view is beautiful, and it was nice that you got a room with a King bed! I agree with you about the lights on the castle during the holiday season. It sounds like a perfect evening with a nice dessert to return to at the resort! I can't believe your PP wait turned out to be only 12 minutes!!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Love your arty Pooh tshirt!!! I am sorry that you had a cold but it seems you are making the most of it!!

Much easier to do at Disney than at home!

I couldn’t resist buying that Pooh T-shirt, love it.

We are simpatico with our Pooh items!

I agree with you about the lights on the castle during the holiday season.

drop.

 

[93boomer]

Monday, con’t

We left Epcot and headed to Wilderness Lodge. I had Woody drop me off in front while he went to park the car. I hurried to the Front Desk to check in and confirm the surprise I had arranged for him.

“Our room is not ready yet,” I said to him when we reunited in the lobby. “But here’s your birthday button.”

I imagine he was expecting we would hang out there until we got the room text. But he followed me without questioning when I suggested riding the elevator up to an overlook.

For those curious, NO - the resort was not decorated for Christmas. The CM had told me they did not know when it would be, as there is one crew with a specific work order - MK and DHS first (due to the parties), AK, Epcot, monorail resorts and then the rest of the resorts in random order that changes each year. The goal is to have all resorts done by Thanksgiving - which was still 10 days away. We had a five night stay.

The elevator doors opened on the 7th floor. “We can wait in the Old Faithful Club for our room to be ready,” I announced. Woody gave me a hug. He did not expect we’d be club level guests!

He helped himself to some cookies.

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The DVC side of the Lodge was under scaffolding this month.

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A little while later we got the room text. We went to see the room before retrieving our luggage. The concierge had left us some snacks and the signature chocolate totem pole. The refillable water bottles were new, replacing the small bottles of Dasani in the lounge cooler. Boardwalk club lounge had these bottles when my mother and I stayed there in January 2024.

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We had a king room.

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Aww he looked emotional. Good call my friend!

 

[Tuvalu]

Tuesday, con’t

After our flight over Neverland, we visited 999 Happy Haunts. Woody and I walked the queue by ourselves, entered through the open exterior door and went directly into the stretching room.

When the preshow let out, we didn’t even have to walk through the queue for the load zone. A CM was admitting guests onto the moving platform.

It was the first tour we’ve had in awhile that was not interrupted by playful spooks.

Though one of them must have distracted me during the capture of the ride photo.

Pirates was also a walk-on.

Swing and a miss, Tu.

 

[lindawdw]

I can't get over the no wait times for you!!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Tuesday, con’t

I knew Jingle Cruise wouldn’t be a walk-on, but I also didn’t expect a 45 minute wait when the attraction had been open less than an hour.

We did want to experience the holiday overlay and so resigned ourselves to waiting. But as we neared the entrance something magical happened.

The CM standing at the Lightning Lane tapstile had noticed Woody’s birthday button. She motioned for us to come over, wished Woody a “Happy Birthday,” and allowed us into the Lightning Lane! That kindness gave us priority access into the next boat, so for us JC was another walk-on!

Our skipper Michael was Josh Gad’s doppelgänger in looks, voice and demeanor. He began with “Welcome to the Jingle Cruise. It’s just like regular Jungle Cruise, with a little more (cue the dramatic gesture) Pizzazz!”

His holiday-themed jokes were fantastic and I was laughing too hard to take notes. Highly recommend requesting Skipper Michael for your next cruise!

 

[93boomer]

Tuesday, con’t

I knew Jingle Cruise wouldn’t be a walk-on, but I also didn’t expect a 45 minute wait when the attraction had been open less than an hour.

We did want to experience the holiday overlay and so resigned ourselves to waiting. But as we neared the entrance something magical happened.

The CM standing at the Lightning Lane tapstile had noticed Woody’s birthday button. She motioned for us to come over, wished Woody a “Happy Birthday,” and allowed us into the Lightning Lane! That kindness gave us priority access into the next boat, so for us JC was another walk-on!

View attachment 898631

Our skipper Michael was Josh Gad’s doppelgänger in looks, voice and demeanor. He began with “Welcome to the Jingle Cruise. It’s just like regular Jungle Cruise, with a little more (cue the dramatic gesture) Pizzazz!”

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His holiday-themed jokes were fantastic and I was laughing too hard to take notes. Highly recommend requesting Skipper Michael for your next cruise!

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That Disney magic is something special!!

 

[donaldtoo]

Tuesday, con’t

Absolutely no surprise that we would head to Fantasyland first. I was happy to see that Christmas decor had made its way past Main Street, as fall/Halloween decor had also done this year.

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I was properly dressed to Arty Pooh!

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Turns out Woody and I shared our hunny pot with another forum friend - although unknowingly, until I received this picture in a private message.

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@DisneyDreamer08 and her daughter were sitting behind us. I was in such a fog that I never noticed. She had remained quiet as to not embarrass herself if it wasn’t Woody and me. Our paths have crossed on previous trips but this was the closest we’d ever been, and I was bummed to have missed the chance for a proper hello!

Peter Pan was posted at 40 minutes. We braved the line anyway….

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….and waited 12.

What is the title of the book Pooh is reading on your shirt, please…?!!!

 

[Tiggerish]

What is the title of the book Pooh is reading on your shirt, please…?!!!

Looks like "Winter Wonderland"

 

[donaldtoo]

That looks correct, thanks…!!!
When I zoomed in with my iPhone, it was still just a bit too blurry to tell for sure…!!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Tuesday, con’t

As we were walking to our next destination we passed a person wearing a funny T-shirt. While it didn’t apply to me, let’s just say Woody could wear it.

I’m only a morning person on Christmas

Speaking of Christmas….

….Frontierland garland above Pecos Bill!

My joy was short-lived when I noticed the Great Wall of ROA. No more Riverwalk.

Woody grabbed my hand and picked up the pace so I would not dwell on what used to be. But this change really hurts.

We went back into Fantasyland for another walk-on. We literally were the only guests in the attraction. Even resident Scuttle had flown the coop.

Empty clamshells on either side of ours.

Perhaps Woody was taken aback by having the attraction to ourselves. That was the only reason I could come up with to explain this —

WE’RE PASSING KING TRITON AND HIS HAND IS ON HIS KNEE???!!!!

It remained there until the unload zone. No Woody wave!

Now I was the one taken aback. But I didn’t say a word.

 

[Tuvalu]

What is the title of the book Pooh is reading on your shirt, please…?!!!

Looks like "Winter Wonderland"

That looks correct, thanks…!!!
When I zoomed in with my iPhone, it was still just a bit too blurry to tell for sure…!!!

Was just coming back to post - it appears to be the beloved classic Winter Wonderland.

 

[Tuvalu]

Tuesday, con’t

Storybook Circus also sported holiday decorations. I loved the giant garland candy canes! We wandered through to check out the rest (Big Top Souvenirs was especially festive) but I neglected to take pictures.

We popped into Star Traders to peruse the merch (stop gagging, @wdisney9000) then went for a spin around Tomorrowland.

 

[lindawdw]

Now that was a magical moment at JC!!! I finally got to experience it a couple of weeks ago and loved it although I did wait about 40 minutes! This has to be one of the BEST mornings you've had at WDW with no waits! Love your T-shirt!

 

[Tuvalu]

Tuesday, con’t

I made our last-minute lunch reservation with some trepidation.

While Em and I had a perfectly wonderful dining experience at The Plaza in October, my last couple visits with Woody have been less than stellar. In May of this year we waited over 45 minutes past ADR time for a table, had horrible service and so-so food.

I admit to taking a gamble with my husband’s (and my) happiness. We arrived a few minutes early, so our wait to be seated was on us. Right on time, we were escorted to a table with a lovely view of the Castle. So far so good!

I’ll start with the food. I asked Woody to share the turkey club with me, along with an extra order of steak fries. This club is currently my favorite WDW turkey sandwich and it did not disappoint.

I was worried his half portion might not be enough for Woody (hence the extra side of fries), especially after he raved about the club. But he said he was satisfied and had room for a hot fudge sundae!

I ordered an extra-thick chocolate shake as my dessert and was happily surprised to see it arrive with “extra” in the stainless mixing cup. The Plaza ceased giving the extra cup a few years ago and those of you longtime followers likely read all my complaints about it!

Our dining experience would have been perfect, if our server had been prompt and attentive. She was not. Lunch took far longer than it should have.

I kept eyeing Jesus, wishing he had been the one serving us. He had taken excellent care of me and Em last time.

Woody and I shopped in the Emporium before heading out. As we were walking towards the exit Woody commented, “This was my BEST Magic Kingdom morning ever!”

This has to be one of the BEST mornings you've had at WDW with no waits!

 

[lindawdw]

Tuesday, con’t

I made our last-minute lunch reservation with some trepidation.

View attachment 898730

While Em and I had a perfectly wonderful dining experience at The Plaza in October, my last couple visits with Woody have been less than stellar. In May of this year we waited over 45 minutes past ADR time for a table, had horrible service and so-so food.

I admit to taking a gamble with my husband’s (and my) happiness. We arrived a few minutes early, so our wait to be seated was on us. Right on time, we were escorted to a table with a lovely view of the Castle. So far so good!

I’ll start with the food. I asked Woody to share the turkey club with me, along with an extra order of steak fries. This club is currently my favorite WDW turkey sandwich and it did not disappoint.

View attachment 898731

I was worried his half portion might not be enough for Woody (hence the extra side of fries), especially after he raved about the club. But he said he was satisfied and had room for a hot fudge sundae!

I ordered an extra-thick chocolate shake as my dessert and was happily surprised to see it arrive with “extra” in the stainless mixing cup. The Plaza ceased giving the extra cup a few years ago and those of you longtime followers likely read all my complaints about it!

View attachment 898732

Our dining experience would have been perfect, if our server had been prompt and attentive. She was not. Lunch took far longer than it should have.

I kept eyeing Jesus, wishing he had been the one serving us. He had taken excellent care of me and Em last time.

Woody and I shopped in the Emporium before heading out. As we were walking towards the exit Woody commented, “This was my BEST Magic Kingdom morning ever!”

My eyes do not deceive me! I told my DH that we need to give The Plaza another chance after our fiasco dinner years ago so maybe January will find us there!

 

[Tuvalu]

Tuesday, con’t

Woody and I boarded the resort monorail for a little holiday tour. First stop was the gingerbread Cinderella Castle on the 4th floor concourse of the Contemporary.

I really liked this display and preferred it to the previous Small World theme.

Next was Christmas in the tropics.

Woody fit right in!

Lastly was the Grand tree with the newly-opened lobby bar, which I did not find as inappropriate as I had expected. Elegance and opulence abound, and while not everyone’s taste I thought the scene was lovely.

I did not miss the gingerbread house at all.

Is this new addition considered a fresco? It’s very pretty.

We caught the ferry back to WL and I enjoyed a much-needed nap. Woody hung out in the Old Faithful Club.

 

[lindawdw]

Tuesday, con’t

Woody and I boarded the resort monorail for a little holiday tour. First stop was the gingerbread Cinderella Castle on the 4th floor concourse of the Contemporary.

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I really liked this display and preferred it to the previous Small World theme.

Next was Christmas in the tropics.

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Woody fit right in!

Lastly was the Grand tree with the newly-opened lobby bar, which I did not find as inappropriate as I had expected. Elegance and opulence abound, and while not everyone’s taste I thought the scene was lovely.

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I did not miss the gingerbread house at all.

Is this new addition considered a fresco? It’s very pretty.

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We caught the ferry back to WL and I enjoyed a much-needed nap. Woody hung out in the Old Faithful Club.

I loved the new Perch Bird Cage Bar! I also didn’t miss the gingerbread house in the lobby and hope they don’t bring it back because it creates havoc in the lobby!

 

[Tuvalu]

Tuesday, con’t

I wanted another nighttime stroll through a park so Woody and I went here.

There seems to be a consensus among us trip reporters that DHS has the best holiday decorations. It’s certainly my favorite!

I will never tire of Rockette Minnie in her original form. (I will not speak of the awful gold years.)

The ice skating area used for Jollywood Nights performances is tiny.

I was glad to see that the illumined area for the peppermint gals was not behind the Jollywood paywall like last year.

Hamm Christmas cookie for Em. He’s her favorite.

 

[lindawdw]

I agree that DHS has some of the best Christmas decor! I love all the retro looks around the lake especially!