I know, I know, that's the busiest time of year to go, but hear me out! Christmas sucks for us right about now! And we decided that instead of staying home and wallowing in our sorrow, we would go somewhere and try to keep ourselves busy. Christmas 2022 obviously sucked, but we were so numb at that point that it's all a blur. Then 2023 was horrific and felt like the first Christmas without Lily. Needless to say, I didn't feel like decorating nor celebrating, so we didn't do a whole lot that year. Last year, I still couldn't bring myself to decorate, but we tried to attend a few celebrations and ease back into things. My anniversary trip with Brian last year helped get me closer to remembering that I used to love Christmas and all the decorations, but I'm still not sure I would be able to decorate the house this year either, so now I won't have to worry about it too much! The boys don't necessarily want to go anywhere, but they grudgingly agreed to go with us when I promised we would make it as laid back and stress free as possible, which I know means we will miss seeing and doing a lot of things! As you can surmise from my picture, we are staying at Caribbean Beach again. I booked two (hopefully connecting) standard view 5th sleeper rooms. I am going to request to be in Trinidad again this year.
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Trip Report I May Have Done a Thing... (now the actual report)
- Thread starter TheMouseFan
- Start date
I know, I know, that's the busiest time of year to go, but hear me out! Christmas sucks for us right about now! And we decided that instead of staying home and wallowing in our sorrow, we would go somewhere and try to keep ourselves busy. Christmas 2022 obviously sucked, but we were so numb at that point that it's all a blur. Then 2023 was horrific and felt like the first Christmas without Lily. Needless to say, I didn't feel like decorating nor celebrating, so we didn't do a whole lot that year. Last year, I still couldn't bring myself to decorate, but we tried to attend a few celebrations and ease back into things. My anniversary trip with Brian last year helped get me closer to remembering that I used to love Christmas and all the decorations, but I'm still not sure I would be able to decorate the house this year either, so now I won't have to worry about it too much! The boys don't necessarily want to go anywhere, but they grudgingly agreed to go with us when I promised we would make it as laid back and stress free as possible, which I know means we will miss seeing and doing a lot of things! As you can surmise from my picture, we are staying at Caribbean Beach again. I booked two (hopefully connecting) standard view 5th sleeper rooms. I am going to request to be in Trinidad again this year.
belledream
Well-Known Member
Everything looks so festive and quite magical! 
MickeyCB
Well-Known Member
I'm finally caught up with your TR and as always I love the photos you put in them.
Every time I read your reports I think, I've never seen that x y or z before!
And I am a big fan of vintage everything and looking at all of the HS ones it's so cool how someone there got the details correct when they made the bigger versions of those old 40/50's decorations!
Every time I read your reports I think, I've never seen that x y or z before!
And I am a big fan of vintage everything and looking at all of the HS ones it's so cool how someone there got the details correct when they made the bigger versions of those old 40/50's decorations!
It definitely was!Everything looks so festive and quite magical!
Thanks! I agree about the decor at DHS!
After exiting Rise, the timing was just not working to see the Villains show, so we called it a day at DHS and headed back to the room for about an hour and a half. I sat with the heating pad, the boys just chilled on their phones/laptops, and Brian snored away the time! We then headed over to Epcot for our evening LLs. My plan was for us to spend the rest of the afternoon touring World Showcase and eating food/cookies from some of the booths, then head to Future World after dark. We were entering International Gateway at about 3pm and our GotG LL started at 5:25. This is where my day started falling apart. As soon as we entered, I stopped and got the Festival of the Holidays guide book which listed the cookies included in the Cookie Stroll and the page to get the stamps. I had everyone look at the list to help me decide which cookies we would be getting because I am not a huge cookie fan and knew I wouldn't eat five on my own in order to collect the prize. Everyone was very uninterested in helping me out! So I made the decision to head to the right and start at France.
It was packed and was difficult to get pics as there were people sitting everywhere! I always forget how little they have in the shop and go back every single trip and am disappointed!
Nobody was interested in any cookies or food in France, so we moved on to Morocco. Nothing of interest there either food wise, and Brian and the boys had no interest in going into the pavilion. There were no Christmas decorations, so I just let it go and we moved on to Japan. The boys wanted to walk through the shop, so we waded our way through just for them to find nothing of interest. Logan was interested in getting a violet sake again this year since he enjoyed it so much last time. Owen was also interested in trying it again because he liked the small sip he had last time. I bought two and the three of us shared. (Yes, I know Owen isn't technically old enough to be drinking it, but I figured better while he was with us and it was not even a single drink!) While I was ordering, Brian and Owen found us a table to relax at while we enjoyed the drinks.
Then on to America.
It was packed and was difficult to get pics as there were people sitting everywhere! I always forget how little they have in the shop and go back every single trip and am disappointed!
Nobody was interested in any cookies or food in France, so we moved on to Morocco. Nothing of interest there either food wise, and Brian and the boys had no interest in going into the pavilion. There were no Christmas decorations, so I just let it go and we moved on to Japan. The boys wanted to walk through the shop, so we waded our way through just for them to find nothing of interest. Logan was interested in getting a violet sake again this year since he enjoyed it so much last time. Owen was also interested in trying it again because he liked the small sip he had last time. I bought two and the three of us shared. (Yes, I know Owen isn't technically old enough to be drinking it, but I figured better while he was with us and it was not even a single drink!) While I was ordering, Brian and Owen found us a table to relax at while we enjoyed the drinks.
Then on to America.
I wanted to try the Chocolate Snickers cookie here. The turkey dinner and the blackened catfish sounded good, but I wasn't hungry enough yet to eat more than part of the cookie. No one else was interested in any food either. They boys helped me eat the cookie.
We made a quick stop in Italy to see if the pizza window was open. It was, but nobody said anything about wanting to order any right then. (In reality, Brian wanted to try the pizza and just didn't say anything) No interest in any of the festival food or cookies.
We stopped in the Germany pavilion because last December when Brian and I were there, they had the Arribas Bros glass tree I was looking for again this year. They had none this year. Again, no interest in any festival food or cookies. I was getting frustrated at this point, so apparently I didn't take any pics in Germany.
Due to everyone's apathy, we passed right over the Norway pavilion. I did make us go into Mexico and there was no line for Gran Fiesta, so we rode it.
We stopped at the Odyssey building for a quick bathroom break and I wanted to see what time Santa Goofy was meeting so I could try to plan a meet later in the week.
Then we headed toward Canada to finish off our World Showcase tour.
We made a quick stop in Italy to see if the pizza window was open. It was, but nobody said anything about wanting to order any right then. (In reality, Brian wanted to try the pizza and just didn't say anything) No interest in any of the festival food or cookies.
We stopped in the Germany pavilion because last December when Brian and I were there, they had the Arribas Bros glass tree I was looking for again this year. They had none this year. Again, no interest in any festival food or cookies. I was getting frustrated at this point, so apparently I didn't take any pics in Germany.
Due to everyone's apathy, we passed right over the Norway pavilion. I did make us go into Mexico and there was no line for Gran Fiesta, so we rode it.
We stopped at the Odyssey building for a quick bathroom break and I wanted to see what time Santa Goofy was meeting so I could try to plan a meet later in the week.
Then we headed toward Canada to finish off our World Showcase tour.
If anyone is counting, we have had one cookie from the Cookie Stroll so far! I was getting very frustrated!! We decided to get two of the shortbread cookies in Canada since we would all eat some.
No decor pics for here or the UK. Not sure why other than I was frustrated that nobody wanted to eat anything and I had been unable to find any Christmas pin to purchase. We headed toward the front of the park and found a bench to sit on until it was time for our GotG LL.
Brian and I have had 3 of the 6 songs and the boys have had 2, so we had 5 chances this trip to get the others. I was hopeful it could be done. The first time we all rode in June 2024, we got Everybody Wants to Rule the World, then the boys and I got September. Brian and I got Disco Inferno last December. We all chose to ride this time, but Brian regretted it very quickly and was glad I only bought one LL for him.
Success! We got Conga. Just 2 more to go for me and 3 more for the boys!
We found another bench to sit on and let Brian recover before our Test Track LL.
I didn't think it was so bad, but Brian and the boys were not impressed with this version of the ride!
No decor pics for here or the UK. Not sure why other than I was frustrated that nobody wanted to eat anything and I had been unable to find any Christmas pin to purchase. We headed toward the front of the park and found a bench to sit on until it was time for our GotG LL.
Brian and I have had 3 of the 6 songs and the boys have had 2, so we had 5 chances this trip to get the others. I was hopeful it could be done. The first time we all rode in June 2024, we got Everybody Wants to Rule the World, then the boys and I got September. Brian and I got Disco Inferno last December. We all chose to ride this time, but Brian regretted it very quickly and was glad I only bought one LL for him.
Success! We got Conga. Just 2 more to go for me and 3 more for the boys!
We found another bench to sit on and let Brian recover before our Test Track LL.
I didn't think it was so bad, but Brian and the boys were not impressed with this version of the ride!
We still had a little time before our next LL, so we took a bathroom break, looked around Creations, and found yet another bench to relax on. I was really bummed about this whole afternoon/evening and Brian could tell. I was upset because he was complaining that he was hungry and he thought we were going to get dinner. I asked why he hadn't said anything earlier about being hungry, especially when I had been asking all afternoon/evening what everyone wanted. I volunteered to go back to Italy after we rode Living with the Land, but I couldn't promise that the pizza window would still be open or we could stop at any of the other pavilions. Nobody wanted to do that at this point, so I couldn't win! I was upset that in all of the shops we had been through the day before and that day, there were absolutely no Christmas pins that I could find. I had also found a Christmas shirt the day before and I couldn't find it anywhere in my size. I know they want to sell as much merch as possible so they put it out in early November, but what is the point of going at Christmas if you can't buy any Christmas merch that week! I know that is a big exaggeration, but I was just done that night. Brian and I left the boys on the bench and went to get the sugar cookie from Connections. I don't know if the CM could tell I was having a bad day or if he was just being nice, but he told me the cookie was on him when I ordered it. It helped my mood a little bit! I was so happy it was already prepackaged in a bag because I knew we wouldn't eat it right then.
Next up was Glimmering Greenhouses. I was so excited to ride this again this year after dark.
Then my phone started acting up and my pictures starting looking like this:
I wasn't in the mood to get my good camera out, so just sat through the rest of the ride trying to enjoy it knowing I wasn't getting any good pictures. I did manage one more ok one.
We stopped on the way out to purchase the last cookie needed for the Cookie Stroll prize.
Luckily, they were able to give us a box for this one too since we weren't planning to eat it right away either.
I was just done and the boys didn't care either way, so we decided to skip our last LL for Spaceship Earth and head back to CBR so they could get a sandwich.
One last pic on the way out of the park.
No food pics where Brian and the boys ordered from Spyglass Grill, but they got Cuban sandwiches and I ate a few of the french fries that came with them.
Not sure what my problem was the second half of this day, but the next day ended up being much better for me.
Next up was Glimmering Greenhouses. I was so excited to ride this again this year after dark.
Then my phone started acting up and my pictures starting looking like this:
I wasn't in the mood to get my good camera out, so just sat through the rest of the ride trying to enjoy it knowing I wasn't getting any good pictures. I did manage one more ok one.
We stopped on the way out to purchase the last cookie needed for the Cookie Stroll prize.
Luckily, they were able to give us a box for this one too since we weren't planning to eat it right away either.
I was just done and the boys didn't care either way, so we decided to skip our last LL for Spaceship Earth and head back to CBR so they could get a sandwich.
One last pic on the way out of the park.
No food pics where Brian and the boys ordered from Spyglass Grill, but they got Cuban sandwiches and I ate a few of the french fries that came with them.
Not sure what my problem was the second half of this day, but the next day ended up being much better for me.
Back!Elbow!Shoulders!
Premium Member
If you ever again need to share 5 cookies:
I agree about the Christmas merch. I was there the from December 16-23. So much was picked over or sold out. No resort Christmas pins. The special popcorn bucket at MVMCP was sold out long before the parties were over. I get it things sell out but this year it seemed like everything I wanted they didn't have. Sigh.
I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling that way! Hope the rest of your trip was good though!
I wish! But not likely to happen this year with Owen's graduation and then getting him off to college.It sounds like you deserve a solo trip in 2026 so that you can just concentrate on what you want to do and eat.
cgersic
Well-Known Member
Oh gosh, it's so hard to keep everyone "entertained" and fed and happy on these trips. I have a friend who wants me to go with her, her daughter and her 2 grandkids (both under 5). I am only hesitant because I truly get tired and frustrated when others can't make a decision and leave it up to me. Glad you got some cookies in!
Swissmiss
Premium Member
Yeah, I think if it were me I’d find a reason not to go with them.
I don't think I could go with a friend and their family. It's hard enough with my family and I can tell them when I'm getting frustrated with them!! It was really hard the time we went with my parents and my brother's family and they had a totally different traveling style than I do.
k8einwdw
Well-Known Member
Agreed! I really wanted the Muppets Christmas Carol sketchbook ornament and the Santa Mickey plush bag charm, and both were sold out everywhere by the time we went…the first week of December.
I blame the resellers.
Absolutely! I'm sure everything I wanted is available on Ebay right now.Agreed! I really wanted the Muppets Christmas Carol sketchbook ornament and the Santa Mickey plush bag charm, and both were sold out everywhere by the time we went…the first week of December.
Day 4 Tuesday, December 23 Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and DHS
Side note: I was using both my phone and my DSLR today for pics, so there will likely be a big difference in the quality of some of my pics. I apologize ahead of time!
My only requirement for this morning was that we make it to AK in time to make the end of our first LL window which was 9am. We left the room a few minutes before 8 and were walking from the bus to the park entrance at about 8:20.
Our first LL was for Dinosaur, so we headed that way and took the LONG walk through the walls to get to our destination!
Side note: I was using both my phone and my DSLR today for pics, so there will likely be a big difference in the quality of some of my pics. I apologize ahead of time!
My only requirement for this morning was that we make it to AK in time to make the end of our first LL window which was 9am. We left the room a few minutes before 8 and were walking from the bus to the park entrance at about 8:20.
Our first LL was for Dinosaur, so we headed that way and took the LONG walk through the walls to get to our destination!
We finally got there!
The boys laughed at me when I told them this would be our last ride ever on it since June 2024 was supposed to have been our last ride. I could honestly tell them that this was the truth this time since there is an actual closing date!
Owen had mentioned that he wanted to ride Toy Story Mania again after our ride yesterday, so I jumped on after tapping into Dinosaur and actually found one for later this evening!
Then we made the long trek back out to Discovery Island after getting some pics of the Christmas decor.
The boys laughed at me when I told them this would be our last ride ever on it since June 2024 was supposed to have been our last ride. I could honestly tell them that this was the truth this time since there is an actual closing date!
Owen had mentioned that he wanted to ride Toy Story Mania again after our ride yesterday, so I jumped on after tapping into Dinosaur and actually found one for later this evening!
Then we made the long trek back out to Discovery Island after getting some pics of the Christmas decor.
And a few pics on the way to our next LL.