Trip Report ‘Tis The Season For More Disney! *COMPLETED*

Fa la la la la
la la la LA

But let’s be honest.
Which season isn’t the season for more Disney?
In 2017 I have been fortunate to experience winter, spring and summer in the world.
And now the holidays!
Since December is such a festive time of year at the parks, I think two trips are in order....don’t you?

Trip #1
Cast: Tuvalu and Em
When: December 1-4, 2017
Where: Port Orleans Riverside
Why: A Jingle BAM Birthday 2.0

Join us as we attend our first MVMCP, wander around World Showcase like a couple of newbies, meet a forum friend and intentionally watch LOTS of fireworks....did we get to Illuminations this year?

You’ll have to wait and see.

 

[Tuvalu]

Judith continued our tour.

We couldn’t get over the size of this area for the small number of club rooms.

Beverage island ~

These were the snacks that were out~

And there are two observation decks. The soundtrack for Happily Ever After (and MNSSHP/MVMCP fireworks) is piped in for the show.

The castle is just to the left of the Contemporary. You can see it from another spot on the observation deck.

 

[Tuvalu]

When our tour was over Judith checked us in. Our room wasn’t ready but she said I’d receive a text when it was. We were ready to go to lunch anyway so no big deal.

More shots from the 7th floor.
This is where the lounge area used to be on the south wing.

A landscape view of the new lounge on the north wing.

The view outside from a picture window.

 

[Zipadeelady]

That picture window view is breathtaking. It actually looks like it would be the Northwest. Gorgeous. I may have to start saving my pennies.

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Love all the holiday decorations at a Wilderness Lodge.

 

[Gabe1]

Thursday, December 14

There was still some residual snow on the ground when Woody and I left for the airport at 6 am. Typically when our area gets snow greater than a dusting, it is gone in a day or two. A temperature swing of 20-30 degrees from one day to the next is not unusual. But it had been cold every day since the snowstorm (and has remained that way! ) Temperatures at Disney were also predicted to be much cooler than they had been earlier in the month so we packed accordingly.

At the airport I had my favorite Chick Fil A breakfast ~ a chicken, egg and cheese biscuit. Oh and a Coke since I don’t do coffee and need to get caffeine somehow!
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Woody had the same, but with coffee.

Our flight departed on time but landed early so we had to sit on the tarmac until a gate was ready. We were more than ready for a gate to be ready!

Woody got his first taste of #ShirleyStatus at DME.
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When we scanned our bands at DME check in the agent gushed, “Oh you’re staying at the WILDERNESS LODGE! I used to work at the front desk there! You won’t believe the Christmas decorations and the giant tree! The tree is several stories tall! It is the BEST place to stay during the holidays!”

I gently tried to interject that we have stayed at WL during the holidays several times, but she was so excitedly chatting I don’t think she picked up on it.

We waited by ourselves in the DME line for 10 minutes and then someone decided to put us on the AoA/Pop bus. We didn’t know it was the AoA/Pop bus until we were onboard and the driver announced the stops. After drop offs at AoA and Pop, Shirley and her hubby had a private ride to WL.

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We decided to use mobile ordering for lunch as we continued on the the Lodge. You’ll have to wait to learn which park.

The parallel access road along World Drive had recently opened and I took a couple pics of our maiden voyage.

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I booked this stay last December. However, the Bounce Back offer was only good for club level rooms. I tried several different combination of dates but there were no standard rooms available. Since we were only doing three nights (and we really wanted to stay at WL) we bit the bullet.

When our Magical pulled up to the Lodge I knew the CM with the clipboard was waiting for us.
I truly felt like Shirley!

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Judith welcomed us and escorted us inside.
There’s that giant tree!

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Woody and I had been upgraded to club level on a previous trip and the lounge was located on the 7th floor in the south wing, which is now the DVC side of the Lodge. I was curious if the lounge would still be in the same location and if all rooms on the 7th (top)floor were still club rooms.

When we entered the lobby elevator ‘special access’ was no longer required for the 7th floor. Judith said the lounge had moved due to DVC rooms being on all floors. How are non-club guests prevented from utilizing club amenities?

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That’s how. MagicBand is required to open the gate.

Scenic overlook ~
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The new lounge area is beautiful and spacious. Formerly the concierge staff had to stand at a tall desk right outside the elevators.

Not anymore!
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Kids nook ~
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It was very festive!
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When our tour was over Judith checked us in. Our room wasn’t ready but she said I’d receive a text when it was. We were ready to go to lunch anyway so no big deal.

More shots from the 7th floor.
This is where the lounge area used to be on the south wing.
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A landscape view of the new lounge on the north wing.
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The view outside from a picture window.
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Just knew you'd love the changes. Something about the element of surprise. Though the gate with the Magic Band to us was kind odd for Disney. It is a technique of Disney Ships it is the first time we experienced a 'gate' inside a Disney Deluxe Resort, given the prices of any room. Wasn't a fan of the Gate 'vibe' in plain sight of other Deluxe Resort Guests. Other resorts make that transition better. The view, well the view was beyond awesome wasn't it. Something about a huge sight line.

And yikes the Weather. It was worse than what was projected for us the week prior to yours. We packed accordingly but it still wasn't enough. We need true coats and winter wear. We trusted the predictions...it fell short. As you saw on @RedNoseMickey trip report resulted in my DS in Fleece jammie pants to endure our 30 degree temps at the Parks at night. Nope the weathermen did predict that!

Look forward to more memories of December at the Wilderness. Cold but fun nonetheless.

 

[Tuvalu]

That picture window view is breathtaking. It actually looks like it would be the Northwest. Gorgeous. I may have to start saving my pennies.

Get out your piggy bank. It’s worth it!

Love all the holiday decorations at a Wilderness Lodge.

What’s not to love?

Just knew you'd love the changes. Something about the element of surprise. Though the gate with the Magic Band to us was kind odd for Disney. It is a technique of Disney Ships it is the first time we experienced a 'gate' inside a Disney Deluxe Resort, given the prices of any room. Wasn't a fan of the Gate 'vibe' in plain sight of other Deluxe Resort Guests. Other resorts make that transition better. The view, well the view was beyond awesome wasn't it. Something about a huge sight line.

And yikes the Weather. It was worse than what was projected for us the week prior to yours. We packed accordingly but it still wasn't enough. We need true coats and winter wear. We trusted the predictions...it fell short. As you saw on @RedNoseMickey trip report resulted in my DS in Fleece jammie pants to endure our 30 degree temps at the Parks at night. Nope the weathermen did predict that!

Look forward to more memories of December at the Wilderness. Cold but fun nonetheless.

Honestly I was a little surprised by the gate. It seemed elitist. It was better when the entire floor was club only and could only be accessed by a special elevator key (and non club guests couldn’t “see what they were missing” so to speak.) But I’m sure there’s more money to be had with DVC rooms on the 7th floor than club rooms, otherwise there would not have been a change.

 

[dddisney]

2 trips in 1 report, this is great

 

[Tuvalu]

2 trips in 1 report, this is great

Welcome!

 

[blreinsel]

I'm guessing you're headed to MK... based on the picture in your intro post. Do I earn points for being observant?

 

[MinnieM123]

When we entered the lobby elevator ‘special access’ was no longer required for the 7th floor. Judith said the lounge had moved due to DVC rooms being on all floors. How are non-club guests prevented from utilizing club amenities?

That’s how. MagicBand is required to open the gate.

I'm sorry, but those gates looks like jail . . .

The new lounge area is beautiful and spacious. Formerly the concierge staff had to stand at a tall desk right outside the elevators.
Not anymore!

That does look nice and I think it's more line with other club level properties.

We couldn’t get over the size of this area for the small number of club rooms.

So I haven't been to Wildnerness Lodge in years (prior to all the DVC stuff--except for seeing the actual DVC building, next to the main lodge, that is). My interpretation of what you wrote is that they've cut waaay back on the club level rooms for guests who rent by the day? (In other words--has DVC taken over maybe 70 percent of the main hotel now (club level and other floors)?

More shots from the 7th floor.
This is where the lounge area used to be on the south wing.

Again, it's been a long time, but I have (years ago) stayed a few nights on the club level. My recollection was that the tables and chairs were more plentiful back then, and went around the entire circumference (the square, so to speak of the open area, from ground level to ceiling). Are the tables now only on one side--in the lounge area?

 

[amjt660]

Get out your piggy bank. It’s worth it!


What’s not to love?


Honestly I was a little surprised by the gate. It seemed elitist. It was better when the entire floor was club only and could only be accessed by a special elevator key (and non club guests couldn’t “see what they were missing” so to speak.) But I’m sure there’s more money to be had with DVC rooms on the 7th floor than club rooms, otherwise there would not have been a change.

In my opinion no matter how you slice it club levels are elitist
Some methods like elevator only access may be more subtle then a gate but either way it is right there in your face
(And yes I have been on both sides of the “gate”)

Max

 

[amjt660]

And.....
Glad to see you have started leg 2 of this journey

I will faithfully follow

Max

 

[Swissmiss]

@Tuvalu: Dryer lint is even sold in Switzerland!

(Ok, full disclosure: the store is called American Market)

 

[Big Hair]

I adore the poinsettia trees. And I was so happy to see how they are made on the Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic special! I captured this one on our walk to the bus stop.

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Em and I waited over 30 minutes for a bus. And when it arrived, a scooter had to be loaded. We were getting dangerously close to our Tragical Express pick up time. I began second-guessing my decision to book the IASW FP.....if we didn’t have the FP, we wouldn’t have ridden it (or anything else as the park was pretty busy.)

And we still had to get our stuff from Bell Services.....

We might be facing another Amazing Race elimination.

“What happens if we miss our bus?” Em asked.
“We’ll take the next one,” I said confidently. (Tragical pick-ups are scheduled every 30 minutes. We were assigned a time 4 hours and 15 minutes prior to our flight.)
“What if the next one is full? We’ve seen that happen before,” Em said. “And the people got turned away.”
“Then we’ll Uber.”

Sure enough, as soon as we pulled into POR we saw our Tragical Express pulling away. “Well we’ll have plenty of time to grab a drink and get our bags,” I announced to a concerned Em.

Thirty minutes later the next Tragical arrived. I handed our letter to the driver and was thankful he didn’t look at our pick-up time. But even if he had I was prepared to blame the tardy Disney bus driver (yep, I was willing to throw that driver under the bus! )

“I feel like a stowaway,” Em whispered as we slid into our seats. “I hope we don’t have to stop anywhere else.”

“Next stop is the Orlando International Airport,” announced the driver as he closed the door.

Em breathed an audible sigh of relief.

We arrived at MCO 2 hours and 45 minutes before take-off. Plenty of time to get through security and eat an early dinner.

This sign did not make me sad....
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....cause I’d be back in only 10 days!!!

Coming Up ~ Part two
Tuvalu and Woody clubbing at WL

The tragic express picked us up exactly 3 hours prior to our take off time and then went to the other 2 all star resorts last Thursday the 25th. It worked out great, I am sure the tsa precheck helped, the timing was perfect. Did they go back to 3 hours? I was dreading the 4 hours or more so it was a special treat.

 

[Tuvalu]

I'm guessing you're headed to MK... based on the picture in your intro post. Do I earn points for being observant?

Absolutely! (And since you are a teacher I would expect nothing less! )

@Tuvalu: Dryer lint is even sold in Switzerland! (Ok, full disclosure: the store is called American Market)

Too funny!!

The tragic express picked us up exactly 3 hours prior to our take off time and then went to the other 2 all star resorts last Thursday the 25th. It worked out great, I am sure the tsa precheck helped, the timing was perfect. Did they go back to 3 hours? I was dreading the 4 hours or more so it was a special treat.

Yes, Tragical pick up went back to 3 hours after the holidays. Thank goodness!

 

[wdwfamilynh]

Judith continued our tour.

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We couldn’t get over the size of this area for the small number of club rooms.

Beverage island ~
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These were the snacks that were out~
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And there are two observation decks. The soundtrack for Happily Ever After (and MNSSHP/MVMCP fireworks) is piped in for the show.
View attachment 259444
The castle is just to the left of the Contemporary. You can see it from another spot on the observation deck.

So ! I can only dream of Club Level!!!

 

[Tuvalu]

I'm sorry, but those gates looks like jail . . .

I had the same thought at first!

That does look nice and I think it's more line with other club level properties.

It's definitely a step up as to what was there previously.

So I haven't been to Wildnerness Lodge in years (prior to all the DVC stuff--except for seeing the actual DVC building, next to the main lodge, that is). My interpretation of what you wrote is that they've cut waaay back on the club level rooms for guests who rent by the day? (In other words--has DVC taken over maybe 70 percent of the main hotel now (club level and other floors)?

I counted 24 rooms on the club level side. There are a couple of junior suites on lower levels that also include club amenities. So at minimum there are 24-30 former club rooms that are now DVC. Also, the new lounge expansion took over several rooms that used to be club rooms.

Again, it's been a long time, but I have (years ago) stayed a few nights on the club level. My recollection was that the tables and chairs were more plentiful back then, and went around the entire circumference (the square, so to speak of the open area, from ground level to ceiling). Are the tables now only on one side--in the lounge area?

There are tables and chairs in the gated hallway in addition to the hallway in front of the lounge (hard to tell from my picture but in front of the concierge desks) and in the lounge area itself. There seemed to be plenty of tables.

And.....
Glad to see you have started leg 2 of this journey
I will faithfully follow
Max

Honored to have you along as always.

So ! I can only dream of Club Level!!!

According to Disney, "Dreams Come True"!

 

[Tuvalu]

Thursday, con’t

Eagle-eyed @blgauger wins points towards an Island Sunset (yeah I know you drink Pina Colavas ) since she guessed correctly where Woody and I were headed upon leaving WL.

We really didn’t have to fake “being cold” as it was chilly.

Olaf always makes me smile!

I mentioned we ordered our lunch while on DME. As soon as we reached the door of the restaurant I tapped “I’m here” and we went inside to the mobile order pick up spot. Skipping the long lines is the best part of this new feature! We had our food tray in less than five minutes. Then we went to find a table.

@Figaro Family, look where we sat!

For anyone unclear as to where we ate lunch, it was Pinocchio’s Village Haus.

Woody had a flatbread and I had a chicken parm sandwich.

(Needed you with me @TrolleyFollower91 as I could only finish half of it!)

One table over was a family of four ~ mom, dad and two elementary school kids. We watched mom pull out six gallon-size Ziplock bags full of food. It was enough to feed a small army. Then a package of at least 50 napkins, followed by a small cooler of juice boxes. Now this is not a rant about taking up a table with food from home, cause dad then arrived with 2 cheese flatbreads and breadsticks. We were just stunned by the quantity of food, and how much effort it must have taken to prepare that Ziplock feast ~ only to purchase additional food.

By the time the family began eating Woody and I had to skedaddle for our first FP. I have no idea how much food was consumed or what it was like to re-package all the leftovers.

It just seemed like a lot of work for a quick lunch on vacation.

 

[Tuvalu]

We made it just in time to make Mickey’s head turn green. This was an important FP because we were on a mission to see this famous lady.....

....before she starts packing heat. (Does anyone know when the refurb starts?)

The FP line for our next attraction was lengthy, though much shorter than standby.

A tree full of English crackers, @Longers and @Mr Ferret 88!

This CM was singing along to “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” loudly into a microphone.
Everyone in line hooted and cheered for him.
Gotta love Disney moments like this!

We had a punny skipper. And I was able to get a pic of the elusive rhino....

....with a fruitcake on his tusk!

As we pulled up to the dock at the end of our cruise our skipper instructed, “Make like Santa and leave my presence!”

Next we wandered to Memento Mori to pick up a Christmas gift for Em, something she had said she liked on our trip. We got caught by the FoF parade on our walk to Frontierland and stopped to watch. (No pictures as they would pale in comparison to @sheriffwoody and @fractal photos.)

 

[Gabe1]

@Tuvalu: Dryer lint is even sold in Switzerland!
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(Ok, full disclosure: the store is called American Market)

And for @Tuvalu and @dryerlintfan There IS dryerlint after Disney! While out at mall a week ago I found the giant economy size for you two.