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.

 

[amjt660]

Great shadow picture!!

Max

 

[Tuvalu]

We only had half a day to visit a park.

Made sense to visit the half-day park.

During Em and my’s brief time at DHS a couple weeks prior, we did not do much exploration of the park. Our focus was on the decorations, dinner at Mama Melrose and Jingle BAM! Thus I did not really notice ALL THE CONSTRUCTION. Whoa!

Dirt and equipment greeted us before we even entered the turnstiles.

Looking this direction is much nicer.

Streetmosphere!

The officer called out to a guest, “Hey where are you from?”
“New Jersey!” was the man’s reply.
“Do you know why they call it the garden state?” the officer queried. (Pause) “Cause everybody’s guardin’ their stuff!”

When Em and I were on our way home, she mentioned that she forgot to look for the dancing Minnie Rockettes (which is her favorite window display.) I told her I would send her a picture if I found it.

What’s worse is that neither of us knew about the Minnie Rockette ornament!!!
This is a MUST HAVE.
Crossing our fingers we can find one on our next trip!

 

[Tuvalu]

We had fastpasses for two attractions.
This was first.

Hey Tuvalu, where’s the score picture? The one you always post when you beat your opponent and receive Best in Vehicle?

I must have deleted it.

Look out, here come the Green Army men!

“My name is Sarge and I’m in charge!”

After watching the humorous interaction, we popped inside One Man’s Dream (or whatever it’s called now.)

Awesome models.

 

[Tuvalu]

The humongous crowds at MK yesterday had made their way to DHS today.

One of the new electronic billboards.

We stumbled upon a Photopass CM without a line.

He gave us two surprise magic shots.

(Close your eyes, Em!)

Then we used FP #2.

While walking to lunch we heard the music for the Imperial March. A few moments earlier I had received a text from a friend who had seen The Last Jedi on opening night. There had been a stormtrooper in the theater lobby and my friend took a “look at me with a stormtrooper!” selfie.

Little did she realize I was about to top her.

Quickly I handed my phone to Woody.

“Look at me with a bunch of stormtroopers!”

(She thought it was hilarious. Timing is everything! Had I received her text later in the day I would have simply responded, “Cool!”)

 

[dizfan917]

I guess I missed the memo... what is the construction in front of DHS? We saw it in November and I couldn't figure out what they would be creating in that space. Is it gondola related? That parking lot was a mess.

 

[Tuvalu]

I guess I missed the memo... what is the construction in front of DHS? We saw it in November and I couldn't figure out what they would be creating in that space. Is it gondola related? That parking lot was a mess.

Yep, gondola station.

 

[Tuvalu]

I had made our lunch ADR solely for one purpose ~ dessert! But all of last year’s experience (food, service, ambiance) was very good and we expected the same for today.

We only waited a few minutes to be seated and while at first I was disappointed about sitting in the back of the theater, I ended up liking the “big picture” view (see what I did there?)

Our server, while friendly, was slow to arrive and slow with our drink order (and refills.) The menu had undergone some changes and nothing really enticed me. Woody is always good to go with a burger, even when toppings are different from what they were previously.

The Classic American Burger ~ Caramelized Onions, American Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce and Gourmet Tomato

I decided on the Caprese Sandwich ~ Heirloom Tomato, fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, Arugula and Basil Pesto

The best word I can come up with for this sandwich? YUCKY. The “Heirloom Tomato” was one single slice of a supermarket-grade tomato. (Perhaps I should have requested the “Gourmet Tomato” that was on Woody’s burger?) The Buffalo Mozzarella was chewy (fresh mozzarella should never be chewy) and there was way too much pesto sauce.

Not only that but the fries (the fat steak ones I had looked forward to) were soggy and cold. As were Woody’s.

Our server never came by to check on us and it was not worth the effort of tracking him down. Woody said his burger was fine and was hearty enough that he did not need the fries. I decided I would order my own dessert (rather than share) to make up for my meal.

“Are you sure?” asked Woody, remembering how rich and sweet the dessert was.
“Yes,” I replied confidently. “So if you want any, you’ll have to order your own.”
I was channeling my inner two-year-old and NOT GONNA SHARE.

Can you guess which dessert it was?

The Sci-Fi Candy Bar!

Layers of chocolate with whipped cream and strawberries and caramel? What’s not to like?!

We ordered two. Eighteen dollars for dessert. The petulant child within me could barely finish half of it.

Coupled with Woody’s ability to only eat half of his candy bar, we essentially paid $18 for ONE dessert.

Yes, it was as good as I remembered. But also as sweet and rich as Woody remembered. Did it salvage our meal? Not really. We’re in no hurry to go back to Sci-Fi.

 

[Figgy1]

I had made our lunch ADR solely for one purpose ~ dessert! But all of last year’s experience (food, service, ambiance) was very good and we expected the same for today.

View attachment 266796

We only waited a few minutes to be seated and while at first I was disappointed about sitting in the back of the theater, I ended up liking the “big picture” view (see what I did there?)

View attachment 266797

View attachment 266798

Our server, while friendly, was slow to arrive and slow with our drink order (and refills.) The menu had undergone some changes and nothing really enticed me. Woody is always good to go with a burger, even when toppings are different from what they were previously.

The Classic American Burger ~ Caramelized Onions, American Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce and Gourmet Tomato
View attachment 266800

I decided on the Caprese Sandwich ~ Heirloom Tomato, fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, Arugula and Basil Pesto
View attachment 266799

The best word I can come up with for this sandwich? YUCKY. The “Heirloom Tomato” was one single slice of a supermarket-grade tomato. (Perhaps I should have requested the “Gourmet Tomato” that was on Woody’s burger?) The Buffalo Mozzarella was chewy (fresh mozzarella should never be chewy) and there was way too much pesto sauce.

Not only that but the fries (the fat steak ones I had looked forward to) were soggy and cold. As were Woody’s.

Our server never came by to check on us and it was not worth the effort of tracking him down. Woody said his burger was fine and was hearty enough that he did not need the fries. I decided I would order my own dessert (rather than share) to make up for my meal.

“Are you sure?” asked Woody, remembering how rich and sweet the dessert was.
“Yes,” I replied confidently. “So if you want any, you’ll have to order your own.”
I was channeling my inner two-year-old and NOT GONNA SHARE.

Can you guess which dessert it was?
View attachment 266801

The Sci-Fi Candy Bar!
View attachment 266802
Layers of chocolate with whipped cream and strawberries and caramel? What’s not to like?!

We ordered two. Eighteen dollars for dessert. The petulant child within me could barely finish half of it.

View attachment 266803

Coupled with Woody’s ability to only eat half of his candy bar, we essentially paid $18 for ONE dessert.

Yes, it was as good as I remembered. But also as sweet and rich as Woody remembered. Did it salvage our meal? Not really. We’re in no hurry to go back to Sci-Fi.

Sympathy like for Sci Fi. I was hoping to hear it had improved since my last visit

 

[Tuvalu]

Sympathy like for Sci Fi. I was hoping to hear it had improved since my last visit

Wish I had better news for you!

EDIT: I forgot to mention that the server for the car adjacent to ours gave a “Kids Drivers License” to the elementary-aged girl sitting in the front seat with the caveat: “This license is only good for a car that doesn’t move.” I thought that was a fun gesture and a magical moment for her.

 

[Figgy1]

Wish I had better news for you!

EDIT: I forgot to mention that the server for the car adjacent to ours gave a “Kids Drivers License” to the elementary-aged girl sitting in the front seat with the caveat: “This license is only good for a car that doesn’t move.” I thought that was a fun gesture and a magical moment for her.

THNX, very sweet but still not running back

 

[Tuvalu]

Upon exiting Sci-Fi we went to explore the newly-opened Grand Avenue section of the park. Not gonna lie ~ my heart leapt with joy as a little part of the Streets of America seemed resurrected.

And can you say........BENCHES!!!

Yes, I’d like to live in the Grand Lofts!

Woody was impressed with Baseline Tap House. Too bad we were too full to try anything....that Bavarian pretzel has my name on it!!

 

[Tuvalu]

As much as I wanted to linger on Grand Avenue we had to move on. Woody wanted to see the retro Christmas decorations before leaving DHS.

As we walked towards the exit Woody took my hand and said, “I wish we didn’t have to go home. I’m not ready to go back yet. I wish we were staying longer.”

I squeezed his hand in agreement.

I made sure to allow plenty of time to get back to WL before our Tragical pick up....no missing the bus this time! Of course a WL bus was pulling in just as we got to the stop so we didn’t have to wait!

For all you Rose Gold Lovers, get ready to be jelly......

A stealth feet picture. I am not ashamed. Just doing my job for you!

 

[Tuvalu]

A positive in arriving back at the WL earlier than expected was the opportunity to grab one final snack in the club lounge.

And one last look down at the lobby.

Did I just hear a collective sigh of relief that I am done posting lobby pictures?

Well here’s one more! This time from ground level looking up.

We retrieved our bags and went outside to wait for the Tragical. As usual, it was right on time.

The bus made a stop at the Poly before heading to the airport. This wreath was so close I wanted to open the window and touch it!

I nodded off once our bus left Disney property. I don’t normally fall asleep on the ride to the airport.....that’s Em’s job! But since she wasn’t with us, I guess it was my turn.

My eyes opened just as we reached the airport grounds. I heard Woody say, “Our flight’s been cancelled.”
“You wish!” I teased, remembering our conversation as we left DHS.
“No, it really has been cancelled,” Woody said as he showed me the notification he’d gotten from Delta.
“Mechanical difficulties?” I asked.
“Typically flights are delayed before being cancelled for mechanical reasons,” said Woody. “This is an outright cancellation.”

Neither of us were immediately concerned since Delta flies hourly shuttles between Orlando and Atlanta. There were at least four flights departing after ours that evening.

“Let’s check the status board once we get inside,” Woody said.

 

[LeighM]

Cancelled flights worry me for some reason. I'm such a planner and a control freak and there isn't a thing I can do about a cancelled flight. When we were there for Hurricane Matthew, that was all I worried about. Not the possible Cat 5 headed towards us. Nope. It was all the JetBlue flight lol.

 

[Tuvalu]

The status board showed that our flight was indeed cancelled but all the subsequent flights to Atlanta were listed as ON TIME. Woody’s phone buzzed with another notification.

“We’re rebooked on the 5 pm,” he told me. He also used the moment to chide me for not having the Delta app on my phone, since I would now need a new printed boarding pass.

The Delta counter in the terminal was swamped, so Woody suggested going to our original gate and checking in with an agent there. Surprisingly, we were allowed through security with our cancelled flight boarding passes. The gate area was also swamped, but there was a kiosk we could use. My new boarding pass printed out and I glanced at it.

“Hon, which flight am I supposed to be on?” I asked.
“The five o’clock.”
“Oh I’m on the five o’clock.......tomorrow morning!!!”
This prompted Woody to check his phone and discover that he too was rebooked on the 5 am flight.

We overheard someone say the Atlanta airport was closed. Closed? The snow was long melted and the forecast I checked earlier called for clear skies. Immediately I called Em. “What’s going on at the airport?”

She had no idea and turned on the TV, scoured the internet and found very little information. All we knew was that the airport was currently closed without a reason why and there was no indication of when it would reopen. Meanwhile Woody had important business meetings in the morning and I had an event to attend.

“How much would it be to rent a car and drive home?” I asked Woody, figuring driving would have us home just after midnight.

Em was still on the line and said: “Mom, you don’t want to drive. It’s pouring and is supposed to rain all night.”

She was right. Did we really want to drive 8 hours, in the dark, in the rain, after spending all day at Disney? But I also DID NOT want to spend all night at the Orlando airport. And I wasn’t sure returning to WDW was an option; given the crowds, rooms might be sparse.

The next thought that crossed my mind:

Yeah, definitely didn’t want a Planes, Trains and Automobiles experience!

Em offered to go to our house and spend the night so we wouldn’t have to worry about Poly and Kona. Woody pulled up the Hyatt app and found a room that was reasonably priced and booked it (though I would have paid even more not to sleep on the airport floor!) We rode the fonorail back to the terminal and checked in.

Woody wasn’t ready to go home? Be careful what you wish for!!

Over the next few hours Woody rearranged his meetings, we picked up dinner in the food court, and we learned that a massive power outage was the reason for the airport closure. After reading stories of people held in planes for hours on the tarmac and stranded in an airport without power, we were very thankful to have a nice room to sleep in.

We also were fortunate that our 5 am flight got cancelled (meaning no 3 am wake-up!) and we were rebooked on a 7:30 am flight. And good news for Woody.....he got a notice that his checked bag (the one DME had brought to the airport) was in the baggage claim area and he could pick it up. Clean clothes and toiletries, yay!

The unexpected turn of events had a magical ending after all.

 

[Tuvalu]

Monday, December 18

We left our room at 5:45 am and I waited in the atrium while Woody checked his bag and got our new (again!) boarding passes. He was gone for a long time considering the early hour. Apparently the gate agent was arguing with him, claiming Woody needed to pay the “additional bag fee” because he already had one bag checked.

“But THIS is the bag!” Woody explained. “I have ONE bag, and this is it.”
“It says you checked your bag yesterday.”
“THIS is that bag!”
“Where is the bag you checked yesterday?”
“Right HERE!”

Woody said he felt like he was part of the Abbott and Costello “Who’s on First?” comedy routine. Twice he went through the explanation of the cancelled flight, retrieving his bag from baggage claim and the flight rebooking. The agent finally just rolled his eyes and tagged his suitcase.

A gift for the gate agent:

Meanwhile, if you are curious as to what MCO looks like at 6 am ~

Mickey doesn’t look so welcoming, does he @Doc Disney?

Woody and I were not able to sit together on the plane but we were blessed to be on that flight at all. His million mile status with Delta earned us priority on the next flight to Atlanta, and the 7:30 was the first flight out since the grounding was lifted. Other passengers would be placed on later flights as availability allowed.

After touchdown we entered an airport that had been without power for 10 hours the day before. It was chaotic....thousands of exhausted, frustrated people....luggage piled up everywhere....the plane train not operating, forcing everyone to walk from the gates to baggage claim....TV cameras and reporters on the scene....extended roped queues for security....while we felt badly for those who suffered through the outage, we could not wait to leave.

More than two months later, the investigation continues into the electrical fire that caused the power outage.

And there you have it, @lostpro9het ~ I have finally finished this never-ending trip report! (Can you say the same? )

Thanks to everyone for following! Loved having y’all along for the ride!!

 

[Longers]

Gosh all that excitement to get you home! Thank goodness you found a room for the night and didn’t have to sleep on the floor.

I guess I can’t go to sci fi just for dessert? That looked right up my street.

Great report with a Birthday take over right in the middle. . That was fun.

So any BTMRR rides from now count towards your tally - let’s see how this works out..............

 

[Figgy1]

Gosh all that excitement to get you home! Thank goodness you found a room for the night and didn’t have to sleep on the floor.

I guess I can’t go to sci fi just for dessert? That looked right up my street.

Great report with a Birthday take over right in the middle. . That was fun.

So any BTMRR rides from now count towards your tally - let’s see how this works out..............

THNX for another great TR, so sad it's over but I know another is coming soon

 

[krisri18]

Just when you think a @Tuvalu trip report can't have any more excitement, she throws a curve ball at you!

 

[fractal]

For a second I was thinking (and hoping) you were going to go back for another day at WDW!

thanks for another magical adventure @Tuvalu !