Baby It's Cold Outside - a 1/2-1/9 trip report

Welcome all to my trip report! This trip included a large cast and even a few first-timers. The cast includes: myself, my fiance, Jordan, Disneybird (my mother), my dad, Larry, my sister, Amanda, my brother-in-law, John, my nephew, Victor, my grandmother, 'Mamaw', my uncle, Norman, my aunt, Pam, my cousin, Jennifer, and her boyfriend, Jamie. Yeah, a lot of people. This was the first trip for Jordan, Victor, and Jamie. We started planning this trip a year ago after our first trip to Disneyland. So, we spent the past year brainwashing Victor and annoying Jordan with our incessant talk of all things WDW.

My trip actually started a few days earlier on 12/28 when I flew from Nashville to Baltimore to spend New Year's with Jordan's family. Jordan spent Christmas there with his family and this would be the last time that I would see my future in-laws before our wedding. Before he left we purchased a new camera, a Canon SX200 IS. He took the camera with him, and I kept the camera book with me to study up on our new camera. I was so excited to get to try out the functions on our trip. While we were in Maryland we stopped in H&M to do some shopping. I absolutely love H&M, and the closest one to me is 2.5 hours away. I made an incredibly smart purchase in buying 2 pairs of gloves for $4 (gotta love H&M) conisdering that freezing temperatures awaited us in Florida.

We left Baltimore on New Year's and breezed through security. I was so surprised at how quickly we got through. I expected tight security since it was New Year's and we would fly close to D.C. However, we were met with no lines and no problems, even though Jordan was tested for explosives after he accidentally left a Gatorade bottle in his backpack. We flew Southwest and found out that our flight had 75 empty seats on it. It was a nice and quiet 2 hour flight.

We landed in Orlando around 9:00 P.M. and went down to baggage claim. We had Magical Express reservations and got lost from baggage claim to ME. After we found ME, we checked in and got in line for Pop Century. Our bus ride was uneventful, and I couldn't see any excitement building on Jordan's face. It was for me, though. My parents met us at the ME drop off for Pop. Our room was in the 50's. Jordan and I headed down to the food court for a snack. I got a piece of the tye-dye cheesecake. It was wonderful! I was afraid of how the cheesecake red velvet combination would taste, but the red velvet had just enough of a subtle flavor against the cheesecake. We headed to bed after our snacks. The next morning we had to wake up really early. Jordan and I planned on going to Universal for the day. My dad was going to drop us off on his way to play poker in Tampa. He informed us that we would be leaving at 6:45. yay...

So, after this long introduction on with the trip and pictures!
 

popsicletrees

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
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We finished up all of the attractions that we wanted to go to and headed back towards the entrance of the park.

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popsicletrees

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
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Crystal Palace under refurb:

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We headed back to the room at 2:30 to pack up and head out. We stopped by the food court on the way to get our only Dole Whip of the trip, sooo good! Plus, an advantage of getting this at Captain Cook's is that it is self-serve. So, you can pile your cup up as high as you can, which we did. Despite the weather, this ended up being a great way to end our trip. There were hardly any crowds, and we were able to go on everything that we wanted to one last time.

Jordan had a great time, and he talks about all of the things that he wants to do on our next trip. I think he has definitely been bitten by the Disney bug. We probably won't be able to make it back until 2011, but at least I know that I won't have to convince him to go.

Thank you to all for reading. I hope you enjoyed it! I will get the on-ride photo uploaded tonight.
 

lpet11984

Well-Known Member
Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us- I loved hearing about your experiences and seeing all the pictures! You all look like you had a great trip!
 

Cas206

New Member
Thank you!

This is, by far, one of the best trip reports that I have read. Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us! You and Jordan make an amazingly cute couple!

Last but not least, I just have to say that you would make an incredible Snow White. =)

Wishing you many more wonderful Disney trips ahead.
 
This is, by far, one of the best trip reports that I have read. Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us! You and Jordan make an amazingly cute couple!

Last but not least, I just have to say that you would make an incredible Snow White. =)

Wishing you many more wonderful Disney trips ahead.

I was thinking the same thing! :)
 

popsicletrees

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us- I loved hearing about your experiences and seeing all the pictures! You all look like you had a great trip!

Thank you for reading! Despite the weather, we really had a great trip.

This is, by far, one of the best trip reports that I have read. Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us! You and Jordan make an amazingly cute couple!

Last but not least, I just have to say that you would make an incredible Snow White. =)

Wishing you many more wonderful Disney trips ahead.

Thanks so much! That really means a lot to me. We are already wanting to go again!

I was thinking the same thing! :)

Thank you both! Disney would never have to worry about me going out and tanning. :lol:
 

popsicletrees

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
As promised, here is our on-ride photo where mom suggested everyone scream. I love this picture because 1) all three of us are in it, 2) we all have such different reactions to screaming, and 3) Jordan looks like a bear.

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A few last minute observations:

1) Whenever we were on a ride that you had any sort of a handlebar, the CMs no longer touched them to make sure they were secured properly. Instead, you push up on the handlebar. I was surprised. This happened at Universal too. I'm not sure if policy changed or anything. Does anyone know?

2) We saw a lot of people who had no concept of personal space. I'm not the type of person who expects or wants everyone to stay an arm's length away, but on more than one occasion, people were so close behind us in line that they were touching us. It was awkwardly uncomfortable. I carried a backpack the whole time, and it was bumped so much by adults and children who just didn't stop. One time in line this guy was literally pushed up against Jordan, and there was no one around him. It was annoying, but we survived.

3) We had great service in restaurants. The only bad service we really had was at Boma, and that was because he never bothered to re-fill our drinks more than once. That surprised me too considering he never once cleared a plate from our table either. Another CM came by to get our plates. I know some people say that they get worse service on the dining plan, but we never experienced it. I think that is partially due to the fact that you now pay the tip. Despite that, we still saved money.

4) I would highly reccomend this time of year. Sure it was freezing when we went, but remember they were experiencing record lows. The first two days of our trip (Sunday and Monday) were crowded, but by Tuesday, it was a night and day difference in the crowd levels. On Sunday and Monday I did see a lot of tour groups, which was disappointing considering I've managed to avoid them for the past 4 years, but after Monday I maybe saw one or two around. January will remain one of my favorite times of the year to visit. I only hope that next time the weather is in the 70s again.

5) Jordan loved it! He is now a believer.
 

unkadug

Follower of "Saget"The Cult
As promised, here is our on-ride photo where mom suggested everyone scream. I love this picture because 1) all three of us are in it, 2) we all have such different reactions to screaming, and 3) Jordan looks like a bear.

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It's almost a "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" moment. :lol:
 

DisneyDreamer08

Well-Known Member
4) I would highly reccomend this time of year. Sure it was freezing when we went, but remember they were experiencing record lows. The first two days of our trip (Sunday and Monday) were crowded, but by Tuesday, it was a night and day difference in the crowd levels. On Sunday and Monday I did see a lot of tour groups, which was disappointing considering I've managed to avoid them for the past 4 years, but after Monday I maybe saw one or two around. January will remain one of my favorite times of the year to visit. I only hope that next time the weather is in the 70s again.

Of our 3 recent trips, January was our favorite time as well! (We have also been in April and Sept). My husband and I went in 2008 from Jan 19th to the 26th. We didn't realize it when we booked but the first weekend we were was MLK day. That weekend was busy-ish but not bad. By Tuesday though the crowds had completely cleared out and most rides were 15-20 minute waits or less. We also made all of our ADRs in the morning at the front desk of the hotel and had no problems getting what we wanted. The weather was great while we were there. The first day was cold, in the 60s, but the other days were in the low 70s- perfect really :)

I really enjoyed reading your report- thank you so much for taking the time to do it!!
 

popsicletrees

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Of our 3 recent trips, January was our favorite time as well! (We have also been in April and Sept). My husband and I went in 2008 from Jan 19th to the 26th. We didn't realize it when we booked but the first weekend we were was MLK day. That weekend was busy-ish but not bad. By Tuesday though the crowds had completely cleared out and most rides were 15-20 minute waits or less. We also made all of our ADRs in the morning at the front desk of the hotel and had no problems getting what we wanted. The weather was great while we were there. The first day was cold, in the 60s, but the other days were in the low 70s- perfect really :)

I really enjoyed reading your report- thank you so much for taking the time to do it!!

I agree. The last few years, my family went during free dining in September, but I love January since it usually has low crowds and great weather.

Thank you for reading, and thanks for taking the time to read it!
 
As promised, here is our on-ride photo where mom suggested everyone scream. I love this picture because 1) all three of us are in it, 2) we all have such different reactions to screaming, and 3) Jordan looks like a bear.

SpaceMtn.jpg


A few last minute observations:

1) Whenever we were on a ride that you had any sort of a handlebar, the CMs no longer touched them to make sure they were secured properly. Instead, you push up on the handlebar. I was surprised. This happened at Universal too. I'm not sure if policy changed or anything. Does anyone know?

2) We saw a lot of people who had no concept of personal space. I'm not the type of person who expects or wants everyone to stay an arm's length away, but on more than one occasion, people were so close behind us in line that they were touching us. It was awkwardly uncomfortable. I carried a backpack the whole time, and it was bumped so much by adults and children who just didn't stop. One time in line this guy was literally pushed up against Jordan, and there was no one around him. It was annoying, but we survived.

3) We had great service in restaurants. The only bad service we really had was at Boma, and that was because he never bothered to re-fill our drinks more than once. That surprised me too considering he never once cleared a plate from our table either. Another CM came by to get our plates. I know some people say that they get worse service on the dining plan, but we never experienced it. I think that is partially due to the fact that you now pay the tip. Despite that, we still saved money.

4) I would highly reccomend this time of year. Sure it was freezing when we went, but remember they were experiencing record lows. The first two days of our trip (Sunday and Monday) were crowded, but by Tuesday, it was a night and day difference in the crowd levels. On Sunday and Monday I did see a lot of tour groups, which was disappointing considering I've managed to avoid them for the past 4 years, but after Monday I maybe saw one or two around. January will remain one of my favorite times of the year to visit. I only hope that next time the weather is in the 70s again.

5) Jordan loved it! He is now a believer.

That happens to us every time we go. It is the thing that irritates me the most at WDW. I don't understand it because they are not going to get on the ride any faster. I just don't understand some people. :shrug:

I wanted to ask you what type of mineral make-up you use. I just tried Sheer Cover and the Frost (lightest shade) still seems a bit dark. I also have very fair skin. I would love to try the mineral make-up you use. Do you mind sharing what brand it is and what shade/products you use?

Please reply & Thanks! :)
 

popsicletrees

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
That happens to us every time we go. It is the thing that irritates me the most at WDW. I don't understand it because they are not going to get on the ride any faster. I just don't understand some people. :shrug:

I wanted to ask you what type of mineral make-up you use. I just tried Sheer Cover and the Frost (lightest shade) still seems a bit dark. I also have very fair skin. I would love to try the mineral make-up you use. Do you mind sharing what brand it is and what shade/products you use?

Please reply & Thanks! :)

Out of all of the things big and small that irritated us during our last trip (which wasn't a lot, fortunately), having people in our personal space was the worst!

I sent you a private message about the makeup. :wave:
 
Thank you for an entertaining TR! You, your fiance, your mom and your whole family are absolutely adorable, and the pictures are great! You have really put me in the mood for our next trip (only 12 days away!!!:sohappy:)
 

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