Trip Report *COMPLETED* Once Upon a Christmas Time...A Very Merry Trip Report

Hello Everyone!

We just returned from yet another WDW visit this past weekend and with the holiday season quickly approaching I wanted to make sure I at least started our report before Christmas knowing that I would easily let this slip into January if I didn't.

Just to refresh your memory, this was the first trip we planned as DVC members having joined the club in March. Something we should have done years ago but better late than never, I guess! For those of you who may want to do some pre-reading, here is a link to the pre-trip report that started early this year and now seems so crazy to think the trip has already come and gone.

With that short preamble...let's start the show!

The Main Characters
My wife, Kelly, and I, along with our two Disney Princesses, Ella (7), and Lennon (5).

MK_MSCONFEC_20160808_7766697622_zpslcr5ylvk.jpeg

Here we are on our summer 2016 visit.

The Script
Once our DVC membership was completely finalized in March and we had access to the booking system we started thinking about our next visit. Kelly and I had spent Christmas in WDW way back in 2009 and we loved how the parks looked and felt decorated for the holidays. We figured this would be a great opportunity for us to head back around Christmas time and give the girls their first taste of a Disney Christmas.

Originally we booked accommodation for December 7-16 at our home resort, Saratoga Springs, and waited for the 7-month window to open to have access to other DVC options. Once the window hit we made our move. Our intention was to try and get the Grand Floridian knowing it would be next to impossible with a backup plan of either the Beach Club or Wilderness Lodge. Both BC and WL were available and we eventually decided on the BC because of the great Boardwalk location.

After we secured a one-bedroom villa at BC we decided to add another day to the trip because...well, why not! The 6th was not available at the time at BC so we ended up booking the additional night at AKL. I would periodically check back to see if the BC was open and one day, to my surprise, a one-bedroom lake view at the GF popped up. I quickly called the member line and made the switch from AKL to the Grand thinking this was likely the only chance we'd ever get to stay there so might as well take advantage.

Now we were all set and all that was left to do was wait out the remaining months and for once look forward to winter!

We planned and planned and planned as the days ticked by. Kelly and I escaped kid free to Denver in November to watch the GOAT, Tom Brady, crush the Broncos...something I have always wanted to do and finally was able to check it off the bucket list.


Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on FlickrUntitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on FlickrUntitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on FlickrUntitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on FlickrUntitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Once we returned it was all Disney, all the time as we were now less than a month away!
 
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Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I’m finally back to posting after a bit of an absence. Sorry it’s taken so long but things have been busy the last little while. I was out of town for a few days on a work trip and this past weekend was spent celebrating Kelly’s birthday. I won’t reveal her age as I’m sure she would lock me outta the house but we did have a lot of fun over the last several days doing a variety of different things from pedicures, to family gatherings, to a day at the waterpark at our giant mall. Not too shabby…anyway, back to it.

Once I was done my treat, it was time to head over to Epcot for a relaxing morning in the sun. We really had no plans other than to just stroll around, meet some characters, fill out a couple countries on the kids’ passports and maybe jump on a ride or two.

Everyone was still pretty tired from a long day at MK yesterday so we really slowed down the pace today. The weather was quite nice today and the kids wanted to spend a little time at the pool after our lunch reservation at Beaches and Cream so that was pretty much the plan for the day.

We arrived at Epcot after the short walk and made our way toward England and Canada. Lots of sun and little crowds made for a nice leisurely stroll and some nice photo opportunities.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22ExKdH]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/D2j8aF]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22BSCAA]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/GKYcC7]IMG_1664 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

We then found Mary Poppins all by her lonesome so of course, the kids wanted to say hello.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22ExdZg]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/Exthzh]Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

She was great with the girls and they loved the fact that they were the only people around which gave them some extra time chatting and showing off their autograph books.

We then took a look through some of the shops and found the Kidcot spot before making our way towards Canada.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/ExgJzs]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21jL7KZ]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/GKYc6f]IMG_1665 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

The grounds in the Canadian pavilion looked fantastic soaked in the sun which I enjoyed looking at while the kids stopped in for another Passport signing. We also learned Canada was the birthplace of the chocolate bar…good for us!
[url=https://flic.kr/p/GKYaZs]IMG_1668 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/D2iPg4]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22Exe5r]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

After some friendly conversation with a fellow Canadian, we kept strolling through the World Showcase. After our visit to Canada, I was feeling very patriotic and was happy to find as many Canadian flags/references around as possible.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21jL5TH]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22BSBBw]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Just past the giant Christmas, Pluto was out signing autographs so Kelly and the kids jumped in line while I made my way to Norway to grab a return time for Frozen. Norway is such a well-themed pavilion. Seems like I catch something cool every time we walk through. This time it was the grass-covered buildings that caught my eye.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/ExhkLj]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

I was able to get back to the girls just as they were stepping up to meet Pluto. My patriotic side had yet to subside as I snuck another Canadian reference into a photo while the kids interacted with Pluto.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/FeG4SM]IMG_1673 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/23NYkjh]EPCOT_WRLDSHOW_20171213_407117765698 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/23NYk8A]EPCOT_WRLDSHOW_20171213_407117765697 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/D2iNYa]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

We decided to take a break from the tour of countries to roll over to SSE to jump on the ride before heading back to Frozen. We did take a quick peek at the Character spots to see how long the waits for Baymax, Joy, and Sadness were but they were a little too long for our liking. Before heading back to Frozen we made a quick stop to Journey into the Imagination with Figment since we didn't get the chance to a few nights earlier when it was already closed.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/FeG4jn]IMG_1675 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Our relaxing morning touring through Epcot continued after frozen as we slowly strolled through the rest of the World Showcase before making our way back to the international gateway exit. By that time it was close enough for us to make our way back home to ready ourselves for lunch at Beaches and Cream.

We all seemed more than happy to have slowed things down this morning and we were definitely looking forward to a great meal before hitting the pool.
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
We made the short walk back towards the Beach Club and headed straight towards Beaches and Cream to check in for our lunch reservation. This would be the second time eating at Beaches and Cream and I think I can safely say it will continue to be a fixture for any and all future WDW trips we take. It was quickly added to the “must-do” list after our first visit in 2016.

We arrived a few minutes early, which allowed us to hang out in the sun overlooking Stormalong Bay. It was really a gorgeous day to be outside so no issue with having to wait for our name to be called, which it was only a few moments later.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21jL5aZ]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

We were greeted and seated at the exact same table we had during our first visit and much like last time, the place was packed, which isn’t that hard based on the size of the restaurant. Kelly and I were pretty jacked for this meal.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21A15PA]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

We all ended up ordering a flavoured diet coke to drink, Lennon had a kids cheeseburger while Ella had the hot dog meal with fries and Kelly and I both ordered the Grilled Cheese with Tomato Bisque.

While we waited for our food a family across the way had ordered the Kitchen sink on top of their food order! It was crazy to see the amount of food and ice cream sitting on their table as they all dug in. Now, I’m all for a big meal and a good dessert but even I wouldn’t attempt what they were trying!
[url=https://flic.kr/p/FeG3wF]IMG_1677 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

After a relatively short wait, our food was brought out and we dug in.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/HHNAjp]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Oddly enough, I really hate tomato soup but I very much enjoyed this meal. The grilled cheese was great and the soup was rich and tasty. We were both happy and pretty full but being on the dining plan there was no way to pass up dessert, just not the kitchen sink!

The kids had their Mickey sundae, Kelly ordered the fudge mudslide and I couldn’t resist trying the No Way Jose. Not near as big as the kitchen sink but still a huge dessert. So much ice cream but so good!
[url=https://flic.kr/p/23NYspu]IMG_1683 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22BTW3N]Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21A14cN]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

After we finished up we strolled through the resort with full bellies looking at all sorts of great little details we would otherwise miss while rushing to get from place to place.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/23NYqVs]IMG_1687 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22NMFqF]Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/23NYpML]IMG_1689 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/GKYcVw]IMG_1690 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21jL2Mx]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22BSyk1]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

While the short stay at the Grand to start the trip was about as good an experience as you could ever ask for, the Beach Club was really growing on me for a number of reasons. Doesn’t quite top my list of best resort, Wilderness Lodge holds that honour, but given the opportunity, I wouldn’t hesitate to return.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/ExgGaN]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

After a slow walk back to the room, the girls were definitely fired up to head to the pool. We changed into our suits and made our way back down to the pool. Kelly had yet to experience the pirate slide so that was pretty much what we did for the first 20 or so minutes before exploring other areas of Stormalong Bay. As always the hot tub was my favourite spot but the kids were happy to be in their life jackets so they could go all over the pool and have fun.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21jKYiP]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2342nkg]Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/248ktym]Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

I couldn’t get over how cool the sand bottom of the pool was. Just a really neat touch that I thoroughly enjoyed, hands down the best pool on the property that I’ve experienced to this point. The girls would definitely agree.

After some solid pool time, we decided to head back up to shower and relax a little bit. Our evening would be spent back at Hollywood Studios as we had another favourite on tap for dinner, 50’s Prime Time Café, and we wanted to get a glimpse of the cool projections on Tower of Terror that we had been hearing about.
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Zipitidoda said:
Love the sundae pictures. It really looks like it was a great day at Disney so far!
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The sundaes tasted as good as they looked! Can’t wait to hit up Beaches and Cream again whenever we’re back.

It really was a great day. No really agenda, no rushing around, just enjoying the atmosphere.

fractal said:
Love the BC pics and yes, the sand bottom pool is great!
Click to expand...

Thanks so much! Means a lot to receive photo praise from you!

That sand bottom is unreal!
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
After some downtime back in the room, it was just about time to make the walk over to Hollywood Studios to wrap up our day. Originally, when we were planning this trip, our itinerary included dinner at Mama Melrose, which would have been a first time experience for us. Kelly wanted to try it out because of the charred strip steak but as the trip got closer, they removed that item from the menu (albeit temporarily as its back now) so she was pretty bummed out.

We ended up using TouringPlans a few days before this dinner was to take place to put in a request for 50’s which we were happy to see was fulfilled. We cancelled Mama Melrose and went all in for another visit to 50’s. I was quite pleased with this as I love the food and atmosphere every time we visit.

With our late lunch at Beaches and Cream, we had a little later than normal dinner reservation so as we arrived at DHs, the sun had nearly set. The holiday décor really came to life at with everything lit up and the park looked very festive.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

We didn’t have a whole lot planned other than dinner but the kids wanted to at least ride Toy Story while we were there. I made a quick trip over to get a return time and met back up with Kelly and kids to explore some of the nooks and crannies of the park.

There were some really good PhotoPass opportunities that we, of course, couldn’t pass up.
STUDIO_ROVER1_20171213_407128858369 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
STUDIO_ROVER1_20171213_407128858375 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
STUDIO_ROVER1_20171213_407128858378 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

After some pictures and walking around it was pretty much time to return to Toy Story so we made our way over and jumped in line.

My ride buddy was ready to go and I wasn’t quite ready to give up my title as family champ just yet.
Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Turned out to be a pretty successful ride for the two of us. Lennon was definitely getting better each time we took a spin.
Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

We still had some time to kill before dinner and while the kids had no interest in Tower of Terror or Star Wars, they did want to watch MuppetVision so we made the trek over to enjoy the show.

Crazy how different the park is going to feel once the new lands are opened up over the coming years. I miss those old streets and the Osbourne Family Lights but can’t wait to see how it re-energizes DHS when it’s all done.

It was very quiet around MuppetVision when we arrived and there may have only been about 30 or so people in the theatre by the time the show started.
Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

The show is definitely aging but still good for a laugh, especially these gents.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Once the show let out we could make our way over to 50’s to check in for dinner.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

We arrived and the place was packed! The living room was pretty cool all decorated for a 50’s Christmas though!
Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

I ended up taking Ella to the washroom and returned to find Kelly and Lennon chatting with a gent who was with a service dog. I know most service dogs should not be petted but this gent was quick to allow the girls to say hello and give a quick pet to his companion. The cool coincidence was the gentleman was a Type 1 diabetic and his dog was a diabetes dog. We have seen and heard a ton about how amazing these dogs are and how they can pick up on your glucose levels so it was really cool to chat with him while we waited about the dog and the condition.

Sadly we had to cut it short as we were called for dinner and led to our table. Great location, close to the kitchen and a TV at the table…what more could you ask for! For the life of me, I cannot recall what our cousin’s (servers) name was but he was really terrific.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

We’ve always had great servers who have totally played the part and this was no exception. What’s a family picture without the whole family present?
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Against our better judgment, we decided to pass on an order of onion rings to start and just stuck with our entrees. Mac and Cheese for both kids, pot roast for Kelly and I tried something other than my usual order of fried chicken. I went with the stuffed pork chop.
Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

One bite and I knew I made the right decision. It was delicious, as was everything else. We cleared our plates but unlike lunch, we had no room left for dessert. We said goodbye to our cousin and made our way out of the restaurant.

It was nearing park close by this time but there were still some great photo ops available. We walked right out of 50’s and jumped in line for this one.
STUDIO_ECHOLAKE1_20171214_407133813819 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Before calling it a night we had to get a shot of ToT with the projections. As we waited for the line to subside for the photopass it was really cool watching the show being projected against the building. A nice added touch of Disney holiday magic that was clearly very popular based on the people milling around watching and taking photos.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
hotos/137503717@N07/]Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
STUDIO_SUNSET3_20171214_407134348808 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Now that we had a keeper and potential Christmas card, we figured it was about time to wrap up the day. We debated on taking the boat back to the Beach Club but ended up walking back instead. We really got to know that trail well throughout the trip and we knew we’d be making the walk back in the morning for our last visit to DHS once we were finished having breakfast with Ariel, Eric, Rapunzel, and Flynn.
 
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joshsprincess921

joshsprincess921

Well-Known Member
I'm really loving your report! I'm picking up a lot of tips for when we go in November with our little boy who will be 5 when we go. I've been going back and forth about whether or not to do the Christmas Party. I think if I choose to do it, we will just take it easy for the early part of the day then head to the park that evening, then sleep in a little the next morning.

I have Beaches and Cream on my list! Mmmm looks sooooo good!
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
joshsprincess921 said:
I'm really loving your report! I'm picking up a lot of tips for when we go in November with our little boy who will be 5 when we go. I've been going back and forth about whether or not to do the Christmas Party. I think if I choose to do it, we will just take it easy for the early part of the day then head to the park that evening, then sleep in a little the next morning.

I have Beaches and Cream on my list! Mmmm looks sooooo good!
Click to expand...

Thanks for reading along! I think we learned a lot about the Christmas Party last trip. I didn't mind being there all day but we likely could have benefitted from taking it easier in the morning and heading over a little later. Oh, and I definitely won't be booking an early tee time the morning after, that's for sure!

The slower paced next day turned out to be one of the best of the trip.

Hope you guys have a blast when you're there in November!
 
joshsprincess921

joshsprincess921

Well-Known Member
Matty30 said:
Thanks for reading along! I think we learned a lot about the Christmas Party last trip. I didn't mind being there all day but we likely could have benefitted from taking it easier in the morning and heading over a little later. Oh, and I definitely won't be booking an early tee time the morning after, that's for sure!

The slower paced next day turned out to be one of the best of the trip.

Hope you guys have a blast when you're there in November!
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Yes, I think our trip will be kind of learn as we go since this will be our first time with him and I have no idea how well he will do with the long days, etc. Like always, with kids, you just roll with the punches! But we are so excited!
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
joshsprincess921 said:
Yes, I think our trip will be kind of learn as we go since this will be our first time with him and I have no idea how well he will do with the long days, etc. Like always, with kids, you just roll with the punches! But we are so excited!
Click to expand...

Totally understand what that's all about. It's better now that our girls are a little older and are ok with longer days away from the hotel, but when they were younger they always dictated how the trip ended up no matter how much or what we had planned. All you can do is roll with it and enjoy!
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Zipitidoda said:
We loved 50's PrimeTime when we visited. Our next trip we're hoping to just stop in for a PB&J shake at the bar. I don't even know if you can do that! I think so but I guess I better find out!
Click to expand...

That's one thing I don't think I've had yet! I think the girls may have split one a few trips back but even that I can't recall. Might have to add it to the list for next time!
 

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