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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MegRuss626

MegRuss626

Well-Known Member
Matty30 said:
As we made our way back towards Main Street, the blue skies and sunshine made for a terrific backdrop around the castle.
IMG_1628 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
IMG_1629 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

The park was definitely starting to fill and we were fighting against traffic trying to head towards the meet and greet for Tink. I told Kelly I would duck into Starbucks to use up a couple snack credits on drinks for the two of us and I would meet her in line. I was really taken by the mug designs. Had I not picked up all four “You Are Here” mugs last year, I likely would have grabbed the new versions this go around but decided against it.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

I grabbed our drinks but before meeting up with the girls I made a quick stop in at the Emporium to try and nab that Christmas sweater I had been looking for since I spotted it at Epcot a few days earlier. I zipped through the store and found the sweater but like the last time, there were none in my size. Since it was quite in the store I asked the CM at the checkout if they had any mediums left in the back. After a few minutes, she returned and I was in luck! Perfect timing for the Christmas Party later that evening.

I got a text from Kelly saying the girls were meeting Snow White before heading to the Tink building. So I slowly made my way over to meet up with them.
MK_TSTHEATERPRCHAR_20171212_407088134738 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
MK_TSTHEATERPRCHAR_20171212_407088134727 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
MK_TSTHEATERPRCHAR_20171212_407088134730 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Once we all gathered again we made our way through the queue to meet the girls' favourite fairy. Just as we were about to enter the room another young girl near us in line ended up tossing her cookies, which quickly cleared the room. We felt so bad for her but man did it stink up the room in heartbeat. Kelly gagged a few times before we were ushered back to the end of the queue to wait for the CMs to clean it up. Not exactly what we needed to witness before getting ready for lunch but we hoped the little girl was ok.

Once all was finally back to normal we were back in line and next to meet Tink. No matter what trip, WDW or DL, the interaction with Tink is always one of the best. Lennon especially always seems completely enamoured by her. This was, once again, a great visit. And Kelly left crowing once more with all the compliments she was receiving with her autograph books!
MK_TSFAIRIESACHAR_20171212_407089820111 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
MK_TSFAIRIESACHAR_20171212_407089819290 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
MK_TSFAIRIESACHAR_20171212_407089820106 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Once we were wrapped up with the characters it was close to check in time at the Plaza. This has become a staple for us on each of the last three visits. We nearly had to give this reservation up in the weeks leading up to the trip as we originally had dinner at ‘Ohana booked before the Christmas Party but decided to cancel so as not to miss anything. Good thing we held on to the Plaza reservation!

Back down Main Street, we went to check in. We were handed a beeper and asked to wait nearby until our table was ready. We grabbed a seat at the tables just across from the restaurant. Nice to relax in some shade. I noticed an older gent, likely in his late 70’s, sitting alone a few tables over. Dressed very nicely in slacks and a red golf shirt. He was sitting there looking around and I couldn’t help but keep tabs. A few moments later his wife, also in her late 70’s and wearing the same coloured shirt and pants as her husband, came out of the Plaza ice cream shop carrying two big sundaes. As she sat at the table the gentlemen gave a big fist pump and high fived his wife who was smiling widely. They both dug into their ice cream together and I couldn’t stop smiling. I hope Kelly and I are that excited to be at Disney when we get to that age.

Shortly after we were called in and escorted to our table. We sat down and took a glance at the menu only to be greeted by Smokey Miller, Chief of the Main Street Fire Department. He was filling in for the Mayor in making sure he selected the family of the day at the Plaza restaurant. We weren’t selected family of the day but Smokey made sure to spend more than a few minutes chatting with the girls who were quick to share that their uncle, my brother, is a firefighter back home. He was a great sport and added a new element of Disney magic to our visit that we would otherwise never have expected. He was gracious enough to take a few pics before saying goodbye and announcing the family of the day moments later.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
IMG_1630 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

After our visit with Smokey, we ordered our meals and enjoyed the ambiance of the Plaza. The girls ordered the PB&J sandwich, Kelly ordered the baked honey barbecue brisket mac and cheese and I, even with the horror of the last attempt, ordered the cheesesteak sandwich.
Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

The food was terrific. This is what a cheesesteak is supposed to be like. Kelly’s mac and cheese was the hit of the meal though. So, so good. So good that I may have a new favourite for next time.

We cleared our plates and even though we were quite full, we didn’t pass on dessert this time. Ice cream for the kids, brownie a la mode for Kelly, and caramel-apple pie a la mode for me. Again, so good!
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

I made short work of the pie and I think I eat a decent portion of Kelly’s as well before we finally tapped out. Probably not the best planning on our part but after our big lunch, our first trip down Splash Mountain was up next.
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I’m not going to lie....I keep eyeing up those autograph books! They look beautiful! Tell your wife she needs to post a tutorial on how to make them or start selling them....I need one for my daughter's first big trip in 2021! 👍🏻
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
MegRuss626 said:
I’m not going to lie....I keep eyeing up those autograph books! They look beautiful! Tell your wife she needs to post a tutorial on how to make them or start selling them....I need one for my daughter's first big trip in 2021! 👍🏻
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Haha! I’ll let her know that her books are gaining a following. Maybe I can convince her to post a video sometime!


Tuvalu said:
I am glad Smokey Miller is still at the Plaza bestowing Jr. Mayor honors (or Family of the Day?) Although I wish he would not say “filling in for the Mayor” as if the Mayor were still alive.

RIP Mayor Christopher George Weaver. You are missed!
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My memory may fail me and it could have been Jr Fire Chief that day but I really don’t recall. However, at the time we met Smokey, the Mayor was still alive. Nevertheless I see your point.
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Now that we were completely stuffed it was time to get back to business and get some things done before heading into party mode. Splash Mountain was next on the list but as we were walking through the park, the girls started to have major reservations about riding. Lennon was completely out and Ella was wavering. She was definitely on the fence but I somehow convinced her to ride with me. She had no interest in getting wet so I made her a deal that I would cover her on any big drops and we would sit towards the back to avoid the big splashes.

My pitch worked and we were on our way while Kelly and Len waited for us. They set up near the drop hoping to see us fly down.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

We zigged quickly through the FP line and Ella was quick to ask the CM loading the flumes to sit at the back. He granted her request and off we went.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

She held my hand tight the entire ride but she had fun. Splash is still my all-time favourite and only getting to ride it once all trip in 2016 I was hoping this wouldn’t be the only fall into the briar patch. The cool thing was we did see Kelly and Lennon as we made our way around.

To her surprise, Ella survived but I’m not sure about the two guys behind me.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

We met up with Kelly and Len and decided to grab a return time for Big Thunder before finding a spot along the parade route. We debated on where to watch but decided, since nobody was lined up yet, to watch right near the start of the route by Splash Mountain.

Lennon and I hunkered down while Kelly and Ella walked to a washroom, meeting some new friends along the way.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

When they returned it was just about parade time.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Always love a good Disney parade but did miss the fact we didn’t get to see the flames from Maleficent. We had been very successful to this point knocking things off the list before the Christmas Party but we still had much to do.
 
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Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
So with the parade coming to a close, we still had some time to get stuff done before we flipped into party mode. Our first stop, once the crowd started to disperse, was back towards Big Thunder.

Both Lennon and Ella had become big-time fans of the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness and were happily keeping their arms raised on every ride. Kelly ended up taking some video of it on our last park day which I’ll make sure to post when I finally get there!

We hopped in line and we were ready to roll!
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21jScGF]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Big Thunder was a big hit for us all trip as we kinda missed out last time. We were able to ride it once, on our first park day in 2016, before it closed for refurbishments the next day. We definitely made up for lost time this trip. Though I do think the WDW version could use the sweet exploding mine effects from its counterpart in DL.

From there we decided we might as well head back towards Fantasyland to accomplish a few more things.

We sauntered slowly through Fantasyland enjoying the sights and taking some pics along the way.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/D2q8L8]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/ExmUs3]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

We secured a return time for Peter Pan and made our way through the staples, Small World, Dumbo and the Barnstormer once more before returning for a flight around Neverland.

As it was getting late in the afternoon now, the crowds of people for the party were rolling in and the crowds without party tickets were heading out. We had started to notice a lot of people with the part bands walking around so we figured we’d stop at a designated location to get ours together. We ended up finding CMs scanning bands and providing the party bands at Tortuga Tavern. Didn’t take long for us to work our way through and we were good to go.

With a map of the evening’s activities in hand, we were ready to get it started. There was still about an hour or so before the actual party was set to kick off but you could already see lineups forming at some of the experiences you don’t usually see during regular park hours.

As we were in Adventureland the first big line we found was for the Moana meet and greet near the stairs to the Jungle Cruise. The line didn’t look too bad so we figured why not…this would be a cool character meeting for the girls. While we waited and the sun was setting, one of us would stay in line while the other took the kids around to jump on some rides or find some of the free treats around the park.

I stayed back for the first shift and Kelly and the kids went for a stroll and eventually rode Aladdin’s Magic Carpets. The line was kinda starting to move and I was nervous that maybe they wouldn’t make it back…upon further review, I was an idiot for thinking so.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22BYJeh]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22KBh86]IMG_1641 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

We switched and I took the kids to Pirates. We waited a good 25 minutes and I was definitely expecting a “hurry up” text from Kelly at some point. Again, I was totally wrong about that!
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21jMikz]Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

After Pirates, we grabbed snow cones and snowman pretzels to take back to Kelly in the line. We returned to see she had barely moved. Lovely.

We swapped again and I was back in line while Ella and Lennon convinced Kelly to get them back on Pirates. Lennon really wanted to see the guy with the hairy legs and dirty feet dangling over the bridge!

As I waited and chatted with those around me, the line moved at a snail’s pace. By the time the rest of the girls returned we had been in line for a solid 90 minutes. The good news was we finally turned the last corner and were somewhat near the front.

As we prepped to meet Moana, the girls bumped into HeiHei first.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/KaXUbz]MK_TREEHOUSECHAR_20171213_407105515687 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/KaXTQV]MK_TREEHOUSECHAR_20171213_407105515688 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Finally, as we approached two hours, we were next to meet Moana! I will say, it was quite chilly now that the sun was gone and the wind had picked up. It must have been quite cold for her but she was pretty terrific with all the groups meeting her. No rush whatsoever, which was a big reason for the long wait time, but it almost made it worth it. I say that now, but at the time I was not a happy camper!

The kids had a blast though…
[url=https://flic.kr/p/245atAy]IMG_1643 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/EsRxcD]IMG_1645 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/KaYpM8]MK_TREEHOUSECHAR_20171213_407106973094 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/KaYrat]MK_TREEHOUSECHAR_20171213_407106976004 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2336C9L]MK_TREEHOUSECHAR_20171213_407106976006 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

We spent a fair amount of time with Moana which was nice considering the wait. She was very accommodating and had the girls signing with her which was very cool. We said our goodbyes and while I was a little hot under the collar we forged on to enjoy more of what the party had to offer. Hopefully no more two hour waits for characters!

And hey, at least I get to rock the sweet sweater I found earlier in the day.
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
MotherofaPrincessLover said:
My daughter really wanted to meet Moana at MNSSHP but her line was crazy. I really hope she becomes available to meet at times besides parties.
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When we first jumped in line it really didn't look that bad but there were many times I was ready to bail! The kids really enjoyed it so it was worth it. I agree with you, hopefully she becomes a regular outside of special events
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Since the release of Zootopia, the girls are really into both Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps. Since they were out during the party for a meet and greet we thought we might as well check in to see if their line was manageable, knowing full well we weren’t going to wait another two hours to meet them.


Over to Tomorrowland we went. Our timing wasn’t very good as the castle lighting had just finished so we had to slowly navigate through a sea of people but at least we were moving faster than the line for Moana.

When we arrived we were met with good news…maybe 20-25 minutes to meet Nick and Judy. We could do that no problem. Kelly and Lennon decided to wait while Ella and I took a quick walk to Space Mountain to see what the wait time was. Lucky for us, only 10 minutes! We sent a message to Kelly to let her know we were going to ride and we zoomed through the queue. The ride was pretty much a walk-on and off we went. Space was quickly becoming Ella’s new go-to at Magic Kingdom.

This time when we were finished we did get the message from Kelly letting us know to hustle back as they were near the front. We ran back to meet them, just a group away from the front. Great timing. As we arrived the whole line was fawning over the interaction Nick and Judy were having with an incredibly happy young woman with Down syndrome. They were playing hide and seek and she could not get enough. Having worked in the disability sector back home for many years it was heartwarming to see just how much fun they were having even if her parents were trying to get her to say goodbye so the next family could greet the characters.

Soon thereafter it was our turn. Lennon was in heaven!
[url=https://flic.kr/p/EsRw9B]IMG_1647 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22KBdbt]IMG_1648 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/EsRuJn]IMG_1650 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/KaYv8t]MK_BUZZGATECHAR_20171213_407109603269 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2457EGN]MK_BUZZGATECHAR_20171213_407109603264 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/KaYtUg]MK_BUZZGATECHAR_20171213_407109603263 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2336qUG]MK_BUZZGATECHAR_20171213_407109603273 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Yet another great interaction as they definitely take their time to ensure the partygoers are well looked after.

We decided we couldn’t pass up the PeopleMover since we were right there and there was essentially no line. Off we went. Seeing the park at night from that vantage point is always really cool but man, the wind was definitely picking up and it made for some really chilly stretches along the track. Kelly did her best to get a few shots. She tried...she...tried...
[url=https://flic.kr/p/EsRnmg]IMG_1659 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2485krt]IMG_1663 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

From there we continued to walk through Tomorrowland stopping in at Cosmic Rays to grab some hot chocolate and cookies while the girls tore up the dance floor at Club Tinsel. Our girls are quite timid when it comes to dancing so they kinda just stood there and bopped along for a couple minutes. If they leaned up against a wall it would be like my old high school dance days all over again!

We walked through Fantasyland to take a quick look at the wait for Mine Train. It was well over 70 minutes so we decided to just keep walking. Kelly was more interested in trying to find more photo opportunities and I was dying to get something a little more substantial to eat.

The fireworks were approaching soon and we definitely wanted to check them out but desperately needed some food before we did. The plan was to head to Pecos Bills and see what we could scarf down before finding space for the fireworks.

Along the way, there was a PhotoPass we couldn’t pass up.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2457HjG]MK_RIVERBTLNDG_20171213_407109499256 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

While much of the party was spent in line for characters we were having a good time. Though the lenght of the day was definitely starting to get to us!
 
AKemily

AKemily

Well-Known Member
MotherofaPrincessLover said:
My daughter really wanted to meet Moana at MNSSHP but her line was crazy. I really hope she becomes available to meet at times besides parties.
Click to expand...
Matty30 said:
When we first jumped in line it really didn't look that bad but there were many times I was ready to bail! The kids really enjoyed it so it was worth it. I agree with you, hopefully she becomes a regular outside of special events
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I agree! I would love to see Moana and Nick & Judy meet regularly. I would like to say "for my kids" but I don't have any of those so it's totally just for me :hilarious:

Loving your report! Your girls are adorable :)
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
AKemily said:
I agree! I would love to see Moana and Nick & Judy meet regularly. I would like to say "for my kids" but I don't have any of those so it's totally just for me :hilarious:

Loving your report! Your girls are adorable :)
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HA! The "for the kids" excuse is a great cover for us as parents. We get just as excited as they do but we can always downplay it as "for the kids"!

Thank you for reading and the kind words.
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
At this point, the kids were definitely starting to slow down, and rightfully so, but Ella kept battling on. As you might have been able to see in the last picture I posted, Lennon was getting tired and grumpy. Shortly after that photo was snapped she ended up dozing off as we walked towards Pecos Bills for a bite before the fireworks. We had 15 minutes to order, eat and hustle back towards the castle to watch the show.

Kelly ended up grabbing a corndog at the stand outside Pecos while Ella and I ordered something inside. PB&J for her and the Southwest Burger for me. By the time we got our food and hit the fixin’s bar, we had less than 10 minutes to scarf it down so I didn’t get the chance to take a picture. Definitely not the tastiest thing I had eaten on the trip, but at the time it was darn good. We ate very quickly, Lennon snoozed, and we bolted out and back towards Main Street. We ended up settling in near the Golden Horseshoe to watch as the fireworks started.

Would have been nice to be a little closer to Main Street to see all the additional effects but nonetheless, we enjoyed the show. Even Lennon woke up in time to watch.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/ExmCTC]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22BYJi5]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Once the fireworks ended the kids both need to use a washroom. I told Kelly I would head back to Main Street to find us good seats for the 11 pm Christmas Parade. I wasn’t sure what would be available but with a steady stream of people leaving the park I was able to find up front row seats right across from the giant Christmas tree.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21A6PLC]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

About 10 minutes later the rest of the crew arrived and we hunkered down to wait for the parade to arrive. It had started but with where we were seated it would take a while to arrive.

She had enough waiting though…
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21TBcrw]Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Thankfully she did wake up again just before the first float arrived. Two parades in one day, both were terrific. The kids have watched this parade numerous times on YouTube in the past but it was so much better being there in person!
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21R7zDZ]Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21jLDo2]Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/D2o876]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21k8pT4]Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/D2jfYg]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/236m1yE]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Ella couldn’t let me be the only one taking pictures while we waved at the characters passing by.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/Exhwjy]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

And what better way to wrap up our evening at our first Christmas party than Santa wishing us all the best of the season.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/HHPAqe]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/ExhvEN]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21A254W]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Once the parade ended, it was time to call it a night. It was a very long, but amazingly fun day at MK. Nice to be reminded of the snow waiting for us at home as we slowly made our way to the exit.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/ExmBW7]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

It was about midnight as we loaded on to the bus to head back to the Beach Club. We were all exhausted and I know Kelly and the kids were looking forward to getting home and sleeping in a little the next morning.

I, on the other hand, had just set my alarm for 600am as I was teeing off at Disney’s Magnolia for a sunrise 9 bright and early. When we finally arrived back at the hotel, Kelly and the kids climbed into the King bed and I crawled into the pullout bed to try and limit the distraction of getting up early to head to the course. My phone said 130am by the time I really settled in and at that moment I was absolutely regretting booking my tee time the morning after the party!
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
December 13 – Golf, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

So after what was a very long day, my morning alarm came far too quickly to make sure I was up and getting ready for my round of golf. Seeing as how the last time I played golf was early September, I was pretty quick to shake out the cobwebs and get myself moving.

Kelly and the kids were still fast asleep as I left the room and headed down to catch a ride to the Palm and Magnolia Golf Course. I am a big fan of Disney providing complimentary transportation to and from the golf courses for hotel guests. The Concierge was quick to get me in a car and off I went.

I arrived at the course shortly after 630am to check in and get my clubs together. I didn’t play golf on the last trip we took but really wanted to this time around and with the killer sunrise 9 deal, there was no way I would pass it up. As part of the $35 fee (rental clubs extra), you get 9 holes with a cart, a sleeve of balls, a breakfast sandwich with a coffee and your choice of beverage after the round. Killer.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/ExhjWo]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

I was one of the first golfer to check in and they set me up pretty quickly. I was to be the first off of the number 10 tee on the Magnolia course with another gent I was paired up with. I got my clubs and cart squared away and made the kick trip over to the snack shack to grab my sandwich and coffee before hitting the putting green to get used to the speed.

When it was about 715 I checked in with the marshall who paired me up with a very nice gentlemen name Rajay who was visiting with his family from Australia. We both pulled our carts up to the tee box and started exchanging pleasantries before we were given the go-ahead to get the round underway.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22ExTen]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

The sun was shining, the skies were clear, the course looked in great shape but it was still a bit chilly. Of course, I was wearing shorts which made for a quick giveaway that I was Canadian based on how bundled up some of the staff and other players were.

At any rate, I stepped up first, having not hit a ball since early September, playing with clubs I’ve never swung before but still piped one down the middle. Off we went.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22BTuBs]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

From the middle of the first fairway, I hit the middle of the green and ended up two-putting for an opening par. Good start. The course was in fantastic shape but I was most impressed with how well the greens rolled. I surprisingly I made a number of putts I had no business making, including a long right to left breaker on my 8th hole (the courses’ 17th) for birdie.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/ExhxqS]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/D2j9MD]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21A1TKE]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Throughout the round, Rajay and I had a lot of really good conversations which made a fun morning that much better. By the time our last putts fell on the final green, I had carded a 39 which I was more than satisfied with.

After my round I returned my cart and clubs and went back to the snack shack for my post round beverage. Even if it was only shortly after 9 I felt like it wasn’t too early to get it going.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21A1Tej]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

I sent a text to Kelly to let her know I was nearly finished. She and the kids were up and eating breakfast. We didn’t really have a plan that morning but the girls wanted to go to EPCOT so that’s what we decided on doing.

When I was done my beer, I went back to the clubhouse to hail a ride back to the Beach Club. As I waited for the cab to arrive I looked at all the really nicely themed Disney golf stuff and some dressier stuff like ties and sweaters I had not seen anywhere else. I still kick myself that I didn’t buy a few things before jumping in the cab and heading home.

To make myself feel better I stopped for a quick treat to take back to the room before we started our day at EPCOT.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/D2j7Q2]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

This was the third time I’ve played golf at WDW and I highly recommend it to any golfers wanting to take a bit of a detour from the parks. The sunrise or sunset deals they now offer make it even more attractive to go out and hit the links which I will most definitely be doing again whenever we end up coming back.
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
John Dulmage said:
Your position at the parade was great. Loved seeing the Christmas tree in the background of all the floats!
Click to expand...

It definitely turned out to be a really good spot. All the prime spaces closer to the castle were spoken for but really can complain about where we ended up. Plus it made for a quicker exit once it was done.
 

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