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!
 
Click to expand...
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Hope you all had a great Christmas! Always enjoy this time of year with family and friends. The girls were spoiled (as usual) and Kelly proved once again to be the best wife a guy can ask for. I'll detail later in the report about my golf experience but Kelly clearly listened when I came back and raved about the Taylormade M2 driver I was hitting as part of my rental clubs. I woke up to my own M2 under the tree on Christmas morning. So much for no gifts for the two of us!

Anyways, getting back to the report...

Even with a long travel day, I was still pretty wired and it took a while for me to fall asleep. Kelly and I were both up early, somewhere around 7, but since the girls were on the other side of the suite it was easy enough for us to move around and let them continue to sleep. We had breakfast reservation at 930 for 1900 Park Fare which was just a quick walk from the room so no big rush.

As of this summer I have really gotten into running. With the winter weather settling in back home, my outdoor runs have been infrequent so I was looking forward to the opportunity to get in a few runs while in Disney. It was early so I decided to slip out one of the four room entrances for a quick run to the Poly and back. It was an overcast morning with a very little sprinkle of rain which made for a very refreshing run. I ran to the Poly, near the TTC and back to the room. A quick 3K/16 minute run and I was back in the room for a shower. When I was done the girls were up and I was ready for a morning coffee with a view.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/D2FqEP]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22BXB97]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21jLZ5M][/URL][url=https://flic.kr/p/21jLZ5M]Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

It was only about 830 by the time we were all ready to roll and we decided it would be wise to try and check in for breakfast early. Ella's blood sugar levels were starting to drop so we wanted to try and get her eating as quickly as we could. We left the room, walked to the restaurant and pleaded our case. We were told we would receive a text as soon as they had a table for us.

There was a PhotoPass photog taking pictures in the lobby so we figured this was as good a time as any to get a nice family shot.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22UomPD]WDWRESORTSANDMORE_GFTREE_20171207_406955540218 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

As the picture was being taken I received our table is ready text and we were back at 1900 Park Fare ready for breakfast. Kelly and I had taken Ella to this meal during her first ever Disney visit back in 2011 and since she loves all things Alice in Wonderland we decided to visit again.

The buffet spread was pretty top notch. I really enjoyed the red velvet pancakes. My only regret was I didn't go back for their special Strawberry Soup.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/DhkVWV]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL][url=https://flic.kr/p/Exthk9]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

The kids ate decently well but they were more interested in the characters! Plus this was the first opportunity to bust out the custom autograph books that Kelly had spent months making leading up to the trip.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/HXJGq6]IMG_1318 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL][url=https://flic.kr/p/DfZncn]IMG_1320 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL][url=https://flic.kr/p/22UpYz4]IMG_1323 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL][url=https://flic.kr/p/21jScjX]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL][url=https://flic.kr/p/22UpTdc]IMG_1331 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL][url=https://flic.kr/p/ELUiwj]IMG_1334 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL][url=https://flic.kr/p/22UpJw4]IMG_1344 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL][url=https://flic.kr/p/22C3igU]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL][url=https://flic.kr/p/HXHXc2]WDWRESORTSANDMORE_PARKFARECHAR1_20171207_406956405682 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

When we were all finished up we said our goodbyes and made out to explore the resort a little before we had to check out and get ready to head over to settle in at the Beach Club for the rest of the trip.
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
MeeskaMooska0714 said:
What a cool idea for the autograph books!
Click to expand...

I’ll give her credit. She had this idea as soon as we booked but with the amount of half finished scrapbooks from vacations past, I wasn’t too confident she’d get these done.

They turned out really nicely. Many CMs at character spots would comment on her work. I think she was pretty pleased with herself!
 
amjt660

amjt660

Well-Known Member
Matty30 said:
You better believe I took those slippers with me!
Click to expand...
Did you leave one behind at checkout as you rushed out to your next reservation
(and now is someone touring around the country side trying to find you - the owner of the slipper???)

and did you also take a matching robe ???

So now that you are back home and probably have a backyard full of snow (like mine) perhaps you can recreate the slipper shot???

Max
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
amjt660 said:
Did you leave one behind at checkout as you rushed out to your next reservation
(and now is someone touring around the country side trying to find you - the owner of the slipper???)

and did you also take a matching robe ???

So now that you are back home and probably have a backyard full of snow (like mine) perhaps you can recreate the slipper shot???

Max
Click to expand...

Haha well I didn’t leave one behind but I did leave the additional pair there. I was really tempted to take the robe, which was unreal, but I ended up leaving that too. Feared I wouldn’t have enough suitcase space when it was time to head back home.

Good call about recreating the shot. I’ll see what I might be able to do in the next little bit. It’s freezing here at home this week so I’ll wait till it warms up a bit!
 
gobstoper27

gobstoper27

Well-Known Member
Matty30 said:
HAHAHA This made my day!

Thank you for the warm welcome and condolences on a game that almost secured the number one seed. Had it in your grasp, just couldn't survive the ground!

Thanks for reading along.
Click to expand...
This Browns fan is wondering what it feels like to cheer for a good football team...I watched that game and thought there was no way the Pats were coming back to win it..I root for the Pats over the Steelers anyday ! In the meantime reading along :)
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
gobstoper27 said:
This Browns fan is wondering what it feels like to cheer for a good football team...I watched that game and thought there was no way the Pats were coming back to win it..I root for the Pats over the Steelers anyday ! In the meantime reading along :)
Click to expand...

Plenty of room on the Pats bandwagon when this Super Bowl run begins. Feel free to hop on!

Thanks for reading
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
After breakfast we had a little time before we had to check out and move to the Beach Club so we decided to take a look around the grounds of the Grand before heading back to our room to pack up and call Bell services. Weather was cool, still a little overcast but, based on what we left in Edmonton, it felt quite balmy. Not sure it was balmy enough for this just yet but Ella really wanted to go for a rip through the kids splash park.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/ExkuP3]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

From there we made our way over to the beach. The sand had yet to be walked in so it looked pristine from the raking it would have received from the grounds crew. Beaches in Alberta are nowhere near this soft and fluffy. Felt amazing on our feet.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/22BXEXj]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL][url=https://flic.kr/p/22BYZdf]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL][url=https://flic.kr/p/22EU7qc]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL][url=https://flic.kr/p/21jQXGP]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Before we went back to the room we made a quick visit to the lighthouse and told the girls the story of what happened. I remember feeling so sick to my stomach upon reading of these tragic events. We were so fortunate to be spending this kind of time with our kids.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/HHU2FM]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

We made our way back to the room and got ourselves ready to check out. Before making the call to Bell Services I made sure to clean out all of the bathrooms of the toiletries, shampoos and hand creams as has become one of my favourite things to take back from Disney. I'll be sure to share a pic of my haul later on!

As we waited for Bell Services I found a little secret that I wasn't aware of the night before. I shut of the TV in the main living room and what was the TV screen was quickly covered by this cool painting!
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21Aapqq]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Shortly after Bell Services arrived to take our bags away and we slowly made our way towards the front desk to check out. Just as we were leaving Kelly found that the sweater she was wearing the night before had a big bleach stain on it from sitting on one of the loungers as we watched the fireworks the night before. This was crushing to her as it was one of her favourite sweaters. So we decided to try our hand at bringing it up to the front desk to see if they might be able to help her out.

As she spoke with a CM at the front, the girls and I strolled around the lobby waiting for her and took a few pics while we were at it.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/21k8HCc]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL][url=https://flic.kr/p/HHU2Qe]Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

Kelly met up with us to let us know that the CM credited an additional $100 to our account so she could replace her sweater which was very nice. Now that we were sadly checked out of the Grand we had a little time to kill before moving over to Beach Club. We decided to walk over to the TTC to trade in the Canadian resident discount passes we purchased before the trip for our actual park passes. We loaded up the stroller and started over towards the Poly.

On the way we passed a wedding party that was taking pictures around the Grand and ended up walking by @TXDisney and his lovely wife as we arrived at the Poly. I didn't realize it was them until I recognized the NEVERLAND sweater in an instagram post later that day. After a short while we arrived at the TTC, walked up to a window to acquire our tickets and picked up our 10 year anniversary pins to celebrate on the trip.

We hopped on the monorail to head back to the Grand to gather our luggage. It was around 1230 as we arrived and just then I received an email that our room at the BC was ready. We made a quick stop at the Basin store in the Grand and bought some mickey soap for stocking stuffers back home before picking up our luggage, hailing a cab and making the trek over to Beach Club to settle into our villa.
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
We had tried for about 10 or so minutes to request a Minnie Van for the ride over to the Beach Club but it seemed like the service was pretty busy at the time and from what the valet told us at the Grand, a cab would be about the same price anyway so our first Minnie Van experience would have to wait. We loaded up all of our stuff and made the 15 minute drive to our new home for the rest of the trip.

We were greeted quickly at the main doors by Bell Service, they welcomed us home and put our luggage on a cart to head to our room. Since we had the email notification that our room was all set, we bypassed the lobby and took a shortcut to the Villas.
Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

We've always felt at home in our previous DVC stays but it was something else to actually fall into the "member" category this time.

Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

A quick elevator ride later and we reached the door to room 538. Ok, so it wasn't quite as swanky and posh as the digs we left earlier in the day but there was absolutely nothing to sneeze at when we walked through the Villa.
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

And while it wasn't an MK view or anything, this wasn't too bad to wake up to for the next 8 days.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

We took a few minutes to settle in before Kelly decided to head to Target while the girls voted to head to Castaway Bay and check out the pool. Kelly is obsessed with Target and was devastated when it didn't survive in Canada so this is always a big deal for her. I downloaded uber on her phone, which she has no idea how to use, she called for one and was on her way to get her Target fix.

I unpacked, which I always do on any trip no matter how long the stay, something Kelly never, ever does and I cannot figure out why not! The girls and I got changed and made our way towards the main building to find the pool. We hit the lobby and man did it smell amazing! The functioning carousel made of gingerbread and chocolate was not only stunning but made things smell sooooo good!

We lingered for a few seconds before weaving through the halls and out to the pool. Keep in mind, it wasn't scorching hot but it was definitely pool weather for us Canucks. The pool area itself was terrific. Best on property that we've seen so far. The sand bottom in the water was kind of odd at first but really nice on the feet!

It didn't take long for the kids to find the big waterslide and we took multiple trips across the walkway to climb the stairs to the top. They loved it and because it was relatively cool for Florida, we were the only ones on the slide time after time. No lines!

After a number of rides I took a quick break and they enjoyed the water nearby.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on FlickrUntitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

It was closing in on 3pm when I got a call that our groceries were at the front desk so we left the pool to go and pick them up. We got back to the room just as Kelly arrived back from Target with a few bags in her hands. Not quite as many as I assumed she'd bring back but she was happy to have gone. And Lennon was happy with her new mermaid bathing suit.

Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

I took a quick shower and we all got ready for a night at Disney Springs, including a dinner reservation at Chef Art Smith's. Before leaving I took a minute or two to admire some of the detail within the room and the resort.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on FlickrUntitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

The girls have gotten into the tradition of posing for pics with the DVC statues at the different resorts we've stayed at.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on FlickrUntitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

From there it was over to the resort transportation spot to grab the bus and head to the Springs!
 
Last edited:
Bullseye1967

Bullseye1967

Is that who I am?
Premium Member
Matty30 said:
We had tried for about 10 or so minutes to request a Minnie Van for the ride over to the Beach Club but it seemed like the service was pretty busy at the time and from what the valet told us at the Grand, a cab would be about the same price anyway so our first Minnie Van experience would have to wait. We loaded up all of our stuff and made the 15 minute drive to our new home for the rest of the trip.

We were greeted quickly at the main doors by Bell Service, they welcomed us home and put our luggage on a cart to head to our room. Since we had the email notification that our room was all set, we bypassed the lobby and took a shortcut to the Villas.
Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

We've always felt at home in our previous DVC stays but it was something else to actually fall into the "member" category this time.

Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

A quick elevator ride later and we reached the door to room 538. Ok, so it wasn't quite as swanky and posh as the digs we left earlier in the day but there was absolutely nothing to sneeze at when we walked through the Villa.
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

And while it wasn't an MK view or anything, this wasn't too bad to wake up to for the next 8 days.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

We took a few minutes to settle in before Kelly decided to head to Target while the girls voted to head to Castaway Bay and check out the pool. Kelly is obsessed with Target and was devastated when it didn't survive in Canada so this is always a big deal for her. I downloaded uber on her phone, which she has no idea how to use, she called for one and was on her way to get her Target fix.

I unpacked, which I always do on any trip no matter how long the stay, something Kelly never, ever does and I cannot figure out why not! The girls and I got changed and made our way towards the main building to find the pool. We hit the lobby and man did it smell amazing! The functioning carousel made of gingerbread and chocolate was not only stunning but made things smell sooooo good!

We lingered for a few seconds before weaving through the halls and out to the pool. Keep in mind, it wasn't scorching hot but it was definitely pool weather for us Canucks. The pool area itself was terrific. Best on property that we've seen so far. The sand bottom in the water was kind of odd at first but really nice on the feet!

It didn't take long for the kids to find the big waterslide and we took multiple trips across the walkway to climb the stairs to the top. They loved it and because it was relatively cool for Florida, we were the only ones on the slide time after time. No lines!

After a number of rides I took a quick break and they enjoyed the water nearby.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on FlickrUntitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

It was closing in on 3pm when I got a call that our groceries were at the front desk so we left the pool to go and pick them up. We got back to the room just as Kelly arrived back from Target with a few bags in her hands. Not quite as many as I assumed she'd bring back but she was happy to have gone. And Lennon was happy with her new mermaid bathing suit.

Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

I took a quick shower and we all got ready for a night at Disney Springs, including a dinner reservation at Chef Art Smith's. Before leaving I took a minute or two to admire some of the detail within the room and the resort.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on FlickrUntitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

The girls have gotten into the tradition of posing for pics with the DVC statues at the different resorts we've stayed at.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on FlickrUntitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

From there it was over to the resort transportation spot to grab the bus and head to the Springs!
Click to expand...

I love your attention to detail. Thanks for putting them in the TR!
 
Matt and Kelly

Matt and Kelly

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Lyssa said:
That upgrade was a wonderful surprise to get :) And you have a beautiful family :) Your girls are so adorable :)
Click to expand...

Thanks so much. We’re very lucky to have the family we do. Even luckier to have the opportunity to experience some of the things we have during our Disney trips together.

Bullseye1967 said:
I love your attention to detail. Thanks for putting them in the TR!
Click to expand...

Disney is all about the details! I’m just trying my best to remember everything. I should have made little footnotes as the days ended to make it easier for this report!
 

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom