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).

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!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Thanks for the pictures and feedback for Sanaa. I hope to get to there on our next trip since "Irma" cancelled our plans from our last trip. lol I have a question about the kids meals. You said the girls both got the kids pizza. Was it the same regular kids Disney Pizza that you can get anywhere or was it on their special bread?

I, too, hope you guys get there on the next trip. I wasn't sure what to expect leading to this meal but was pleasantly surprised. As for the pizza, if memory serves me correctly the pizza seemed to be a little different than the typical pizza you'd find throughout Disney. I think it came on a naan crust. The girls seemed to like it.

My husband and I love Sanaa's dinner. I looked at their menu for our upcoming trip and realized they removed my favorite dessert. It was the best tapioca pudding I've ever had! We aren't going this year because we're traveling with others but may have to go towards the end of the trip when it's just us two and get the bread service. It's one of our favorite things at WDW. The first time we went we were on the dining plan and also ordered the bread service. We had eaten so much food that it was almost impossible to make our way back to the bus stop LOL.

I know the feeling about the difficulty of getting from the table to the bus! We were tempted to do dessert but just couldn't...I think we would have exploded! I'd gladly return simply for the bread. I had no issues at all that it was an add-on to the dining plan. Well worth it!

 

[kaitertot5249]

I've heard such great things about Sanaa and I am so excited to eat there in June! Glad to hear that you enjoyed it!!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

I've heard such great things about Sanaa and I am so excited to eat there in June! Glad to hear that you enjoyed it!!

That was a big factor in our decision to give it a try, too. Seems to get great reviews and now we know why. I hope you enjoy it as well!

 

[Lyssa]

That lava colada looks amazing

 

[Matt and Kelly]

That lava colada looks amazing

Kelly doesn't drink often at all but she really enjoyed it.

And I haven't forgotten about the salad dressing recipe...hoping to get it to you tonight.

 

[Lyssa]

Kelly doesn't drink often at all but she really enjoyed it.

And I haven't forgotten about the salad dressing recipe...hoping to get it to you tonight.

No rush I don't drink very much either, but when I do, that's totally something I would get I love sweet drinks

 

[fractal]

Glad you liked Sanaa - one of my favorites! - and your adventures in Pandora seems like a great way to end the day!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

No rush I don't drink very much either, but when I do, that's totally something I would get I love sweet drinks

She's very much like you. Every now and then she'll enjoy a bellini or a daiquiri but it's not that often.

And here is the recipe she used for the salad dressing. She said she only used 1/2 cup of oil in her version but it turned out darn tasty.

'Ohana Salad Dressing

There are tons of Disney recipes on AllEars.

Glad you liked Sanaa - one of my favorites! - and your adventures in Pandora seems like a great way to end the day!

It's definitely on my list of top choices now! Outside that suspect cheesesteak, we ate very well all trip.

 

[krause]

Thanks for the pictures and feedback for Sanaa. I hope to get to there on our next trip since "Irma" cancelled our plans from our last trip. lol I have a question about the kids meals. You said the girls both got the kids pizza. Was it the same regular kids Disney Pizza that you can get anywhere or was it on their special bread?

Thought of you today @Figment Forever

 

[Lyssa]

And here is the recipe she used for the salad dressing. She said she only used 1/2 cup of oil in her version but it turned out darn tasty.

'Ohana Salad Dressing

There are tons of Disney recipes on AllEars.

Thank you so much I can't wait to try it tell her thank you for me too

 

[Figment Forever]

View attachment 261126Thought of you today @Figment Forever

Thanks so much!!!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Finally, I have a little time to continue the report…and no, I’m not sulking over the Pats loss. I was quick to congratulate Eagles fans in another thread and I’m happy to do so again here. Great game, despite the outcome.
On with the show…

December 12 – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

We knew we were in for a long day spent totally at MK as we had tickets for the evenings Christmas Party. We wanted to make the most of the day, getting on as many attractions as we could so that we could spend time at the party doing things unique to the celebration. That meant an early alarm to get ready and have breakfast before heading to the park.

The sun was shining and it was the start of a beautiful day as we arrived at the park. Even with all the activity, we had jammed into the trip to this point, it didn’t seem to slow down the girls at all. They were ready to roll when we walked through the gates.
Main Street in the early morning sun was looking to notch and before we really got going we took a little time getting some pictures, including yet another PhotoPass.
MK_TSHOLIDAY_20171212_407086132775 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
MK_TSHOLIDAY_20171212_407086132773 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

We sauntered down towards the end of Main Street and decided we would start in Tomorrowland. We had really neglected this area so it was long overdue to enjoy a taste of the future. Not surprisingly the girls needed to use the washroom before moving on so I tried to get creative while I waited.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

It was such a nice day we couldn’t help but take photos all over the place.
IMG_1602 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Finally, we made it to our first ride, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. I continue to suck at this game but it was fun, nonetheless.
Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
IMG_1603 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

After Buzz our window for our Space Mountain FP opened up. As we walked toward the ride there was nobody in line for Astro Orbiter so we made a quick detour, went up the elevator and climbed into a rocket. Gorgeous day with the sun in full force lead to some great morning views of the park.
Disney World - 2017 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
IMG_1605 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
IMG_1607 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

From there it was on to Space Mountain!
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Obviously one of the all-time classic Disney rides and finally, it was time for the girls to experience it for the first time. They were both pretty nervous but they were determined to give it a go at least once. A little more difficult in WDW as opposed to DL since you’re not sitting together but they got over the fear and held on tight. Not sure why but the ride felt extra fast today. A great way to get the heart pumping.

As was the theme for the trip, Ella LOVED it but Lennon…not so much. At least she tried it though. I’m sure she’ll enjoy it more next trip.
Onward we went, over towards the Tomorrowland Speedway before making our way back into Fantasyland, yet again! Of course, the girls were jacked at the idea of driving their own car but I’m not sure how I ended up sitting with Lennon on this one.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

I knew I was in for a bumpy ride!
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Surprisingly she was a much better driver than I anticipated. She only ended up smashing the rail a few times but for the most part, kept us on the right path. Must have her dad’s driving genes…thank goodness for that.

No signs of slowing down, with the exception of a stop for an early morning popcorn and an ice cream bar.
IMG_1627 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Off to Fantasyland, we walked as we had FP for the Mine Train. Lennon’s favourite ride never disappoints.
Untitled by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

After a rip through the diamond mines, we did the usual tour of Dumbo, the Barnstormer, and Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. With a few photo ops thrown in as well.
IMG_1639 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
IMG_1640 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr
MK_MERMAIDBRIDGEICONNC_20171212_407099427329 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

We even ran into a giant meathead along the way
MK_GASTONSTAVERNCHAR_20171212_407097971163 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

Look out for this one...
MK_GASTONSTAVERNCHAR_20171212_407097971156 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

We were certainly getting a bunch of stuff done but so much more to do. We had lunch reservations at the Plaza approaching but had enough time to try and sneak in a visit with Tinker Bell before sitting down for lunch.

 

[amjt660]

I think you better be on the look out for all the potential suitors knocking on your door !!

Wonderful pictures

Max

 

[Matt and Kelly]

I think you better be on the look out for all the potential suitors knocking on your door !!

Wonderful pictures

Max

Both Ella and Lennon already seem to have "boyfriends" at school. It's cute right now but I doubt I'll view it the same way in about 10 years time!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Going back to the last post...for whatever reason, some of my pictures didn't upload to Flickr and I didn't notice until Kelly was so gracious to point it out after the post. At any rate here are a few additional pics from our morning at MK.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/237LfF3]MK_BUZZLIGHTYEARRIDE_20171212_8141729844 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22QbZsk]MK_BUZZLIGHTYEARRIDE_20171212_8141727108 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22QbZ9e]MK_SPACEMOUNTAINB_20171212_8141739177 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/237Lf5d]MK_SPACEMOUNTAINB_20171212_8141739189 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/237LfBA]MK_MINETRAIN_20171212_8141798711 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/22QbZjV]MK_MINETRAIN_20171212_8141798722 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/FYZGGs]MK_MERMAIDBRIDGEICONNC_20171212_407099427343 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/EsMtrv]MK_MERMAIDBRIDGEICONNC_20171212_407099427341 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr[/URL]

 

[riverside]

The look on Lennon's face on Space Mountain is priceless!! Too cute!!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

The look on Lennon's face on Space Mountain is priceless!! Too cute!!

It took a lot of convincing to get her into the vehicle. She was not feeling it but she survived! I love looking back at those ride photos to see their expressions. Always makes me laugh.

 

[DisneyJeff]

MK_SPACEMOUNTAINB_20171212_8141739177 by Matt Mandrusiak, on Flickr

I love that in the Space Mountain pics, Kelly is being the protective, comforting mother, with a hand on each of the girls even though she is in a completely awkward position...

... and then there is you in the next picture: calm, cool, relaxed, just enjoying life!!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

I love that in the Space Mountain pics, Kelly is being the protective, comforting mother, with a hand on each of the girls even though she is in a completely awkward position...

... and then there is you in the next picture: calm, cool, relaxed, just enjoying life!!

HAHA That was the agreement for them to get on. Kelly had to hang on to them. Very uncomfortable but what a mom! This was Lennon's only ride but every other ride Ella took we had to make sure we held her hand.

 

[Matt and Kelly]

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.