Trip Report **COMPLETED** The 4 M's (Plus two J's and a N): A Birthday Christmas Extravaganza

Hello everyone - we got back from the World yesterday so time to start our trip report.

Who ?
The whole family (as the title indicates)
My sister Jill and my brother in law Nick

My other sister Betta (her name is Elizabeth we call her Betta) and my nephew Max

And my parents (Jeff and Mary) and myself (Megan)

When?
December 3-8, 2019
Jill and Nick were there November 30-December 6, 2019

Why?
To celebrate Jill's 40th Birthday and Christmas

Where?
Port Orleans French Quarter - our favorite moderate

The title:
I like the title the 4 M's because that's what Max calls my Mom, Betta, him and I - Mary, Mom (Betta), Max and Megan Then - just added some initials

Day 1 December 3, 2019
After work I headed home and met up with my Mom, Dad, Max and Betta and we headed to the airport. We were originally supposed to leave the next day, but that flight got pushed to 5 am and I work typically until 9 pm on Tuesday nights. So, I adjusted my schedule and we took this flight instead of having to get up SUPER early after a late work night.
I should mention that Betta was on crutches this trip - this is from her surgery I have mentioned before (hip surgery) that she had 8 weeks ago. Needed some help getting around long distances.
I had a hard time taking photos this trip just due to pushing the stroller mostly so sorry in advance.
We had some dinner in the airport then headed to our gate.

Our room was ready and it turns out we were next to Jill and Nick and Betta and Max were next to us. We did not ask for this so that was a nice surprise.

Our plane was at the gate but for some reason no one got off for forever. Then, we had 10 wheelchairs that needed to go on one at a time.

Finally we boarded about 20 minutes late.

We ended up having to de-ice. It was SUPER dry out at the time we were supposed to leave but all of a sudden started snowing SO hard right before we left.
You can kind of see it outside the window

So...in the end we ended up leaving about 45 minutes late
The flight felt like it took forever but eventually we landed at 9:30 pm.
New Star Wars Galaxy's Edge stuff around the fonorail

Next up: more arrival

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 2 continued

I was nervous I really over sold this show but everyone really loved it! My Mom and I enjoyed it last year but it was after Christmas so it felt a little weird. This year it was perfect - especially with NPH!
After this we headed out of the park and off to bed.

Next up: Day 3

 

[BrerWayne]

Day 1 continued
Fonorail!
On the fonorail Max said "look Mom I'm riding on a pole" To which everyone in the car laughed.
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We elected to get our luggage to avoid a late drop off.
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Then we dragged it all the way over to the Magical Express
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Magical Express selfies
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Hello Disney and all the dead bugs on the window
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I did not take any more photos the rest of the night. We made it to the hotel around 11:15 pm and headed right to bed.

Next up: Day 2

Following along!

 

[Big Hair]

Looking forward to more magic. I may have missed it but how early did you get in line for the candlelight processional? Any advice for my upcoming processional, my first.

 

[Loco_driver]

Oh man I was so bummed we missed NPH by just a few days! We had Whoopi Goldberg. She did a good job though.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Looking forward to more magic. I may have missed it but how early did you get in line for the candlelight processional? Any advice for my upcoming processional, my first.

I don't have any advice for you about lining up, but I really hope you enjoy the Candlelight. It is one of my favorite things at WDW. Have you thought about doing a dining package, that's what we usually do so we don't have to worry about lining up.

 

[Big Hair]

I don't have any advice for you about lining up, but I really hope you enjoy the Candlelight. It is one of my favorite things at WDW. Have you thought about doing a dining package, that's what we usually do so we don't have to worry about lining up.

Yes, we have a dining package, dinner at Trattoria earlier. I have gathered there is quite a line for the dining package entry too? I have always wanted to experience this and finally get the chance.

 

[Megbutnotmegan]

Yes, we have a dining package, dinner at Trattoria earlier. I have gathered there is quite a line for the dining package entry too? I have always wanted to experience this and finally get the chance.

I wouldn’t worry too much about lining up with the dining package. Last year we did the dining package and my family was incredibly slow at getting over there. They just couldn’t be convinced to head over early. Then we got stuck behind the earth being brought out for Illuminations. So we showed up as it was starting. We showed our stickers and were led right in. I mentioned to the cast member that i thought we wouldn’t have any seats available and they said they save seats for dining package guests. If you have the sticker you’re guaranteed a seat even if you show up late. I wouldn’t recommend being late but our seats were good and we enjoyed the show once my stress over missing it subsided

 

[Doc Disney]

Following along!

Thanks for following !

 

[Doc Disney]

Oh man I was so bummed we missed NPH by just a few days! We had Whoopi Goldberg. She did a good job though.

She seems like she would be great too!

 

[Doc Disney]

I wouldn’t worry too much about lining up with the dining package. Last year we did the dining package and my family was incredibly slow at getting over there. They just couldn’t be convinced to head over early. Then we got stuck behind the earth being brought out for Illuminations. So we showed up as it was starting. We showed our stickers and were led right in. I mentioned to the cast member that i thought we wouldn’t have any seats available and they said they save seats for dining package guests. If you have the sticker you’re guaranteed a seat even if you show up late. I wouldn’t recommend being late but our seats were good and we enjoyed the show once my stress over missing it subsided

Looking forward to more magic. I may have missed it but how early did you get in line for the candlelight processional? Any advice for my upcoming processional, my first.

I was going to say the same thing. We lined up only about 30 minutes ahead of time and the line was crazy since it was NPH but last time we did it we lined up really late and got to sit in the front so it definitely depends on the narrator but either way you will definitely get a seat!

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 3 December 5, 2019
We got up pretty early again for no reason
My parents and I headed to get some breakfast
I had tater tots (aka "potato barrels") and bacon; my Dad had something similar

My Mom had a waffle with berries

Everyone else came down in waves to eat then we headed to the bus for Epcot.
This was the day of Jill's 40th Birthday ! Yes - she is 40 even though (in my opinion) she does not look it!

We had a FP for Spaceship Earth later in the day but we would have to miss it due to a reservation so we decided to ride that first.

Next up: more Epcot

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 3 continued

Then we headed over towards The Land for our first FP! Living with the Land - Jill's favorite ride!!

They decorated for Christmas on the Land - so cute!
I wish we had more time this trip to ride it at night. I feel like I said that about everything. I determined my next Christmas trip needs to be longer because we missed a lot of things we wanted to do. Next time!

Next up: more Epcot

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 3 continued

After this we split up. I could not get enough Fast Passes for all of us for Soarin' so everyone went there while my Mom and I took Max to Turtle Talk.

Next up: more Epcot

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

I was nervous I really over sold this show but everyone really loved it! My Mom and I enjoyed it last year but it was after Christmas so it felt a little weird. This year it was perfect - especially with NPH

We LOVE the CP, and getting the dining package for it!!! It's a great deal and so nice not to have to wait all day; we line up 30 minutes prior, also! We've been lucky enough to see NPH, too!

Also, your sister does NOT look 40! Your mom doesn't look old enough to be the mom of a 40 year old!

We got up pretty early again for no reason

I ONLY DO THIS IN DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!

I determined my next Christmas trip needs to be longer because we missed a lot of things we wanted to do. Next time!

YES! This is how I feel about all my trips, but especially the ones with all the Christmas festivities happening!!

 

[monykalyn]

Ah Max is still too cute! And the rest of ya ain’t bad either
Love the parks at the holidays, will be there starting Jan 4th, but think most of holiday stuff will be down.
You and your mom got the Minnie bands! I wanted one but I procrastinated on choosing and buying it and it was gone.
We are staying at POFQ in January- our first time there. We had choice of there or CBR or AKL but DH wanted a new place. With shorter park hours being close to Disney Springs might be nice!
And I’m guessing y’all are Bills Fans?

 

[BrerWayne]

Day 3 December 5, 2019
We got up pretty early again for no reason
My parents and I headed to get some breakfast
I had tater tots (aka "potato barrels") and bacon; my Dad had something similar
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My Mom had a waffle with berries
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Everyone else came down in waves to eat then we headed to the bus for Epcot.
This was the day of Jill's 40th Birthday ! Yes - she is 40 even though (in my opinion) she does not look it!
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We had a FP for Spaceship Earth later in the day but we would have to miss it due to a reservation so we decided to ride that first.
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Next up: more Epcot

Your sister looks like Elsa from Frozen!

 

[draybook]

Love me some Epcot AND Disney World at Christmas time! Great TR so far as usual.

 

[Doc Disney]

We LOVE the CP, and getting the dining package for it!!! It's a great deal and so nice not to have to wait all day; we line up 30 minutes prior, also! We've been lucky enough to see NPH, too!

Also, your sister does NOT look 40! Your mom doesn't look old enough to be the mom of a 40 year old!


I ONLY DO THIS IN DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!


YES! This is how I feel about all my trips, but especially the ones with all the Christmas festivities happening!!

Oh - NPH was so great! I hope to see him again someday! My Mom will be very happy to hear that
I do get up early at home so getting up early at Disney is like sleeping in for me

 

[Doc Disney]

Ah Max is still too cute! And the rest of ya ain’t bad either
Love the parks at the holidays, will be there starting Jan 4th, but think most of holiday stuff will be down.
You and your mom got the Minnie bands! I wanted one but I procrastinated on choosing and buying it and it was gone.
We are staying at POFQ in January- our first time there. We had choice of there or CBR or AKL but DH wanted a new place. With shorter park hours being close to Disney Springs might be nice!
And I’m guessing y’all are Bills Fans?

We are obviously Bills fans I think you will really like POFQ - the boat ride to Disney Springs is especially nice !

Your sister looks like Elsa from Frozen!

Funny you say that - for our next trip I'm making her wear an Elsa shirt because people always say that

 

[Doc Disney]

Love me some Epcot AND Disney World at Christmas time! Great TR so far as usual.

Thank you so much !