Trip Report (FINISHED) The Neato, Don't Go, Is She Crying Again Trip Report!

So, this report is a little late but to be fair, I had every intention of writing it during my winter break and just couldn't find time! But now that I'm back being a full time student, doing observations, and working, I seem to have plenty of time!

When: December 12-19

Where: Wilderness Lodge

The Cast: I'm Anastasia (the lost Disney Princess) I jádore all things Disney, especially Beauty and the Beast! Next, we have my older brother, Artie, who enjoys meeting the face characters (primarily the women). Finally, there is my dad who listens to my mom, and my mom who plans EVERYTHING!

Without further ado , let's begin!

The trip began not so bright and early. For the first time ever, we left after the crack of dawn, around 9ish or so with our flight leaving around 10:30. Goodbye New Jersey, hello Florida!

waiting at the airport


This picture reminds me! Just take a look at all of that magical leg room in front of me! Don't ask how it happened, but we got placed in this magical row at random and definitely lucked out!


In just two short hours we were landing in Sunny Orlando! The car service we always hire to pick us up arrived a few minutes after us, but soon we were on our way! Upon checking in, I realized the guy at the desk went to college at Montclair University, where one of my best friend's goes! It's a small world after all. We lucked out and our room was all ready for us. We were on the side of the hotel closest to the boat and on the second floor. The only downside to our room was our lovely view of a murky swamp that bubbled (pictures later).

checking in!




After checking in and settling into our room we were all ready to eat. I honestly don't remember what I ate but I do know that I had a s'mores cupcake (arguably the best snack in all of Disney). The only issue we had here was upon receiving our refillable cups. My dad's never got activated properly so we had to go back and fix it, but no big deal!



Fun Fact: my dad can't smile and take a selfie at the same time


Before heading out to MGM...um, I mean Hollywood Studio's, we went back to the room to change into warmer clothes. Upon returning to the room we realized my brother's "magic" band was never activated, so back down to the front desk!



It wasn't long until we were on a bus and on our way. I do have to say, the buses this trip were boiling! I'm talking sickenly hot temperatures. It was awful. But soon enough were arrived to our destination!

Up Next: A Perfect Evening

 

[party like it's 99]

Great trip report. Lol @ the Dominic the Donkey reference!!

Thanks for reading, our family loves domenic!

 

[FlaggNL]

off course still following along! Great you were able to touch the hat By the time we will be back everything will be different! Good luck with graduation And waiting for the rest of the TR but take your tme lol

 

[prfctlyximprct]

All caught up with your trip report! Really enjoying I feel sad about the hat leaving too, my first trip to Disney was in 2005 so I do not know a Hollywood Studios without that icon. You got a lot of awesome pictures with it for closure!

Saw you had a sweatshirt on that said Stockton, I was going to go there! Ended up going to KutztownUniversity in PA but I sometimes wish I had stayed in Jersey! Greetings from a fellow NJ Disney princess!

Thanks again for sharing.. I must get to Disney during the holidays at some point in my life!

 

[party like it's 99]

All caught up with your trip report! Really enjoying I feel sad about the hat leaving too, my first trip to Disney was in 2005 so I do not know a Hollywood Studios without that icon. You got a lot of awesome pictures with it for closure!

Saw you had a sweatshirt on that said Stockton, I was going to go there! Ended up going to KutztownUniversity in PA but I sometimes wish I had stayed in Jersey! Greetings from a fellow NJ Disney princess!

Thanks again for sharing.. I must get to Disney during the holidays at some point in my life!

Thanks for following! And yes, I"m a Stockton student! Though, as of five days ago, we're officially a university! Also, definitely try to make it down for the holidays, it's extra magical.

 

[party like it's 99]

Day 6 Continued!

Just a warning, for some reason this is the only night of the trip where my notes are pretty much non existent, but I'm sure I can remember the important stuff!

After returning to our room to freshen up and meet up with the parents, we were back on a bus and heading for our dinner reservations with the fabulous five! That's right, we were on our way to Chef Mickey's! As per usual dinner was great. I've decided that Chef Mickey has hands down the best macaroni and cheese in all of disney!

Our first guest!


Followed by...




Since our reservation was right when the restaurant opened, we were able to meet all of the characters relatively quick which was nice.





Looking at these pictures you wouldn't know it, but my dad and Artie don't really like character dinners. They're the lamos who would rather eat in peace than be greeted by lovely disney characters.





What a flirt!


Throughout dinner mom somehow managed to completely lose her napkin and then accused me of taking it! She ended up asking the waiter for another one but was still stumped as to what could have happened to hers. When we got up to get dessert I found hers...under my bottom. But to my defense, I didn't put it there!


Minnie had come to our table earlier but the pictures did not come out well at all, so yes, I was the twenty year old who insisted on a retake.


Before we knew it dinner was over and it was time to head over to Magic Kingdom for the night! Upon leaving we made sure to stop and look at the Frozen chocolate display. We ended up buying two build your own Olaf kits, one for Artie's girlfriend and one for my roommates little sister.





When we were done we decided it would make more sense to walk the path to Magic Kingdom. Again, I honestly have no notes from tonight, so here's our photo journey! Enjoy!



I often think the back of the castle is prettier than the front


Looking for some prints


This doll is so cool! It's reversible!


We ended up back by Dumbo to watch the fireworks.




That's all for pictures but three things I know for sure! My dad stopped to get a frozen lemonade and I got a drink from Gaston's Tavern. Also, on the way back Artie stopped on Mainstreet to order a custom sketch of Anna and Elsa, which took thirty minutes too long.

Thus concludes day six!

Up next - mornings with mom

 

[party like it's 99]

Day 7 - Morning

Last January my mom and I started going to the opening ceremony at Magic Kingdom. Knowing this was our last chance of the trip to get this done, we set our alarms bright and early! Within ten minutes we were out the door and waiting for a bus!

Is there anything more excited to wake up to?




In no time at all we were let in and off to Fantasy Land! Did I mention it was quite foggy?



Having the new mine train roller coaster back there is the greatest thing ever, because now no one rushes to the smaller rides! We were the first ones on Peter Pan, then went on the Carousel and Winnie the Pooh. I even got to ride on Space Mountain! Usually I skip out of this ride because I'm the only person who goes on it and the line is usually super long. I sat in the very first seat, and I'm not gonna lie, it was slightly horrifying not being able to see where you're going.

From here we decided to head back and wake up the guys. But before we could leave we saw this little guy standing all alone!





Up next - a very productive day!

 

[mrdrift]

Even with out notes you have given some pretty detailed accounts of the evenings events. I have never been to Chef Mickeys and its is the plans for the next trip but it just looks like so much fun. The final picture with the fireworks was just amazing. Following along.

 

[party like it's 99]

After a day of exploring the Phili Flower Show I have been inspired to get back to this trip report. The theme of the flower show this year was inspired from Disney and Pixar movies, so I'm in a very Disney mood!

Day 7 - Afternoon!

After an eventful morning with in Magic Kingdom, we arrived back to the room where Artie and dad were still fast asleep. Ready to start my dad I got Artie out of bed and said we didn't have time to eat until we made it to the park. That got him moving! However, we probably should have stopped for some food because it took us 40 minutes for a bus to come pick us up; but then again why wouldn't I want to spend 40 minutes of my last full day in Disney at a bus stop?

Moving on! We finally made it to Epcot to spend the day traveling around the world! First stop, France for some food. This was after an intense discussion over whether we should eat there, China, or Mexico. We both ended up getting some sort of sandwich with chicken, pesto, and mozerella. I got creme brulle for dessert and Artie got an eclair! Mine was great but Artie didn't realize his eclair was full of chocolate creme so I ate most of it. I was on a mission to meet Belle but she wasn't due for a couple of hours so we decided to walk around the world in the meantime.

When we were in Italy we stopped to watch a street performer. He basically just juggled and did cool tricks, but he was so funny! We rarely take the time to watch these type of performers, but I'm glad we did.


I checked the schedule and saw there was a Chinese New Year's performance soon, so we made our way over. It just so happened that Mulan was out, and we've never met her before! She was so into her character, and noted that my ears were made out of dragon scale. (I noticed I'm carrying a bag, but I haven't the slightest idea what I bought)






The dancers were very cool!


There was an opportunity to meet them afterwards, but there wasn't a line and was pretty chaotic, but we managed!


Up next, Norway! Now let me just say, I love Frozen as much as the next guy (notice my Olaf shirt) but I miss the troll ride and think the Frozen ride is a bad idea. But it is what it is. We take this picture every single year.


Then we stumbled upon this fella!


And this lovely lady!




We made it back to France a little early and hopped in line to wait for Belle. As we were waiting an older lady walked from the back of the line up to the front and then walked back yelling about how adults shouldn't be allowed to wait in line and they should leave it for the kids. Rude. Everyone's allowed to be a kid in Disney! Ever heard of Neverland?!

But finally the moment had arrived and I met my long lost twin!








We were on our way out of the World Showcase, ready to go to the bus stop, when we stubmled upon a CHARACTER PALOOZA! Now I've heard rumors about these things but have never been apart of it! We got there towards the end so we didn't get a chance to meet anyone rare but there was chip and dale, a bunch of characters from the jungle book, and a unique looking Ariel. I don't know if this is the purpose of these things but there was a lot of people there with clipboards clearly writing notes about the new characters and character handlers. I was uncomfortable for them. But everyone I talked to was great, so I hope they got good notes!







After this magical experience we made our way back to the bus and arrived back around 4ish.

Up Next - A Very Merry Christmas

 

[party like it's 99]

Once we met back at the room and got changed, we all hopped on a boat and made our way to Magic Kingdom. On our way over we saw some deer from the boat. It was almost comical because we're so used to seeing deer up here that when we saw everyone getting so excited about one, we just couldn't believe it! Also, the sky was insane that night.






My main request of this trip was to see Elsa light the castle. As soon as we made it into the park, we made our way up to the castle. And by this, I mean that mom lead the way and somehow got us a spot right up front and center! Go mom!

NO ONE WARNED ME OLAF WAS GONNA BE THERE!




After Elsa lit the castle for us, we made our way to the Liberty Tree for dinner. Again, our names weren't in the computer system, so I pulled up our reservation on my ipod. Our waiter was a little slow but the food was good as usual!

Once dinner was finished we made our way over to the Jungle Cruise which was fun as usual. We tried to go on Pirates of the Caribbean but it was closed. Actually, the person who told us it was closed went to Stockton College! It's a small world after all. But, we did get to meet the man himself! SO EXCITING! Did I mention I have a life size cardboard cutout of Jack Sparrow?


We planned on watching the 11 oclock parade and raced to Splash Mountain. Me and Artie made it but Splash Mountain was closed (on party night, mind you) so we called mom and dad who were stuck on the other side and we decided to just watch the parade then.


Following the appearance of Santa, we met back up with the parents and me and mom went to watch The Country Bear Jamboree! For some strange reason, Artie and dad didn't want to take part in the fun.

Afterwards, dad and Artie went on The Haunted Mansion while me and mom went to get a good spot for the fireworks. Along the way we stopped for free hot chocolate and cookies! Again, mom used her skills and got us a spot front and center. We ended up watching it sitting on the pavement, and so did the people around us, so everyone had a grand view. As per usual I cried during the I'll Be Home for Christmas part, it's just such a nice song.

When it was done we met back with Artie and dad who watched the fireworks from a different location. We walked all the way through Tomorrow Land to Gaston's Tavern (even though everything we passed had no line at all!) because dear old dad was craving some Lefou's Brew.


When we were done we went on It's a Small World, where we got backed up in the beginning of the last very very long room. Look how backed up we are!



We then went over to Splash Mountain because it reopened and then back over the Pirates, but it was still closed. My mom then went to do some shopping on Main Street and pick up Artie's sketch while me, Artie, and dad went to save the universe from the evil emperor zurg! Artie probably beat me, because he cheats. Anyway! We then made our way over to get some ice cream on main street to finish out our evening.





IT'S SNOWING! As I sit here in my apartment watching the real snow come down (again) I find myself wishing more and more that I am in Disney.





After making our way down Main Street we caught a bus back to the hotel. All in all it was a very great night full of Disney and Christmas cheer!

Up Next - So Long

 

[mrdrift]

Great interactions with the different characters at Epcot. I have to say the sunset pictures are just so cool. they should be used on postcards. I love the snow effect that Disney has in their parks. What a wonderful end to the day. Following along.

 

[party like it's 99]

Great interactions with the different characters at Epcot. I have to say the sunset pictures are just so cool. they should be used on postcards. I love the snow effect that Disney has in their parks. What a wonderful end to the day. Following along.

I love the snow too! It's like real snow but without the cold,icy roads, and shoveling. Thanks for reading!

 

[party like it's 99]

Update!

I remember what I bought in Epcot. I bought Jelly Babies for my brother for Christmas because he's a Dr. Who fan! And my brothers bag had three school breads in it, because we stopped in Norway specifically to get them!

 

[party like it's 99]

Since I'm living in a never ending snow globe today, I thought it would be a great opportunity to finish up! My notes are MIA but alas, I think I'll manage.

Day 8!

Since we had a full day at the park before leaving for the airport (around 6), we took our time this morning (like most mornings) until it was time to check out.





Since it was pretty nice out we decided to opt for the boat to Magic Kingdom. Any reason to not ride the bus is a good reason! I'm pretty sure we grabbed a bite to eat at the Harbor House because it's never took crowded and is air conditioned. I know we rode pretty much every ride this day (except Pirates, because it was closed). After lunch we went over to Splash Mountain where only me and dad rode because Artie didn't wanna get wet (lame!).

Oh! and when we entered the park I scored myself a sticker!


After we hit some rides, it was finally time for my parents to see The Festival of Fantasy Parade! They loved it, as expected. Again, the costumes and floats are just too cool!







We must have had a fast pass for The Haunted Mansion next because I don't see why else we would've walked back there again.



Then mom went over to The Crystal Palace to check us in while me, Artie, and dad went to ride Buzz. On our way we saw this cool guy!



When we went to check in, our name wasn't in the system...again. However, this was the only restaurant that we went to that had a back up in case this happened. They actually had a hard copy of every reservation for the day, and wouldn't you know, our name was on there.

It's a tradition for us to go to The Crystal Palace for a lunch/dinner on our last day of vacation. We almost sat exactly where we sat last January!



I love him!







Our relationship






Before we knew it, it was time to head out. We stopped at the ice cream parlor on our way out while my mom went to the bakery to use our extra snack credits. Every year my mom hosts Christmas Eve dinner, and this year's theme was "A Very Mickey Christmas" so she was on a mission to get some cute desserts to put on our dessert table. Well, she ended up telling this to someone at the bakery and scored some free chocolate mickey's to put on the table (I'll put pictures up later!).





Up Next - Exploring!

 

[party like it's 99]

Day 8 - The End

During our last trip in January, I somehow managed to never explore our hotel and well, it happened again during this trip. So, in keeping with tradition, me and Artie did a ten minute exploration of the hotel while we were waiting to be picked up.

LOOK HOW BIG THIS IS!






Nothing to see here...




Well that's it, until next time!

Final thoughts:

1. My mom hates the new fast pass system and the My Disney Experience App. She said it makes planning a vacation miserable because the app doesn't always work and everything is very structured. So, we'll see how the next trip goes.

2. Though I forgot to write it a lot, my brother's magic band didn't work for half of the trip. It's pretty annoying trying to get into a park, knowing that something will go wrong.

*The most important final thought is that this was one of my favorite vacations. It was just fun and I know we all made countless memories that we will talk about for years to come!

Thanks for reading along!

 

[party like it's 99]

As promised, here's some pictures of our "Very Mickey Christmas" Christmas Eve dinner!

Mickey santa hats!

These were the free chocolates we got!

This was a great way to recover from coming home Disney and slowly coming back to reality!