Trip Report It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas! *COMPLETED*

The soothing croon of Michael Bublé kept reverberating in my mind as I pondered starting yet another trip report. Like summer, the Christmas season makes me happy. Going to WDW during the Christmas season makes me VERY HAPPY. The joy of sharing my trips with my WDWMAGIC friends makes me happier still. Thank you for the encouragement to keep on writing!

Holiday Vacation #1
When: November 16-23, 2019
Where: Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Who: Tuvalu and Woody

Looky! I finally got a Magic Shot!

Okay, so it’s a bit creepy. But it leaves no doubt that this was a CHRISTMAS trip.

In mid-November.

But hey, we had Halloween in August!

And yours truly was very excited to experience Christmas decor at the resorts and in 3 of the 4 parks. (Epcot was still in full “Food and Wine” mode.) It wasn’t always this festive in November. We’ve been this same week in the past and outside of MK, there was very little decorating completed. I was so disappointed the year we stayed at WL (very close to turkey day) and missed out on the holiday stuff. I was worried the same thing would happen again. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Woody, on the other hand, is a “Let’s celebrate Thanksgiving before shifting our focus to Christmas” kind of guy. Growing up, his family did not put up their tree until CHRISTMAS EVE. (Can you imagine?!!) Over the years he has mellowed, thanks to my influence, and better tolerates the Christmas creep. Yet I was concerned that his inner Scrooge might reveal itself during this vacation.

I needn’t have worried. But I’m getting ahead of myself again.

Our week consisted of some new experiences and old experiences....some frustrations....some drama (of course!)....and a very magical meet.

Stay tuned.

 

[Tuvalu]

You are correct, it was airline check-in... they were working on it back in September as well, from what I was told they are just improving the airline check in area and making it more functional.

That’s what I guessed, thanks for confirming.

I might win the award for been the last to the party! But I am all caught up now and I can't wait to see what the rest off the trip had in store for you.

Hello Katie! Latecomers are always welcome.

 

[Tuvalu]

Tuesday, con’t

After breakfast we returned to our room to pack. I received a text saying our WL room wasn’t ready, so we chose to remain in our Pop room until we had to vacate it at 11 am. Then we loaded our belongings into the car.

Overall we were pleased with our Pop experience and Woody said he would be willing to stay here again. (I am already committed to returning next month with Em, for our FARTS trip! ) The addition of the Skyliner gives Pop a nudge over the All Stars, IMO.

And speaking of the Skyliner, we decided to go for another ride. The station is much more cheerful when the sun is out!

Since it was warmer and less windy, we weren’t cold in the cabin this time. Shutting the vents keeps the cabin comfortable. I’m still skeptical of how “comfortable” a cabin could be mid-day in the summer (or any day over 80 degrees) and currently have no desire to test it!

I asked Woody to time each leg of the journey from Pop to Epcot (the longest ride.) We had no stoppages and the Skyliner moved continuously (it does slow down while passing through each station.)

Pop to CBR was 4 minutes.

We disembarked and transferred to the Epcot line. This line passes through the Riviera station and makes a turn towards Epcot near the Boardwalk resort.

I’m not sure if I mentioned it already but it the cabins are super quiet, even with open vents.

CBR to Riviera was 5 minutes.
Riviera to turning point was 4 minutes.
Turning point to Epcot was 3 minutes.

@amjt660 test my math ~ 4 + 5 = 9 + 4 = 13 + 3 = 16 total minutes travel time in a cabin from Pop to Epcot.
YMMV.

The cabins can sway from side to side dependent on the winds. It is most noticeable on the Epcot line since it is higher off the ground. Just an FYI to anyone prone to motion sickness.

 

[Loco_driver]

Overall we were pleased with our Pop experience and Woody said he would be willing to stay here again. (I am already committed to returning next month with Em, for our FARTS trip! )

I too was very pleased with Pop, and will be staying there next month! I do not know if any FARTS will be involved, but I’d say it’s likely!

 

[lindawdw]

So glad that you enjoyed your meal so much at The Wave! It is truly one of our favorite restaurants and have always enjoyed our meals there! I just got back from Pop Century last month and loved taking the Skyliner every chance we could! It was so efficient and such a fun mode of transportation. Can't wait to see your room pictures from WL!

 

[MissViv]

Looking forward to WL posts!! I love the resort but the rooms are just so so.

 

[amjt660]

@amjt660 test my math ~ 4 + 5 = 9 + 4 = 13 + 3 = 16 total minutes travel time in a cabin from Pop to Epcot.

Well done - I can see you did your very best

You have earned a

if you were from a different generation I would have awarded a

Max

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

After dinner Woody and I jumped on the monorail to visit the Basin store in the GF. My daughter in law is partial to the vanilla grapefruit scent, which is exclusive to the GF

AAAAAawwwwwwwwww....of course you are a fantastic MIL!

Each year I continue to be impressed by the size and details of this yummy-smelling creation.

I'm always in awe of how big their creations are and how many tiny details like Hidden Mickey's they get on the one at GF and the Contemporary.

It was nearing fireworks time so we made our way towards the 4th floor observation deck. It was night #3 of our vacation and I still hadn’t seen any fireworks

We were unaware of the 4th floor observation deck! We will have to check it out!!

New England.

Okay, my husband is from Vermont. So even though you've lived in the South for a really long time; how do you feel about real maple syrup?

Well done - I can see you did your very best

My mom just came for Christmas @amjt660 and she kept giving me "gold stars," as she's done her whole life. My childhood bedroom is covered with more than a few "participation" trophies.

 

[Tuvalu]

Well done - I can see you did your very best

You have earned a

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if you were from a different generation I would have awarded a

View attachment 439090

Max

Gold Star. Always Gold Star.

Okay, my husband is from Vermont. So even though you've lived in the South for a really long time; how do you feel about real maple syrup?

Not a huge fan of real maple flavor in anything. ( runs and hides from all Canadians and Vermonters)

 

[MinnieM123]

Gold Star. Always Gold Star.


Not a huge fan of real maple flavor in anything. ( runs and hides from all Canadians and Vermonters)

I love maple syrup. You should too. Other than that, you're o.k.

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

I didn’t have real maple syrup until I was in college. What a game changer!

I don’t like just maple flavored stuff but maple syrup is awesome.

 

[Tuvalu]

Tuesday, con’t

Entering the International Gateway today was starkly different from Saturday ~ Epcot was Nahtazu! Lots of open space, uncrowded walkways and a relaxed vibe in World Showcase. Pure bliss!

We strolled to France.

Does this Eiffel Tower look bendy to you? It does to me. Perhaps Soarin’ isn’t so “off” after all!

I just love how the red poinsettias cradle the red ornaments.

This picture was taken at 12:15 pm. Look Ma, sparse crowds!

We had lunch in an eerily quiet Les Halles. (It was great!!)

I could not resist a Jambon Beurre (warmed, of course) and neither could Woody.

(Sorry for not using a Spoiler, @Captain Barbossa. )

Pssst......I found contraband in France.

Les Halles had plastic straws!

Sadly it was a toss-up of what I enjoyed most ~ drinking an icy Coke through a plastic straw or devouring a delectable ham and cheese sandwich.

The sandwich was the clear winner for Woody.

(What? You expected a picture of his empty plate?)

Les Halles has AMAZING desserts. I’d like to say it was our AMAZING willpower that enabled us to refrain from consuming more yummy calories, but the truth was we were FULL.

 

[Tuvalu]

After lunch we wandered around soaking up the sunshine.

He even got a for @bee!

 

[Tuvalu]

A beautiful day in the U.K.

 

[Tuvalu]

Woody and I could have spent the rest of the afternoon exploring all of World Showcase (it was tempting!) but that would have to wait until another day. We had FPs at another park and a hotel to check into!

We boarded the Skyliner to return to Pop.

I see you, Eiffel Tower!

Ok, so the illusion is broken when gliding over the pavilion.

It will be fun to see this addition completed!

 

[sheriffwoody]

I'm really late and just catching up, but just have to say...

Having an AP takes the “sting” out of admission to this park. My advice to anyone needing a day ticket is WAIT. Save your money until the “re-imagining” is complete.

AMEN AMEN AMEN. It's rough right now.

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

I just love how the red poinsettias cradle the red ornaments.

EPCOT at holiday time is just splended! I agree, I love the ornaments in France!

This picture was taken at 12:15 pm. Look Ma, sparse crowds!

WOW! Glad you made the most of it!

Les Halles has AMAZING desserts.

AMAZING, AMAZING DESSERTS!! We have only gotten close to Les Halles once, every other time we go in there, it's so slammed, we end up going to the French Gelato line(where there's never much of a line) and now we have the crepe place to look forward to! I feel like I pack my patience more for food and merch lines than ride lines when I go. That seems to be where it's needed the most, the food lines; though I'm hoping mobile ordering helps with that!

 

[Nunu]

Our meal started with multigrain bread which is baked fresh daily. It was soft and warm. The sea-salted butter spread easily and melted into the dough.

I could not resist a Jambon Beurre (warmed, of course) and neither could Woody.

a delectable ham and cheese sandwich.

Your bread descriptions always make me hungry!

I love the baguettes from Les Halles!, so much so, that sometimes I buy a plain one and just spread butter onto each piece I break. I'm also a big fan of their amazing Quiche Lorraine.

As much as I enjoy a nice meal at a table service restaurant, I really appreciate simple food when it's done they way it should be.

 

[lindawdw]

What an absolutely beautiful weather day with no crowds to stroll through the WS!!! I'm not sure that I've ever seen France's Les Halles that empty before! I enjoyed flying over the construction at Epcot to see how much they've accomplished! Can't wait for some WL pictures.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Sorry for not using a Spoiler, @Captain Barbossa.

I know it's a very simple sandwich, but my God is it good! Have either you or Woody ever tried the croissant version of it that they have?

 

[Swissmiss]

How funny that the France pavillon has plastic straws, as more and more places in France are banning them.