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]

Silly me thought the standby wait for the Safari wouldn’t be bad.

Silly me was very, very wrong.

Instead Em came up with a better idea to see some animals.

Dragons? Not a big fan. But this guy was impressive.

The monkeys were fun to watch though I don’t seem to have any pictures. But our priority was the big cats.

(She has no shame in posing like this but ask her to stand in front of a waterfall.....)

Only one tiger was out and about but she was a busy one. The trail guide said she was the little sister and that mom, dad and brother were inside their pen.

Being feline fanatics, Em and I spent quite a bit of time watching her. Tigers are gorgeous animals.

 

[Tuvalu]

What we did next some might consider shameful.

But Em and I have a bad habit of laughing at the “unexpected” misfortune of others. Think losing one’s balance while carrying a stack of packages. A dog that has chewed up an entire couch cushion. A teen speaking nonsense due to anesthesia from wisdom teeth extraction.

Yes, we are AFV’s target audience.

So for our afternoon entertainment, we hunkered down on the bridge over Kali River Rapids and watched unsuspecting folk get nailed by the elephant sprayers at the end of the ride.

For the record, we did not trigger the sprayers. We left that job to the little kids on the bridge with us.

The folks in the rafts didn’t think it was nearly as funny as we did.

 

[MegRuss626]

Yes, we are AFV’s target audience.

ME TOO!! I always said before I had Ryleigh that I would be a terrible parent because I CRACK UP at all the AFV videos of kids and adults falling! And your Kali watching sounds like something I might have to do the next time I make it to AK!

 

[Nunu]

I'm somewhat ashamed to admit that things like seeing people slip, trigger me into uncontrollable giggles! Could be the Pope, doesn't matter to me!

 

[93boomer]

Sharon was a consummate Front Desk CM ~ I’m not surprised she was instrumental in helping you both.
I adore POFQ. Favorite moderate hands-down. (Amiright @93boomer? )


I hope they appear again next season!


I can’t see your attachments. ☹

Yes you are!!! The only place we stay now!

 

[Tuvalu]

ME TOO!! I always said before I had Ryleigh that I would be a terrible parent because I CRACK UP at all the AFV videos of kids and adults falling! And your Kali watching sounds like something I might have to do the next time I make it to AK!

I'm somewhat ashamed to admit that things like seeing people slip, trigger me into uncontralable giggles! Could be the Pope, doesn't matter to me!

Yay! More partners in crime!

 

[Tuvalu]

I told Em I was willing to wait if she wanted to conquer Everest as a single rider. She declined, so we left Asia and entered Dinoland.

There were lots of fun holiday decorations here.

We caught the host of the Dino-Bash.

But just missed Chip and Dale in their Dino costumes.

 

[Tuvalu]

“I’m in the mood for something sweet,” Em announced.

She thought she’d found the perfect place!

Turns out “something sweet” in Em-speak is more accurately translated “chocolate chip cookie” ~ and Zuri’s had none. Fortunately her mama knew where to go.

We found a place to sit near the Dawa Bar and people-watched as we shared this delicious cookie.

Before we turned into cranky toddlers we thought it best to head out of the park and return to POFQ a nap.

Know how Disney claims “Buses every 20 minutes”?

LIE!

But I was able to add “bus from AK to POFQ” to The day of 30 minute waits.

We were glad to see our luggage had made it to our room. (How many of you breathe a sigh of relief when you open your door and see your suitcase? I always do!) I drew the blackout drapes and Em and I stretched out on our respective beds ready to catch some .

Like Buddy the Elf, I slept for a full 40 minutes. My nap was cut short by the screaming children running outside our door. Em continued to rest undisturbed for a while longer.

 

[MickeyCB]

Finally caught up with part Tu and looking forward to reading about the rest of your holiday adventures!

 

[MinnieM123]

She declined, so we left Asia and entered Dinoland.

There were lots of fun holiday decorations here.

Those were cute holiday decorations -- nothing over the top, per se; but I'm mentioning them here, because I have not seen any photos of decorations in this area. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Tuvalu]

I checked the forecast before leaving the room. There was a good chance of rain later this evening so we threw on our jackets. We discovered a nice benefit to jacket-wearing....we placed all our essentials into pockets and were able to use the “no bags” security line.

Who’s happy to be in her favorite park at Christmastime?

It was nearing the time for the flag retreat ceremony. We did not stay to watch as we had a FP to make.

The Move it! Shake It! parade was coming towards us so we snuck into the Confectionery to browse until the route cleared.

Adorable Minnie merch......

.....adorable Minnie!

 

[Tuvalu]

The stunning icicle lights would illuminate shortly, but Cinderella Castle is a beauty even against gray sky.

I bet @tonystark can guess what Ride #1 was!

This was the END of the 75 minute standby line.

But there were plenty of people in the FP queue as well.

(Hey @riverside, the lady in front of Em has E’s favorite popcorn bucket!)

The ride stopped for what felt like an eternity when we were on our backs coming down from the attic. I end up stopped here more often than any other location in the mansion and it is SO uncomfortable.

To add insult to injury, this was our ride photo.

(Yeah, woman on the right doesn’t look too happy about it either.)


A helpful CM was eventually able to locate the correct pic.

 

[MissViv]

“I’m in the mood for something sweet,” Em announced.

She thought she’d found the perfect place!

View attachment 444906

Turns out “something sweet” in Em-speak is more accurately translated “chocolate chip cookie” ~ and Zuri’s had none. Fortunately her mama knew where to go.

View attachment 444907

We found a place to sit near the Dawa Bar and people-watched as we shared this delicious cookie.

View attachment 444908

Before we turned into cranky toddlers we thought it best to head out of the park and return to POFQ a nap.

Know how Disney claims “Buses every 20 minutes”?

LIE!

But I was able to add “bus from AK to POFQ” to The day of 30 minute waits.

We were glad to see our luggage had made it to our room. (How many of you breathe a sigh of relief when you open your door and see your suitcase? I always do!) I drew the blackout drapes and Em and I stretched out on our respective beds ready to catch some .

Like Buddy the Elf, I slept for a full 40 minutes. My nap was cut short by the screaming children running outside our door. Em continued to rest undisturbed for a while longer.

I like Em's sling pack, what brand is it? I just ordered 2 new bags and hope one will work for Disney - a Piazza Daybag and a Baggallinni Everywhere bag. I need something to carry on the plane and in the parks the last day that will hold my ipad (any suggestions). Looking for lightweight.

 

[Back!Elbow!Shoulders!]

I like Em's sling pack, what brand is it? I just ordered 2 new bags and hope one will work for Disney - a Piazza Daybag and a Baggallinni Everywhere bag. I need something to carry on the plane and in the parks the last day that will hold my ipad (any suggestions). Looking for lightweight.

I love the Baggallini everywhere bag. It’s super lightweight and can hold a lot. I’ve used one as my park bag for my last 3 trips.

The only downside is the number of compartments it has in regards to disney bag checks.

 

[MissViv]

I love the Baggallini everywhere bag. It’s super lightweight and can hold a lot. I’ve used one as my park bag for my last 3 trips.

The only downside is the number of compartments it has in regards to disney bag checks.

I'm waiting on it to arrive. I also ordered a Travelon Classic Bucket Crossbody and will only keep one so we will see which one I choose.

I really don't like carrying a bag to the parks but I need a place for essentials (phone, sunglasses, water bottle,, hand sanitizer, lipstick, etc.) seems like you need more than you think.

I will be carrying my ipad (large) on the last day because I have to check out of resort and my flight does not leave until early evening so I need a bag large enough for that.

 

[KellBelle]

Count me in for Parts One, Tu and beyond!

 

[lindawdw]

It's too bad the line for KS was so long but at least you got to enjoy the beautiful tiger that was out! The 30 minute waits for the Disney buses is such a buzz kill when you just want to get back to your resort. Glad you got a nice nap in so that you had the energy to enjoy time at the MK! Can't wait to hear about your night there.

 

[Tuvalu]

Finally caught up with part Tu and looking forward to reading about the rest of your holiday adventures!

Count me in for Parts One, Tu and beyond!

Thanks for reading, @MickeyCB and @KellBelle!

Those were cute holiday decorations -- nothing over the top, per se; but I'm mentioning them here, because I have not seen any photos of decorations in this area. Thanks for sharing.

You're most welcome.

I like Em's sling pack, what brand is it?

It's a KAVU.

 

[Tuvalu]

Saturday, con’t

When we exited Haunted Mansion, the soft shadows of evening had fallen.

Time to strap on the feed bag again!

Chicken rice bowl for me and chicken nachos for Em (before visiting the toppings bar.)

(Yup, we splurged for guac!)

Our second quick-service meal of the day was as tasty as the first.

 

[Tuvalu]

We didn’t have to go far for FP #2.

Don’t let the empty queue fool ya, there were plenty of folks waiting to jingle through the jungle.

I like the festive garland around the lantern.

Our boat was at this point when it began to rain.

Our skipper told several of the same holiday-themed jokes that I’d heard last month with Woody. However at the lion cave he surprised me with one I hadn’t heard before.

“The lions must have lost the game, otherwise they wouldn’t be chewing the ref out.”

Do you think Trader Sam-Ta can bring me a Spikey Pineapple?