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.

 

[Nunu]

Sunday, con’t

We left 50s Prime Time the same way we’d arrived ~ in the pouring rain. Though it might have been tempting to head back to POFQ, we had another ADR to keep! We dodged the big puddles (there’s nothing worse than wet shoes and socks!) as we trekked to Batuu to check out Oga’s Cantina.

To our dismay we found ourselves at the end of a long line. The small umbrellas used to keep the sun off guests while waiting to enter Oga’s provided no protection from rain. Eventually the CM with an iPad made her way down the line and checked us in. But we still had to stand in the elements another ten minutes before being called inside.

We were told we’d be standing at a table with other guests and were allowed to remain in the Cantina 45 minutes max. I understand why ~ the place is tiny with a very fun vibe ~ and it would be appealing to linger over several drinks. A time restriction allows more guests to partake in the Cantina experience.

And what an experience it was! Dancing DJ Rex played tunes that screamed, “Par-Tay!” Lots of themed details were a visual feast for the eyes. The bartenders and servers were all smiles, having a grand time while doing their jobs.

View attachment 448390

View attachment 448385

We studied the menu to find the perfect libations.

View attachment 448387

The Yub Nub sounded right up my alley but not for $45. Our server assured me that included the souvenir mug and as long as I did not take it with me, the drink would be $17 (I think? Can’t remember how much it was exactly.)

You can take the paper coaster for free.

View attachment 448386

Em enjoyed her Outer Rim.

View attachment 448389

My Yub Nub was HUGE! I really liked it but had difficulty finishing all of it before our time was up. Of course I’m not much of a drinker so that may have contributed.

View attachment 448388

Before our bill came I inquired if there were any discounts, like AP or Tables in Wonderland. Staying in character, our server replied that there are no “credits” available yet but that might change “in the future.”

Em and I gave Oga’s two thumbs up and went to check the line for Falcon.

View attachment 448391

The queue was still out in the rain so we passed. I checked the app for other attractions and managed to score a FP for a Toy Story Land favorite.

Until next trip, Batuu!

You and Em got the same drinks as Frank and I. I noticed that Em's Outer Rim glass is different from the one we got last December.

The Yub Nub IS big (not that I'm complaining, though ).
Glad you liked Oga's, we did too!

 

[Rista1313]

My Yub Nub was HUGE! I really liked it but had difficulty finishing all of it before our time was up. Of course I’m not much of a drinker so that may have contributed.

The day we were there, the carvers of the mugs were behind and so mine was served in a regular glass. It was super strong and hubby helped me drink it!

 

[93boomer]

Sunday, con’t

We left 50s Prime Time the same way we’d arrived ~ in the pouring rain. Though it might have been tempting to head back to POFQ, we had another ADR to keep! We dodged the big puddles (there’s nothing worse than wet shoes and socks!) as we trekked to Batuu to check out Oga’s Cantina.

To our dismay we found ourselves at the end of a long line. The small umbrellas used to keep the sun off guests while waiting to enter Oga’s provided no protection from rain. Eventually the CM with an iPad made her way down the line and checked us in. But we still had to stand in the elements another ten minutes before being called inside.

We were told we’d be standing at a table with other guests and were allowed to remain in the Cantina 45 minutes max. I understand why ~ the place is tiny with a very fun vibe ~ and it would be appealing to linger over several drinks. A time restriction allows more guests to partake in the Cantina experience.

And what an experience it was! Dancing DJ Rex played tunes that screamed, “Par-Tay!” Lots of themed details were a visual feast for the eyes. The bartenders and servers were all smiles, having a grand time while doing their jobs.

View attachment 448390

View attachment 448385

We studied the menu to find the perfect libations.

View attachment 448387

The Yub Nub sounded right up my alley but not for $45. Our server assured me that included the souvenir mug and as long as I did not take it with me, the drink would be $17 (I think? Can’t remember how much it was exactly.)

You can take the paper coaster for free.

View attachment 448386

Em enjoyed her Outer Rim.

View attachment 448389

My Yub Nub was HUGE! I really liked it but had difficulty finishing all of it before our time was up. Of course I’m not much of a drinker so that may have contributed.

View attachment 448388

Before our bill came I inquired if there were any discounts, like AP or Tables in Wonderland. Staying in character, our server replied that there are no “credits” available yet but that might change “in the future.”

Em and I gave Oga’s two thumbs up and went to check the line for Falcon.

View attachment 448391

The queue was still out in the rain so we passed. I checked the app for other attractions and managed to score a FP for a Toy Story Land favorite.

Until next trip, Batuu!

OOOooo may have to put Outer Rim on my list for our next visit. I loved the Fuzzy Tauntaun- Tingling lips was strange but good! And the Bespian Fizz was good until I took it to go--no dry ice to make it bubbly so like plain fruit juice. That yub nub looked good too but the cost held me back. So glad you got it!!

 

[Doc Disney]

AH ! I am glad you guys liked Rise!! (Also I was Cleary super behind on your TR). For not being Star Wars fans either my Mom and I both loved it as well

 

[Tuvalu]

You and Em got the same drinks as Frank and I. I noticed that Em's Outer Rim glass is different from the one we got last December.
View attachment 448468

Hmmm.....doesn’t even look like the same drink.

That yub nub looked good too but the cost held me back. So glad you got it!!

Wink and say, “Hold the souvenir cup.”

AH ! I am glad you guys liked Rise!! (Also I was Cleary super behind on your TR). For not being Star Wars fans either my Mom and I both loved it as well

We should form a club.....”We Couldn’t Resist the Resistance.”

 

[Tuvalu]

Sunday, con’t

This may be Em’s favorite holiday decoration of all.

(And her new ornament kept her smiling all Christmas season!)

The FP I procured after our drink at Oga’s should come as no surprise.

Would we have preferred Slinky Dog? Of course! But has anyone been successful obtaining a same-day SDD? Besides, we had already been pelted by rain on the coaster this morning. At least on Saucers we’d be dry!

We were rewarded with a holiday tune, Up on the Housetop.....and giggled the duration of the ride.

We made sure to stop on Sunset Blvd. to watch the projection show. It’s the best!

The Hollywood Tower Hotel in gingerbread? Awesome.

Em and I wanted to avoid the Fantasmic mass exodus so we headed out after watching all the vignettes. We got lucky ~ the bus was waiting for us and we were back at POFQ in no time.

 

[93boomer]

Sunday, con’t

This may be Em’s favorite holiday decoration of all.

View attachment 448583
(And her new ornament kept her smiling all Christmas season!)

The FP I procured after our drink at Oga’s should come as no surprise.

View attachment 448584

Would we have preferred Slinky Dog? Of course! But has anyone been successful obtaining a same-day SDD? Besides, we had already been pelted by rain on the coaster this morning. At least on Saucers we’d be dry!

View attachment 448585

We were rewarded with a holiday tune, Up on the Housetop.....and giggled the duration of the ride.

View attachment 448586

We made sure to stop on Sunset Blvd. to watch the projection show. It’s the best!

View attachment 448587

The Hollywood Tower Hotel in gingerbread? Awesome.

View attachment 448588

Em and I wanted to avoid the Fantasmic mass exodus so we headed out after watching all the vignettes. We got lucky ~ the bus was waiting for us and we were back at POFQ in no time.

We really loved the HTH moving scenes! They are so cool!

 

[Tuvalu]

The siren song of a sweet dessert beckoned us as we walked by the food court. We yielded to temptation and shared a mini chocolate Bundt cake.

Isn’t it cute?

It was warm. It was chocolaty. It was DELICIOUS!!!

The horse drawn carriage was clip-clopping in the mist.

I admire folks who decorate their room window. This made us smile every time we passed by.

It was the end of night #2 of our three night stay and we had yet to see fireworks.

 

[lindawdw]

I finally got all caught up with your last few updates. It's too bad that it rained so much while at Epcot and DHS but at least you had some fun indoor activities to dry off. We loved the LWTL all decorated with the Christmas décor!!! Your dining experience at Prime Time Café was let's just say not very "appetizing" and I can see how Em was a bit turned off! I really don't understand how people think that certain things are acceptable in public. I've experienced that on airplanes a lot over the years especially when it's bare feet!!! Glad you enjoyed your time in Oga's Cantina. I love all the holiday decorations that some guests put on their doors and windows which is so festive for other guests to enjoy. I hope the weather was better for the last full day.

 

[Matt and Kelly]

I bought the Ham ornament from Hollywood studios. It’s too cute for words!
kelly.

 

[Balki228]

Sunday, con’t


Would we have preferred Slinky Dog? Of course! But has anyone been successful obtaining a same-day SDD? Besides, we had already been pelted by rain on the coaster this morning. At least on Saucers we’d be dry!

When we went last February we were able to get SDD same-day. We were coming from EPCOT and walking to Hollywood while our 2 and 1yo napped in the stroller and got lucky that it popped up when I searched! So my wife and I took turns going while the other stayed with the stroller. I just deemed it Pixie Dust since it was on my bday.

Love reading your trip reports.

 

[Tuvalu]

I bought the Ham ornament from Hollywood studios. It’s too cute for words!
kelly.

I wish I’d bought one for myself!

When we went last February we were able to get SDD same-day. We were coming from EPCOT and walking to Hollywood while our 2 and 1yo napped in the stroller and got lucky that it popped up when I searched! So my wife and I took turns going while the other stayed with the stroller. I just deemed it Pixie Dust since it was on my bday.

Love reading your trip reports.

Birthday Pixie Dust! ❤ I’m happy to hear someone actually scored a same-day SDD FP.
Thanks for following and I have to ask.....were you a fan of Perfect Strangers?

It's too bad that it rained so much while at Epcot and DHS but at least you had some fun indoor activities to dry off.

I hope the weather was better for the last full day.

Wait for it.......

 

[Nunu]

It was warm. It was chocolaty. It was DELICIOUS!!!

On my list, for May! ✍

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

Here’s hoping the refresh (or re-imagining) does not rely on onboard screens to pass the time to the exit.

Fingers crossed! I love SSE but the descent is a little meh....

Understand! Woody has done the same to me.

Like when you were buying Gingerbreads this year at the GF! My hubs does the same for me, more often than I care to admit!

We should form a club.....”We Couldn’t Resist the Resistance.

I feel like I'm going to end up in this club eventually.....

 

[Balki228]

Birthday Pixie Dust! ❤ I’m happy to hear someone actually scored a same-day SDD FP.
Thanks for following and I have to ask.....were you a fan of Perfect Strangers?

I got the nickname in grade school based on Perfect Strangers so I just went with it. Good old classic T.G.I.F. lineup.

 

[Tuvalu]

I got the nickname in grade school based on Perfect Strangers so I just went with it. Good old classic T.G.I.F. lineup.

 

[Tuvalu]

Monday, December 23

DHS was not the only park to open at 7am during our trip. Today began the 7am EMH Christmas week openings for MK and Em and I wanted to get ahead of the crowds. I woke in the 5 o’clock hour and was out the door at 6am to pick up breakfast in the food court.

@lindawdw, it was POURING. I ended up walking alongside different buildings to minimize my time in the rain. I was so thankful it wasn’t raining that hard yesterday morning when we were waiting to enter DHS....we would have been drowned rats for sure!

Curious as to what the food court looks like guest-free?

You’re welcome!

I filled Em’s mug with coffee and picked out two muffins, which were still warm. (That’s one benefit to being in the food court while everyone else is still asleep!) I took the convoluted walk back to our room in an effort to remain as dry as possible.

Meanwhile Em was up and ready to start our day!

 

[93boomer]

Monday, December 23

DHS was not the only park to open at 7am during our trip. Today began the 7am EMH Christmas week openings for MK and Em and I wanted to get ahead of the crowds. I woke in the 5 o’clock hour and was out the door at 6am to pick up breakfast in the food court.

@lindawdw, it was POURING. I ended up walking alongside different buildings to minimize my time in the rain. I was so thankful it wasn’t raining that hard yesterday morning when we were waiting to enter DHS....we would have been drowned rats for sure!

Curious as to what the food court looks like guest-free?

View attachment 448935

View attachment 448946

View attachment 448937

View attachment 448936

View attachment 448938

You’re welcome!

I filled Em’s mug with coffee and picked out two muffins, which were still warm. (That’s one benefit to being in the food court while everyone else is still asleep!) I took the convoluted walk back to our room in an effort to remain as dry as possible.

Meanwhile Em was up and ready to start our day!

View attachment 448940

I have never seen it empty! So eerie!

 

[Swissmiss]

You get mom of the year award for getting breakfast so early AND in the rain. I have to be honest, I’m not sure I’d do that for my daughter

 

[MinnieM123]

Meanwhile Em was up and ready to start our day!

I LOVE Em's red shirt!! ❤