Trip Report It’s Christmalicious Disney Time! COMPLETED!

Well hello fine forum members!

I’M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD! TOMORROW!

With my hubby, too. I think he’s also excited

So... this is going to be my attempt at a live trip report. I have managed one or two years ago & failed miserably in more recent times, but I have really enjoyed reading everyone’s reports recently- it really helps with the Disney blues & the countdown to new trips! So I hope I can do the same!

Now the who, when and where- ‘tis my husband Russ and myself, Sam. And we’re leaving tomorrow for 7 nights at the Beach Club! We’re from the U.K. however we’re actually already in America- we flew out on Wednesday to Philadelphia, then got the train to Washington D.C. a day later. We love to see different cities over here & the route worked better with my air miles- plus it means we’ve settled & are over our jet lag in time for our Disney trip! We’ve had fun doing a mix of touristy things and exploring both cities & finding some great restaurants.

And now tomorrow we’re flying out of DCA to Orlando! The airport is a 15 min drive from our hotel & I also love that now we’re already in the US we won’t have to go through customs when we arrive in Orlando- it’s straight on to the Magical Express!
We’re flying with Southwest which we’ve done before- already checked in and in boarding group B which isn’t too bad.

So the reason for the trip title- well, who doesn’t partly/largely come to Disney for the food?! Ha well we do! It’s time to get it alllll in ma belly followed by many a Disney drink. That’s how we do Disney! I am so excited for our ADRs and the Christmas booths in Epcot! Plus, it’s nearly Christmas people! The things I pretty much love in life are Disney, food and Christmas. Hubs & family too, obviously, but... Christmas, delicious food, Disney, all together?! Come on! WOO HOO!

That was us on our last trip- New Years at Disney and the first week of January. And we both got a 48 hour sickness bug on NYE! We spent the evening listening to the fireworks from our room whilst very sick- and didn’t leave for 2 days! So this is a redo sort of. Even when we were better both of us couldn’t really enjoy food for a few days. It was also really weird having everything still Christmassy for the week after New Years, so I’m really looking forward to it now being the build up to Christmas and then going back home for Christmas this time.

It feels like there’s so much more to see since last year too- Pandora, Happily Ever After, Sunset Boulevard Christmas stuff & Baseline Tap House & the Epcot Christmas Festival!

Oh- and it’s our 2nd wedding anniversary whilst we’re here! I don’t actually think I could be any more excited... bring on tomorrow!

 

[Ariel1986]

Nooooooooooooooo!

 

[riverside]

Nooooooooooooooo!

View attachment 250649

I feel your pain......I get the worst feeling in my stomach when I see that envelope

 

[Ariel1986]

So we’re heading out to MK for the last time now- and also because I want to wear these ponchos! Ha ha had them with me all week and not a drop of rain or a water ride ridden! Splash was down when we went earlier in the week.

Russ can wear the mermaid one

So the aim today is Splash & Philharmagic as that’s my favourite ride

Then we have a FP for FOP & Everest in AK after, then we’ll be back to our resort before deciding on this evening.

 

[Ariel1986]

So, magic Kingdom... was packed!! I guess kinda obviously on a Saturday a week before Christmas it would be. But it was a sloooow walk up Main Street!

We made our way to Frontierland via Liberty Square and watched a bit of the Muppets Show. We need to see this properly at some point! We made our way to Splash and it had jumped from the app wait time of 35 mins to 60! Since it was only an hour till our FOP fastpass window starting we just didn’t have time. We hadn’t planned well this morning, getting up later! Ah well. We just took a wonder back through the park, taking it all in.

Then headed for an AK bus. Which had a PACKED line! After ten mins we decided to make a dash for The Contemporary, forgetting we’d have to go through security again! We walked fast down the path to the Contemporary and got to the bus stop just as an AK bus pulled away! Argh! So we went with a Lyft! I’d wanted to get a Minivan at MK but I couldn’t work it out on the app or find a CM to help me. Ah well, we were finally on our way!

We got to AK with 25 mins till the end of our window. So we made our way into Pandora and got through in time. Hurrah!

Now we had a little experience in the pre-show, there was a kid about 6 or 7 doing a funny dance. I thought he was just having fun but it quickly became clear that he was just desperate for the toilet! That’s what a 3 hour wait will do to you! The poor Dad looked so panicked and just asked if anyone had an empty bottle And luckily, we actually did! So Russ handed it over and the Dad helped the kid. So a slightly different pre-show there...!

So we rode our FOP which once again was awesome (and I tried to see if by some miracle another FP was available today, of course, it wasn’t!) and then we headed over to Africa via the new bridge, to get something to eat and drink.

Dawa bar drinks- Russ went for the Golden Monkey thanks to its appearances here in a few Trip Reports! @lostpro9het Obviously you’re the main reason it’s appeared here- Russ enjoyed it! I liked the taste I had too (Russ was keeping my sips of it to a minimum since he liked it!) and it’s also deceptively strong. Our kinda beer! I had a Lost on Safari cocktail.

After this we headed to Harambe Market for food but it was just too packed so we decided to head back to the resort to get something on the Boardwalk.

 

[lostpro9het]

So,
Dawa bar drinks- Russ went for the Golden Monkey thanks to its appearances here in a few Trip Reports! @lostpro9het Obviously you’re the main reason it’s appeared here- Russ enjoyed it! I liked the taste I had too (Russ was keeping my sips of it to a minimum since he liked it!) and it’s also deceptively strong. Our kinda beer! I had a Lost on Safari cocktail.

View attachment 250704

That monkey is like a ninja, it will sneak up on you!

Ive got half a case in my car now for our pool time!

 

[Ariel1986]

That monkey is like a ninja, it will sneak up on you!

Ive got half a case in my car now for our pool time!

Ahh that sounds like bliss right now! We need a week of pool time & beers after this fun packed week. Boo to going home! Hope you have a blast this week though. And enjoy the ninja monkey beer!

 

[Ariel1986]

We’re at the airport

So I’ll finish last night & today either on the flight or when we’re home. So sad to be leaving!! But, this trip was just AWESOME! Had one of our best trips ever. So many good memories.

 

[Longers]

We’re at the airport

So I’ll finish last night & today either on the flight or when we’re home. So sad to be leaving!! But, this trip was just AWESOME! Had one of our best trips ever. So many good memories.

I guess now you will be home, cold and missing the Florida sunsh8ne and Disney Magic. I am literally so sad for you .
It’s Felt like I’ve been there with you while following along live - I’ve only ever done a live TR and appreciate al” the time and effort this takes so thank you so much for sharing your trip with us.
I’m glad you had such an awesome trip - even after our 20 years of visiting somehow each trip is different - Disney is just so magical!
Looking forward to reading about your last day & thanks again.

 

[Ariel1986]

I guess now you will be home, cold and missing the Florida sunsh8ne and Disney Magic. I am literally so sad for you .
It’s Felt like I’ve been there with you while following along live - I’ve only ever done a live TR and appreciate al” the time and effort this takes so thank you so much for sharing your trip with us.
I’m glad you had such an awesome trip - even after our 20 years of visiting somehow each trip is different - Disney is just so magical!
Looking forward to reading about your last day & thanks again.

Ahh thanks, those are some nice words. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed following along and it’s made you feel like you were there!

We are indeed home. Been here about 8 hours now, but slept for 5 when we got back. Feeling the Disney blues hard!! So difficult coming out of the bubble & the Florida sunshine. It’s definitely cold & boring old Britain here! At least it’s Christmas this week- though that’s kind of hard to comprehend at the moment! Back to work tomorrow. I’m going to try & get this report finished tonight, though I’m feeling a little sad to do so. Took me a while to actually log on here as I didn’t want to with the Disney blues!

 

[Longers]

Ahh thanks, those are some nice words. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed following along and it’s made you feel like you were there!

We are indeed home. Been here about 8 hours now, but slept for 5 when we got back. Feeling the Disney blues hard!! So difficult coming out of the bubble & the Florida sunshine. It’s definitely cold & boring old Britain here! At least it’s Christmas this week- though that’s kind of hard to comprehend at the moment! Back to work tomorrow. I’m going to try & get this report finished tonight, though I’m feeling a little sad to do so. Took me a while to actually log on here as I didn’t want to with the Disney blues!

The only way to get through is by relieving the memories. This Sunday we watched our HEA video and I smiled and also shed a tear. I look most days at the pictures and we’ve been back 28 days.
That and others TR’s might help but nothing takes that sick feeling out of your stomach and the pain you Feel in your heart
I’m lucky I have another 324 days till our next trip - so maybe you need to book another so you have something to look forward to?

 

[Go.Nijntje]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip, it was fun to see what you were doing each day. The Disney blues are unavoidable but can be cured with @Longers suggestion of starting a countdown to a new trip.

 

[coachwnh]

Thanks for the live report! Looking forward to seeing how the last day went.

 

[Bullseye1967]

We’re at the airport

So I’ll finish last night & today either on the flight or when we’re home. So sad to be leaving!! But, this trip was just AWESOME! Had one of our best trips ever. So many good memories.

Happy Belated Anniversary!! Great TR! I really enjoyed it. On a side note your anniversary day was perfect, because you did it your way. Kudos!

 

[Ariel1986]

The only way to get through is by relieving the memories. This Sunday we watched our HEA video and I smiled and also shed a tear. I look most days at the pictures and we’ve been back 28 days.
That and others TR’s might help but nothing takes that sick feeling out of your stomach and the pain you Feel in your heart
I’m lucky I have another 324 days till our next trip - so maybe you need to book another so you have something to look forward to?

Yes I’m going to be looking through all our photos and re-reading this report in time. I’m using my refillable mug to drink from at home too! Plus using my souvenirs. Little reminders for each day. Had such Disney pangs today at work though!
We do have a trip tentatively booked for next year- but I don’t want to get too excited as we have a lot of other expenses and things next year. It’s the plan to go though & the glimmer of a potential trip is definitely helping!

Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip, it was fun to see what you were doing each day. The Disney blues are unavoidable but can be cured with @Longers suggestion of starting a countdown to a new trip.

Thank you for reading! Im glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully I’ll get it finished ASAP! As I’ve said to Longers, hopefully we will be returning next year- so once that’s definite it will help for sure!

Thanks for the live report! Looking forward to seeing how the last day went.

Thanks for reading! I’ve started writing it so hopefully it will all be up by tommorow. It was actually easier writing as I go this time, than when I’m back and dealing with boring real life!

Happy Belated Anniversary!! Great TR! I really enjoyed it. On a side note your anniversary day was perfect, because you did it your way. Kudos!

Thank you! And thanks for following! Glad you have enjoyed reading. I enjoyed being there! And thanks, we did have a great anniversary doing our thing

Right, let’s get on and get this report finished! Hope to get it up by tomorrow at the latest!

 

[Ariel1986]

Wow does it all feel like a fuzzy magical dream right now. Sigh. But let’s get this report finished!

So where were we. Ahh, our last full day. After getting the bus back from AK to the Beach Club, we’d arranged to meet dclfan & fiancé for one last time this trip at AbracadaBar for some drinks. As Russ and I hadn’t managed to eat anything yet & being a few drinks in, we decided to quickly grab a slice from the Boardwalk pizza window. We used a quick service & shared a slice with sausage & pepperoni on it & a side salad. I forgot a photo, sorry! Just as we were finishing up our new Disney friends turned up.

Now AcracadaBar apparently didn’t open until 4pm so we had about 15 mins to wait- we even tried going in at 3.58pm but the staff wouldn’t let us! Then once in, the search for a Smoked Turkey drink bar crawl began! Both Russ & dclfan’s fiancé have found & loved this drink & so wanted to have them at our last meeting. However the AbracadaBra didn’t do them (and the waitress was sooo grumpy when letting us know they didn’t do the on property drinks menu- and then didn’t come back to see what we wanted). We totally weren’t feeling the vibe here today- we didn’t feel welcome! So we decided to try the lounge at the Boardwalk.

Nope! Not open till 5pm! This wasn’t going well...! So then we thought ESPN- they used to have the resort drinks... so off we went. Nope! 3 bars in and no smoked turkey. So we got some drinks at ESPN to go & decided to walk towards DHS via the Boardwalk pool bar to check there- and because dclfan & fiancé were off to Galactic Nights at the studios.

No smoked turkeys there either! Argh! Ah well. We had two rounds of drinks anyway and had such fun once again! So amazing to find some great new friends so quickly and all down to Disney & WDW Magic! We’ve seriously had so much fun with these guys.

Soon it was time for them to get going to DHS though & we ended up walking all the way there with them- and then even popped in to DHS for the last 15 mins it was open to use the restrooms! So we got a little of Galactic Nights for a few seconds. And they handed me a pin on the way in too, ha ha! We said we were just using the restrooms but they handed me one anyway. No lanyard to actually stay though. Russ thought about using the force to try & get one... but nope the force was not strong with him this time!

With that we said our goodbyes to dclfan & fiancé (I do know their names lol! I just didn’t want to post actual names as I’m not sure if they have posted them on their trip report yet). We were genuinely sad to say goodbye! But they had fun times to get to- and we had plans to eat our way around World Showcase- as we had 10 snacks and 1 QS to get through tonight!

So we took the stroll back along the river from DHS to the Boardwalk, looking at the pretty skies. It was getting warmer each day towards the end of our trip!

We quickly freshened up & had a drink in our room, grabbed some extra layers for the rest of the evening and headed for our last evening in WDW, at Epcot.

It was busy, but not as bad as the previous evening. We started in France & once again I had the Smoked Salmon Brioche.

Delicious once again! Russ wanted an ice cream for L’Artisan de Glaces, but it had a long line! So we carried on. Next up was the Tarabaki Holiday kitchen where Russ had the lamb skewer. This was quite tasty too, if a little small. Sorry the pics a bit dark, the lighting wasn’t great!

We then wandered on to Japan to check out the shop. We’ve been to Tokyo and we absolutely loved it- so we like to visit the pavilion when here to get a little vibe of Japan back. We noticed they’ve changed the layout a little since we were last here.

After window shopping a little we then went to use our last QS point at Katsura Grill, one of our favourites. We just love the little garden you can sit in. It was quite busy though- and after ordering & picking up our Pork Ramen Noodle bowl (where did the udon noodles go? Nooo!) there was no space outside. Doh! So we found a table inside, ate our noodles (which needed a little spice- but there weren’t any packets left until after we’d eaten, doh again!) and then took a little walk out of the garden.

I love how though most countries’ presentation in Epcot is over-idyllic (which I love anyway!) they do capture the vibe- and the essence is also spot on. Especially for us in Japan & France.

Anyway, so on we went to use up more snack points! Epcot is so pretty at night!

 

[Ariel1986]

So we continued to wander the showcase, taking in the atmosphere and making our way around. We passed America having tried the turkey & drinks already this week, passed Italy as we didn’t fancy pasta after the noodles & so settled on the Bavarian Holiday kitchen next to Germany for the Sauerbraten & Red Cabbage, Cheese Plate & some Gluehwein (spiced wine). All very tasty!

Taking in the Christmassy vibes & decorations!

And we kept on wandering! Full and fuzzy with drinks, festive vibes & happiness. We passed Mexico to get to the Las Posadas Holiday kitchen for the Tostadas & Tamales! These were so good!!

Hello pretty Spaceship Earth!

We now fancied something sweet so headed towards the Festive Center for the Warm Apple Fritter & Cinnamon Ice Cream. I think my face here shows exactly how I feel in Disney and eating Disney food!

The ice cream was delicious & the fritter wasn’t bad, but wasn’t the best dessert we’d had though.

Must. Use. All. Snackpoints! On we go!

 

[Ariel1986]

So as we were coming to the end of our World Showcase wander (and appetites!) we decided to get something savoury after the apple fritter & stop by Feast of the Three Kings for Roasted Pork, Mash Potatoes & Picked Green Bananas. This was nice! And we enjoyed watching the monorail as we snacked. I also grabbed a Coquito with a Rum floater.

Hello pretty Epcot tree!

2 more snacks to go! And what better dessert to move onto next... than a Peppermint & Chocolate Glazed CRONUT?!

This. Was. Amazing! So so good. I’m drooling now thinking about it! So we wanted to use one more snack on something savoury, but the kiosks had started closing up! Nooooo! So we decided to bid farewell to Epcot & head to the Boardwalk to grab a Mickey pretzel & make our way back to the Beach Club for some drinks. Plus an earlyish night as at the end of our week we were pretty exhausted! And had to prepare for checking out tomorrow

So out we went! Via England to say hello (and also curse why this couldn’t be the England we were going home to tomorrow instead of the real one!) and I took the opportunity to walk under these lights & pretend all was ok & the world was magical & I wasn’t going home!

So back on the Boardwalk we grabbed our final snack point from the Margarita stand (even the CM at the till said “Noo it’s your last snack point!) when we redeemed it

As we headed back over to the Beach Club Illuminations started & we watched a little from the bridge. It was the perfect end to our last evening.

We even caught some Star Wars fireworks later on from our balcony, just before we fell asleep. And that was our last full day! One more ADR left in the morning (and it was a good one!! California Grill Brunch! ) but before that, packing and checking out. Our Magical Express wasn’t until 4.20pm a least, but it was still sad to wake up knowing it was going home day...

 

[Ariel1986]

And so it was morning. And today we were leaving The worst day and the worst feeling!

We got everything packed & ready, got ourselves washed & dressed, and called bell services. With the bags collected, we took a few last minutes on the balcony to take in the view & the sunshine & say goodbye to this trip at Beach Club.

But we had a good few hours to go with the best ADR lined up! Brunch at California Grill! We headed out to the bus stop on this lovely sunny morning (the warmest of our trip!) and caught the MK bus. I pretended that’s where we were going! And took the one pic of the welcome sign this week. I kind of miss going under it now, but I understand why the buses now don’t!

When we got off the bus we headed through security & then made our way round the walkway to the Contemporary. Such a lovely sunny day!

As we walked in to the reception we breathed in the resort smell & I said to Russ “So we’re checking in right?” and made us both feel sad! Oops.

Anyway, up we went to the second floor & checked in, to which we were led straight up the elevator and to California Grill. We were told to wait in the bar area & we would be called soon. As soon as we stepped in we were handed our first of the bottomless mimosas! Yep, these were bottomless! So awesome- every time we finished one throughout our meal, more were brought to our table!
Whilst sitting we had our first listen of the Piano & Cellist who were playing a mix of Christmas & Disney music! To me, this was AWESOME!

Soon we were seated- glanced at our menu- and finished the first of many, many mimosas! Cheers!

 

[Ariel1986]

This brunch was just awesome. I highly recommend it! I think it is worth two dining points. Did I mention unlimited mimosas included?? I think we may have had 6 or 7... maybe 8 each over brunch! Well, we were going home today! You also get a pressed coffee pot (or two if you drink the first!).

And the food! Omg. If you're a fan of CG sushi, the charcuterie boards or CG style food in general, then this is for you. It's both a buffet along with being able to order an entree too. The buffet is made up of sushi, the charcuterie board selections they have at dinner, devilled eggs, salads, breads and pastries. Then the entrees range from omelettes. steak, eggs benedict (with lobster!) to fried chicken. You can order sides such as bacon also.

The buffet...

There's also a Bloody Mary Bar! People were making some impressive drinks! This is an upcharge along with other alcoholic drinks on the menu- but again, mimosas were included so we didn't need any other drinks!

So... my first plate!

Sushiii! Soooo good. The devilled eggs too!
I wanted more and planned to get some after the entrees but I was too full!

My second plate! Charcuterie (including the pork rillettes from the dinner charcuterie board!), cheese & breads/pastries

My entree- Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon

Russ' entree- Steak & Eggs with Chimichurri & Marbled Potatoes (tasted better than it looks lol!)

And our side of bacon- this photo was taken after we had eaten half! So much bacon! Which, I found, goes very nicely with the sticky pecan bun I had picked up earlier!

 

[riverside]

That brunch looks amazing!!