Hi everybody! We are back from our last trip from this whirlwind Annual Pass year. Sadly, we have decided to be all responsible and stuff this next year, doing household improvements and repairs. Boo. For DH, it comes at a good time, as he is feeling he needed a break anyway. Definitely not me!! We have plans to get the AP in another year or two again...
This report might not happen quickly, though it is a shorter one, with the holidays (swiftly!) approaching. I'll be headed to Pennsylvania for a few days with family, so not sure when I'll be able to work on it. It might even be best to wait until after the holidays, but we'll see....BUT if you need motivation to read it....this report *mayormaynot* contain a visit with our favorite Disney "character"...
We'll start with the specifics:
WHO: DH, Dave (Mrhappyplace) and me, Amber
WHEN: December 14-17, 2017
WHERE: Saratoga Springs Resort, Studio
Something new we did, was the Keys to the Kingdom Tour...stay tuned for all of the details and pictures!
We did some shopping in World of Disney. I picked up another pair of rose gold ears for a friend (who I met on here years ago, she's not active here anymore) in Ohio. I also picked up an ornament-the felt three bears from Brave (my sisters are triplets so I always feel drawn to them), and DH saw a hat that I knew I had to have...picture in a minute. Gotta love last usage of that AP discount!!
We had one more place we wanted to eat at, Poutine. If we had each been getting our own, I would have gone with the French (gruyere, mushroom cream sauce) but since we were sharing, we went with the Italian. The same guy that helped us at the sausage place (that liked the Walter White shirt) was visiting in there too. We enjoyed our poutine. IMG_7493 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
We took our poutine to a table in between WoD and Amorette's Patisserie (which was on our to-visit list later in the trip). We noticed quite a bit of security on our way to the table. We wondered if there was a specific reason, or if it was just because of lots of pre-Christmas shoppers?
We took our time walking toward the boat dock (we decided to boat rather than walk back to SS) IMG_7495 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
On the way, we stopped to look at a booth that had cute signs. We noticed that someone left a wallet and a phone on a planter/ bench. I tried to be very transparent and obvious when picking it up that I wasn't stealing it, and we turned it into the employee of the booth, who said she would pass it along to her supervisor. I did ask if she'd prefer I turn it in to anyone else, and she said she'd make sure the proper people got it. We kinda stood there a minute to see if anyone came running frantically back to retrieve the items, but no one did...hopefully it got returned to it's owner.
These were in the shop at the Boathouse, and I thought they were adorable. I would love to have one! IMG_7496 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
Back to Saratoga we went then! Coming up, Animal Kingdom and the cutest baby tigers ever.
Enjoying your trip report! We are interested in going to wdw next year around the same dates as you did. Can you tell me how the crowds were? We have been there multiple times but never for the Christmas decorations. Any tips/insight would be great. Thanks.
Enjoying your trip report! We are interested in going to wdw next year around the same dates as you did. Can you tell me how the crowds were? We have been there multiple times but never for the Christmas decorations. Any tips/insight would be great. Thanks.
Thanks! Our Thursday and Friday didn't feel too crowded, but Saturday definitely did! I think that since it was the only day with no Christmas party scheduled, it was pretty busy. I would just recommend making use of getting to the park at rope drop to feel the least crowded (like my morning in HS was very pleasant)
As far as decorations, I highly recommend doing a tour of the deluxe resorts, especially Wilderness Lodge and Grand Floridian. We liked the Epcot resorts as well, and Animal Kingdom Lodge. When we went last December, we took two days just for touring the resorts. It really is a beautiful time to go!
We went back to Saratoga Springs, and dropped off our purchases, and headed back out to Animal Kingdom. IMG_7498 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
We headed right back toward Asia, as I had a Everest FP to use. DH chose not to ride, so he waited for me at the Asia side entrance to Rivers of Light. He went inside, actually, to wait, but got kicked out during the wait! The FP line had a little bit of a wait, but it was sort of the length that I appreciate for getting to look at details and take pictures, so I didn't mind. IMG_7499 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
After an enjoyable (as always) ride, I made my way back to DH...passing this small group of people, who had decided to sit on the pavement IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WALKWAY!!! (It's hard to see, they are on the other side of the buggies). People. IMG_7506 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
We weren't able to get the times to line up for a Nemo show like we wanted, and it was too early for our ADR, so we decided to check out the Maharajah Jungle Trek, something DH hasn't ever done, and I hadn't done in quite awhile. IMG_7507 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
First we saw the Kimodo Dragon...not terribly interesting, just lying on a rock IMG_7508 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
Then the monkeys, though I can't remember the type. The CM there said these two were female, and they had just had a fight before we arrived. The one doing the grooming had lost, and now had to groom the other because now she is the low one one the totem pole. IMG_7510 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
Then, we went into the bat house. We quite enjoyed ourselves for about 10 minutes or so! Except for the boy who squeezed his way in front of me and then proceeded to strum the wire covering the windows. GAH. But otherwise enjoyable experience. There was a CM inside taking down the food that had been out, which was chunks of watermelon. The bats were so hilarious the way they walked foot over foot upside down, down the vines. IMG_7512 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
Continuing on our Jungle Trek...we came to a large crowd. I had heard about the tiger cubs, but didn't put 2 and 2 together, that this is what was causing the crowd. So we walked down the stairs and found one opening at a window. I took some pictures from there (the not as good ones) while DH scouted for an upper spot because we realized that the upper tier was the better view (though they kept wanting to play behind a fountain) As the crowd thinned after a bit, I was able to move up there and switch lenses for some better photos.
The cubs were each acting in a manner opposite of their normal personalities/ names. Jeda, the male, means "Pause" and is normally laid-back. Anala, the female, means "fiery" and apparently she's usually exploring. Well, today, Jeda was the playful one with Mama, and Anala was the one resting.
We got there about 20 minutes before the trail closed, and Mama knew it was close to the time when she would be called inside, and she was ready. She would walk down to the entrance periodically. The cubs were only beginning to use the cues, and the CM stationed there said that the day prior, their first day, they had quite a time getting the cubs to go inside!
The Mama was allowing Jeda to pounce on her, and try to attack...she allowed it for a few minutes and then she'd take a playful swipe at him and knock him over...it was absolutely precious! It was just like watching our cats when they were kittens.
Since they kept going behind the fountain, I liked the idea of a shot with it in focus, and them playing in the background IMG_7543 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
Such an enjoyable time!! I would have stayed even longer, but like I mentioned, it was closing, and the tigers were called in. Mama ran right in, and Jeda followed. After a minute, Anala got up and went in as well. Success.
On our way out of the trail, we saw some people staring up into the tree. So of course, we stared up into the tree. DH saw right away, and it took me a minute, but we saw owls! They were humongous! We could hear them hoot occasionally. But then we were all guided out of that area too, but I thankfully still had my longer lens on, and captured their picture IMG_7554 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
Finishing up our afternoon/ evening at AK...there wasn't anything else we felt we needed to do, but it was still too early to check in for our meal...or was it?? We asked, and even though it was about 45-60 minutes prior to our ADR, they were able to get us in in about 10 minutes. Yay! Where was our meal?
Much like the prior night's menu selections at Spice Road Table were up to me, this was DH's area! He loves Asian food.
I started with the non-alcoholic frozen daiquiri IMG_7559 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
and DH went with the (alcoholic) Rickshaw Rickie (Skyy Vodka, Cointreau Orange Liqueur, Muddled Oranges and Limes, Sprite) IMG_7560 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
One thing I hate is that the two-top tables at WDW are so small, and not conducive to the way we order...especially at Asian restaurants where we share many dishes, and take home lots of leftovers... IMG_7572 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
For dessert, we shared the Fried Wontons...this was very good IMG_7573 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
Overall, I loved the burger and the dessert, but we didn't really feel that anything else was mind-blowing, compared to some of our favorite Asian restaurants.
One other note: the apps came out quickly, but the rest of the food took a very long time, and we were actually even more glad that they could get us in as early as they did because we were there for a very long time, all told. We were making an early night of it, because we had a tour the next morning at 8am. So after the meal, we headed out.
Also, I ordered cheese on my burger (I wouldn't've on my own, but our server asked) and it came out with no cheese.
AK tree lit up at night, and this wraps up the day! IMG_7574 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
Continuing on our Jungle Trek...we came to a large crowd. I had heard about the tiger cubs, but didn't put 2 and 2 together, that this is what was causing the crowd. So we walked down the stairs and found one opening at a window. I took some pictures from there (the not as good ones) while DH scouted for an upper spot because we realized that the upper tier was the better view (though they kept wanting to play behind a fountain) As the crowd thinned after a bit, I was able to move up there and switch lenses for some better photos.
The cubs were each acting in a manner opposite of their normal personalities/ names. Jeda, the male, means "Pause" and is normally laid-back. Anala, the female, means "fiery" and apparently she's usually exploring. Well, today, Jeda was the playful one with Mama, and Anala was the one resting.
We got there about 20 minutes before the trail closed, and Mama knew it was close to the time when she would be called inside, and she was ready. She would walk down to the entrance periodically. The cubs were only beginning to use the cues, and the CM stationed there said that the day prior, their first day, they had quite a time getting the cubs to go inside!
The Mama was allowing Jeda to pounce on her, and try to attack...she allowed it for a few minutes and then she'd take a playful swipe at him and knock him over...it was absolutely precious! It was just like watching our cats when they were kittens.
Since they kept going behind the fountain, I liked the idea of a shot with it in focus, and them playing in the background IMG_7543 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
Such an enjoyable time!! I would have stayed even longer, but like I mentioned, it was closing, and the tigers were called in. Mama ran right in, and Jeda followed. After a minute, Anala got up and went in as well. Success.
On our way out of the trail, we saw some people staring up into the tree. So of course, we stared up into the tree. DH saw right away, and it took me a minute, but we saw owls! They were humongous! We could hear them hoot occasionally. But then we were all guided out of that area too, but I thankfully still had my longer lens on, and captured their picture IMG_7554 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
OMG the tigers!!!! Mama is stunning and the babies are precious! I love the pictures that seem like mom is scolding him. You captured some great shots!
So today was the day! The day of our Keys to the Kingdom tour. We were slightly concerned that I might not enjoy it as much as DH, because I enjoy the "magic" much more than he does, and might not like to see it "ruined". But since we had gone so many times this year, and got the AP rate, we figured we should do it.
Our tour was for 8:00am, and we got there at around 7:30. We (for some reason) thought the tour met OUTSIDE the theater, so we wandered around the square and took some pictures before it got too crowded. (We later asked and found out we needed to go inside, but in plenty of time, don't worry).
My shirt was a birthday gift from coworkers that says "this girl runs on faith, trust, and pixie dust", and DH got MANY compliments on his Baymax holiday shirt. Screenshot_20171217-204515 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
We checked in, got our name badges, our listening device, and a bottle of water. We selected what we wanted to eat (which was the only meal I forgot to take a pic of this trip) and sat down to wait as instructed in the waiting area of Tony's. Before long, we were called to gather out on the porch, and met our tour guides, Michael and Melody. We donned our listening devices, and were given an introduction by our guides. They were both very nice and enjoyable, Michael in particular had an AWESOME speaking voice and way with conversational storytelling that I really enjoyed.
Michael told us that they would be glad to answer any questions, but that there were 'onstage' questions, and 'offstage' questions, and that we needed to be sure to ask the offstage questions offstage, to prevent people who didn't sign up for the tour from being spoiled if they didnt' want to be. We also were told (which we already knew) that there would be no photography whatsoever offstage. They said they wouldn't be too strict about photos onstage, but I didn't even get my camera out during the tour (hence the no meal photos). We did later revisit some of the onstage things that I wanted a pic of, so you'll see them later.
They showed us a couple of hidden Mickeys, talked about the story behind some of the names in the windows on Main Street, talked about the name tags CMs wear, the 4 Keys (giving the tour its name)- Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency. We got to ride on our own boat on the Jingle Cruise, which a regular JC Skipper navigated, but Michael narrated with interesting details. We got to go backstage in Frontierland and see the parade storage buildings, the water reservoir for Splash (complete with someone's floating goofy ball cap!), and see the Electric Water Pageant floats.
Then we stopped for lunch; DH got the spicy chicken sandwich which he thought was fine. I got the chicken caesar salad which was EXCELLENT! The food was from the Tomorrowland Terrace. We then got to ride Haunted Mansion, entering from the service entrance. There was a major stand-by line, due to them only running one Stretching Room (the other was being repaired--it smelled heavily of paint in the service hallway!) Then it was time for the Utilidors, which we entered behind the Plaza. Afterwards, the tour was over!
We thoroughly enjoyed it! While there were things we (or I) knew already, there were things we didn't. We learned that it was Melody's first ever tour, and that the reason that her nametag was blue, is that she had been given a distinction that you can only get when your coworkers nominate you...it's like a peer-given award. She did a great job. And not being weird, I could have listened to Michael talk about WDW all day, you could just hear how much he loved his work. I intend to email props for both of them. IMG_7584 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
I'll spoiler tag a couple of the 'offstage' things we learned, that way if you don't want to know, you don't have to see.
Metal!
The water on JC is dyed to look that brown, so that you can't see things such as the hippos stop looking like hippos right under the water line. The dye is purple, and on some early morning JC rides, you might see purple streaks in the waterfall...that's how they do it! The crashing of the waterfall mixes the dye throughout the ride.
They are basically chicken wire with old fashioned christmas lights, and each float is manned by a person literally flipping switches according to time stamps typed on a piece of paper!!
TinkerBell actually needs a push to head off on her flight before the fireworks. But CMs can't push her with their hands for fear that they'd fall out the opening, so they lie on their backs, and kick her out!
The smell that we associate with the water rides smells kinda funky, but it actually means the water is clean...it's the agent they use rather than chlorine or the like. The water in Splash actually (I forget how he exactly worded this, but it's the gist) meets the guidelines for a public pool as far as sanitation.
So, cast members, as we all know, have the town where they are from on their name tags. Though, they put the place that will bring up the most conversation with a guest. Michael has lived in Orlando for over 20 years, but he had Buffalo, NY on his tag, because people on vacation might bring up a conversation about being from the area, snow, wings, etc. But no one really does that for Orlando. If you DO see a "Pat" or "Chris" from Orlando, that person has forgotten their name tag that day, and these are the default tags for CMs to grab that day. Right after they told us this, our CM helping us board our Jingle Cruise boat was Chris from Orlando!
Most people know that the Jungle Cruise CMs don't actually steer the boats, but they do control the forward motion/ speed, which means they can control if you get wet! By slowing down, they can manipulate the timing of the effects.
OMG the tigers!!!! Mama is stunning and the babies are precious! I love the pictures that seem like mom is scolding him. You captured some great shots!
So today was the day! The day of our Keys to the Kingdom tour. We were slightly concerned that I might not enjoy it as much as DH, because I enjoy the "magic" much more than he does, and might not like to see it "ruined". But since we had gone so many times this year, and got the AP rate, we figured we should do it.
Our tour was for 8:00am, and we got there at around 7:30. We (for some reason) thought the tour met OUTSIDE the theater, so we wandered around the square and took some pictures before it got too crowded. (We later asked and found out we needed to go inside, but in plenty of time, don't worry).
My shirt was a birthday gift from coworkers that says "this girl runs on faith, trust, and pixie dust", and DH got MANY compliments on his Baymax holiday shirt. Screenshot_20171217-204515 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
We checked in, got our name badges, our listening device, and a bottle of water. We selected what we wanted to eat (which was the only meal I forgot to take a pic of this trip) and sat down to wait as instructed in the waiting area of Tony's. Before long, we were called to gather out on the porch, and met our tour guides, Michael and Melody. We donned our listening devices, and were given an introduction by our guides. They were both very nice and enjoyable, Michael in particular had an AWESOME speaking voice and way with conversational storytelling that I really enjoyed.
Michael told us that they would be glad to answer any questions, but that there were 'onstage' questions, and 'offstage' questions, and that we needed to be sure to ask the offstage questions offstage, to prevent people who didn't sign up for the tour from being spoiled if they didnt' want to be. We also were told (which we already knew) that there would be no photography whatsoever offstage. They said they wouldn't be too strict about photos onstage, but I didn't even get my camera out during the tour (hence the no meal photos). We did later revisit some of the onstage things that I wanted a pic of, so you'll see them later.
They showed us a couple of hidden Mickeys, talked about the story behind some of the names in the windows on Main Street, talked about the name tags CMs wear, the 4 Keys (giving the tour its name)- Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency. We got to ride on our own boat on the Jingle Cruise, which a regular JC Skipper navigated, but Michael narrated with interesting details. We got to go backstage in Frontierland and see the parade storage buildings, the water reservoir for Splash (complete with someone's floating goofy ball cap!), and see the Electric Water Pageant floats.
Then we stopped for lunch; DH got the spicy chicken sandwich which he thought was fine. I got the chicken caesar salad which was EXCELLENT! The food was from the Tomorrowland Terrace. We then got to ride Haunted Mansion, entering from the service entrance. There was a major stand-by line, due to them only running one Stretching Room (the other was being repaired--it smelled heavily of paint in the service hallway!) Then it was time for the Utilidors, which we entered behind the Plaza. Afterwards, the tour was over!
We thoroughly enjoyed it! While there were things we (or I) knew already, there were things we didn't. We learned that it was Melody's first ever tour, and that the reason that her nametag was blue, is that she had been given a distinction that you can only get when your coworkers nominate you...it's like a peer-given award. She did a great job. And not being weird, I could have listened to Michael talk about WDW all day, you could just hear how much he loved his work. I intend to email props for both of them. IMG_7584 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
I'll spoiler tag a couple of the 'offstage' things we learned, that way if you don't want to know, you don't have to see.
Metal!
The water on JC is dyed to look that brown, so that you can't see things such as the hippos stop looking like hippos right under the water line. The dye is purple, and on some early morning JC rides, you might see purple streaks in the waterfall...that's how they do it! The crashing of the waterfall mixes the dye throughout the ride.
They are basically chicken wire with old fashioned christmas lights, and each float is manned by a person literally flipping switches according to time stamps typed on a piece of paper!!
TinkerBell actually needs a push to head off on her flight before the fireworks. But CMs can't push her with their hands for fear that they'd fall out the opening, so they lie on their backs, and kick her out!
The smell that we associate with the water rides smells kinda funky, but it actually means the water is clean...it's the agent they use rather than chlorine or the like. The water in Splash actually (I forget how he exactly worded this, but it's the gist) meets the guidelines for a public pool as far as sanitation.
So, cast members, as we all know, have the town where they are from on their name tags. Though, they put the place that will bring up the most conversation with a guest. Michael has lived in Orlando for over 20 years, but he had Buffalo, NY on his tag, because people on vacation might bring up a conversation about being from the area, snow, wings, etc. But no one really does that for Orlando. If you DO see a "Pat" or "Chris" from Orlando, that person has forgotten their name tag that day, and these are the default tags for CMs to grab that day. Right after they told us this, our CM helping us board our Jingle Cruise boat was Chris from Orlando!
Most people know that the Jungle Cruise CMs don't actually steer the boats, but they do control the forward motion/ speed, which means they can control if you get wet! By slowing down, they can manipulate the timing of the effects.
Thanks for all these details!! I did the tour about 5 years ago & forgot so many things that I learned on it. I enjoyed this refresher!! When we did ours the lunch was at Columbia Harbour House. I remember leaving the tour & feeling that it was money well spent—especially seeing the utilidors!!
Our tour ended back near Tony's (after having walked through the overflow exit/entrance), so we backtracked some of our early steps of the tour, to photograph some of the things discussed.
These were the windows where you can hear the voice lessons through IMG_7587 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
This area is just so pretty to me, off of Main Street IMG_7588 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
And, well, who can resist when a balloon seller walks by? IMG_7589 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
Melody told us a story about the names on this window, dealing with when Walt was purchasing land for what would be WDW. IMG_7591 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
I don't think I got a picture, but before leaving MK later that afternoon, we would revisit the glass shop and purchase a mini glass Christmas tree with character bulbs. It was displayed on our mantle for the holidays, but I never took a picture of it. IMG_7593 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
Yay!! I was so glad that our schedules finally aligned! They had just finished eating, and after our photos (there was conveniently a photopass photographer right there...#ShirleyStatus?? You tell me! The photographer was from Lawrenceville, GA, interestingly, which is where I work!) they were ready for a ride on the MPB, so we joined them. It was so easy to talk to them! We made an enjoyable loop and a half around the park with them, chatting about t-shirts seen, odd and rude and clueless guests encountered, crowd levels, cats, and our tour. I'm so glad we got to meet up with them!!
When they departed the train at the Main Street station, we decided to disembark back at Toontown (will probably always call it that). We had to wait around 10 minutes for the parade to finish crossing over the train tracks backstage in Frontierland (where we were earlier in the day), then we were on our way. After the train, we walked back toward Fantasyland, as we had a 7DMT FP.
We had a FP for Pirates coming up, so made our way in that direction...passing by the Stepsisters at the Fantasyland castle wall. IMG_7602 by Amber Zaremsky, on Flickr
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I still haven't made it to see the babies, but that's on my to-do list soon!
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You captured some great shots!
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