Trip Report The Holiday Humdinger *COMPLETED*

I can't believe the Summer of @Tuvalu is over! Is there going to be a holiday humdinger trip report?!!

I couldn’t disappoint a very expectant mama-to-be, now could I? Especially one who was kind enough to provide the title for this trip report!

So here you go, @krisri18......and anyone else who’d like to follow along on yet another Tuvalu WDW adventure, HOLIDAY STYLE.

I plan on posting live updates and will write an expanded report (“Part Tu” @Tony the Tigger ) once I return home. After all, what else will I have to do in December?

Who: Tuvalu and Woody

When: November 27 - December 3, 2018
Where: I shouldn’t even have to tell you. My go-to.

So be on the lookout for us, @DisneyShe, @slipperalwaysfits @mcstensrud. We’ve packed our sweaters and jeans for the chilly weekdays (highs only near 60, lows in the 40s ~ WTH??) and our shorts and tees for the unseasonably warm weekend (highs in the 80s). Yeah, that 30 degree temperature swing isn’t going to help the colds Woody and I are starting with.....

But we’re going to DISNEY WORLD!!!!

 

[fractal]

Love a good sequel!

Glad you're feeling better.

 

[I'mwatchinguWizowski]

Oh my goodness that line!! I don’t know if we just arrive at odd times but I’ve never seen it that long!!

 

[Nemo14]

PART “TU”

Apologies for taking awhile before beginning the unabridged version of this trip report. I have been living in a lethargic “fog” the last 2+ weeks, thanks to the longest-lasting cold I have ever battled. Although I am not yet fully recovered, I think I have finally moved out of the “pitiful hot mess” stage (but you’ll need to ask Woody for confirmation. )

I even slept through the 4.4 mag earthquake that shook our area at 4:15 this morning.

Being sick on vacation was hard. I was determined to “power through” and for the most part I did....which is probably why I was bedridden for two days after returning home. But I loved (almost) every moment of our holiday extravaganza and am looking forward to sharing the full story.

C’mon everybody, here we go!

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

The timing worked out this year for a long holiday vacation instead of two short trips. For the last couple years Em and I have celebrated her birthday the first weekend of December; then I’ve returned with Woody for a few days later in the month, always booked with a Bounceback offer.

But the earliest Bounceback date for 2018 (with availability at Wilderness Lodge) was 12/19 ~ a little too close to Christmas for our liking. So I did the unthinkable.....I booked rack rate for the week after Thanksgiving, hoping a discount would pop up. (Spoiler alert: no pop) Em was able to secure time off, which meant she could spend another birthday at Disney.....this time with Woody too!

I jumped on cheap airfare when our dates were released. My brain has a way of “forgetting” the recent hassles we’ve had flying.....and the fact that flying doesn’t always mean “faster”. Exactly 24 hours before departure I checked in.....and was rewarded with boarding group B, 50 & 51. B means back of the plane, with a good probability of no two seats together. Woody wasn’t happy. He doesn’t understand why we don’t pay for Early Bird Check In.

Sure I’ll pay rack rate for a deluxe resort, but don’t ask me to spend $40 each way for Early Bird. That fee annoys me!!

And being we live in metro Atlanta we had to allow ourselves plenty of time to get to the airport on a weekday morning. We were treated with a gorgeous sunrise for our effort.

View attachment 332719

It was 0 degrees Celsius (@amjt660) when we left for the airport and we wouldn’t be landing in Florida warmth, since Heat Miser had allowed Snow Miser to send a cold front to Orlando.

We had no traffic, and as I mentioned in the LIVE report I was tempted to tell Woody to bypass the airport exit and continue driving.

If only.

After 20 minutes in the TSA pre-check line we boarded the plane train for Concourse C. Then after another 20 minutes in line at Chick Fil A we were finally able to eat breakfast.

View attachment 332720
(Worth it, @Rista1313!)

We spent the next 2 hours sitting at our gate waiting on our plane (delayed due to de-icing in Pittsburgh.) Woody couldn’t believe how many wheelchair guests were waiting to board. He’s flown a lot and this was the most he’s ever seen.

View attachment 332721

Woody and I were able to find two seats together at the back of the plane. The lady in the seat directly behind me gave herself a manicure during the flight (nothing like the smell of nail polish when crammed in close quarters) ~ all the while my feet had to be perched on the handle of her rolling bag, which she never bothered to retract when she stuffed it under my seat.

The joys of flying.

Interesting that you should mention how many wheelchair guests. DH and I flew from Providence to Tampa 2 weeks ago, and we counted 14 wheelchair guests boarding our flight down. We were surprised at how many there were,but figured they were snowbirds who had stayed up here for Thanksgiving, then flew south for the winter. But this afternoon we flew back from Tampa and there were 9 wheelchair guests on our flight. Maybe they're flying up here for Christmas, then returning, but I just thought it was pretty odd seeing that many again.

 

[krisri18]

Interesting that you should mention how many wheelchair guests. DH and I flew from Providence to Tampa 2 weeks ago, and we counted 14 wheelchair guests boarding our flight down. We were surprised at how many there were,but figured they were snowbirds who had stayed up here for Thanksgiving, then flew south for the winter. But this afternoon we flew back from Tampa and there were 9 wheelchair guests on our flight. Maybe they're flying up here for Christmas, then returning, but I just thought it was pretty odd seeing that many again.

Weird, I don't think I've ever seen more than 2 at TF Green. Maybe I travel at off times.

 

[wdwfamilynh]

Glad you’re feeling better! Looking forward to all the details of your trip!

 

[wdwfamilynh]

Exactly 24 hours before departure I checked in.....and was rewarded with boarding group B, 50 & 51. B means back of the plane, with a good probability of no two seats together. Woody wasn’t happy.

I’m with Woody on this one! Their boarding process (or lack thereof IMO) is why we won’t fly Southwest even though they are one of the only two ways we can fly direct to MCO.

 

[Nemo14]

Weird, I don't think I've ever seen more than 2 at TF Green. Maybe I travel at off times.

I had never seen it either - maybe it's just increased travel for the holidays?

 

[Tuvalu]

Chick-fil-a is always worth it. This week I used my cow calendar free sandwich on mobile Monday, so I got another free be our guest sandwich card for another free sandwich.... and I still have 1 more be our guest breakfast sandwich card, when they kept me in the drive-thru too long... Can't complain about that... McDonalds isn't saying their sorry for keeping you in the drive-thru too long!

Way to work the system! You go girl!

P.S. I'm on week 4 of that cold...

I cannot like this.

If you had paid for early bird check in, you may have missed sitting next to Ms. Manicure. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Um, she was behind me.
But you are right.

 

[Tuvalu]

I think I’ll end up doing something similar. It might be a good way for me to get my yearly fix of Chick-fil-A and all of their delicious sauces.

Definitely! As long as you’re not flying in on a Sunday.....

Excited to read the rest of Part Tu! I'm glad you are finally feeling better!

Love a good sequel!
Glad you're feeling better.

I am looking forward to the day I awaken without congestion.
Today is not that day.

Oh my goodness that line!! I don’t know if we just arrive at odd times but I’ve never seen it that long!!

Believe it or not, we’ve experienced it worse! One time the end of the line was halfway down the airport concourse!

Interesting that you should mention how many wheelchair guests. DH and I flew from Providence to Tampa 2 weeks ago, and we counted 14 wheelchair guests boarding our flight down. We were surprised at how many there were,but figured they were snowbirds who had stayed up here for Thanksgiving, then flew south for the winter. But this afternoon we flew back from Tampa and there were 9 wheelchair guests on our flight. Maybe they're flying up here for Christmas, then returning, but I just thought it was pretty odd seeing that many again.

Well whatever the reason, I am glad all those folks are still able to travel.

I’m with Woody on this one! Their boarding process (or lack thereof IMO) is why we won’t fly Southwest even though they are one of the only two ways we can fly direct to MCO.

He despises Southwest. And each time we fly them I have to hear about it.
Of course it doesn’t prevent me from booking SW!

 

[Tuvalu]

Tuesday, con’t

Our travel hassles were coming to an end. WL was the first stop on our DME bus and I received our “Your room is ready” text.

Considering I don’t remember doing online check in, this was a nice surprise.

Nothing but blue sky....

....and the end of some skywriting message.

I get chills every time I walk into the WL during the holiday season. I hope I never lose the wonder.

We took the elevator to the 5th floor. Then we stopped to admire the lobby (and that tree!) from above.

 

[Rista1313]

I am looking forward to the day I awaken without congestion.
Today is not that day.

Mine is still congested in the morning, and is fine during the day..it's super annoying! (week 4.... )

He despises Southwest. And each time we fly them I have to hear about it.
Of course it doesn’t prevent me from booking SW!

We love Southwest, but because we get DH a wheelchair, we get to load first, regardless of our boarding priority, so I'm spoiled.

 

[Rista1313]

....and the end of some skywriting message.

Is that sky writing messages? I thought so at first, but it looks more like a reflection of cup holders off a window. With funky blue dots?

 

[Tuvalu]

Is that sky writing messages? I thought so at first, but it looks more like a reflection of cup holders off a window. With funky blue dots?

By George, you may be right!

 

[Tuvalu]

Last Christmas we were told by a WL concierge that a refurbishment for the non-DVC rooms was beginning in early 2018 and would be completed on a floor-by-floor basis. At the time we had already booked our June 2018 trip, and since we planned to stay club level again I was nervous we’d be on a different floor than the lounge and might not have a good view.

My fear was unfounded when we arrived in June as the 7th floor had not been touched.

I assumed other floors were being worked on, although I’d never read anything about an ongoing room refurbishment.

I was hopeful for a refreshed room when I opened the door.

Nope......same old, same old.

The mattresses were well-worn and the pillows were horrible! I can’t blame this room, as our second room bedding was just as bad. We slept only because we were tired, not comfortable. Both of us had stiff necks all week. Again I experienced the regret of not driving.....we could have brought our own pillows.

But I was very pleased with our view. How ironic that we were exactly two floors below the room we had in June! Unlike the 7th floor, we did not have an enclosed balcony which meant we could watch fireworks sitting down instead of standing.

Can you spot the monorail?

We did not linger in the room as I wanted to get to the MK and activate my AP. We also had a couple FPs to use before MVMCP (we had already missed the first one due to all the delays).

There’s even garland at the bus stop!

There was no bus arrival time listed on the monitor and we stood there for a long time. There was a cold breeze blowing and we knew that once the sun went down it would only get colder. Woody decided to return to the room to get his jacket and meet me at the MK entrance.

He made it back to the bus stop at the exact moment the bus I was on pulled away......

 

[Tuvalu]

Why yes, we will be attending tonight’s party!

Though it would be a chilly evening, at least there would be NO RAIN! The reason Woody and I were attending MVMCP was only because we had exchanged our MNSSHP tickets (the night we were going it downpoured) for Christmas party tics. For anyone wondering why we didn’t choose a party when Em was with us ~

Me: Would you like to go to another MVMCP this year? There’s one on your birthday.
Em: No. I had such a good time last year, I’m afraid another party couldn’t possibly measure up and I would be disappointed.

So instead I contacted our dear friends M&K, who live locally, and asked if they would join us.

There were many people at Guest Relations and I was thankful I could use the Will Call booth to activate my AP.

I had two bands with me ~ my Christmas band from last year and my new Minnie band. I handed the CM my ID and my Christmas band. She tapped the band to her keypad but Mickey did not turn green. I quickly handed her Minnie, which resulted in green.

“No problem, I can fix this one,” she said holding up Christmas band. A couple of keystrokes later, Christmas was green. She returned my bands, gave me my AP discount card and wished me a magical day.

I had told Woody I would wait for him before entering the park. I sat on a bench and people-watched as I waited.

Though it was after 4 pm when we met up, I did not want to use this tapstile.

Reason? I knew my MVMCP ticket was valid. What I was still worried about was my AP (having “broken” the Internet....or at least MDE....several times already .) I told Woody I wanted to use the Passholder entrance.

He went first. Mickey turned green. (It was the 50% of the time when his finger scan works.)

You’ll recall what happened when it was my turn.

(Even the woman behind me is ed that Mickey turned blue!)

I tried both bands. Both had the same result. A CM was waved over to help. He was stumped. I knew things were going downhill fast when he said, “You’ll have to follow me to Guest Relations. I need to call IT.”

Here we go again.

To his credit we did not have to join the line but were directed to the next window that opened up. He also did not call IT, but apprised CM Shannon of the situation and she was the one who worked with IT.

Meanwhile Woody tried to keep my tears from flowing. I think MDE had finally broken me.

An interesting choice of apparel and footwear distracted me as we continued to wait.....

45 minutes later CM Shannon said my Christmas band was “fixed” and that my Minnie band was “still being worked on” but “it should work in another 30 minutes.”

IT said I need to decline new MagicBands because I have too many “deactivated” bands.

Okay, so at first I was told I had too many “active” bands which apparently overwhelmed the system. So I deactivate all but 3 or 4 bands in order to help, but now I have too many “deactivated” bands??!!

CM Shannon was very apologetic as she shook her head in disbelief too. “You should NOT have to go through this,” she said. “I know I can’t give your lost park time back, but here is a gift card for your inconvenience today.”

It was for $50. It was a nice gesture, but honestly I would have preferred that my band worked at first try. Time is money, and I’d rather had the time.

 

[RememberWhen]

Out of curiosity, how many deactivated bands is too many? And what if you want to buy a fun new band? Seems like the system needs work...

 

[LeighM]

Finally all caught up! I'm still curious why my fingerprint works at every turnstile in MK, AK, and HS but I can never get into Epcot without a CM with a tablet having to reset it....

 

[krause]

An interesting choice of apparel and footwear distracted me as we continued to wait.....

This is absurd. Did they think it was a pyjama party??

Out of curiosity, how many deactivated bands is too many?

YES!! How many bands do you have?? I feel this is something your fans need to know I’d also appreciate a picture of the box/bag/drawer/shrine you keep them all in at home

 

[Rista1313]

YES!! How many bands do you have??

That's like asking her age... something you should never do!

 

[Tuvalu]

Out of curiosity, how many deactivated bands is too many? And what if you want to buy a fun new band? Seems like the system needs work...

YES!! How many bands do you have?? I feel this is something your fans need to know I’d also appreciate a picture of the box/bag/drawer/shrine you keep them all in at home

I have no idea how many bands (active/inactive) are too many. All I know for sure is my account qualified as “too many” in both cases.

Rest assured there is more to the story to come.

@krause I disposed of all my inactive bands long ago. Kept them for awhile and then asked myself, “why?”

That's like asking her age... something you should never do!