Trip Report The One Where Elsa Followed Us To WDW

If I don't start this now... I never will!

When: December 3-11, 2024
Why: Our annual trip with our little family. We usually go late January/early February, but wanted a Christmas trip!
Where: Art of Animation Lion King family suite
Who: Me (Annie), my husband Ian, and my 2-year-old Nora (she turns 3 on NYE!)

I took SO SO many photos, I hope you are all ready LOL

Without further ado..

Our trip week kicked off with a rough start. On Sunday, we took Nora to see Moana 2. She did so well and LOVED it.

We got home and I proceeded to have the most violent food poisoning of my life for the next 30ish hours. SO AWFUL. I kept crying thinking it wouldn't be over in time for our trip. Somehow, I was okay on Tuesday morning when we got up to get ready to go to the airport but it was touch and go for a while there!!

Our flight was at noon out of Boston, so my dad picked us up around 8 to head from Maine to Boston.

We traveled in matching sweatshirts

We got into the city and through security pretty easily.

We checked two bags that weighed in at EXACTLY 50 pounds each. I guess this is the last trip we can get away with no suitcase for Nora!

Speaking of Nora, she was a huge fan of the escalators and moving walkways in the airport.

Once we found our gate and ensured it existed, we went to the play area to let her blow off some steam.

After running around like a chicken with her head cut off, it was time for some donuts from Dunkin.

We had more than enough time as things had been running very smoothly. We headed back to let Nora do some more playing before boarding.

We do not board early because I do not need MORE time with a toddler in a confined space lol

Ian got the carseat loaded up and soon we were taking off.

We do not do screens at home apart from family movies together, so the seatback TV kept Nora entertained the entire flight. I personally wished she would've napped, but she was an angel, and I was grateful lol

3 hours later we made it to MCO around 4 PM!

Nora was excited about the "monorail"

to be continued!

 

[MickeyCB]

We parked our stroller and I accidentally bumped into an older woman speed walking behind me. I turned around and said sorry at the same time that she said "F*CK YOU" and sprinted off.

Ian turned to me with the most grave expression on his face and asked what she said. When I quietly repeated it he power walked after her to the LL entrance of MMRR and confronted her. I had no idea what was happening, ESPECIALLY my completely mild tempered and non-confrontational husband. A man who typically doesn't speak unless spoken to even around FAMILY.

He came back and was very flustered and I asked what happened. He said that it upset him greatly, especially in front of Nora, for that language to be used. Apparently, he said excuse me, I don't appreciate you using that language. And she acted completely affronted and the son and husband asked what she said and when Ian responded they kind of didn't look too surprised as he walked away.

I gave Ian a minute to cool off before we got into the LL ourselves. She was probably 20 people ahead of us and kept shooting looks of daggers at Ian. After about 10 minutes she was CRYING to her family. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes lady.

This is a stand-up husband and dad, full stop.

 

[Tiki Traveler]

Even if Nora hadn’t been with you that woman’s behavior was unacceptable. Bravo to Ian for handling it in an adult way and showing people a mature way to act. And we all know karma is karma…..

On a positive note:

Your family deserves the magic!!

 

[annienevells]

I’m with Ian, I would have been taking my earrings off.

I’m glad Ian confronted her. Karens get away with being Karens because too few people are willing to confront them for their bad behavior (understandably so, confrontation is scary). Zero percent surprised she tried to make herself the victim.

People love to complain about being hit by strollers in the parks, but in my experience, the people being hit aren’t paying attention to where they’re going. You apologized, there was absolutely no need for her to use hostile language toward you, especially in front of your kid.

This is a stand-up husband and dad, full stop.

Even if Nora hadn’t been with you that woman’s behavior was unacceptable. Bravo to Ian for handling it in an adult way and showing people a mature way to act. And we all know karma is karma…..

On a positive note:

View attachment 836318


Your family deserves the magic!!

Thank you all for the kind words! I actually read each of them to Ian because I knew it would make him feel good

 

[annienevells]

I took lots of holiday decor pictures on our way out. It was SO GOOD.

Quick selfie and goodbye to dad before he went off on his solo adventure.

I took some more pictures to allow Nora more time to move about outside of her stroller.

We eventually made our way out. I knew she couldn't hang long enough for Fantasmic.

 

[annienevells]

Nora and I headed for the Skyliner to head back to AoA.

At the transfer station, we were lined up when I heard someone say "Annie?!"

It was @k8einwdw and her little family!! I had so hoped we would run into each other especially since they were staying at Pop.

We rode the Skyliner together and got to share about our respective trips thus far which was nice!

Before we parted ways, L and Nora exchanged stickers and we took a photo. So stinking cute.

@k8einwdw is also my IG friend, so it felt like finally meeting my internet bestie LOL

Once back in the room, I gave Nora a bath and she insisted on watching Happily Ever After on TV before bed. Fine by me!

She was out cold shortly after. When I sent Ian off on his solo time, I made him promise to document for my TR.

Well ... here are a series of close up serious selfies y'all

love it lol

He managed to make it to the Skyliner to exit before fireworks but the line was still pretty brutal. He was back in the room by midnight and was TIRED but gave me the full scoop on his adventure.

The next day was to be a resort day, so we looked forward to sleeping in.

 

[RememberWhen]

Ian and his selfies!

 

[rshell68]

I am so happy to see he had a good time on his solo adventure. Much deserved after having to confront that horrendous woman! I am so sorry you all had to endure that!

 

[k8einwdw]

At the transfer station, we were lined up when I heard someone say "Annie?!"

It was @k8einwdw and her little family!! I had so hoped we would run into each other especially since they were staying at Pop.

It feels just like yesterday that we were both hoping and waiting for our babies, and now they’re both three! I’m so glad we were able to meet up with you guys! 🩷

 

[annienevells]

Resort day!

We have zero plans on this day apart from dinner at Boma. I had high hopes of a full pool day, but it was COLD once again. We took it slow waking up, and decided to take a bus to MK to do some resort hopping to see more holiday decor.

Nora insisted on a piggy bag ride to the boats.

Our first stop was to be Wilderness Lodge to see the Christmas tree.

"BYE CASTLE"

Nora was getting hangry and was NOT listening to her mama on the boat ride.

Sassafrass pictured below.

We took a minute on the couches to talk about how we behave on boats

Parenting completed, sunglasses on, let's go.

 

[annienevells]

Mobile ordering was down for some reason at Roaring Fork, so we headed there to order in person.

A chilly but otherwise beautiful morning.

Nora and I shared some Mickey waffles while Ian had the bounty platter.

After our tasty breakfast, we headed to check out the tree.

It was my first time seeing it and I was blown away.

Nora was also impressed and requested a photo.

Nora walked over the little bridge in the lobby approximately 45 times before we headed out.

Much longer boat line this time around, but we made it on!

Our next stop on our tour brought us to the resort monorail.

 

[annienevells]

Where were we headed?

I know many of you faced insane crowds at the GF, but luckily this was a much quieter day.

It smelled so yummy in there.

I was taking a million pictures not realizing that behind me in the stroller Nora was having a meltdown about not being able to run around and touch the gingerbread house.

Okay, time for another toddler quiet moment outside.

She had a cuddle with dad, some yogurt, and was ready to pop back inside for one more look before heading out.

 

[annienevells]

A quick selfie (featuring snack number 2, Pringles lol)

We knew it was time to head back to AoA, so we got on the bus and headed out. It was a nice quiet ride.

Though it was 50 degrees, Nora insisted on a pre nap swim. FINE.

She also finally got up the courage to play a game on the pool deck with the kids.

She didn't completely understand what to do and ran back to me after 5 minutes, but I was still proud of her!!

We all took a nap on this day and felt well rested after.

Time for our first time at Boma! We have stayed at AKL previously, but never dined at Boma.

We took the Skyliner to HS to get an AKL bus.

her faces kill me

We got off on the wrong stop, but the walk was pretty and we weren't in a rush anyway.

 

[annienevells]

Time for another resort tree!

I also loved this one.

I liked the gingerbread animals as well.

I spotted the giraffes out being fed and tried to rush Nora and Ian downstairs. Of course, Nora chooses this time to demand peeing on the potty. Mind you, she was not potty trained at this point (though, the literal day she turned 3 she just decided to be potty trained and has had zero accidents since LOL).

Okay, need to encourage interest in the potty let's go.

A million years and 50 pumps of soap later and we are done. Great. Now Ian decides HE needs to use the bathroom..

AHHHHHHH

By the time we get outside, the giraffes are gone which incites yet another toddler meltdown.

SOS y'all

We all take a deep breath and move on mentally.

We did get to see some zebras!

 

[annienevells]

We finally were able to check into Boma and were seated right away.

I really enjoyed my meal, as did Ian and Nora.

Buffet plate pics are never great, but sharing anyway!

Nora's beige plate lol

My seconds, soooo good

and desserts!

Bellies full, it was time to head out.

First though, I wanted some Photopass pictures.

These came out so cute and are some of my faves of the trip!

We got our bus back to HS and saw a Pop bus arriving so just decided to take it to avoid walking back to the Skyliner.

A quick tub for Nora, books, and yet ANOTHER snack and we were all ready for bed!

Our rest day was a little hectic in the world of toddlerhood - but fun nonetheless!

 

[erstwo]

You guys are just the cutest! I love following along.
I think Nora might suffer from the same condition as my daughter- it’s known as ‘has her own opinion about how her life will go and will not be deterred’ .

 

[Tuvalu]

With regard to potty training our oldest had announced, “When I’m three I’ll use the potty.” On his third birthday he woke, asked for big boy pants and used the potty from that day forward - no accidents, just like Nora.

It’s one of my favorite stories.

 

[annienevells]

You guys are just the cutest! I love following along.
I think Nora might suffer from the same condition as my daughter- it’s known as ‘has her own opinion about how her life will go and will not be deterred’ .

Are you telling me the sassiness never improves!?

Kidding, because I know it doesn't LOL my grandmother used to tell my mom that I was "grandmother's revenge"!!

With regard to potty training our oldest had announced, “When I’m three I’ll use the potty.” On his third birthday he woke, asked for big boy pants and used the potty from that day forward - no accidents, just like Nora.

It’s one of my favorite stories.

@Tuvalu LOL - truly the same story over here. But now we get to have daily fights about WHICH big girl pants she likes the best to wear that day and I'm like....