Trip Report THE ONE WITH THE CREW AT CHRISTMAS; December 21-28, 2018 **COMPLETE**

When I returned from our vacation I had the “Disney bug”. You know, when you feel tired and blah and listless? Then you vomit. Oh wait...
Turned out it was more of a flu bug....
I was off wdw magic for a couple weeks then I started up again at a feverish pace (see what i did there?). There are so many great trip reports to read! So here is another (trip report, not sure if it will be great. It is my first)

For those of you who did not read my pre trip, don’t bother. You will catch on/up.

Who went:
Myself
Husband Ant
Sons: X 19, AJ 15, Dre 13
FIL or Gpa
BIL J
SIL K
Their children, my nephews A 22, JJ 15, and niece Ash 20

Let’s do this!

We had a group reservation flying Southwest from our local airport to Tampa on Friday, December 21st. Why Tampa? $$$$
It was a 7:30 flight so the kids all went to school and I cleaned the house. I always clean before a trip because I hate coming home to a dirty house but this time I really cleaned. My son has a team mate who lives in Maryland and he and his family were going to NYC for a few days and their place to stay fell through. The mom and I get along really well so she asked if her party of six could stay with us. Perfect timing as we will not be home so they could have the place to themselves.
Did I mention I have 3 boys? I spent the day CLEANING!!!

Then we dropped off this guy

Ate some pizza with my Father in law

Loaded these:

Into here:

And we were on our way.

Not the best pix but you get the idea.

The airport is about 13 minutes from our house so we made it there in about 10. My husband is the WORST driver!!!

My FIL was in a wheelchair because his knees are garbage. My son was on a knee scooter with a broken foot. SIL just got cleared from her broken hip. And when it was time to pick up the pizza my husband was on the phone. I was giving him “the look” to get off so we could keep to our schedule. Turns out it was his doctor. Ant had tripped on one of the dog’s bones

And tore tendons in his ankle. I had ordered a scooter for my FIL and gave everyone else a last chance for me to add on to the order. All declined and we headed for security and our gate.

FIL and AJ got pre boarding and they could each take one person with them. My husband and his brother went with strict orders to save us seats. The lady who issued the pre boarding passes messed up however and Ant had two boarding passes while AJ had none.
This would be a common theme as we had 3 Alexanders, 2 Anthonys, 2 Johns and a partridge in a pear tree.

We managed to get it sorted out and got on and left without incident.

 

[myhappyplace]

We did the Keys to the Kingdom tour a year or so ago, and backstage it is indeed a huuuuuge water reservoir tank, and the water cycles through Splash continually. While back there we did see a Goofy hat floating in the tank. The tour guide said that all hats etc are indeed rescued from the water and turned over to Lost and Found.

 

[Darstarr]

Day 3/Dec 23 cont

We had a FP for Pirates and made our way without any trouble. My FIL pulled up and got off his scooter. Ant knows you can not park just anywhere so hopped on to move it. We meandered into the FP line and I told the CM there is one more, he is parking. And I pointed to my shirt. By that time it was warm and most of us had removed our grandma sweatshirts to reveal royal blue t-shirts.
Funny thing is we could see Anthony in the
que. But something was off. He was trying to get to us but couldnt. The lady had sent him in the stand by line and he was now that guy, “excuse me, pardon me, just trying to get to my family, excuse me.” We had reached the loading zone just as he did, but he wad on the other side of the water. The CM loading us apologized and said there is no way for him to ride with us from that side. The CM on Ant’s side gave him 3 return FP’s because he felt bad for him. The CM’s were very nice. This mis step was clearly our fault and we all decided, there on our pirate ship, that we wait for everyone before entering a que. We were a work in progress!
No ride photo. I didn’t take any either. I think I might have been a little frustrated at that point. But not to worry. Our next stop was

And beer!!!!

We had a short wait and took a family photo to pass the time

Our server was Michelle and she was very nice but slammed. Our service did not suffer but
she had plenty of tables in addition to ours.

When leading a group it is important not to give them too much information all at once or else, they tune you out (like kids). It was here I told them alcohol and specialty non alcholic drinks were part if the dining plan. Also, if you don’t want dessert you can ask if they can substitute an appetizer.

SIL, BIL, A and myself got the Kungsloosh spiced excursion ale. Yum!

Dre got the Schweitzer slush which he did not love

I did though!
Not sure what the rest of the crew got. Except AJ got the punch line punch and did not care for it.
I asked our server, Michelle, if we could substitute any appetizers for dessert. Soup or salad was the answer. SIL got salad

I got the butternut coconut curry soup- so good!

And everyone else got chicken noodle soup:

We also got some apps for the table. Dumplings which must have been good because I did not get one and falafel which was a little bland:

 

[WDisneyW]

Great report!

 

[Darstarr]

Great report!

Thank you!

 

[Darstarr]

Day 3/Dec 23 cont

Main course time!
My SIL and I got the sustainable fish which was cobia. I don’t know if it changes day to day because I have never been there before. I do know this was freaking incredible. Almost perfect!

(And yes, that is a second beer you see there. I said I liked it!)

My youngest, Dre had the noodle dish but it was missing something. Oh yah, noodles!

My middle son, AJ had the pork:

This was completely awful. The flavors, texture, presentation. It was all horrible. My husband, Ant, who likes/eats EVERYTHING (except box mac n cheese) even disliked it. This was the total stink bomb of the menu. And now AJ was hangry. I think we ended up getting popcorn and he ate that for lunch.

Ant got Barry. Seriously, when the runner put the food down in front if him he said, “this is your lunch, Barry.”

It was a whole sheeps head snapper (told you he eats anything) and he loved it!

The rest if the crew got steak. Looks awful but they all liked it:

I must have gotten us a FP for Philharmagic because that is where we ended up next.
I kept calling the three Alexanders in our group “the three Alejandros” or “three caballeros”. Here they are:

Funny story: I was wondering why my FIL wasn’t smiling. Turns out he broke a tooth our first night. I found out because around this time my SIL was yelling at him. Not yelling yelling. Talking VERY loudly. I gave her the questioning look. Turns out his hearing aid battery also died that first night. Oy vey!

Their handling of scooters in Philharmagic was odd. The took the scooter people and two “friends” each and took them up on a ramp at the top of the waiting area. This was so they could access the top handicap row. But they left us with in g pop with no info. Doors open. Everyone is running to the front and there is us, salmon again, trying to join the rest of the fam in the back of the theatre. The scooter party were in the last row and we were in the row just in front of them.

 

[Darstarr]

Day 3/Dec 23 cont

Picture this.....
You have just sat in a nice relaxing dark theatre for 20 minutes or so. Your belly is full from a delicious lunch. You have had a couple of drinks. The park is crowded but for the last 20 minutes you havent had to listen to anyone. You havent had to answer questions or make decisions. You have just sat, undisturbed with your own thoughts and feelings. You walk out of the theatre and you are refreshed. You hear the music from the carousel, the squeels of children. A couple walk by, he with a map, her on her phone, clearly trying to find something but their conversation is not in english. You take a deep breathe and you are at peace. But wait, why is that member of the custodial staff standing by that pole just outside the theatre? And why are they always in white? Cooks, painters...focus. Her cart is parked at an odd angle. Why is she blocking traffic? Doesn't she know she is in the way? You glance up at her. Her name tag says Sethylyn. Such a pretty name. Her face registers something bad. Did someone throw up? Is that what she is blocking? She has a squirt bottle in her hand, and the look is still there. It’s disgust. Definately disgust. It seems a little harsh for vomit. Sometimes people get sick. She is talking to you now. Such a beautiful sing song voice. Is that a Caribbean accent? You could listen to her all day. Then WHAM. “Some lady let her kid pee on the pole. Yah, pulled his pants down right here and let him pee all over. She told me she couldn't find a bathroom. That mom must be from another planet.”
And back to reality.

 

[krisri18]

Day 3/Dec 23 cont

Picture this.....
You have just sat in a nice relaxing dark theatre for 20 minutes or so. Your belly is full from a delicious lunch. You have had a couple of drinks. The park is crowded but for the last 20 minutes you havent had to listen to anyone. You havent had to answer questions or make decisions. You have just sat, undisturbed with your own thoughts and feelings. You walk out of the theatre and you are refreshed. You hear the music from the carousel, the squeels of children. A couple walk by, he with a map, her on her phone, clearly trying to find something but their conversation is not in english. You take a deep breathe and you are at peace. But wait, why is that member of the custodial staff standing by that pole just outside the theatre? And why are they always in white? Cooks, painters...focus. Her cart is parked at an odd angle. Why is she blocking traffic? Doesn't she know she is in the way? You glance up at her. Her name tag says Sethylyn. Such a pretty name. Her face registers something bad. Did someone throw up? Is that what she is blocking? She has a squirt bottle in her hand, and the look is still there. It’s disgust. Definately disgust. It seems a little harsh for vomit. Sometimes people get sick. She is talking to you now. Such a beautiful sing song voice. Is that a Caribbean accent? You could listen to her all day. Then WHAM. “Some lady let her kid pee on the pole. Yah, pulled his pants down right here and let him pee all over. She told me she couldn't find a bathroom. That mom must be from another planet.”
And back to reality.

There are no words.... Maybe it's the same woman who @wdisney9000 ran into...

 

[amjt660]

Great family pictures before and during dinner

Your food and drink pics look great

Max

 

[Rista1313]

Day 3/Dec 23 cont

Picture this.....
You have just sat in a nice relaxing dark theatre for 20 minutes or so. Your belly is full from a delicious lunch. You have had a couple of drinks. The park is crowded but for the last 20 minutes you havent had to listen to anyone. You havent had to answer questions or make decisions. You have just sat, undisturbed with your own thoughts and feelings. You walk out of the theatre and you are refreshed. You hear the music from the carousel, the squeels of children. A couple walk by, he with a map, her on her phone, clearly trying to find something but their conversation is not in english. You take a deep breathe and you are at peace. But wait, why is that member of the custodial staff standing by that pole just outside the theatre? And why are they always in white? Cooks, painters...focus. Her cart is parked at an odd angle. Why is she blocking traffic? Doesn't she know she is in the way? You glance up at her. Her name tag says Sethylyn. Such a pretty name. Her face registers something bad. Did someone throw up? Is that what she is blocking? She has a squirt bottle in her hand, and the look is still there. It’s disgust. Definately disgust. It seems a little harsh for vomit. Sometimes people get sick. She is talking to you now. Such a beautiful sing song voice. Is that a Caribbean accent? You could listen to her all day. Then WHAM. “Some lady let her kid pee on the pole. Yah, pulled his pants down right here and let him pee all over. She told me she couldn't find a bathroom. That mom must be from another planet.”
And back to reality.

Nuh uh!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Megbutnotmegan]

Michele was my server at Skippers on NYE!! She was hilarious!! She told us not to let the pixie cut fool us... she’s more Evil Queen than fairy

 

[Darstarr]

Nuh uh!!!!!!!!!!

True

 

[Darstarr]

Michele was my server at Skippers on NYE!! She was hilarious!! She told us not to let the pixie cut fool us... she’s more Evil Queen than fairy

Ha ha! She was slammed so we didn't have too much fun time.

 

[Darstarr]

Day 3/Dec 23 cont

A little bit earlier I had recieved a room ready text. Now I got a phone call. The CM asked if I had been to my room yet. I told her no. She said good because houskeeping noticed a funny smell so they were moving me. Remember this.

My oldest nephew, A, is very into politics and history. He had hoped to see HoP last time we were there (about 10 years ago). I felt 10 years was long enough to wait. Lincoln still blows my mind. I remember as a little girl thinking he was real. If I didn't know better...

We refilled our popcorn buckets, stopped for a picture by the tree

And headed out to the bus

Ant headed to the TTC to drive our luggage to AKL.

AKL here we come!!!

I went to the front desk to get my “new” room number. I expected to be seperate from the other two rooms in our group. Instead I was smack dab in the middle of them. Wow! They managed to move all three rooms? This time of year? P.S. my room smelled like Ankole cattle. The other two rooms smelled fine. Hmmmm....

 

[Darstarr]

Day 3/Dec 23 cont

Typical room

The view of rhe savanna was good but I felt so close to the other wing of the building.

There were a couple kids across the way that would scream really loud at the animals. The animals would then leave. Lucky animals

I went down to the front desk to get the snack credits ftom earlier removed from our accounts and the $ put back to my card. I also told them I thought there would be a microwave (DVC rooms have them- my mistake) and they offered to send one up.

We all headed to the Mara for dinner. I had the chicken sandwich and a sangria. I remember Dre had a burger and loved it!

We were all too tired to head back out. I took a hot shower, brushed my teeth and jumped in bed. We watched Sunday night football and it put me right to sleep!

 

[Rista1313]

The When you wish upon a star bus. I read somewhere that if you ask, they will take you anywhere you want. Did you try?

 

[Darstarr]

The When you wish upon a star bus. I read somewhere that if you ask, they will take you anywhere you want. Did you try?

Oh man!!!! No, I did not ask. It was across the street from us so not accessable. If I ever see it again I will ask. But where should I go? Back to the resort seems so boring!

 

[Rista1313]

Oh man!!!! No, I did not ask. It was across the street from us so not accessable. If I ever see it again I will ask. But where should I go? Back to the resort seems so boring!

Hmmmm good question!

 

[Darstarr]

Hmmmm good question!

Lets put a pin in that.

 

[Darstarr]

Day 4/Dec 24

We were up at 7:00. Showered and began microwaving everyones egg sandwiches, oatmeal etc. We made our way to the bus stop and a bus came fairly quickly. However, there were already 2 ECV’s on that bus so the driver assured us he called for another bus. True to his word, another bus pulled up within 5 minutes.

It was Green day- not the whiny band, the color!

Fantasy football playoffs. We do a family league and my dog, Kobe, has a team so we have an even number. I was 11-1 going into playoffs and then I was eliminated by my dog.

We were headed to Epcot where we were met with a huge security line. We are a pretty competitive bunch so we each took a different line and made a game out if it. My nephew A crushed us!!! I was on an end with my SIL and they kept walking guests who needed special assistance to the front of our line. For example, there was a girl who had an issue with crowds. One lady started to make a fuss and I said to my SIL ,loud, so this lady could hear me, “we are so fortunate to have healthy children!”

First stop!!

We headed straight to Soarin’

See my minnie ears? Well now you see them...

 

[Darstarr]

Day 4/Dec 24 cont

Best seats in the house:

Being a Cali girl I have to say I am partial to the original. I must have been California dreamin because I left my ears behind! I noticed as we were exiting into the Land. I did not want anyone waiting on me and my mistake so I told them go get on living with the land. “Either I meet you in line or I meet you after.” Been there, done that, all good. I spoke to a CM and she asked me some questions to determine which theatre I was in. Then showed me pictures to guide me back.

I took too long and just missed getting in after the show right after mine was over. So I had to wait for another show to run its course.
Then my SIL and husband started texting me. They are not on line for lwtl they got fastpasses. What did they do?!?!?
I got my ears and went back to them. Turns out the line was really long so a CM took them off line and gave them a FP for 10 minutes later. 9:37 to be exact. We still had a few minutes so X went and got his momma (me) a cinnamon roll. Yay! I finally got one, which I split with X.

9:37

So crowded. You can see the CM giving hand written FP’s out: