Trip Report The We Canceled Everything, It's Over Trip Report!

I've been a member of this forum for about a year now but prefer to read from afar rather than being vocal on here. I've probably literally read every trip report (i'm a pro at procrastination). ] After reading so many great trip reports I thought I'd give it a go!

Originally this trip was supposed to happen from January 3rd - January 12th, but due to unforeseen snow storms and illnesses among family members we canceled everything eight hours before our flight was set to leave. Needless to say we were heartbroken and quickly rescheduled everything for January 6th! After losing all of our dinner reservations we kicked it into high gear and began picking up the pieces. So here is the story of our last minute vacation!

WHEN - January 6th - January 12th

WHERE - Disney's Wilderness Lodge (our first time, we usually stay at the Polynesian)

WHO -
Me (Anastasia) - lover of all things Disney, especially Peter Pan and Beauty and the Beast
Brother (Artie) - a go with the flow vacation goer
Dad - sick for half of the trip, has an obsession with the Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion Ride
Mom - the organizer/vacation planner, from maps to color coated charts she is the ultimate vacation planner

my family - the cast of this trip


Our trip began at 5:30am as we said goodbye to our furry friend and headed to the AC airport for our 7:30am flight!

airport breakfast


ready to fly!


As always security and the flight was no hassle! Before I knew it I was seeing palm trees! We decided not to take the Magical Express and took a car service instead. After DECADES of traveling (well maybe only 30 minutes) we finally arrived "home". I love how they say "welcome home" it's such a great feeling!

 

[party like it's 99]

Your report is full of such energy, just like you. Fantastic job.

aww thank you so much for reading along

 

[party like it's 99]

Day 3, Nighttime, My First Magic Moment of the Trip

After an hour of downtime in the room the four of us were off to Magic Kingdom for our next dinner reservation: The Liberty Tree Tavern. We go here every vacation and yet for some reason I forgot they took the characters out a while ago, so that was a disappointment. Other than that, I have no complaints. Give me a bowl of mac and cheese and I'll like any restaurant. In about five minutes we were called to our table, located in the George Washington room.

For some reason my dad insists on taking a picture of us at each meal, but as you can see no one was really embracing it.


I enjoyed the new dessert better than the old apple dessert. The new one is sponsored by crasin and is a warm vanilla cake with craisins baked in and, if I remember correctly, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Once we devoured the cake it was time for us to venture out and get our night started!

The lovely picture I colored during dinner


Our first ride of choice was It's a Small World


Next we hopped in the non existent line for The Little Mermaid. Everything was in working order. I really think Disney messed up Ariel's eyes on this ride though, they're just huge and weird. They made up for it though with Ursulla, she looks fabulous!

Following our undersea adventure was a trip to the Circus bathrooms! While back there we noticed Goofy and Donald only had a ten minute line which I couldn't pass up.



First up, Goofy! He is quite the gentleman, and so tall! Perfect heel wearing height!




Next up, Donald! Did I mention the lighting is awful in this place?


Since it's against my beliefs to pass up a short line, me and my mom hopped in line for Dumbo. The entire time we were yelling for my brother and dad to look up, but I guess they learned to tune us out!


Making our way around to the castle we stopped for a ride on the TTA


Wanting to make it in time for Wishes we then walked towards Main Street for a stop in Starbucks. Now the change from the bakery to Starbucks does not really bother me, it does bother the rest of my family though. They miss the great sandwiches and pastries it once offered, but I like how a five dollar frappacino is covered by a snack credit on the meal plan. I believe I got a mocha-chip frappacino while the other members of my family shared a slice of lemon bread and a berry bread.

Snacks in hand we went to sit at a table in front of the ice cream shop to watch Wishes from. Unlike the first night, this showing of Wishes was all I wanted. Tinkerbell flew down and my entire family was there watching it with me, how much more could you want? Once it was over, Artie and dad left to go ride the bigger rides while they had shorter wait times. Me and mom stayed back to watch the castle projection show.

Here's where things start to get good. The park was pretty much empty by now, since people left after Wishes. We were able to get right in front of the castle and sit on the ground, again barely any people around. The lights dimmed and the show started. Usually we are only there for the Christmas projection show, so this was a pleasant change. From the moment Walt began to sketch Mickey in the beginning I began to cry. It's just such a beautiful show, and not having a large crowd around you to make noise and move around really enhanced the experience. When it ended we stood up and my mom gave me a big hug on Main Street. It was the perfectly magic ending of any day.



Up Next, A Late Christmas Walk in Hollywood

 

[stevehousse]

Me and my wife joke about how Ariel wants to be human so she can smoke a fatty! LOL she looks high as a kite in the ride!

 

[party like it's 99]

Me and my wife joke about how Ariel wants to be human so she can smoke a fatty! LOL she looks high as a kite in the ride!

Hahah yes! Me and my brother said the same thing when we first rode it, like who thought that was a good representation?!

 

[RMichael21]

I'm loving this trip report! Can't wait to see more!

 

[plaz10]

Really loving this TR. I have Liberty Tree Tavern on my list of future ADRs - mostly for lunch but I do love some mac n cheese so maybe dinner as well!

I agree with you on Starbucks - I certainly enjoyed Main St. Bakery but they have a lot of pastry options and such so I still enjoy it...and I don't even drink coffee!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[3Caballeros]

What a wonderful trip report!! The way you write, I can feel your emotions, passion, humor & the occasional disappointing moments. When you hugged your mom, I had a happy tear in my eye cause I could feel the magic as if I were hugging my mom at that time/place.
Can't wait to read more!!!

 

[Walter Bishop]

I remember taking my son Peter to WDW back in 1979. It was funny that I wanted to take him on Splash Mountain, but it wasn't built yet in our universe. Still, I do remember the bakery on Main Street that had such a wonderful raspberry tart.

 

[party like it's 99]

Really loving this TR. I have Liberty Tree Tavern on my list of future ADRs - mostly for lunch but I do love some mac n cheese so maybe dinner as well!

I agree with you on Starbucks - I certainly enjoyed Main St. Bakery but they have a lot of pastry options and such so I still enjoy it...and I don't even drink coffee!

Can't wait to read more!

We were supposed to go to Liberty Tree for lunch before our reservations were canceled. I personally have never been there for lunch, but my brother has and he loved it.

Thanks for following along!

 

[party like it's 99]

What a wonderful trip report!! The way you write, I can feel your emotions, passion, humor & the occasional disappointing moments. When you hugged your mom, I had a happy tear in my eye cause I could feel the magic as if I were hugging my mom at that time/place.
Can't wait to read more!!!

Thank you so much for following along

 

[party like it's 99]

I remember taking my son Peter to WDW back in 1979. It was funny that I wanted to take him on Splash Mountain, but it wasn't built yet in our universe. Still, I do remember the bakery on Main Street that had such a wonderful raspberry tart.

Have you been back since? Thanks for reading along

 

[party like it's 99]

Day 4

Today we awoke around 9:30 with hopes of leaving semi early, well from our point of view. I was under the impression we were ready to leave when my brother and dad insisted on going to Roaring Fork to eat breakfast. Disappointed, my mom and I stayed back in the room and waited...and waited. Now if you need to know anything about the men in my family it's that they are the slowest eaters on the planet! After waiting a solid 40 minutes for them to eat some toast we were off to my favorite park, Hollywood Studios!





We headed off to the right, making our way down to our first fast pass plus, The Rocking Roller Coaster! On the way there I had a run in with one of my favorite men, Gene Kelly (granted, I do like Donald O'Conner better in this movie).



As we continued our walk we noticed something was off. THERE WAS STILL CHRISTMAS MUSIC! I'm sorry Disney but by January 8th it is NOT Christmas anymore, it's over! I just wanted to hear Hollywood music! Sorry about that rant but it's true!

I ended up riding Rocking Roller Coaster by myself because my brother felt compelled to go for a huge breakfast that morning. However, my lovely mom waited in line with me and then exited before we got to the loading zone. While we were waiting in line my brother and dad went to save us seats for the Beauty and the Beast stage show, a personal favorite. When we went to meet up with them the cast member said the show was full. My mom then called my dad to tell him not to look for us; the cast member over heard and let us go in to meet them!

Sorry no pictures, just wanted to enjoy the show. Following the show me and my mom were starting to get hungry since we skipped out on breakfast. For the first time we chose Starring Rolls (thanks to these trip reports!). None of us even knew it was there since it closes early and blends right into The Brown Derby. It did not disappoint!

Everyone got the ham sandwich except for me, I went for the turkey.



For dessert my dad got a chocolate muffin, Artie got a cinnamon bun, my mom got a chocolate peanut butter cupcake, and I got the butterfinger cupcake. It was good, but the only reason it was considered butterfinger was that the outside of the icing was coated in bits of butterfinger.





We ended up getting to go boxes to bring the rest of our desserts to the room. Artie and dad wanted to see Lights, Motors, Action so we made our way back there, 40minutes before the show mind you. After waiting the show began. We've seen this show before but not in a couple of trips. As always it was great! I enjoyed the change from Herby the Lovebug to Lightning McQueen.





Upon exiting I had to take advantage of my favorite photo spot. Now take notice how my picture goes from graceful and nicely posed, to Arties not so graceful attempt (good try though!).





At this point Artie and dad headed back to the room while me and mom stayed back to watch Voyage of the Little Mermaid. It was good but I think if they're going to rely on movie clips to tell a story, they should freshen it up. I should not be seeing black blotches on my journey with Ariel. Speaking of Ariel, I don't know if her mic was low but she sounded like she was whispering.

When we came out the skies had opened and it was pouring! I thought this would be a great opportunity to go to take a drawing class at the animators court. We just missed it by a few minutes

Braving the storm we booked it to the shops on the main boulevard. I was on a mission to buy a Disney Alix and Ani bracelet, and since it was just Christmas a couple of weeks ago they were sold out everywhere, including Hollywood Studios. We did buy a poncho to make our trek back to the bus a little drier. A singular poncho for two people...



It doesn't look bad in the background but trust me, it was awful!

Up Next, A Kiss Goodnight

 

[Blueboxdoc]

I remember taking my son Peter to WDW back in 1979. It was funny that I wanted to take him on Splash Mountain, but it wasn't built yet in our universe. Still, I do remember the bakery on Main Street that had such a wonderful raspberry tart.

And I was only a year old, not the best planning either way you look at it. Though, it is a shame about the bakery.

 

[FlaggNL]

I am sure it will be October before we know it Love the pics!! Good to see there is also Dutch when leaving Small World --> Vaarwel

 

[smk]

Loving this report! Thanks!

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Really enjoying your report! I'm a fellow wdw lover from NJ I'm glad I am not the only person who gets overly emotional at disney, I totally understand you crying at the projection show! The place is just so magical! Loving your food pictures.. that turkey sandwich is making me hungry! My last trip I watched illuminations in the pouring rain.. however it made for a memorable experience. There were not many people there, and my best friend and I danced in our ponchos. I'm sure you will always treasure the memories of you and your bro watching in 35 degree weather! Look forward to reading more

 

[party like it's 99]

Really enjoying your report! I'm a fellow wdw lover from NJ I'm glad I am not the only person who gets overly emotional at disney, I totally understand you crying at the projection show! The place is just so magical! Loving your food pictures.. that turkey sandwich is making me hungry! My last trip I watched illuminations in the pouring rain.. however it made for a memorable experience. There were not many people there, and my best friend and I danced in our ponchos. I'm sure you will always treasure the memories of you and your bro watching in 35 degree weather! Look forward to reading more

That's true, how many people get to say they watch Illuminations in 35degree Florida weather! I read your last trip report, thanks for following along!

 

[party like it's 99]

Day 4, Nighttime

After about an hour hanging out in the room it was time to make our way over to Magic Kingdom. Since it was the beginning of an off season The Main Street Electrical Parade was only being performed one night during our stay, and this was the night. The parade began at seven and me and my mom got there at six to find a spot and wait while Artie and dad sat this one out and went on rides instead. We had a good system of sitting people so the kids behind us could see. However, after 40 minutes the people in front of us stood up causing a rippling effect. You could hear the kids and parents behind us complaining. My mom and I were in the second row so luckily we could still see.





Once it was finished we made a mad dash to the Crystal Palace for our 7:15 dinner reservation (i know i know, we were a little late, but who plans a parade to run once a week?!). As always the food was great but I don't know why they leave the mac and cheese and mini corn dogs at the kiddie station, don't adults eat them too?

first up




followed by


my favorite pig!


looks like I got a little sleepy




finally, everyones favorite silly ole bear!




When it was time for us to leave mom and dad went back to the room while me and Artie stayed (there was a whopping 30 minutes of park time left!). I was really feeling a ride on Thunder Mountain so off we went. This was the only ride we had time to make it on but it was well worth it!

On the way out stopped for one of these



I opted for the vanilla ice cream since I don't really enjoy dole whip (i know i know) but I do love pineapple juice so I thought this would be a happy medium. I was right!



My brother had another idea going so we stopped at the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor (or whatever the official name is). He decided on the American Classic (i think) which was vanilla and chocolate ice cream with chocolate and peanut butter sauce. As he was ordering I waited outside at one of the tables and had a little moment with me and the castle. This was my last night in the Magic Kingdom so it was a big moment. At some point I got so engulfed in the moment that a cast member had to try to get my attention twice before snapping me out of it (he was trying to put the umbrella down). After that the moment was over, but I'm glad I had that little moment alone.



After we heard The Kiss Goodnight for the first time we were ready to leave.







Even the ducks were walking out


Get it? It's "Art's" traditional picture!


As we were waiting for the boat to come I saw a little boy wearing a dr who shirt. Now if you know my family you know that we love that show! I told the boy I liked his shirt and his little sister got so excited another girl watched the show. I proceeded to tell them how I met Arthur Darvill, one of the old supporting characters, in NYC a few weeks ago (I tell everyone who's willing to listen), and guess what, the little boy met him in NYC too! It was a cool little moment for a dr. who fan like myself

Sorry for that little side story! We then went back to the room and I got changed for the hot tub! 104 degrees of loveliness! See, the Polynesian doesn't have this little perk so I was all about it. It was once again, the perfect ending to the day.

Up Next, Day 5 (sorry for the lack of creative name)

 

[stevehousse]

Unless I missed something, I believe you watched the Main Street Electric Parade, as unfortunately, Spectro Magic has been dismantled and will never see the light of day again

They are actually selling limited edition pins that come with a "piece" of various floats from the parade...

 

[party like it's 99]

Unless I missed something, I believe you watched the Main Street Electric Parade, as unfortunately, Spectro Magic has been dismantled and will never see the light of day again

They are actually selling limited edition pins that come with a "piece" of various floats from the parade...

Omg! Hahah I was listening to the Spectro Magic soundtrack on my iTunes while writing this, thanks ill chi fix it now!