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]

DAY 1 (Continued)

As soon as we got over the grandness of the Wilderness Lodge we checked in an were immediately given a room on the second floor on the side closest to the buses. Since we canceled our initial reservations they had to re activate our magic bands; luckily this caused no problem and we were able to keep the colored bands rather than getting the ugly grey ones!

After checking out our room (photos later in the week) we heading to the Roaring Forks for some much needed grub! I can't quite remember what everyone else ordered but I got a cheeseburger and the smores cupcake. All I can say is I can probably eat nothing but that smore cupcake for the rest of my life and be a happy camper, SO GOOD!



holy yum!


Since my dad wasn't feeling well him and my mom stayed back while me and my brother got ready to head to Magic Kingdom!

getting ready...sort of


finally, we were on our way to the Magic Kingdom!


As soon as we walked in we were greeted with an abundance of Christmas cheer (two weeks after Christmas mind you) but hey we're in Disney so I'll take it!



Artie not entertaining my excitement


mingling with the locals


We didn't really have a plan upon entering the park and let me just say it was CROWDED! we're talking a wait for the people mover AND it's a small world! So we just wandered around and stumbled upon the saddest sight ever...



Now on our original plans we would've been in the Magic Kingdom the day before and had a fast pass plus scheduled for Splash Mountain! We were so so close to being able to ride it

 

[party like it's 99]

DAY 1 (you can't expect the first day to be short!)

After seeing the horrifying waiting times we decided to walk the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House. We were, however, quickly reminded why we never go on that, it's a big line to nothing! It was like Disney's first attempt at an interactive cue, minus the ride.




After exiting the "ride" we noticed the sign for the Jingle Cruise was still up and that today was the last day for it. Over an hour wait, no problem, I'll just change my fast pass plus from Story Time With Belle to the Jingle Cruise, easy! We then went for a rousing ride on the Carousel!



Following this royal ride we watched Mickey's Philharmagic. Let me just say, I LOVE this show! The smells and scene flow are simply perfect! We then got a call from my mom saying that her and my dad were coming over to meet us for our Jingle Cruise fast pass plus, so off to Main Street we went! It wasn't long before we received the call that they would be entering the park.

they found us!




Following our little Main Street photo shoot we made our way to the Jingle Cruise. They scanned our magic bands and informed us that our fast pass plus was scheduled for Thunder Mountain. Knowing this was never a possibility I quickly pulled up my app and showed them that the switch was confirmed. No problem, we were in!

There wasn't much new to take pictures of but I do love cheesy Christmas joke anytime any day! I did notice that one of the elephants had a hole in his neck (poor guy must have gotten into a fight!)



It was then time to say goodbye to the park and head on over to our first dinner reservation (made the previous day by yours truly)



On our countless stays at the Polynesian we somehow managed to avoid Ohana every single time! It was well worth the wait though! I thought it was a very cute touch how everyone was your cousin



I honestly did not think I would like this at all, I hate bananas and am not a fan of bread pudding my OH MY! I don't know what sort of drugs they put in here but I couldn't get enough of it!


up next, a night of difference

 

[party like it's 99]

Day 1 (more)

After dinner my brother and I parted ways from our parents and headed back to the Magic Kingdom. Upon entering we noticed the Castle was still lit in its Christmas lights. Don't get me wrong, I was happy to see it lit, but I was bummed my mom was missing out on it (she loves seeing the castle lit).



Getting pass this we made our way to our next fast pass plus: Thunder Mountain! Now let me just pause and say after dinner we took our parents magic bands to take advantage of their fast passes. Some may call it abusing your power, but we payed for them so I don't feel bad. This being said, we rode Thunder Mountain twice in a row! Once our ride was done we stopped at a table and played checkers, just enjoying the moment.



Following we made it to the castle in time for Wishes. I failed to mention earlier that the week we were there was the week of Brazillion take over! I have never heard so many chants before in my life! Now, as i'm trying to enjoy one of the most touching shows Disney has to offer all I am hearing are chants and talking. I'm sorry do you know see the amazing show that is right in front of you?!? I "shhh" d them and it kind of helped, but not really.

As soon as the show was done we made a dash for Pirates (after dodging every single Brazillion make out session we came across...). I did love the higher backs on the Pirate boats! We then used a fast pass plus for Peter Pan (hands down my favorite ride ever!). I personally thought the colors looked more vivid

Before this I switched my parents magic band fast passes to Space Mountain. On any normal day my brother would refuse to ride Space Mountain, but the winds were blowing in my favor tonight! I then somehow convinced him to ride the Astro Orbiter with me; how we both fit in one seat is still a mystery to me.



Lets just say, Artie will not be riding this anytime in the near future. It freaked him out how it leans in as you get higher...but I sure had fun! We then saw there was no wait for buzz and proceeded to ride it two times (we each won one). The buzz in the cue was broken (I didn't see it working all week) as well as the one at the end of the ride!

I obviously danced along the way


no buzz


After we took a quick walk to Fantasy Land and rode Winnie the Pooh followed by The Little Mermaid! We certainly made up for lost time from a crowded morning! It was then time to head back and get some much needed shut eye!

up next, a night at the shore

 

[FlaggNL]

Hej nice TR Great to read and see the pictures!

 

[party like it's 99]

Hej nice TR Great to read and see the pictures!

glad you're enjoying

 

[Minnie Sue]

We're planning to do Wilderness Lodge for our next trip...excited to read your report!

 

[party like it's 99]

We're planning to do Wilderness Lodge for our next trip...excited to read your report!

I was actually very pleased with the Wilderness Lodge, considering I compared it to the Polynesian. It was very relaxing, glad you're following along

 

[LizC]

Nice TR so far, I am definitely in! I love the Minnie ears, I think I may have to get myself and my daughter some when we are there next month!

 

[party like it's 99]

Day 2

After a long night's rest we finally awoke at 10:00am to find my parents already out of the room for breakfast at Roaring Forks. A little mad they didn't wake me (I had earplugs in, my dads a snorer) I began to get ready and await for their return. Fifteen minutes later they were back and my brother was still asleep! At this point I'm itching to get out of the room, so I pressured my mom to head to Magic Kingdom with me and agree to meet up with my brother and dad later. Finally, around 10:30, we were on a bus ready to go!

Our first plan was to go to our fast pass plus for Buzz followed by a ride on the Haunted Mansion!



Just as this picture was being taken we received a call from my dad saying they used their fast pass plus for buzz and were going to meet us for our fast past plus reservation for Winnie the Pooh.

nothing like a photo shoot while waiting in line
[IM



Since me and Artie did not eat up to this point it was time for lunch. Since we were conveyniently in Fantasy Land me and my mom somehow convinced everyone to wait in line for Be Our Guest! I clearly love this addition but I must say a decimal place must have been off in the construction of the outside of the castle, it is clearly tiny. Now this was not our first time eating here for lunch but it may as well have been; the same feeling of awe still struck me as I entered.

blinking


just trying to blend in


My dad and I both ordered the turkey sandwiches (they were perfect) and my brother and mom got the braised something (they both liked it). But onto desserts! my mom and I split the passion fruit cream puff and the grey stuff cupcake (how could I resist?). The cream puff was good, but strange, I don't know if I'd order it again; it was refreshing but not quite what I was expecting. They grey stuff truly was delicious and I didn't even have to ask the dishes! It was my first time trying it and it surpassed my expectations!



a little castle photoshoot. i wish they sold these ornaments, i would buy all of them





As you can tell I was obsessed with this tree




I was finally convinced to leave after promise of another photo opportunity


just me and my man




Up Next, My Leading Roll

 

[party like it's 99]

Day 2 continued

Following lunch was our last fast pass plus of the day for Story Time With Belle. Being someone who acted for seven years around the community as well as someone who wants to teach elementary aged children and is obsessed with Beauty and the Beast, this attraction calls my name. Last year when we visited only me and my brother experienced this, so naturally I made sure the rest of my family would get the chance to take part.

Remembering my prior experience on the attraction I knew I had to be obvious that I wanted a part! Now when we went last year the wardrobe was broken and her head was covered. But this year she was great!


As soon as we were given the order to march, my brother and I began stomping away! And what do you know, we were both cast as soldiers! SCORE!


Hi mom!


This was the moment I had been waiting for, meeting my favorite princess of all time!


I don't have this written down but I guess at some point we made it into the store


Before we knew it our shining moment was over and we were on our way! My brother wanted to meet Merida (his favorite) with my mom while my dad and me went off to Mickey's Philharmagic. As I have said before I adore this show, however, during this showing one of the speakers on the left side of the theater began crackling and eventually went out completely, making the show anticlimactic. But no worries, we will be coming back later in the week! When our show was done we met up with my brother and mom who were almost next in line to meet Merida; I snatched this golden opportunity and joined them in line.



This pretty much says it all






She was really fun to talk to but her accent was non existent compared to the person we met last year


After this my parents headed back to the room to rest up before dinner later while me and Artie stayed in the park a little bit longer. For some reason we decided to go on It's A Small World. Now, I know for a fact my brother hates this ride so I have no clue what inspired us to ride this. I on the other hand enjoy it, I feel like I see new things every single time. As we entered the boat we noticed a piece of eaten corn on the cob on the floor of our row...ew. Where does one obtain a random piece of corn on the cob and who thinks it's acceptable to leave it on a ride?! Other than that our ride was enjoyable. I did notice though, in the room where the dolls are dancing on the edge of the rectangular pool (the name of the country escapes me, but it'll come to me eventually) that one of the four dolls was missing, but would be back on our next ride around.

We then noticed the line to meet Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella was only ten minutes! It's weird to think that was once a dark ride and now just rooms to meet people in. It was soon our turn and as soon as we entered I noticed Aurora was not there, but rather Jasmine! I personally was very excited about this but thought it was strange that they did not advertise this.



The problem with meeting princesses with your brother is they always ask if he's your prince charming and things get awkward real fast.







Exiting we decided to test our strength and try pulling out the sword!


We then thought it best to start heading back to the room to freshen up for dinner. Along the way I made it a point to stop in the hat store and listen to the people talking on the phone, something I learned about while reading trip reports!

Before we reached the phone a nice man offered to take our picture. When Toy Story first came out me and Artie dressed up in some kick butt Woody and Jessie costumes
(complete with a red yarn wig) and walked in our towns Halloween parade.






On our way out we saw this bus, does anyone know who gets to ride on there?


Up next, a night at the shore and what's the temperature?!

 

[party like it's 99]

Nice TR so far, I am definitely in! I love the Minnie ears, I think I may have to get myself and my daughter some when we are there next month!

Minnie ears just make everything happier, you should definitely pick up a pair! Thanks for following along

 

[party like it's 99]

Day 2

After freshening up we were back on a bus to go to dinner at The Cape May Cafe! This would be our first time here and me and my mom were SO excited! My dad was still sick and didn't really eat and my brother needs to be in a particular mood for seafood, oh well, I enjoyed it! To get there we took a bus to Magic Kingdom and then transferred to a bus going to the Beach Club. Looking back it wasn't too much of a hassle but at the time hungry Anastasia thought it took forever!

We waited maybe two minutes tops before our buzzer went off and we were seated. When we were waiting for our waitress my dad goes "wait what is this place called?" and we all noticed his shirt said Cape May NJ on it As soon as we were given to go ahead to go the buffet I was off! Unlimited crab legs in the middle of winter is any Jersey girls dream! There was only one problem, there were no crackers! For the first twenty minutes of eating my mom and I struggled to break our crabs open. My dad even caught on video crab juice squirting onto my face, it was not good. My mom eventually noticed the table next to us had one and we stole it off of the table, apparently our waitress neglected to provide them for us even after she saw us obviously struggling.



Dinner was very good and I would go back there again in a heartbeat. We then decided to explore the grounds and found a smores station!



I used to think I would never stay at the Beach Club just because the "boardwalk" there gets me angry. It is nothing like the shore up here and I just think it's a tad over rated. However after walking around the Beach Club I can definitely say it's added to my future hotel list. Let me just say the pool with the sand bottom was my selling factor, that is SO COOL! There is no greater feeling than swimming with your feet in the sand.

Goodbye's were then said to the parents and me and Artie hopped on a boat to Epcot. Unfortunately there were no seat left on the inside of the boat so we were left sitting outside...did I mention the temperature got down to 35degrees that night?



We somehow stumbled upon the coke building and went in to try the new flavors. My brother tried to pull one over on my and have me try Beverly but I know better! I think my favorite was Thailand!



Thailand



We were then led into a seemingly empty building, I actually had to ask a cast member what was in there. There was a character spot and a Starbucks. Come on Disney, step up your game, that building was pathetic!

I then made the executive decision to ride Figment for the first time. I know a lot of people don't like this ride but I thought it was really cute and would choose to go on it again.

I LOVE WAYNE SZALINSKI!


Then for the first time we went on Mission Space, less intense side. I must say I was quite nervous going on this, and the airsick bags in the ride did not make me feel any better. I actually really enjoyed it! I liked how it was interactive. My brother on the other hand will not be riding it anytime soon.

After, we decided to cheat the system and ride single rider on Test Track. I find nothing wrong with choosing this option, if I'm comfortable with riding alone then what's the big deal? Unfortunately we were unaware that our magic bands could be used to build our car on and passed that section because we didn't have a card.



It was then finally time for me to get my new Minnie ears! You see, the current ears I have been wearing are six years old and it was time for new ones. I convinced my parents to buy them for me during Christmas time so before we said goodbye after dinner they gave me the money for them.

I am currently obsessed with the book The Great Gatsby so I thought these ears were appropriate.


It was almost time for Illuminations so we headed to the World Showcase. Let me just say, our family is a family of habit, and this forum is so great because it lead us to so much new and great food this trip! Our first stop was Norway for some, you guessed it, school bread! This was a first for us and it was SO GOOD! I liked how it was sweet but not too sweet because it was a bread crust, rather than a pastry.



We then booked it over to Germany for a caramel apple oatmeal cookie. I wasn't expecting to like this but i LOVED it! There was actual pieces of apple in there! The only downside was that we were given a fresh warm cookie and as soon as we got outside the caramel froze.



There was now only fifteen minutes until showtime so we settled down on a bench and enjoyed our snacks, well as best as you can in 35degree weather!

On a side note, for Christmas, I asked for a man scarf because women scarves are so dainty and not warm at all! Little did I know was my man scarf would be keeping me warm in Florida.




We did not realize we chose a bench right next to a firework cannon along the lake. Every time that thing let off a firework I jumped. This was the best showing of Illuminations I have ever seen. No one was there because of the weather so there was no one there to talk or block views. When I was in middle school I had my first pre pointe dance to the song We Go On from this show, so it has a special meaning to me.

Before I knew it the show was over and it was time to head back to the hotel for some heat!



While I showered for an hour, my mom and brother explored the hotel



Up next, a day with mom!

 

[party like it's 99]

Day 3

Today we were up bright and early ready to set off on a new adventure! The plan was to go to Animal Kingdom, the park we have been avoiding for our past probably five trips. The last time I was there was on my high school senior class trip and I've been itching to get back. Participating in today's adventure will be me, Artie, and my mom! I don't remember the exact time but our first fast pass plus was for the Safari and was very early for some members in our group, cough cough, Artie! As he was ever so slowly eating his breakfast I pushed our fast pass plus reservation a half an hour up so we would make it.

We finally made it!


Since it was still pretty cold out, a lot of the animals were out and about!


Even the hippos thought it was to cold for a swim


I won't bore you with the million pictures we took on the Safari but here's the back end of a baby elephant!


There was also someone out observing the flamingos


Soon our trek was over and we were on our way to our next fast pass plus, Dinosaur. On the way we walked through some shops and if you know me, this means one thing, a photo shoot!




We walked by these along the way and I fell in love with a light fixture


There she is!


My brother and I (my mom sat this one out) then entered the fast pass plus line to ride Dinosaur for the very first time.

I think my face says it all


But i conquered it! My brother felt a little queasy afterwards but I would do it again.



We had an awkward amount of time before our next fast pass plus reservation so we decided it was a perfect opportunity to stop for lunch. We decided on eating at a barbecue place were I got a turkey leg and my brother and mom got the pulled pork sandwich. Everything was alright, nothing special. I appreciate how they use the paper straws to protect the animals but I ended up swallowing some paper along with my drink. I also have an irrational fear of birds to eating among them wasn't the best situation.



After resting our feet for a bit we had to head towards our final fast pass plus reservation, Expedition Everest!



Monkeys along the way


Just like on senior trip the Yeti was not working (shocker). And as the running theme, I loved it and my brother was done with rides for the day...oops. We booked it over to Finding Nemo the Musical and were lucky enough to scoot in right as the show was starting. It was a little chaotic at first because no one could see anything, since the lights turned off, but we eventually ended up with seats. I love this show, the music, actors, puppets, everything! Once it was done I asked to see the Bugs Life 3D show. Up until this point I had never sat through the show without closing my eyes.

walking through the line


he reminded me of Spike from The Land Before Time




I can see why I closed my eyes all of those years! Who's idea was it to make a 3D shows about bugs and how they can kill you!? I still think it's a horrifying show and don't blame all of the kids who started crying!

 

[party like it's 99]

Day 3 - Animal Kingdom Continued

My brother then had this weird obsession with going back to Africa to get some drink he remembered having on his senior class trip. Entertaining his mission, we headed off to Africa! Along the way we got a little side tracked...







When we made it to a random snack cart in Africa we found the coveted beverage! As we ordered there was an African band singing a rendition of Hakuna Matata! Animal Kingdom may not have the best attractions but the overall energy and theme is undeniably fantastic. It was then our turn to order, we ended up using two snack credits and getting glazed pecans and a drink which had guava, passion fruit, and orange in it. Both were delicious, but the blended drink could not handle the fragile paper straws.



Our day at Animal Kingdom was coming to an end and we decided it was time to head back to the bus stop.

I want one of these in my room!




Overall I enjoyed Animal Kingdom. However, for someone who can't do thrill rides (my mom) there really isn't much to partake in besides nature walks and shows. I know this doesn't bother my mom but I know it would bother me if I had to sit around most of my day waiting for people to get off of rides. I can see myself going back but maybe not every trip.

Up Next, family time and my magic moment

 

[stevehousse]

Love ur report!

 

[Dotheneedful]

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

 

[FlaggNL]

Still loving the TR, can't wait for it to be October

 

[party like it's 99]

Love ur report!

thanks for following along

 

[party like it's 99]

Still loving the TR, can't wait for it to be October

thank you! it'll be here before you know it!