Trip Report Whose Trip Is It Anyway? *LIVE*

It's mine. But it wasn't supposed to be.

The vacation to celebrate my <number redacted> birthday with my beloved Woody was supposed to happen at the end of January and included time with @lindawdw, @ajrwdwgirl and a few other forum friends. But a predicted ice storm and a couple other extenuating circumstances caused us to cancel our plans two days prior to departure.

This trip was supposed to be a belated birthday celebration for my mother during winter break for my brother's family. I was going to accompany her and assist with her mobility challenges. The day after we canceled my birthday trip, Mom announced she no longer wanted to go to WDW and insisted Woody take her place since the resort was already paid in full. (She did have several local celebrations on and around her actual birthday.)

Our airline tickets were refunded and since Woody prefers driving from Atlanta we added a couple nights to our trip. No spoilers yet, just a math problem.

Winter break + Presidents' Day + Mardi Gras + Lunar New Year + Snowbirds = A crowd collision of massive proportions

When: February 14-19, 2026
Where: Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Who: Tuvalu and Woody, with family introductions to come

 

[Tiggertoo56]

We never went that way. But I can guarantee he has fluffed out because so many topiaries are already overgrown - and with almost two more months to go, they will be ragged by the end of F&G.

He was much fuller when we saw him 2-3 weeks ago - but I've just checked my photos and its one of the only ones I didn't snap a pic of!

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

Em absolutely hated It’s Tough to Be a Bug. She had a little PTSD about going inside the Tree of Life again. The attraction terrified her as a child.

She loved the clever Pawdora display in the lobby.

We are courteous rule followers and moved all the way down to the end of the row.

A trippy photo for @donaldtoo. (Should have left night mode on!)

Clawhauser.

Em’s reaction to the update?

“It was cute but there’s a lot going on. It wouldn’t make me want to go to AK to see it again.”

 

[Tuvalu]

Thinking of you @littleroo!

Did we stop for a drink?

 

[pkkurz]

Wednesday, con’t

Em absolutely hated It’s Tough to Be a Bug. She had a little PTSD about going inside the Tree of Life again. The attraction terrified her as a child.

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She loved the clever Pawdora display in the lobby.

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We are courteous rule followers and moved all the way down to the end of the row.

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A trippy photo for @donaldtoo. (Should have left night mode on!)

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Clawhauser.

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Em’s reaction to the update?

“It was cute but there’s a lot going on. It wouldn’t make me want to go to AK to see it again.”

I totally agree. I was a fan of It’s a Bug Life, so I was sorry to see it go, but I do understand that it terrified lots of kids. Here’s what me and my grandson look like today. Eyes peeled.

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

Em and I had been to Asia, Africa, and Discovery Island.

It’s Pandora’s turn.

Yes it was a 70 minute wait for the world’s shortest psychedelic attraction. Our LL practically paid for itself!

The River Journey felt slower today. We couldn’t decide if Disney slowed the current, added more boats or both. We noticed more details on both sides. The Shaman’s chant felt like it was pulling us towards her.

@luvinthemajik I will never not think of your family’s video whenever I am on this ride!

 

[Tuvalu]

See the Disney cruise ship from the live cam at Port Canaveral? The Tuva Tykes and parents are onboard for their first cruise. Em and I are waving bon voyage!

 

[dizfan917]

Boy, miss a day, miss a LOT! You are on it with your live reporting!! I made a reservation for our upcoming visit at the Plaza based on many recommendations from this lady I follow. Kevin has never been, so it's a NEW experience!! (new experiences are getting harder and harder to find... although we also have ressies at Beak and Barrel and Geo 82 this trip! yippee!!).

We might have to get one of those GIANT pizzas I keep reading about as well. There will be three of us this time, so that might help us consume most (?!) of one?!

I hope it warms up. We're not too jazzed about the WI weather also being in FL...

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

All that exploring makes a gal (or gals in this case) hungry.

Em and I joined the unhappy crew waiting for their mobile orders to be ready. Because heaven forbid the Door Nazi allow us to wait inside.

Yet those who did not mobile order are happily allowed by the guard to enter the restaurant immediately.

Satu’li Canteen is amongst the slowest at fulfilling mobile orders once you press “I’m Here.” I pressed it as we were exiting NRJ.

Twelve minutes later we were allowed inside. On the plus side, these bowls were good eats and worth waiting for. I had chicken, Em had beef.

The before:

The after:

I want my Clean Plate Club sticker!

 

[Tuvalu]

No visit of ours to AK is complete without browsing Island Mercantile and Riverside Depot. The shops are a feast for the eyes even minus merchandise.

How cute is this toddler toy?

Though animal tails on humans are not my jam.

Em pretending to be a AK CM: “What should we do with all the leftover merchandise from DINOSAUR?”
Disney exec: “Stick it in Riverside Depot. No one will know.”

She did like the coffee mug with the KS animal spotter placard.

And I liked this tee of Kevin. (Which you should consider purchasing @dizfan917.)

These Monsters University “water cans” cracked me up.

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

The sun came out. Time to leave!

Might Em get some precious pool time?

She’d better pay attention that the bus is here!

 

[Tuvalu]

Our room had not been serviced yet so the sign went on the door.

Note that Sleepy is SLEEPING!!

But as we learned “No Housekeeping Service Required” does not mean Housekeeping won’t disturb you with a call and ask.

A few guests were in the pool. Notice the dark clouds in the sky.

The sunshine at AK did not follow us home. In fact it began to rain. No pool time for Em. She and I were content to hang out on the balcony.

I had taken the sign off the door. The housekeeper entered and was startled to see us since we hadn’t heard the knock. We said it was okay for him to do his job.

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

Hooray for Hollywood!