Trip Report Whose Trip Is It Anyway?

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

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

My dear Woody also persuaded me to buy LLSP for TRON.

“Isn’t it one of your favorites?”
Me: “Yeah, but…”
“Isn’t it your birthday celebration?”
Me: “Yeah…”
“Then why are we even having this conversation?”

Woody’s wisdom was much appreciated when we strolled past the very long standby line.

Once inside, the wait after the merge can be 15-20 minutes (even longer for those of us who like the front.) TRON is slow to load and I am always anxious that there will be a breakdown, making that boring wait even longer. (I’ve been burned before!)

Happily no breakdown today.

Although Woody said he was disappointed I didn’t ride hands-free.

I said I had already shown off in Little Mermaid. I didn’t need to do so again!

 

[Tuvalu]

Lunchtime!

The staff knew that Shirley was in the house!

Her status didn’t last long. Apparently she doesn’t tip enough to cover the cost of a private dining room.

“Wouldn’t you rather be looking out the window at the castle?” asked Woody.

Me:

We immediately switched seats. While I adore looking at my husband, it’s not every day I can have lunch with this view….

I kept my eyes focused heavenward.

Recent protocol has been order one turkey club and share it with my dining partner. Not as a cost savings, but as a “room for dessert” savings.

But Woody was hungry. (And he did give up his seat for me.)

So we ordered two of these bad boys.

Woody finished his. I ate half and deconstructed the other half, omitting the bread.

Then we ordered dessert.

At first I was disappointed not to receive the rest of my chocolate shake in the stainless mixing cup, which happened on my last visit.

However this shake was the thickest I’d ever been served - like barely soften some ice cream and scoop it into a glass. It was not at all sippable. I had to eat it with a spoon. I did not come close to finishing it.

Woody enjoyed his (smaller ) hot fudge sundae.

We waddled out of the restaurant.

 

[Tuvalu]

Wednesday, con’t

We browsed the Emporium before leaving the park for an afternoon break. It was odd to see this castle where the registers used to be. Wonder if it will be repainted to erase the pink, now that the original has returned to its former glory?

In the store I saw a pre-teen boy sporting a tee with these words:
I’m not arguing.
I’m explaining to you why I’m right.

(Memories of our own son came flooding back!)

Woody and I were heading out at just the right time. Tour group? No thanks!

Back at the resort we ran into E on our way past the pool. She and the kids were soaking up the sun and splashing in the water. “T’s in our room if you want to pick up your cookies.”

Ah, yes! I’d forgotten about my cookies. E and T had a morning date at Disney Springs. They were going to Gideon’s Bakehouse and I had given them money the other day for a couple of these little beauties:

I’m not a huge fan of Gideon’s other flavors but this one I cannot resist. And it is only available in the morning.

Woody went to our room while I knocked on TEAML’s door. T opened the door and we visited for awhile. My cookies were in their original wrappers but had been thoughtfully put by E into individual plastic bags to keep them fresh!

I noticed a Figment popcorn bucket on the table under the TV.

E had purchased it for my mom, who is a big Figment fan. He now has a permanent spot in her kitchen.

“Did you hear about all the ride closures at Epcot?” T asked me as we were chatting.

I had not, so I opened the app to see for myself.

Yikes! Woody and I had contemplated going to Epcot for dinner.

Now a change was in the works….

 

[lindawdw]

What a fun day at MK and a perfect lunch at The Plaza! Definitely a good move to avoid Epcot at night with all the closures!!! Woody is such a great guy encouraging you to buy all the LL's and switching seats at lunch!

 

[Swissmiss]

That is the first picture of a Gideon’s cookie that actually appeals to me.