Christmas at the Wilderness Lodge About This Page:

[Cam22]

What a wonderful way to spend Christmas Day!

[Jambo]

December 26
We tried to get an early start for our MK day. We were somewhat successful, but not as early as I had hoped. As we were preparing for the day, I noticed the thickest fog I have ever seen in Florida. I could barely tell the difference between sky and lake from our balcony. The view of the pool was hazy. We finally headed out and shared an elevator with a young couple and their toddler. As we were walking out of the building, Ds was trying out his new Go Pro that was attached to his ball cap. He realized that it wasn't working, so we went back to the room to sort out the problem. After a few minutes, he and Dh determined that they had made a mistake while charging the battery and would let it charge in the room until we came back later that afternoon. We went back out to catch a boat to MK, but met the same young couple coming back to the building. They said the boats weren't running due to low visibility. We needed to ride a bus. Oh yeah, that makes sense. So, we hiked around to the bus stop. As we waited for a MK bus, every other park had bus after bus roll through. The monitor that displays wait times didn't have anything listed for MK. I tried the transportation phone and got a busy signal. Getting a bit peeved, we walked back to the boat dock. You guessed it. That dock was open and we were some of the first ones on a boat to MK. There was no notification of transportation changes. I don't know how long some of the other people waited at the bus stop, because I didn't recognize any of them coming down to the boats before we left. This wasn't a big problem, but it was annoying.
I carry a lightweight backpack to the parks. I go through bag check and meet up with the others before scanning our bands. Today we were to meet at the Fire Station inside the park, because our first stop is to get Sorcerer's of the MK cards for the kids. I didn't want them to wait for me while I waited through bag check and then the ticket entrance. As soon as we separated after exiting the boat, I scanned bag check for the shortest line and walked quickly toward it. As I got there, the person who would have been in front of me finished up and I got through with no wait! On to the shortest line to scan my band. Same thing! No wait! I walked through the left entrance to meet the family at the Fire Station and became distracted as I saw the Christmas parade Marching Soldiers off to the side. I took some quick pictures and continued on my way. Guess who reached the Fire Station first? I only waited a quick minute before the others showed up.
After Ds and Dd got new packs of cards and set up to start a new game in Adventureland, we headed down Main Street. We made a Photopass stop and kept going toward Frontierland. With some time to spare before our FP for POC, we tried BTMRR as our first ride. With a listed 5 minute wait, it was really a walk on. The kids requested a second ride and it was practically a walk on the second time. After two spins through the mountain mines, we were ready for a snack. Dh and Dd opted for popcorn while Ds and I got Mickey pretzels. We took our snacks and ate them in the 20 minute wait for Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride. This was fun. We have skipped it for several years, because the line is so hot and long without a FP. Before the heat of the day and at 20 minutes, it was a pleasant wait while snacking. After flying our carpets, we still had about 11/2 hours until our POC FPs were up. The Jingle Jungle Cruise had a listed wait of 50 minutes and so we thought why not? The wait was exactly 50 minutes and then the length of the ride put us right on time with the end of our POC FP. Our next FP took us to Space Mountain. It was so nice walking all the way from the entrance to the loading bay without stopping. The stand by was listed at 120 minutes and the line was to the entrance! We had some time before our last FP and chose the TTA. There was quite a line, but it moved quickly. Onward to the last FP! The Seven Dwarves Mine Train had very little wait in the FP line. We were on and off in no time. By this time, we were ready for lunch and the crowds were quite noticeable. Dd always requests a waffle from Sleepy Hollow, Dh likes the Mac n cheese from Friar's Nook and Ds wanted flatbread from Pinoccio's Village Haus. I chose flatbread, also. All foods were purchased and we ate in the upper level at PVH. Crowded! The traffic was so bad that I didn't think we would be able to meet Dh at the table. After maneuvering through the crowds, we finally made it. People were seated on the floor or standing to eat. When we finished lunch, we realized that we were done for the day. The crowds had swelled, the temperature had climbed into the high 80's, our FPs were used and we weren't willing to stand in any 1hr+ lines.
To be continued

[Jambo]

Originally Posted by Cam22

What a wonderful way to spend Christmas Day!

Thanks! We really enjoyed it.

[Colexis Mom]

Great updates!

[benchley]

Changes or Christmas can be fun. We spent Christmas Day one year in Morocco, swimming in the sea and playing silly games. Great fun as a 'one off'

[xwewhisper]

I don't blame you for being done after that. I find the QS situation to be some of the most stressful parts of visiting this time of year. It can just be chaotic!

[Jambo]

Originally Posted by benchley

Changes or Christmas can be fun. We spent Christmas Day one year in Morocco, swimming in the sea and playing silly games. Great fun as a 'one off'

What a fabulous Christmas!

[Jambo]

[QUOTE=xwewhisper;4514337]I don't blame you for being done after that. I find the QS situation to be some of the most stressful parts of visiting this time of year. It can just be chaotic![/QUOTE

Yes, CS can be stressful with high crowds. Fortunately, the kids are older and we explained what expect before we got there.

[Her Dotness]

It was REALLY foggy on Christmas morning, wasn't it? We had no balcony but could hardly see past the edge of the roof beneath our windows.

We left the MK about 9:30 when Main Street got as crowded as on a MVMCP night.

And then at about 2:30, we listened to people screaming at the checkpoint counter at the Epcot monorail station because CM's there would only let you onto the monorail if a scan of your MB showed you were staying at an MK resort.

Did you guys stay on after the MK closed?

We were sure glad we'd escaped to Epcot which was more crowded than was usual earlier in the week but nowhere near as bad as the MK got.

Definitely, staying in the outlying areas of the MK or avoiding it entirely would be our plan if we ever go back again the week leading up to Christmas.

Sounds like you had a magical Christmas. Here's hoping the remainder of your stay will be, too.

[Jambo]

December 26 Continued
After we decided that our late lunch was the end of our park day, Dh mentions that he would like to watch the Christmas parade before we leave. Generally we avoid parades, but this was a special one and we would leave right after it ended. The kids resisted a little, but it was an easy request to grant their dad on the way out. We found an open viewing area on the upper level of the train station, had snacks and waited about 1/2 hour. The kids ended up enjoying the parade. We quickly headed for the boat launch and beat a majority of the other guests attempting to leave after the parade. Once back in the room, decisions for the evening needed to be made. Ds really wanted to go back to MK to use his now charged Go Pro. We explained that the only thing likely to happen was to push our way through the massive crowds to do what? Wait in an impossibly long line for a two minute spin? If we were to try a park in the evening, I suggested AK for a couple of hours or even trying Epcot. Eventually, we agreed to drive over to POR for CS dinner and then boat over to Disney Springs. We had a leisurely meal and a modest wait for the boat. The weather was comfortable for a boat ride. The temperature had dropped and along with the breeze we had a nice little journey. We expected some crowds, but managed to shop at the Marketplace stores without much trouble. We did avoid the Lego store. That place is always a zoo! I purchased a cute necklace at TrenD. The kids got some candy from Goofy's Candy Co. Dh didn't buy anything this time. Usually, I'm the one who comes home without purchases. Just as I think we are ready to leave Dh says he wants to go to the Boathouse gift shop. Oh, here are the people! The walk from the Lego store on down was chaotic! The humidity was thick and the temps were rising due to the number of bodies shuffling along shoulder to shoulder. Ugh! We finally made it and spent a few minutes looking at nothing new from this summer. We did pop into Jaque's Hanger to look around. It looks like a neat place to hang out one evening with some friends. We did the shuffle back to the bridge and made our way to the boat launch. Ahh! Feel the breeze from the water! Much nicer. We did have a wait, but not too long. Back at the room, we did nothing to pack for the next day. I sat on the balcony, the kids played with their games, Dh helped Ds with a game and then we went to bed. We had a full day and were so tired. Do we have to go home tomorrow? ( Said in my best whiny voice )

[Jambo]

Originally Posted by Her Dotness

It was REALLY foggy on Christmas morning, wasn't it? We had no balcony but could hardly see past the edge of the roof beneath our windows.

We left the MK about 9:30 when Main Street got as crowded as on a MVMCP night.

And then at about 2:30, we listened to people screaming at the checkpoint counter at the Epcot monorail station because CM's there would only let you onto the monorail if a scan of your MB showed you were staying at an MK resort.

Did you guys stay on after the MK closed?

We were sure glad we'd escaped to Epcot which was more crowded than was usual earlier in the week but nowhere near as bad as the MK got.

Definitely, staying in the outlying areas of the MK or avoiding it entirely would be our plan if we ever go back again the week leading up to Christmas.

Sounds like you had a magical Christmas. Here's hoping the remainder of your stay will be, too.

I didn't realize the fog was so bad on Christmas, due to our leisurely morning. This fog was actually the day after. We woke earlier than usual and it burned off by the time we got to MK. So, we really weren't aware that MK had closed until later. This is why we specifically avoided parks on Christmas. Plus, we are a slow moving, savor the moment group on Christmas morning. It worked out great and I would plan it all the same way, if we were to do it again. We loved watching the families mosey into Roarin' Forks in their Disney holiday p.j.s. Dd was jealous that I made her dress for breakfast.

[Her Dotness]

Oops! I am soooo out of it today. As I just texted DH, my excuse is post-Disney blahs! You did say it was on 12/26 that the boat wasn't running until the fog lifted somewhat.

We get up with the rooster's crow at Disney as DH doesn't like to get out of his work wakeup time habit even when on holiday.

It was really foggy early on Christmas and the day after but thankfully cleared up later in the morning both days.

I'd have been sadder still had I not gotten my goodbye gaze at the Castle before we left at about 10:30 on the 26th.

[Cam22]

I just don't know if I could ever deal with crowds that massive, but then again there were times when we visited in June that the parks were packed. So nice to have FP+ so you know for at least three attractions you won't have a ridiculous wait.

[Nemo125]

Just catching onto the TR! Sounds like you had an enjoyable and relaxing time while still managing to see and do a lot! Can't wait for more!

[Jambo]

Originally Posted by Her Dotness

Oops! I am soooo out of it today. As I just texted DH, my excuse is post-Disney blahs! You did say it was on 12/26 that the boat wasn't running until the fog lifted somewhat.

We get up with the rooster's crow at Disney as DH doesn't like to get out of his work wakeup time habit even when on holiday.

It was really foggy early on Christmas and the day after but thankfully cleared up later in the morning both days.

I'd have been sadder still had I not gotten my goodbye gaze at the Castle before we left at about 10:30 on the 26th.

Not a problem! Ah, both of us were in MK at the same time for awhile. I wonder how eerie the Haunted Mansion looked surrounded by fog on a cloudy morning! What a photo op.