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Christmas with P-Sha December 7 – 12, 2013 Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jambo House)
Welcome to my annual holiday TR! I love to visit WDW during the holiday season, and it’s become something of a tradition for me. This was a solo trip, truly solo for the first time in a long time. So “Christmas with P-Sha (<--that's me),” applies to both you, traveling with me virtually and me, traveling with myself. Anyway, when making my plans, I decided I’d spend a lot of time doing the holiday activities. In fact, this TR could be subtitled, “The Christmas Trees of WDW.”
I made some plans ahead of time, naturally, including some FP+. I wasn’t planning a commando-style trip at all, so I selected my FP+ attractions based on what I thought I couldn’t easily ride standby (assuming I arrived at park opening) and what I would be sad I’d miss. I made some dining reservations, including a CPDP, and then made sure to schedule some time to tour all the deluxe resorts (and I made it to all but one, which you’ll learn as the TR goes on).
When I was scheduling stuff on the MDE website (I’ve learned the hard way that the website is the easiest method for me – I kept forgetting where to do stuff in the app), I realized you could schedule holiday shows just like FP+, so they would show up in your plans. I felt this was a great way to remind me what time I should be watching a show, and it also enabled me to carefully schedule all the don’t-miss holiday stuff I wanted to see!
I had a very early (6:30 a.m.) flight, but for some reason, I woke up at 3:15 a.m. and then couldn’t get back to sleep. Not that it was much earlier than my planned 4:00 wakeup time, but still! I spent the time watching a little tv, and then I finally just got up and ready. My Dad was taking me to the airport, but I was surprised to discover that DM was awake too, to see me off. Also, she put in a number of shopping requests, so it wasn’t just because she loves me.
The drive to the airport was completely uneventful. My airport is so small that it doesn’t even open until 5, so I don’t bother trying to get there much earlier than that (you are able to wait inside, but the baggage counters and security checkpoints aren’t operating). Anyway, I decided it would be a good idea to arrive a little after the 5 a.m. rush. We had good timing and arrived at 5:10.
There wasn’t a soul at the baggage check counter, so I was able to quickly get rid of my checked bag. The line at security was a bit longer, but it only took 15 minutes from my arrival at the airport to sitting at the gate. I decided to get something to supplement my fruit bowl that I’d purchased the day before and brought with me, so I got some chocolate milk and a croissant at the Starbucks.
I found a seat at my gate and did a little surfing before it was time to board. I’d done Early Bird Check-in which I almost always do, and had A41. There was a huge group (actually, several groups) waiting for family boarding. Now, I understand that this was a flight to Orlando, so there would naturally be plenty of children, but I fly to Orlando a lot, remember, and this was the largest group I’ve ever seen on one flight. There were at least 25 people (and that isn’t including the little ones in the A group!). Anyway, I was happy to have an A boarding pass today!
I boarded and found a window seat fairly close to the front. It’s been my strategy lately to find a seat with someone already in the seat behind the one I choose, so I’m sure not to get a kid who’ll kick my seat for the entire flight. And with as many little ones on this flight as there were, that was a brilliant strategy. The plane was completely full and there were no issues boarding, but the absolute last person on the plane was a woman traveling with a toddler and an infant. I’m sorry, but if you’re traveling alone with 2 little kids, you need to make sure you leave plenty of time to get through the airport. The flight attendants had to ask someone to move so she could sit with her kids (though I assume one was a lap child). I don’t mean to suggest that she shouldn’t have been able to sit with her kids, just that she shouldn’t have to make someone move to do so.
We pushed back a few minutes late, but that didn’t worry me – we normally make up those few minutes. The pilot said there were reports of turbulence, but he would do his best to find smooth air for us and he was as good as his word. I was hoping to nap a bit on the plane, because I was planning a full day at Epcot, but I guess I was too excited. I ate my breakfast and then read my book.
We landed right on time in Orlando, and I headed for the airport monorail, which is what I always consider the official start of my vacation. As I walked through the airport on my way to DME, I saw the longest security lines I’d ever encountered at MCO. Seriously, the line was so long I stopped to take a photo!
Insanity! I’m sure there were plenty of people worried about making their flights that morning
I guess this serves as a warning to me: never schedule a flight from MCO around 9 a.m.!! I hit the restroom to freshen up and then checked in at DME using my Magic Band. It wasn’t busy down there at all, in fact I had the entire lane to myself. I waited only about 3 or 4 minutes before being escorted to a bus. There were only 2 other families on board, so I figured we’d have a wait, but surprisingly, we took off soon thereafter without anyone else boarding.
With only 3 groups on the bus, I was surprised to learn that we were all going to different resorts! Of course! But luckily, I’d be the first stop, but too bad for the other suckers.
Happy to be stop #1
There was a new DME video, DME tv. I’m not one who dislikes something just because it’s new, but I found myself missing the old video (I used to love watching for Goofy to say “I’ll say I do!” at each park). Anyway, it’s not bad, just different.
Also, it seems a lot shorter, with a bunch of videos from Disney’s You Tube channel or the Disney Parks Blog at the end.
In practically no time at all, I was arriving at AKL. I’d done online check-in, but there were no CMs available to help me, so I had to wait a few minutes for one to become available. A CM started chatting with me and would probably have stuck with me until she escorted me to the desk, but after I told her I’d been to WDW many times before, she asked if I wouldn’t mind if she helped another guest with a question, and of course I didn’t.
When it was my turn, the process was quick. My room wasn’t ready, but I really hadn’t planned to stay in it very long anyway! So rather than dumping my carryon bag in the room, I stored it at bell services and headed to the bus stop. There was an Epcot bus at the stop, but after rushing to make it there, I saw that it was too full even for everyone already waiting there.
It took a full 20 minutes (and 4 Hollywood Studios buses ) before another Epcot bus showed up. Fortunately, that was the only time I had such a long wait for a bus. By that time, a bunch more people had arrived at the bus stop and when the bus pulled in, I was near the back of the pack and just made it on!
We drove to Epcot and the bus driver dropped us off at one of those bus stops way in the back. How far back? Number 39!! I didn’t even know they numbered that high! Oh well, it’s a nice day for a walk.
I was into the park in short order (saving a little time by going bag-less). I had booked FP+, so there was no great hurry to get anywhere. I spent a little time taking photos.
I wanted to try out the new flavors in Club Cool since I hadn’t done that on my last trip.
I tried all the flavors except Beverly. I’m not the biggest soda drinker, so I can’t really make any recommendations. However, it’s no surprise to me that I ended up liking the South African one the best – it wasn’t carbonated!
With my thirst thoroughly quenched, I went out to enjoy more of the holiday decorations.
It was just about the time for my Soarin’ FP, so I walked over there. I have to admit it was awesome to be able to ride Soarin’ just hours after landing. That’s something I never would’ve been able to manage without FP+.
Anyway, there were some beautiful gingerbread creations near the Garden Grill.
And a hidden Yeti.
I headed downstairs to Soarin’.
The FP I would’ve gotten without FP+
The wait I would’ve had without FP+
Yeah, I’m starting to like this FP+ thing. You’ve just gotta figure out how to manage it. I learned a few more tricks throughout my trip. I’m still not 100% pro-FP+, but I don’t hate it.
I joined the FP queue behind a woman and her son. She had a Vera Bradley bag that caught my attention. Not because of the bag, but because there was a single piece of popcorn clinging to it. It was so perfect and stayed right in place that I thought perhaps it was a charm and this was a new thing. I asked her if she knew she had a piece of popcorn stuck to her purse and she laughed and said she was saving it for later. Apparently, it had been clinging perfectly to the bottom of her purse for at least an hour!
I was happy to get the front row without having to ask. Soarin’ is a ride I don’t get to ride often, just because I rarely go to Epcot at park opening and the FP times often don’t work for me when I finally make it there. I have a similar issue with TSMM – I usually want to spend the early morning riding TOT over and over, so I often don’t ride TSMM at all. FP+ will benefit me in both of these cases.
When I scheduled my FP+, the only thing I really cared about getting a FP for was Soarin’. However, you can’t just get one FP+. They assigned two random FP+ for me, one of which was Living with the Land. I was surprised to note the wait time.
But that ended up being a big, fat lie! Anyway, I used the FP+ and got ahead of like 3 people. The actual wait time was about 5 minutes, which is normal. I loved all the fun, festive touches in the greenhouse.
This is the first time I’ve ever actually seen lemons that actually look like they weigh 9 pounds – usually I see them when they’re smaller. And it makes me want some lemonade
I also had a FP+ for Mission: Space, but I ended up not using that at all. Another note, my Magic Band never seemed to register the FP+, but when I showed the CM my reservation on my phone, they always let me through. I checked the app and saw that I was supposed to see the 1:00 showing of Joyful next.
So I headed out to catch Joyful, the gospel singers who perform in front of the fountain. I always enjoy their shows – they really get you dancing! I was a bit early, so I had a quick photo taken.
A note about that red t-shirt I’m wearing. It’s the most ill-fitting garment I’ve ever purchased, which happens when you don’t try something on before purchasing. But who tries on a t-shirt? Anyway, it’s a little big on me, and it’s made to be kind of short, so either the v-neck is down to my belly or I pull it up and my stomach shows. I would spend all day fidgeting with it. One day, while people watching, I noticed a woman had on a similar t-shirt, with another t-shirt underneath. BRILLIANT! Now it just looks like a stylish fashion choice, but it’s really correcting an awful design. I wear another t-shirt under almost all my v-neck t-shirts now, particularly low cut ones.
Okay, sorry about that. Everyone still awake out there? Some good music will get things moving again! Joyful was as terrific as always – full of energy and great singers. As hot as it was, I couldn’t help a little dancing.
I still had about an hour before my M:S FP+ would be ripe, so I decided not to use it. Instead, I headed for WS.
I started in Canada, as I usually do. Gotta check on my cottage, doncha know.
I continued on to the UK, doing a bit of shopping at DM’s request.
My only complaint about the holiday stuff at Epcot is that it’s really almost impossible to stroll around WS catching a storyteller in each country. Some are only scheduled in the evening, though I’m not sure why. I decided to pick up the holiday guidemap so I could see when I was in the right place at the right time.
I enjoyed the fact that there were new decorations in France.
The next item in “My Plans” on the app was the Voices of Liberty. But before I got there, I had to stop and get a kaki gori to enjoy. I always want to try the rainbow, but I always end up getting the strawberry, because strawberry is just about my favorite flavor. Maybe next time I’ll get rainbow.
The American Adventure was especially beautiful all decked out for the holidays.
I finished up my kaki gori just in time to head inside and grab a seat for the performance. I love that they sing Christmas carols (and they also sang a Hanukkah song). Love it!
Back outside, I was able to see the Fife & Drum show.
I noticed that there were passports with all the holiday stuff listed, just like they have for the F&WF. I grabbed one and got it stamped in the U.S. I figured I could get the ones I missed later. I also saw that the Hanukkah storyteller was due out in a few minutes. That’s one of the storytellers I’ve never seen before, so I waited for it to start.
After she finished, she told us the Kwanzaa storyteller was coming out next – I’d never seen that one either, so I decided to hang around and wait for that. I checked out the line to see Santa, but it was too crazy.
There was a big Department 56 display and someone was there signing pieces, so I checked that out, too.
Then I heard the Kwanzaa storyteller coming, so I went and watched her.
I enjoyed both of these storytellers a lot and am glad to finally be able to cross them off my to do list.
Up Next: Hanging with Whoopi’s family
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
Wait... didn't we watch the Kwanzaa storyteller *together* a couple of years ago, or am I confusing my traveling companions. (No comments, Karen!)
And seeing you in that red shirt, with a great big smile on your face just makes my day (even if the shirt requires a fashionable combo to make it perfection!
Great start! I agree that for days like this the FP+ is just great. I wonder, though, how you'll manage your multiple drops on ToT without the paper FP. I'm going to be paying close attention to how you use your FP+ because I know you'll get the most out of them. I'm always kind of surprised at how much I enjoy the storytellers at Epcot. They do these talks so well and they keep the attention of kids and adults. The Hannukah one used to be inside the lobby, kind of hidden off to the left. It's nice that she's now outside and I'm sure she gets bigger audiences.
Wow, those security lines! I love the gingerbread creations, especially of Aulani - that brought back great memories.
Interesting to see the photos of France, as I knew there'd be more Christmas stuff coming out. They had the giant baubles with the Arc de Triomphe in when we were there in mid November, but not the poinsettias. It looks so much better with those.
Great start to your trip! I, to layer tops like that especially since clothing makers have been skimping on the length of shirts lately. I've had 3 kids & nobody needs to see my baby belly!
Great start! I love your TRs! I am a teacher and we do a Christmas around the world unit. I have pulled up the Epcot Story tellers to show them on YouTube. I love it! They are really fascinating and I hope to catch them in person someday.
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Great start!! Wow that security line at the airport was crazy. Good thing you were coming in and not going out! Love the pictures of the gingerbread creations. Those were so cool. Sounds like FP+ was a blessing today.
Yippee, a new P-Sha TR! I love all of the Chrustmas decorations around Epcot. The gingerbread cruise ship and Aulani were very cool! I'll be paying close attention to your FP+ tips.
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Anyway, when making my plans, I decided I’d spend a lot of time doing the holiday activities. In fact, this TR could be subtitled, “The Christmas Trees of WDW.” 
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Also, she put in a number of shopping requests, so it wasn’t just because she loves me. 
I’m sorry, but if you’re traveling alone with 2 little kids, you need to make sure you leave plenty of time to get through the airport. The flight attendants had to ask someone to move so she could sit with her kids (though I assume one was a lap child). I don’t mean to suggest that she shouldn’t have been able to sit with her kids, just that she shouldn’t have to make someone move to do so.
I’m not the biggest soda drinker, so I can’t really make any recommendations. However, it’s no surprise to me that I ended up liking the South African one the best – it wasn’t carbonated!
I asked her if she knew she had a piece of popcorn stuck to her purse and she laughed and said she was saving it for later. 
Anyway, I used the FP+ and got ahead of like 3 people. 
or I pull it up and my stomach shows. 
Now it just looks like a stylish fashion choice, but it’s really correcting an awful design. 
Joyful was as terrific as always – full of energy and great singers. As hot as it was, I couldn’t help a little dancing. 
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I love the gingerbread creations, especially of Aulani - that brought back great memories. 
to layer tops like that 
Parlor Panther in 'stalking mode'
good one! Sounds like a great trip so far.
Mary - not enough trips!
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