Pre Christmas Trip 2015

Now that the holidays are over and we are into 2016 it's time to write my trip report on our trip Dec.19 to the 23. It was back again to one of our favorite resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge, with a Savannah view of course. Room was ready early so we unload then headed over to Hollywood Studios for some our our favorite attractions and a special dinner at Minnie's Hollywood and Dine and Hollywood and Vine. We were greeted by Santa Goofy and visited by Mickey, Donald, Daisy, and Minnie herself all dressed up in their holiday best. A buffet dinner included some special holiday entrees and an amazing dessert bar. After dinner we checked out the new Star Wars Launch Bay where we traded with some Jawas and saw lots of cool Star Wars memorabilia. That is where you can also meet Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Then it was onto the Streets of America to the Osborne's Spectacle of Dancing Lights. A breath taking display of lights and music dancing together with a little bit of snow mixed in. I was so disappointed when it was announced that this would be the last year. So glad we got to see them again.

Next day it was an 7:00 AM opening at Magic Kingdom and I was so pleased with my family for making it. We were able to hit some of our favorite rides with very little wait and then enjoyed a late breakfast with Pooh and friends at the Crystal Palace. Stuffed French Toast, Cheddar Bacon Scones, and cheesy potatoes filled us up. After breakfast we used our fast pass for the Jungle/Jingle cruise. Jungle Cruise is all decked out for the holidays! We caught the early Once Upon a Christmastime Parade which was now running for everyone since it was after all the Christmas parties were over. Then it was back to Animal Kingdom Lodge for some swimming and relaxation before dinner. That night we headed to Wilderness Lodge to check out the amazing decorations there and to eat at the Whispering Canyon Café; home of the All you Care to Enjoy Skillet as well as some fun time shanagins by the wait staff. My husband and kids headed back to the hotel and I took the boat over to Magic Kingdom for Holiday Wishes. So beautiful!

Epcot day was up next with again some Early Morning Extra Magic hours. Headed to Mission Space then used our Fast Pass for Soarin' and Spaceship Earth. We took the boat across the lagoon to World Showcase where my son did an Adventure with Agent P in Germany and we enjoyed lunch at Teppan Edo in Japan. They have the best steak! Later on we headed over to Fort Wilderness Campground to meet up with some friends and enjoyed a delicious buffet at Trails End. Fried Chicken, yum-yum! My friend, Kim, had arranged a private boat ride for our 2 families with the very knowledgeable and charming, Thomas from Australia. Thomas toured us around Bay Lake with some Disney hidden trivia then parked us in a great spot to view Holiday Wishes. The music was streamed in and we were just breath taken of the  whole experience. I will definitely do that again.

Check out and Animal Kingdom Day. So sad to leave Animal Kingdom Lodge. We were surprised two nights with special meet and greets in the lobby by Santa Stitch and Mickey and Minnie in their Holiday dress up. Animal Kingdom was also decked out for the holidays we some really exotic décor. I love the tree there. My daughter and husband did a couple rides on Expedition Everest and my son and I enjoyed the boneyard playground. After a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris we tried lunch at the Yak and Yeki for the first time. We did a little shopping and walked the trails. The gorillas were very active this trip. Then it was time to head out to spend the holidays with the rest of the family. Christmas time at Disney World is really special and a magical time. All the parks and resorts are draped in rich holiday decorations. Special treats and holiday merchandise are available. I highly recommend a trip during this special time and that you can create amazing memories like my family and I did.