Welcome back for another trip report capturing my family's magical memories from this day last year. I'm so glad you're here! Today's post will begin in Animal Kingdom, take us through Christmas decor and more throughout Disney Springs, find us in Epcot, and checking into a sensationally spacious villa at Animal Kingdom resort! If I were doing my old Trip Report Tuesday series I'd likely break this one into a three parter, but since I'm recapping day by day I have a lengthy show and tell to share today. You may want to take a moment to grab a sip or snack to enjoy as you scroll, scroll away!
Day 3 - Friday, November 12, 2021
Our day started bright dark and early! We arrived at Animal Kingdom so early that the parking lot wasn't even open yet! That was a first for us. Ha! What do you do when turned away from parking?
I love seeing the parks adorned for Christmas!
Today wasn't just any Friday, it was Disney+ Day. What does that mean? Well, it was the first one, so at the time we had no idea. Ha! We read that there would be some special things happening throughout Walt Disney World and we were about to see what goodies awaited the Animal Kingdom early morning guests.
Different spots offered different freebies, at Animal Kingdom Lodge (while supplies lasted) guests were offered free hats and buttons. Later while wearing the hat to different parks and Disney Springs fellow vacationers asked where I got it and wished they'd scored one too. I didn't hear about the offerings elsewhere, so I'm going to just pretend we got the cream of the merch crop!
First stop, Pandora! There is something extra special about Pandora in the early morning hours. It always takes me back to our very first trip to Pandora the day after Thanksgiving 2017 when we were let in extra early and in line here at 6:30am. That was a magical morning! It's a sweet moment when fresh Disney trips beckon treasures memories of vacations past!
The four of us enjoyed a ride down the Expedition Everest mountainside. With that awesome early morning 5 minute stand-by wait the girls wanted to ride a second time. Jason gets a bit motion sick if he repeats thrill rides, so we walked over to a fresh fruit stand for a breakfast break as they reentered the queue.
I adore the attention to detail in Disney Parks that lend to the feeling that you have truly stepped into the story Disney is telling within them. On this fine Friday morning I took the time to read those signs posted for fantastically faux businesses and to admire the tracks and footprints in the pavement along the way. I got a little snap happy while I was at it!
We headed to Disney Springs for lunch, shopping, and festive fun! When talking about lunch options I was all in on returning to D-luxe Burger. It's probably good it's not nearer to our home, because I can't get enough of that yumminess in my life! The burgers are fantastic, but honestly the draw for me are the fries and dipping sauces. Delish! My youngest sweetie wasn't keen on the idea of a repeat of the meal she'd had there two days before, so I offered to take her to the spot of her choice to grab something else while Jason and our oldest mobile ordered, picked up our food, and chose a table for us all Spring side.
When we sat down I found the goodness my hubby had right there ready for me with a s'mores milkshake to wash it all down. He's too good to me!
We all enjoyed our meals, each other's company, and the lovely view too!
Following lunch I was eager to check out the fun Disney Springs Christmas Trees. If you've read previous Christmastime trip reports you may remember that the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail has been a longtime favorite of mine. Unfortunately they decided to scratch the tree trail and instead scatter them throughout Disney Springs. While I preferred having them all together in that one special spot, I still looked forward to now "hunting" for the cuteness. I suspect their reasoning for the change was to bring people like me who want to see them all nearer to each shop the trees are placed beside. I see what you're doing there, Disney, but I can't blame you. That makes good marketing sense. Off we went to look for some trees and to hit our favorite shops while we were at it!
Cinderella Tree
The seas with Nemo and friends, followed by a some dolphin and diver entertainment kicked off our time here.
Next up, a stop at the Disney Vacation Club Lounge. We love this place! Here DVC members can relax in the a/c, enjoy a complimentary soft drink and snack. It also offers a pretty cool view of Spaceship Earth!
The girls went for one of their many visits to their favorite shop in Epcot, Mitsukoshi in the Japan pavilion. Jason and I decided we'd relax a bit so we chilled by the fountain in the America pavilion momentarily before finding a seat for a Voices of Liberty show.
She scored one of her favorite rare Sanrio characters, Cinnamoroll, in pretty plush form. Shopping success!
Time to sample and share a few things from the Food and Wine fest!
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, having skipped Disney vacations from 2020 and on through to the end of 2021 we'd accumulated some extra Disney Vacation Club points. We had fun putting them to use in a way we'd yet to do! We got a savannah view two bedroom villa for the four of us, giving us so much room to spread out and enjoy! We'd gotten this type of accommodation back in 2015 when we brought my parents along for the trip, and while even then it seemed spacious, for just the four of us it was a dream!
Two bedroom villas are basically a studio (regular resort room) plus a one bedroom villa which itself offers a full kitchen, living room, master bedroom and bath, and a couple appliances that allow us to pack a bit lighter - a washer and dryer! The girls were thrilled to have the studio portion of the villa all to themselves, essentially giving them their own resort room, complete with their own bathroom, shower, and double sinks to get ready each day, their own kitchenette with fridge, and microwave. They also had their own tv, couch that also pulled out to a sleeper sofa, table and chairs, and balcony opening up to that spectacular savannah view!
Here's a look around the space in our 2 bedroom villa they called their own (and I'll share a room tour of the rest at the conclusion of this post) . . .
Jason was having some foot issues, so he and I buzzed back to Disney Springs and he was fitted for an insole that was just right for his feet and eased the discomfort he was experiencing.
Cheers to rapid refill mugs! Pay once and fill for the entire trip, always equals a win in my book!
We also grabbed a very familiar meal of burgers, chicken and fries for the girls, while Jason and I opted for flatbreads.
Goodnight! Thanks for joining me for another round of reminiscing! I hope to see you real soon for another pixie dusted post!
Can't beat a stay on Disney property! This makes me excited to see Disney dressed up for Christmas this year.
ReplyDeleteThe details at Animal Kingdom are amazing. You really got around this day!
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