Jawfish Jan 2024 Trip Report: SSR + Parks
Jan 8, 2024 22:43:46 GMT -5
Capt Kia, jedimom3, and 1 more like this
Post by jawfish on Jan 8, 2024 22:43:46 GMT -5
Who/When/Where:
Who: Me + DW
Dates: Jan 8-14
Resort: SSL 6 nights
Experience: DVC Member since 2015 (PVB), Disney since 1971 (I was 5)
DAY 1 - Fly in and Magic Kingdom
We had a super early flight and got up at 4 am, so this day may be a short recap as I am pretty tired after a long but fun day. Our plane took off a bit late due to weather and we landed late. But all is good when headed to the mouse house. After grabbing luggage we headed out to catch an Uber and off to the Springs we went.
We arrived around noon and there was no pixie dust, room was not ready and likely would not be for a while. We grabbed our park backpacks, got the essentials transferred and dropped the luggage with bell services. Then we went to catch the bus to Magic Kingdom, which was the park we had a reservation for. Bus was there quickly and we were off.
On the bus we chatted with two marathon racers and asked all about the event. They had done all 48+ miles. Wow. Bus ride was uneventful and we were at the gates before 12:30. As soon as we walked in, we could smell the popcorn. Someone was making a fresh batch. We stopped and grabbed a refillable bucket and snacked on a few pieces but did not want to ruin lunch.
At this point we were famished and with no ADR, we headed to Casey’s to grab some dogs. We cut through the shops but did not browse too much, since we needed to grab some food. When we got back to the entrance, as we walked past there were two empty tables. I almost said I should grab one but decided to stick together. I figured it was not that busy. Boy was I wrong.
Pixie Dust Sprinkling
We both got in line and there were two ladies at the front of the line with a huge order, plus a woman with a CM in front of us asking for assistance, she was in a wheelchair. This may take a few minutes, so I decided to go look for seats or a table, while DW grabbed the food. The place was packed. I went back to the two empty tables and they were now full. Then I looked around and realized how busy it was. There wasn’t a seat to be found at all. I should have grabbed one of the tables when we saw it. I finally found an open standup table by the ladies room and snagged it. It was about 15 minutes and no sign of DW. I started to wonder what the deal was when my DW rounded the corner with a tray of food.
She told me I’d never guess what happened, which I would not have. Apparently, my very patient DW who had clearly been placed in the very wrong line, was approached by a CM who asked if she had a large order. She said no, just two regular hot dogs. The CM told my DW to follow her and proceeded to go over to a counter and fill up a tray with the two meals, then said it was her lucky day and she was sprinkling pixie dust on her for being so patient. No charge. And offered a beverage as well. That made our day.
The dogs were good and we ate every bite plus our fries. We then popped open the popcorn and demolished the bucket. Apparently we were very hungry. Once we finished, it was about 1:30 so we decided to do some shopping and catch the parade. We saw a few things as we strolled the shops. Added to a mental maybe list. After that we walked up and watched the end of the stage show and started people watching as the crowds started gathering for the parade.
Around 2:45, we walked to our favorite secret parade watching spot and just chatted until the parade started. We love the Festival of Fantasy Parade. We just wish they would bring back the extended version. I miss Merida. The dragon Tenders that are normally on stilts were not, wonder why. At one point the dragon started smoking really bad and for a minute we got worried, but it seemed to clear up and all was ok. As always parade did not disappoint.
Headed to Saratoga Springs to Catch Bus to Disney Springs
We decided to head to Disney Springs by way of Saratoga Springs, as we did not see a bus listed direct. When we walked up, the bus was just arriving. What good luck so far. On the bus my eyes were getting heavy and the early start time and such was catching up. As we were rounding the corner for the last stop at The Springs, we got our room ready text. It was about 4:15. So, we got off bus and went to the room. Luck ran out, bands did not open the door and app was not connected yet.
So we took a trip up to the front desk to get that sorted, which only took a few minutes. On the way back to the room, we stopped at the pool bar for a drink. I got a Pina Colada and DW got the sangria with fruit, which she absolutely loves. Mine was delicious and based on the mmmmmmm coming from DW, guessing hers was too.
We own at Poly and love going there, but SSR is our standby when we can’t get in. We booked this too late and no rooms at poly. We have never stayed in a studio here. It is nice, but a bit small. I miss a table and chairs though. I find the couch uncomfortable. Still, a good room. We got a preferred room, and are in The Springs as requested. We called bell services to deliver the luggage and asked housekeeping for an extra blanket. Then, we ordered groceries from Instacart at Publix. At that point we decided to stay at SSR for the evening, get our groceries and maybe dinner at Artist’s Point.
Groceries came within an hour and we got even more pixie dust, he actually delivered to the room as we had a case of water. He said they normally don’t allow it, but since we had heavy stuff, he was able to. We put the groceries away and I realized every time we have stayed at SSR we have had a 1 or 2 bedroom. This fridge is small. It’s just the two of us, so it is enough for what we got. But we are surely spoiled now for that King bed and space with the 1-bedroom.
Dinner at Artist’s Point
We unpacked and then went to dinner around 6:15. We split a chicken plate and a side salad. I did not love it but DW said it was fine. We were both so tired I imagine it did not matter at that point. It got the job done. After a stroll through the gift shop, we headed back to the room. I worked for a couple hours, we took showers and jumped into bed around 10. Now writing this, will read for a bit and then get a good night sleep. I have a meeting in the AM and then Animal Kingdom tomorrow.
Good day, albeit long. We are in our happy place. Good night.
Who: Me + DW
Dates: Jan 8-14
Resort: SSL 6 nights
Experience: DVC Member since 2015 (PVB), Disney since 1971 (I was 5)
DAY 1 - Fly in and Magic Kingdom
We had a super early flight and got up at 4 am, so this day may be a short recap as I am pretty tired after a long but fun day. Our plane took off a bit late due to weather and we landed late. But all is good when headed to the mouse house. After grabbing luggage we headed out to catch an Uber and off to the Springs we went.
We arrived around noon and there was no pixie dust, room was not ready and likely would not be for a while. We grabbed our park backpacks, got the essentials transferred and dropped the luggage with bell services. Then we went to catch the bus to Magic Kingdom, which was the park we had a reservation for. Bus was there quickly and we were off.
On the bus we chatted with two marathon racers and asked all about the event. They had done all 48+ miles. Wow. Bus ride was uneventful and we were at the gates before 12:30. As soon as we walked in, we could smell the popcorn. Someone was making a fresh batch. We stopped and grabbed a refillable bucket and snacked on a few pieces but did not want to ruin lunch.
At this point we were famished and with no ADR, we headed to Casey’s to grab some dogs. We cut through the shops but did not browse too much, since we needed to grab some food. When we got back to the entrance, as we walked past there were two empty tables. I almost said I should grab one but decided to stick together. I figured it was not that busy. Boy was I wrong.
Pixie Dust Sprinkling
We both got in line and there were two ladies at the front of the line with a huge order, plus a woman with a CM in front of us asking for assistance, she was in a wheelchair. This may take a few minutes, so I decided to go look for seats or a table, while DW grabbed the food. The place was packed. I went back to the two empty tables and they were now full. Then I looked around and realized how busy it was. There wasn’t a seat to be found at all. I should have grabbed one of the tables when we saw it. I finally found an open standup table by the ladies room and snagged it. It was about 15 minutes and no sign of DW. I started to wonder what the deal was when my DW rounded the corner with a tray of food.
She told me I’d never guess what happened, which I would not have. Apparently, my very patient DW who had clearly been placed in the very wrong line, was approached by a CM who asked if she had a large order. She said no, just two regular hot dogs. The CM told my DW to follow her and proceeded to go over to a counter and fill up a tray with the two meals, then said it was her lucky day and she was sprinkling pixie dust on her for being so patient. No charge. And offered a beverage as well. That made our day.
The dogs were good and we ate every bite plus our fries. We then popped open the popcorn and demolished the bucket. Apparently we were very hungry. Once we finished, it was about 1:30 so we decided to do some shopping and catch the parade. We saw a few things as we strolled the shops. Added to a mental maybe list. After that we walked up and watched the end of the stage show and started people watching as the crowds started gathering for the parade.
Around 2:45, we walked to our favorite secret parade watching spot and just chatted until the parade started. We love the Festival of Fantasy Parade. We just wish they would bring back the extended version. I miss Merida. The dragon Tenders that are normally on stilts were not, wonder why. At one point the dragon started smoking really bad and for a minute we got worried, but it seemed to clear up and all was ok. As always parade did not disappoint.
Headed to Saratoga Springs to Catch Bus to Disney Springs
We decided to head to Disney Springs by way of Saratoga Springs, as we did not see a bus listed direct. When we walked up, the bus was just arriving. What good luck so far. On the bus my eyes were getting heavy and the early start time and such was catching up. As we were rounding the corner for the last stop at The Springs, we got our room ready text. It was about 4:15. So, we got off bus and went to the room. Luck ran out, bands did not open the door and app was not connected yet.
So we took a trip up to the front desk to get that sorted, which only took a few minutes. On the way back to the room, we stopped at the pool bar for a drink. I got a Pina Colada and DW got the sangria with fruit, which she absolutely loves. Mine was delicious and based on the mmmmmmm coming from DW, guessing hers was too.
We own at Poly and love going there, but SSR is our standby when we can’t get in. We booked this too late and no rooms at poly. We have never stayed in a studio here. It is nice, but a bit small. I miss a table and chairs though. I find the couch uncomfortable. Still, a good room. We got a preferred room, and are in The Springs as requested. We called bell services to deliver the luggage and asked housekeeping for an extra blanket. Then, we ordered groceries from Instacart at Publix. At that point we decided to stay at SSR for the evening, get our groceries and maybe dinner at Artist’s Point.
Groceries came within an hour and we got even more pixie dust, he actually delivered to the room as we had a case of water. He said they normally don’t allow it, but since we had heavy stuff, he was able to. We put the groceries away and I realized every time we have stayed at SSR we have had a 1 or 2 bedroom. This fridge is small. It’s just the two of us, so it is enough for what we got. But we are surely spoiled now for that King bed and space with the 1-bedroom.
Dinner at Artist’s Point
We unpacked and then went to dinner around 6:15. We split a chicken plate and a side salad. I did not love it but DW said it was fine. We were both so tired I imagine it did not matter at that point. It got the job done. After a stroll through the gift shop, we headed back to the room. I worked for a couple hours, we took showers and jumped into bed around 10. Now writing this, will read for a bit and then get a good night sleep. I have a meeting in the AM and then Animal Kingdom tomorrow.
Good day, albeit long. We are in our happy place. Good night.
