11/29 - 12/2 Trip Report

Hey TP’ers…figured I’d give a briefing of our first WDW trip w/o kids. OMG, so much fun. Love the kids (grown now) but highly recommend going as a couple if you get the chance. Long weekend getaway from Philly given we were able to score low cost air tix. Stayed in a Savanna view room at AKL (Jambo).

AKL: never stayed here before but seeing the animals from our balcony was incredible. Giraffes; zebra’s; antelope; numerous large birds; and other large beasts was so unique. The Christmas tree in the beautiful lobby was breath taking. Solid quick service restaurant (Mara). Ate at BOMA on night 1; was good but for the cost I’d go elsewhere. We were hoping for a little more holiday feeling but outside of the lobby decor; it wasn’t all that.

Friday: AK morning and prior experience led us to being in line an hour before opening to ride FOP. Was in line at 755am; through gates at 815am; allowed on ride by 825am. Off ride before 9am! Couldn’t score FP+ but being in line by 8am is the best alternative. Rest of the morning was spent exploring Gorilla Falls and Majarajha trails that we had never done. Had FP+ for Everest & KS; walked right on Dinosaur. Really enjoyed just exploring at a reasonable pace. Took a short break then over to GF to check out the Gingerbread House and decor. Amazing atmosphere; very festive unlike AKL. Ate at GF Cafe (was ok) and off to MVMCP for the night. MVMCP was pretty crowded but manageable. Walked on most rides we wanted; only wait time was 7D, but only 20min. Shows were fun but the highlight was the holiday Wishes show. Just incredible. Was at the hub about 30min prior and got a fence spot w/o issue. Great atmosphere with the music playing; decor; and oh yeah, cookies! Great day.

Saturday: Slept in a little then headed over to WL to meet with the DVC folks (considering). Had not been to WL prior but wow. Just a gorgeous property and very festive. Tree and lobby decor is stunning. Headed over to HS around noon; again just to stroll and hit RnR and TT (FP+) which are must do’s for us. Park wasn’t mobbed outside of TSL which remains ridiculous. Headed over to Epcot for an early Candlelight Processional dinner and hit the 645pm show, along with poking around the countries. Can’t endorse the CP more…just a beautiful & well produced performance. The orchestra, choir, and John Stamos as the narrator was wonderful. Talk about an outstanding way to feel the holiday spirit. The highlight of our trip. Hit Soarin but mostly spent time in the countries checking out the atmosphere. Seeing the train display in Germany still brings a smile. Only disappointment was Reflections which was billed as a holiday version but didn’t see/hear anything remotely holiday related.

Sunday: Achieved a long standing wish to do KTTK. Was a beautiful morning and we had a great guide (Justin). Some really cool little tidbits learned but won’t damage the “magic”. Although a kinda funny seeing Alice in sweatpants texting on her phone in the WDW underworld. Overall great tour of the park and got VIP access to ride Jungle Cruise and Haunted Mansion.

All in all just an awesome “couple” weekend to feel some Disney holiday magic and do some different things. Can’t recommend it enough. Enjoy all and happy holidays to you and yours!
John

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Sounds like an awesome time. Looking forward to a couples only trip someday. Unfortunately DW doesnt share in the magic of WDW.

Thanks for sharing. Love couples trip. Heading these with adult children next week for mainly MVMCP and Epcot holiday kitchens. All my good dieting and workouts are going down the drain I am afraid.

Sounds like a brilliant couple of days.