I thought it might be fun (for me) to write the trip report for my upcoming trip before I actually take it. That way, I can be fully present during the trip itself. I’m kinda wanting to experiment with fully unplugging during the trip and totally immersing myself in the parks. Also, I want to show off my trip planning. This trip is just me and Paul.
Day -2
Take Calvin to Sarah’s and pack.
Day -1
Take the train to Manchester airport. Check-in to the hotel at the airport and then take a cab to the Trafford Centre — an enormous mall with all manner of entertainment, including a cinema. I imagine the mall will be fully Christmassed up.
Paul and I have different taste in movies, but I think we’ve agreed on Gladiator 2. (Other options I put forward were Red One and Wicked. These were not well-received. I’d really like to see Wicked in preparation for the tribute store at UOR. Do I need to see The Wizard of Oz first? I haven’t seen it since I was a kid.)
Day 0
Fly to MCO, arriving late afternoon. Flying Premium Economy on Virgin as has become my routine. Pre-COVID I often flew Upper Class, but that’s just too expensive now. I experimented one time with regular Economy. It was unacceptable. Premium strikes just the right balance between quality of experience and cost.
Lyft to Cabana Bay, where we have a Volcano Bay view room. These are insanely far from the main building, but I love the view, and these rooms are super-convenient for Volcano Bay: take the lift downstairs, turn the corner and — boom! — you’re at the secret Cabana Bay entrance.
No plans for the day. That way I won’t be stressing if there are delays.
Day 1
Lyft to WDW. We start with breakfast at TH in AK. I do love character meals and this seems like a great start to a trip. I’ve been to TH once before and had a really fun interaction with Donald, who suggested I tear up my check and run out without paying. All beautifully mimed. Paul has never been and is probably indifferent to characters, but he’ll enjoy the fact it’s a buffet, as he’s super picky about food.
The plan is to do AK things until mid-afternoon and then switch to EP. But here’s the clever part. We’ll take a bus to the Poly, so that we can have a look round (Paul’s never been) and then take the monorail to EP, so that we can ride the monorail, and because I like the view when it does the circuit around the central hub.
Then EP things — the Christmas overlay of LWTL is compulsory, obviously, as are Soarin’ and GOTG. Other than that I’m not to bothered. I’ve ridden everything a million times by now. I do enjoy Remy, so probably that.
Dinner at FF, followed by dessert at Cake Bake. We’ve booked a table and will be meeting some well-known and much-loved Liners.
Day 2
Totally new departure for me today: Sea World. I watched a review by one of my favourite YouTubers and realised they have a lot of pretty cool rollercoasters, including the new one where you kinda stand up and surf your way round the track.
We’ve got Quick Queue and All-Day Dining. Paul has reservations about some of the animal exhibits, but hopefully we’ll get to see the less controversial ones.
Day 3
Another departure for me. Paul really wants to do some hard-core shopping, so we’re going to the Florida Mall. But we start the day with the Grinch breakfast.
Later on we have an early dinner at Narcoossee’s — which has finally made it onto the schedule and not (yet) been removed. This will also be, of course, an opportunity to enjoy the lobby and the gingerbread house. We’ll then walk to MK.
Then it’s MVMCP. We have the dessert party booked for the fireworks. I won’t be particularly ride-motivated: I’m there for the parade (the toy soldiers in particular) and fireworks and general Christmassyness of it all. That being said, I’d like to do the Speedway because of the Christmas overlay. There will rage if the weather is anything other than flawless. I’ve had two of my previous three MVMCPs spoiled by rain.
Day 4
Bit of a chill out day today. We’ve booked a cabana at Volcano Bay, where we also have Express Passes, and plan to spend the day there. The cabanas have their own private Tapu Tapu terminals, so you can book rides without having to go to them first. There will once again be rage if the weather is poor. Not so much bothered about rain: I just hope it’s warm enough for the day to be enjoyable. Dinner at Mythos.
Day 5
Back to WDW. Starting with breakfast at WC at WL, mostly as an excuse to see the declarations in the lobby. And as an excuse to take the boat to MK, which I always think is a magical way to arrive. The main targets at MK are Tron, Tiana and Jingle Cruise.
Next up HS, but via a controversial route. Bus from MK to Pop or AoA, partly to enjoy the crazy theming, but also to get us on the Skyliner. (Attentive readers will notice this trip is designed to cover every transportation method available. They are all rides to me.)
The day ends with dinner at Sci Fi. I think Paul will enjoy the theming. If I stick to my current plans and strategy, this will be the last time we will see WDW for a number of years.
Day 6
A change of hotel to Portofino Bay, where we have a harbor view room.
Breakfast at the Trattoria, before walking to the parks. Obviously we’ll have EPs. No specific plan. Dinner at Hard Rock, followed by milkshakes at Toothsome.
Day 7
Breakfast at The Kitchen at HRH, then another full UOR park day. Finally, dinner at Bice — and a farewell (for me) to UOR until June.
Day 8
Lunchtime flight to NYC (indirect routing home was a chunk cheaper). Quite a long layover, so we are planning to visit the TWA hotel. I’ve even made pool reservations there.
Nighttime flight back to Manchester.
I’m sorry, but I’ve nailed it. I really have. This sounds like such an awesome trip, lol. I just hope it all works out. My biggest worry: weather. Three things rely on the weather working out: MVMCP, VB day and TWA pool. I could forgive less than ideal weather at other times. (Hey, Mr Rainman — knock yourself out while we’re in the mall!) Marginally worried about ride availability. We are only visiting each of the MK parks once (Well, MK twice, actually, with MVMCP.)
Insofar as anyone really “deserves” anything, Paul and I both feel like we certainly “need” a getaway. The past few months have been rough. Which is why, as I said at the beginning, I may try to disconnect completely.
the weather cooperates!
