🎄 Santa Goofy, Slip a Trip Report Under the Tree: A Holiday Tale

[gMagicScott]

The Setting of Our Scene

Gather 'round, dear Liners! I, your humble narrator extraordinaire, shall regale you with another enchanting tale from the chronicles of @gMagicScott, our beloved ambulance-driving Disney enthusiast, who returns for his FIFTH magical voyage of 2024. While mere mortals digest their Thanksgiving feasts and plot their Black Friday conquests, our hero stands vigilant, keeping the streets safe until the seventh hour of morn. But lo! Tomorrow brings tidings of great joy!

The Journey Begins

As the common folk feast upon their leftover turkey sandwiches, our intrepid gMagicScott shall take to the friendly skies at the civilized hour of 11:10am, trading his noble stethoscope for Mickey ears and his trusty ambulance for the magical chariots of Disney transportation.

A Tale of Three Kingdoms

This yuletide saga spans a magnificent 10 days (November 29 - December 8), featuring a three-resort spectacular that would make even Santa’s reindeer raise their hooves in approval. Our valiant hero shall embark upon a grand tour worthy of song and story - from the pastoral pleasures of Saratoga Springs, through the harmonious halls of All-Star Music, to the larger-than-life realms of Art of Animation.

Questions That Need Answering

Dear readers, grasp your steaming mugs of cocoa and nestle into your favorite reading nooks, for this tale promises more stuffing than a Christmas turkey. Will gMagicScott survive the treacherous transitions between three distinct kingdoms? Shall the yuletide decorations inspire more joy than Marie Kondo herself could manifest? And perhaps most crucially, will our protagonist finally resist the siren call of holiday-themed merchandise? (The Christmas Spirit Jersey collection alone may prove too tempting to resist.)

A Magical Convergence

But hark! What news is this? In a twist worthy of Disney’s finest storytellers, approximately 45 fellow Liners shall be traversing these hallowed grounds during our hero’s stay! Will paths cross in magical ways? Will any souls find time to read these chronicles between their own adventures and cookie consumption? Only time, that most mysterious of narrators, shall tell. But if the legends of Disney past have taught us anything, it’s that Liner magic has a way of manifesting in the most unexpected of places.

The Adventure Awaits…

Stay tuned, dear followers of the Mouse, as I chronicle the adventures of our beloved gMagicScott. This holiday season, the magic is about to become most decidedly real.

[Shmebulock]

@gMagicScott

approximately 45 fellow Liners shall be traversing these hallowed grounds during our hero’s stay!

45?? For real??

Wow!!

[Flavita]

Have fun!!!

[Jumping_Fountains]

Exciting! Very civilized flight time, too!

[ParkRanger]

The fun’s almost here!

I linked your trip report from the OP in the December thread, is that okay?

[gMagicScott]

That’s fine. I was thinking about tagging you to add it when I got the notification that you beat me to it.

[stlouie]

Oh, goody! Another awesome piece of literature to read!

[WendyFoundHerHEA]

Funsies! I wish when I got off at 7, I was flying to WDW as well. Alas, you will have to have enough fun for those of us stuck somewhere else. It’s a tough job, but I have faith in yinz!

[gMagicScott]

Chapter 2: When Plans Go Awry (A Tale of Travel Tribulations)

An Update for Our Dear Readers

Ah, my faithful followers! Your narrator must first acknowledge the outpouring of enthusiasm from our fellow Liners. Indeed, @Shmebulock’s astonishment at our prophesied gathering of 45 kindred spirits brings warmth to these storytelling bones. And to @WendyFoundHerHEA, who wishes she too were trading her post-shift weariness for Disney magic - fear not, for our hero shall indeed carry the banner of fun for all!

The Best-Laid Plans of Mice and EMTs

Now, dear readers, I regret to inform you that @Jumping_Fountains’ observation about our “civilized flight time” has been rendered… shall we say, optimistically premature. For you see, while the evening began peacefully enough, chaos descended upon our hero’s shift as the clock struck six.

Picture, if you will, our valiant gMagicScott, luggage arranged with military precision for a swift seven o’clock departure, when fate (and the emergency dispatch tones) had other plans. At precisely half-past six bells, duty called one final time.

A Strategic Pivot

But lo! Our quick-thinking protagonist, while his partner discussed patient care with the hospital healers, took swift action. With a mere ninety-five pieces of silver (doubtless to be offset by the combined bounty of holiday pay and overtime), he secured passage on a later vessel. The new departure time? The third hour past noon.

For those wishing to track our hero’s eventual journey through the skies, he has provided this magical scrying portal: Southwest Chariot 1442

The Rippling Effects

This temporal shift has created, as one might expect, a cascade of complications worthy of a Disney villain’s scheme:

• The noble chariot service of Orlando Transportation by Mike must now juggle their already-packed Black Friday schedule
• A mysterious Walmart pickup (about which your narrator suspects we shall hear more) hangs precariously in the balance
• Our hero’s boarding position has shifted from C25 to C2 (though whether this is an upgrade or downgrade remains subject to debate among the Southwest sages)

At present, our protagonist has finally secured release from his medical duties (at the rather tardy hour of half-past eight bells), though the combined spoils of holiday pay and overtime may yet prove useful for acquiring treasures in the Disney realm.

A Response to Our Audience

And yes, @ParkRanger, the fun is indeed almost here, albeit slightly delayed! Your kind linking of our tale in the December thread is most appreciated, as evidenced by @stlouie’s anticipation of our “awesome piece of literature.” We shall endeavor to live up to such expectations!

Questions Yet to Be Answered

Will our hero successfully navigate the treacherous waters of Black Friday Walmart? Shall Mike’s Transportation service find room in their packed schedule for our delayed adventurer? And perhaps most crucially, how many cups of coffee shall be required to fuel this journey?

Stay tuned, dear readers. For while our departure may be delayed, the magic, as always, awaits!

[Shmebulock]

@gMagicScott

Indeed, @Shmebulock’s astonishment at our prophesied gathering of 45 kindred spirits brings warmth to these storytelling bones.

I’m a character in your story!!!

[gMagicScott]

Chapter 3: Skyward Bound (A Tale of Travel and Sustenance)

A Most Welcome Update

@Shmebulock

I’m a character in your story!!!

Indeed, dear friends, you are all as much a part of this magical tapestry as the very parks themselves!

The Journey Begins

Lo! After securing confirmation that the noble steeds of Orlando Transportation by Mike would await our hero’s delayed arrival, gMagicScott faced his first challenge: dressing for a journey between realms of drastically different temperatures. Though his heart yearned for Florida-appropriate attire, the bitter northern winds of 31°F demanded more practical choices. Jeans and hoodie would serve as his armor until reaching warmer climes.

With playlist queued and spirit high, our hero embarked upon the 51-mile quest to The Parking Spot, where one Jerry, keeper of the shuttle, would guide him to the terminal proper.

The Empty Halls of Pittsburgh International

Despite dire prophecies from local town criers about Black Friday crowds, our hero found himself in surprisingly peaceful surroundings. The terminal stood remarkably serene, as if blessed by the ancient gods of travel.

For the first time in his frequent-flying career, our protagonist experienced the mystical rites of TSA Precheck, a passage so swift it defied temporal measurement. And lo! What noble creature stood guard over these halls? None other than a mighty T-Rex skeleton, to whom our hero paid proper respects.

Provisions Acquired

Before boarding, our hero procured sustenance from the realm of Dunkin, wisely choosing to save his feast for the journey ahead.

Airborne at Last

Now soaring through the clouds in Row 6 (port side window), our hero made two crucial decisions:

• The mystical Wi-Fi was indeed worth eight pieces of silver, enabling him to catch up on fellow Liners’ adventures
• A vodka and orange juice would serve as consolation for the lost Animal Kingdom evening

A Mid-Flight Feast Review

As our hero partook of his earlier-acquired Dunkin provisions, the results proved… mixed at best:

• The Midnight coffee (while no Joffrey’s) performed its caffeinated duty admirably -
• A sadly soggy maple sugar bacon croissant -
• Cold stuffed everything bagel minis (perhaps victims of the delayed consumption?) -

The First Signs of Disney Magic

As if sensing our hero’s approach, the Disney magic began to manifest - a room ready notification appeared! The fourth floor of the Paddock building at Saratoga Springs shall serve as his first temporary kingdom.

Questions That Remain

Will our hero successfully obtain a refund for his now-unusable Flight of Passage Lightning Lane? Can the airplane’s beverage service truly compare to Nomad Lounge? And what adventures await at Saratoga Springs?

Stay tuned, dear readers, as we begin our descent into the Magical World of Disney!

[Jumping_Fountains]

Sorry that your journey’s start was delayed! Your work really makes an impact on people’s lives and you and your colleagues near and far are among the things I give thanks to this year. But glad you’re down to business and on vacation!

[gMagicScott]

Chapter 4: Into the Bubble (A Tale of Arrivals and Anticipation)

The Landing

@Jumping_Fountains

Sorry that your journey’s start was delayed! Your work really makes an impact on people’s lives and you and your colleagues near and far are among the things I give thanks to this year. But glad you’re down to business and on vacation!

Your narrator is touched by such kind words! Indeed, our hero’s dedication to duty, while occasionally interfering with Disney plans, serves a noble purpose. But now, dear readers, let us turn to his arrival in the Magical Realm!

A Study in Human Nature

As our Southwest chariot touched down upon Orlando’s hallowed ground, a most peculiar phenomenon occurred - one familiar to any frequent air traveler. Despite the crew’s polite requests, practically the entire population of the vessel leapt to their feet as if summoned by some mystical force. Our hero, displaying the patience learned from countless hours in emergency department waiting rooms, remained seated, allowing the eager masses to thin.

The Festive Halls of MCO

Upon entering the terminal, our protagonist was greeted by a sight most magical - Orlando International Airport adorned in its Christmas finest!

A Tale of Efficient Transitions

Fortune smiled upon our hero as the stars aligned in perfect formation:

• His noble driver from Orlando Transportation awaited at the foot of the first escalator
• His traveling cases appeared with unprecedented swiftness upon the magical rotating belt
• The dreaded Black Friday Walmart pickup, while requiring 35-40 minutes of patience, was ultimately successful

The Moment of Truth

And then, dear readers, it happened. That magical moment when one crosses from the ordinary world into… The Bubble!

A Home Away From Home

At last, our weary traveler reached his first temporary kingdom - Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. The Paddock building welcomed him with open arms, offering views that would make even the most jaded traveler’s heart skip a beat.

But Wait, There’s More!

Having deposited his worldly possessions in his new accommodations, our hero uttered those magical words that signal the true start of any Disney adventure: “Now that I dropped off my stuff, I think it’s time to go have some fun!”

Questions That Beckon

Where will our protagonist’s first evening take him? What magical encounters await? And while Nomad Lounge’s early closure may have thwarted one plan, what other adventures might this evening hold?

Stay tuned, dear readers, as the magic truly begins to unfold!

[Shmebulock]

@gMagicScott

I think it’s time to go have some fun!

Awesome!
Glad you’ve arrived safely.
Can’t wait to hear all about the fun

[gMagicScott]

Chapter 5: An Evening of Enchantment (Tales from the Polynesian)

The Journey Continues

@Shmebulock

Awesome! Glad you’ve arrived safely. Can’t wait to hear all about the fun

Indeed, dear @Shmebulock, the fun has only just begun! For after settling into his temporary kingdom at Saratoga Springs, our hero embarked upon yet another adventure.

A Most Fortuitous Transit

As the evening stars began to twinkle, our protagonist boarded a chariot bound for the Magic Kingdom. But lo! This was not to breach the hallowed gates (for 'twas a night reserved for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party), but rather to embark upon a grand tour of the monorail resorts.

Fortune smiled upon our hero as he found himself the sole passenger (save for two apprentice drivers earning their ears). Such VIP treatment resulted in a direct passage to the shores of the Polynesian!

A Glimpse of Maritime Magic

The timing of our hero’s arrival proved most serendipitous, for there upon the Seven Seas Lagoon, the final moments of the Electrical Water Pageant danced upon the waves.

The Quest for Trader Sam’s

Having placed his name upon the sacred scroll of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, our hero found himself with time to spare. And what better way to pass such time than to witness the splendor of Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks from the peaceful shores of the Polynesian beach?

Adventures in Libations

Though arriving a mere two minutes past his summoned time, the keepers of the Grotto showed mercy, granting our hero standing passage at their mystical bar. What followed was a journey through the finest spirits of the South Seas:

The Initial Voyage

First came the Zombie - a powerful concoction of three rums (Gosling’s 151, Appleton Estate Reserve, and Bacardi 8 yr), enhanced with tropical juices, falernum, and cinnamon. A respectable three stars out of five, surprising our rum-skeptical hero.

The Holiday Special

Next arrived the Barela Lā Hoʻomaha, a festive blend of Goslings Black Seal Rum, coconut cream, guava syrup, and citrus juices. This proved even more delightful, earning four stars!

The Spectacle

The Uh-Oa arrived with great ceremony - flames leaping skyward! While the theatrical presentation earned five stars, the drink itself merited but two.

The Final Flight

For the finale, a flight of distinguished rums: Bacardi 8 yr, Pyrat XO Reserve, and Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 yr. True to their reputations, each proved finer than the last, culminating in a four-star experience.

The Journey Home

As the clock struck midnight and the Christmas Party concluded, our thoroughly spirited hero made his way via monorail to the Magic Kingdom transportation center. There, he found himself aboard yet another chariot, this one bound for Saratoga Springs and a well-earned rest.

A Final Note

And so, dear readers, our hero’s first evening in the World drew to a close at the rather unconventional hour of 1:30 AM. Though Nomad Lounge may have eluded him, the evening proved magical indeed!

Stay tuned for our next installment, where we shall discover what adventures await our hero after such a spirited evening!

[Shmebulock]

@gMagicScott

the theatrical presentation earned five stars

I do love my cocktails to have a bit of an entrance
They all look fantastic

[Enchantedbythemouse]

Love Trader Sam’s! What a fun night!

[WendyFoundHerHEA]

Sounds like a fun night! Great fireworks pics, we love watching from the Poly! And goodness gracious, I’d be riding in the back of your Lake Buena Vista counterparts if I’d have enjoyed those libations haha! Trader Sam’s is a blast but the drinks are indeed strong!

[gMagicScott]

Chapter 6A: Morning Feast (Tales from The Boathouse)

Dawn of a New Adventure

@WendyFoundHerHEA

Sounds like a fun night! And goodness gracious, I’d be riding in the back of your Lake Buena Vista counterparts if I’d have enjoyed those libations haha!

Indeed, dear @WendyFoundHerHEA, after such spirited adventures at Trader Sam’s, our hero wisely chose to sleep in until the civilized hour of 9:30 AM. Upon awakening, he proclaimed the 50°F temperature “a beautiful day in the neighborhood,” channeling the wisdom of the legendary Mr. Rogers.

A Morning Constitutional

Fortune smiled upon our protagonist, for his chambers in The Paddock building lay closest to the Congress Park section, where the mystical pathway to Disney Springs begins. And so, with wallet and phone as his only companions, our hero set forth on foot toward his brunch destination.

The Gates of Disney Springs

In a moment of whimsy, even with his minimalist loadout, our hero somehow managed to trigger the security sensors - proving that magic works in mysterious ways indeed!

The Boathouse Beckons

As the eleventh hour approached, our hero found himself before The Boathouse, its holiday decorations twinkling in the morning sun.

A Feast for the Ages

The grand menu unfurled before our hero like an ancient scroll, its offerings vast and tempting.

While contemplating his choices, warm Parker House rolls appeared, accompanied by the melodious sounds of dueling pianos.

The Libations

First came an Espresso Martini - a sophisticated blend of 360 Madagascar Vanilla, Kahlua, Liquor 43, and Espresso. Unlike last night’s tropical concoctions, this proved more aligned with our hero’s tastes, earning four stars (though the coffee bean garnish showed signs of age).

The Seafaring Feast

In a bold move worthy of song, our protagonist ordered one of everything from the oyster menu, accompanied by Florida Stone Crab Claws. The bounty included:

• Beausoleil (New Brunswick) - Medium size, clean brine, sweet cucumber melon finish
• Chebooktook (New Brunswick) - Small size, salty and sweet yet nutty flavor and a clean finish
• Saltaire (Prince Edward Island) - Small size, crisp salt, yet sweet finish
• Summer Love (Damariscotta River) - Medium size, buttery salty cream flavor, sweet finish
• Lucky Dux (Duxbury Bay) - Medium size, crisp brine, clean finish and buttery texture

Each oyster proved a perfect specimen, free from the overwhelming brine that sometimes plagues lesser establishments. The crab claw, though requiring some determination to crack even in its pre-scored state, earned the coveted “chef’s kiss” designation. Five stars!

The Main Event

For his principal course, our hero selected the Crabcakes Benedict - Twin Crab Cakes, Prosciutto Ham, Poached Eggs, Old Bay Hollandaise Sauce, and Grilled Asparagus.

Another five-star triumph that has our hero questioning his long-held belief in Homecomin’ as Disney’s premier brunch destination!

A Final Touch

Though the Espresso Martini might technically count as coffee, our hero sought proper caffeination at the neighboring Joffrey’s, where even the foam art displayed Disney magic in the form of Stitch himself.

A Side Note on Acquisitions

In a revelation that will surprise none of our regular readers, our hero confesses to acquiring the holiday mug from last night’s Trader Sam’s adventures.

Questions That Beckon

Will The Boathouse officially dethrone Homecomin’ as our hero’s favorite Disney brunch? What adventures await as he ventures beyond the Disney bubble? And how many more holiday-themed vessels might find their way into his collection?

Stay tuned, dear readers, as our tale continues!

[gMagicScott]

Chapter 6B: A Journey East (The Daytona Adventure)

Beyond the Bubble

@Enchantedbythemouse

Love Trader Sam’s! What a fun night!

Indeed, dear @Enchantedbythemouse, the previous evening’s revelry at Trader Sam’s proved most entertaining. But now our hero ventures forth on an entirely different sort of adventure!

The Quest for Transportation

With the aid of a mystical Lyft chariot, our protagonist journeyed to the car care center, where even this utilitarian outpost of the Disney realm maintained its festive spirit.

There, a noble black Chevrolet chariot was bestowed upon our hero for his cross-state expedition.

An Amusing Interlude

Upon returning briefly to Saratoga Springs to gather provisions (namely, a phone charging cable of vital importance), our hero encountered a most amusing sight: several turkeys, strutting proudly through the parking lot, clearly quite pleased with themselves for having survived beyond Thanksgiving!

The Journey to the Sea

And so began our hero’s expedition across the Florida peninsula to the shores of Daytona Beach, where dwells his “adopted” grandmother, the beloved Sandy.

A Feast of Different Flavors

At the San Diego Grill in Port Orange, our hero joined Sandy, her daughter Judy, and son Joey for a meal. The steak fajitas, while adequate, presented an unexpected challenge - the necessity of DIY assembly proved somewhat at odds with the social nature of the gathering. Three stars were bestowed upon this repast.

Ocean’s Greeting

Being so near the mighty Atlantic, our hero felt compelled to pay his respects to the great waters. Though the day grew late and the winds blew fierce, he ventured to the shore.

Wisely choosing to remain in the safety of the parking lot, our protagonist observed the tumultuous seas from afar. Recent hurricane damage had rendered the beach access rather treacherous, proving that discretion is indeed the better part of valor.

Questions That Beckon

Will our hero make it back to the Magic Kingdom in time for fireworks? What other family tales were shared around the table? And did those triumphant turkeys have any inkling of how close they came to becoming someone’s Thanksgiving feast?

Stay tuned, dear readers, as we chronicle our hero’s return to the Disney bubble!