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

[gMagicScott]

Chapter 6C: Return to Magic (Evening in the Kingdom)

The Return Journey

@Shmebulock

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

Indeed, dear @Shmebulock, while this evening’s adventures may lack the theatrical flair of Trader Sam’s libations, they shall not want for magic!

Race Against Time

Though the fireworks had already commenced their spectacle, fortune smiled upon our protagonist as he boarded the ferry, granting him a unique vantage point for the grand finale. While the musical accompaniment could not reach across the waters, the visual splendor proved magnificent indeed.

A Most Peculiar Entry

Our hero’s arrival at the Magic Kingdom coincided precisely with the fireworks’ culmination. The timing presented an interesting challenge - our hero found himself swimming upstream through the tunnel beneath the Main Street Train Station, as the exodus of kingdomites began. Displaying the tactical wisdom gained from his previous adventures, he executed a strategic retreat into Town Square Theater.

An Audience with Royalty

Finding no queue before the Mouse himself, our hero seized the opportunity for an audience with Mickey.

The Quest for Lightning Speed

With the crowds now dispersed, our hero made his way to TRON, armed with a Lightning Lane Single Pass. The posted standby wait of 105 minutes made this magical pass seem all the more valuable.

A minor setback occurred at the lockers - when the first refused to secure our hero’s belongings, a quick-thinking Cast Member provided a key card for a second attempt. Success!

From tap-in to disembark, the entire experience consumed but 30 minutes - truly, lightning indeed!

The Path to Glory

Next, our protagonist ventured to the realm of Buzz Lightyear, where a most epic quest awaited. The first attempt, with its 18-minute wait (despite the posted 15), yielded a modest score of 748,400.

Unsatisfied, our hero immediately re-queued, waiting but 3 minutes… only to score even lower!

Third time proved the charm - with barely a minute’s wait, our hero achieved the coveted rank of Galactic Hero: 999,999!

A Victory Lap

To celebrate this triumph, our hero boarded the PeopleMover with but one minute to spare before park closing, taking in the nighttime beauty of Tomorrowland.

Final Indulgences

As the evening drew to a close, our hero secured provisions from Casey’s Corner: corn dog nuggets, chili cheese fries, hot coffee (to ward off the chill), and mysteriously, two cups of cheese sauce despite ordering only one.

A respectable three stars were awarded to this late-night repast.

One Last Look

Before departing, our hero captured the splendor of the holiday decorations in their nocturnal glory.

Sweet Dreams

A final treasure was acquired from the Confectionery - a Mickey-shaped rice crispy treat adorned with freeze-dried Skittles, before our hero began his journey home. The parking tram ride proved particularly entertaining thanks to a spirited Cast Member, and upon departing the Kingdom, our hero’s mystical GPS guided him through an unknown back entrance to Saratoga Springs, as if the very roads themselves conspired to add one final touch of adventure to the evening.

Questions That Beckon

Will our hero’s triumph as a Galactic Hero carry over to future space ranger missions? What mysteries lie behind the curious case of the duplicate cheese sauce? And what adventures await on his first full day in the World?

Stay tuned, dear readers, as our magical tale continues!

[gMagicScott]

Dear readers, your narrator must pause our tale briefly to express gratitude for your patience with our recent technical tribulations. Like a temperamental magic mirror, our photographic enchantments initially proved elusive. But lo! The spells have now been properly cast, and all our visual chronicles - from the festive halls of The Boathouse to the triumphant achievement of Galactic Hero status - now stand ready for your viewing pleasure!

We invite you to revisit our recent chapters, where the images now dance alongside the words like pixie dust upon the page. And fear not, for our tale shall continue forthwith, as our hero prepares for his first full day of adventures in the World!

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

Chapter 6A: Morning Feast (Tales from The Boathouse) Dawn of a New Adventure 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 la…

[Shmebulock]

@gMagicScott

clearly quite pleased with themselves for having survived beyond Thanksgiving!

That’s hilarious

Love the Tiki Christmas mug

[Shmebulock]

@gMagicScott

our hero achieved the coveted rank of Galactic Hero: 999,999!

Way to go!!!

[gMagicScott]

Chapter 7A: A Tale of Wine and Whimsy (Brunch at Wine Bar George)

The Morning After

@Shmebulock

Way to go!!!

Indeed, dear @Shmebulock, while our hero’s triumph as Galactic Hero still brings a smile to his face, new adventures beckon! After the previous evening’s exploits, our protagonist wisely chose to embrace the comfort of his temporary kingdom, arising at a most civilized hour.

A Race Against Time

With an 11:15 dining reservation at the esteemed Wine Bar George looming, our hero found himself in need of some haste to prepare for the day ahead. Fortune favored the determined, however, and despite arriving a mere five minutes past the appointed hour, our protagonist was graciously welcomed and escorted to an elevated perch in the upstairs dining room.

The Feast Begins

A mystical QR code upon the table revealed the morning’s offerings, and our hero, displaying the decisiveness gained from countless emergency situations, swiftly placed his initial orders.

Menu at Wine Bar George - Powered by Uptown Network

The Morning’s First Libation

The Wake Up Call arrived with impressive speed - a sophisticated blend of Espresso-Infused Barsol Pisco and Caffè Borghetti Espresso Liqueur. Unlike its cousin from yesterday’s Boathouse adventure, this creation proved even more remarkable, its creamy decadence earning the coveted five stars. The coffee bean garnish, our hero noted with approval, displayed superior freshness.

A Magical Transformation

Accompanying the morning’s elixir came the Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites, adorned with tomato nage and pecorino. Having sampled similar offerings from the realm of Sheetz in his homeland, our hero approached with measured expectations. But lo! These proved to be something altogether more magical, instantly earning five stars and forever altering our hero’s perception of what such a dish could achieve.

The Main Event

For his principal course, our hero selected the Fried Chicken Biscuit - a grand assembly of pimento cheese, bacon relish, sunny side egg, and grits. Yet being in an establishment known for its wine expertise, he wisely deferred to his server’s knowledge for a suitable accompaniment.

The chosen vintage - an Avancia Nobleza Mencía 2022 from the ancient vines of Valdeorras - proved a worthy companion to the feast, earning four stars for its contribution to the experience.

As for the Fried Chicken Biscuit itself - while a commendable dish that would shine brightly in most establishments, it found itself in the formidable shadow of Homecomin’s legendary version. A respectable three stars were awarded, though our hero’s curiosity about Wine Bar George’s other menu offerings remained undimmed, prompting plans for future exploration.

A Peaceful Interlude

Following his feast, our hero embarked upon a leisurely return to his temporary kingdom. There, he discovered one of the hidden treasures of Saratoga Springs - a peaceful balcony, a luxury often absent from his usual value resort accommodations.

In this tranquil setting, our protagonist set about chronicling his adventures, wrestling with both words and technology until his tales were properly preserved for posterity.

Questions That Beckon

Will our hero successfully return his noble rental chariot to the Car Care Center? With Magic Kingdom closing early for yet another Christmas Party, what alternative adventures might await? And will any establishment ever truly challenge Homecomin’s brunch supremacy?

Stay tuned, dear readers, as our tale continues to unfold!

[Shmebulock]

The food looks fantastic!

[LTinNC82]

That’s my favorite current rice crispy treat!

[Flavita]

I love The Boathouse!

[RDryan]

@gMagicScott

The Wake Up Call arrived with impressive speed - a sophisticated blend of Espresso-Infused Barsol Pisco and Caffè Borghetti Espresso Liqueur

OMG this looks so good!

[gMagicScott]

Chapter 7B: Tales from the Twilight Hours (An Evening at Hollywood Studios)

The Best-Laid Plans

@Shmebulock

The food looks fantastic!

Indeed, dear @Shmebulock, while our morning’s culinary adventures proved most satisfying, fate had different plans for the afternoon. Our hero’s intended mission to return his noble rental chariot to the Car Care Center was thwarted by that most mundane of villains - shortened Sunday operating hours.

A Strategic Pivot

Accepting the inevitable extra day’s rental fee with the graceful resignation learned from countless flight delays, our hero redirected his quest toward Hollywood Studios. The journey began with a pleasant stroll to the Congress Park bus station, where our protagonist made the tactical decision to adjust his park reservation accordingly.

The Great Bus Convergence

Lo! What spectacle was this? Four mighty carriages arrived simultaneously, bearing banners of Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, and EPCOT. The fourth, most elusive vessel departed with such haste that our hero barely glimpsed its destination - though he suspected it might have been his intended target.

But patience, as all Disney adventurers know, has its rewards. Soon enough, another chariot appeared, this one adorned with the visage of Daisy Duck herself.

Into the Studios

Upon arrival, our hero observed an interesting phenomenon - more guests were departing than entering, a promising sign for one seeking shorter queues. Making haste to the Chinese Theater, he joined the 45-minute queue for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Nothing Can Stop Us Now!

The posted wait proved optimistic, with our hero emerging a mere 34 minutes later, the infectious melody of “Nothing Can Stop Us Now” firmly lodged in his consciousness. His fellow passengers in the row behind had fully embraced the spirit of the adventure, joining Daisy in her dance sequence.

The Cantina Calls

With Fantasmic reserved for later viewing, our hero secured a coveted reservation at Oga’s Cantina, eager to sample their newest offerings. While awaiting his appointed time, he wandered the market stalls of Batuu, contemplating whether his lone lightsaber back home might appreciate some companionship.

The Trials of Taste

Positioned at the bar directly before DJ R-3X, our hero embarked upon a grand tasting adventure:

• Jet Juice (Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, Stirrings Pomegranate Liqueur, White Grape Juice, and Lemon Juice) - A potent potion warranting the bartender’s warning to sip slowly, though our hero found its flavor more compelling than its strength. Four stars.

• Thruster Roasted Bantha Flatbread - Though the presentation might have benefited from more precise knife work, this new addition to Oga’s menu proved a delightful surprise. The crisp crust and delicately spiced toppings earned four stars.

• The Sylop - A masterful blend of Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Grapefruit Juice, Lime Juice, Agave, and Jalapeño Concentrate, rimmed with chili-lime seasoning. This newcomer to the menu could rival the offerings at La Cava del Tequila, earning four stars.

• Nysillin and Bubbles with Brub Berry Essence - A colorful creation of Empress 1908 Gin, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Blueberry-Lime Juice topped with Tonic Water and garnished with an Edible Hibiscus Flower. Though the flower sank upon first sip, the blueberry-lime juice dominated pleasantly, if perhaps masking the gin too thoroughly. A respectable three stars.

• The Umbaran Cheese Roll - A spice-dusted pretzel bun stuffed with herbed cheese and accompanied by a dipping sauce. Another welcome addition to Oga’s culinary arsenal, though the bland dipping sauce proved superfluous. Three stars.

• Fuzzy Tauntaun - When warned of this drink’s potentially non-human compatibility, our hero cleverly referenced possible Wampa ancestry through his maternal great-great-great-great grandfather. Alas, this once-mighty concoction proved sweeter than remembered, its famous numbing foam significantly diminished. What once earned four stars has fallen to a mere two.

• Corellian Spike Cold Brew - Despite sound advice to stir frequently, this blend of Maker’s Mark, Joffrey’s Cold Brew, vanilla, brown sugar syrup, and orange bitters topped with purple vanilla-ube foam failed to measure up to our hero’s recent exceptional coffee cocktail experiences at Boathouse and Wine Bar George. Two stars.

In a gesture of gratitude, our hero crafted two roses from black bar napkins - one for his bartender, the other for Oga herself.

The Final Act

As the hour of Fantasmic approached, our hero made his way through the illuminated beauty of Batuu at night, pausing to pay respects to a certain Galactic Hero in Toy Story Land. Even Rex had embraced the holiday spirit, sporting festive reindeer antlers.

A Fantastic Finale

Armed with a Jack-Jack Num-Num cookie, Jalapeño Pretzel, and popcorn, our hero secured a prime viewing location for Fantasmic’s final showing of the night. The spectacular proved as magical as ever, and our wise protagonist’s strategy of lingering afterward allowed for peaceful photography of the park’s holiday decorations.

The Journey Home

The return voyage to Saratoga Springs proved peaceful, shared with but a handful of fellow travelers. Upon the chariot’s side, our hero noted the sage wisdom of Timon & Pumbaa, offering their timeless advice about not stepping in front of moving buses - counsel as valuable in the Disney realm as in the Pride Lands.

As our hero settled into his temporary kingdom for one final night, the impending move to All-Star Music loomed - though perhaps packing should have taken precedence over chronicling!

Questions That Beckon

Will tomorrow’s resort transition prove smooth? Has our hero’s lightsaber collection truly reached its final form? And what other culinary delights might Oga have waiting to be discovered?

Stay tuned, dear readers, as our magical tale continues!

[Shmebulock]

@gMagicScott

In a gesture of gratitude, our hero crafted two roses from black bar napkins - one for his bartender, the other for Oga herself.

Aw, sweet

[gMagicScott]

Chapter 8A: A Tale of Two Resorts (Morning Transitions)

The Dawn Watch

@Shmebulock

Aw, sweet

Indeed, dear @Shmebulock, while our hero’s gestures of gratitude at Oga’s proved touching, an even grander quest awaited him in the pre-dawn hours. For you see, as the clock struck 6:55, our protagonist arose for a most crucial mission - securing passage aboard the Cosmic Rewind.

A Virtual Victory

Fortune smiled upon our hero’s early rising, as his nimble fingers secured the most coveted of positions - Boarding Group 1!

With this triumph achieved, our hero wisely chose to return to his slumber, for the day ahead would demand all his energies.

The Great Migration

As the morning proper arrived, our protagonist could delay no longer. The hour of departure from his temporary kingdom at Saratoga Springs drew near. With practiced efficiency born of countless medical shifts, he completed his preparations and conducted the traditional dad-check of the chamber.

A Final Farewell

Before departing room 6823, our hero captured one last view from his fourth-floor balcony - documentation that would later serve the greater good through contribution to the TouringPlans Hotel Finder.

A Tale of Two Kingdoms

With his noble rental chariot still at his disposal, our hero executed a masterful strategy - transporting his belongings to All-Star Music’s Bell Services before undertaking the final journey to return his temporary steed.

An Unexpected Blessing

At the registration desk of his new realm, our hero encountered Bradley, a noble Cast Member from Durham, NC. Though expressing no urgency for chamber preparation (given the day’s planned adventures at EPCOT), our protagonist found himself blessed with an unexpected upgrade to the Preferred room category. In keeping with the ancient traditions, a Cast Compliment was swiftly dispatched in recognition of this kindness.

The Final Quest

With his belongings secured and upgrade obtained, our hero embarked upon his final mission with the rental chariot. After a brief stop to replenish the vessel’s fuel reserves (12.076 gallons at the quite reasonable rate of $3.089 per gallon), he at last reached the Car Care Center.

There, the magic of Disney transportation manifested once more, as a complimentary shuttle appeared to whisk our hero toward EPCOT - though not before a minor seat belt skirmish required some tactical repositioning.

A Day of Promise

As our hero approached EPCOT’s majestic geodesic sphere, his carefully crafted schedule stretched before him:

• Boarding Group 1 for Cosmic Rewind (already summoned)
• 1:20 PM Lightning Lane for a second journey through the cosmos
• 4:40 PM Candlelight Processional Dining Package at Spice Road Table
• 8:15 PM Candlelight Processional show
• A vast array of Festival of the Holidays treats awaiting sampling

Questions That Beckon

Will our hero’s double dose of Cosmic Rewind prove too much for mortal constitution? What delicacies await at the Festival of the Holidays? And how will All-Star Music compare to the refined comforts of Saratoga Springs?

Stay tuned, dear readers, as our magical tale continues!

[heathernoel]

Can’t wait for festival food booth reviews! I need guidance.

[Shmebulock]

@gMagicScott

our protagonist found himself blessed with an unexpected upgrade to the Preferred room category.

Woot woot!!

[Flavita]

@heathernoel

l food booth reviews! I need guidance.

Yes, @gMagicScott ! I need reviews.

[gMagicScott]

Chapter 8B: Cosmic Adventures and Mediterranean Delights

The Morning’s First Quest

@heathernoel

Can’t wait for festival food booth reviews! I need guidance.

Indeed, dear @heathernoel, while our culinary adventures shall soon commence, our hero first secured that most coveted of treasures - the Festival Passport, essential companion for tracking the legendary Cookie Stroll!

A Festive Greeting

En route to his cosmic destination, our hero encountered none other than Pluto himself, resplendent in holiday attire complete with a festive collar and earmuffs.

The Great Cosmic Adventure

Having secured his belongings in a nearby locker (for interstellar travel demands minimal baggage), our hero approached the Cosmic Rewind complex with his Lightning Lane pass at the ready. While the queue showed signs of recent temporal disruptions - word among the locals spoke of extended morning downtime - our protagonist remained undaunted.

The First Journey

Twenty-three minutes of anticipation led to a triumphant first launch, accompanied by the legendary sounds of “One Way or Another.” Though the photographic evidence remained temporarily trapped in the quantum realm of Disney’s imaging systems, the experience proved most satisfactory.

A Test of Patience

The second voyage, however, proved more challenging. What began as an optimistic “temporary delay” of five minutes stretched into a remarkable 135-minute odyssey. When movement finally resumed, our hero found himself momentarily trapped in the initial launch sequence, forcing the Xandarians to exhaust their entire catalog of bonus content before the journey could proceed.

Adding insult to injury, the cosmic DJ selected… “Conga.”

A Legendary Encounter

Fortune smiled upon our weary traveler, however, as none other than Star-Lord himself appeared to commiserate about the extended delay.

A Mediterranean Sojourn

With his cosmic adventures concluded, our hero spied the Friendship Boat preparing to embark - a fortuitous shortcut to his next destination, Spice Road Table.

The Feast Begins

Though the mystical MDE refused to acknowledge his presence (even while standing directly before the establishment), our hero secured swift seating upon the outdoor patio, where a parade of dishes soon appeared:

• Tagine (an unexpected arrival due to dining package protocols) - While the dish proved adequate, our hero confirmed his long-standing position on olives remains unchanged. Two stars.
• Moroccan Carrots - A revelation in root vegetable preparation that earned a solid four stars.
• Tender Lamb - Perfectly prepared, warranting four stars.
• Hummus Fries - While the accompanying sauce impressed, the hummus-based creation itself proved merely satisfactory. Three stars.
• Spicy Shrimp - Though milder than anticipated, the dish delivered on its promises. Four stars.
• Iced Mint Tea with Bombay Sapphire - An interesting concoction reminiscent of liquid peppermint candy. Three stars.

A Temporal Setback

As our hero departed the restaurant, a moment of kindness - directing lost travelers toward Remy’s domain - proved costly. The seventy seconds spent in assistance caused him to miss securing a boarding group for Extended Evening Hours, though his Candlelight Processional ticket provided some consolation.

Questions That Beckon

Will our hero find suitable entertainment to bridge the gap before the Candlelight Processional? Can any future Cosmic Rewind soundtrack surpass the disappointment of “Conga”? And what delectable treasures await along the Cookie Stroll?

Stay tuned, dear readers, as our magical tale continues

[gMagicScott]

Chapter 8C: Tales of Holiday Magic (An Evening at EPCOT)

A Festive Interlude

In the realm of the United Kingdom, our hero happened upon Father Christmas himself, regaling passersby with tales of yuletide wonder.

A Frosty Delight

Memories of festivals past led our hero to the Swirled Showcase, where a familiar treat beckoned - the liquid nitrogen-dipped Mickey cake. Though slightly altered in appearance from its previous incarnation, the magical frozen confection proved worthy of four stars, even if our hero found himself nostalgic for last year’s candy accompaniment.

A Quest for Lost Images

Before settling in for the evening’s main event, our hero ventured to the PhotoPass Center near Spaceship Earth, where his meticulous documentation of Cosmic Rewind experiences aided in recovering his missing photographic treasure.

The Evening’s Grand Celebration

Having secured a prime viewing location for the Candlelight Processional, our hero prepared his photographic equipment with care. The performance, featuring celebrity narrator Nico Santos, proved as magnificent as the legends foretold, despite a brief moment of technical difficulty when our hero’s memory card required hasty replacement.

Illuminations of Wonder

Though the coveted balcony above Mitsukoshi remained elusive, our hero found an excellent vantage point near the Japanese pavilion gateway to witness EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular, “LuminoUS: The Symphony of Us.”

Extended Evening Adventures

As the Deluxe Extended Evening Hours commenced, our hero, though still lamenting his missed third Cosmic Rewind opportunity, embarked upon a series of delightful adventures:

The Parisian Quarter

At Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, our hero’s prediction of a 25-minute wait proved precisely accurate, much to the appreciation of a family who had joined the queue behind him. The decorated standby line provided additional entertainment value beyond its Lightning Lane counterpart.

A Canadian Interlude

Finding his path to Norway temporarily blocked, our protagonist discovered unexpected sustenance at the Canada popcorn cart - a combination of maple popcorn and a Canadian Hot Toddy (featuring Toddy Maple Syrup, Honey, Black Tea, Lemon Juice, Cinnamon, and Tap 357 Canadian Maple Rye Whisky). The warming beverage proved particularly welcome on this chilly evening, earning a full five stars.

Into the Frozen North

A mere 14-minute wait led to an enchanting journey through Arendelle, with our hero noting the rapidly diminishing queue behind him.

A Final Fiesta

As the evening drew to a close, our hero found himself the sole guest in the Mexican pavilion, enjoying a private showing of the Grand Fiesta Tour.

The Journey Home

After capturing the serene beauty of an empty EPCOT, our hero discovered himself the sole passenger on a specially redirected bus to All-Star Music - though the driver, preferring Pop Century’s musical selections, warned that the automated announcements might suggest a different destination!

Upon reaching his chamber, our hero found his belongings had already been magically transported from bell services, providing a perfect ending to another enchanted evening.

Questions That Beckon

What adventures await our hero on the morrow? Will the Canadian Hot Toddy retain its five-star rating in memory? And how many more empty park photos might one capture during these exclusive evening hours?

Stay tuned, dear readers, as our magical tale continues!

[gMagicScott]

Chapter 9A: A Morning of Leisure (Tales from All-Star Music)

The Art of Repose

@Flavita

I need reviews!

Fear not, dear @Flavita, while our festival reviews shall soon commence, our hero wisely chose to embrace a more leisurely start to the day, allowing his adventures from the previous evening to settle like pixie dust upon fresh memories.

The Morning’s Deliberations

As consciousness gradually returned, our protagonist found himself facing that most crucial of decisions - which magical realm to explore. For you see, in his evening revelries, he had neglected to secure the traditional park pass reservation.

A Tale of Two Lodgings

Having transitioned from the refined surroundings of Saratoga Springs to the melodious halls of All-Star Music, our hero undertook the delicate art of partial unpacking. With another resort migration looming on Friday’s horizon, he maintained a strategic balance - most belongings remained within their traveling confines, while select garments were granted temporary freedom in hopes of defeating their wrinkled state.

A Lunch-Fast Adventure

Having missed the traditional breakfast hour by mere minutes, our hero embraced the concept of lunch-breakfast at the Intermission Food Court, assembling a feast worthy of song:

• Joffrey’s hot coffee - A reliable companion for any time of day
• Pepperoni pizza - A classic interpretation
• Blues Burger - A grand assembly of Signature-blend beef, Blue Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Bacon, and Garlic Aioli upon a Toasted Brioche foundation
• Minnie Gingerbread Bundt Cake - A festive creation of Gingerbread adorned with Cream Cheese Icing

Each offering earned a respectable three stars, proving satisfactory if not revolutionary.

A Quest Remembered

The sight of the food court sparked a memory - our hero’s refrigerated provisions, entrusted to bell services the previous day, still awaited retrieval. Rather than summon delivery, our practical protagonist collected them in person, being already present in the culinary domain.

Time’s Swift Flight

As the afternoon hours advanced with surprising haste, our hero found himself pondering the day’s remaining possibilities, for even in the Most Magical Place on Earth, time shows no patience for morning’s leisurely pace.

Questions That Beckon

Which magical realm shall claim our hero’s park pass reservation? Will the wrinkle-banishing mission prove successful? And what adventures might yet unfold in this seemingly vanishing day?

Stay tuned, dear readers, as our tale continues to unfold!

[gMagicScott]

Chapter 9B: An Afternoon in the Kingdom (Tales of Trains and Friends)

A Lighter Journey

After careful consideration of his usual park bag’s contents, our hero made a bold decision - to venture forth with only the essentials (wallet, phone, and battery bank) nestled in his pockets, granting his weary shoulders a much-needed respite.

Modern Marvels of Transportation

Fortune smiled upon our protagonist as he approached the bus stop, where a Magic Kingdom chariot stood ready. The vessel proved quite interesting, featuring mysterious new restraint systems for wheelchair-bound travelers and modern conveniences such as USB charging ports (though alas, only of the Type A variety).

Rails and Tales

Upon reaching the Magic Kingdom, our hero ascended to the elevated realm of the Walt Disney World Railroad. From this lofty perch, he observed the early gathering of Christmas Party hopefuls at the gates below, while contemplating (albeit briefly) the possibility of joining their festive ranks this very evening.

A Grand Circle Tour

The railroad journey provided a magnificent overview of the realm, with our hero documenting the various lands and their holiday splendor from his moving vantage point.

A Gathering of Friends

Disembarking at Fantasyland Station, our hero sought out some familiar faces:

• Daisy Duck (after a 17-minute wait) - as fashionable as ever
• Minnie Mouse - the hostess with the mostest
• Goofy (mere 3-minute wait) - ever the gentleman
• Donald Duck - in fine form

A Visit with St. Nick

Though Santa required a brief consultation with Mrs. Claus during our hero’s 22-minute wait, the jolly old elf proved well worth the patience.

Culinary Delights

A stop at Gaston’s Tavern yielded two treasures - a LeFou’s Brew and a Gray Stuff cupcake. As the dishes themselves would attest (and they should know), the latter earned a full five stars.

An Evening of Entertainment

Our hero’s timing proved impeccable as he enjoyed a series of classic experiences:

• The talented pianist at Casey’s Corner
• The moving Flag Retreat ceremony
• The Hall of Presidents (before its upcoming transformation)
• The beloved Country Bear Jamboree
• And finally, the magical Frozen Holiday Surprise, viewed from a prime location before the castle

Questions That Beckon

What nocturnal adventures await our hero? Will the Gray Stuff maintain its five-star rating? And how many more Disney friends might one encounter in a single afternoon?

Stay tuned, dear readers, as our magical tale continues!

[Flavita]

@gMagicScott

Fear not, dear @Flavita, while our festival reviews shall soon commence,

I hope it’s before I arrive! Hurry!