I backtrack a bit to tell you that the weather was AWESOME. There was a few raindrips (no not a typo) on an EPCOT day but I am still not sure if it was because we were near a fountain or not. The temps ranged in the 70s to low 80s and for photographers there was a good blend between clouds and sun. One other thing I must say is that WDW has taken safety of their guests very seriously. There are signs near the waterways and beaches about the threat of alligators and snakes and even netting put around some of the waterway areas. Plus metal detectors are placed at the entry of each park near the bag checks. You might be "randomly selected" to go through or not. I was "randomly selected" three of the six times I entered a WDW park.
Day two put us in Magic Kingdom (MK) and we became immersed into a Christmas wonderland. For those people who know me, know that I was in "heaven!" For those who don't know me just below my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and my family WDW and Christmas ranks near the top in things that make me smile. So when you put those two together on a special trip with my family I am euphoric. With Christmas music piped in (some were about Jesus as well as Santa) and the huge tree decorated MK was very special this year as it is every year. I said earlier that I would hold off judgement on the DHS over AK argument until the dust of construction subsided, but there is NEVER an argument that MK was, is, and always will be, my favorite WDW theme park. Splash Mountain, Carousel of Progress, Small World (even with that annoying song) Goofy's Barnstormer, Haunted Mansion, and many of the other great attractions that in my mind (remember it is ONLY an OPINION) define WDW are here. I'd be amiss to say that there is a new attraction that makes it even better. In Liberty Square there is now an attraction that doesn't need a Fast Pass. It is just next door to the Hall of Presidents (which will be going through renovations starting in January?) and is presented by the Muppets headlined by Sam the Eagle. It is Great Moments in History. The crew tells a story (or shall I say tries) about American history. It is done in true Muppet fashion.
We probably had the best view of Wishes (MKs nightly firework show) that we ever had. We usually try to grab a spot near the train depot so we can skedaddle out as soon as the show is over but this year we planted ourselves just left of the Partner Statue in front of the castle. The castle was lit up to resemble ice that Elsa created (yes there was some Frozen influence) which was different than from earlier visits. I must say that at this time the one thing that bugged me this trip happened. We had as I said planted ourselves in this really good viewing area at about 9:00 pm (fireworks began at 10:00). There were people in front of us and we were all sitting having a great time and when the show began, now understand this is a firework show with the fireworks in the air, the mass of people in front of us began to stand pull out their smart phones, and iPads and begin to record the show. I have no problem with people wanting to record the show but WHY stand up? Why be inconsiderate of those behind you? I did think it funny though that one lady who held up her phone for a good ten minutes straight out in front of her almost dropped her phone because her arm gave out. I regress and will get back to a happier time and say we all had a wonderful time as a family at MK.
EPCOT was our next destination the following morning. We love this park not for the attractions per say except I do like Spaceship Earth, and Soarin' (the new Soarin' is even better than the first one IMO). I also like to walk around the World Showcase and immerse myself in the culture of the eleven countries represented (including the USA) There are Canada, UK, France, Morocco, Italy, USA, Germany, Japan, China, Norway, and Mexico. We ate at the Beach Club Resort at Cape May's and had a wonderful seafood buffet.
Our next trip was to Animal Kingdom (AK) and a big first for me and my oldest son, Nick, we rode Expedition Everest. It was/is intense! Animal Kingdom actually provided some of the better photo opportunities this year due to a delay. We went on the Kilimanjaro Safari and usually the ride is too bumpy to get really good shots but this trip we witnessed two antelopes locking horns and stalling the jeep we were in because they were in the middle of our path. During the delay we were visited by some ostriches and zebras on one side and a couple of rhinos on the other. With the jeep stopped I was able to get good photos.
Day five took us back to EPCOT and a visit to Disney's Boardwalk. This was also the day after the elections and we made a point to visit the American Experience and listen to some patriotic tunes from the Sounds of Liberty singing troupe. After a full day we were ready to head back to the cabin and get ready for an early day at MK on our last day in the park.
We had an early reservation at Be Our Guest for our day in the MK. If you want a good Quick Service breakfast BOG is hard to beat. I went in just hoping to get in early and grab some photos before the mass of people entered but ended up with more. The breakfast was really good. The MK was beginning to film the annual Disney Christmas special/parade around the castle which was kind of neat. They were also filming something for the new Descendant movie. We spent the day at the park and then caught a ferry over to the Wilderness Lodge for our reservation at Whispering Canyon for dinner. All I am going to say is that the ketchup was tasty, make sure you ask for it if you go. Then it was time to retire to the cabin for one last night.
Veteran's Day was our check-out day. We did enjoy a character breakfast at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian Resort. After visits from Tigger, Pooh, Mary Poppins, and the Mad Hatter we headed to Downtown oops I meant Disney Springs. After some retail therapy to get over our depression of heading back home we drove home to North Carolina. Below are a few of the photo memories from this trip. As the old adage goes one of the easiest ways to get out of your post-Disney depression is to plan your next trip which will be a celebration of our silver anniversary...
