Christmas Trip to Disney 2009 Part 1

All I can say is that Disney knows how to do the holidays. We had been wanting to head to Disney during the Christmas season for some time now. The Christmas party was one of the things on our Disney list that we had not crossed off just yet. So when they ran the free dining deal, it made it impossible for us to pass up the opportunity to take one last trip to Disney in '09. This trip was just Autumn and myself. We were joined for a few days by Gibby and Mrs. Gibby, who had flown down a few days ahead of us. So without further adieu, here is part 1 of my trip report.

Sunday December 6, 2009

We started off our day at about 4:30 am, since we had a 6:15 am flight. We knew from talking to friends that we did not need to be at the airport the cu

stomary 2 hours before our flight, since the Louisville airport does not have any overnight flights. This meant that there would be no one there that early. I had already done our online check in the night before, so that was out of the way. We were dropped off at the airport and made our way through security rather quickly. Our flight was on time, which was nice. So after a 45 minute layover in DC, we arrived in Orlando at about 10:45 am. We then headed to the Magical Express transportation and were on our way to Disney.

We arrived at the Pop Century Resort, which is a value, just before noon. Our room was ready, which was nice, so we headed there and dropped

off our carry on items. It was then time to catch a bus and head to the Magic Kingdom.

We had debated on not going to the Magic Kingdom that day, due to the fact that they were taping the Christmas Parade for Christmas Day, and we knew that it may be overly crowded. We decided what the hell and went there anyway. As we walked into the Magic Kingdom were greeted by the sounds of the show being taped. We saw Kelly Rippa standing on a stage right in front of the train station. So we hung out there for a few before heading into the park.

After watching a small parade we were on our way to Space Mountain, which had been recently refurbished. As we started to walk, we were lead into a back stage area. I quickly started taking pictures, since this is not an area that you are normally allowed into. I bet I only took about 5 pictures before I was approached by a guy with his badge out telling me that there was no photography back there. So I stopped.

We then rode Space Mountain, the Transit Authority, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion. We then met up with Gibby and Mrs. Gibby for a few and chatted before it was time for us to make an exit, and them to enjoy the Christmas Party.

We called it an early night and headed back to the resort.

Monday December 7, 2009

We headed to Epcot bright and early on Monday. Upon arrival we headed straight for the Soarin' fastpass line. We grabbed a couple of fast passes and then decided since the wait was not that bad to go ahead and ride it.

After we riding, we decided to grab a bite to eat in the Sunshine Cafe located near the ride. Pretty good food. After that we rode the Living with the Land ride, which shows you different ways that they are growing food at Disney. After that we were able to get another fastpass for Test Track. While waiting for our fastpass times we rode a couple of other small rides and just walked around checking out the decorations.

We rode Test Track just before heading to Les Chefs de France for lunch, which was a sit down meal and somewhere we had never eaten. The food was pretty good. I would say that the highlight was Remmy from Rat Tat Tooie being brought to the table.

After lunch we made our way back to Soarin' and used our fast passes. After that we made our way around the world showcase and checked out some of the decorations. Each land had it's own version of how Christmas was celebrated in that country.

After walking around for awhile we headed towards the front of the park and rode Space Ship Earth. Which is a very cool journey through history Disney style.

We then headed out of the park and over the the Contemporary to check out the decorations. One of which was a house made entirely of Gingerbread. Very cool. Then it was back to the room for the night.

That wraps up the first two days of my trip. In order to keep this from being the length of a Stephen King novel, I am going to break it up into 3 post.

So, until next time....

Yeti Out!